Look Ma!! No Helmet!!

Confirmation

This nursing program has turned out to be more difficult than I could have imagined. The amount of reading seems to be not humanly possible to complete. And so I doubt. With each test, I wonder how I could possibly be ready. And yet I have been. I have made it through the tests and done well. Surprising myself.
Today was our first day at the hospital, working with a real patient, only one, but still... a real patient in the hospital! This is only our 4th week of school and all of us were nervous. I was REALLY nervous! But this is why I'm doing this, to help people, to use my brain and love of people, gifts from my Heavenly Father.
Today I received confirmation, as I constantly do, that this is really what I should be doing. I have to keep being reminded because I keep doubting. I need to stop doubting and remember the feelings I have had and those I had today walking around the hospital. I can't really describe it, but I know.
I am so grateful to Shelby for supporting me through this when he was supposed to be the one going back to school. Yes he is still in school and seriously is such a good student. It has been amazing to see how the Lord has worked things out so we could both do this and our friends and family who have helped. I will be forever grateful to Jocelyn for picking up Ezra. I know she says it isn't a big deal because she doesn't have him for very long, but it is for me. It is very hard for me and knowing he is with her and her gang helps me so much even if it is less than an hour.
The boys are growing so quickly, Jacob grew another 2 inches and will be as tall as me soon. They are so good. It is fun to watch them interact with eachother because they really love eachother. Reading the scriptures every night together seems to help the family relationships. I suggest everyone try it. We just got back into the habit and have seen a huge difference the past month or so.
There's my update. I'm sure Shelby will keep everyone up to date. . . Mostly. We never got to put up pictures of our annual Labor Day Big Meadow trip (as fun as ever)! or our many trips to my aunt's cabin (always so relaxing). Till next time!

Vote Ezra Munn -4-Treasurer

Oh.... and he did win!

Not only has she made it into the CSUB Nursing program, she has also been elected by her peers to be the President of her class. I am so PROUD!!!

First Day of School

First day of the nursing program for Monica, and first day for me at CSUB.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!!!!!

First Day of School

Jacob is in the 6th grade
Ezra is the 4th grade

Happy Birhday Ezra - 9 Years old

For Ezra's B-Day he wanted to go to Mcmurtery Swim hole


Favorite present- Picked out by Dad of course ( Wii Resort)

Ezra wanted black candles- the package was for "over the hill" birthdays, but he wanted them, so you know how that goes

And for the cake

Hangin' at BYU with Bro

The Famous duck pond- Brian says that in the winter, ducks are found frozen on the pond on cold mornings

Stairs that Brian had to climb every day of his sophomore year

Famous people with famous names

Hanging out in the Eyring Science building (Lots of fun sciencey things to play with)

Cool statue in the HUGE library

At the trailhead of the "Y" - Brian has never hiked it before

The Y is much bigger in person than driving down the freeway and seeing it from a distance

The boys sitting on the Y

Brian on the Y- notice the sweat, the trail was only 1/4 mile long- straight up the mountain!

The view of Lake Utah from the Y

Sonic Scripture

This is what you get when too many Mormons live in town.

Keri's Graduation

If you did not get a Graduation announcement, this is the picture that was in it

Happy Keri w/ hubby

The walk that Keri did not want to do- she sure looks happy with her forced decision

To bad the real diploma isn't there- it will be mailed when the final grades are reviewed.

Proud family of our first educated member of the family.

If Britney can do it, so can I!!

I told Britney I was going to title my blog after her because she finally posted on hers. I said I would do better over the summer, but I just haven't felt like blogging. I have so many nice pictures to share, but everyone is just going to have to come over and look at them on my computer if you really want to see them.
I figured it out though. Why I'm not a good blogger. Why I'm not good at keeping my house as clean as I would like to.

I like people

NOT things.

I would rather babysit my friends kids, play with my own, hang out with my husband than do dishes. Talk with people, not type on a computer.

So no more promises, I may or may not keep up with the blog. I have too much going on with the people in my life. As much as I would love to chronicle all our goings on, I think I'l just do what I'm going to do right now.

I apologize now for the randomness, but there are somethings I want to have recorded for later reading by myself and family.

Events I wanted to blog about, but never got around to.

Coachella- April 2009

My brother came to California to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and we drove down south to do the same. I still marvel at the miracle of my brother's life. I don't believe in coincidences. People are put in our life for a reason. I think of Shannon and Paul and how he was a match and able to extend her life so we all could have her around a little longer. My brother's girlfriend's mom was a match. We are forever grateful for her gift. Not coincidences these people met and love.

Back to the trip. Lot's of fun was had and pictures taken. My boys love to be around all of the family. I learned more tamale making skills and love every moment with my grandparents. I had a great time with my cousin Santiago. Too much too explain there, but let's just say he really was sad to see me go. I need to go back and visit again soon! Cruising in my aunts convertible. Holding my cousin's brand new baby boy! That's gotta be my favorite thing in the world to do!

Jacob's Spring concert- May 2009

He played with the Jr. High orchestra. For such a shy boy, he really loves performing and did a great job!

Birthday Girls- June 2009

My girls turned 22 & 23. CRAZY!!! I could write a novel about them. I love you girls! Amazing girls.

Jacob's Birthday, Cub Scout Day Camp, Utah/Idaho-Keri's graduation- July 2009

11 years old. No longer a cub scout. He is so good and smart and funny. Growing up too fast.

Day camp was fun just like every year. This was my 4th year. I have to take next summer off as I will be in school so one of the Monica Ward moms gets to step up. I'm really jealous. They just have to promise to take lots of pictures for me.

Keri's graduation was great. We took her and Merrill out to lunch. I just still can't believe she is going to be a mommy!

We had a great time hanging out with Tiffany...swimming and bowling.

Finally down to Provo to visit Brian where we hiked Y mountain and ate at Cafe Rio.

It was a great trip and maybe I'll put up pictures later. . . maybe.

Ezra's Birthday- August 2009

Spent the day at McMurtrey Aquatic center, pizza for dinner and champagne cake from Smith's (a family tradition). Brian's birthday is this month too, so happy early birthday Brian!!

School starts this month for the boys, in September for Shelby and I.

Shelby has been working all summer waiting for school to start. He didn't like being out of school for the summer because he likes to be moving forward, but there was nothing for him to take. The school district called me and it looks like they have some work for me, so I'll be teaching a little before Cal State starts. It's really been neat to see the Lord's hand in all of this. the money I make from teaching will help A LOT! We really have been carried through this year and I know we will continue to be. I am so grateful. Grateful to family who has helped, grateful for employment opportunities that have been there, grateful to my Heavenly Father who has provided it all!

Grandma??

So Keri had news for us yesterday.

I can't believe it, I mean I can, I just...

WOW!

I am overwhelmed with emotions.

When I met her she was this quiet almost 4 year old girl.

We had sleepovers even then.

I babysat them and hung out with them even when Shelby was away in the army.

When I went away to college, Keri sang me primary songs over the phone.

And later I became responsible for all of them.

At 21, I was a mother to three.

I have watched them grow and tried to teach them and now I see the fruits.

She and Merrill will be great!

I just can't figure out what the baby will call us.

Look out Jonas Brothers

Better lock up your daughters now, these boys are rockin'

...watch this!!

Like dad said, don't play with knives!

Five more stitches added to my repertoire, all night in ER waiting my turn.

Finally at 8:30 a.m. and here they are.

Oh, and I also got a tetanus shot.

Little Slugger

Ezra had been asking to play basebal for the last few years and since we had taken the year off from soccer, we obliged this year. It has been so much fun. He loves it! His team is doing really well. These are from his second game. Shelby is usually 1st or 3rd base coach. Ezra is looking at him asking, "Should I stay or should I go?" He stayed. Got himself a triple. He even made a double play that game. Caught a fly and threw it to 2nd...2 outs. Woohoo! Couldn't get a picture of that. It happened too fast.

A nice cool drink. Notice the shoes. He could wear his soccer cleats, lot's of kids do, but he loves his converse. He says he can run faster in them.

I know I promised lots of posts, but summer has turned out to be busier than I thought. I always think I will get a break. It is not to be. My friend's grandma is REALLY sick and is in the hospital, so I have been watching her kids and her mom's kids (she fostered and then adopted 4 siblings, very cool). So I'm off.

Tomorrow is the YCL overnighter. I'm going eventhough I don't get to go to Girl's Camp now because Keri graduates that week. They still need me until they find a replacement. SO, as always, I don't think my life will ever not be crazy.

It's Official

Florence Nightingale

I'm In!

I received my acceptance letter to the CSUB Nursing Program for fall 2009.

21 months of craziness starts mid September.

So Blessed

These goodies were found on our doorstep.

Last week a different blessing.

My prayers are being answered through others and I am so very grateful.

Shelby and I prayed about him quitting his job and going to school and even though we didn't know how we were going to manage financially, we had gotten our answer and knew what we had to do. And so we're doing it.

It's funny how you can be afraid and yet have faith. The faith pushes the fear away and you keep moving forward hoping things will work out. You do your part knowing it's not enough, it's never enough and then the blessings come. More than we have room to receive. Seriously, my cupboards are overflowing. My heart is overflowing.

Tonight when we had family prayer, Shelby thanked Heavenly Father for those who have helped us, whoever they are and prayed that someday we will be able to do the same for others. That light at the end of the tunnel is still very small, but it's there and if it is HIS will, we will get through this and be able to serve HIM even better because of this experience.

So behind

I remember saying something along the lines of "If we make it through this term, we deserve a holiday" or something like that.



Shelby made it!!



I am having trouble!!



Finals are next week and I'm feeling like I can't pull it off. I've done great so far and now I just need to finish. I am not a good finisher. Scares me for the next 2 years of a super intense Nursing Program. Makes me want to back out. I'll find out if I am accepted in about 2 weeks. I could go see where I stand as of right now compared to the other applicants, but I just want to know when it is official...not unofficial.



I told Shelby tonight, "I am NOT Superwoman like you are!"

and I mean it. he is. When he was in school he did dishes and laundry and stayed on top of it. Meaning not only did it get done but the clean stuff got put away. Amazing. I have never been that good. and now that he is working, he's still doing more than me. Like I said. AMAZING! I can't finish a simple lab report or make dinner for my family. We had cereal before Ezra's very first ever baseball game tonight and top ramen after.



But enough with the pity party.



I am grateful for my husband who supports me in all I do. We had our 14th anniversary last week. 14 YEARS!! That is crazy. I love him more now than ever.



I have great, smart, sweet kids. All who are now big enough to not have those problems all my friends with little ones have. This is both nice and sad because I know how fast things go because of my great, smart, sweet big kids.



Speaking of big kids... Keri is graduating!!! in July and as long as she can still get us tickets we will find a way to go. I am taking donations if anyone has some spare cash laying around- highly unlikely!



My brother is coming to visit!! We saw him a few months ago, but I'm still real excited. He had his one year transplant anniversary at the end of April. Very exciting!!



SO much more has happened and after the 11th you will be bombarded with updates.



This summer the boys and I plan to hang out with friends, swim, spend lots of time at the library, READ and play video games.

I cannot wait!
pray for me please...I am serious

Family Home Evening

Family fun at the Munn household. Tempers flare when people lose, and rage incur when they are heckled. Let us know if we can come and play Monopoly at your house for FHE.

Evil KShelby (Knievel)

Do your kids trust you?

How about your wife?

We had a Visitor!

Keri was able to come for Easter. She brought her husband and his niece. I already miss her. She helped me shred chicken for Easter Enchiladas and when I was trying to cook and the kids were begging to dye eggs, she took over that too. The boys loved her being home. It also made me miss Tiffany and Brian more, but oh well.

A funny thing happened. Friday, I decided I needed to make a cheesecake for Easter. A big, fat New York style cheesecake. SO Shelby goes to the store for me and gets all the supplies. Keri and gang arrive Saturday night and I tell them about my plan, the cheesecake. Keri gets a big smile, nudges Merrill and whispers something to him. Later in the kitchen she tells me, "Today is Merrill's birthday. He didn't want you guys to know because he didn't want you to do anything."

What a horrible mother-in-law/sister-in-law/whatever-i-am to not know his birthday. I guess I'm still getting used to having new family members. Well anyways, what Keri had whispered to him earlier was, "See, and she didn't even know!" Merrill loves cheesecake, so it all turned out good and I didn't feel so bad about not knowing his birthday.

So the moral of this story is:

If you ever get the feeling to make a cheesecake,

DO IT!

In other news, We attended the annual Scholarship Banquet for Jacob's school last night. We hadn't been to one since Brian's 8th grade year and it hadn't changed a bit!

Same venue

Same food

Same principal

Same teachers

A great night to honor those kids who have worked so hard to do well EVERY quarter in school.

I am a proud mama.

Jacob really is such a smart kid and has an amazing teacher. He comes home everyday telling me something cool they've learned and he can't keep his nose out of a book. That's my boy! He always does his homework. I am so happy with the young man he is!
Tonight we went to Ezra's open house (we'll see if I get around to posting about that) and when we were looking in his desk Jacob told us the girls always clean his desk for him. I can't believe he already has other little women doing things for him. One of them he's been with since Kindergarden and she has always taken care of him. I need to keep an eye on him!
Probably both of them. Look at those handsome boys!!

Everything else is going great. Shelby is actually doing really well in Chemistry despite the level of difficulty. It looks like all the hours and hours and hours of studying might actually pay off. He way underestimates his abilities. I started new classes on the first. No more anatomy, so I guess I could get rid of those pictures;). I had my first test in one of my classes. I was a little stressed last night, but I had studied as much as I could. I was so relieved after I took the test. You definitely needed to know your stuff, but it was completely reasonable. In fact there was not a single question that stumped me. But we'll see how I did, I always seem to miss something. I'll find out in June if I actually get into the Nursing Program. I'm a little nervous, just because its going to be hard. I struggle with this a lot. I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, but its hard, really hard. So there's the part of me that doesn't want to get in because it would be easier to go back to day to day subbing at the school and not studying for tests. But then there's the other part that says "LOOK, life is hard! Look at what you've done and look at what your doing and this is just going to better in the end." And I'm good at this stuff. I've gotten all A's. Working and going to school and most importantly being a wife and mother, oh and let's not forget Church callings. And the amazing part is I'm not overwhelmed. Yes I have my days, but this morning instead of stressing about my test I had, I took the kids to school, came home and read my scriptures while I ate breakfast. Got myself ready for the day and went to school. And it's these little things that get me through. Putting my family first and my Heavenly Father and He and Shelby carry me through the rest. That's the ONLY way I'm able to do it, because it sure ain't me!

Anatomy?

Why does my wife have this image saved on our camera?

Keyesville Fun

Where's Waldo?






























Bottle exchange-for lap #2

What to do while waiting for dad?

Is he back yet?

There he is!!!

Not too bad for a fat hairy bald man with only one gear

Kid's race.

Ezra's first podium finish-could this lead to something else in the future?