Ever Clear Windows

Okay, I have done the unthinkable! I had my house windows cleaned by professionals. It was FANTASTIC! I wish I had done it sooner and I plan to keep doing it at least twice a year. They even got off my hard water stains from the sprinklers. They cleaned inside and out and it didn't take them long and it was so affordable! I can't wait to have them come back. they were so nice too. Thanks Andrea and Justin. It has been years since my windows have looked so beautiful. I can see each and every snowflake falling. And on my downstairs windows we actually close the blinds now because it is sooooo bright down there. See you in 6 months!
there are some things that I am not sure I should pay for but when I do I sure love the results! I want to now hire someone to clean my house too.

the saga of the Thill's continue

Well, let me just start by saying , I really do like my kids a lot. As a matter of fact, i would go so far as to say that I love them. *wink* Anyhoo, this has been one of the most difficult weeks of my life. So as not to complain again, I will just say this, "john has been gone a lot this week and sunday was super long".
That is all I will say except that the kids went into overdrive on behavior. Now, my kids are not usually very crazy and the reason I feel they need to be some what under control is this, I am totally afraid of what will happen if they get free reign. Also, I am not really for the whole one child taking "care" of another child thing. Is that stupid? should I let them "parent" a sibling?
So, needless to say, the whole new calling for john has a few kinks for me to work out at home.
Also, my math is going a little slower than I expected. I am working on quadratic equations and the vertex of parabola. I have been working on these for days and I still am not sure what either of those things mean. Something about graphs and lines not intersecting, I think. Jenn?
Meanwhile there will probably be no Christmas cards this year :( but, I do have neighbor gifts done and ready.
I also want to be done whining and complaining. It doesn't help at all and usually just makes me feel worse about the situation. In church yesterday, we talked about gifts that we have each received, and all I could think of were negative ones: for example: I have the gift of whining, the gift of judging well, you get the idea. That really clued me into the way my thinking has deteriorated over the last week. So, time to make a change.
well, after I make one more comment....:)

Well, Christmas is upon us. I usually feel quite stressed at this point in the Christmas game but I think I am doing great.
I am almost done shopping and my friend, Jenn, gave me the idea to wrap a few presents everyday. I am not sure why that never occurred to me but what a great idea.
John was released, sadly, from elder's quorum president last sunday and was asked to serve as second counselor in the bishopric. That was pretty exciting.
I have gotten some interesting comments from people like, "How are you going to get the kids to church now?" I would like to address this by saying, John has been gone from home on Sunday's for years now. This will not present a difficulty. As a matter of fact, I think it would be fun to actually have him home on any sunday morning and then I could laze around in bed and get ready for church at my leisure. LOL! Okay, that is so not reality but it sounds nice.
I am also in the end stretch of my schooling. Can you believe that? 20 years after starting my college career, I am almost done! I am so excited!. well, I have a year left but it is within my reach.
The kids are hanging in there. we are getting a court date soon for Abby. Wahoo! we should be able to adopt her in early 2011. I was excited to start processing that paperwork.
well, I just wanted to make sure I post something today so here you go....

Criminal Minds and more

Do you ever find yourself hooked on a tv series and you can't figure out why you like it so much? well, that is me and criminal minds. It is so intriguing to me. I think it is the way they put all of the clues and profiles together. anyhoo, it sure keep me up watching all of the shows. My DVR will thank me when I am done recording all of the episodes.
So, I took my Praxis I test and passed! that is a test that will allow me to student teach. Now, i am doing my application to get into the program. It is a little nerve wracking but I am excited. I have to decide if I want to student teach or intern. There are pros and cons to both but I am very intrigued by the idea of interning.
My problem is, after 20 years of being at home, I am ready to be working a little. But, I still have a 4year old. That won't be easy but I am sure that i will work it out. I have never thought I could be someone that stays home when my kids are in school. Maybe I should be. Maybe I shouldn't. Who knows? what a predicament. I get what is most important in life but...I am not sure i can adequately express everything in a blog or even in person.
So, on to school work. The kids are doing well in school. They are finally starting to stop challenging the teacher as much. That is always good. This is the time of year that things start to settle down and they really start to work and bring up their grades. it is always interesting to me how the kids challenge in every new situation.
Many people say that there kids have done the same things as mine but I think unless you have older adoptive children it is hard for you to imagine the challenge they bring every day. It sure it worth it for those moments when they are just regular kids.
Just found out that we are adopting our little Abby in January! That is exciting! I always thought I would do foster care/adoption forever but the older I get the more tired I become. I never want to get to the point when my kids are being raised by other siblings because I am too tired. Maybe, my energy level will kick back in one day and I can do this again. For now? I am not sure. My plate is awfully full so, we shall hold those thoughts til a later date.

Still trying to keep the blog rolling

Well, this has been an interesting week for me. I was able to see many "old" friends at the funeral of our friend, Craig Hiler. It has been really interesting as I have decided to contemplate what is important in my life. The answer? My family!! that is it. Don't get me wrong, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, my religion and relationship with my Heavenly Father is VERY important to me but temporally nothing matters but FAMILY!
renewing acquaintances is always interesting. This time it was natural with NO awkwardness. Okay, the only "nerdy" part was me professing my love (embarrassingly over and over) for my friend Brian's wife Christina. This woman is a wonder and I truly admire her. I haven't even met her yet! she is one of those people that you want to be like. She makes me strive to be better.
Okay, so I probably should have stopped with my first fawning but talking to her husband (who is awesome as well) i thought "this is my opportunity to express how wonderful i think she is" well, enough said. I should have just stopped the first time.
Anyhoo, my family has been CRAZY! some of the kids are on meds. This means that sometimes these have to be adjusted. YUCK! It always takes a few days for the changes to take effect. that is the worst! Then, when you find the med isn't working right you have to wait for the new med and hope for the best. This is really challenging if you have one child on meds but try 7. We are in the process of getting the newer meds. I will be happy when they come. so, will my children.
Well, my volleyball team is seeded 3rd in the "league" YEAH! we play in our first tournament game on Thursday. I hope we do well. I am not ready for the season to be over yet.
This is just a big Blah! There are so many random things that have happened around here. the weight loss is still progressing. this week it won't have been too good but I am down 13 pounds since I started! that is good especially with the 2 weeks that I didn't do as well with. I keep telling myself that this weight loss will be permanent because it is coming off at the right rate. I signed up for the Christmas group that wants to lose 20 pds by Christmas. I am feeling optimistic about that.

School is moving right along as well. i have a final this week (statistics...YUCK!) and a final next week. i signed up for the first Praxis 1 test which is a 4 hour test in three areas. It was expensive at $165.00 (ouch!) Then, I have 6 months to finish 6 classes and be scheduled for the Praxis 2 and have a plethora of other things completed. I can fell my heart accelerate at the thought of getting all of this done by april. We shall see how it goes. At this rate, I will be student teaching in January 2012 and graduating in May 2012. after 20 years, I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Well, that is my boring update! On me. The kids are struggling through the med changes and trying to enjoy the fall break. John is working hard. He split our winter wood today. WAHOO! We are having our fun fall barbecue today. That will be the end of the grill for a little bit. We do love to grill randomly in the winter but we grill A lot in the summer.
Okay, I had better go, the BYU v. TCU game is going on and I hear a sack just happened (ouch!).

Tragedy strikes

There have been so many things that happened on Thursday and Friday. Mainly a 13 yr old, Maddie Mecum, was struck by a car and killed by 13 yr old kassie. My heart has been so heavy thinking of both of their losses. It isn't easy on either side of that coin.
Then, Josh tells us his friend Brian had to go into the hospital and he is in the final stages of cancer and will not be leaving the hospital.
Finally, Friday morning we got a call that our dear friend, Craig Hiler, died in his sleep on Thursday at the age of 41.
Well, needless to say, our emotions have been all over the place. It is not easy when a friend your age dies. It has been very hard. It has also given me a renewed sense of awareness that life is short. Make each day count.
I know that we will see lots of friends and we will go through the motions of saying, that we will keep in touch. But, will we? We all have the desire to renew friendships but, we all have our own lives and they are busy. I think though, that I want to keep up with them all in a different way. My friends are important to me. By friends, I mean, anyone that has spent a significant time in my life. Not my FB "friends" that i haven't talked to in 20 years.
Friendships are very important. They buoy you up they give you great encouragement through trials and struggles you have.
so, in essence, talk to your friend today. renew those friendships that are important to you. Take the time even if you feel like you don't have any. A card that lets them know that you are thinking about them or a quick note.
I am grateful for all of my friends. How blessed I have been and continue to be as I have traveled through this life.

Could it be that October is here??

How do i express for my love for all things fall?
My wool socks that I LOVE
sweatshirts
and occasional fire in the fireplace
crunchy leaves
cool morning weather
halloween
breeze
crisp smell in the air
pumpkin pie
hot chocolate (when it is still fun and not a necessity)
warm baked bread (wait I love that all year)
cinnamon rolls
Fall decorations
giggling kids
I truly love this time of year. There is a freshness and rejuvenation I feel every fall time. This is the time I was made for. the cool weather..ummm!
WooHoo for fall!
Now..on my continuing saga I made my goal and have lost 2 more pounds already. I started a challenge group that is committed to lose 20lbs by Christmas. i think that is doable. that will bring me within 20lbs of my goal weight. Sweet i say!
Now on to homework, dinner, scouts, activity days and volleyball practice
Did I mention I LOVE this time of year?

So on the eve on my third weigh in with Weight Watchers I am feeling great! We had a fun weekend at aspen grove last week and I gained .5 for the week but this week I made my first goal! the cool thing is it has been relatively quick and painless. I just need to think ahead about what I want to eat and if we are eating out and make some simple adjustments. So, I started this weight loss at a whopping 195 lbs on my 5'2" frame. My goal is ultimately 140 pds. but, i felt setting this weight goal would be discouraging as it will take awhile to get there. So, I set a smaller goal of ten pounds. My goal actually was 185.3 and today I weighed in at 185. My official weigh in day is Monday but i feel good about getting there today. 10 pounds feels like a lot especially when you see pictures of what 10 pounds of fat look like...yuck!
The encouraging aspect is that I am not denied anything. I feel like I can have a burger but I have to adjust the rest of my eating. The thought process boils down to "yeah, I want that candy bar but i would rather have a frozen yogurt later on.
Last night I made a margarita pizza. I made my own thin crust put caned diced tomatos on top (instead of sauce) then fresh basil, oregano, parsley fresh tomato slices and slices of mozzarella cheese. It was so good. I ate three pieces and only used 6 points! Yummy!
With only 23 points a day it has been somewhat hard to not go over. I do have an extra 35 weekly points and some activity points I can use but I haven't had to yet.
I am a little worried about tonight. It is women's conference and they always have a light dinner with salads, rolls (yum) and dessert after. I will probably try and eat first and then I can be selective and NOT starving when I get there.
Besides that, we are all hanging in there. We are overwhelmed some days with the many things that are asked of us but we are hanging in there. people often ask, "how do you do it?" I am not sure exactly what they mean and feel stupid when asked. do what, exactly? we do it the same way you do just multiplied. It is hard and you need structure and some organization skills but for the most part it is relatively smooth sailing. Now, if you are talking about folding socks, I save that for once a week and have a treat and watch a movie :)
Life isn't perfect for anyone and we all struggle and thankfully our struggles are different. there are some that I don't want! Some don't seem too bad though. Maybe people look at my life and say the same about me and my life.
So in essence, I think life is great and I am glad that I am muddling through just don't ask how I do it because the truth is I don't. Heavenly Father does! I just make sure I am trying to do what He is asking of me so that i can be worthy of those blessings.

here I go Again!

I have decided to keep this blogging going. I have had my first weight watchers weigh in AND (drumroll) I have lost 6 pounds which is 4 pounds off of my very first goal! My very first goal is to lose 5% of my weight, for me that came to a 10 pound loss. I am well on my way to a healthier Cayce.
I am still finding weight watchers to be so fun! It is a challenge and I need to plan ahead on what I am going to eat for the day but it is fun to be accountable and know that i am going to have to answer to my tracking sheet.
we will see how fun it gets down the road but for now? I like it! i like that I finally get to eat normal foods. i don't have to make separate meals for the kids and for me. None of that here....I get to eat whatever but in small amounts and I just have to plan ahead a little.
Well, enough said about that.
We just bought the "Pass of all passes". We can go to the waterpark, and 2 mini golf/ activity parks for a whole year for $35.00 a person! It is still pretty expensive for a family our size but on Day 1, today, we already paid for the pass!! The rest of the year is all icing on the cake!
We also, just reserved our rental house by Disney Land for February! It is so exciting around here right now! SWEET!
well, enough said for tonight, I am not even sure any of this post makes sense..but, it does to me. Night!

Seriously?

First Day of school

Bridal Veil Falls

Our Second Annual Birthday Carnival

Our new ride....The Bus!

August Fun at Raging Waters

This has been the longest time I haven't posted anything! If I could explain what my life has been like, I am sure you would understand why I haven't written.
So, school has started again and my kiddos are cute! kindergarten started on Wed and Katie is already an old pro at going to go and eating breakfast with the big kids. Josh and Aleceeya started their senior year! Kodey has just decided what she wants to be doing. she is going to learn massage therapy! She is quite excited about it and I have rarely seen her this motivated to find a new job and got o school. She has been out all day today driving around putting in her applications. i guess when they want it they do it! At least, I am not having to harp on her to do something. That? i like!
I also decided to chronicle this epic struggle I have had with my weight. I am going into my 40th year of life still (according to the charts) 70 pounds over my "ideal" body weight. I am not one to be gung ho on being "model" thin. But, I do want to be healthy and able to have some stress off of my body/joints and such!
So, weight Watchers...you have my number or should I say points? I was assigned my 24 points yesterday and i had already eaten that by lunch! now what? Today, I have done much better along with some planning ahead. I can have my Rolos this afternoon if I am conservative with my points! WAHOO! that is what I am liking most about this program right now. I can eat what I want but I need to monitor and count. I certainly can count (thanks Mom!).
Right now, I am just hungry. I have been very conservative of my points because i don't want to go over but I am thinking I can have a peach about now and some more water. that should hold me til dinner.
Meanwhile, we have a new little one, Abigail June (soon to be called). She just turned 4 on August 1. She has been here since our return from Michigan July 7. be watching for an upcoming temple date :) 5 months from now!
So, I am still going to school and john is still working for the Utah Foster Care Foundation! and absolutely LOVING it! Our life is a bunch of therapy appointments, schoolwork, housekeeping, movies (thanks to streaming Netflix), and now some fun with seven peaks pass of all passes! Trafalga, Seven Peaks, Unlimited basketball, Orem owlz games AND most important....Unlimited Laser TAG!!! SWEEET!!!!
Can't wait for the whole family to be laser tagging together...That sounds amazingly fun!!
Also, just rented a house in Anaheim for our every other year pilgrimage to Disney Land! I am so excited and it is months away still!
Well....That is enough info for now and guess what? I am not so hungry now so, maybe blogging is the key :)

The fun stops here...

So, we had a great weekend here. The weather was gorgeous and we got a lot done. we went to Bronco Days(school carnival) on Friday, the kids each got a dollar to spend at the book machine (they were thrilled), then we bought everyone the scooter they have "dying"for and we went to a yard sale were we gave each of the kids another dollar to spend. One of my kids (who shall remain nameless said,"hey mom? how come you are being so nice to us?" I mean, i thought I was always nice to them....

Our greenhouse! John put it together, and built the tiered shelving and then planted all of the wonderful vegetables and strawberries. Now, we just have to keep them alive.

Bees galore and More

So, bring on the bees. This has become a fun past time at our house, watching the flight of the bees. What a sense of satisfaction to see them all humming around the hive. John will watch them often and report,"I saw a bee that was carrying a ton of pollen on it."
It truly is the simple things in life that amuse the Thill family

a reality series?

So, the weirdest thing happened. We have talked to someone a few times who thinks we would be a good family for a reality TV show. we thought that was so funny. i am not sure what would go on but the producer called last night and talked to John for about an hour. They are talking it over and trying to come up with a premise for the show. Isn't that hilarious? Can you even imagine? This process has raised a few questions for our family.
*sounds exciting...but is it worth it?
*would it benefit or be harmful?
*do we want everyone to know what goes on in our life?
*seriously, who would be interested in watching our family?
*how much of an embarrassment would I become?
*what would the limitations be?
any way, it probably won't go beyond a few phone calls. We are just not that exciting. We don't have any cool talents or anything. We just are what we are!
Beyond that excitement, I am on my way to Michigan for a few days to visit my family and because a friend of mine passed away this week. At only 46 yrs.old it seems a little unreal that she could be gone so young.
I am still plugging away at school. UGH! sometimes, it gets intense and I feel like I am never going to be done. I know I will be someday and I am grateful to be finishing. I am looking forward to working. Crazy, i know. After 19 years at home I am excited to do something a little bit different. Although, teaching school isn't exactly out of my comfort zone :)
I still have some time though. Katie should at least be in 1 st grade before I start anything like that. then, I might decide, I want to stay at home by myself for a little while. Who knows? I will just be excited to finally have my degree. It will certainly be a relief and an accomplishment. i have been going to college on and off for 19 years and I will be thrilled to finish this.
Well, I have been subbing for 2 days in Zach's 3rd grade class and I have been having a ball! What a fun class. I love it! Thankfully though the subbing is winding down a little and I look forward to the summer off.
Well....that is pretty much all for now. Kodey is going to graduate next month and another chapter of her life will begin. I will let you know if they call back. they said they would, hmm, I won't loose any sleep over that. Still makes me chuckle though. A TV show? who does that happen to? HAHAHAHA

Running around in circles...

I have been so busy and bad about posting and taking pictures. i keep promising myself I will get caught up but then something else comes up. i admire all of you that can keep your blogs so nice all the time.
Since the last time I posted..Zach had a birthday, Lydia had a birthday and was baptized, Katie had a birthday, John had a birthday (40 yrs).
Wrestling season ended for everyone. I am almost done with 4 more classes. Jonathan broke his brand new glasses, Aleceeya and Gallie joined the glasses crew, I got TRIFOCALS!
I have been subbing like crazy! The van had to get new tires, and a new air conditioner and windshield.
The trailer needed a new refrigerator. John's car needed new tires.
I have been elected for PTA vice president and accepted a spot in the Utah Foster and adoptive families association for their 2nd VP and am now trying to create a statewide mentoring program.
We had a beautiful Patriotic program at my kids school that I ran the lights for and twisted my knee at (it was swollen for about 1 1/2 weeks)
Josh earned his varsity letter in wrestling and now has a beautiful coat to wear it on, they get more and more expensive!!
My three teens each got a cell phone with unlimited texting and lets just say, in one month their combined texts were over 6000!!!
they have also each lost their phone privileges over the last month for breaking some rules.
Kodey passed her math class with a C and now only needs a 1/4 credit in US History to pass so that she can graduate in May. the final is next week!!
Spring Break is upon us and it has hailed, snowed and the wind has blown so hard...but today it is beautiful weather and should be for the rest of the week.
Easter came and went quickly with a beautiful General Conference session.
i decided to write a book about my grandparents and family history and have been working on it.
katie has to have surgery tomorrow.
I earned my On My Honor award from the scouting program
Sheesh...I think that is about all. i am sure there is more but that is just a few highlights of our last few weeks.

My kids saying the funniest things....

We have been having lots of "big" talking in our family. I know, I know, hard to believe right? Well John thought he would "trick" the kids who were talking about how smart they are... here is the result


John said,
"How many animals did Moses put on the Ark?" Nathan said, "i know this I just learned it in primary. There were 2 animals and if they were real good there were 7 on there." Andrew said, "How did he get the whales on the ark?" Nathan and Zach, "Duh, they live in water they were probably having all kinds of fun because all they got to do was play wherever they wanted." By the way folks...it was Noah who built the ark not Moses! But, that seemed to be irrelevant.

Next, Jacob and I were driving home from vision therapy and Jacob was looking at my new cell phone. then he asked this gem, "mom, how do you know if someone is on the phone waiting to talk to you?" I couldn't help but smile and try not to hurt his feelings by laughing.

Today another funny one...
Katie, who is 4,"Mom, Dad is going to make a cd for me?" Mom,"Really? of what?" Katie,"probably out of plastic stuff like this one is (pointing to a cd)."

I mean really! kids are so darn funny. John thought it was important to write these and post them before we forgot. John and I have been working very hard but, these sure still seem funny to us.

This is what we have been up to...

Well, it has been so busy here that I just realized I haven't blogged in forever. Josh became an Eagle Scout yesterday.

Josh giving Adam Whitaker the Eagle Mentor pin
standing with a proud Mom and dad
and hugging a very happy dad and son.

Josh getting his Eagle Scout Award and hugging a delighted Mom

Josh baptizing Kloey in January

The Eagle charge

Twas the night before Christmas...

The most comfortable spot on the house for Ben

playing in the snow and getting "snow-blowed"by the snowblower

trying to get that darn snow to pack.

New pajama bottoms that I sewed for everyone

Lightsaber duals

It starts...

A tired mom and her baby