Pictures from the Summer

 This was a picture of Rylee and Sarah and their friends Brenden and Jordan at the park by our house. They loved to go to the park and create their houses in the woods of the park. They would create different rooms, decorations, etc. I imagine that Scott did this in his woods in Pennsylvania.

 We always go to a feed store by our house when they get chicks in. The kids av=bsoutely love holding and loving the chicks. I am pretty sure that the chicks don't love it wuite as much as the children.

Cameron and Orie are best friends. Orie has no personal space as you can see that Cameron is her pillow. Although Cameron doesn't seem to mind much. I love this picture.

The Blog is on again!

Hi! The Emery family is back to blogging again. After June, the summer fairly flew by. The kids had various fun activities, we did lots of fun summer things like picnics, walking on trails, swimming, etc. And before we knew it, the summer came to a screeching halt and school began again.
The weather was slow in getting started for summer. By July, we finally had some great summer weather and we enjoyed it all the way until the end of September. It was so great to see so much of that big orange ball in the sky.

When school started again, Orie was pretty sad since everyone had to leave for work and school. Cameron is a sophomore this year at the newly constructed high school. It is  a magnificent new building in town and Scott and I worked hard on the bond committee to get people to vote for a new high school. It had been necessary for many years but nobody could get a bond passed. With the hard work and amazing dedication of many people, it was finally passed in 2010 I think and since then, we have all watched and been thrilled to see this great building become a reality.

Just to give you a little information, our old school had only one large area for everything. People called it the cafegymatorium. That's right, it was the cafeteria, the gym, the auditorium and everything else. There was not enough room for everyone so they kept adding small buildings outside. Also,the building was so old that tiles from the ceiling would fall on people's head as the were in PE.

Anyway, Cameron was really happen to be at the school until he fell and gave himself a nasty sprain. Then he became painfully aware of the miles he was walking each day as he went from class to class in such a large building. After a trip to the doctor, he got the great opportunity of a wheelchair and the privilege of riding in the elevator. Fun, although I think Cam would have been just as happy to never experience such things.

Sarah has taken great strides in 5th grade and is reading like a college student. She also has started piano lessons and seems to have inherited some of her dad's natural talent. She took state tests for reading and math in 4th grade and exceeded them both. Today she gave her testimony in church and shared her experience with honesty. She has decided that keeping a clean room makes her feel good, just like telling the truth makes her heart feel clean. She also wants me to say that she is writing a book.

Rylee is contemplating joining the wrestling team. He is in 2nd grade and is becoming a great reader. He and his dad are reading Indian in the Cupboard and he thinks that it's really cool that the Indian can come alive. Tonight Sarah and Rylee were telling each other what Articles of Faith they have memorized. I think it is pretty cool that he has the 1st 2 memorized and he is only 7!

Scott has been working for a company in downtown Portland called UTIW. He is a business analyst and has many international meetings with people from South Africa. After 3 months, they have decided to repurpose his team since the sales in South Africa are declining (who knows why) and so Scott is now trying to figure out what the new tasks will be. The nice thing is that since he is a Contractor, he can find another position any time. I think he enjoys this flexibility and seems to enjoy different work environments. I like that he works for the Contracting company so our insurance usually stays the same. I also like him to be happy with his work.

I have been working at Cedar Ridge Middle school again this year. I find great satisfaction in helping the kids who struggle. My load is usually 15 kids who have alcohol or drug issues themselves or that are found in their family. I find it challenging to keep them doing what they need to do and coming to school, etc. I love that I got to be a part of creating a fun room that has a Wii, a pool table, couches, a ping pong table, and air hockey. They kids earn chances to come for lunch and it is all the buzz at the school. It's called the Storm Lounge and has changed the feeling in the school from negative to positive. Yay!

Allison is done with high school and is trying to decide what her life will hold. I enjoy hearing from her, seeing her, getting hugs and listening to all the stories she tells. She loves the siblings and tries to hug them and be with them when she can. She has 2 jobs right now so she keeps pretty busy.

Taylor is almost finished with his time overseas. He comes back to the states in December. We are all so excited to see him and have him in our lives for a little while. After a small stay here, he will be stationed in California. At least that is a small trip to see him instead of across the world.

We have a new piano in the house and nothing makes me happier than to hear it being played by Scott, Sarah, and Cameron (who has taken a new interest in it too).
I will post pics soon.

As usual, time flies on wings of lightening

It is June and school will be out in 7 days. The kids are excited and so am I. We are anxious to spend lazy days here at home and eat popcicles and jump on our new trampoline. But also, to run around places we never go and stay up late and go on trips. I think we all love summer.
Things have drastically changed here at our house. In the last 3 months we have lost 2 children living at our house. Add that to Taylor being gone and suddenly the Emery house has 2 adults and 3 children instead of six children. It feels so quiet here. Although the children have plenty of friends to fill the house with noise and chaos.
Ross has been living with his aunt and uncle for almost 3 months now. At first, it was hard to adjust to the change but our family knows that he is happy and doing really well there. The difficulties that he lived with us were hieghtened by his needing so much attention. With his aunt having only one teenager, she is a fierce advocate for Ross at home and in school. We get to hang out and play with Ross usually once a month and we truly enjoy our time with him. He is a wonderful boy.
Allison turned 18 in March and by May, it was obvious that she needed to test her wings somewhere outside of the Emery house. She has been living with a family nearby and seems to be making huge strides to take control of her own life. She will be finishing her high schooling by the end of the summer and will jump straight into college. She wants to study criminology and I think she will do really well. She is also super talented with art and has tentatively been asked to paint a mural for a local restaurant.
Cameron is finishing up his freshman year at Sandy High. Cameron has a natural ability to fix things, figure stuff out, and genuinely be fun to be with. He is designing our backyard fire pit and is having fun with friends.
Sarah will be 10 soon. She loves hanging out with friends and doing art stuff. She has a pet fish, a beta named peppermint who she dearly loves. She reads on a 7th grade level and is a true definition of a bookworm. She has a tender heart and a love for all people.
Rylee is 7 and has a love of jokes, pranks, etc. He likes to see who he can mess with. Today in primary, his teacher said he spent the class making beatbox sounds. But they let him do it because in between the sounds, he was correctly answering the questions. haha So I guess he marches to the beat of his own beatbox. What fun!
Scott is working for Nike so the kids are enjoying the half price Nike shoes. He has a long commute but loves the job so we are happy to see him when we can. He is finishing up the job there and is excited that he got to be there to help facilitate the creation and launching of their new Nike plus Training and Basketball software and shoes.
I am finishing up my first year as a Prevention Specialist at the middle school. It has been a great year with ups and downs and great learning on my part. I am excited to continue helping at risk kiddos and learning from them as I go. I love my kids and I love helping other kids too. I am a lucky person.

November 1. Wait, WHAT! How did that happen?

It is November. The leaves are falling. The rain has come along with a peek of sunshine occasionally. We had a summer and now the fall has arrived. We even had Halloween yesterday. It' s so strange. Sometimes I feel like I am walking through life and other times it is as if I am being chased so I must run with all my might. I run and I catch glimpses of my life and I want to stop and view it slowly but I am unable because of the monster chasing me.

Today I have decided it is time to stop running. I must turn around, face the monster chasing me, and refuse to play tag anymore. No more running. It's time to live life deliberately.

I will sit and be in each moment instead of allowing my mind to have already raced ahead to the next moment and the one after that.

Just thought I should document that at one time I had good intentions.

School Started and Life has begun

The kiddos are in a new grade of school, their Mom has job, and their Dad is busy with his job. Life is in full-swing. I came across a quote the other day that really struck a chord. Maybe its because chaos reigns in the house.

It said:

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."

I guess to me that means you must produce peace from within you, not gather it from around you. This is why I rely on God so much. Because I can have him with me no matter where I am or what I am faced with. Therefore, the scripture in Luke 1:37 becomes reality. It says, "With God, nothing shall be impossible."

Hope everyone has a marvelous day!

Dinners Out in My Future

Things you don't want to hear on a voice mail from your 9 year old son, "Uh mom, sorry but I sort-of cut the hose with a pick-ax." Of course that's much better than last week when he cut a foot long hole in someone else's trampoline. Sigh. When he grows up, he is taking me out to eat once a week. To somewhere really nice.

Growing and Growing Up

Allison and her friends have a band called The Pockets. They are getting good and have played several "gigs." This one was at an open house for a new place in town called Ant Farm. Allison isn't fond of the group name but I know she enjoys performing and playing the guitar. I often tell her I want her to follow me around and be my music. Who needs an mP3 player right?
These flowers actually grew in my yard. Mostly, I think my growing thumb is black so when something grew and was beautiful, I had to document it. The kids pointed them out saying, "Look Mom, something grew in our yard."
Apparently the speakers were a little dry for Rylee's taste. He slept like that through most of Sacrament meeting. Isn't he the cutest thing! I must remember this when he is screaming and kicking.
Cameron and his friends Josh and Noah went to the 8th grade dance and came home with this picture. I think they all "went" with girls to the dance but I am so glad the picture was with the boys. I think we might be in trouble though. That boy is handsome. "Cameron, no dating until 25 right?"

History Repeats Itself

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Whoever said this must have known the Emery family really well.

The scene: Two teenagers are fighting over whose turn it is to download music onto their mp3 players. The teen boy has his music nearly completed. The teen girl cannot wait. As she rips the USB from its port< the teen boy cannot believe his bad fortune. With only seconds to go and its all ruined.

The Problem reveals the "not so kind" part of both teens. As they yell and the argument escalates, the teen boy removes himself to his bedroom. But not before kicking a hard object, badly damaging his toe, and pounding the side of his fist into an even harder wall, even more badly damaging his hand.

The Mother comes home. The teen boy shows the damaged limbs to his mother. The mother then spends two of her once free days at doctor offices throughout Portland to determine the extent of the damage.

Toe: Not broken, just badly hurt. Hand: Mildly Angulated Boxer's Fracture=black cast for 4 weeks and prayers that the damaged growth plate will not cause problems in the future.

How is this history repeating itself, you ask? The teen boy's older brother broke his hand in the exact same way at a similar age out of anger for something pretty similar on the scale of "no big deal."

No boring days at the Emery house. And this only describes one fiasco out of four or five in the last week. But my fingers are tired and I must go pick up children. I guess the other stories will wait in my head. Have a great day everyone!

Pictures from Taylor in Okinawa

Taylor doesn't send much info with the pictures but I thought this one was a great shot of all the trucks.
This is a picture of Taylor when he first arrived there. I think he probably looks similar now. We get to see him and talk to him through the computer sometimes. What a handsome guy!
Here is a truck and dive boat they used while recently training. Taylor was the security detail for the officers doing the training.
What a beautiful beach.
Just another beach shot. Taylor enjoys the beach and the water. I hope he gets to dive and swim while he is there.

Surrender, Simplify, and Smile

Ever feel like walking out into the street and holding a white flag towards the sky? The words escaping my lips would be something like, "Alright, you win. I really need some help here. I surrender!"

I guess that's what happens when you hand me six children, three jobs, three pets, and a menopausal body. But I am the one who signed up for all of it, now, aren't I? Well, some simplifying is in order at the Emery house. First, I went to the doctor with a list of symptoms that made me want to cry. Low and behold, he gave me Estrogen and I have returned to a pleasant person with energy and a happy smile! And lest you think I was the only one who could tell, I asked Scott if he noticed a difference. His words were," Oh, you mean the return to sanity?" And showing that I truly had returned to sanity, I laughed instead of bursting into tears and retreating to my closet to fall apart. Small victory for Michelle.

Second, I have decided to quit the newspaper job for now. The editor I love has moved on and the new editor is demanding certain deadlines. That will not work with the lifestyle here at this house. My job at the school pays better and has great benefits like getting to hang out with my cool kids and other kids who think I am funny and smart. Yes!

Next, we have much more simple meals around here. In fact, tonight is breakfast for dinner. Nope, not eggs, pancakes, and bacon. Cold cereal. The kids think I am awesome. And I guess that means that I can think I am awesome too.

Ta Ta For Now World:)

Life

This is my first attempt at making laundry detergent. Guess what? IT WORKS! It only cost about $5 for four gallons of detergent. It smells good and gets the clothes clean. I am so happy I can't stand it. What a great money saving venture. The kids love it too. I hear "When do we get to make more soap?"
Allison and I in Leesburg, Virginia. Just love this picture. Might be because I just love her:)
Peanut Butter Play-doh at Activity Days. I am the Activity Days leader for our ward. What do you get when you mix six eight and nine year olds with peanut butter play-doh. An automatic bunch of smiles and happy tummies. That was so fun! (Rylee must be our mascot.)
This is what Rylee looks like when he falls asleep next to me. I always think kids look so innocent when they are sleeping. Perhaps adults look this way too. I might have to watch Scott the next time he sleeps. Just kidding.
Today Sarah and I spent some time together. This was a stop at a feed store to "play" with the chickens, ducks, etc. I just love spring when we can hold chicks. The duck wasn't so sure he agreed. Sarah and I giggled when we put him down and he hid behind the food dish. We were sure he wanted nothing to do with people for a while.

Our Awesome Hosts while on our trip to Washington DC

Elicia and Kevin were wonderful to us while we stayed and toured around. This is Kevin and Allison in front of Kevin;s building where he works. He gave us a ride into the district on the first day and helped us figure out the subway so we didn't get lost. Elicia was sure to stock us with snacks so we didn't starve to death. Thanks guys!
Here is Elicia, Allison, and Sadie. We took a little trip to a town called Leesburg. We shopped and generally had a great time. We loved our trip and the time we got to spend with my sister and her family.
Not such a great pic of me but isn't Ian cute!
Sophie loves the cupboards. Maybe she wants to find a place to call her own. She took to me right away and I got hugs, conversation, and a little pal to share all my food with. She is always hungry (she must take after her aunt Michelle).
The Angell Family Tree. Haha They love to climb and this is a happy tree in the front yard. Everyone but Sophie got in on the fun. I think she would have climbed too if she was given a boost. What great kids! We miss them!

We took a tour of the monuments called "Monuments at Moonlight." It was so fun because we dragged Kevin, Elicia, and Melanie with us. This was a cute picture we took before heading off the start the tour. I only wish we had Kevin and Elicia with us at the time. They were racing to park the car so the tour didn't leave without us. Thanks, guys:)
This is a view of the white House. As we walked from Kevin's work at the FDIC down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capitol, we took a stroll around the White House. If we couldn't get close or inside, then we figured we would at least see it from all sides. Note to visitors, if you want a tour of the White House, call your House of Representatives delegate two to three months ahead of time. We did, however, get a great tour of the Capitol and the Library of Congress. Both of those were great and really fun, too.
The one picture of us in front of the White House. It was so cold that morning. Thanks Kevin for taking our picture.
This is the Capitol Building. Isn't it spectacular. We learned so much about history on this trip. I want to take all the other kids back to let them see all the great things we saw. I sure hope our great hosts stay living there for a while. haha
The Washington Monument at night. Pretty, huh?

Washington DC

We had such a great time in Washington DC. Among other things, Allison found this hat and it looks so cute on her. I don't think she has named the kitty but she sure got some smiles and comments from people wherever we went afterward. And she stayed warm, too.
This is a view from the Old Post Office Building in the district. The top floor was open air (cold air, I might add) and we scaled many stairs to get to the top. We decided elevators were for wimps. It was breathtaking and we looked out from all four sides. It really is a pretty place.
We went on a tour of the monuments and this is the Marine Memorial. I was so happy to get a chance to see this memorial, especially with Taylor being in the Marines now. It was awesome and very inspiring.
The Lincoln Memorial was so indescribable. Seeing pictures doesn't even come close to the thrill of being there. The memorial is huge and I didn't even come to his feet because he is 19 feet high. As you come up the stairs of the memorial and get a glimpse of his sitting in the chair, it is enough to bring tears. The feeling was reverent and I probably stood in silence for 10 minutes. What an amazing opportunity to be there. Allison stood in the place Martin Luther King Jr stood when he gave his famous "I have a Dream" speech. Her awe was greater than mine even. It was remarkable.
This is a shot of the rotunda in the capitol of the United States of America. The architecture of the building is really great. Also, as you come from the room before into the rotunda, the roof is very short and then it opens into this great huge room with enormous ceilings. I took this picture standing with the camera outstretched over my head. Beautiful, huh?

Is it spring yet?

Ok. The Emerys are ready to be outside. I am quite sure we are not the only humans who feel this way. Lately, we have had fifty degree weather and the kids go out to play with no coats on. I wish I had their thick skin. I need at least sixty degrees to play outside.

The kids are downstairs finishing their Valentine cards for their classes on Monday. It is best for me to stay upstairs while they do this or I helicopter parent, trying to "help" them when they obviously are capable of doing it themselves. This is one of my downfalls as a parent, always trying to help too much. If they can do it themselves, why would I interfere and teach them that they cannot do things?

Taylor is doing well in Okinawa. I think he is bored with the jobs they give him sometimes. A week or two ago, he was sent to another base to help run security for recon and intel war games. Although this sounds exciting, his job consisted of 14 hour shifts of data entry in front of a computer. Not exactly the excitement he was hoping for. His spirits are good, though, and he is looking forward to great weather there so he can do some water sports and some more outdoor exploring. We get to see him on Google chat and on Skype occasionally and it is fun to see his smile and hear his voice.

Scott is working on a grant proposal at work and seems to be enjoying himself. We are praying that he gets hired on as permanent as of June 2011. He has been working for the company for 1 1/2 years and in June the state decides whether to keep the position. The insurance is awesome and the people are really great. Pray for us.

The kids here are doing well. We have the normal day to day struggles but overall we are very blessed. I have been reminded lately that just a roof over our heads, a job for Scott, cars that run, and great family and friends are amazing things that we take for granted everyday.

The Rylee Saga

You might find it funny (although I was mortified) that Rylee (almost 6) spent last Sunday at church pretty much torturing everyone. He called his teacher an idiot many times, ask to see his "frickin" mother (said loudly in front of the whole primary), and then turned to the cute little girl next to him in sharing time and told her that her mother had just died.Which news caused her to she burst into tears and the primary presidency had to get the girl's mother to come see her in order to assure her that it wasn't true. Aaahh, the joys of parenthood.

But one redeeming thing is the joy of hugs and kisses that smooth a lot of the trials. And Rylee really can give the best hugs. He wraps his arms around me and whispers into my ear "You really are my favorite Mommy." Does he know this melts a mommy's heart?

When Taylor was little and he did these kinds of things, I sometimes took it personally and found it hard not to feel so guilty. Now, I try to realize that although I can teach them right, they have free agency to choose whether to listen. (Sigh) Luckily for me, he loves toys and when given a chance to earn one by using good words, he has only had one bad day in six. I sure hope tomorrow isn't another repeat performance at church. He has a talk in primary. He could do some serious damage while at the microphone in front of the whole group of kids. Heaven help us!

The Power of Prayer

So my dad Ted Watkins had surgery right after Christmas to correct a nerve problem in his back that has had him incapacitated since summer time. We were excited to go be with him and Mom Pam for the days surrounding this event. Although they were convinced that we should not come, we were so happy to be there and they ultimately were grateful we came. This is a picture right before they wheeled Dad in to surgery.

The nurses were convinced that he must be a star or a celebrity because of the entourage that accompanied him to the hospital. Three of the four daughters and most of their children were there. We missed our sister Wendi but the cousins that were there had fun catching up with each other.

Jeannine and I also got a chance to talk with a wonderful cousin Amy who we hadn't seen for ten years. Wow! It was an awesome trip.

We had a prayer and Dad got a blessing from Corey Hokanson before the surgery. There was a great feeling of peace and power in the room. When we pulled back the curtain, Dad's doctor sat waiting for us. He later told Dad, "You started this out right. There is great power in prayer." I believe there is and his surgery was a great success. We got to see Dad walking without pain less than 24 hours later.

Life at the Emerys and Big News: Tay is going to Japan

When it gets cold, the fireplace is the best spot in the house. Apparently if your a dog, you just climb over whoever else got to the warm spot first. Orie and Cameron are so cute together. Orie woke Cameron up this morning by climbing on top of him and putting her head on his chest. She thinks she is a person and I think Cameron thinks so too.
Allison and I were in the car together and she leaned over with her cell phone and said, "Smile!" She is so busy with school. She has AP classes and she also is an editor on the school newspaper. It seems like yesterday that the kids were all so small.
Miss Sarah has the same teeth problems as Allison. The orthodontist said they must get it genetically. He didn't know Sarah was adopted. She told me that she used to be adopted but now she is just an Emery. We laughed and said we always knew Sarah was an Emery. Anyway, this is her after the retainer got put in the bottom of her mouth. Now she gets to have two teeth pulled after Christmas. Happy New Year to her!
For our 22nd Wedding anniversary, Scott and I went to a resort in Washington. This is us at a place called Panorama Point. It was so fun to go exploring together and to enjoy being alone. We sure are lucky to be married and to have such great kids. We love them all so much.
Speaking of kids, Taylor isn't so much of one anymore. He is currently finishing his training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. After returning home for a ten day leave and Christmas with the family, he is headed to Okinawa Japan. His leave is only until December 19th so Santa will visit the Emerys early this year. He will be part of the 3rd Recon Battalion stationed in Okinawa Japan. We don't have much more information such as his daily duties or his length of stay. Hopefully he will have more of that when he comes home on Friday. It is the neatest anniversary present ever; our whole family gets to be together on December 10th.

The Beach with Friends

There is almost nothing better for my spirit than going to spend time at the beach. Just hearing the waves crash and feeling the wind through my hair makes me take a big sigh and forget much of the stress of life. A couple weekends ago, we rented a beach house and took some friends of ours with us to go enjoy a respite. Lucky for us, the friends we took owned a camera and Lacressa, my friend, is a photographer. Yeah! Not only did we have a great weekend, but we have pictures to prove it. Thank you Lacressa!
We took Ross, Rylee, and Sarah with us and left the teenagers at home to hold down the fort. Allison had homework and Cameron had a boy scout camp. Our kids are growing up!
Anyway, here are some of the sights we enjoyed while we were away

This is the beach and I can't tell you how beautiful it is and the sounds the waves make. Ah makes me want to go back right now!
See the Sea Lion? We were so close to them They just slept and ignored us. Combined with the fun of the tide pools, having good friends with us, and meeting up with Jeannine and Don and their kids made for a fantastic trip. Even the weather cooperated. Yeah!
This cliff was right on the beach. See how huge it is and I think the picture only captured half of it.
This is my friend Lacressa and me. We have decided she is a triplet to Jeannine and I. She and I took seperate trips to the beach to walk and upon returning, we found we had collected two items. Each of us brought home a grey rock and a white shell. They were identical. Funny huh?

The Beach

Jainey and Sarah play in the sand. They were so happy to be there.
Rylee and Mommy look at different sea animals in the tide pools. I love getting close up views of sea life.
All the kids got to bring home sea shells. Yeah! Ross was extremely happy about that.
We got this present at the end of an amazing day at the beach. What a beautiful sunset!
This is called Devil's Punchbowl. It's a popular destination at the coast.