Snowed in on Christmas!

We are enjoying a lovely Christmas Eve with family! The Weather is very fierce outside, but it is warm and cozy and magical inside.

We have enjoyed lots of good food. We have had already enjoyed a Polar Express train set given to papa from nana. The children are so excited for Santa to come!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good night!

Merry Christmas!

I am so awful this year! I never got Christmas cards sent out! So I am going to do a quick update for all my friends and family that check this ocassionally! We are all doing well and are happy to report that finally ready for Christmas! It is a good thing since it is in 2 days :)

We hope that each of you are healthy and safe this Holiday season! We are so thankful for such good friends that always fill our lives with such joy! We are thankful for our beautiful and awesome families that support us and give us such happiness too!

We are thankful for our membership in the Church! We are so thankful for our testimonies of the truthfullness of the Gospel! Richard and I love the Lord with all of our heart and we are so thankful for the Saviour, Jesus Christ! We love this time of year that we have to reflect on his birth and life, and of course his atoning sacrifice.

Our children are all doing so great. They are such blessings in our lives and Richard and I are so thankful to be their parents! Each day brings a new story and laugh.. and always a moment to just feel gratitude for wonderful kiddos. Of course, we have our challenging moments too. :).. We aren't raising super heroes or anything.. :)

We just wanted you all to know how grateful we are for our relationship with you and wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Much love to each of you!

Richard, Katy, Matthew, Shelley, Nicholas and Holly Anne

Stop Your Swineing!

Okay, so I am a nerd with my play on words huh? We have had a rough week. It started with Richard leaving town for a couple of days for work. His first day gone Matthew tells me he has a heaviness in his chest and was coughing. He had no fever, but I kept him home from school. By Wednesday he had a fever of 102.. so I took him to the dr. The diagnosis... H1N1... Swine flu!! Yikes. I was pretty surprised.. I called piano students and said to stay far from our infectious home. By Wednesday night, Rich came home and Nick started running a temperature too. By Thursday night his fever hit over 105!!!! We took him to the E.R... and the diagnosis.. surprise, surprise.. H1N1. He was so sick. They said he was dehydrated. Before we left for the hospital Richard gave him a Priesthood Blessing that his fever would come down quickly. By the time we got to the Hospital.. it was already down to 103. After we returned home from the E.R. that night (after midnight) his fever was 100.. and for the rest of his illness NEVER was above that temperature again. I always marvel at the power of the Priesthood. Nicholas had faith in his blessing and so did we.. I am so thankful for the knowledge my family has in the Gospel!!
So our boys were wearing little masks the rest of the week to prevent anymore of us from getting sick. They were so sad to be stuck behind those things for so long. At this moment.. no fever Matthew now for 72 hours.. and Nick for 24 hours. We made it!! So far no one else is sick. I hope that stays. Richard has a cold.. but we don't think it is the Swine Flu.
So, we are hopeful that it stays calm over here!!

First Day of School Pictures

Holly wishes she was big enough to go too!

First Day of School 2009

Shelley sporting a new hairdo! I know I am biased.. but these are some cute kids!

Matthew is in 7th grade, Shelley is in 5th grade and Nick is in 1st grade!!

Slogger... Blog slacker

I stole this word from a friend of mine... it totally fit me to a tee.
Let's bring you up to speed.....
It has been a busy month around here. School is going well for the kids. I think we are finally establishing a routine. I am getting my piano schedule organized and things feel like they are going well there. Holly is sick again, but that is nothing too unusual. The Doctor thinks her tonsils swell up partly because of allergies. So we are going to try singulair and see if that helps any. I had a fabulous August and got to spend time with an old dear friend.. Jamie. She flew to see me with her 2 kids. It was so wonderful. It totally reminded me that true and good friendships never go away and they stand the test of time!
I turned 32 last month... I am now officially double the age necessary to drive and date. That makes me feel pretty old. However, I do have a 12 year old.. I suppose to be any younger would be quite scandelous :)
KIDS NEWS....
Holly says the funniest things lately. The other day I was painting my toe nails, she came up and asked if I would paint her "ponytails" too. I then asked if she meant toenails, she replied " silly me, ponytails go on my head." She is so cute and funny.
Nick is really enjoying the first grade and loves to read. Getting better everyday. Shelley is in a Pom class this year and Holly is taking a dance class too. It is so sweet.
Nick plans to play Basketball soon and Matthew is busy with Jr. High.. (can you believe he is in Jr. High?) and plans to play basketball this year too. We have very busy and good kids!
Football fun....
This is a fun time of year. We are involved with Fantasy football, and currently we are not doing so hot.. but it is fun to do it none the less. We love watching all the Football games and especially cheering on the Huskers!!! I look forward to the leaves changing and to the temperatures cooling a bit.. not a lot, just a little. Pumpkin cookies and Apple Cider... I love Fall!!!
Lofty goals....
I am the organist in our ward and I have decided that despite the scariness of playing it, I am going to be the best one I can be.
I have decided that I am going to be a skinny girl again.. My mind is made up.. but, my body is like "whatever" ;). So, I will keep working out until I am sorda skinny again!

Cute hubby..
Richard is in the Elders Quorum Presidency as the 2nd Counselor. It has been a good change for him. He is really enjoying it. I am always amazed how he raises his hand whenever service is needed anywhere. He is always so willing to go the extra mile.. such a good example to me. He is a good husband and I am so thankful he is my husband and the father of my children.

Addicted to Politics..
I have really been upset by the current situation in Washington. I am a total Conservative and do not like Big Government. I have found it very challenging to stay positive about the direction our Country is headed. I know that there are many wonderful citizens who are standing up for what they belive in. (Like my parents going to Tea parties and such :) I am absolutely against a Public Option in Healthcare.. I am absolutely against anything where the Government's voice becomes louder then the peoples. But, I won't spend too much time on this issue.. this could be a whole post on it's own. Richard worries I get too obsessed. I am just concerned. Through all of this I have pondered a lot about my Great Grandfather John Hart who signed the Declaration of Independence. I try to support an agenda that would support what those founding fathers envisioned when they risked everything by signing the Declaration! Ultimately, I am so grateful to be a citizen of this great Country.
Conclusion...
I will try to be a more consistent blogger.. I know so many of you wait with bated breath for my next post. hee, hee.
We are so blessed. We are happy and life is Good!!!!
Pictures to come soon.. in Katy style, they will be a bunch all at once... cause that's how I roll.

The video below is of a song that I wrote for a man named Lynn "Doc" Cleland. He is pulling a handcart in honor of his Great Grandmother who was one of the first pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley. We met him here in Omaha while he was on the trail. I saw him on the news and then saw him our ward that Sunday. He asked me to write a piece of music to go with a Documentary he will be making after he completes his trek.
He asked me to compose something that was low in the beginning and had the melody of "Come, Come Ye Saints" The melody is definitely inspired by this hymn and also has a variation of that hymn through out the piece. One melody came to me when we were driving one evening to find Doc to walk with him. There is a part of the song where it changes keys.. it goes into a lower almost sad melody. While I was sitting at the piano I tried to imagine what it might have been like to be Sarah Goode Marshall. I tried to imagine the hardship she must have had being a widowed woman with 5 children. I am sure there were very dark moments during the trek, but her faith always sustained her through those moments. The melody then goes back to the original theme of "Come, Come ye Saints." I thought it should end as if she were entering the valley and the conclusion of the song should end with the "All is Well" part of the Hymn.
I know this is a very choppy explanation of the song, but it gives Doc an idea of what I have been working on. It still needs a lot of work and needs to be obviously notated and fine tuned.
It has been a neat opportunity to do this and work on this piece. I don't think I am a composer by any means, but it has been thrilling to hear my thoughts come out into music onto the piano. His website is www.faithgreaterthanpain.com You can read about his journey there!

Way too Long

It has definitely been a crazy spring. Last week I spent a wonderful week with my parents enjoying a very relaxing time with them and the kids. The Spring Piano Recital was last Saturday and it was very large. I had to have it in two different groups. I had 34 performances. I have a hard time believing that I have that many students too :)
We are looking forward Summer and really enjoying the time off from School. I am still teaching some of my students for the summer though.
We are excited to go to the Wiedrich Family Reunion in a couple of weeks and are planning a trip to Wyoming sometime this Summer as well. Should be a lot of fun.
Update on each of the kiddos since it has been a while.
Matthew:
He won several musicianship awards at his Awards Day at School and also one for one of his pictures in Art Class. Matthew is excelling in Band and really does well in Singing and Piano. He is such a great help at home, and honestly can't believe I am so blessed to have a built in babysitter. He just received the Aaronic Priesthood last month and is Passing the Sacrament in Church. I am so proud of him!
Shelley:
She won a Spelling Award in her Awards Assembly. She did a fabulous job at her dance recital and clogged to "Calling Baton Rouge" by Garth Brooks... very catchy! She is super super tall. ... almost 5'3". She is loving Summertime and is so helpful to everyone too. Her hair is getting longer and she is such a pretty girl.
Nick:
He won the award for Physical Education at his Awards Assembly. Whenever he walks past me he always kisses whatever part of me is closest without even paying attention. He often kisses my arm or elbow, or if I am kneeling down my shoulder or head. It is pretty funny. He is very affectionate. He would live outside if I let him, and loves to ride his bike. He does all sorts of very dangerous and foolish tricks that usually get him yelled at. "Do you want to take a trip to the ER tonight?" Afterwhich, he laughs and shrugs his shoulders. He loved being at Nana and papas last week, I think he would live there if I let him. :)
Holly:
She is a very fun little 3 year old now. She is really into Dora still and loves to do the Hippity Hop Dance that she learned watching Max and Ruby. She talks a mile a minute and goes potty like a champ. She counts in Spanish (Dora is very educational :), and her new thing is to use kid scissors and cut up paper. Her motor skills are fabulous. She can be very stubborn and can throw a fit with the best of em.
Pictures to come soon.
Well, I know I have so many avid readers of my blog and I feel bad leaving you all hanging the last 2 months...LOL!!! I will definitely try to be more consistent and also to post pictures soon. Beware of the bulk photo collages. That is how I do business when I am behind on the whole blogging thing. Yay for Summertime!!! It is finally here and I loving it...
By the way, if you haven't read my mothers book... YOU REALLY Should. Check out her blog on my list. Click on Meredith Kennon. So, so great. I am proud of you mom!!!

Birthday week!

Richard will be another year older this week. His Birthday is this Thursday the 26th. Last night we had several of our good friends over for a birthday get together for him. We ate munchies and just relaxed. It was really fun. The weekends go too fast. The kids have been enjoying the nice weather.. literally they have been outside almost all day. I have had to set limits on when they have to be in for a time, I am constantly trying to keep track of them and it is a little stressful.
Holly wants to be out there with them constantly, and that can't happen. Matthew and Shelley are wonderful about letting her come play with them for a bit and keeping an eye on her for me. I have felt so lucky to have older helper kids that make surviving toddler years so much easier. They are fabulous kids.
We had a nice day at church today. We are so lucky to have such a great ward and to love our church and the gospel so much! I am constantly reminded of the great blessing that being a member of the church is.
I am really ready for Summer! Really ready, I look forward to summer days with my kids. I can't believe that Matthew will be in Junior High next year. He turns twelve and receives the Priesthood this spring as well. My little boy is becoming a young man. I say this all the time, but where has the time gone? It doesn't seem twelve years with him, just a moment if you ask me. My children are my world, and I want to enjoy and relish each day I have with them, because I know that one day my little ones will be all grown up and I will miss them terribly. I will remind myself this every morning when I am struggling to get everyone ready for school on time ;).
Holly did really well in nursery today. Didn't cry and was happy! YAY!! I am thankful for little blessings these days. I am learning so much these day. Learning from mistakes, trying to be a better person and looking to the future instead of looking back. Each day is a gift. I am grateful for today and for all my blessings.

Like Sands through the Hour Glass....

So ready for the weekend again! We have been so busy these days, as usual. Richard's birthday is next week. 37 now...yikes Richie... just kidding. He looks pretty darn good if you ask me!
I am going to start potty training Holly next week. It is definitely time, she will be three next month. We are a little behind. I think, scratch that, I know it is just me getting geared up to actually go through with it. Here soon she will officially be a baby no longer.
I am a piano teaching fool. I have like 33 students now!!! Don't ask me how, because I don't think I even know. But, somehow with Richards support we get it all done and somehow stay afloat.
Last weekend we rearranged the whole house. It feels so much more functional now and I am really enjoying it.
I have so many random thoughts right now.. I think I might be a little A.D.H.D. tonight :)
So, Happy Weekend, Happy Birthday Richard (26th) and Happy Day!
So earlier this week... We had the most gorgeous Monday! The kids didn't have any school on Monday so I told them Sunday night that we would have a picnic lunch at our little park by our house. Nicholas was so thrilled. He asked about it over and over before bedtime, and then was standing at my bed at 7 a.m. asking when our picnic would begin. I was so pleased he was so excited. It was such a simple thing to plan and made him so happy. All the kids loved it. It was like 73 degrees while we were there, and we had a BLAST. The kids loved their simple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples and chips. Matthew and Shelley met up with their friends and had so much fun too. We went with our neighbors and had fun sitting and visiting and relaxing in the beautiful sun. It made everyone happy to feel the warmth of the sun. It made us all so anxious for Spring to officially be here! I really enjoyed being at the park with Holly now that she is a little older and not such a worry at the park. She had a ball, and I could actually sit back and chill watching them play and enjoy being kids. I felt truley free from all worries and stress and it was a wonderful day!!! I am always grateful for the days that I know my kids will remember as happy days in their lives. I wish I would have smart enough to take my camera... next time I won't forget. I am planning a picnic the next day we hit 70 degrees! Come on warmer weather!!!!

Spring Fever

Okay, I am DYING for spring to get here already. We got spoiled last week with a couple of warm days and now it is FREEZING again. The windchill is ZERO out there right now. It just makes you appreciate those warm days even more. My mom wisely said once that God gives us those warm days to tide us over until Spring is really here. In a way to give us a reprieve. I have been thinking about how it is like that in life too. During Trials, we will always feel that warmth and love of the Lord just when we need it the most.
Nick is really starting to read and it is so exciting. I don't remember doing anything so complicated in Kindergarten. I think we just colored and went to centers.. now they are telling time on clocks, adding, subtracting and full out reading before first grade. Wow. He really loves the challenge of it and, I have to say listening a little one learn to read is the BEST!!! They sound everything out so literally. Nick was reading " A hiding place" He sounded out hiding properly, and than place was pronounced more like "plaque". I love it.
Shelley has had a rough week. First strep last week, and last night we were at the doctor because she was having pain in her lower right abdomen. Fun. It hasn't been ruled out completely, but the Doc doesn't think it is her appendix. Hopefully not! Poor girl.
I am going to go watch American Idol now. I am cool like that.
I hope that each of you feel warm today, even if it is cold outside :)

No more a baby, but a sweet little girl

Today I curled Holly's hair and she looked so sweet. I was amazed, and a little sad how grown up she looked. I can't believe she is almost three years old. Where has the time gone? She walks around singing songs from Nursery, (now that she will actually go) and the latest is "Do as I'm Doing." She also sings "I am a Child of Guy" We are working on saying "GoD" It is amazing how missing that last consenant changes the whole meaning of the song :). Her attitude is hilarious, and sometimes a little aggrevating. She tells me all the time when she is upset "I got lots of feelings, lots and lots of feelings." :) We love this little girl!

Holly looking sweet with the eyes that her daddy can't get over

She really has better things to be doing.

Cheese

Simple Things

Hi, I am amazed. So many posts this week. I am so impressive aren't I? whatever... I am trying to keep up with all my blog buddies who do such a great job updating so frequently :)
I am trying to simplify my life, and trying to enjoy the simple things each day. In life so much can bog us down and make us worry, stress and worry somemore. I am determined to organize my life so I can just focus on the simple things, the important things and let everything else that I can't control drift away. I am hoping that this blog can be a journal of sorts, to center me each time I write to think about what is truley important in life, and not get caught in the trivial things. We are so blessed!
Holly has had a little friend over today and they have played so well. It has been a nice break because she has been so preoccupied, even with Nick being home from school, it is nice for her to have a distraction and not fight with her big brother. We love when the children are happy. :)
So I hope that each of you to "take time to smell the roses"..... well, if you are fortunate enough to live anywhere where anything is blooming that is :) That is all for now.
Oh, by the way, Today is FRIDAY!!!!!

Valentine Boxes!

Getting ready for Valentine Parties. The next day school was cancelled due to snow, so hopefully they will get to collect their special Valentines next week. I found out quickly that I should not quit my day job as a piano teacher... I am officially the worst Valentine Box coverer. Poor Matthew had to endure my help. Crazy, because I do okay with Scrapbooking, but wrapping boxes... not so much. The kids had a fun Valentines Day. The weekend was full of snow, love, Snowball fights, love, mommy throwing out her back, V-day dates and LOVE.

FUNNY STORY......I thought I was calling home from Walmart. I was on auto pilot I guess, pushed my call button on my cell phone and someone answered. "Is Daddy there?" I asked.. the person on the other line goes "yes..." I then said "What is Daddy doing?"... Then my mother said "Katy, are you okay." Ooops.. I don't think I have called my dad "daddy"since I was little, and my mom was a little confused, and so was I. :) WE giggled on the phone, and I realized that I should probably slow down and pay attention to what I am doing. I have the best parents ever... have I ever mentioned that. Well, I do. :)

I would like to introduce you to "Goofy McNut." She is on her way to school, and it is cold outside. I told her to make sure she bundled up warmly before she went. Doesn't it look like she will be warm :)

SNOW DAY!

Richard working hard clearing the drive.

On Friday the 13th we got 6 1/2 inches of Snow here in Omaha. This is the table on our back deck. I actually had the kids up and ready for school that morning before I realized school had been cancelled. When we woke up the snow hadn't started falling yet, so I assumed that if anything, they would just release early if it got bad. At least we found out before we drove to the school. :)

Nick is SIX

Nicholas turned six on January 28th. Richard and I had a moment of insanity and decided to let him have a big birthday party with a lot of his friends. It ended up being around eleven 5 and 6 year olds at my house! It was a Super Hero Themed party and so all of his friends wore costumes. They played a game called "Bad guys, Good guys" Basically one super hero stands in the middle of the room and as he catches those running past him, they become good, and they join in the effort to catch everyone until all the Super heroes are "good." It was a bit crazy to say the least. To add to my insanity, I scheduled the party to last for Three hours. Note to self, not a good idea! Nick had a fun time, but we will do things differently next time. We love you Nick, Happy Birthday. Can't believe you are six years old. It seems just like yesterday you were peeing people's sandboxes, drawing on walls, and causing havoc wherever you went. Can't believe you are such a big kid now!

My Aching Back

This past week I have spent a lot of time excercising and working out toward my weight loss goal. It was a frustrating week, when I didn't lose anything, and actually went up 1.5 pounds.. Oh well, right? Well, in my efforts to kick it hard, I have pushed my lower back to it's limits I'm afraid. During a friendly snow ball fight yesterday I think I pushed it right over the edge. My lower back is feeling pretty tender, and if I move a certain way, it sends pain right through me. So, I will be headed to the Chiropracter tomorrow, and hopefully I can get cracked into shape. However, this does put a kink in my workout plans for next week, and I will have to take it easy. FRUSTRATING! It will get better though. That which does not kill us.... :)
Last night for Valentines Day, Richard took me to for a Burger and to a Chick Flick. We went out with our great friends Lei Ann and Jason. Richard waited on me and everyone helped me hobble to each place we went. (I feel fine as long as I am sitting in a comfortable chair.. thank goodness) But when I walk I look like a Granny who needs a walker, that or I look like I have a corn cob stuck up something in particular. :)
Besides that,
I am enjoying a nice Sunday relaxing being laid up.
I thought this would be a good day to catch up on my blogging. So, maybe I will enjoy having no options besides sitting on my hiney.

Holly is a true momma

Funny story. Today I was folding laundry in the laundry room and Holly was directly across the hall in her room. She looked at me and said "Be Quiet, be very quiet my baby is sleeping" I was a little taken aback, but I said okay I will be quiet. A few minutes later I was done folding laundry and went to put it away in her room. I went in "quietly" and when I came out Holly was standing there with the most hilarious expression. She was seriously irritated. "You went in my baby's room, while she was sleeping" she screamed. She threw her arms up and than stated very matter of factly "Now I have to put her back to sleep." I felt very rebuked. Oops, pardon me for putting away laundry while the dolly is sleepng. :)
She is growing and growing everyday, and becoming my little pal during the day. It is hard to believe that my baby is old enough to tell me off :) So it begins...:)