Sunday, November 30, 2008

Jesus and Santa

So this was too funny to pass up writing about. So, we set up our Christmas stuff this weekend including our Fisher Price Nativity set. It's great because it is a nativity set that the kids can fully play with. So I happened to overhear McKell and Ashlee playing with it and here is how it went...
McKell (holding a random Santa figure): Hi baby Jesus, it's me, Santa.
Ashlee (holding baby Jesus): Hello
McKell: Baby Jesus, what do you want for Christmas this year?
Ashlee: I dont' know
McKell (now being herself and VERY exasperated): (sigh) Ashlee, long ago when Jesus was a baby, Santa asked him what he wanted for his Christmas present and of course he told Santa that he wanted scriptures. So on Christmas night, after Jesus went to sleep, Santa brought baby Jesus a set of scriptures and when he woke up on Christmas morning, he was SO excited."
Ashlee: Uh...okay.

So, there you have it folks. The Christmas story according to McKell. I guess it's better than Baby Jesus asking for Star Wars toys or a new bike....

Thursday, November 27, 2008

I am Thankful...part 2....

As another Thanksgiving day comes to a close, I feel the need to finish my thoughts of gratitude. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving at my parents' home with way too much yummy food, games, visiting, etc. It was a great day. Here are a few more things I am thankful for today.

1. My Parents - Where would I be without these two amazing people? Well, of course I wouldn't be here at all. My parents are rocks and are a true example to me. I am so grateful that they raised 9 children and that they do all that they can to keep us close and connected. I am grateful for the countless lessons they have taught me in my life. I am thankful for my dad's continual fount of wisdom and experience, to know that he is ALWAYS there when I need him, that he can give me a "Hey Sis" and everything seems more manageable, and that he is truly one of my best friends. I am grateful that I am close to my mom and that we have a great relationships. That we go thrift store shopping together, talk almost every day, and that she is always a listening ear and understands what I am going through as a mother. I don't know why I was blessed to be their daughter, but I am so grateful that I am.

2. Family - I already wrote about my own family, but I want to express gratitude for my family that I grew up in and their families. I am the 8th of 9 children - the baby girl. With any large family, we have a true mix of personalities, joys, struggles, and love. I am so grateful that for the most part, our family gets along and loves each other. We have fun together and know that in the end, we have each others' backs. I am also grateful for Rob's family and what I have learned from them. I am grateful that they helped mold and raise such a wonderful man.

3. Friends - I am grateful for friends in my life. I have been blessed to live in many places and the friends that I have made in all of those places are great treasures in my life. True friends are those that you can be away from for years, but as soon as you see them, you pick right back up where you left off. My best girlfriend is Juliann. We have been through it all in our 10 year friendship. Thank goodness our husbands are brothers and they love each other. I talk to Juliann pretty much every day and it seems strange when we don't talk. We understand each other better than any other girlfriend I have ever had. I really do see it as a true blessing to have such a wonderful friend that I can laugh with, cry with, commiserate with, and just talk to. I am confidant that God laid things out for us to be sisters and best friends.

4. The Gospel - I am truly grateful for my testimony of the Gospel and the joy that it brings me. I am so grateful to have these values and beliefs that I can hold to during the hardest times in my life. I am grateful to be able to have a clear path to raise my children on. I am eternally grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ and that no matter what, He knows exactly how I am feeling in any situation and that He has made it possible for me to be with my Heavenly Father again with my family. I love serving in the church and am grateful to be the primary president of our ward. What a blessing to work with these amazing strong spirits!

5. My country - I don't think we can fully appreciate what we have because most of us know no different. I am so grateful to live in a country where I am free to worship as I choose, raise my children how I choose, live where I choose, etc. And how grateful I am for those willing to serve our country and protect us and also for their families.

6. "The necessities of life"... - I remember growing up that my dad would often say this when he was praying. That we were grateful for "our food, clothing, and necessities of life". I now understand what he meant. As a parent, it is so crucial and important to provide for our children and take care of them. I often remind our children how blessed we are to have a warm home, clothes, food, a car to drive, a school to go to, toys, etc....those "necessities of life" that I take for granted way too often. I truly am grateful for the small and simple things in my life.

There of course could be so many other things that I could write, but for now, I will close this up and make a goal to be grateful for the many blessings of my life as another Thanksgiving comes to an end.

Monday, November 24, 2008

My trip to the neurosurgeon....

Well, I finally met the fabulous and famous Dr John Macfarlane. My sister-in-law, Juliann, introduced me to this great doctor. Poor Juliann has had numerous spinal fusions and various issues with her back, so I fully trusted her recommendation to see Dr. Macfarlane. First, I must say, he is hilarious. A doctor with great bedside manner...I thought they may be a dying breed. But he was a hoot and the poor guy had to deal with me and Juliann at the same time. Something no man should ever have to do...just ask our poor husbands. Anyway, he looked at my MRI's and I have a herniated disc in my lower neck and an annular tear as well. This is what is causing the numbness in the back of my neck, down my arm, etc. I also have a herniated disc and tear in my lower back which is why I am having such awful pain there and numbness, pain down my leg, etc. I also have a lot of joint issues apparently which are not good. So, the prognosis for now is that I continue doing physical therapy for the next few months and hope that it can fix this. If not, we can try cortizone shots. OUCH. And if all else fails, we'll look at surgery. So, that is the update for now. If nothing else, it was a blast meeting Dr Macfarlane. Now I see why Juliann loves him! I'm sure he thought we had completely lost our minds when we asked for a picture, but hey, we HAD to document this one.

Friday, November 21, 2008

NOT feeling so grateful tonight...

So as some may know, we were supposed to be having McKell and Ashlee's tonsil/adenoid/ear tube surgery done today. We bought a freezer full of popsicles, ice cream, etc. We got all of their homework from school. We rearranged their room and rented a ton of movies as well as bought lots of coloring books, etc. Mostly, we finally got both of them somewhat okay about the whole thing. So last night, we get a phone call to let us know the time of surgery. In the phone call, it came up that Ashlee had a cough last weekend. It sounded kind of croupy, but that is just Ashlee's "allergy cough". It was fine by the next day. But apparently, the word "croup" and pending surgery is not good. I told that lady registering us that it was allergies, but she wanted to verify with the anesthesiologist. Fine. So I get a call back saying that she had talked to him and he was concerned, but if I felt okay with it and thought she was okay, then we would be fine. Super! So, we plan for it. I am out until 11:00 getting the above-mentioned post-surgery treats. We are then up until 1:30 so we can feed the girls a meal before the official pre-surgery fast begins. We arrange for someone to take Cayden after school. We arrange for Sadie. Rob takes the day off. etc. We get to the hospital, check in, get vitals, the girls get completely in their gowns etc. and we are in the process of a photo op when both the surgeon and anesthesiologist come in and drop the bomb that they are not comfortable doing surgery on Ashlee and that the policy is that they have to wait 4 weeks after any type of croup. I immediately go to the "bad place". They won't budge. Apparently, if the airway is already inflamed due to croup or a cough, then putting a breathing tube in for surgery can aggravate it more and then cause breathing problems after the surgery which obviously can be very dangerous. Okay, I can understand that. What I CANNOT understand is why on earth this was not told to me last night!? Apparently a big lack of communication occurred between the lady registering us and the doctor. McKell immediately starts crying and Ashlee jumps off the exam table and starts getting dressed and telling us she is ready to eat. Typical Ashlee. We try to make it seem like a good thing and promise they will still get ice cream and get to watch movies in their room etc. So the girls and I went to brunch on the way home which also seemed to help....them, not me. I am still furious. But hey, here is the "silver lining" of it all...the doctor said he would be happy to reschedule the surgery for a week before Christmas!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Give Thanks...part 1

So yesterday I made this "Give Thanks" banner. The picture isn't great, but it was a lot of fun to do. It was a semi-copy of the one my cute friend, Dorey, gave me for Halloween. Thanks Dorey! You have created a monster!



Also yesterday, I was going through some documents on my computer and came across one that was really cool to read. It was written back in 2002 and I just took the time that day to write down the things that I was grateful for. Cayden was only 3 and the twins were only about 6 months. Here is what it said:

I have a WONDERFUL husband who is a unbelievable dad to our kids. He is Cayden's best buddy and is so sweet to our girls. They flirt with him and have him wrapped around all 20 of their fingers! He treats me like a queen and is always supporting me in my "me time" when I need it. He works so hard to provide for our family so that I can stay home with our kids. He has endless patience for me and my rantings!
Cayden is my sweet litle guy! I can't believe he will be 3 in a few weeks. He is growing up too fast! He is full of love and sweetness and loves to snuggle and give "big hugs". He's like my little teddy bear. I love to hear him sing his songs even though he doesn't know all the words. I love that he loves me even when I am not the best mom. I love that when I am having a hard day, he comes to me and asks, "What's wrong? Are you okay?" I love that he gets so excited lately when his pants have pockets to put his hands in. He is the sweetest and most wonderful little boy in the world.
My sweet Ashlee is getting more roly and poly every day. I love her adorable dimples in her cheeks. I love listening to her coo in her little deep voice. I love that she gives everyone a big smile when she sees them. I love being the one to get her out of bed because she is so happy to see me. I love that she is a snuggler and that she loves to hold my finger while I feed her. She is an angel.
And finally, my sweet little McKell. She is full of spunk and curiosity. My late Grandma always called her "the nosy one" and she was right. McKell has a natural born wonder for the world. My dad tells everyone, "She doesn't look at you, she looks through you!" It is so true. She studies everything with such great intent. She is a mommy's girl and loves to grab my face. I love her beautiful blue eyes and long eyelashes. I love feeding her and snuggling with her (when she isn't too busy looking around at the world). I love hearing her discover the noises she can make with her voice as she squawks and growls. She is also an angel.
I am blessed with so many things and am so proud and honored to be a mommy to these wonderful little gifts fom God.


So, in following that tradition, I thought that I would take a few moments this coming week before Thanksgiving to share the things that I am grateful for.


1. Rob - I am so very very blessed to be married to such a wonderful sweet man. He is a great husband and an incredible father. He takes the time to learn and listen to the kids. Rob has always had an amazing love of learning. He truly takes joy in learning all about new things and isn't happy until he is pretty much a pro at it. I love that he has passed this love of learning onto our kids. I can't tell you how often we have science experiments going on in the kitchen, stacks of paper where he has written down ways to illustrate something he is teaching, etc. and his enthusiasm for learning is contagious to the kids. They are always doing some kind of project or experiment. He is patient and tries so hard to be a good dad. He is also very humble when he realizes he has done something wrong. Our home wouldn't be the same without Rob's huge spirit. We love his singing, movie voices, and positive attitude.

2. Cayden - What a sweet and special boy Cayden is. I can't believe how quickly he is turning into a young man. He is so sensitive to others' feelings and truly wants everyone to be happy. I love to laugh and giggle with Cayden. He will always hold a special place in my heart because he was my first. I am so grateful for the special relationship that he and I have. Like his dad, Cayden LOVES to learn and has a contagious curiosity about things. I am grateful that he is such a good big brother amidst all of these girls! He is surely a valiant spirit that was saved for this day.

3. Ashlee - I recently came to a life altering perspective change with Ashlee. So many people have told us that Ashlee was sent to us because we were the parents that could best help her and take care of her special needs. But I think it is exactly the opposite. Ashlee wasn't sent to us so we could help her, Ashlee was sent to us so she could help us. The life lessons I have learned just by being Ashlee's mother are too many to write. I am so grateful for her humor, love, joy, and amazing outlook on things. When Ashlee was first diagnosed with autism, I was devastated to say the least. But I have been forced to learn that appearances don't matter and that we should spend less time worrying about what other people think and focus more on what we think about ourselves and what God thinks of us. I love that Ashlee makes us all laugh. I love that she is strong willed and stands her ground. I am grateful for the amazing progress that she has made in the short time we have been working with her autism. I am proud of her that she is doing SO incredibly well in school and everyone loves being her friend.

4. McKell - This sweet little angel is so special to me. McKell is so nurturing and loving. Her heart truly feels for others. If one of the other kids gets in trouble, it is ususally McKell who is the most upset. I love my special times with McKell and I love that she cherishes those moments as well. McKell is a lot like me and likes to be creative and do crafts etc. I look forward to many times when we can work together and share those moments. I am grateful for McKell's enthusiasm for life and love of music, art, and learning. I am so proud of her hard work in school. And although it is often times frustrating to me, I do appreciate that she has a firey personality and knows what she wants and stands up for it. I love that she still knows that she got her beautiful blue eyes from Grandpa and that Grandma Olive watches over her. She is a little angel and a special and sweet girl.

5. Sadie - Oh sweet Sadie! Sadie's "theme" song is "You are my Sunshine" because that is what Sadie is - a ray of sunshine in our home. I have never seen one baby bring so much harmony, love, happiness, and joy to a family. She has been such a blessing to us. I am grateful to have my special time with just her each day after the kids go to school. I love that she still pulls on my hair when I feed her her bottle. I love that she is constantly wiggling her feet and toes, especially when she is excited. I love that she has a fascination with socks and gets giddy when I put socks on her feet. I love her big smile and sweet little spirit. I love that singing "Old McDonald" can calm her down in any situation. I love my little Sadie and am so thankful for her in our family.

To be continued.....







Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tag

I was tagged by Brooke...
9 TV shows I watch:
24
Greys
Survivor
Dancing with the Stars
America's Next Top Model
Desperate Housewives
American Idol
The View
Amazing Race

Favorite Restaurants:
Olive Garden
Texas Roadhouse
Chilis
Mimis
Panda
The Bluebird
Wendys
Burger King
Subway

9 Things I did Yesterday:
Went to the doctor
Finished McKell's hat
Watched TV
Fixed Dinner
Helped kids with homework
Helped kids with piano
Played with Sadie
Talked with Rob
Stayed up way too late!

9 Things I am looking forward to:
Christmas with all of its parties, traditions, etc. and decorating my house for Christmas
Going out to Olive Garden with Juliann
Sister's Retreat (even though we just had it)
Snow
Doing my bedroom
sleeping
The weekend
being completely out of debt
various house projects

9 Things I am scared of:
spiders
something happening to my kids or Rob
my parents dying
my back being permanantly screwed up
Rob losing his job
being a good mom and wife
those I love being hurt

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Birthday Cayden

I cannot believe that 9 years ago today, I became a mother. Time has flown by so quickly and I can't believe that I have a 9 year old today. Cayden Robert Peacock was born in Boise, Idaho weighing in at 8 lbs 4 oz (He was 3 weeks early, so who knows how big he REALLY would have been!) He looked like his daddy from the very beginning and was known as "mini-me". Cayden has always been a joy and such a special boy. He has a giant spirit and we know he was one of the noble and great ones that the scriptures talk about. Cayden was a big boy from the beginning and is truly a gentle giant. Here are 9 things that I celebrate today on Cayden's 9th birthday.
1. Cayden loves everyone. He really doesn't know how to be mean spirited. This is sometimes hard because this makes him very vulnerable, but because he is such a likable kid, he usually wins everyone over. He has a gift to love and accept everyone. He is especially kind to those younger than him. He always tries to include others. In Cayden's opinion, it is always "The more the merrier!"
2. Cayden LOVES to learn. He gets this from his dad. He has a natural curiosity and loves to find out how things work, where things come from, etc. and he retains things just like his dad. I often joke that I knew my kids would outsmart me at some point, I just didn't think it would be in kindergarten! Cayden is an excellent student and I have yet to meet any of his teachers who don't absolutely adore him! He is always doing experiments, making projects. etc.
3. Cayden is great at trying new things and doesn't give up. Even when things don't come particularly easy to him, he finds a way to push through and make it fun. For instance, he has played soccer for quite a few years and at first we were worried because he wasn't as fast or skilled as some of the other kids because of his size. But Cayden never gave up and is now one of the best soccer players around. He still isn't the fastest, but he is a force to be reckoned with and scored quite a few goals already this season. He also started piano this past year and is cruising through all of the books and never gives up on learning.
4. Cayden is an amazing big brother. Cayden was only 20 months old when we found out we were having twins. It was so interesting because the overall response from anyone who knew us was that it would be a no-brainer with Cayden and that he was definitely meant to be a big brother to twin sisters. Even though they don't always get along, he is a wonderful big brother to Ashlee and McKell and it has been a joy to see him be such a great brother to Sadie. He adores her and she loves him so much.
5. Cayden always tries to choose the right and has an amazing testimony of the Gospel. He is such a great example and feels so badly whenever he has made a bad choice.
6. Cayden is the definition of "happy go lucky". He has such a joy for life and for experiences. It really is contagious to be around him, especially when he gets giggling.
7. Cayden hates any form of contention, especially in his family. He has always kept us in line when it comes to arguing, yelling, etc.
8. Cayden loves Star Wars, XBox, playing with friends, Swedish Meatballs, the colors red and blue, Fish Lake, camping, Pokemon, movie night, going to Grandpa and Grandma's, soccer, basketball, Texas Roadhouse, trains, Disneyland, and being with his family.
9. Cayden is a true gift to our family. We feel so honored and humbled to be parents to this great and wonderful kid. He is such a special boy and we love him and are so proud of him.

Happy Birthday Cayden!!
What a sweet baby boy!
Our little Fisherman

Tub Time!

Cayden was always SO happy!

The greatest big brother ever!

Handsome Boy
Easter Sunday


Cayden and his daddy are best buds!Cayden and Mommy
Cayden has always loved trains!
Happy 4th Birthday
Easter Egg Hunt
Buzz Lightyear!
Preschool Graduation
Cayden is a great swimmer!
Fish Lake
Cayden is a great cub Scout
The great soccer player
The most awesome Jedi!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Accident Update

I wanted to give a quick update on the status of our car accidents. So, first about Rob. He has his new Honda Civic (although I know deep down inside he misses driving the hot blue mini van to work!). Unfortunately, he is still having pain in his left shoulder. He is having to do physical therapy 3 times a week. He has some soft tissue damage and muscle damage that they are working on. He is supposed to schedule an MRI when he gets a free minute. We will be finding out more about his settlement once we know more detail of his injuries. As far as my accident, it is still quite complicated. I finally got my Sequoia back. It cost over $5000 to fix it! I couldn't believe that. After really thinking about it, I think my accident was a lot worse than I originally thought because I was so focused on Rob and his accident that I don't think I even remotely realized the severity of my accident. Anyway, we have the car back. I had both of my MRI's done last week. One on my lower back where it is still very painful with the pain going all the way down my left leg. And one MRI on my lower neck where it also still hurts a lot and is completely numb. I just heard back that the MRI's show that I have a herniated disc in my lower back and also a herniated disc in my neck with also a torn disc in my neck. So now, I get to see a neurosurgeon to find out what to do next. We now are starting the battle of getting the guy who hit me to take responsibility which will be an uphill battle. I am in pain pretty much all the time with it being worse usually at night. I'm not supposed to lift or sit at the computer or work too much. So, that is the update. Thanks to everyone who has asked about us and kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it!

My sweet girls



I love my sweet little girls. They love each other and love to be to be together. I just had to take some pictures of them yesterday before church.


May the Force Be With Me!


This past weekend we had Cayden's big 9th birthday party. He decided to do a Star Wars clone Wars party and invited over 40 kids! He has so many friends at church, school, cousins, etc. that we couldn't leave anyone out. But trust me, this was one of the biggest undertakings I have done in a while and I am the one who needed the "force" with me. We decided to make his party an official Jedi training camp. When the kids got here, they each got a Jedi uniform and badge. I made the girls white uniforms to be more Princess Leia-ish. We then had lunch including "Yoda Soda" (green punch with dry ice...they all thought this was very cool!), hot dogs, chips, and birthday cake. Needless to say, it was a NOISY bunch! Thank goodness it was decent weather outside because that is where we headed next. I made about 30 lightsabers out of swim noodles and PVC pipe. Thank goodness I have awesome neighbors and family who donated swim noodles to the cause because I couldn't find swim noodles ANYWHERE in stores this time of year! I made them all take a Jedi oath that they couldn't use their weapons for hurting others etc. or they would lose their weapons and not graduate as a true Jedi. We went outside after that and did some weapon practice. Rob had downloaded all of the Star Wars music including the "Darth Vader" theme and after the kids had practiced their lightsaber skills, Rob cranked that music from inside the house and he came out fully dressed as Darth Vader. He looked pretty darn cool and in typical Rob fashion, had the Vader voice down to a tee and really played it up. The kids thought this was pretty cool. They stood in line and each took a turn battling Darth Vader. Too funny! After that, we played "Save the planet" aka hot potato game with a planet ball. Then they had target practice where they got to shoot down different Star Wars action figures with the dart guns. We played Jedi bingo with Rob doing his freaky Yoda voice and then did the pinata. I am proud to say that they ALL passed their Jedi training and received their official Jedi diploma upon leaving. It was EXHAUSTING but so fun! I asked Cayden afterwards if he knew why I did such big parties for him? He aswered, "Because you're the BEST mom ever!" That was sweet, but I told him that the reason I do such big parties for him and his sisters is because not only is it a party for THEM to celebrate their birthday, but it is truly a celebration of me getting to be their mom!

Target Practice

Cayden battling Darth Vader

Darth Vader trying to recruit the Padowans to the dark side


The Jedi trainees and their lightsabers


Cayden blowing out his candles


Jedi Cayden

Trick or Treat

Sorry this is a bit late, but I wanted to post some photos of our Halloween and trick or treating. It was a really nice day. The kids had the day off from school so we spent the day cleaning the house, getting ready for Halloween, making treats, etc. We had a small kink in the day when we got a call saying our Sequoia was done (over $5000 later...yikes!) and we needed to return the awesome blue mini van. But we are definitely happy to have our Sequoia back...all except Ashlee who in typical fashion had a sad moment of saying goodbye to the van. Halloween night we ate some pizza and then headed out trick or treating. For the first time ever, we were some of the first ones out on the street. The weather was actually great aside from a few sprinkles. Sadie had a GREAT time in her stroller. She was in heaven! About half way through, Rob brought Sadie and Ashlee home and Cayden and McKell and I continued on. I think McKell could have gone all night! It was another wonderful Halloween!
The whole gang ready to go Trick or Treating
Our sweet little Sadie cat
(originally she was a bee, but hated the costume, so we opted for the cat)

Anakin Sywalker ready for battle...and candy!
Our cute cheerleader, McKell. Do you think McKell loves candy? I think her face says it ALL!

Ashlee the cutest little clown.





Friday, November 7, 2008

I need to vent...

Okay, I really don't have the time to do this today. I have 40 kids invited to a Star Wars birthday party tomorrow and still have a TON to do. But I feel the need to vent right now, so that is what I will do.

I just read a comment on another blog concerning Proposition 8. The obviously angry person (whom I don't even know) posted the question, "What right do the darn Mormons have to tell anyone they can't get married!? I'm glad people are protesting outside the temples. I'm embarrassed I used to be a Mormon. They are such hypocrites!"

So, I figure that question was posed, so I will take the opportunity to answer it.

What "right" do those darn Mormons have? Uh...they have EVERY right. They, just like you, are American citizens. They have the right to vote. They have the freedom to speak what they feel. They have every right to say their thoughts and views on a law in their state. And really, are you seriously going to play the "Mormons are hypocrites" card? Because here is what I find hypocritical. I think it is INCREDIBLY hypocritcal to be condemning one group of people for exercising their American right to vote, while cheering for another group who is exercising their freedom of speech as they protest outside of Mormon temples. So, which is it? Either we ALL have the same rights as Americans, or we don't.

Some argue that the Mormon church should have stayed out of this and let their members decide for themselves. Why? Isn't that another right we have as Americans? To worship as we wish? And as part of that freedom of religion, the Mormon leaders have every right to weigh in and share with their followers direction and guidance as they see fit. And then it is the right of those members to exercise their freedom and vote as they wish. Just like any Catholic American, Muslim American, etc.

It really doesn't matter which side you stand on in this issue. For me? I stand on the side of America and I stand on the side of our Founding Fathers who made it possible for American citizens to be on different sides of an issue, but BOTH have the same rights to express and vote their conscience.

For the record, I do tend to side with the elderly temple workers who are being verbally abused and berated as they leave and enter LDS temples. My own parents are temple workers in their seventies and it doesn't sit too well with me at the thought of anyone attacking them. My father serviced in the Air Force to protect our country and is a retired Air Force Major and I know many of the LDS temple workers are also military vetrans who ironically fought with their lives to protect the very "rights" they supposedly shouldn't have because they are Mormons."

So please, in the future, before posting ignorant comments about the "rights" of those darn Mormons, please kindly go read the constitution. I'm sure our Founding Fathers could set things straight.

A Rock in his Bumma


So this week, the kids and I were talking a lot about the election, getting a new president, etc. On Wednesday morning on the way to school, I told the kids that we now had a new president. They asked me who won and I told them it was Barrack Obama. Cayden was really excited about that. Then Ashlee, from the back seat says, "Mom, I am confused. Why does our new president have a rock in his bumma?" At first, I had no clue what she was saying. She was really concerned about it. And then it hit me. When I said our new president was Barrack Obama, she thought I said our new president has a rock in his bumma. Cayden and McKell about fell out of their seats laughing and Ashlee realized she had made a funny joke. I explained that this was our new president's name and that no, he didn't have a rock in his bumma. She thought for a minute and then said, "Mom was that a funny joke? Cause you know, I made that up myself!" Yes, Ashlee, we know.