I really wanted to go to Times Square in NYC to watch the big apple drop this year, but I didn't have a willing companion to go with me. After seeing the weather report I was glad that he didn't want to go. Being outside for a long period of time in 1 degree weather doesn't sound too appealing. Instead we made our own apple drop (literally). We counted down, and when we got to one, I dropped an apple. We do what we can to live our dreams!
We counted down with England (7:00p.m.) at a friends party for the kids. It was fun to be able to spend that time with friends, and to let our kids enjoy themselves. Plus we had them to bed by 9:00 p.m. having celebrated New Year's Eve!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Years
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Date....mid week
Alan took me out on a fabulous night on the town....on a Tuesday none the less! It was a lot of fun!! We had a friend who was home from college for Christmas break watch our kids (it was our ward youth activity night) while we went to Sakura's restaurant for dinner and than to a Maryland Basketball game! Maryland won 76-50, because we were there I am sure! It was nice just to have the time to be with Alan and to chat about the year that has passed and the upcoming year. It was also very nice that I didn't have to plan it and that it was of his doing!!
Way to go lover boy!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
What a wonderful day we had!! We gathered bright and early to Dad and Mom's bed to read the account of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ (of course after discovering that Santa did in fact come....we were contemplating not having him come, becuase we have had such a hard time being good this December). Then it was off to open presents.....Santa could not be more real in the lives of our children and he did it just right once again! We had so many wonderful gifts given to us and had fun unwrapping and seeing all of our surprises!! We even had a couple of intermissions. Eden wanted to go back to bed, plus we need to eat breakfast (cherry turnovers and cinnamon muffins). We also just couldn't wait to get some of the fun gifts out of the packages fast enough!!
The kids were a dream....It was a fabulous relaxing day full of joy and love!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bethlehem and other Christmas Eve Observations
We just got back from visiting the Washington DC Temple visitor center. While there we got to see the beautiful lights, watch a live nativity, and hear a 40 minute concert by the sister missionaries assigned to the visitor center.
Rebecca left the concert with Eden, who was so excited, she just couldn't sit still.
During the performance I heard:
Peter: This is so beautiful.
Hannah: This is awesome!
Joseph: Dad...did you see the star?
Alan: Yes, I saw the star in the East.
Joseph (hushed and in awe): Are we in Bethlehem?
Alan: No Joseph, we're at the temple visitor center in Washington DC.
His innocence and longing to be near Jesus made my eyes well up with tears. Oh that I could be as childlike, faith-filled, and innocent.
Earlier, however, he pointed out that it was okay if he was bad and that it was fine if Santa didn't come, because we already have a lot of presents under the tree.
Joseph has this knack for burning both ends of the candle...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
What's His phone number??
My mom's brithday was today (Happy Birthday, MOM!!) We had gathered the kids together to sing Happy Birthday to her over the phone. I started dialing and Joseph yells out, "You know Jesus's number??" Nope, we are calling Grandma Wendy. It's her birthday. "Well it's almost Jesus's Birthday!!"
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Class "Holiday" Parties
Eden and I spent the day at school today to attend and help with any school parties. Lots of people, lots of chaos, lots of sugar.
I am Hannah's class party mom!! We had a Christmas tree piñata, ice cream sundaes, games and really loud music (I forgot the Christmas music). I am trying to get kicked off of the party planning committee buy having a Christmas tree piñata and playing Christmas music. It's one of my irritations with the school system. Why can every other religious holiday be celebrated and talked about except those that revolve around Christ? Although I think it is pretty wishful thinking on my part, no one else wants to do this job!
Peter had a quiet party of doing crafts and eating food. We brought "the best" (thank you Alan and Peter) chocolate chip cookies that I have ever made.
Joseph also had a quieter party with food, crafts, and games. We brought in an easy craft of candy cane reindeer, and really yummy grapes!
It's so funny to me how excited the kids get just to bring something in for their parties. They tell their little friends, "Oh, I brought the grapes, there really good huh?!"
Of course I forgot the camera so no cute pictures were taken of the kids with their friends and classmates. Maybe next time I will remember. One can always hope!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Say What??
Joseph: What does the baby do while it is cook'n in your tummy?
Mom: (with a chuckle) it kicks, swims and...
Joseph: What!! it already knows how to swim?
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Hannah this morning was looking in the fridge, and said "Eggnog, just the thought of it makes me sick!" and promptly shut the fridge. There is currently no eggnog in my fridge.
Frustration!
I am just a little frustrated at "the blog" for the moment. The fonts and colors page hasn't been working and so now all the colors are not to my liking and I had to go in the hard way and see what I can do. No more matching colors in my world until they get it fixed. Curses!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Slow but sure
My Edy walked!! She didn't just take a step...she walked across the living room! I believe that the most was 9 steps!
Eden has been standing for about 3 months in the middle of the room without support and is really stable. But she has refused to walk, even while holding on to one of those push carts. She just wouldn't move her feet. She will walk a little bit if you hold her fingers, but really she just prefers crawling.
During FHE she made her grand display. Maybe she wanted to make sure that everyone got to see it at the same time. Who knows what goes on inside a one-year-old's mind, but it was really fun! She was so pleased with herself! She did it a couple of times so we were able to get it on video.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
It's a......
.......we don't know, but will find out in the spring!
We decided to wait on this last one. We went to the ultrasound appointment and the baby was being difficult and didn't want to be seen. It took almost an hour just to get the pictures they needed to satisfy the doctor. They won't let me look at the screen during that time and they only invite the husband or significant other in at the end so that the technicians aren't distracted by questions. Alan had a moment where he almost caved in. I left it up to him, but he held strong.
So the things we found out from the ultrasound are that the baby is constantly moving and is swimming around, flip flopping, and just being happy. It's head was already down when they first looked, but like I said it wouldn't stay in one position long. I told them that I just hope it's getting all of the wiggles out now! But looking at my other kids, I don't think that is the case. It may have a shy streak in its fibers because it kept covering its face and kept its legs crossed almost the whole time. The baby is measuring at 20 weeks and 4 days which would put my due date at April 5, but knowing the doctors, it won't change my due date. It has ten fingers and ten toes (this has always been important to me). I saw no distress on the techs face which always makes me feel more comfortable. I have a doctor's appointment next week that will give me more information about whether everything is developing right.
Depending on whether the radiologist is happy with the pictures that the techs took, I may or may not have another ultrasound. They were really struggling to get some of their shots and they were the more important ones, like a particular view of the heart, and one of the head.
I wanted to thank everyone who reads the blog for all of your comments and stories. I had so much fun reading them and hearing what you had to say. I think the deciding factor for me to wait was Alan. He really wanted to wait and I thought it would be fun to give him that since we won't have another opportunity to do this again. If I have to have another ultrasound though.....I don't know if I can be strong enough to resist knowing. It bothers me though that there is someone in this world that knows what I am having, and it is not me!! Alan had to ask the tech as we were leaving if she knew. Of course she did. I wanted to say, "I think it's a boy am I on the right track?"
I am going to scan in the pictures and will post them soon!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sweet Moments
Among all of our sickness and ups and downs of the last couple of weeks, a ray of sunshine has come through....Starting with Alan and ending with Hannah, all but Eden have felt the baby kick and/or roll. Those are sweet tender moments when I am able to share the movements of this little one with those who love this little person just as much as I do.
Eden, of course, is not patient enough to sit there and wait. She will probably feel it the first moment that she actually snuggles with me. I am not holding my breath for that moment, so most likely she will never feel it!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Warning to all....Stay away!!
I hate being sick! I hate it when my kids are sick! I hate it when my husband is sick! It's just no fun, and with our ever-expanding family, it just spreads from one person to the next.
At the beginning of October, Eden and I started with a cold. Then all the kids and I got the stomach flu (which Alan missed, because he was in Germany). Then we got another cold that ever so slowly went through the family. At the end of the month, Joseph brought home pink eye. Eden got it shortly after as well as a double ear infection. Just as she was feeling better, Peter began screaming one night because his ear hurt. Sure enough, a late night doctor visit confirmed he had a bad ear infection.
Just when we thought we were done, Hannah broke out with pink eye and Eden went into round 2. After Hannah was on the antibiotic drops for over 24 hours I sent her back to school looking red in the eyes but with huge improvement compared to what she looked like, only to have Joseph stay home with brand new sickness symptoms. He stayed home yesterday with a fever, headache, and an arm ache. He woke up doing better today (day 2) but then about 10:00 a.m. he came down with pink eye again!!!
What am I missing in my cleaning and sanitizing that sickness keeps going around?
After being to the doctors 3 times in the last week (not to mention the 4 times in the previous 2 weeks), and taking care of sick kids, and cleaning my house, and forcing hand sanitizer on everyone, and washing my hands 40 times a day, I have only two words to say:
I'm done......
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy 1st!
It's a tradition in our family to get your own birthday cake to destroy for birthday #1. Here are some video's to capture the moment!
Check out her head movements!
Talk about the sugar high!!
A day in the life of Eden Kathryn Boss:
- people person, she is just a charmer
- loves music and knows all the actions to all the little songs
- able to communicate, and almost always gets her point across
- stands in the middle of the room without support, but refuses to take any steps
- gets so excited when her siblings come home from school
- refuses to eat baby food or have people feed her, wants to do it all herself
- is not a snuggler in the least bit, she wants to be off running and exploring
- her absolute favorite time is bath time, she has never been unhappy in the bathtub!
- she is tough, and is able just to shake off life's bumps and bruises
- gets told "no" so rarely that she will just start crying if you do have to tell her no, it's pathetic
- she started giving real kisses and thinks they are so funny, when she is in the mood she will want at least 20 and will just laugh the whole time but will keep coming back for more.
- the worst possible thing that you can do to her is get her dressed, I haven't figured out why, but she hates it!!!
- she finds so much pride in the fact that she can now go up and down the stairs all by herself
- if she is tired, she is more than happy (to the point of pure excitement) to go to bed especially if she has "Sugar" her lamb, a bink, and her blanket
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Decisions...Decisions
Alan has decided that he thinks it would be fun to wait to find out what the baby is. When we told our parents that we were expecting, my Mom told me to wait to find out. Alan's friend Uncle Sly a.k.a. Scott was trying to convince me yesterday to wait and how cool would that be. Our Relief Society President, Michelle Dean overheard us talking and said that I should definitely wait, and how cool it is to have them say, "It's a _________!!"
I just don't know if I can wait. I have never had a desire to wait. I don't really like surprises. I like to plan my life. But this is my last one. It would probably create a good story, one that would be different than any of the rest of the birth stories. (All of my kids love their birth stories) And he (she) with the most stories wins.
But the real question is, could I wait, knowing that I have the opportunity to know, to plan, to pick names, to anticipate, and to talk about it with my kids. I can't even believe that I am toying with the idea...that just proves that I have gone crazy and that this pregnancy is messing with my mind!! I did tell Alan that if we were to wait to find out that he would have to commit to two names, both a boy and a girl name. We really have only ever agreed on 5 names that were picked out when I was pregnant with Hannah. Only Eden's name was changed slightly from the original. It was going to be Eden Segovia, instead we named her Eden Kathryn. Although we were going to change it completely, but that is another story all together. We only have a boys name left which Alan is unsure about. With having to commit to 2 names, it might make him want to find out.
If you would like to vote and put in your two cents on what you think, we would love to hear your stories and opinions. We are scheduled to have our ultrasound the morning of November 20. Who knows, maybe the baby won't even cooperate. Wouldn't that be my luck if I decided to find out!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
We're going to a Ball!
Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
Hey Lynette, this is your next project!! I expect Bryn to be wearing it within a fortnight!
For all you sewers out there, or people who appreciate the time and effort it takes to make anything beautiful, Take a look! I can't believe that anyone would spend so much time, money or energy on a dress that they will only grow out of.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Foreign Diseases
This morning while we were getting ready for Church. I told the kids that Alan had gotten a disease while in Germany. Alan played along so nicely, it's wonderful when you can work together as a team. He told them that it was called "DOG JAW". I told them that he has a bump on the side of his cheek and asked them if they wanted to feel it. Of course they did.
When they were all feeling for the lump he very suddenly started barking like an attack dog and snapped his teeth. They all jumped about a mile. It was hilarious to watch! We all got a good laugh from it!
Friday, October 17, 2008
None to be found
To follow up with the drama in the Boss household....I never found the underwear and honestly I have no idea where it could have gone. Thank heavens for a washer and dryer in the house, as I was able to wash the two pairs that I found so that he had a clean pair to wear the next day while I was at Target buying more. This may end up being one of those unsolved mysteries that will continue through time to boggle my mind.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Being pushed over the EDGE
Since Alan left for Germany last Friday I have done at least 2 loads of laundry a day, in fact I think that one day I actually did 4. Even after a weeks worth of clothes we normally only do max of 5. I was trying to rid our house of sickness before it spread through everyone again by washing all of our bedding and towels and clothes and blankets and everything else I could find to wash. So with everything associated with fabric cleaned, I have a hard time believing what happened tonight.
I had Joseph jump into the shower tonight in preparation to get ready for bed. After the shower he came to me and said, "I don't have any underwear." I just rolled my eyes and asked "did you check your drawers." "YES!" Frustrated, I went and checked, no underwear. So I checked in the clean load that I hadn't folded yet. None. I went downstairs to make sure that I didn't miss a load. Nothing. I thought...this is nuts, how can he have no underwear? I have less than one load of dirty clothes which has one pair of Joseph's underwear that he just took off and that's it. Where have they all gone? I don't understand where all of his underwear have gone. I started saying that we had a underwear thief. Peter said, "Who would steal underwear?" Exactly my point!
This has never been an issue until this weekend. I started going through everyone's drawers and closets looking for the missing underwear getting more and more angry. My poor kids. I ended up putting Peter and a devastated Joseph to bed without any underwear on because they started being rowdy and quite frankly I couldn't handle them or anything else anymore. This has totally and completely pushed me over the edge. And why, I ask, would something so small push me so far? OK it wasn't that far to push but still it is something small and inconsequential. It has nothing to do with eternal life. It is underwear for crying out loud!!
After I had given up and was done feeding Eden a bottle I went to lay her down and to say goodnight to Hannah. I looked at her and said, I don't understand where they could have gone, what he has done with them? I have never in my life talked to Hannah about a problem that isn't hers. I am usually telling her not to worry about things that don't concern her. She looked at me as though I had truly lost it. I quickly came out of my stupor, told her 'never mind,' kissed her good night, and left the room. I have gone through everything I can think of that could possibly be housing these underwear. I did end up finding one more pair. But how in the world have we been surviving on 2 pairs of underwear for Joseph? We haven't!!! There must be more! I know there is. I don't do laundry that often. And I am going to get to the bottom of this. Hopefully, my foul mood will dissipate and I will look at this more like a challenge that I will conquer!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Eden and I went on a fun trip together to see my brother Travis and his family. It was fun hanging out with them and getting to see their three adorable children. My only goal was to win their hearts so that I could forever be their favorite Aunt. Sorry sisters and others aunts, but I think I have won!!
I am glad that I went so that I could experience just a glimpse of Travis and Jamie's lives. I loved their home and their kids are adorable and so sweet. Their back yard is fabulous, because you never have to mow or water it and it will be forever green (it's AstroTurf!!). Plus Travis built a fountain. What a wonderful couple! What a fabulous family!!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My baby is all grown up
She is:
- always willing to help her friends, teachers, and family.
- so fun to be around and loves to have little followers (thank goodness!) that she can boss around.
- always making up games and stories and always has something to say.
- adored by her brothers and they want to spend as much time as possible with her.
- an excellent reader.
- a ray of sunshine in our lives!
Happy Birthday "B"! We love you and are so proud of you! May all your wishes come true this year!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Free Handbag
There is a new online store Handbag Planet...They launch in about 14 day. They are going to have a 24 hour give away of a bag a hour to celebrate their upcoming launch. It sounds like fun and there is no strings attached. Which is truly rare now-a-days.
They look pretty fashionable and fun! I will be excited to see all of their different designs. Check them out!
http://www.handbagplanet.com/
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Night of Pampering
Tonight we had a little birthday party for Hannah. It was a last minute thing after looking at our very busy October. I was surprised, but everyone we invited was able to come. We had 4 of Hannah's sweet friends come over for a "spa night."
First we did a hand scrub (left to right: Danielle, Ally, Hannah, Sabrina, Morgan)
Then we paired up and had a foot scrub
Then we put on lotion and painted toe nails. We had toe separators that ended up being to big because they stretched their toes a little too far, but we couldn't paint our toes without them!! We then put on a facial mask, which was hilarious to watch and to listen to their responses. They were talking about wrinkles and pimples in the same breath. Things that none of them have!!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Maryland TERPS
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The BIG 3 - 0 !!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
For the past 2 weeks I have been working on nothing other than Super Saturday. Cutting wood, buying supplies, and trying to get it organized. I love Super Saturday. It is one of my favorite days of the year. What could be better than seeing a bunch of smiling women working on crafts and letting thier creativity flow! This year we had something for everyone. Besides the pictures that are shown here we also did another type of card making, 72 hour kits, massages and scrubs, an aerobics class, and of course, lunch of yummy soups and breads with cheese, fruit, and veggies.This is one that I did a couple of years ago, but we decided to do it again and it was a huge hit!
Splat!
Eden has started this new thing where she will be crawling along and then all of a sudden she drops and just lays there. Then she gets up and starts crawling again. It started in the bath tub and I think she liked the sound of it. She thinks she is so funny and looks around to see if people were watching.
Her other new news is that the other day she was walking along the chairs and she let go and just stood there for a minute without the least bit of shakiness. I fear that she will be walking sooner than later!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hannah's little announcment
Hannah went to Activity Days tonight and on the way home she said, "Mom, I told everyone that you were going to have a new baby."
Oh really, at school or tonight?
"Tonight...they didn't believe me. They said that Eden was still too little. But you know what?"
What?
"I think it is cool!"
Thanks for being excited Hannah!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Rounding the family off nicely
We are very excited to welcome a new little one into our family! I am due April 8, 2009. I went to the doctor a week ago and got to see its little heart beating. Hooray!
We told the kids tonight during our FHE announcements. Hannah was in total shock.....Peter just looked at me with a smug look saying, "I knew it." I asked how he knew. He said that my lap was getting smaller. Hmmmm.....at 8 weeks?! I hope not!! Joseph just sat there smiling.....and Eden, using her new skill, clapped the whole time!!
Hannah, Peter, and Joseph all hope it is a girl. I think it is going to be a boy. Alan and Eden are neutral on their predictions.
This will be the 5th child of Alan and Rebecca, on the Drake side it will be the 20th grandchild, and on the Boss side it will be the 11th grandchild, unless someone else announces in the next little bit.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Boss in '08
Alan Boss for President '08 (click here)
With all the excitement around the Democratic and Republican Conventions, I thought I would try my hand at politics and throw my hat in the ring. I've asked Eden to be my campaign manager. She stuck out her tongue at me. Maybe Rebecca will do a better job.
Check it out!


















