In Memory of Squeek

We had two love birds--Pip & Squeek, About a month or so ago, we lost Squeek rather suddenly. We have no idea why--although we do have 13 suspects. Squeek was rather a quiet bird. She stayed mainly in her house, coming out only to drink or eat. If you tried to lift the lid of her house, she would try to peck your fingers. Pip is now alone, and is rather happy to say the least. Maybe he was pecked at by Squeek also, who knows?!? He chatters all day long now, and gets very excited when the kids all gather around in the room. Being a love bird and all, we worried about him being lonely. Amazingly enough, he seems content to be alone.

Those boys of mine, let Pip out of his cage and into my house plant!

Trusting our Feelings

With all the changes in our family lives the past nine month we have come to realize the importance of listening and trusting that still small voice within. That voice that directs our thoughts, and our actions. I once wondered what it would be like to feel inspired to do something, just like in the stories we often read in the Ensign. I never thought I would ever experience something like that. Last March we felt that inspiration and trusted what we were feeling.... it directed us to do something that would not only change our own lives, but many others as well. We loved and welcomed 5 more children into our family. In the beginning this was not an easy task, due to their past history. But we have been constantly reminded by friends and family that "it wasn't going to be easy--but it will be worth it". We have kept positive, and moving forward. In May, when things began to surface with these children, we decided to trust our feelings, and continue with the guidance we had felt and were being given; we obtained temporary custody of these 5 children. It was worth it just to the the smiles on their faces and hear their comments! The past 9 months have had their ups and down most definitely. We are so very pleased with all the progress that has been made with the children--they have much to overcome. All 15 of us have put for a huge effort to help our family continue to move forward, and progress for the better. These efforts are now paying off. Everyone is happy and healthy, what more could we want.

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We have just received notice of an attempt to terminate our guardianship of the children. We are remaining constant to our inspiration that we felt 9 months ago. And will continue to move forward with our goals for everyone. We know the Lord's hand has been in this from the beginning. What is best for these children will happen. We are praying for His continued guidance in our families lives. The children are putting their trust in us, and in these things we are trusting in the Lord.

You must train your intuition -- you must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.

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Thanks to Everyone

We want to thank everyone who helped our family this year, especially at this Christmas Season. With financial burdens weighing us down a little this year, our family and friends stepped right in to help us out with gifts for the kids, food, etc. We are overwhelmed with the generosity, love, and caring that we have seen from our neighbors, community, and church. We feel so blessed to have you all as our friends. You have all helped to make our family have wonderful Christmas. You not only made our children smile with your gifts, but you have touched their hearts as well. They have learned a great lesson through your kindness--one they will always remember. We love you all, and can't thank you all enough.

*~*

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Christmas from their Dad

Shannon, Joshua, Cassidy, Nathan, and Brenna also received in the mail today their gifts from their dad. They were a little late due to us not being able to receive our mail from the last snow storm which amounted to 2 feet of snow, and buried our mailbox. But non the less, they were just a excited to receive them today, and know that their dad thought of them. Shannon received a journal, make-up, and necklace and earrings.....which she grabbed Hannah and took it all right up to her bedroom to take it all in. Joshua received walkie-talkies, and journal. He gathered up the boys, and started playing spies around the house. Cassidy received a journal with pens, and a necklace and earrings.......she started writing right away; writing is her favorite thing to do. Nathan received a cowboy shirt with sheriff badge, and a train kit. The old shirt came flying off, the new one went on, and the hunt began for his cowboy hat. He gave the train to John to help him build later. Brenna received a learning alphabet toy, and a coloring book with markers which she opened right up so she could color Tinkerbell. You did a wonderful job picking out things the kids would like Brett. They all want me to write:

*~*

"Thank you for the presents Dad. "

Lana in New Hampshire

Lana, this is for you, from the all the kids. They went outside today to play, and came knocking on the door for us to see their creations. How cute is that?!?! They made Aunt Lana and her babies Tucker and Levi. Kind of funny..... notice that they even made Levi a little bit more filled out then Tucker. Aren't they the smart ones......lol! So there you have it Lana, you don't have to bring the twins out to see us now. We have you right in our front yard. And the best part is--you will be here all winter--YIPEE!!!
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WE LOVE YOU LANA!

Thank you for the Cards

Thank you Grandma Susan, Lori & Lily, and Mandy for sending Shannon, Joshua, Cassidy, Nathan, and Brenna Christmas Cards. The kids were extremely excited to receive their Christmas Cards. They all had huge smiles on their faces, and were excited to finally hear from their Grandparents. Thank you for your thoughts and efforts--you made their day!

Christmas Morning 2008

Cookies and milk were set out for Santa the night before. He finally made it around to our house near 1 am. (He still had a bunch of wrapping to do!) Beside the kids were not all nestled and snug in their beds. From downstairs we heard talking and giggling, banging and bouncing. Christmas morning came non the less with lots of gifts. For breakfast he brought Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal, with Cinnamon sugar toast and 3 different kinds of fruit juice. Dad was still the last one to finish as usual. Animals were fed and all set for the day. Then we began. John passes one at a time....we watch that person open, and ooooh and aaaah over their gift. Let's just say the process is a whole afternoon affair. We were at it for nearly 4 hours. It was great.... no crying, no whining, no fighting. Everyone was anxious to clean up the wrappings to haul their loot to their rooms to play. It was rather a quiet afternoon for John and I, besides the "put batteries in please". We decided that Santa needs to bring 2 sets of batteries. One for Christmas Day, and another set for after that! We had a wonderful christmas together.

Just a thought

Christmas is weird.
What other time of year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

Merry Christmas GG

Double click the picture to see everyone waving, and saying "Merry Christmas GG!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

We love you!

All 15 of us here in New Hampshire miss you, and wish we could be there with you to give you a big hug. We decided for Christmas, to write a quick message from each of us.

So this is for you Grandma:

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  John-Merry Christmas Grandma, thanks for all you do for us, we hope to make another visit some day.


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  Jenny-Here we go, I am anxious to make another visit real soon, I appreciate so very much all your support, your love, your prayers, and your advice. I think of you often, and all the memories I have of you. I often wish I had more of a relationship with you, but feel blessed to have you in my life. I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a healthy upcoming year. I miss you tons.


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  Elijah-Merry Christmas, hope to see you again soon.


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  Zachery-Merry Christmas, and I had a good time with you 2 summers ago.


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  Caleb-I would like to go see you again.


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  Shannon-Love you, and wish I could be with you.


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  Hannah-I remember that big red heart that you gave me when I was at your house.


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  Joshua-Your nice; when are you going to have a birthday party again?


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  Isaac-I love you.


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  Jacob-Happy Christmas GG! I hope you have a very nice Christmas.


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  Cassidy-Merry Christmas GG-I love you.


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  Samuel-I don't know what to say. ( He felt sad about this!)


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  Nathan-Merry Christmas--I love you!


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  Willem-I loooove you! Your cute!


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  Brenna-I need to talk to GG--I want to get Christmas tree with presents.

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We are all excited about you seeing our family blog, and reading a little about the fun things in our lives. It makes us feel that you are a part of us. You definitely are in our hearts. Have a great holiday, and we will give you a call in the next few days. Prepare yourself for the long haul--we will have everyone talk to you--if you are up to it. The kids would all enjoy this!

We love you so much!!

Jingle and Jangle

We have had the two sweetest and cutest little elves running around our house for the past 3 days now. They answer to the names of Jingle and Jangle. They are totally into this whole elf thing.......inluding making the rest of the family cute little Christmas cards. They are so fun to have bouncing around. Nathan and Willem have already claimed the elf costumes for next year.

Cassidy is Jingle, and Samuel is Jangle.

Wrapped In Love

Last night was our favorite activity of the week--Square Dance Lessons! Al even called a few dances to Christmas songs. We all gathered together while holding hands in a big circle, and sang Silent Night. "Just like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" said Al while he smiled at me. (We are the only LDS people there.) Towards the end of the evening, they called our family up front. The whole group presented our family with gifts for Christmas. We feel very blessed to have so many friends and neighbors supporting our efforts and our family.

We let the kids open one of the gifts. They all received fleece blankets for their beds, or to watch TV. All of the kids are thrilled, and they totally love them. The kids have been wrapped up in their blankets all day. We want to thank our friends for the warmth of love, friendship, and blankets. You are truly loved and appreciated by our family. And hey, who knew that you could actually find 13 different colors of fleece in New England?!?

BSA-Troop 735

This is a photo of our wards Boy Scouts group. Hunter Gregory, the boy's best friend, earned his eagle last week. He is on the far right of the photo. This gathering was in his honor. I wish Isaac and Jacob could have been there in their little blue shirts as well. We are now proud to have 6 boy scouts in our house. We would like to tell Hunter-- Way to go! We are proud of you and your accomplishments. You are a great example to all they boys, and give them someone to look up to. Thank you!

A Christmas Carol

We have 4 tickets to the Flynn Theatre in Burlington, Vt to see A Christmas Carol. We are so excited!! We are having a girl's night out. Me, my friend Sally, Miss Shannon, and Miss Hannah are getting all dressed up to go out for some Christmas fun.

Nebraska Theatre Caravan's beautifully staged musical adaption of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol features a 30-member cast, live orchestra, elegant costumes, lively dancing, and show-stopping special effects. This beloved performance shares the tale of tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge, and ultimately teaches the timeless lesson that a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness. A Flynn holiday tradition for 22 years!

Winter Wonderland

I looked outside this morning and was quite stunned with all the glittery, sparkling ice on everything. It was beautiful. The sun, for once this month, was shiny so brightly; although it was not warm enough to melt anything. It was still nearly a mere 14 degrees out. The pictures do not do it justice...we could not capture the whole effect of the sight.I think the sight goes along with the song "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland". In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight!!!

This was from the snow, and rain that iced up a few days ago. We were fortunate enough to keep our power, unlike the many thousands who lost it, and are still without. We are thankful.

Evening Story Time

Just another tradition in our house, that everyone enjoys. A couple times a week through out the month of December, we gather together around the dining room table.

We all listen intently while dipping our peppermint candy canes and sipping our hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Dad reads us Christmas story books, which have been gathered through out the years.Joshua over heard me say that I was going to pick up a box of candy canes while in town today. He asked all excited "Is John going to read us stories again?" A favorite memory for everyone.

It was Bound to Happen Sooner or Later

Well, it finally happened.....after a week of sledding, someone finally got hurt. I have been telling these kids all week, to "slow down", "don't sled on the side of the hill with the trees", "one at a time", etc. I think now they will take me a little more seriously. They all must think they are invincible or something!!! The older kids went out today after their schooling was done. About 15 minutes later, Elijah carries Isaac into the house crying and holding his ear. "It's bleeding." he says. Sure enough, once I moved his hand, blood ran everywhere. It took a good 5 minutes to control the bleeding. I decided I had better not try the super glue this time, so I snapped this picture, and took him into the hospital.

We were in the ER for about only an hour. They washed it up, numbed his ear with topical stuff, and used some Durabond to hold the laceration together. Too funny......I could have just done it myself.....but I was in doubt. Below is what it looks like now. It is really black and blue. Other then that, it looks really good.
I am happy it wasn't serious. But I am also a little glad that someone was hurt. Now the kids will maybe listen to me, and realize that what I am telling them to do, is for their own benefit, and not because I am being mean. Hopefully they will all be a little more careful.

What are we eating?

The kids ask 3 times a day......"What are we going to eat now?" People have been asking about what we fix the kids to eat, or what and how we cook for this many people. To tell the truth, I keep it simple. I fix what I know the kids will eat for sure, something that is rather quick, and very cost efficient. But all in all, meals are healthy and get the kids' tummies full. This morning, I looked at all those bowels on the table for breakfast in awe. I thought...not many people have the chance to make 15 meals, 3 times a day. So, here's the visual.

Today's breakfast was Honeycomb cereal. Breakfasts around here, rotates between scrambled eggs & ham, oatmeal, pancakes and cold cereal. We eat altogether at every meal times. We usually do pancakes on Saturday, but rarely ever toast. The time the last person gets their food, the first person's is cold, and it is very time consuming. Since majority rules in our house..cold cereal is definitely eaten the most.
Today's lunch was Turkey & Cheese Sandwich, chips, and a banana. Lunches are either meat & cheese or peanut butter with homemade jam sandwiches, roll-ups, mac & cheese, hot dogs, or fish sticks. Along with chips, and a fruit. Kid's mostly prefer Peanut butter and jam, but I try to sneak in something else before they have a chance to decide.
Tonight's dinner was Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and mixed fruit. Dinners consist of a variety of things. My favorite time to be a mom...........because I get to decide what we eat that night. Sometimes we have Spaghetti or other pasta of some shape or form, taco's, hamburg, rice, pizza, etc. Dinners always have a vegetable (usually salad), a fruit, and a bread. I love to cook in the crock pot also.....start it in the morning, smell it all day, then it is ready in the evening with no more thought! And best of all, dinner is followed by dessert, made by the younger cooks of the house.

I would love to invite you all over.......but let it be known that there are NEVER leftovers in our house. Me and John are lucky to get a small plate!

Gifts Under Our Tree

"The best of all gifts around any tree:

the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

"It's Beautiful!!!" says Brenna.

The Mom Song

This song is so totally me, and most of what I say all day long. You will have to check out the link. I coldn't figure out how to put the video on the blog.

http://vimeo.com/1509073

Christmas Tree Outing

Today we took the kids to Windy Ridge to pick out a tree. We have done this for a couple of years now. They have a tractor and wagon that takes everyone down to the tree farm. They dropped us off with a tag, and a saw. We all walked around for about a half of an hour searching for the perfect tree. It was Zachery's turn this year to do the honors of cutting it down. Then we hopped back in the wagon, and they take us back up to the shop. Meanwhile, they had a smaller tractor and wagon bring up our tree to wrap it. While we were waiting, they had hot chocolate, and applesauce donuts for everyone. We had a wonderful time. The kids all loved playing hide and seek in the trees, and running around. We will post our tree when we get it decorated.

Thank you Grandma Middie and Grandpa Frank

Tonight we let the kids open their first Christmas present.
They anticipated it all day, and were so excited.
They all loved their gifts, and everything fit perfectly.
We are anxious to have family pictures taken now. Thank you so much. We love you both, and miss you!

Having a Sweet Time Together

John was actually home tonight, so once again, we took advantage of the family being all together. Christmas time, in our home each year, brings lots of fun family traditions. Making gingerbread houses is one of these fun traditions that the kids all love and look forward to. Last year we enjoyed doing this with our Barnhart cousins. This year we are blessed to be able to do this activity with our Rollo cousins.

We now have 13 adorable little houses on our kitchen island--John says we are missing the town roads. Hmmm.......an idea for next year! The kids had alot of fun with this. They were all really creative in their architectural designs. No two were alike in any way, shape or form.

Tomorrow, after the big Christmas tree outing, they will enjoy the rewards of their efforts by eating them along with some hot chocolate.

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John and I make a larger gingerbread house to set up as decoration, along with a couple gumdrop trees for the the Holiday season. (Although, the green gumdrops always seem to disappear off the house........I am trying to be better at this each year though!)

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Pictures of all the kids and their beautiful houses are on the slide show.

Day Surgery

Me and Brenna spent our day at the Concord Hospital Day Surgery. She had quite a bit of dental work that needed to be taken care of. Brenna brought along her favorite blankie and little friend. She even asked the Doctor if he could check her bears teeth. (This of course was done after drinking the "silly juice"). Hmmm......we never did find out how many teeth the bear needed fixed, but Brenna on the other hand had 6 crowns put on her back molars. 2 molars had 2 large cavities on them each, which were also fixed. She now is at high risk for future decay, so we will definately be keeping up with her brushing. Considering all that was done, Brenna did a wonderful job through out it all. When she woke up, she rolled over and very quietly asked to be held. After a short while, she asked for a drink and then to go home. We are happy to have this finally done for her.