Let's Celebrate the Cute Guy

The Cute Guy had a birthday this week and the kids went all out to celebrate his special day. Madison pulled out her Lettering Book and discovered that there was a style of lettering perfect for her father who loves Dum Dum suckers (ignore the fact that he is a dentist with wonderful teeth - Steve adores these and has a huge bowl of them for whenever the fancy takes him). So they made a birthday banner with lollipop lettering and added some Dum Dum's for decoration.

Caleb and Ethan who was still a little silly with all the Vicodin in his system baked a Yellow Cake and frosted it with whipped chocolate frosting. We added Dum Dum's (when you have a theme you want to follow it through) and colored candles with colored flames.

This picture doesn't show it very well but each of the candles flames match the color of the candle. Cool, huh?!

The kids made cards either by hand or on the computer.And the Cute Guy managed to look appropriately excited by all the attention, cards, and gifts.

He loved his new movies, GPS, and Stephen Colbert Calendar (he is a huge fan of the Colbert Report and watches it most nights - laughing himself to sleep). He then enjoyed a English Roast Dinner with Yorkshire Puddings and lots of other goodies. He contentedly played with his GPS for the rest of the night and set it up online.

By the end of the evening, I think he felt very special and loved.

There are many things we love about the Cute Guy, here are just a few: (feel free to add more in the comments that you feel are missed)

He is a wonderful daddy and loves to make the kids laugh.

He takes great care of his family and always puts us before himself.

Steve is incredibly cute and has the most wonderful smile (one of the first things I feel for). I look forward eagerly to his coming home every day and flashing the dazzling whites at me and my heart melts all over again.

He is able to dissolve our frowns in seconds.

He doesn't say more than he has to, but says enough that you want to listen closely. Although this may have something to do with the fact that he talks VERY quietly.

He hums. All the time. When he's working. When he's walking down the street. Not humming a tune humming, just a little hum-hum every now and then.

He has the most brilliantly blue eyes. I remember buying contacts to make my eyes look that blue. He uses them, it seems, to see directly into the heart of a person and has an uncanny ability of seeing the deeper problem.

The Cute Guy loves his H2. He loves to drive it all over the country, in lots of mud, rocks, puddles, ponds, and beat the snot out of it. He's a bit of a tough love guy when it comes to his car.

We are all completely enchanted by him. The kids can never get enough of him. They always want to be by him, talk to him, drive with him, show him what they're working on, tell him about their day, read to him; I'd feel left out, but I feel equally drawn to wanting to spend all my time with him.

He is very generous and worries about others and their needs. He is genuine. What you see is what you get. Although he doesn't show his wicked sense of humor to all at first.

He is a great example to all of us of how to live our lives with integrity and following God's plan.

We could go on forever, and although this list is long, it is by no means all.

Bottom Line: We Celebrate the Day this Wonderful Man was Born. We love the Cute Guy.

EBs Big Days - Part Two

Somewhere in there, are enormous tonsils that we couldn't manage to get a picture of (believe me, we have a lot of failed attempts on the camera). Well, the point is, those huge tonsils are now no more.Here's EB bright and early sat in the waiting area at the hospital, happy as a clam.

Here he is in his hospital room, which he thought was incredibly cool because he could move his TV all around while laid in bed. The Doctor came in and asked if we thought he needed any Vercet to calm him down prior to surgery, he took one look at Ethan who high fived him, and said "Maybe not then!"

He was remarkably relaxed, but did get a little bored when the wait got too long before surgery, so he took a couple of pictures of Steve and I too keep relaxed.

Oooh yeah! She's one hot mama!

Here's Mobey, the hospital dog coming to visit. EB took this picture too. He's pretty good, isn't he?! Ethan wasn't quite sure what to make of the dog. He thought the dog was trying to get his kitty, which EB was nice enough to wave tauntingly in front of the trainee dog's nose, so he was right - the dog did want the kitty.

Here is our little model patient just before they carried him off for surgery. I say carried, because he sweetened up one of the nurses by asking if she'd carry him into the operating room, then waved by to Steve and I announcing that he was off to have his tonsils "cut out" without even the slightest waver to his voice. What a brave boy! The entire hospital staff fell in love with him.

After surgery, he did the usual whimpering that is expected when kids wake up "ticked off" from surgery. He was not very impressed with his IV and wanted it out. We told him that as soon as he was drinking and doing well they'd take it out. He immediately asked for a glass of juice and downed it in one go and asked if it could get out now. They made him wait a while longer, but he was very patient and laid back and watched TV, very unlike how his big sis acted when she had her tonsils out. The doctor informed us that EB's tonsils were huge and what he would have expected to see in an adult who had suffered with chronic tonsillitis and infections. He had lots of tonsilits (white platelets) that had to be removed - just thought I'd gross you all out a little bit.

He was the model patient right from the start and continued through to the end. He suffered with some fevers, perfectly normal, and some other little bits and pieces, but always took his medicine and was a delight to be around. Mummy had so much fun just hanging out with him. He had wonderful friends who stopped by with goodies for him. Sue and Allie dropped by with a Dinosaur WebKinz and book; Debbie and Alan (Ryan had a cold so was kind enough to stay home) dropped off a lapboard for coloring on, a stained glass coloring book, and book; Ali and Amy dropped off a gorilla WebKinz, coloring book, cars and crayons; Stacey and Jackson bought by a Thomas the Tank Engine Bingo DVD. Seriously, they were all so sweet. He felt really loved.

Ethan and I then spent the week watching movies together, coloring, playing Thomas DVD Bingo, playing Sticker Books and trying to find anything soft that he could eat.

Now, he's feeling almost all better. This picture was taken yesterday as we worked on one of his sticker books. He's off the Vicodin and any other pain medication (fingers crossed he sleeps through the night) and as always we're bestest friends.

One funny EB story just to prove that he hasn't lost his wonderful sense of humor. Earlier this evening Caleb had gone online without my permission. I informed him that that was out of line. Ethan then, who is always his mummy's defender, informed Caleb - "Hubbub, you're fired! Isn't that right Mom, he's fired! He's a bad boy!" Love that kid.

EB's Big Days

A couple of Saturdays ago, it was Ethan's fourth birthday. He has been counting down for this birthday for months. He would say he was 3 and a half, then 3 and 3/4, then 3 and 5/6, finally 3 11/12. I guess it at least taught him fractions at a early age.

Well, he finally did it, he finally turned FOUR!!!!

Seeing as he was going to be a big four year old, we thought he needed a big 4x4 truck to drive around.

So, meet EB's new Ford F150 truck (yes, I know it's not a Hummer, but we couldn't find any so this will do.)

It drives up to 5mph (although mum can control the maximum speed limits), reverses to 2.5mph. Has a tailgate. Has a real working FM radio, which he loves to crank as he drives around the basement (unfortunately a foot and a half minimum of snow makes it a little hard to get around outside) but as soon as the snow thaws this truck is actually made for off-roading (toys are so cool these days). It has seatbelts and can ride up to 130lbs (yeah, mum could even drive it - but dont' worry she doesn't).

He loves it and is an amazing driver. He can parallel park like a true brit. He does his mum and dad proud. He likes to throw pillows on the floor and drive over them announcing that he is off-roading. He's just like his daddy.

We're just about to take EB in to the hospital for surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids, so today's another big day for him. Fingers crossed all goes well.

We love our Ebster.

Walking in Papa's Footsteps

One of my favorite places to explore as a kid, was Haytor Rock on Dartmoor. The kids had heard about Dartmoor and were interested to explore it, so on New Years Day, despite the chilly weather, we headed to the moors.

It was a typical winters day on the moors with dense fog. That isn't snow on the ground, but ice.

Here's a close up of how the moisture in the air had frozen on the grass. It was beautiful to look at, and I wasn't alone in taking pictures of the grass and plants and the beautiful ice sculptures that had formed.

This is what Haytor looks like when the fog clears. Yes, those of people on top, so you can get a good idea of the size of this rock. Steve, Caleb and Declan decided to head off and climb to the top, despite the ice all over the granite. Mum didn't feel like she could watch, and took Madison and EB to explore on some of the lower levels.

I've taught Rock Climbing at our after-school programs for a few years on the Rock Walls the PTO purchased for the school, so Madison felt she was a 'pro' rock climber and more than once I had to harshly call her back because she was climbing too high in not so great conditions.

Not to be outdone, and quite frankly his being all boy, Ethan decided to follow right after her.

We were gone for quite some time. Nana and Papa had waited in the car as the steep terrain and slippery conditions were not good for Dad's leg, but just as Mads, EBster and I were about to head down, we could see a shadow of a man stumbling up the hill with a cane through the fog. We quickly ran over and helped stubborn Papa get back down of the Tor.

Papa always loved the moors and exploring it with us kids. We used to walk for hours out there. We'd reach one tor and then he'd say "let's just head over there to that tor", so off we'd trudge, then when we finally reached there, he'd say "okay, now let's just go and see that tor over there". Hours later we'd be exhausted and need to sit by the road, while he went and got the car and came to pick us up. It was hard for Papa to see his grandkids exploring the moors without him, but it was wonderful to see their love and enthusiasm for them too. They followed right in Papa's footsteps.

Afterwards we drove to Widecombe-in-the-Moor to stop at a cafe and have a Devon Tea (clotted cream, strawberry jam and scone) and fish and chips for the boys (who were addicted to them) and some nice hot chocolate to warm ourselves up.

Uncle Jimmy!!!!!

One of the few memories that Caleb and Declan have of their first visit to England was that of meeting their Uncle Jimmy (he always leaves a memorable impression). He is a fun guy to have around, although sometimes we wished that he would PG rate his jokes and comments.

The kids loved spending some time with him on this visit and were excited to hear what funny things he would have to say. Madison had him wrapped around her finger in no time.

Unfortunately I can not tell you what naughty thing he told me before this picture was took. Uncle Jimmy is real and is what he is. A well loved uncle with a heart of gold, no matter what he might like you think, and a very funny man.

Alert! Alert! We have a teenager in the house!

We arrived in England on Boxing Day. The day after was Caleb's 13th Birthday!!!!! We celebrated with Nana and Papa on Saturday evening with a yummy Cadbury's Chocolate Birthday Cake with chocolate buttons.

Caleb has been such a good kid and has been so easy to raise. I hope that he wasn't saving up all his naughtiness for his teenage years. I was told a story the other day about how Caleb was in a Boy Scout merit badge class on Family Life and the class was asked how they know that they were important to their family and loved. Caleb held up his hand and said "I know I'm loved, because I'm the easy one!" Well, we love him for so much more than that. Here's some of the things that we love about Caleb:

• Caleb loves to help others and is always the first to step up and help out.
• Caleb is very responsible and can be relied upon to complete a task.
• Caleb is a wonderful big brother and watches out for his brothers and sister.
• Caleb as an avid love of history and always has something very interesting to talk about.
• Caleb has a great sense of humor. He has a sharp wit and easily laughs at himself, as well as kindly teasing others.
• Caleb is mellow, and not easily riled up.
• Caleb has a very funny high pitched laugh.
• Caleb is very focused with what he wants to do in life. He loves airplanes and anything to do with flying.
• On a regular basis we have people telling us how wonderful Caleb is and how they enjoy him so much.
• Caleb loves to spend time with adults and enjoys adult company. He is very intelligent and always has something to add to a conversation.
• Caleb always gets up on time and makes sure he's not late for school (a very unlike DeMille characteristic).
• Caleb likes to dress nice and takes care of his possessions and clothes.
• Caleb doesn't get upset with his Dad and I constantly teasing him.
• Caleb is everybody's friend.
• Caleb has a strong testimony and honors the Priesthood he holds.

We love you Caleb!!!

The Effects of Flying

We were so pleased at how well the kids handled the trans-atlantic flight. They enjoyed watching movies, playing Nintendo games on their personal screens, and eating Christmas Dinner on the plane. (Caleb liked the brussel sprouts - my favorite green, and Steve's nightmare veg)

This is how Madison handled most of the night flight - asleep. She was sat next to her Daddy and behaved wonderfully. She pulled a typical DeMille moment and was woken from her sleep just before we reached London, and promptly had to go to the bathroom and puke, then was fine. Mum loved the fact that Daddy had to handle this event as she has an enormous fear of public restrooms, particularly any public restroom in the UK or on airplanes.


Ethan was our biggest concern for how he would handle the flight. He quite happily watched a movie and then laid down to sleep for most of the flight. Woke up for breakfast and was all set to land. He had all the passengers laughing when it finally clicked that England was where Nana and Papa lived, and at the top of his lungs excitedly told everybody on the plane that he was going to England to see his Nana and Papa.

He handled the travel from London to Torquay wonderfully too, and then quite happily explored Torquay. We decided to go to Inn on the Quay for dinner, where he promptly passed out before his food could arrive. We thought it appropriate that he was passed out in a British pub with a empty glass on his lap. He reminds me of some of my other British family members and how they handle their drink.

Christmas Update

We arranged with Santa for him to send presents early this year as we were leaving for England on Christmas Day. Santa was nice to respond with an email to Mum and an actual phone call to Dad. Madison informed us that Dad was special because he was a doctor.

Christmas presents under the tree before wrapping starts flying.

Kids waiting to come down the stairs and tear open the presents.
Caleb hugging his new laptop. He's been waiting for two years for this. He was so surprised.

Madison got a new DS that she played non-stop on the plane.
EB had been begging for this toy so Santa made sure the good boy got what was on his list.





Declan was thrilled to get his new nerf gun that fires darts at 3 per second.

The kids received quite a few other gifts including (but certainly not a list of everything):
Caleb: Laptop, Laptop Case, Spyware for computer, Computer games, necklace (for a man - although his dad did enjoy teasing him that Caleb had got a purse and a necklace for Christmas)
Declan: a Wii Fit, Raving Rabbits game for Wii, Nerf gun, digital camera
Madison: Nintendo DS, games for the DS including High School Musical 3 and Nintendo Dogs (which she loves), a ton of art supplies, Pixo's
Ethan: Cars toys, couple new hummers, GeoTrax Airport and GeoTrax Bridge and other plans.
Steve: new iPod with music downloaded for him, clothes (lots of clothes), shoes
Kim: new bracelet, lots of perfume, her favorite annual pj's, boots, and many other items can't remember.

It was a wonderful day. We then went to our friends the Scoresby's for Christmas Eve dinner, which was lovely. They knew that we were leaving te next day and would have lots to do and not needing to fuss with cooking. We are grateful for friends who are so kind to us.

Our New Family Picture

Too tired to post today. Will try to get posting updates tomorrow of our holiday in England.

Here's our new family picture to tide you over...

Utes Win!!!!

Utes win in Sugar Bowl against Alabama. All is right in the world!

Heading from Torquay to London for the last few days of our vacation. Yesterday we went down to Penzance and Lands End, which was a grey and cold, but fun day. Will post lots more once we return home.

One funny EB story first..

Yesterday at Lands End, Ethan, Madison and I had wandered away from the windy cliffs to have a walk around and had lost Steve, the boys and Papa. The day before when we had been on Dartmoor, Papa had given Ethan a whistle to blow in case he got lost. As he were trying to find the boys at Lands End, Ethan suggested that we use his whistle and "whistle them to us". He quickly pulled out his whistle from his pocket and started whistling away. Within the minute they had found us. That kids is too cute!