Things that are lost

This Thanksgiving will be a day to remember! Peter lost his first tooth on Thanksgiving morning.

Side note: I know that this may sound funny, but I am so grateful that he is not like Hannah when it comes to losing teeth! She has loose teeth for months and months and even then it is a fight to get them out as they are roting away from lack of brushing.......because brushing hurts. I sometimes worry about her tolerance to pain. It is very, very, very low.

2nd side note: I am also very grateful that my children love the dentist. I didn't have a bad dental experience until I moved here to Maryland. We went twice to Dr. Pain (thinking the first time was just a fluke) and then switched. I am just super happy to have a nice, kind, and gentle dentist for me and my kids!

We were all so excited for Peter! The tooth fairy even remembered to come on the first night!! It seems like there is always some excuse for her not coming.

Pie First

Family traditions are one of those things that are hard to rid yourself of. One of these family traditions, though I couldn't tell you when it began, was started by my mom (the pie lady) and has been passed on to me, and as I found out my sister as well! Although my sister is more pure then I am, she makes her own pie crust. I don't, Pilsbury does a fantastic job at making them for me!


My mom loves to bake and has a sweet tooth as well. She would always ask us what our favorite pie was and then would make it for Thanksgiving. As we grew older, because of the size of our family, we often had 10 or more pies for our Thanksgiving feast. We usually had grandparents or other family come, as well as friends and neighbors over to enjoy these scrumptious pies, so it wasn't too far out there to need that many, but then she began to search for different pies, or pies she had never made before, and these pies were not replaced by others but just added to the ever-growing list. Some may say that her pie making has gotten a little out of hand, but all of those who partake would disagree.


For the past several years I have not been home (at mom's house) for Thanksgiving, I have had the pleasure of having it at MY house. Can I tell you how much I love it!! I love tripping over people in the kitchen, everyone snitching food, everyone's smiles and happy laughter, the beautifully set tables, the kids feeling big using the good china that they normally would not get to use. I find so much joy and satisfaction to gather around my table and overeat on yummy foods, especially pies!!


It's interesting how everyone has that certain food that it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without! This year we had a couple of friends over.....The Nichol family, the Perkes family, and Uncle Sly (a.k.a. Scott Livengood). We all pitched in and made our "must haves" or made sure that whomever made them, made that item to code!! But then when we started talking about pies I couldn't let any of them go.....why I ask? For starters Alan wouldn't let me, he wanted all those pies in our fridge to continue to eat for days after Thanksgiving. Secondly I didn't want to, me, myself, and I don't really like even 1/2 of the pies I make, but to give up making them was something that I couldn't do. Don't mess with TRADITION, man. What would I do the night before with only 2 or 3 pies to make? So instead of fighting over who was going to make which pies we agreed to just make whatever pies we wanted and then we would combine them all to devour. We ended up with a variety of 10 pies and multiples of a couple of them.


Pumpkin, Pecan, Cheesecake, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream, The "Green" Pie, Dutch Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue


We had a wonderful time, as you can imagine! Thanksgiving is such a delicous holiday!!

Fun Quizzes

I love taking these quizzes, especially when they turn out perfect!!

Your Scent is Lemon

Vivacious, tangy, and lively You are one gigantic ball of energy!

What's Your Girl Smell?

You Are a Brownie

Decadent and intense, you aren't for the weakhearted. Those who can deal with your strong flavor find out how sweet you really are.

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

You Are a Golden Blonde

Men see you as flirty and fun, yet deep and thoughtful You've got all the pizzazz of a blonde... With the intensity of a brunette

How Blonde Are You?

Time flies.......

when your sleepy!! Today Eden is 2 weeks old, AMAZING!

I thought in commemoration I should post more pictures and tell her story of coming to live in this crazy house.

Saturday October 27th was quite the day. It started with a wonderful baby shower given by Gwyn Nichol and Debbie Perkes. It was fun to receive such cute things. I have many wonderful friends. At the shower I was telling Becca Tippets, being the sitter for my other three no matter the time, how the evening was going to go. I told her that I was going to pick up a sitter at 6:30 so that I could go to the adult session of Stake Conference. During the conference I would time my contractions and then call her and ask her to pick up the sitter and drop her off and take my children to her house. She jokingly said "Are you serious?" I laughed and told her that it was wishful thinking because the stake center is 1/2 way to the hospital and it would just be convenient. I went home and that afternoon lost my plug. I knew that the time was drawing nigh and was very excited.

I continued to have mild contractions the rest of the afternoon and during the adult session of stake conference. I timed the contractions. Just like with my other kids my contractions were never consistent. But they weren't growing with intensity, so I didn't even tell Alan because I thought maybe it was just my wishful thinking and that it would end up being nothing. But I did mention to a couple people that I was timing contractions throughout the session of conference.
On our way home I had decided that maybe I should go to the hospital because of the contractions and having lost my plug. My reasoning was that if they had already admitted me and my contractions stopped that maybe they would help me out, but I wasn't sure that was what I wanted to do. Alan asked if we had enough time to stop for ice cream. While stopped at Baskin Robbins the contractions got stronger. We decided that Alan would drive the babysitter home and shortly after he left I called Becca to have her come pick up the kids.

We were on our way to the hospital about 11 and I knew that I wouldn't be sent home! We were almost there when Alan told me that wasn't to sure of the name of Miriam Eden Boss that we had already decided on. I couldn't believe it and asked what he had in mind. His response, "I don't know." Stress!!

I was dilated to a 5 and still smiling.....In fact I was laughing so hard they were having a hard time monitoring me. Alan was just being his humorous self and I would laugh and the monitor sounded like a rapper and then I would laugh harder. Anywho, we were having a great time and I wish I could remember half of what Alan said, but one comment almost made me cry. The nurse was asking questions and one of the questions was when was the last time you had intercourse. My response 2 nights ago. A little while later the nurse asked if we were usually like this at home (meaning cracking jokes and laughing). Alan's response was: no we actually don't usually talk to each other or see very much of each other......well except two nights ago... I was dieing! She was looking at us as though we were very strange. But I am sure that it made her night more enjoyable.

I was admitted, contractions got worse. At about 3:00 a.m. I thought for sure that it was time. The doctor checked me I was dilated to a 7.5. I asked her to break my water, she said that she would like to wait at least a 1/2 hour more because they were giving me antibiotic for Strep B. Upon saying "no," my water broke!! (Someone loves me.) They immediately started to prepare for the birth. It was a very painful 16 minutes but it could have been worse I am sure. The Doctor was holding the baby in while she finished getting ready and then with one contraction and 2 pushes she was here!! She was covered in a thick layer of that cheese-like substance, but she was beautiful!

Growing UP

What does "grown up" mean to a 8 year old?

Hannah and I had the opportunity to spend an hour together, just the two of us. We went to the Library!! Thrills a minute, but for two people who love to read it was wonderful. I asked Hannah on the way there "What makes you a grown up?" Her response actually surprised me. She said:

1. When I can leave the kids home with a baby sitter and go to the temple.
I asked, "Who's kids?" Her response, "Mine"

2. Being able to drive.

3. When I can go on a mission.

They grow up too fast!

HaPpY HaLloWEeN

This Halloween was one of blur and hurry up and get things. I got home from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon and still had to make Hannah's costume, carve pumpkins, and get the stuff for class parties the following day. Hannah wanted to be a fairy, Peter wanted to be a bat, Joseph a pumpkin as well as Eden and I. Alan's last minute costume was being dressed like he was just stepping into the shower!

We put Hannah's hair in rags so that in the morning it would be really curly, and after all of the kids were in bed I started on her costume. Unfortunately it didn't get finished, maybe she can be a fairy next year. My sewing machine was giving me fits and at 11:00 p.m. I decided to throw in the towel and admit defeat. She was very sweet about it in the morning. "It's o.k. Mom I can just be a cheerleader again." I of course felt badly, but to see that my children can be understanding and forgiving makes everything o.k.

Peter LOVED his first parade and school party! He seemed like he was on cloud 9 all day! He could not have been happier with his costume.

Joseph asked all day when it was time to go trick-or-treating to get CANDY!!

We decided to show off Eden to all of the neighbors, plus we had a costume to match Joseph and me, (just in case she was here for Halloween!) She was wide eyed the whole time and the neighbors were so excited to meet the newest member of the family!

We also had a special visitor come! Thanks mom!

Grand Appearance of....

Eden Kathryn Boss

Arrive on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 3:16 a.m.

She weighed in at 7 lbs. 3oz., measuring 19 3/4 " long

Details to follow........

It's Official!!

I am now 36 weeks, and am officially off of bed rest!! No more comments like: sit down......don't do that.......what are you doing.......After 5 weeks of trying to take it easy and not do anything, I am free to do what ever my heart desires.



My biggest fear is that she will now wait, no matter what I do, until 42 weeks. I would not be a happy camper!


I wanted to thank everyone for all of their prayers and services that were rendered in my and my families behalf. Many people have picked up Joe for school, sit-n-chat, or to play. Meals that were dropped off, phone calls, well wishers, gifts, and many more things.



Confession time.......I actually started doing stuff on Tuesday, like cleaning my house, taking the kids to school, driving Joe to school, shooting hoops (I was stationary), etc. I couldn't resist (poor excuse, but true). So my house is cleaner then it has been in a long time and the laundry is done and I am ready to have this baby!



For all of those who don't want to see something LARGE, close your eyes. I am the largest I have ever been and have the possibility of becoming even bigger! Alan couldn't resist taking this picture, I am always asking him if I look big from the side. The answer is "YES" but it usually comes out as laughter.

Moments like this.....

Today we took the afternoon to go down to the Washington DC Temple for a stroll around the beautiful grounds and to go to the Visitor Center there. I have always wanted to sit down and watch the church commercials that they have produced. So I sat in their makeshift living room and began watching. None of my children wanted to watch them with me so they all drifted elsewhere. I didn't worry because we they would have Alan and Grandma and Grandpa to watch to make sure that they didn't get into mischief.

About half way through, Alan came and sat down with me, then Grandpa Boss. I thought, "Well Grandma is still with the kids." I went back to watching the commercials when I heard my little independent Joe say, "Mom" I turned around and there he was with his pants around his ankles. I sent Alan running and as Joseph turned around to go back to the bathroom I noticed that there was poop on his bum. I could have cried but decided to laugh, and I couldn't stop laughing. When Alan emerged from the bathroom with a smiling, "nothing is wrong" Joe, I was still laughing.

Luckily the Visitor Center had only one other family there and all of the Sister Missionaries.

This is my day, my baptism day....

Today Hannah was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I can't believe that this day has come and that my little girl has been baptized and received the Holy Ghost. What an emotionally draining day! Everything went very smoothly and could not have been better from my perspective.

Hannah, our little missionary, invited quite a few people who aren't members. Some of them were able to come. It was a wonderful experience for us, I hope it was for them as well. We also had both Grandma and Grandpa Boss and Grandma Wendy who were able to fly out for it. We are very proud of Hannah and her desire to be a member of the church, and for her desire to follow in the Savior's footsteps.

Hannah looked so beautiful in her dress. She looked so grown up...it is always hard to see your babies that way. She had to be reminded a few times that she needed to act like a lady. It's so hard to not be able to run and play whenever you want.

Side note: I got a little glimpse of myself as a mother of the bride in preparing for this baptism. I went a little overboard with invites, luncheons, pictures, how everything looked, and being just right..........all I have to say is that I will just need to remember this day and how it is not mine but hers.

Heaven can be found on earth....

I had a fabulous morning! For my birthday all of the parentals contrubuted to a day at Robert & Andrew Day Spa.....can I tell you how wonderful it was?! I would highly recommend it, I could see how once you start, you just want to continue going back!

It started with sitting by the fire filling out paper work. Then being issued a robe, sandles, towel, locker, and anything else you could possibly need. Then you go to the transistion area.....where they have lounging couches / chairs in a dimly lit room with soothing music playing. You can sip on hot tea or water with different citruis fruits in them and just relax. Then I was escorted to my massage room. I have never had a maternity massage before, the table that they have you lay on made me laugh. It was fun to lay on my stomach again if only for a moment!

Then I went back to the transition room with a neck soother on to wait to be escorted to lunch. Lunch was served in a dimly lit room with soothing music. The part that just blew me away was that they gave me an hour, a whole hour, to eat lunch, I don't remember the last time that I ate lunch with only my thoughts for an hour. It was fun to remind myself that I could eat slower, that there was no rush!

I then got a manicure and pedicure, which felt fabulous as well. The only thing missing was the 2 hour nap afterward! It was heavenly!

Happy Birthday "B"!

Today my little girl turned 8, amazing! I can't believe that so much time has passed, it makes me feel like I am getting old without me realizing it. I am actually having a hard time with letting her grow up and be her own self.

We had a special treat of Grandma Elaine coming from Colorado to celebrate this special day with us. Grandma went to school and had lunch with Hannah. Hannah could not have been more pleased to show off her Grandma. We also unwrapped Hannah's gifts of many earrings (including a turtle pair), bracelet, scriptures, My Little Pony's, clothes, a baptism memory book, and getting her ears pierced. We went out to eat at Don Pablo's for dinner as well as a quick visit to the DC temple. It was a fun packed day!

One wonderful quality of Hannah's, is her ability to love everyone and everything! From day one she has trusted and loved everyone that she has come in contact with. When she was little she never minded being dropped off at a sitter's house. She would just smile and wave and run off and play. She has a way of working herself into everyone's heart, even with out them knowing it. Once, when she was around 2, we went grocery shopping. She said Hi and smiled at everyone we passed even if we had passed them before. I, of course, was mortified, being one that doesn't usually talk to anyone, a smile maybe, but actually having words come out of my mouth, no. I had this lady come up to me as we were leaving, and she told me that the store should hire Hannah and that it would boost their sales and the amount of people who shopped there. That's my little girl!

It is amazing to walk into school with Hannah. She has to hug every teacher that she passes as well say "Hi" to all the kids she knows. Everyone knows her name and responds well to her. She has been getting into trouble because of her talking to friends and non-friends alike. She is always accepting of other people and welcomes others to freely join in playing.

Probably the biggest impact that this gift has brought into my life, is her ability to love her siblings. She has always been willing to play with and include her brothers in everything that she does, which makes some interesting playing time. With My Little Ponys and Rescue Hero's or when they dress up and who Hannah makes her brothers be. But Peter and Joseph have never minded one bit. They love to play with her and idolize her for being so cool!

I love you, B! You are a wonderful addition to our family. You are always willing to help. You are so gifted and talented in so many ways. Thanks for being you! You are beautiful!