We're finally home!

Hello everyone! We made it home. It has been an eventful week! The airplane ride went without a hitch! I am so grateful for my friend Steff from VA. The night before I left, she left on my doorstep a little bag of things for the kids. Not normal things. I had told her I wanted to go buy pipe cleaners for the kids to play with on the plane. I know, a wierd thing, but I saw some kids playing with them in Sacrament Meeting and thought it was worth a try. She had some on hand, and brought them over (to save me a trip to Michael's with 4 kids) along with a few other surprises. She sent some left over felt, and cardstock and glue sticks and those wiggly eyes. Those few items kept Jake and Kristin entertained for at least 30 minutes on the plane. That was HUGE!

We got home to a house full of all of our stuff...why we think we need all of it, who knows? After living in VA with the bare minimum, when I am unpacking, I am realizing just what we need, and what we don't, and throwing a ton of stuff away! Our new appliances were here, and needed to be installed. Kenny had painted most of our house for us (THANK YOU! WE LOVE IT!) and most importantly, the kitchen cabinets. All day Friday and Saturday, we had constant visitors. Everyone was being so nice and helpful but it was something we definately were not used to...we are now! We love our family! So much needed help this week! A big surprise was when Scotty and his family stopped by (good friend from High School). There was wet paint in the house, and needless to say, they didn't get past the entryway, but once things are sane again, we'll have to invite them over. We really appreciate our family - they've helped us tons.

It has been almost a week since we got here, and I have already made 2 trips to Urgent Care for Haley. Poor girl is only 3 weeks old, and has a horrible cold. She has reflux too, which makes her cold worse. In 4 days, she lost 3 ounces. On Tuesday night, she weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. Only 5 oz. more than when she was born. I am especially worried for her lungs...due to prior experience with all the other kids. As of now, I think she's over the worst. She's on Zantac which has made a world of difference and hopefully, she'll be fattening up soon.

We love our house. It feels so good to be home. It would feel even better if it was clean and everything was put away and out of boxes...but all in time. I can't even believe Christmas is in a few days. Troy is in Vegas now, at the bowl game - Congrats BYU for KICKING THE CRAP OUT OF OREGON! So, that leaves Saturday for us to Christmas shop...woopie! I can't wait...shopping on the last Saturday before Christmas...could there be anything worse?

A fun thing...my brothers are in town - Jason and David (in tow with girlfriend Jabani - David's girlfriend...not a shared one!). Michael and Maria will get here tomorrow. It's been fun seeing my brothers, and I can't wait to spend Christmas with my whole family. It has been years since we all spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning together. After an hour with my wild kids, my brothers are definately worn out...oh well, they only see them once a year - roughly. They should enjoy every second! Troy turns 29 tomorrow too! We are going to dinner and to temple square to see the lights. It should be a fun day!

Well, I think that describes my week. Of course, I don't know where the camera cord is, so pics will come later! Now, back to the boxes...