April 2010

It's been awhile since I've done a Facebook catch-up. I better get working on it because it's almost September...YIKES!

On April 1, 2010 at 5:20pm, I posted the following photo:

COMMENTS:

~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: seriously....seriously AWESOME....just like you!!!

~Heather McDowell West: that is soo cute!

~Jennifer Thompson: Team Ethan!!!!!!!!

~Sarah Andrews: Oh....my........GOSH! Are you kidding me with this?!?! Freakin' awesome!
~Christine Brown Santos: cute! great memory!

~Kristi Goldrup: you are soooo talented!

~Jamie Thomas-Gandy: That is so funny, they look so serious

~Ken Graham: That's so cool. I can hear the "Eye of the Tiger" playing in the background just looking at this picture.

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Oh wow this is awesome! You do great work, Rachael! And Ethan is such a stud!!!

PRESENT NOTES:

I remember this time very well. I remember I was really stressed about things (mostly the deadline of the 2010 School Yearbook) and so was my little brother who was stressed also about something (I'm sure it had to do with getting into Paramedic schol)..Anyway, we decided to do this poster. I had a lot of fun and it turned out awesome. I love how Ethan has the whole "fighter face" down. Totally funny!

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PAST:

On April 2, 2010 at 5:07pm, I wrote:

"Just closed on our new house..."yup, that's my "news"

COMMENTS:

~Rebecca Blecker-Knorr: Congrats!

~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: YAYYYYYY... OK we need all the details...where, sq footage, when r u moving.. I'm so happy for you...YAYYYYY

~Jason Poindexter: Nice!

~Hillary Loomis: WOO-HOO!! CONGRATS

~Britni Olvera Nelson: in the ward???

~Alyna Reagan: Yay, congrats!

~Alan Henrie: DUDE!!! that's awesome! Where?

~Karl M Larsen: OK, I'm moving in next week

~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: Is it in IDAHO??? Oh, I hope, hope, hope....holding my breath....;}
~Katie Kenney Pack: Where are u moving to?

~Quinn Bane: yeah... details!

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Yay for you guys!!!! I am so happy for you!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: ok, everyone....are you ready???? This is a HUGE HUGE MOVE!!!! We are moving across the street and four houses up...I know, huge! We are excited!!! It's the same layout that we are in now only mirrored and well, outdated...but it's ours!!!!
~Quinn Bane: Well at least you don't need to rent a truck!

~Karl M Larsen: when can I move in?

~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: Good point Quinn.

~Jamie Thomas-Gandy: Congrats!! I am so excited for you guys!

~Kristi Goldrup: YAH!!!!!..GOOD FOR YOU GUYS!!!

~Amber Ballard Rice: Congrats Rachael. So is your house your in now going to be available to rent?

~Melissa Kriser Bowers: congrats!!!! where is it at?

~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: r u right next to Gambetti's?

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: no, there's two houses in between their house and where I am now...

~Melissa Kriser Bowers: how fun! hope all goes well with the HUGE move! ;)

~Scott M. Robinson: Does that mean u need boxes again?

~Michelle Haag Page: 4 words for the new homeowners..Let the work begin. Congrats

~Patrick Durling: Rachael exaggerated how far we are moving by about 25%. It's across the street, but only three houses down, not four. :-)

~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: That is so awesome congratulations

~Marisa Vining Henrie: I thought that might be what your news was....congrats you guys! Closing is sooo stressful and sooo exciting! And hey, at least the move won't be too bad!
~Christine Brown Santos: Finally!!! Glad everything worked out for you! YIPPIE! Let us know if you need help.

~Holly Graham Matua: awsome......so happy to hear that!!!!! Congrats!!

~April Styron: Awesome!!! Hurry up and pack, and then unpack so we can come see!!!

PRESENT NOTES:

This was such an exciting time in our lives! Our very first new home! Despite all the horror stories we heard from people about the process of buying a home, everything went extrememly smooth. The only hang-up we had was with the fences in the backyard. Basically they were there but blown over. After our realtor (my cousin) tried to get the bank to replace them, they decided that just removing them was all that they were required to do. This debate delayed our closing for about a week, but we still closed 2 weeks early. After signing all the papers, we had to wait about a 3 weeks before we got our keys. Sounds crazy, I know, but we had to wait for all the people to get their stuff together and fences to come down and this and that. I can't remember the exact date of when the key was given to us (I'm sure that will be posted here on my facebook update soon), but I will never forget the freeing feeling of owning my own home...Free to demolish, paint, build, whatever I want. I have a ton of pictures of the construction that went on for weeks after we got our key and I will upload them for a later post, but here's a little bit of a teaser picture of what you can expect:

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PAST:

On April 3, 2010 at 11:56pm, I wrote:

"Please somebody tell me that I'm not a bad mommy for not having an Easter dinner planned or even an easter egg hunt ...aren't baskets enough?"

COMMENTS:

~Tammy Larsen: But you are going to feed them some kind of dinner, right? ;) And baskets are all good!

~Trisha Larsen: if the weather is bad due to the rain there will be, of course there should be an egg hunt. unless you want it indoors. dinner can be whatever you want it to be, you're cooking it.
~Nikki Painter: There are so many freakin' traditions for each holiday anymore you can't be expected to cover them all. They should be happy they get fed at all! It's a day full of sugar, over excitment over eggs, brand new outfits to get dirty and stressing out after about them getting up and out the door in time for school the next day. Who ever decided Spring Break should be the week before Easter obviously didn't have kids. Grrrrr....

~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: I was supposed to get them brand new outfits? =)

~Holly Johnson: Baskets are totally sufficient! i'd take a basket over a hunt anyday.

~Maritza Kongthong Madrigal: It's raining. You're off the hook on the egg hunt. Baskets for four is more than plenty!!!

~Yolanda Gonzalez: Nothing wrong with that, besides it's all about Jesus.

~Heidi Hufstetler Wright: after 2 Easter dinners and wayyy to much time in the kitchn, i give you a resounding WAY TO GO RACHAEL! SIMPLIFY!!!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I stayed in my PJ's all day and so did my kids...we had a small egg hunt with empty easter eggs in the house and cream of wheat for dinner...hahahaha...I guess I should mention that we did a big easter egg hunt and dinner yesterday with Patrick's family up in Oroville...so my kids weren't totally neglected...and they did get their easter baskets so I don't feel bad ;-)

~Shirley Hale Braun: totally fine, epecially if you did festivities yesterday! Growing up, the Easter Bunny always came on Saturday to our house so Sunday could be focused on the Savior.
~Belinda Lawlor Durling: We had our Easter dinner in the car (very messy car with everything thrown in at the last minute). Grandma packed the dinner she was going to feed us since we ran out realizing we had to hurry over the mountains to get out of California before we couldn't get out tomorrow. I-80 was requiring chains, we had to go on 70.

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: I would say you're an awesome mommy for teaching your kids the true meaning of Easter, and an even awesomer mommy for letting them have baskets to-boot! You're great. Belinda, sounds like you had quite an Easter adventure!

~Amanda McNamara: Are you kidding? You seem like an excellent mother to me...Easter or whatever notwithstanding. @Nikki--LMAO, and I fully agree. Rachael--think "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

PRESENT NOTES:

Cream of Wheat for Dinner???? Really???? I honestly don't remember that. Hopefully my kids won't either. On another note, Belinda (my sister-in-law married to Patrick) and her family came out from Utah and we were able to visit with them as well as Patrick's oldest brother Christopher and his family, so really, it was a wonderful easter!

(some of the many Durling cousins)

I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of Easter Morning...I must have, but I just can't find them *sigh*

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PAST:

On April 7, 2010 at 10:08 am, I wrote:

"Ethan's prayer last night..."Please bless mommy that she can get get some exercise..." Where does he come up with this stuff???"

COMMENTS:

~April Hahn: Kayley told me the other day ". That's it Mommy, you can't dye your hair anymore". Me, " why is that Kayley ". Kayley, " Because Dr. Oz said so !.. LOL

~Jennifer Thompson: Yay Ethan! He must hear us talking about our walks...which should start soon!

~Amanda Hinman: Bwaaaahhhahaahahaha how funny! Kids say the darndest things!
~Jamie Thomas-Gandy: Boot Camp Ladies!! : )

~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside" lmao
~Dee Dee Dannan: Too Funny!!

~Jennifer Thomas-Webb: Ahahahahhahaha !!!!! Kids are sooo funny!

~Sheree Sultana-Bos :So funny...how did you and hubby not start to roll on the floor laughing right in the middle of the prayer?

~Nicole Zimmerman: SOOOOOOOOO funny!

~Candice Nite: Haha hahah ahaha ha ha!

~Jennifer Nebeker: i'm afraid the things she will say when sophie starts forming sentences.....lol
~Patrick Durling: I swear I didn't tell him to say it!

PRESENT NOTES:

Now you know why I've included the "Kid Quote of the Week" section to my blog :) __________________________________________________

PAST:

On April 9, 6:33pm, I wrote:

"Just returned form the Emergency Room with Carly. 2nd degree burns on one foot and first degree burns on the other foot. We'll be visiting Shriners Hospital on Monday."

COMMENTS:

~Michelle Haag Page: Oh no. So sorry to hear that. Your family will be in my prayers

~Andi Borland: oh my....what happened?

~Katie Kenney Pack: What happened?

~Melissa Kriser Bowers: OUCH! What happened?

~Barbara Sell- Whitlock: Oh no I will keep you all in my prayers for speedy recovery! poor baby :(

~Patrick Durling: She's doing well. The pain killers really helped. We got her some McDonald's and she's watching spongebob, with her little feet all wrapped up.

~Kristi Goldrup: OHHHH...Sending Prayers to her...sweet babee

~Kerry Allen McFarland: Oh man... Poor thing, tell the story when you have time. I'm sad for you guys :(

~Andi Borland: AGAIN.....WHAT HAPPENED! Family from afar wants to know!
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: She was playing in the bathroom sink and decided she would just bathe in there. I guess she got into the sink and turned on the hot water. Since she as up high, she couldn't get out and didn't know to turn off the water. At first peep, I knew what happened and thankfully was able to reach her within seconds. She cried for over an hour straight. The... See More nurse gave her some pain killers and she fell asleep until they started to wrap her feet. She started crying again, but has since calmed down and has been fed a nutrious meal supplied from our local McDonalds and is watching Spongebob...We have to change her dressings twice a day and she will be seen by a burn specialist at Shriners hospital on Monday...She'll be fine, but it's still so sad!

~Melissa Kriser Bowers: hot water!?! are you kidding me!?! Oh poor sweet girly!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: The burn looks WAY worse than the picture...It was pretty red by the time they dressed it.

~Chrysta Thomas McCombs: Poor baby!! How sad!!

~Andi Borland: I'm so sorry! I'll never forget when Grant put his hand on a red hot burner. The blisters were horrid! We laid on the floor with his hand in a bowl of ice. YUK! You'll be in our prayers tonight!!

~Mary Hester: hugs

~April Styron: Oh my goodness!!! Hope she gets better really soon!!!

~Heather McDowell West: I'm sooo sorry! She will be fine... just breathe...accidents happen. Our son was SEVERELY sunburned when he was 7 with 2nd and 3rd degree burns (husband not reapplying sunscreen while the kids swam all day while I was at work)... he was blistered so bad he had IV therapy daily for a week. We felt terrible... Ian is fine now... the 2 weeks after were difficult... just keep your chin up. I will put your names on the prayer rolls at the LA Temple in the morning. ;o)

~Karl M Larsen: that's what happens when you walk on hot coals

~Nicole Zimmerman: poor baby girl...

~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: oh man, tonight's probably not going to be fun...so sorry.. I've been thru a terrible burn with Justin when he was 2 .. aloe vera helps..hugs for Carly & mommy too..((((HUG))))

~Jamie Thomas-Gandy :Omg, Rachael, That is so sad. : ( Poor Baby! Glad she is feeling a little better.

~Candice Nite: I'm so sorry to hear that. Take care, and wishing you some sleep and your little one a speedy recovery.

~Sheri Howton Twardecki: Poor Carly! I'm so sorry! Let me know if u need help with the other kids Monday or whenever!!!! And turn your hot water heater down....

~Candace Smith Sauter: Oh no! Poor thing! I hope she heals quickly and doesn't hurt too badly.
~Sandra Rogers McConeghy: Shriners is a very nice place, kid friendly, and I'm sure you'll like it. Be sure to visit the 2nd floor for fun if you have time. They have an outdoor playground too. Took Alana there for a scoliosis operation a couple of years ago. Good luck with everything.
~Shirley Hale Braun: Oh no! I guess that's why they always say to turn your water heater down to 120 degrees max. Hmmm....I should check what mine is set at!

~Sandy Nobes: ouch! Hope everything is ok!!

~Jennifer Nebeker: poor baby.

~Jason Anderson: I'm so sorry to hear that. I can't imagine going through pain like that. We'll be thinking about her.

~Dawn Neel Beltran: Sorry to hear that. I hope she recovers soon!

~Alyna Reagan: How scary! I hope she gets better soon! *Hugs to Carly and you*

~Scott M. Robinson: my girl burned her back on a space heater, now she has a honeycomb shaped scare on her back.... but its ok cause shes to young for a tatoo, right? oh and the aloe.. cool, not cold, thats important. and it really does actually work. good luck, and i'm sorry about the hurting kiddo.

~Denise Wilson Samuelson: Poor baby I hope she's doing better today

~Kelly Peterson: Aww-I'm sorry to hear about carly- hope she is doing better.

~Jo Peterson: Oh my goodness, that's awful. I'm so sorry Rachael. Ed burned his foot with boiling water during our snow storm in Dec. I can't imagine a little sweet baby suffering thru that. I love you guys and am praying for Carly.

PRESENT NOTES:

I've learned that adults still have to learn lessons the hard way. TURN DOWN YOUR WATER HEATER PEOPLE! It's not worth it. This was one of the most heart wrenching ER visits I've made with a kid of mine. It's so hard to see your child in so much pain, but like most kids, Carly was resilient and up to being herself the next day!

(so red and swollen...my poor baby)

(The human body is so amazing! Look at what her burn looked like in only 5 days!)

Carly actually burned both feet. Her right foot was healed in a day. The above pictures are of her bandages. She had to wear bandages like this for 2 weeks!

The above picture is of Carly eating the McDonalds we got her on the way home from the ER. She just looks like she's been through a tramatic experience. I look at her in this picture and my heart aches that she had to endure what she did :(

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PAST:

On April 10, 2010, I wrote:

"CARLY UPDATE: She slept all night long in her own bed and woke up this morning telling me that her owie was "all better" We changed the dressings and it is still pretty bad, but at least she's not in pain...and she's jumping off my bed as we speak (thank goodness the burn is on top of her foot and not the bottom)..."

COMMENTS:

~Denise Wilson Samuelson: Ahh poor baby. :(

~Jennifer Thompson: Yipes!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: the swelling has come WAY down...

~Hillary Loomis: Poor baby!!! How did that happen?

~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: OMG poor little angel what happened

~Kristi Goldrup: OUCH!!!!!

~Maritza Kongthong Madrigal: I hope she is feeling better soon. Hang in there mom!

~Alyna Reagan: OW! Oh that looks painful! Poor baby! Glad the pain isn't bad though!

~Suzanne Owens Reginato: oh my thats not good what happen

~Heather Parker Duran: Poor Baby! Makes u want to just never leave her side huh?

~Dee Dee Dannan: OOOOOWWWWWWWEEEE! What happened?

~Dee Dee Dannan: Oh my ...just read your earlier post - soo sorry!

~Mary Hester: hugs

~Kelly Townsend: OMG! How did that happen? Poor Baby.

~Chrysta Thomas McCombs: Oh wow, that sure looks awful. Poor baby! :(

~Lelah Rothschild: That's horrible! Poor Carly!

PRESENT NOTES:

One thing with Facebook is that people miss posts from others all the time. As you can tell by reading the comments above, there were a lot of people who hadn't read my previous status. Just wanted to clear that up. I just showed Carly the pictures of her burnt foot. I asked her if she remembers how she hurt her foot. She said "Hot Water"...Even after 5 months, she hasn't forgot!

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PAST:

On April 12, 2010 at 3:24pm, I wrote:

"Such nice people at Shriner's Hospital...wish I could say the same about their customers...we left without the gameboy...someone stole it right out from under Ethan's feet....so annoying!!! Carly's doing well...Starting to heal...Won't get to play outside for a few more weeks and has to endure the dressing for another couple of weeks at least."

COMMENTS:

~Brandy Amos Greer: Ugh! Some people are so nasty, how do they live with themselves, stealing like that? Glad to hear Carly is doing better!

~Barbara Sell- Whitlock: That is just so sad that someone would do that to a child. I am glad to hear Carly is doing better.

~DanAngie Roos: Wishing Carly a fast recovery....Sorry to hear about what happened...

~Dee Dee Dannan: WTH...Unbelievable! Hugs to little Carly

~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: that is just wrong glad she is feeling better ~Brendian Seymour: That is so lame!! So how did this burn happen?

~Laura Bruns: What people do suprise me every day. :( I'm glad carly is on the mend.

~Patrick Durling: Somehow it makes me feel a little better knowing they didn't get the charger for the gameboy.

PRESENT NOTES:

This still makes me so mad! It's amazing to me that this could have even happened in the first place. Ethan had put the gameboy down on the floor to play with another toy. He was right next to it. I told him to pick it up and bring it to me, but I got up righ after to return paperwork. When I got back, it was gone. I have a pretty good idea of who took it and I asked the kid if he had seen it. He showed me exactly where it "was" but didn't know where it went. I didn't want to pry or delve into it with the parents because the saying "if looks could kill" rang clear in my head. All I could say is that I would not have been surprised to find out that they were packing a gun. Anyway, I let anyone and everyone around me, including the staff that someone had stolen it and to keep their eye out. Of course we never got it back and the saddest part about it is that Ethan was very upset, but he wasn't upset that he lost his gameboy, he was upset that he didn't take care of it and apologized to me while holding back tears. He will be super excited when Santa claus brings him a new one for Christmas this year...I can't wait to see his face :) __________________________________________________

PAST:

(date not specified. Sometime in April)

"Is the time ticking double today??? I can't seem to keep up with it!"

and

"had a fun lunch with my good friend Stasia...she's awesome!" ______________________________________________

PAST:

On April 15, 2010 at 9:53am, I wrote:

"Thinks the human body is amazing! Carly's foot looks sooo good! Still have to wrap it to keep it clean, but I doubt it's even going to scar!"

COMMENTS:

~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: That is so awesome Rachael I turned my water heater down after I saw that the same thing could have happened to one of my kids just as easily thank you for sharing it helped keep my family safer

~Teresa Black: There's a really good chance it won't. When I was little I burned all the skin off my arm and once it healed you couldn't even tell. Children's bodies have an amazing ability to heal.

~Alyna Reagan: So glad it's healing well!

~Lelah Rothschild: Thank goodness! Another one of God's blessings!

PRESENT NOTES:

As you could see in the pictures posted above at 5 days after accident, her foot was healing incredibly well! She has no scar and you cannot even tell she was burned on her foot at all. Amazing!

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PAST:

On April 15, 2010 at 1:51pm, I wrote:

"Ethan wouldn't go in the bathroom to use it because there was a Mosquito Eater in it...when I went in there to "take care of it" he said: "Hi mosquito...my mom's gonna kill you." I need to start keeping a journal of the funny things that kid says..."

COMMENTS:

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: you totally do. He's so original! He's got Patrick's brain.
~Shirley Hale Braun: that's what the blog is for!

PRESENT NOTES:

Yes Shirley! That is what the blog is for and that is why I write once again...there is a reason for the "Kid Quote of the Week" section of this blog... ____________________________________________________

PAST:

On April 20, 2010 at 3:59pm, I wrote:

"is an official home owner...holding my key right now!"

COMMENTS:

~Brandy Amos Greer: YEA!! Congratulations!!!!

~Pawel Twardecki: Congrats!!!!

~Jennifer Nebeker: Wow! Congrats!

~Amber Ballard Rice: Congrats!

~Candice Nite: That's great!! Where? Orangevale

~Anna Durling: Congratulations!

~Sonya Hannon: Yeah!!

~Kristen McDowell Bradford: congrats!!!

~Dee Dee Dannan: WooooHOooooooo!!!! Congratulations!!

~Candace Smith Sauter: Wow! How excititng

~April Styron: When's the party?!?!?!?

~Kristi Goldrup: WoooooooooooooooooHooooooooooooooooo

~Denise Ewing Pinnegar: Congratulations!! :)

~Angelika Mahle: Congratulations!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: Candice...up four houses and across the street..huge move hah? Still in OV...April...no party planned yet, but when the house is ready, we are definitly partying!!!! I'll let you know...I miss seeing your smiling face everyday when I pick the kids up from school. Thanks everyone for the Congrats! NOw the hard work begins....

~Jennifer Thompson: I can't believe you are moving so far away from me! Wahhhhh! Oh well, at least I don't have to cross the street anymore! LOL Love you guys and SO glad you stayed in the neighborhood. It just wouldn't be the same without you!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: You are the reason we stayed Jenn!

~Deidre Townsend: do you need help moving??

~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: Wish I were there to help you move...U know I would don't you?????

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: Yes Dorothy...I know you would...Deidre...yes, but not sure when we are moving...we are upgrading some of the 1978 stuff going on in the house ;-) probably in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know ;-)

~Deidre Townsend: ok!

~Jamie Thomas-Gandy: Congrats Rachael and the whole durling fam! : ) Super excited for you guys!

~Kelly Townsend: yay! house warming party!!!! I will come to yours.

~Lelah Rothschild: Congrats! I'm glad you're staying close by!

~Melissa Kriser Bowers: woot woot!

~Alyna Reagan: Yay congrats! ~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: awesome congratulations

~Michael Howton: Congradulations!!

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Yay!! How exciting! I'm so happy for you guys. Can't wait to see it.

~Michelle Spaeth: Where?

PRESENT NOTES:

We actually got our keys earlier than expected which was nice. We knew the house needed some work. Little did we know how much work. It's now September and we are still working on it. Finally got the baseboards up the other day. I know I keep promising pictures of the house...truth is, they aren't organized. I will do that and my next post will be all about our house...hopefully :)

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PAST:

On April 22, 2010 at 8:25am, I wrote:

"gearing up for another day of manual labor...looking forward for my house to be move in ready... " _______________________________________________________

PAST:

On April 23,2010 at 7:26am, I wrote:

Ethan: "I want to paint my room in rainbow colors...Hot Brown, Black, and Dark White!" Me: "Dark White?" Ethan: "Ya, it's kind of like a dark silver"

COMMENTS:

~Nikki Painter: And what exactly is Hot Brown? Is that like a neon color?

~April Styron: Awesome!!

~Jennifer Nebeker: What a funny rainbow he envisions!

~Jennifer Thompson: Don't you wish you could actually "see" his vision?

~Michelle Spaeth: I wonder if he meant stripes?

~Melissa Maher Jones: LOL!!! Ethan sounds awesome! I want to see pictures of this man-rainbow!

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: ROFL!! You're gonna have to buy several books to keep up with this guy! CUTE!!!!

~Michael Howton: funny

PRESENT NOTES:

Need I write it again?....5 words...Kid Quote of the Week! ______________________________________________

PAST:

On April 24, 2010 at 6:15pm, I wrote:

"Yearbook completed and submitted...Phew! Thanks Anna Durling for your emotional Support and your spelling abilities ;-)"

COMMENTS:

~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: I can't wait to see it!!

~Kristi Goldrup: YOU ROCK!

~Jody Stout Jensen: That's a great feeling! I've hardly started mine. Congrats!

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Sounds pretty cool! you're amazing, Rachael!

~Holly Graham Matua: Yay!!!!!! Good job Rachael....that was alot of time and effort and love to pull that together...time to rest your brain now right?

~ Belinda Lawlor Durling: Now you can put your focus on your new house.

PRESENT NOTES:

I don't even know how I got roped into doing the yearbook. I had a partner up until this yearbook. In a way, it was kind of nice doing it by myself. I did have an awesome photographer to help me out though. That made it so easy. The yearbook literally takes like 3 months of my life. Patrick tells me year after year that I will not be doing the yearbook the following year....guess what? I am in the works of planning this years yearbook....what am I doing to myself???

(This is the front cover of the book I designed)

(and the back cover)

Obviously I did the generic "movie" theme. I originally wanted to do a gameboard theme, but felt that it would have been too hard for me to make perfect. Unfortuneatly, this book wasn't perfect either. I had made a major mistake on one of the sixth grade pages, BUT I am super awesome and found a way to fix all the books with a special printed sticker...You wouldn't know it was there unless you felt the page. My photographer didn't even know it was there until I told her...I kept this mistake on the downlow though...only the ones who caught the mistake (ie. front office and principal) knew about it. All in all, the book turned out AMAZING and I have another book to add to my collection. This year made 4 years as yearbook advisor...bring on the 5th! ____________________________________________________________

PAST:

On April 29, 2010 at 8:30am, I wrote:

"Another day in construction land....hopefully we'll be painting soon, then floors, then move...yawn...I'm exhausted!"

COMMENTS:

~Jennifer Thompson: What day are you moving? Ummmm...I think I'm busy that day! JK Seriously, if I'm not working I will be happy to help.

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: we are shooting for Sunday...only because we know you're not working that day ;-)

~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: It's a good tired, though, right?

PRESENT NOTES:

I really can't remember...I'm still exhausted! ___________________________________________________

PAST:

On April 29, 2010 at 1:57pm, I wrote:

"getting excited to watch and film Raya and Malia in the school talent show...watch for the video's!"

COMMENTS:

~Michele Upson: I miss that variety show, they don't do anything like that here in our little town!

~Kristi Goldrup: Are you going to be selling them again?

~Dee Dee Dannan: YEAH...ME TOO!! Our little birds should be so cute!

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: yes Kristi...we just decided that today so look for an order form coming home with Lexi soon ;-)

~Shirley Hale Braun: when is the talent show? is mrs johnon still doing it? i haven't talked to her since that first practice.

~Jamie Thomas-Gandy: are you able to post it? I want to see how cute the girls are.

~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I will post it...It will be a while though...trying to get my house move-in-able and then moved....

PRESENT NOTES:

This was my second year filming the talent show. I don't really like to do it because there are sooooo many people in the crowd and I always get a head in the way and the same old man kicking my tri-pod which causes and very huge disription in the 1.5 minute acts! I do make money from it, but I honestly don't know if it is worth it. I think I might just stick to filming my kiddos this school year...less stress you know! Here are the videos of the girls. Raya performed "Viva La Vida" from Coldplay and Malia performed "Girl Put Your Records On" with her friends Brooke and Elora.

(Watch these videos titled "Variety Show" on DVD at the end of this Book)

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PAST:

On April 29, 2010, at 9:17, I wrote:

"To my friend Dawn Gillis-Casey's Family: May you be comforted by His Spirit in this unfortunate time. Dawna, You were too young to go, but I know you are with our Heavenly Father. May your babies always be looked over by you, their beautiful mother from Heaven. You will be missed."

COMMENTS:
~Kristi Goldrup: hugs to you friend.....xo
~Chrysta Thomas McCombs: Oh my! Way too young. I remember her- she's our age. Wow. I'm shocked. How tragic. What in the world happened, if I may ask?
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: So sorry, Rachael. How sad. I hope the family is all right.
~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: Sorry for your loss Rachael
~Holly Graham Matua: oh my goodness.....this is a shock to read....so sad for Dawna's family...she was a beautiful mother....sad time for her family....I'll pray for them. Remebering the gospel is true she is happy watching over her children!!!!

PRESENT NOTES:
So Tragic! Dawna was a friend of mine from High School and church. She was tragically killed in a car accident on her way to work. Her two young children were in the car with her and were unharmed. News of her death was so shocking and so heart wrenching. Although we had lost contact over the years, we were able to say hi again via Facebook. I am grateful that I was able to get back into contact with her before her passing. She lived in Texas and a funeral was given out there, but a very good friend of hers here in California (Sunshine LaForte) as well as Shannon Richards and Anna Durling were able to put together a memorial for her in California. I was asked to sing at it. Raya and Malia and I were able to sing one of Dawna's favorite songs...I Am A Child of God. Her husband flew from Texas so he could attend and even speak at the memorial. It was great to laugh and hear stories of and about her. She will surely be missed by many!

Durling Decor!

It's about time we get our computer off the kitchen table. It will be nice to actually SIT DOWN as a family for dinner each night again. Patrick and I finally decided to fork over the money and get a desk for the computer. It's amazing at how much cleaner and organized the dining area looks now!


(Yes, our dining room floor is still concrete. Even though we have the flooring sitting in our garage, we like the concrete look. It totally matches our "construction" decor.)

We were also blessed to be on the receiving end of an awesome Cabinet Grand Piano!



From what I gather, this piano was built in 1903. Do the math and that makes it an actual Antique! Most people living on this earth today weren't even born when this piano was made. All the keys play, but it could use a tuning and a cleaning. I am looking forward to learning many Coldplay songs and rockin' them on that thing. The girls have already started making up their own songs and I believe we will be getting a performance of one of them tonight! The best part about this piano is that it matches our decor (because you know that's the most important part!). I need to give a shout out to my awesome neighbor Jenn for contacting her aunt who was getting rid of it, and her "baby" Steve for driving all the way up to Georgetown and getting it for me. Now I need to find a great piano teacher who will give 3 of my kids lessons...for free :)

To Do List

Rachael's August To Do List:

1. Sharing time for primary
2. Write Primary Program for Sacrament Meeting
3. Get soccer equipment for Raya, Malia, and Ethan...Begin Soccer Practice
4. Attend Christine, DeeDee, Alyna, Sheri, & Anna's Houseparty Parties
5. Primary Meeting and Visits
6. Jensen, Poindexter, Jocelyn, Brubaker, & Trent Photos (Take and Edit)
7. MRI
8. Car Stereo Installed...delayed, make another trip
9. School shopping for 3 kids...clothes and supplies
10. Raya Orthodontist
11. Malia Orthodontist x2
12. Photo collage video for Andrea
13. Birthday parties for Malia's friends x2
14. Raya, Malia, Ethan start school
15. Raya and Malia Seeding Soccer Tournament
16. Brother's Fiancee Bridal Shower
17. Pile 24feet x 9feet of brush out of the front yard to the street for garbage pick up
18. Raya and Malia to Activity Days x2
19. Teach Ethan to tell Time on an analog clock
20. Back to School BBQ
21. Get Piano to house and inside
22. Unload a flat of fence wood from trailer in my driveway
23. Design, Print, and Mail Baby Shower invitations to Dorothy
24. Photograph, edit, and create an album for Ashley and Erik's wedding
25. Clean and get tuned piano
26. Make Jaguar Soccer Banner for Raya's team
27. Help in Ethan's Kindergarten Class
28. Blog
29. Teach Malia Multiplication Facts
30. Laundry
31. Go grocery shopping
32. Do bills
33. Learn patience while helping children with their homework
34. Practice patience when children are crying, screaming, or otherwise making all those around them miserable
35. Get the kids to clean up their bedrooms
36. Practice Primary Program without interruptions
37. Laundry again
38. Blog again
39. Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night
40. Make doctor appointment for my other knee
41. Figure out what theme to do for this years school yearbook

Maybe I need to cut back a bit. This month has proven to be crazier than this list looks. Hopefully things will die down a bit in September because I'm now playing "blog catchup"...Seems like I've been doing that a lot lately.

Kid Quote of the Week

Time to change out the Kid Quote of the Week so here's the old one:

Me to Carly: "What's your name little girl?

Carly: "Princess"

Helicoptor

Some kid quotes need to be posted asap instead of it being put on the waiting list for the "Kid Quote of the Week" section of this blog.

ME: "Carly, what's that up there?"
CARLY: "A helleecoptr"
ME: "Yay, good job! Where is it going?"
CARLY: "To Jesus' house"

Rapid Learning

About a year ago, I posted on this blog that I had a Gifted and Talented child. Well, we know that ALL of my kids are Gifted and Talented, but Malia had taken a test that identified her as GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). She then took another test to see if she would qualify for the RL (Rapid Learner) program in the school district. Although she scored pretty high, she didn't score high enough to be placed in the program. Fast forward a year and here we are.

Getting ready for a new school year to start has been quite adventurous as well as expensive (I've probably spend $600 on clothes and supplies for 3 kids!). The buzz of finding out who the new teacher for each child was in the air. I already knew the teachers my children were going to get because I'm down with the principal, but it was fun finding out from friends who their children got as well. After I posted on facebook who my kids had been assigned to, I got a phone call from the principal. She left a message that said "I want to talk to you about Malia's high STAR testing scores". It threw me off a bit, but I decided to head down to the school and talk with the principal. She showed me Malia's scores and asked me if I wanted to move her to the RL program. I didn't even have to think about it. Why wouldn't I want to give my child every opportunity to progress in their education? I told her yes, and she moved Malia in the computer right then and there. Because of her new placement, Malia will start off her 3rd grade year learning 4th grade work. It's going to be a really tough year since most of the students in her class already learned the 3rd grade curriculum. The biggest concern for me is Math, so I made Malia a deal today. I told her that if she could learn all her multiplication facts before school starts (in one week), I will buy her a Nintendo DSi. You know what she's been doing all day? Math Facts! And she's got over half of them memorized! I think I might be out $180 come next week!



Speaking of deals, I made one with Raya at the beginning of the summer. I told her that every book she reads over 200 pages, I would buy her a Jamba Juice. Let's just say that I've lost count on how many Jamba Juices' I've already purchased and how many I owe to her still (actually, I think I settled my debt earlier today). The girl is a reading machine! She's already read through the Twilight series (two of the books twice), she's enjoyed many other "here and there" books and is enjoying the Percy Jackson series now. I think I've turned her into a reading monster, who will probably one day cost me more in Jamba Juices than that DSi deal!

On another note, Ethan is a smart cookie too! He has a thing for numbers. He's always trying to figure out different numbers and is already doing simple addition math facts. He can also tell me the time on a digital clock. The kid isn't even in kindergarten (1 more week!). We've been counting a lot (I need a refresher too :) He's mastered counting beyond 100 by 1's, 5's & 10's.

Tonight, we were outside together just looking at the moon and I told him I was going to teach him how to count by 2's...He said "Oh, I don't know how to do that." I told him that I would teach him to count by 2's up to 10. After a few minutes, he got it. He then told me he was ready to go up to 20 by 2's. So I started while he repeated. I only got to 14 when he stopped me and said "Oh, I get it" and then he proceeded to count to 100 by 2's all by himself with no mistakes. I cannot tell you how excited I was because he wasn't just memorizing it, he got the concept of it first and went with it. That kid amazes me every day with what his little brain can do, and I have a feeling he'll end up in the Rapid Learner program as well...my kids soooo take after me! :-)

Kid Quote of the Week!

Me: "Oh, my head hurts."

Ethan: "It's from all the work you've been doing and now you have to feed us."

Me: "Yup, that's my job hah?"
Ethan: "Ya, and your other job is to exercise. You have to do that every morning."

Analogy Of The RubberBand

MRI

WEBSTERS DICTIONARY:

Medicine/Medical.
Also called NMR. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A non invasive diognostic procedure employing an MR scanner to obtain detailed sectional images of the internal structure of the body.

RACHAEL'S DICTIONARY:
Freakin'/Crazy.
Also called POP. Mentally Relaxing Insanity: A loud popping machine used to torture the lame and stir up thoughts of craziness. Could make one feel light headed and put extremities to sleep. Not to be used on those who have issues with claustrophobia or mental instabilities.


Look what I got to do today:

And this was an "OPEN" MRI, meaning, I didn't have to get shoved into a little tube to get the image done.

Basically, I have Chronic Patellar Dislocation. I've been suffering with it for about 20 years. I never knew exactly what it was until recently when I decided to research what was going on with my knee. For 20 years, my knee "pops" out and then "pops" back in at any given time and for any given reason (it even happens in my sleep). I haven't gone to the doctor about it in my adult years (my parents took me as a child), probably because it would correct itself and I would go on about my business, but now the last few times it has decided to stay dislocated rather than "pop" back in. I don't remember it ever being painful, but you wouldn't know it by the horrific screams I scream when it happens. My body goes into panic mode and it's just a reaction that I have absolutely no control over...Seriously!

So we have these tendons that support our knee. They help the joint function properly. The kneecap is held in place by these tendons. If for whatever reason these tendons are "stretched", their elasticity becomes greater and greater. Think of a new rubber band. It's harder to stretch a brand new one compared to one that's been around the block. Well, our tendon's are much like a rubber band. The more you pull or push at them, the stretchier they get --which then creates less support for the knee cap. Without the support from the tendons, the Patella (kneecap) slides off the joint resulting in this:

I've decided that it's time to take care of this problem. It has prevented me from doing soooo many things in my life. My knee is constantly on my mind and I always favor and protect it (especially when kids are around). I'm done with the constant worry. I'm done with the chills I get just thinking about it dislocating, and I'm done with feeling as if my knee will pop out just looking at a picture of someone whose knee has dislocated.

The MRI was one of the first steps in taking care of this 20 year old problem and it was the Devil! I can't explain to you the panic I had during the imaging. I had to push the panic button because I felt as if I was going to pass out. The vibration from the machine, the claustrophobia of my legs, the pressure from the earplugs and not being able to move made for a very crummy experience, BUT as always, I got through it because there was no way in you know where I was going to have to do that again!

I'm meeting with an Orthopedic Surgeon in a few weeks where they will go over the MRI relults, do X-Rays, an examination (which I will probably freak out with because he'll have to actually touch my knee), and a plan will be developed on what to do next. I'm not 100% for sure, but I think knee surgery is in my near future~

I'm Printed!

It's Here! It's Here! It's HERE!!! Okay, well, it's actually been here for awhile. I'm just now blogging about it, but I'm so excited to tell you about it.
This is my Blog Book:



It's 261 pages of juicy goodness! What you are reading now, will someday be printed in a blog book. I can't even tell you how awesome this is. I'm big on preserving my family history. I'm constantly keeping track of dates, and memories, and whatnot for my family and this book is an awesome novel for my posterity to read some day!

Here are the details:

1. www.blog2print.com is the company who did this book for me.

2. It cost me $93 for a year and a half of blogging. (Steep price...worth every penny)

3.One thing I wish would be different is the picture on the cover. I don't like the way it's off centered and I don't like that you HAVE to put a title on the cover. I put a simple period because I didn't want a title, now there's a black dot on the cover, but it's not too noticeable.

4. It comes with a table of contents so you can easily access a post (if you remember the title)

5. It doesn't print videos for obvious reasons, so I created a way to make sure they are included. All the videos I've posted on the blog are now on a DVD that is securely fastened to the back of the book. I've put a sticker where the video was supposed to be that directs the reader to the DVD for their viewing pleasure.





6. I've also included a "key" for all the comments. Because some people who comment on my blog use a username instead of their real name, I made this key so that in 25 years I'll remember who was who commenting on my posts.

7. There are many different options for printing your blog book. You can either include or not include the comments your friends have made to your posts (I included them). You can choose to not include some posts if you don't feel they are print worthy (I printed ALL my posts regardless of how lame they were). You can choose to save money by allowing your posts to be condensed (no content is lost) to better fit the page (I did not condense my pages because I use my pictures to tell stories and when some one is reading my post and the picture is not where it supposed to be, it would not make sense). Hardback or softback is available for the covers (I chose hardback for an extra $15)

8. My everyday family life with ups and downs and all are now preserved to share and be remembered by all.

StayCation Overload!

WARNING!
This post has a massive amount of pictures!

Who says you have to leave your home for vacation? Let's face it, after buying our home, we're broke and probably will be broke for a few years or so...unless that lottery ticket pulls through for us (insert sarcasm happy face here ;-) Because any extra money we have goes straight into the house or yard or whatever it is we need that week, we decided to do another "Stay"Cation! Honestly, that's the way I prefer my vacation. If I can sleep in my own bed every night, It's all good!

Last weekend began with Patrick taking off to Tahoe for RAMP, "Rowdy A$$ Men's Weekend". He obviously didn't come up with that name, because we don't talk like that. We'll blame that on my older brother Jason who started this weekend 3 years ago. All my brothers, cousins, brother in law, brother in law's dad, my dad, uncle, Patrick, and his brother head up for a weekend without the ladies! They do whatever they want. Patrick hiked all weekend. I don't hike, so he enjoyed something he loves without the whiny wife tagging along.

TUESDAY, JULY 27TH

We headed down to Monterey and hit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.



*Note to self, always ask someone with a "real" camera to take your family photo because they may actually be able to take a decent photo)

I was so glad that I brought my "real " camera. I got soooo many awesome shots. I was actually impressed with myself.













To give you an idea of how big these jelly fish were, check out the picture of Patrick next to one of them. They are about as big as Patrick's head, and we all know Patrick has a big head!



Ethan enjoyed touching Spongebob and Mr. Crabs:



Carly had no fear either:



We got to see some penguins:



And pretend like we were penguins ready to hatch:



We had some happy moments:



And some not so happy moments:



We also had some crazy moments:



But all in all, we really enjoyed seeing these beautiful creatures God has put on the earth, most importantly, we were glad that we could enjoy them while they swam BEHIND the glass!

After the aquarium, we traveled a few miles to the Marina ocean entrance. *Note to self, when you head down to Monterey, always bring your kids' swimsuits even if you've already asked your husband about needing them and he tells you "no" and that you aren't going to make a quick trip to the ocean. It's so much easier to have them "just in case".



I love the ocean. I love the sound the waves make as they fold into the shore. It's so peaceful and so relaxing....unless you have kids playing in them and you wonder if one of those kids are going to get sucked out to sea because their curious brain went a little too far into the water. I'd love to go down there by myself and just lay on the beach...all day long!

We told the kids not to get soaking wet. That lasted a whole 5 minutes:









We played in the sand:





and hoped we wouldn't fall off of a sand cliff:



We relaxed:



and did I mention, we got wet?



The ocean was amazing! I'm ready to go back....alone.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH

Patrick and the girls spent all day working in the yard...There was a lot of stuff done, but the yard still is in major need of some TLC. (I don't have any photos, because I am just too ashamed...ok, not really, just lazy and don't want to search the database for one...there will be a full post on our house and all the happenings that will include these photos soon enough).

FRIDAY, JULY 30TH

We headed to our local water park...Sunsplash! I think Malia asked about Sunsplash every day for two weeks before we actually went. I was able to trade some photography with a friend who is part owner in Sunsplash for free tickets. Patrick's sister Jennifer and her daughter Katy drove all the way out from Illinois to go with us (okay, maybe that's not the only reason why they came out here, but we are that cool!)

Katy really enjoyed the $3 ice cream cone:



She also enjoyed the water slides...well, sort of:



My mommy came too! I had a lot of help with the kiddos. I was only responsible for one child at any given moment. I gotta say, that's the way to go to Sunsplash! We let Raya and Malia venture off alone to do this:



and this:



While Patrick, my mom, and I took the little one's to do this:





Smiles like these:



made the sunburn on my face well worth it!

The girls went down the "Taco Slide (the Stealth). It's basically a straight shot down and you feel like you are falling only to slide up the other side of the "Taco" I think it's the most popular slide at Sunsplash because you have to wait half the day just to go on it (okay, maybe not half of the day, but it sure did feel like it). This is them coming out after they went on it. Their smiles are priceless:



All of us enjoyed playing in the various pools:





and enjoyed having grandma with us:



as well as Katy and Jennifer!

Ethan was finally tall enough to go on some "grown up" slides:



His favorite was Master Blaster! He also enjoyed getting flushed down a toilet (Revolution) and sliding face first down the Six Shooter!

Thanks Jen for all the wonderful pictures you took to help us remember our fun day!







SATURDAY, JULY 31ST

We started off with a baptism of Malia's friend Hannah Holtry.

After that we headed to Temple to try REALLY hard to get a family picture done...Patrick just didn't get my creative and artistic brain + the sun was right over head which isn't photographer friendly. So we tried and got this:



Patrick left with the kids, and I stayed to take photos of Patrick's cousin Erik who got married there:







I got home, loaded up the pictures from the temple to my computer, and then we headed up to Chico for the Ring Ceremony/Reception where I was also the "official photographer". Let's just say that I will never want to be a wedding photographer...ever! It's not like totally bad or anything, just stressful, and I'm all about being stress free these days (I keep telling myself that...maybe it will actually come true one of these days).

Reception ends around 9:30pm and I'm thinking..."cool, let's go home", but NOOOOOOOO(said with a slight fluctuation in the voice)! Patrick wants to hang out with cousin Tim:



We decide to leave Chico at midnightish and we don't arrive home until 2am. I just can't go crawl into bed without uploading the massive amount of pictures I took from Erik and Ashley's wedding...and check my email, and facebook...and ummm, watch some of my new addiction Legend of the Seeker:



SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST

We all know that Sunday is a day of rest...except when Mike Howton is in town with his 5 kids and Pawel Twardecki joins in since he's related to Mike in a married kind of way...BBQing it up and feeding a total of 10 kids, 3 grown men, and myself, before I retire to my room while those 10 kids destroy what I worked so hard to clean. The boys got to catch up with each other's lives while I caught up with my fellow bloggers...

It was a great week. I really enjoyed our Staycation. It was full of fun and the best part was that I got to sleep in my own bed every night! This Tuesday I get to go and get a new Stereo system that my iPod will hook up to in my car. I guess that's what happens when your husband has to drive your van around and the CD player skips while listening to HIS music. He spent like $250, but I'm not complaining or anything!