wheeler

Late Christmas recap

2012-01-20T11:25:00.000-06:00

So I know that Christmas has come and passed and moms that are top of itblogged about Christmas during Christmas Time, What a concept well I am goingyou let you in on a little secret, I am not one of those moms that is on top ofanything, I am late to everything, my children looked like the lost boy of Neverland,I usually have some kind of cereal stuck in my hair, and if I get out of workoutclothes I am dressed up for the day so that is why I am blogging aboutChristmas in the middle of January

This was our ChristmasCard this Year If you didn't get on then it is because I don't have youraddress so if you want one next year please send my your address.

We went to UT for Christmas,It was nice spending the Holidays with family, we have not been home for Christmasin three years. Dan was only able to get one week off so between both our family’swe had something planned every min.

A family tradition

We went to Temple Square to see the lights it was cold but we had fun

The kids spent a lot of time in Grandpa's hot tub (I think we could fit one more in)

The Kids got in as much play time as they could.

That is one good looking couple!

We decided to ask Santa if he would bring our gifts to usafter we got home from UT. IT was a good thing because I don’t know how wewould have fit a trampoline on the air plane. But Santa did bring us ourstockings which were filled with yummy treats and some small gifts.

Christmas was wonderful and I am so grateful that we had theopportunity to spent this time with family. We are so blessed to have such wonderfulpeople in our lives. I am grateful for the Savior and his sacrifices and theblessings he show me each day.

I hope everyone had as great of Holidays as we did!

I love Pinterest !

2011-12-02T03:01:00.000-06:00

Okay so I am a little obsessed with Pinterest, and most of the time I do not make what I Pin, but I told myself I have to start making something so that I can call Pinning productive. So this is what i came up with for my Christmas decorations.

Mine

Pinterest

Mine

Pinterest

mine

This is my front room

Family Room

I had a blast decorating my house Thank you Pinterest!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T03:00:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving with our friends the Mason's and the Thigpins. We had a lot of fun, I didn't have to do much cooking, ( I was giving roll duty) Everything else was taken care of. The food was delicious and the kids had a blast hanging with eachother.

getting ready to feed our bellies!

I am so thankful for my wonderful children. ( Yes Sammi Jo's shirt is from Pinterest!)

All the girls, they are the best of friends and spend every moment together.

We are thankful for wonderful friends!

Thanksgiving would not be complete without some black Friday shopping, each year stores are opening earlier and earlier, so my friend Tiff and I headed out right after dinner. We had to drive to TX about one hour away to get the good shopping. We camped out in the Target line, for seven hours! We got everything we set out for and more and we made it home by 3 am. I love Black Friday shopping !!!!!

over load

2011-10-28T21:21:00.000-05:00

Since is have not updated my blog in a while I will just show you what the Wheeler family has been up to.

We took a trip to Tylor TX so have fun at an indoor water park, the water was to cold for me but the kids loved it. (but it was not as good as the Great Wold lodge in PA)

My Sister Tanya and her family came to visit us for a week. We had such a great time together. The kids played all week while we just talked or crafted, the house was a mess, we don't really know if kids at meals but it was so much fun. While she was in town we took the kids to Dallas State fair, I have never seen a fair this big before it was crazy every thing is trully bigger in TX.

Sammi Jo turned two on Sept. 30. We had a little party for her. One of my good friends owns a party bounce house place so we had Sammi's party there, The kids all got face painted, and bounced their hearts out. Sammi Jo was so cute and loved every minute of it.

My friend Tiffany has such amazing talent !

I attempted to make Sammi JO's cake not my best one

But that didn't stop her from sneaking a bite.

Busy day for a two year old.

We flew to Utah in Sept for the Nelson family Lake Powell trip

I live lake powell I have not been able to go in a couple of years, becasue we lived to far away.

We would get up eairly and start water skiing and wake boarding go in if we needed to eat and then head right back out. The kids all took turns at the water sports Dawson loved knee boarding while Annie and Sammi JO loved the tube. Sammi would alwasy cry when we took her off the tube.

Mal and nate enjoying the sun

Dan and the girls waiting their turn to go out.

Summers over, now what!

2011-08-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well this summer has officially come and gone. We spent most of the summer moving and getting settled into Ardmore, but we still found time to have fun.

We were lucky enough to have my brother Nate and his wife Mal come and stay with us for three weeks. Nate is in premed at the UofU and wanted to get some shadow hours in. WHile Nate and Dan were busy working at the hospital me and Mal lived it up, we we did crafts, watched movies and got pedicures and totally had a blast hanging out with eachother.

We did sneak the boys away from working and headed down to Schlitterbahn, what is Schlitterbahn you ask? Only the best adn biggest waterpark TX has to offer, We had so much fun, we spent two days at the waterpark and even then we didn't have enough time to do everything. Schlitterbahn had no height requirements on the water slides, they say that they have enough lifeguards on duty so nothing could happen. We sent Sammi Jo down on all the slides, she loved them! After every water slide we would try to get her out of the water adn she would cry until we got back in line to go down again. THis is definitely going to be a once a year trip now in the Wheeler Family.

Sammi Jo on her first water slide!

Going up! ( do you see Sammi Jo's little pink hat in the back, ya we took her on this)

Thie girls playing in kiddie land

Best Brother and Me

Anabell being silly

Dawson loving the water

Sammi Jo is so dang Cute

We also hit up Six Flags a couple of times with Nate and Mal, once in Dallas and once in San Antonio TX both times we rode as many coasters as possible. We were even able to sneak Dawosn on a few of the bigger roller coasters. On one coaster Malorie told us that she would pass out if she rode with us, we jsut laughted and made her ride despite her concerns. Sure enough that girl passed out cold during one of hte turns, once i saw the piture taken on the ride, I didn't stop laughing the rest of the day, even now i bust up laughing when I look at it. Throughout the day we all mimicked Malorie in our rollercoaster photos. We had a lot of fun at the parks and enjoyed having family with us. Now sad to say that Nate and Mal are back in Utah and we have to face the real world.

Sixs Flags

Sammi Jo loved to see all the Characters

I decided to try homeschooling Dawson and Anabell we have the space in our home to habe a room devoted to school. THe kids each have their own laptops and things have been going very well. They are keeping up with the work and I enjoy having them home. THey both have started Piano and Violin Lessons. They are also both in gymnastics adn Dawson is in Karate. But we are done with everything by the time most kids get out of school and so they have lots of time to be a kid.

Dawson at his work space.

Anabell at her work space.

Sammi Jo wants to be a big girl too!

Dawson's first day of School

Anabell's first day of school!

Wish us Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan's Sister Passed away

2011-07-26T21:12:00.001-05:00

Karlie Anne Wheeler 1968 ~ 2011 Karlie Anne Wheeler,
43, died July 21, 2011, with her family by her side in South Jordan Utah. She was born
May 15th, 1968, in Provo, Utah to Arrol and Marlene Wheeler.
Karlie was the oldest of five children, and an example to all of her
younger siblings. She show Christ like love to all those that she met.
She was full of faith and always patient and forgiving. Karlie was a
fighter, she suffered from heart disease and was not expected to live past
the first year of life. She would never give up and she lived a full life for
43 years. Karlie loved her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed spoiling and
taking care of them. Karlie treasured spending time with family and friends. Karlie had many talents including knitting,
cross stitchingcrocheting, and taking pictures. She brought love and happiness to those
around her. Karlie served with her parents on a LDS service mission
and served in the Primary. Karlie is survived by her parents Arrol and Marlene Wheeler;
sisters, Krista Simpson, Julie Carter, Robyn Prescott; brother,
Daniel Wheeler; and 11 Nephews and 6 Nieces.

This past couple of weeks have been very hard. We got a call
last Friday that Dan's sister was sick and that we should come
and see her. We planned a trip to come to Utah in a week when
Dan had off from work. We got a call again Saturday night that Karlie was not going to make it that long so Dan and I made arrangement to
leave on Monday. By the time that we arrived in Utah Karlie was unable to speak,
we were able to say our goodbyes and Karlie passes away Thursday afternoon. We were all
around her bedside as she passed away. I am so grateful that I have the
Gospel in my life that I can know that we will one day be together again.
We will Miss her and we love her.

Ardmore

2011-06-29T19:18:00.000-05:00

We made it to Oklahoma and are settling in as best we can. The past couple of weeks has really been crazy, only a couple of days before we were leaving PA. Dan and I felt very strongly that we should not buy a house at this time so we pulled out of our house. (It was so sad to let that amazing house go) We had no place to go and the moving truck was already packing and loading our stuff. We told them to just head to Ardmore and we would call them with an address as soon as we knew. We flew into Dallas on Sunday father’s day (after a four hour delay), then drove into Ardmore Monday morning. We spent the day calling places to rent and we called a home that we looked at and really liked we asked if he would rent and he agreed so we moved in the next day. I really love the house and the neighborhood. Unfortunately we sold most of our furniture in PA. so we have a large home with nothing but a couple of mattresses on the floor. The good thing is since it is so hot the kids can’t go outside so they have been able to play soccer in the front room, and tag upstairs.

I never did get to blog about my last week in PA. My friends sent me off with lots of Love. My friend Liz threw a farewell BBQ and then ended the night with girl’s night out at knobels. I will have to post Pictures later I left my memory card in PA. But we had a blast I couldn’t stop laughing we were like a bunch of high school girls running around. We also were invited to lots of people’s homes for a last dinner or a Freeze run! I love everyone in PA and can’t wait to visit.

This is pictures of our new place!

Front room and front door

Playroom

Front of the House

Family room off the kitchen

Kitchen

Dawson 's Baptism and Utah

2011-05-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

We decided to Baptize Dawson in Utah because most of our family lives there, and it would be easier to fly our family to Utah then ask our family to fly to PA.
The Day was perfect even the snow made the day even more beautiful Dawson had so many people support him on his big day. We had a about 100 people show up to show their love. Dawson was so amazing and he already has a strong testimony.
Right before his baptism started he said to me

"Mom I am scared" I asked him why he told me " I am scared because I don't know if i will be able to keep all the commandments all the time, what if I mess up" I reminded him about the atonement and the sacrament and he was happy about my answer. but I was so touched to know
Dawson s commitment to his baptism

Dawson and his Dad right before his baptism

I didn't get a picture of everyone that was at the Baptism but this is a
large portion of people that came to the Lunch.

Dawson practiced a piano song so that he could play on his big day
He did amazing and I love his talent of playing the piano.

My Sister took Baptism pictures of Dawson for me, she is very talented and I am grateful for all the wonderful photos I have because of her

While we were in Utah Dan surprised me with an early Birthday gift and took me to the anniversary inn We had such a great time with just the two of us.
On my B day my good friend Liz came over with a donut cake and a wonderful gift. I am so lucky to have such an amazing friend she has been a blessing in my life and I will truly miss her. I love you Liz!

My sister had her third child while we were there She is so cute my kids just loved holding her. Annie asked me when I will I have another baby in my tummy. Not any time soon!Annie and AJ

Sammi Jo loved to hold AJ she would not let any one take her away!

We also went to Ardmore to look for housing and we fell in love with one. We decided to put an offer on the house. I was not sure if I was going to post picts of the house because I didn't want people to think i was showing off "Look at us Dan's a Doctor now so look at our House" But a lot of people have asked to see pictures of the house so is you don't want to see stop reading but if you do this is were we are going to live once we move.

This is from the front door

living room

Other side of living room

Living room looking up

Kitchen

Formal living room
other side of the formal room

Master bedroom
Master bath

Girls room

Dawson's room

Entertainment room (upstairs)

loft or mans cave (upstairs)

Extra bed room (upstairs)

Office (upstairs)

Indoor pool
Off the kitchen and living room.

We are so excited about moving and can't wait to start this new chapter.
P.S. We will miss everyone in PA.

Dawsons Birthday and more.

2011-04-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

Dawson's Birthday was March 25th, I know I am late posting about it but I had a very good reason.

I was sick, not just I don't want to get out of bed kind of sick. I was in the hospital sick. I had been sick with the stomach flu for a couple of days and it really put me out of commission. I was not able to eat or drink anything so I was unaware that I had gotten a UTI, well the UTI went untreated and the infection spread into my kidneys and up into my liver. On top of it all I got a kidney stone which sent me to the ER and they were able to start treating me for the infection. The Dr wanted to admit me, but both Dan and I didn't want him to so he sent me home. The next day I was sent back to the hospital but this time in an ambulance and then I had no choice but to be admitted into the hospital. I was treated for the infection and in the process they found out that I have a kidney disease that apparently I was born with, so this meant lots more Dr and lots more test. After a couple of days in the hospital I was able to go home. However I didn't quite go home. We headed right to the airport.

Dan and I had planned a trip to FL to meet up with my family and go to Disney world. We had already paid for the trip so we decided to go. The two hour flight was really hard and I was questioning our decision to go, but we made it to FL and my family was able to take care of the kids while i started to recover. They went to Disney without me, but I was able to sleep a lot. The kids had a great time and by the time we had to go home I was feeling better.

Since I was sick we had to push Dawson's birthday party back until this Saturday. Dawson wanted a Mario party so I got to work and started creating a Mario world for him. We didn't invite that many kids but it was a lot of fun and the kiddos all had a great time.

This was one of the games we played the kids had to hit the box with their head. The group of kids this picture was so hard to get a group of boys to look at the camera all at the same time. We also played a game that you had to throw a bomb into king boos mouth. I made boo out of a foam board and the bomb is made out of felt. Dawson wanted a Mario cake so this is what I made for him. He loved it and so did all the other kids. I had a lot of fun planning Dawson's party and I love that he had such a great time.

Grateful for the simple things

2011-03-04T16:50:00.000-06:00

The past couple of weeks have been an emotional roller-coaster for Dan and I. After a well check up for Dawson the Dr. was alarmed by something that he noticed. This lead to blood work which lead to the concern that Dawson might have a brain tumor. So with that word I was freaking out, and then I started thinking the worst. After the initial freak out I started to reflect on what kind of mother I was, if I have done the best I could. Did I teach him the things that the Lord would have wanted me to teach him. Dawson will be baptized April 30 and I wondered if I had prepared him be accountable for his actions. Have I shown him through example how to live a life close to the Lord? I knew that I could always do more, we could pray more together as a family, I could show love more, and I could talk to all of my kids more about the gospel. So I have made a goal that each month we will make each FHE a little more meaningful, take more time at scripture study to explain what we are reading, and to make our family prayers more meaningful.

This week we did get the results back from Dawson’s test and he doesn’t’ have a Tumor!!!!!!!

He does have some chemical imbalances that we are going to have to deal but I feel like after going a couple of weeks think that my child has a brain tumor I can deal with anything

I am so grateful that Dawson is in our home, he is the strong one in the family. He is a hard worker, he is an amazing big brother and he has the ability to forgive others and love them.

This week I am so happy to go back to house work and getting the kids off to school without a pit in my stomach!

Christmas and New Years

2011-01-08T13:39:00.000-06:00

Nate and Mal came for a visit! We were so excited to have my brother and his wife come and stay with us for a week

We went to a trampoline house were we played dodge ball, practiced flips and jumped until we were sick!

Dawson attempted to do a back flip but it turned into a back flop

Uncle Nate helped Anabell with her "Cheer flip" (annies words)

This is my back flip I was awesome at it!

Nate and Dan flipping off the wall!

NEW YEARS
We met up with my mom in Hershey to bring in the New Year.
Hershey was having a block party with a couple of bands playing someone from the Disney channel sang also
( it was a big deal to a lot of people but I don't remember who it was, so I guess it wasn't a big deal to me.)

The girls fell asleep on the drive to Hershey so they missed all the fun.

Me and Mal I love this girl!

Dawson and me cheering for the New Year.

My little brother, Me, My mom and Dawson
Happy New Years.

CHRISTMASWe made gram-cracker houses with our good friends The Pitcavage
We has so much fun making and eating all the candy

We found this noise and had to put it on Sammi Jo She loved it and wouldn't let us take it off of her so we had to buy it.So then we has to get one for everyone

We went to see a Christmas village full of lights. It was so cold outside that the kids didn't enjoy themselves as much as we had hoped.

Christmas Best.

On Christmas eve we went over to some friends house were we had soup and salad and then the kids participated in the Nativity play. They were so cute but way to young to really do much, but they were cute in the costumes!

Before

After

Christmas Card

2010-12-22T06:56:00.000-06:00

Where in the world have I been?

2010-12-03T16:51:00.000-06:00

Okay so I know that I have been MIA however I have a very good reason, I have been traveling what else!

My parents were able to come into town in the Beginning of November to help a friend of mine out with her basement. After two full days of working we decided to take a break and head to the Poconos for some RR at the Great Wolf Lodge. This is one of our families favorite quick getaway spots, so it was fun to share it with Grandma and Grandpa.

Dan and I took the kids to Boston over the Thanksgiving Holiday. My dad had a layover so we were able to spend some well needed time with him. Boston was freezing so we decided to take a trolley along the freedom trail instead of walk. We also visited the Aquarium and the Children’s museum.

On Thanksgiving we headed to Plymouth were we able to eat a Thanksgiving dinner with the pilgrims and Indians. We then visited a each of the groups town and saw how they lived and worked. We were also able to visit the Mayflower 2.

Well if you really know Dan and I you would know that we live for Black Friday shopping being in Plymouth didn’t change that. We were out early and shopped all day (with our kids) I think that we are all done with Christmas shopping and maybe some birthdays as well.

For our Ten year anniversary Dan and I spent a couple of days in New York. We went with some good friends and took the kids to see the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center. The city was crazy busy and after a while the kids didn’t think it was that cool so we left before the tree was lit.

After we left the tree we took the kids over to the Macy window displays all the kids loved them they could have stayed there all night.

On Wednesday we took the kids to see Christmas Spectacular by the Rockettes. The kids loved the show Sammi was really good and Annie was dancing along with the dancers.

After the show we had to walk back to the hotel so that Liz and the kids could head home, howeverit was so rainy outside and we all had to walk in the rain. The kids did okay but by the time we got back to the hotel we were soaking wet.

After the kids left Dan and I went to see Wicked we had incredible seats and the show was amazing. I loved the music and everything about the show. After the show Dan and I were so lucky that we got to go back stage and meet some of the cast and get a behind the scenes look at Wicked. It was so cool.

Yes this is the Broom! Elphaba's broom that she flies with!

This is Elphab's dress the dress cost $18,000

Dan's getting ready to enjoy some green tonic from the OZ's closet

This is Etai BenShlomo who plays Boq

We were able to look through the costumes and play around with some!

That evening Dan and I went to a Cir de Soleil Show. Usually I really like Cir de Soleil, but I didn’t like this show at all. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that I just was Wicked and was comparing this show to that one.

To end the evening off we had dessert at serendipity. Dan had the famous frozen hot chocolate and I had some pie. It was so yummy and a perfect ending.

On Thursday Dan and I were able to go to the Temple and then for lunch we went to the Plaza Hotel (I know we splurged)

We then talked around the city until that evening, We then went to see The Lion King. This show was so good I can’t compare it to Wicked because it is amazing in different ways and I don’t think I can say one is better than the other. The music gave me chills and the show brought tears to my eyes. The singers are so talented and the dancing and costumes made this show so unique. have been listening to the CDs of both musicals and love them.

I This is Dashaun Young who plays Simba

After the Lion King, Dan and I had to drive home, I was so tired that I fell asleep right after we got out of the city, Dan woke me up a couple hours later telling me that we are lost because We took our friends car home and they don’t have GPS. Well we ended up in Delaware. After about an hour driving around trying to get on the right road we were finally on our way home at 2 am. We pulled into our home at 5 in the morning. I was able to get 2 hours of sleep before I had to get up and get the kids off to school.

Despite the detour we took the trip was wonderful and I am so grateful to Liz for 1 making us do it, 2 insisting on going to all the shows, and 3 for taking such good care of our children.

This makes up for all the forgotten Anniversaries (both parties are equal) For all the “oh it is our anniversary today?” or “ lets got to T bell for our anniversary dinners”

We are Moving!!!!!

2010-10-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

WE are Moving to Ardmore OK!
SO after all the interviews and lots of prayer we have decided that Ardmore OK is the place we need to be. We are looking forward to moving on with our life and Dan is really excited about the opportunity that Mercy Hospital is providing him.

In other News

My little baby turned one this past month and I have no Idea what happened to the time
Sammi Jo is such a blessing in our lives she has to be the best baby in the world
She is so easy going she never really gets upset and she is just so happy all the time.
and I know what you are thinking I say this because I am her mom however others have witnessed how amazing Sammy Jo. is.

Dan had to attend ACEP which is an ER conference This year the conference was in Las Vegas.
We were so excited to go back to Vegas and visit our friends and old ward members. We miss Vegas. We were so blessed to have both Dan's family and My family meet us in Vegas for a long week of fun (while Dan attended the conference)
We went to all the Vegas hot attractions. A Vegas trip can't be completed with out a trip to the M&M store

When we are not traveling or Dan is not working we are trying to have fun with the family we were able to enjoy one last trip to Knoebels which is the local amusement park. We always enjoy a night at Knoebels mostly for the yummy greasy food.

My friend has inspired my to take up knitting and I have been a little crazy about knitting things for my family This is what I have finished so far. Sammi Jo will not keep the hat and mittens on for long enough for a picture

I just wanted to show everyone what an amazing sister I have Tanya made this for my Girls room and it is so cute and they love that they have a princess room. Thanks Tanya I love it.

Monthly Up date

2010-09-07T18:21:00.000-05:00

I am always amazed at all you moms that update your blog weekly or even better daily. I am lucky if I can update monthly.This past months we have been off traveling all around. Dan has had interviews all over the US and we have been lucky enough to go along. Our first interview was in Kentucky, then off to Florida were we had two interview, we went to Oklahoma to another couple of interviews, we then headed to Las Vegas, then our most resent on was in Texas, we just got home yesterday. And after all the interviews we still do not know were we want to go.
It has been a lot of fun going to interviews, we have been shown first class treatment, we have gone to some of the best dinners that I have ever eaten and we have stayed in some amazing hotels. While we were in Oklahoma we were treated to limo rides to all of our destinations.

Other things that have been going on...
A couple of weeks ago Dan participated in Med Wars, which is where a race is combine wilderness medicine and adventure racing. The race took a total of nine hours. they had to trail run over 15 miles, at times they were pushing tire up the mountain, then they had to run to the river while caring a three person Kayaks, once they got to the water they Kayaked for 2 and a half hours up stream, all while doing diffrent Medical Challenges. Dan was in no shape to do this and to tell you the truth I don't know how he survived.
Anabell has Started Preschool this year, and she is so cute. She is able to go to school with her two best girl friends. The three of them are so cute together. I miss her but she loves school and can't wait to go every Mon. Wed. Fri.

Inspiration Road

2010-08-06T17:47:00.000-05:00

We just had the best opportunity to have the White Family stay with us.
Willard White is from Utah but he has spent the last couple of months riding his bike across the country. He started in Organ and will end his journey in NYC. He is helping Shriners Hospitals for Children. All three of his adopted girls have been helped tremendously, free of charge, by Shriners Hospitals for Children. So this was his way of giving back. We talked tell all hours of the night listening to his wonderful stories that he has had along the ride.
I am truly touched by this family and the sacrifice they have made I am so grateful for all they are doing
http://www.inspirationroad.com/Home

Kansas City

2010-07-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

We drove 17 hr. to Kansas City to see my little brother and his wonderful wife for the Forth of July Weekend.

They met us in St. Louis and we spent the day at Six Flags, it was so much fun seeing then again. We miss not being close to family.

While we were at Six Flags Dan Nate and I all went on the Sky coaster I love this ride it is so much fun. It is a 153 ft drop I love love love the rush!!!!!

We all then drove to Kansas city were my brother is doing summer sales.
I was able to see my best friend, who lives in Lincoln Nebraska she drove up for the day so that we could spend time with each other Thanks so much Sarah. I just have to say that Sarah is the best friend a person could have! She is one of those friend that no matter how much time passes or when the last time you talked on the phone you can pick back up were you left off. I love that when we hang out we don't need a big production or even a plan, we just have fun being together. I remember when we lived in LV. we would sit on my couch and space out while our kids played and we just loved that we didn't need to feel the silence. I have miss living next to her and I hope that someday our lives will bring us closer together, but if not I know that she will always be my best friend. I love you Sarah!!!!!!

Maloire Did research on what to do with the kids while we were in KC, and let me tell you she did a great job. We went to the Hallmark factory, they allow the kids to come in and make crafts for free all day long. We all had a blast.
For the Forth of July we went to the KC river fest. It was a lot of fun we were able to ride on some rides, Anabell rode on a pony and now whats one. We ate such yummy food, but the it started to rain. At first it was a little sprinkle and we were still going to watch fireworks in the rain but the rain turned into a downpour. We ended up watching fireworks in our car.

We had such a wonderful time with Nate and Mal we miss you and love you so much!

2010-06-22T10:25:00.000-05:00

Summer started out out crazy busy

For Dawson last day of school we went to Hershey park,
We had so much fun, how could you not have fun at a place like Hershey park

We then took off for a week to Florida. We were able to meet up with some of my family. My parents were able to spend the week with us as well and my sister Tanya and her family and my little sister Jamie sadly her husband was away so she was solo.

we did so much while we were in FL. Swimming in the pool was always a favorite.
We took the kid to Wanado City! Which was so much fun it is a city were the kids get to run the show. When the kids enter they are given 150 Wanado buck and they have to open a bank account then they have to get jobs and if they want to do something like ride rides or eat treats they spend the money they earned!
We also went to the Miami Sea Aquarium. We were able to have a dolphin encounter which was so cool the kids loved it.We drove down to the FL. Keys and went to the beach. The kids found crabs and clams. The water was so warm I loved it!
We rented canoes and went canoeing. Sammi Jo hated the life jacket. She cried her self to sleep. after that it was peaceful my parent took the girls in and we had Nick take the boys so it was nice to be with Dan for awhile.
We went to a luau for dinner. The kids loved the fire dancers. I love going to luau because it reminds me of spending time in Hawaii.

May Up date

2010-05-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

I am not that great at posting very often, But this is what we have been up to the last couple of weeks

We took a day trip to NY to the Corning Glass Museum. We were able to learn how to blow Glass. The kids were only able to blow the glass while the Glass maker worked with the glass. I was able to actually work with the glass. It was so hot, my hands were on fire while I was working with the glass. We had so much fun and it was such a fun experience.This is my flower I don't think that Glass blowing is in my talent pool

This is Anabells sculpture

This is Dawson creation he wanted to make an egg!

Mothers day and My Birthday landed on the same day this year. So I got double the celebration. Dan had to work so we decided to celebrate my birthday later in the week. Some great friends of mine came over for dinner and helped me celebrate my birthday.

I love being a mom it is the hardest thing I have ever done but I would never want anything diffrent in my life each of my wonderful children bring me such joy and happiness. I love each personality and love watching them grow.

Later in the week we took off to the Poconos we stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge (a indoor water park) We had so much fun. I was able to spend the day at the Spa while Dan took the kids to the water park!

Easter

2010-04-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Easter and Conference weekend
We had the Easter bunny bring lots of yummy treats and we enjoyed a couple of diffrent Easter egg hunts

This is at the Hospital egg hunt!

Sammi Jo loved her Easter bunny she chewed on the ear all day.

This past week I had to have some Basal Cell cancer removed from the side of my nose. I am totally fine it was no big deal beside the fact that I stitches and will most likely have a scare on my nose.

up date

2010-03-22T15:12:00.000-05:00

So we have been busy I headed back to Utah (after being home for only 3 weeks)
My little sister Jamie got married on March 13The wedding was beautiful and I am so happy for her.While we were in Utah Dawson had a birthday party with all is cousins at Chuck E Cheese.
And yes I did make the cake Dawson wanted a Pokemon cake so he got one. Also while I was in Utah I decided to cute me hair. I donated my hair to Locks of love. I decided a while ago that I was going to do this when a really good friend of mine her little girl Izzy who was diagnosed with Leukemia on March 9th 2007. We love you guys and are you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

2010-02-05T10:21:00.000-06:00

My Grandfather passed away last night. It was a better sweet moment. He has been in a nursing home for a couple of years and his health has rapidly declined. My Grandmother passed away four years ago, and my Grandfather lost his will to live ever since.
The nice thing was that the whole family could be at his bed side when he passed. My Dad had come in just he day before and Dan and I were scheduled to fly home today. So we had a one day opening were the family was all together.
The My Grandfather was a wonderful man he had an amazing love for my Grandmother, (I tell people it is like the movie the notebook!) He was a hard working man that provided for his family, and later in life had to provide for his Grandchildren. He loved to tease and loved to be teased. even in his last days he would tease those around him. A funny story, the day before he died he was not really responsive and nurse was checking him out taking his vitals and she would ask him questions, but he would not respond then all the sudden he shouted boo! It startled the nurse so bad.
I know that my Grandfather is in a better place and he is at the side of my Grandmother and they are working hard until we can met again. I am grateful that I was able to be with him and say my last good byes.
However I am not sure now when I will be going back home I have been away from PA. now since Dec. 29th it has been a long time but I have enjoyed the time I have had with family.

Up date

2010-01-16T12:18:00.000-06:00

Jan 8^th
We blessed Sammi Jo on the 8^th, at Dan’s parent’s house. We had so many of our family and friends join us in this special day. Dan gave a beautiful blessing with so many wonderful blessings. I am so grateful that I have a strong loving husband that honors his priesthood and can bless our children and preside over our house.

Jan. 6
We took the kids skiing for the first time. They did better then I had expected. Annie Loved skiing she was a natural and told me not to hold on to her, that she could go down all by her self. Dawson was another story, he did not like anything about skiing.

Dec. 30^th
My Little baby is now three month old, she is so cute and such a joy in our lives. She is always so happy and smiles all the time we are so lucky and grateful to have little Sammi Jo with us.
29^th

We were able to Fly to Utah for a while to visit with family. We went because my brother was have a reception in Utah, and plus it has been and year and a half since we have been back.

Dec 26^th

I was cleaning my house and preparing to have some friend come and stay with us, and while I was walking down my stairs with Christmas decorations, I slipped and fell down my stairs. I hit my head really hard and passed out, my kids thought I was playing around so they were jumping on me, but Dan walked over and realized that I was not playing; I then had a seizure and stopped breathing. Dan had Dawson call 911 and I was rushed to the Hospital. Luckily I didn’t break anything I just was in a lot of pain for a couple of days. But I have fully covered and I am going great. But what a scare.

Dec 25^th

Christmas was low key. The kids got way to may present like always; some of the high lights were a bounce house for the kids and Rock band for Dan, and lots and lots of girl y girl stuff for Annie. Dan had to work on Christmas which was a bummer but we still had a wonderful Christmas

We got together with some friends in our ward and made gram cracker houses.

Dec 16th

We had our 9 year anniversary I can't believe how time flies. We took the kids to a Jazz VS. Nets game in NJ. We had so much fun and the kids loved the b ball game. We had a great time with the family and A wonderful anniversary.

Dec 12^th

My little baby brother got married in the Birmingham Alabama Temple to the most amazing girl ever. We drove to Alabama. which took about 14 hr. for the wedding, this was the first time we meet Malorie but loved her instantly. I had such a great time seeing family and helping out with my Brother’s wedding

New Cute pictures

2009-11-12T15:44:00.001-06:00

We went and had the kids pictures taken last week and I just got the pictures back. I am not sure I am happy with them and I hate that you don't get a digital copy but what can you do when you live in a small town.

Halloween week

2009-11-02T11:44:00.000-06:00

This Halloween week we had a lot going on. We picked pumpkins on Thursday. Yes it was a little close to Halloween and we had slim picking however this was the only time we could go as a family. After pumpkin picking we headed over to the Danville Halloween Parade. This was a lot of fun we meet up with several other people from our ward. The kids walked away with bags full of candy. On Friday I wanted to take some pictures of the kids and Sammi Jo. So we headed to the closes studio which was 45 min away, pictures took all day we were rushing to get to our ward Trunk r Treat by 6:30 at night. We ended up being about 20 min. late. The kids again go a bag full of candy. (I will post the pictures when they come in)

On Saturday I ran a 5 K run with one of my friends. My time was bad but hey I just had a baby right. (That wouldn't matter to you Sarah I know) That evening we were invited to a Halloween party we played games and ate lots of yummy food. However in the evening it started to rain so we didn’t take the kids trick or treating, we grabbed a move and popcorn and had a nice evening in with the family.

This year we had a Storm Trooper, a witch and a little ghost.

My little Pumpkin

This years carved pumpkins.

This past week we....

2009-10-25T15:09:00.000-05:00

Dan’s parents came in for a couple of weeks to see Sammi Jo. We decided that since I was feeling great that we would show them the east coast. Dan took a couple of days off and we headed to Boston. We walked the freedom trail which is about 2.5 miles (we did this on a record breaking cold day!) We had a lot of fun seeing all that we could however there is so much to see in Boston we just didn’t have the time to see it all.

This is at the USS constitution Which is the the world's oldest commissioned warship

This is out side one of Bostons Graveyards

This is in front of the Capital building

We then headed over to Salem, it was so fun to see everything decorated for Halloween.

I love Halloween and Fall is my favorite season. I had so much fun seeing people walking all over town in costumes.

We then headed to Philadelphia were we were able to do a lot we went to the zoo, battle ships, submarines, children museums, take a bus tour of the city and we went to see all the historical sites. We had a great time, it was nice spending it with family.

If you didn't know this statue then you should hit the books!

We had about a 3 sec. window to take this picture between each tour group not the best picture but what can you do.

We took a duck tour which is a vehicle that can go on land and water. This was a lot of fun they gave us duck whistles to quack at people as we drove by.

Samantha was such a good baby she just went along with what ever we did.

Sammy Jo

2009-10-12T20:46:00.001-05:00

This is Samantha's birth announcement. What do you think?

My mom and I had a little photo shoot, I am so sad that I don't have my sister to help she would have done such a better job. But we got a few good shots.

Welcome Samantha Joanna Wheeler

2009-10-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce the arrival of Samantha Joanna Wheeler (Sammy Jo).

She was born at 3:43 am. on Wed. September 30th 2009. She was 6 lb and 3 oz and 19 1/2in long. Mom and baby are doing great and come home from the hospital today.

The Great Wolf Lodge

2009-09-18T17:53:00.001-05:00

This past week has been overwhelming, last Friday, I found out that I have Intrahepatic cholestasis, I got this while I was pregnant with Anabell so I knew that I would have a chance of getting it again. With ICP My liver releases bile acids into my skin which cause itching. I was induces at 37 weeks with Anabell, however with this pregnancy they want to wait and see if my bile acids will rise more before they induces me. So as a result I have to see a MFM once a week and go in for stress testing twice a week, and I also am seeing a midwife so yes that is four apt. a week, I have been so overwhelmed with Dr. apt. that I finally had enough so when I got home on Tue. From yet another apt. I told Dan that I wanted to just get away, I had our bags pack within the hour and he set out to find the destination.

We ended up spending a couple of day in the Poconos which is only about an hour and half away. We stayed at a Lodge with an indoor water park. We had a great time the kids were able to swim and play and I was able to just relax, something that I really needed.

I wanted to go down the slides, however the lifeguards wouldn't let me!

While we were staying at the Lodge our room ended up having ants in the room, when we told the front desk they moved us to a Luxury Suite and gave us food tickets for our stay! Our room was So nice with a fire place kitchen and two bedrooms with a master jetted tub. Thank you ants.

Atlantic City

2009-08-29T14:40:00.000-05:00

We were able to take a couple of days and head to Atlantic City, The kids and I have been to Atlantic City before but this was Dan's first time.

We didn’t have much time but we packed as much as we could in the time we had

We arrived around 7:00 pm on Tuesday we went to the board walk; we wanted to take the kids to the Rain forest café however the only time we could get in was at 9:30 p.m. we decided to walk around the board walk while we waited, we took in a few rides while we waited.

This is Annie's favorite ride ever

The kids thought that the Rain forest Cafe was so fun! Until the thunder storm started then they got scared.

On Wednesday, we got up early and headed out to hit the sites, we went to Lucy the Elephant and then to the aquarium and then that evening we took a dinner cruise and dolphin watch, we had a blast we were able to see lots of dolphins.

This elephant was fun to walk through, The inside is really roomy!

The kids were able to touch lot of diffrent animals at the aquarium, This is were the kids touched a kind of shark.

It is a little hard to see but this is a picture of some dolphins, it was hard to take pictures of them they were so fast.

On Thursday we went to the beach for a couple of hours and then before we had to drive home we went to a lighthouse and walked up 240 steps to the top.

Dan and Dawson went on a treasure hunt while we were at the beach,

However they did not find anything good.

This is at the top of the lighthouse

We then had to head back home so that Dan could be at work by 7:00 p.m.

Even though the trip was short we had lots of fun and it was so nice to get away.

Camping at Ricketts Glen

2009-08-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

We spent the past weekend camping. This is the first time that we have been camping in a while and I was really excited for the trip, however the weather was not cooperating with us. We went up on Wed. to Ricketts Glen, and it was pouring rain, we were hopeful that the rain would let up but it never did. So we set up camp in the rain and the rain just keep coming, our tent didn’t hold up well with all the rain and we and everything in side was soaking wet by morning. Lucky for us the rain let up on Thur. and we were able to enjoy ourselves at the lake. We spent the day on a row boat and playing at the beach.

Later that day we took the kids fishing until we had an unexpected guess show up. (a water moccasin).

That evening we were able to enjoy ourselves around the fire, however right after we went to bed the rain came again, and again it poured on us all night, Dan and I had enough of the rain and being wet that we got up around 5:30 am and packed up camp in the rain. Despite the rain and the amount of time it took Dan and I to dry and clean out our stuff we had fun, and all the kids remember were the good times.

Hershey's

2009-07-28T17:24:00.000-05:00

Dan and I felt that we needed a family day, we have been unpacking and organizing our house for the past month, and the kids needed to do something fun. So we took the kids to Hershey’s park this past week. We spent the first half of the day at the water park;

Dawson was brave and went down some of the big water slides with Dan.

Annie found a couple of little slides that she could go down.
Dan was able to ride the wave!
Annie used her charm to get me to swim with her, the water was so cold!

We decided to get dressed and hit the rides when the weather started to turn bad fast and we got caught up in a down pour. We found shelter under a little hot dog stand and huddled together to wait out the rain. The kids were able to stay dry in the stroller, they ended up falling asleep; however Dan and I not so lucky.The rain finally let up and we were able to ride the rides, Dan took Dawson to ride some roller coasters, I stayed with Anabell and watched her ride the foggier hopper 15 times in a row.

Dan was able to win the kids a large stuff Bear on one of the games. The kids were so excited!

Dan is our families own superhero!

One ride we were all able to go on was the Coal Cracker, it is like splash mountain, However the kids did not enjoy it as much as Dan and I!
We Had such a wonderful Day!
It was so nice to take a break form house work

Overwhelmed!

2009-07-16T15:38:00.000-05:00

I am totally overwhelmed with life right now,

Dan and I moved to a new home in town, we hope that this new home will be worth the move in the end. Our last home was a duplex and we had some problems with shared electricity (that we paid for), thin walls and loud intersection. So I told Dan that I wanted to move. (I don’t know what I was thinking!)

Don’t get me wrong I love LOVE our new home, it just that we ended up moving in the rain so things got put everywhere and I can’t find anything. I try to unpack boxes however I am so dang tired all the time, it is hard to stay motivated.

I just spent the last week at girls’ camp (I am the ward Camp Director) which as a surprise was a nice relaxing change to what I have to face at home. My mom flew in for the week to watch the kids while I was at camp and Dan was at Scout Camp. My mom was such a big help she made meals for me and keep my house clean, she even helped clean out my garage Dang I miss my mom!

Girls camp was such a blast, we were able to stay at some summer camp grounds were we had someone cook for us great and yummy meals, we were able to go kayaking, have pedicures, learn karate, take photo classes and so much more! When I was in YW, my Girls’ camp was nothing like this, we had to work for our meals. I had a great time getting to know so many great girls in our ward and stake, I cant wait until next year!

I don't have pictures yet form Girls camp but I will post them as soon as I get them!

I know this is late but I will recap our Forth of July, We took the kids to a parade. at the parade each float would give the kids candy we ended up with two bags full of candy! That evening my mom came and we went to a park and ate a picnic dinner and watched fireworks, It was not the most exciting Forth of July but it was a nice was to celebrate the holiday.

See they do love each other!

The kids were so excited to have Grandma!

This was Anabells reaction to the fireworkds

This past week......

2009-05-31T17:07:00.000-05:00

I finally was able to get a picture of Dan on one of his posters. He is definitely the best looking of the group.

Dan has been on Life flight this past month and he has had a great time, he has done and seen some crazy cases. We live so close that we can hear when he is on a flight the kids love running outside to wave at Daddy as he flies over head.

Things we have been up to......

We took the kids to a old Coal mine and we were able to ride a coal train. It was so cold down in the coal mine, It was cool to see that men worked down in places like this day in and day out. Cole mining has to be one of the hardest jobs.

Anabell turn's three on June 3

We celebrated Anabells birthday a little early this week, Dan had a couple of days off, and most of Anabells friends will be moving away this week (that's what you get making friends that are residents.)
We had a princess party for Annie with her friends, the girls dressed up and played games and then we set up a move on our projector to watch a princess movie. The party was a lot of fun!

On Saturday we again celebrated Anabells birthday by taking her to Chuck E Cheese, out to lunch, we then stopped by Toys R US and finished the night up at the drive in to see the Disney movie Up. We had a packed but fun birthday celebration for Annie.

And Last but not least we are having a baby Girl!!!!!!

If this is the first time you are hearing that we are even having a baby don't think I forgot you, we did not tell anyone. In fact two weeks ago was the first time I even went into the Dr.
But we are happy and healthy and she will arrive the first part of Oct.