Happy Halloween!!!

Trick or Treating had to be postponed at my house this year. On Monday I got a call from the health office at school. Bryan had thrown up and I had to go and get him. I could see the sadness in his little eyes when he asked if this meant he could not trick or treat. Well what in the world is a mother to do?!?!?!?! I was not sure if he had caught a "stomach flu" or if a migraine from his jaw expander had caused the "incident". So of course ,I did the most reasonable thing I could think of........ postpone Halloween. Bryan ate soda crackers and rested all afternoon and by evening seemed "fine". However, still not wanting to push the limit we took our baths early, cuddled up on mommy's bed and read a Halloween story. Then off to bed we went.

Saturday night with the help of some wonderful friends and my "favorite" uncle we had Halloween. We put on our costumes, loaded into the van and off we went. I think the kids scored better on a Non-Halloween day than they would have on the real deal. They had a blast and I think that when they are all grown up and remembering Halloween's past they will remember it the way I do...... a really fun day getting dressed up and making memories with family....... but not really remembering the year they almost didn't get to"trick or treat"!!!

We Love Disneyland!!!

Jay had his annual Disneyland conference about 3 weeks ago. However, now that commander is in his new job title...... he did not get to "sneak out" and "play" much with us the way we were used to. Which meant it was me and the kiddos. We had a blast!!!! Truly one of the best times I have ever had at Disneyland. The kids were great, the weather was great and the rides were fun. We made some great memories and this picture was captured by the Disneyland photographer as we were going from Tomorrowland to Frontier Land. I am going to try and get a slide show made soon with so many more fun pictures.

Just have to say it one more time, "WE LOVE DISNEYLAND!!!!

As a side note and funny story...... I did get in an argument with some obnoxious man who was 100% convinced that I had "tons" of help. Apparently, if you have a herd of children then "help" is automatic. After telling him more than once I did not have help, we were a military family and that we did not even live close to family ...... he once again told me how much "help" I had. I looked at him, looked at the kids and said , "right, I am here at Disneyland , alone with all of my children...... where is the "help" now!!! Perhaps they just ran away! "

Happy Baptism Day!!!!

Happy Baptism Day to our Crew!!! We are so proud of you!!! What a sight it was!!!


Of course, it was such a crazy event that we forgot to get pictures of everyone all dressed up and spiffy!!! The minute they made it through the door....... off went the dress clothes and directly on the floor they went. There was eating and playing to do. It was a fabulous day!!! Thank you Grandpa, Uncle Adam,Uncle Bert, and Uncle Bill for helping with the baptisms. Thank you Grandma, Elizabeth, and Connie for helping with food and fun. Thank you Sue and Deb for picking up sandwiches. Thank you Heather and kiddos for coming and sharing our special day with us. We love you all and appreciate all you did and how far you came to make this a wonderful celebration!!!

Oral surgery at 10?

Today was a rough day for "little" Tanner. (You know sometimes it is easy to forget that 10 is still "little". ) A couple of weeks ago our orthodontist was concerned because Tanner was missing some molars that should have erupted and they have not. He decided to do an x-ray to see what was going on. The discovery...... his wisdom teeth were blocking the molars and had pushed the molars sideways into the teeth in front. It was decided that we needed to proceed with oral surgery to remove them. If we waited the roots of the molars would fuse to the jaw bone and then that would be more problems in the future. Poor kiddo was so nervous (and the office was running about 15 minutes behind) he was hopping around the reception room. I tried to get him to sit still but there was going to be none of that. (if you look closely you can see nervous written all over his handsome "little" face).



It was extremely successful and they were able to get all four removed along with up-righting the molars. He struggled a bit coming out of anesthesia. (He wanted to keep sleeping and tried to convince the entire office that there were more fish in the fish tank than any of them could see!) The doctors and staff were fabulous. They took such great care of him and, of course, loved my "little" brown eyed man!!! They warned me that when he gets older I am going to be in big trouble. (he will be a big ladies man) I think a couple of the nurses would take him home now if they could. I am so proud of Tanner he did great and as always did his best to smile through whatever comes at him. Sleep well our "little" man!!!

The Ickies have arrived!!!

Well it is true. The ICKIES are here!!!! I guess it is not too bad, considering it has been almost 3 weeks since school has started. Bryan was the 1st one down, Tanner right behind, Hunter and Cassie now, still waiting for the other two to start showing signs!!! The good news is.... it does not seem to be completely horrible or last too long. Futhermore..... if you can look this "cool" sick why not try it out. :>

Hoping all our PEEPS stay well!!

Malts Make Everything Better!!!

This is the face of my brave little man!!! Bryan has had some strange "throwing" up attacks. As I monitored them for about a year and tried to figure out what was going on or what might be triggering them I started to get "concerned". So I finally decided it was time to rule out the scary possibilities. Off to the doctor we go. They were not sure what was going on either so over to the lab to draw blood. 4 vials! He did his best to put on his brave face and no tears!!! (I was so impressed because I don't do needles. It does not matter how many times I have been poked I still HATE them, so he was much more brave than I have ever been!)

We finally get the labs back and instead of having answers..... we only have more questions. This time they want to see him back and also do an upper GI. No food or drink for 12 hours, (which seems to set off the issue for us ) but we follow directions and head to that appointment and then back to the doctor's office. Of course, they were behind schedule so now he is starving as it is almost noon. She wants more blood work. Really?!?! Back to the lab we go.

This time the nurse cannot find a vein. She has poked but nothing so she starts to move the needle around in hopes of getting something without having to poke again. I can see the look on my little man's face and big tears starting to form in those gorgeous blue eyes. (for the record... Bryan is the only one who can make me feel bad about anything, those eyes kill me everytime!) I go over and hold him and tell him it is okay to cry and down come the tears. The dear nurse apologizes and explains that since he is fasting he is a bit dehydrated and she has to try again. I can see the fear in his eyes. I want her to take my blood instead but that won't work. So with his lip quivering she goes to the other arm. Luckily it worked. 3 more vials of blood.

Of course, after that I do the only thing I know how to make everything better. Yup you guessed it, my favorite ice cream treat..... MALTS!!! Yes indeed. We have a winner!!! He even looks happy!!! Some days it is so hard to be the Mom!!! I hate to see them hurt and not be able to do something to make it all go away. As for the answers........ we are still waiting for labs to come back, however we are getting closer to figuring it out and the "scary" stuff has all been ruled out!!! But my friends.... never underestimate the healing power of ICE CREAM!!!

1st Day of School 2011

Where did my little ones go? I cannot believe how fast they grow up. And knowing I am 100% biased...... What a great looking group of kids!!


Tanner 5th Grade Hunter 4th Grade

Cassie 2nd Grade Nathan 2nd Grade


Jayson 2nd Grade Bryan 2nd Grade

Jayson told me Sunday..... "my feet are excited for the 1st day of school, but not the rest of me". By morning the rest of hi was excited but you can see nervous on his face. Luckily, they all had a great day and love their teachers. This is the 1st year that they have been able to go back to the same school for a 3rd year. I am so relieved for them!!!

Saw this quote on my calendar and want to always remember it......" Over and over again, my children open my eyes to places and pleasures I might have otherwise missed altogether."- Katrina Kenison

May you all remember to enjoy life through the eyes "little ones"!!!!

Oh how quickly things change!!!

Happy 4th of July everyone!!! (and Happy Birthday Shaylee!!!!)

On Saturday as the temperature guage was reaching numbers we would rather not mention......... we decided to get a pool for the young ones. We looked, and looked and looked some more. Finally, we decided on this one! ( since it was marked way down, gotta love clearance sales) What a great way for the kids to spend the final weeks of their summer vacations staying cool. (Right) First day ...... purchase and set up. Second day.......... play 2x even though the water was so cold they thought they would die.


Day 3....... Wait all day for it the water to be a little warmer and the weather a bit less windy. Loving every minute.... laughing...... having a great time......... And what in the world goes wrong?!?!?!?!?!

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This is where the really big........ WRONG, comes into play. Really have no idea what in the world happend. I was watching from the deck above so I could see what everyone was doing and where they were. No one was holding on to the edge.....no one was climbing out.....no earthquake......NOTHING. Immediate flood. And so there began the waterworks and blame games. When I mention waterworks....... I am not referring to the flooding water that is now in my garage and down the street! :>

Of course, being a holiday there is absolutely no one you can contact about your fun adventure that might just ruin your day of fun. And ruin it it did........ I have once again relaimed the "meanest mom ever title". Not sure why exactly..... as I was not the one to break it.

I will call tomorrow and see what the "company's policy" will be.

And for the record.......let this be known....... this is called the "Kearl Factor!!!" Perhaps we should take my maiden name. :> Happy 4th our friends!!! (we hope you survived with no pool explosions!!!)

Birthday Surprise!

One of the things that is great about our six-pack........... is when kids need a birthday party all they have to do is invite us!!! So, of course, it only makes sense to celebrate my nieces birthdays (July 4th and August 9th ) while we are in town. Aunt Elizabeth did not disappoint and made it happen. I do think she is the "favorite"!!!





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Now if we could get her to come to California and plan some more parties it would be fantastic (her favorite word!).

Sprinkler Fun!!

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Kids are having a blast!!! They will always remember the fun that they have had with their cousins!!!! We hope everyone else is enjoying themselves as much as we are!!!

Teeth Numbers 5 & 6

Bryan was my tooth hold out. The only one of the six not in braces or jaw expanders. I loved having at least one with the "baby" look still. Well no more!!!! I had been warned by the dentist and our ortho that once they started falling out........ Well it would happen fast. But I had no idea it would be this fast. Two teeth in three days. Wow, if he keeps it up he will no teeth left. We may have to look at dentures. :>

Unfortunately, the teeth coming in are SO much bigger than the spaces . So I had to call and make his ortho appointment. I am sure he will be in an expander before the summer is over. Six kids all in some phase of orthodontic care. Hmmmm...... Crazy!!! (seriously... where did these big kids come from, it seems like just yesterday I was so sleep deprived that I barely remember changing diapers all the time. )

Camping Part 2

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Camping with Grandma!!!

Well summer vacation is here. Hard to believe actually!!! Kids only have about eight weeks ( I am sure it will seem like a million weeks) before we start back to homework and getting up at the crack of dawn so we are trying to enjoy the time we have. The kiddos want to camp. Well the only way to really do that is to hang with the grandparents. So here they are camping with Grandma. DOES NOT look like they are sleeping to me!!! However, they are having fun........... and really that is ALL that matters.

Jayson and Cassie


Bryan and Nathan (for sure not settling down)


(pretending to settle down)

I truly hope that all my loved ones remember to enjoy the lazy days of summer. They pass so quickly and before we know it the wee ones will be a thing of the past!!! So laugh like there is no tomorrow, dance as if no one is watching, and sing as if no one can hear!!!!!

Survival of 1st Grade!!!

What can I possibly say?!?!?!? I am so proud of my little love bugs!!! Jayson got perfect attendance award and citizenship for helping his friend who has diabetes to go to the office each day for his blood tests, shots, or snacks. What a great opportunity for my little man. He felt so responsible and proud of himself. Great Job Jayson!!! You make us proud.

And the other three 1st graders did not disappoint. All three made honor roll and the Principal's list. To think I was nervous at the beginning of the year knowing they were going to have to have letter grades instead of just numbers. Boy, did they show me!!! Proud of you Nathan, Bryan and Cassie.

So lucky to have such great hardworking kids. Not only are they ready for summer but they deserve it. Not one week went by that they did not turn in their homework. They worked hard and it paid off. Go Quadlings, Go. We love you!!!!

3rd Grade Fun!! Or not so Fun!!

This past Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend the 3rd grade field trip. It was an interesting experience for me. I loved that I got the chance to go with Hunter and spend time with him. I am just undecided as to whether or not I enjoyed the whole experience!! HAHA I volunteer in his class every other week. So I am familiar with his class of kids. However, after spending quality time with them half of the 3rd grade........ I KNOW I could never teach 3rd grade. (I must also admit that the thought of having four 3rd graders in 2 years causes my heart to race and make me feel like I might need a straight jacket!!) They were very loud, several were extremely rude. I was a little surprised in fact at how some of them chose to behave. It was a good experience for me though because I have wondered about my 3rd grader but really he is an angel in comparison!!! Seriously though, I was glad that I could go and help out and I would never trade the time that I get to spend with my kids and help in their classrooms. As a teacher in my pre-mother life, I know how great it is to have that help. So Hunter my sweat pea, thank you for wanting me to be there. ( I dread the day that it is not longer "cool" to have your mom with you!)

FINALLY!!!

Congratulations my little Bryan. He finally lost tooth number 3!!! His partners in crime have all lost 8 . And those teeth have had them gone for almost a year now. He is finally catching up!! Our dentist did warn us that he had probably 8 that were a little loose . I am still hoping that he does not lose them all at once or I am going to have to get the boy some dentures. HAHAHAHA!!! He is such a great sport and how can you not love that face?!?!?!?

Awesome!!!

Found this note on our white board this morning after I got all the kids dropped off to school, and before heading to the airport to take the last of the relatives home. Now granted, I was already a bit emotional saying "see ya soon"............made my heart smile and my darn eyes leak!!! I really have the greatest kids around!!!!

Fastest way!!

Last week before heading to Disneyland I had to take Jayson to the doctor to get his stitches removed. Since the appointment was at 8:30 and Jay had to be at work....... yep, took them all!!!! I have decided that may not be a bad idea for future appointments. It was the fastest in and out I have ever had at the office. Perhaps we took up too much room or perhaps we just made too much noise!!! Whatever it was it worked. Aren't they a great looking group of kids!!!

Disneyland Fun!

We managed to end this Spring Break on a great, super fun note!!! All 13 of us!! Unfortunately, Jay was not able to get anytime off and join us but we had a blast. Lines were not too bad (just one horrible experience of having to wait 90 minutes when we were told 60 minutes and had to get out of line to catch our shuttle and still had at least another 20 minutes to go).

Kids got to ride most of the rides they wanted. Had a great time with their cousins, aunts and uncle. Staying in the hotel is also always fun. I debated about going because of all that has gone on and how busy we were, however, in the end it was so well worth it I did not want to come home!!!

Thanks to Aunt Stacy, Uncle Adam and Aunt Elizabeth for helping us save Spring Break and have tons of great memories and fun stories to write about for the next couple of days!!! Love to everyone!!!!

So Hard!!

A couple of days ago, I was so excited to introduce you all to our newest family member, this is Cotton Tail Kearl. Nathan had been really struggling with many things and was so sad still ( 6 months later) that we gave Sami (our black bunny) to some friends. Jay and I decided a new bunny might just be what he needed to help him through this little "funk" he is experiencing. Two weeks ago he went with me and we picked this cute little bunny. And then off we went to get a new cage and bring her home. He named her and loved her from moment he chose her!! I was a little concerned because she had some goopey eyes but she ate well and was bouncy and loved him. What more could I have asked for? Well..... much to my dismay she went to heaven. I do not know what happened and would have never guessed there was anything "really" wrong. And still the only thing I can figure out is that she was separated from her mom too young. She was only five weeks old. Yesterday morning, I had six little ones with hearts that were truly broken in half. They cried and cried.... "mom she was only a baby and should have never died." I felt so very helpless since I could not put a band aid on it and make it better. A few weeks back we lost a friend that was only 32 years old to a very terrible accident. She left behind five gorgeous little children that went to scouts with my boys and I think the freshness of this tragedy did not help. It was such a sad day. We talked and decided they wanted to try again. This time we went to a pet store and got a bunny that is 9-10 weeks old and looks much more healthy. Poor little Nathan seems afraid to hold it and allow his little heart to get attached. I am hopeful that as the days progress he will be okay. As he prayed last night he prayed for the Beck Family(because they do not have a mom anymore), a lizard (that they put on the trampoline because of course he wanted to jump with the and his tail fell off), and little Cotton Tail (to love heaven). Such a sweet little spirit!!! But please meet Freckles Angel Kearl!!! We are hoping that this bunny stays for a very long time!!! Makes me dread the day that we lose our beloved Shadow who has been with us now for almost 14 years!!! We are off to Disneyland to play with our cousins for the next several days and turn this Spring Break around!!! And take their little minds off of sad!!! I will post pictures when we get back!!!

"I was just trying to help!"

Yes it is true!!! I am going to get back into blogging!! So why not start with a wound story from my young warriors?!?!?!!? Actually , I have wanted to get back into blogging because the kids love to go back and read their adventures and see what has been going on. It seems that I get so caught up in the day to day activities and then so far behind that when I think about trying to catch up it is overwhelming. But I have realized that we are all missing out when I don't do it so I am going to try to do better. How is that.... try!!!

So here is my story.... (and yes, I am sticking to it). There I was minding my own business!!!! HAHAHAHA. If you believe that then I do have you all fooled!!! Seriously, it is Spring Break here and, of course, Mother Nature has decided that winter needs to return to the Antelope Valley. We are not able to play outside. Instead kids are underfoot all day long. The kids have turned into little arguing ,tattletalling, mischievous monsters that run all over the house and jump on the furniture all day long. (I wish someone would return my little angels!) On this particular day I was ready for an early retirement but had decided I would settle for an early bedtime.
I was putting the finishing touches on the kitchen while kids were putting the finishing touches on their bath routines. Bless Jayson's little heart... he offered to help. I had some trash that needed to go out to the garage so off he went. Next thing I know he comes running in without his pj shirt on screaming, "I don't want stitches, I don't want stitches." Nathan is hot on his trail and crying because he knows his twin is hurt. From where I am standing it does not look so bad, nothing a little super glue and a kiss can't fix. However, when he got closer I suddenly realized this was an "owie" that no amount of super glue could fix and I was going to have to venture to the ER!!!

I had just talked to Jay and knew he would not be home until 9 and it was 6:30. What to do? Luckily, I have the best uncle in the whole wide world and he came to my rescue again. I swear I do not know what I would do without him here. He dropped everything and rushed over as I wrapped the wound and tried without any luck to get ahold of Jay. (For the record, the emergency contact number for him should not have an answering machine!!!) Oh well, off we go. I have learned from experience that you cannot go to Urgent Care if you need stitches and I hate the ER because my experiences are usually no good. (actually they would qualify as downright horrifying) We arrive at the ER and get checked in.

Unfortunately, I had done a top rate bangaging job to our battle wound and given him some tylenol so we arrived calm and quiet. (For the record if you want to be seen quickly you should be dripping blood and pinch your kid so he is screaming when you arrive. HAHA.) Finally at 8:15 they take us back to triage. They proceed to ask him what happened...... blah, blah , blah. The nurse is looking at me like I am the stupidest mother on the planet and why would I waste her time with this...... Then she unwrapped my bandage and we started bleeding all over the place. We were immediately taken to a room. But then once the bleeding started it scared poor Jayson and they had a hard time stopping it again. So a little panic set in for him.

The doctor (who has triplets that are turning 2 this week, all boys, I wish him luck:>), came in and explained what had to happen. Jayson is laying on his stomach with crocodile tears streaming down his face and saying, "I was just trying to help!" Oh my heart broke in half. I would have given anything to have been able to trade places with him. I held his hand and rubbed his back. 3.5 hours and 7 stitches later we are on our way home. We arrive to no daddy home yet and kids all waiting to make sure Jayson is okay. Finally at 11:15 they are in bed! My wish for an early bedtime will have to wait for another night!

We did learn a valuable lesson on this Tuesday night. When Jayson took the trash to the garage he put it down on the concrete floor. The glass spaghetti jar that was on the bottom broke as it made contact with the floor. When he got the lid to the big blue garbage bin open and tossed the bag into the container it cut through is pj's and skin.


So the moral of the story...... Recycle Glass!!!! Always an adventure and never a dull moment. But I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!

Snow 2011!

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So my posts are going to be out of order. HAHAHA. I am sure that does not surprise anyone!!!! It has been busy crazy here so I have not been upkeeping the blog. So as usual I will try to catch up in the next couple of days. In the meantime, enjoy our winter fun. We sure did!!!