Good news, and bad news

So, which do you want first, the good news or the bad news? I guess we'll start with the good news. We moved last week! Yay!! Its so nice to be in a bigger place, and to have a yard for the kids to play in. They're already having so much fun being here. It was hard for Tyse the first few days we were here. He wasn't used to anything, and he had a really hard time sleeping and taking naps. It was a rough few days for him, but he is adjusting really well now. I will post some pictures when I find my computer cable thing for the camera. We are starting to get settled, and get everything unpacked. I hate it. I hate moving. It seems like you can never find anything, and by the time you do find it, you don't need it anymore. But, we're happy to be here, and be a little closer to family. Well, now for the bad news...................Tom got let go at his job. The past 2 weeks have been really rough. Luckily, we have a little bit of money in savings to get us through a few months. That has really been a blessing in all of this. Tom had a really awesome job, and he was the top salesman for the past 6 months, but his job let all of their top performers go because they were making too much money. It has been really hard on us, and we are left wondering what is going to happen. Tom is an awesome salesman, we are just hoping he can get another good job quickly, so , if anyone knows someone that is hiring, let us know! Tom started a new job today selling pest control door to door in the meantime. That's what I love about him. He is not the type of person who gets easily discouraged, and he always does what needs to be done. He is a great person, and I love him so much. So, everyone keep your ears open for us!

Taylor Swift tickets!

So, I am totally excited!!! We got our tickets to Taylor Swift, and now we can't wait until May 26th. My aunt Kathie called my mom and told her the tickets were going on a pre-sale through one of the radio stations. If it hadn't been for her, I don't think we would have gotten tickets because the concert sold out in 5 minutes! Carleigh has been asking me every day how long until it is the concert! Other than that, nothing much is going on with us, other than packing up to move. We are moving to Bountiful on April 18th, and that has kept us pretty busy! So, if you'd like to help, just let us know!

A movie, a new bike, and a trip to the aquarium

Well, we sure had a fun weekend! Last Friday, Tom and I decided to be adventurous and take the kids to the movies, well, the dollar movies that is! But, to my surprise, they were SOOOO good! We saw Bedtime Stories, and they just sat there, and ate their popcorn, and watched the movie. They both got a little tired towards the end, but overall, they did good. I am excited that we can all go to movies together. The next day, Saturday, Tom had to go in to work for a couple of hours, and when he came home, he surprised Carleigh with .......

a big girl bike!! She was so excited when she came down the stairs and saw this waiting for her! She has been wanting this for a long time, but its been to cold to ride it, so we waited. She absolutely loves it! After Tom got home, we went to the living aquarium in Sandy. The kids had so much fun! Tyse was glued to the fish tanks, and he would squeal everytime a fish would swim by him. I would highly recommend it. They have a tank with stingrays in it that you can touch, but Tom was the only one who did. I wanted to but the water was too deep. Sometimes it stinks to be so short!

This is a picture of the jellyfish, with Carleigh's reflection. She said that these were her favorite!

The kids checking out the fish!

Tyse was so cute looking at the turtles and the fish. I just love his cute little smile!

This is one of my favorite pictures! The kids were so excited to sit and watch the little "Nemo" fish swim around! Tyse stayed just like that for literally 20 minutes! I love my kids! SHARK!!!!! Thanks Tom for the fun weekend!!

Sick kids and Springtime

Well, what a lousy couple of days we've had!! I am so tired, and I am ready for my kids to get better! Friday night, Carleigh spiked a fever that was 104.3. It was so scary, she's never had one that high before! We called the hospital, and Tom's dad, and they said to cool her off ASAP. Luckily, the medicine kicked in, and she cooled down, but she was up half the night wanting to be held, and needing water. Saturday, it was Tyse's turn. They both had fevers and terrible coughs, and were miserable. Then, on Sunday, Carleigh started complaining that her ear hurt, and Tyse was pulling at his ears too, so I knew that most likely they had ear infections. They both had runny noses and were coughing, and were whiny all day. Tyse was up on and off on Sunday night, and in pain, so I took them to the doctor today. Poor little Tyse has a double ear infection, and a form of the flu. He had a temperature of 103 at the dr.'s office. Carleigh has a ear infection in her right ear, and a form of the flu also. They were a little happier today, and I am so grateful for medicine to help them get feeling better.
On a happier note, its FINALLY getting a little warmer, and its almost spring! Thats good news for anyone! I am so glad its warming up, and that we're moving to a bigger house with a yard. My kids are so excited to have grass to play on instead of dirt and weeds. I am ready to break out the shorts and sandals, but I have lived in Utah long enough to know that it will probably snow AT LEAST one more time!

I Love To See The Temple

On Saturday, my entire family went to the Draper Temple Open House. I will post pictures later, my batteries in my camera died. Carleigh was so excited to be able to actually go inside the temple, and see all of the beautiful rooms. She loved seeing the bridal room, and she told me she's excited to get married in the temple so she can sit down on the stool and do her makeup! She loved the entire experience. Tyse really made us laugh, and the people around us. We walked right by the baptismal font which was full of water, and he pointed to it, and got really excited, and wanted to go swimming! He screamed when we wouldn't let him get down and get in the water, and everyone around us was laughing. It was hilarious! What I will always remember, is being in the sealing room with my entire family. Seeing my kids and my husband, and my parents and brothers and sister all together, and being able to look in the mirrors, and seeing our image go on forever, it was one of the greatest feelings in my life. I am so grateful that I married a wonderful man in the temple, and that I have a great family to spend eternity with.

I love to see the temple,
I'll go inside someday
I'll covenant with my Father,
I'll promise to obey

For the temple is a holy place
where we are sealed together
as a child of God I've learned these truths;
a family is forever!

Goodbye Gracie

So, in my last post, I mentioned a little girl named Gracie who just received a heart transplant that was not working. Tonight, her parents made the agonizing decision to turn off her life support. They donated her organs, and by doing so, were not able to spend the last moments of her life holding her, as she had to be rushed off to the operating room. I cannot imagine the grief these parents are experiencing tonight, and I pray for them that they will find peace and happiness. I can't believe that a tiny baby that I don't even know has affected my life so deeply. What I do know is that families can be together forever, and how grateful I am to have that knowledge. I love my family, and tonight I am grateful that I have two healthy kids that I got to tuck in bed. Tonight heaven has a new angel. Goodbye Gracie, and thank you for letting me be a part of your life, and for reminding me what is most important.

Just random

So, not a whole lot going on right now at the Perkins residence. Just hanging out, livin life. One big thing is that we are FINALLY going to be moving in the middle of April to Bountiful, and we are sooo excited to be a little closer to everyone, and closer to Tom's work! We are going to rent Roger's house (with a swimming pool!!) and I'm sure we'll be hosting some totally awesome pool parties! Tomorrow, we are meeting with a potential preschool for Carleigh to go to in the fall. I've been looking around, and I can't believe the prices of preschools, and the waiting lists - its insane! I think its harder to get into some preschools than college! Seriously! But, this one we're going to see is a lady who does it out of her home, and she's a licensed teacher, so it should work out well. It sound like people have given her good reviews, and its not just glorified daycare! Carleigh is so excited to be able to go to preschool, and I'm already wondering what it will be like to just hang out with Tyse alone for a few hours! Maybe I'll actually get some stuff done! Or, maybe not! Nothing really new with us, Tom's brother Jeff has been living with us for the past 2 weeks, Tom got him a job at his company. We don't see him a whole lot, he just comes home from work, and eats, and then goes out with his girlfriend all night. He is going to be moving in with Braden next week, and then we won't have to be his parents anymore, and give him a curfew! Like he comes home on time anyway! Anyway, hope all is well with each of you. Also, as a final note, I came across a blog about a little girl named Gracie, who is 11 months old, and she just received a heart transplant, and its not working, so she needs a new one. I'm asking each of you to pray for this sweet little girl, and count your blessings for your health, and the health of your kids, and families. Their blog is thegledhillfamily.blogspot.com

Everyday Life

Well, there's really nothing going on, so I'm sure this will be a very boring post. Life just continues to go on day after day, same old story. Lately, I've just realized how fast my kids are growing up, and it kind of makes me sad in a way. Sometimes I miss the little newborn stage, where every day is different, and I loved just being able to snuggle with them. But I do love this age my kids are at now. Carleigh loves to learn, and every day we are working on writing her name, and new little art projects like coloring, or making something out of construction paper. She loves to read,and she is learning what sounds the letters make. She also takes a dance class once a week, and looks forward to it all week long. She is excited to start preschool in the fall. Tyse is at a cute age too. He is learning to talk, and loves animals,especially cats and dogs. He is in to absolutely everything! He loves to empty out drawers, and play with my measuring cups and pots and pans, but its too hard to get mad at his sweet little face! He is almost as big as his sister, there's only a few pounds between the two of them, and he already tackles her,and beats her up. Its really cute to see them being able to play with each other, and to realize how much they love and care about each other. If I send one of them to time out, the other one usually ends up there too, comforting the other one! They keep me busy, and I am grateful that I can stay home with them. Me and Tom are just living life, and trying to make the most out of each day. I am grateful for my life and my family, and in this crazy world, thats nothing to be ashamed of.

TAYLOR SWIFT!!!

Wow! I am so excited! Taylor Swift is coming to Salt Lake on May 26th!! For those of you who don't know, Carleigh is obsessed with anything and everythng to do with Taylor Swift. She knows the words to every song, and every time we get in the truck, the first thing she says is can I listen to Taylor Swift. I am so excited to take her to this concert, and I'm hoping it won't to too expensive to get backstage passes to meet her. Anyways, I am excited, and Carleigh is too!!

Will I ever accept my trials?

So, I have been thinking alot about my life lately, and about certain situations that I am faced with. I have some major blessings in my life, but at times I tend to get depressed about the situations that I cannot control. We have been looking for a home to move into, and it seems like there is nothing that is working out, and it is so frustrating. When we moved here, we were excited, and then there were so many problems with the neighborhood, and our house, that we are going to be moving, and it is so hard to find a good rental. We can't buy for another year because Tom needs a two year average to get a loan because his job is paid on commission only. Also, we would really like to have another baby, but with all of my fertility problems, its probably not going to happen. Sometimes I feel like Heavenly Father doesn't hear me, that he doesn't care about how I feel. I love my two kids, and my husband, but I want what I want when I want it. I am not a patient person. Anyways, sorry for the depressing post, but I just needed to vent!

A new little baby!

I just had to write about the new little baby girl who was born just a few short hours ago. My little sister just gave birth to Payten Deann Parker, a beautiful little 6 lb. 12 oz. 20 inch little girl. I am a proud new aunt! It seems like it was just me and Tom sitting there in Jef and Jamie's shoes. How can time pass so quickly? My baby will turn 2 in May! Where does the time go? It was so weird to see my baby sister as a new mommy tonight! I still think of her as being 12 years old, her hair in a pony tail, tagging along with me and my friends, and me telling her to get lost. I never would have guessed that we would become close friends, and spend hours talking, and hanging out. She is my only sister in a house full of boys, and I love her so much! I hope she and Jef will have many happy moments, and enjoy their new little bundle of joy! And, I already know that I am the favorite aunt!

Happy 32nd birthday Tom!

So, I just wanted to wish Tom a Happy Birthday. I can't believe I've known him for over 10 years. He was fresh off his mission when we met. For those of you who don't know, he was my home teacher in college! Who would have ever thought we would get married, and have kids? I just want Thomas to know what he means to me. He is the most wonderful husband and father in the world. He is the one person I know that understands me, and loves me for who I am , and doesn't expect me to change. He has stood beside me through all of lifes challanges, and always gave me encouragement when I needed it the most. He even gave me shots through both rounds of in vitro without complaining. He is respectful, and kind, and loving, and unselfish. I am so grateful to have such a great husband. He always helps me around the house, and with the kids, and is always trying ways to improve our lives. I love him so much, and I hope he has a great birthday!

Yay!! Pictures

Well, I finally figured out how to hook up my camera to my computer, technology is amazing! So, now I have pictures of last month. We had an amazing time on our cruise. I'm so glad we were able to hang out together as a family. The kids had so much fun. They both loved the beach, and getting their feet wet. I promised them we would go in the summer so they can actually swim in the ocean. It was really warm in California, about 65 -70 the whole time we were there, and we were sad to come home to the freezing cold weather and snow. We got home on the 21st of December, and then it was Christmas! Our christmas was so much fun this year. Kids make it so fun. Everything is exciting and fun. I promised Carleigh we would make sugar cookies for santa, and even though I had the flu, and a fever, I kept my promise! Christmas morning was really cute, Carleigh came down the stairs, and just looked and looked, and didn't even touch her presents. I finally told her to pick one out, and she was so excited about every present she opened. She helped Tyse open all of his presents too. They were both spoiled, and they both got everything on their list. Carleigh's favorite presents were her jewelry and her vacuum. She loves her new dolls too. Tyse loves his new fire truck, and all of his balls. He is such a boy! Well, thats enough rambling for now, hope you all had a great holiday season also!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe another year has come and gone. I am excited for whatever 2009 has to bring. Sorry I don't have any pictures yet- they will be coming. We had an awesome time on our cruise! The kids had so much fun. We were able to go to the beach, and the kids loved getting their feet wet. We also had a wonderful Christmas, we were all spoiled, and we all had a great time with family. I will post more about last month when I get my pictures on here. But, for now, I hope everyone has a great 2009!

December fun

What a fun month its going to be! Last Wednesday, Carleigh got to dance at the Festial of Trees. She loved it! I think it went to her head a little bit. She keeps saying Hey mom, I danced and then all the people clapped and clapped for me! She did a really good job, and it was so much fun to see her up there. Then, next week we are going on a cruise with the whole Perkins clan for Christmas! We are all so excited, especially the kids, I cant wait! The, we will be back right in time for Christmas. I love this time of year, and all the time I get to spend with my family. This year, me and Tom have experienced some really challenging trials, but we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am grateful for the lessons I've learned. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Such a wonderful time of year!

So, it is always a pleasant thing to wake up at 2:30 in the morning to the sound of one of your kids throwing up. And its even more pleasant when that child is sleeping in your bed. Yeah, pretty fun stuff going on at our house the past few days. Poor Carleigh! I feel so bad for her. But its the strangest thing - she throws up at night, and then during the day she is completely fine.I just hope she doesn't get the rest of us sick, but that almost never works out that way. I have to say though, I am so grateful for my new washer and dryer that hold huge loads so I can wash my comforter (especially since I had to wash it 2 days in a row). Oh, the joys of having kids! Happy Thanksgiving !!

Happy Birthday Carleigh!!

Wow! I can't believe my baby girl is 4! Where does the time go? She is such a sweet little girl. We had a party for her Monday at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They gave her the new Taylor Swift CD. She was very excited! She had a chocolate princess cake, and had a good time playing with cousins and aunts and uncles. Carleigh is such a blessing in my life, and such a miracle. I was told that I would never be able to have kids, and yet, here she is, happy and healthy and an amazingly beautiful little girl. Happy birthday sweetie! I love you !!

Sweet little birthday girl!

How can Carleigh possibly be turning 4 next week?! I can't believe its been so long. How fast those 4 years have gone. She is so smart and so talented. I am so thankful that she was sent to our family. Many of you know what trials we endured trying to get pregnant, and I truly believe that Carleigh (and Tyse) are miracle babies. I am so grateful for these two precious kids, and that I get to be their mom. I hope that I will not let them down, because they both deserve so much!

Our life

I finally posted some pictures! Life can get so hectic sometimes! We have so many things happening this month. I am excited for next Friday and Saturday for Jamie and Jef to go to the temple and get sealed. Then, the next week on the 18th is Carleighs birthday. I can't believe my baby will be 4! Then, we are having Jamie's baby shower a few days later. Then. of course, is Thanksgiving! We are super excited to go on our cruise in December with Toms family. Life never slows down, but I am learning to enjoy the journey!

November Already?!

I really can't believe its November already. Carleigh is getting excited for her birthday on the 18th. Its crazy to think that she's going to be 4! It seems like just yesterday that she was born. I can't imagine life without her. I love when this time of year rolls around and we celebrate Thanksgiving. My dad always makes us go around the table and tell what we are thankful for before we can eat, and we can't use the same answer twice. This year, I decided to think ahead, and let everyone know what I am thankful for. I am thankful for the gospel in my life, and for the peace it brings to me. I am thankful for my wonderful, kind, loving husband. I am thankful for my two truly amazing children. I am thankful for the power of the priesthood and the miracles I have been blessed with. I am thankful that I live in a nice warm home, even though I complain that its too small. I am thankful for the food I am able to eat. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my life, and my health, and my body. And, most importantly, I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves me no matter what.