Ethan's famous face

Need I say more?

Sarah Singing...

Sarah had her singing program at school last week. She had fun, but was exhausted when it was all over. The program was 1 1/2 hours long and they did it 4 times in 3 days. These pictures are not very close, but she is in the front row, pink shirt, denim skirt, arms folded. Cute Sarah singing her heart out. We love her so much and are so thankful she is part of our family.

I had my gall bladder removed yesterday. I am very sore and tired. The Doc found a stone the size of a marble in there that didn't show up on the ultrasound. I felt like I couldn't breathe and it hurt bad when I woke up. I think I was kind of hysterical - the nurse used the word "anxious". I can't remember, except that I felt wierd and scared. Dave is such a good husband and he took care of me all night. I don't think either of us slept more than a few hours. He is a great daddy and helped the kids all day and all night, too. I think we are going to survive.

a little of this.. a little of that...

So, I am having a "Cholecystectomy" next Wednesday. (Just a fancy word for gall bladder surgery). It should be fun. It will be most exciting not to have any more gall bladder attacks and all the pain and vomiting that come with it.

And, I finally got released from being the Nursery leader, and guess what my new calling is.... Cub Scouts... am I serious, you ask. Why yes I am. I am blaming Dave for not holding his hand up and opposing the calling. :) I know absolutely nothing about Scouts. I guess I will learn A LOT and then maybe have a jump start to help Ethan get through it when he turns 8.

My camera broke, so I will have to use Sarah's to take some pictures until we get a new one. Or maybe I will post some more of her pictures because she loves taking them.

that's all for now!

"The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World" by William Ross Wallace

This is a special post dedicated to my mommy. It's been 20 years ago today that she passed away, and I miss her. It is devastating to lose a parent or loved one at any age. And even thought life does go on, it affects you for the rest of your life. Most days I feel grateful for my blessings and family and all that I have here on earth. But some days, I feel cheated because I didn't get to know my mom as an adult and I don't get to spend time with her and she doesn't know and love my babies or my wonderful husband. Some days, I feel mad because it's really just not fair. I have a great dad and a truly wonderful stepmother and I love them both, but I still miss her everyday. My mom was very patient and kind and I know that she loved me. I only remember her getting really upset with me one time. I think of that every time I get frustrated with Sarah and Ethan and I know she probably would have had a lot more patience than me and it helps me to be better. I think of all the trials she went through in her life, and how she endured with a beautiful smile on her face. She never gave up on people or life or things. She loved unconditionally. And, I know she still loves us and wants us to be happy. I know I will see her again and our family is eternal, and that is what makes it all bearable.

Ethan got his first buzz haircut on Monday. He is really really cute. He thinks the best part is that he doesn't have to wash or comb his hair.

Cosmo

It's kind of wierd to post a picture of your car... but, here you go...

Some Christmas Pictures...

UPDATES....

So, I have discovered that I am really not that great at blogging...though I have the best intentions, I truly am a procrastinator. We are all well in the The Doerr house. As some of you know, we had the most exciting Christmas adventure. Tre Cool... our most beloved Toyota Camry... caught on fire on the way to Granny's house in Wyoming. We got most of our stuff, including the children and car seats out before Mr. Wyoming Highway Patrol started screaming at Dave to get away from the car because it was going to blow up. (Seriously, has he never watched Myth Busters. Cars only blow up in the movies.) Tre Cool completely burned ...melted to the highway...I would have taken pictures, but my camera was in a big pile with all the other stuff. So, we got to ride in the ambulance (no one was hurt) to Basin where Heidi and Bret picked us up and took us to Lovell. We could never thank everyone that helped us enough.... especially the first guy (I can't remember his name) who stopped and helped and called 911...the Manderson fire dept., the Basin search and rescue guys who gathered all our stuff of the highway, Bret and Heidi for picking us up, Granny and Papa for letting us stay with them for a week and Granny for bringing us back to Provo. So, we bought a new car on New Years Eve and we love it. I will post a picture of Cosmo (that's his name) soon.

Ethan the boo...