Missouri Pickens' family..... and all their animals!

Where do I begin?

2010-06-20T20:48:00.004-05:00

It has been ages, as you can see that I have posted. I will just tell you about this week and just put pictures in of earlier. Let's see, Monday, Bug turned 15, yes, permit age. Bug and I went to get a pedicure and manicure. It was a blast! I have never painted my toenails.

Tuesday, on my way out of town to go to my embroidery class, Logan calls me and he had a flat tire. So, yet again, I skip my class, went and helped him. We went to Big O and asked if it could be patched. They came back saying, "Uh.....no, he's been driving on this flat for a long time!" Dork!!!!! So we got a used one.

Oh don't forget Sunday! We went to the emergency room with Morgan, she fell off her bike the week before and was in the ER, but they said it wasn't broken. At church, she was crying, so we asked Brother Elders who is an ER doc an he said she needs a Spika Splint. So back to the ER.

Thursday, I got a doc apt, for my eye. I've been having sharp eye pain. They said that there are little dots on my cornea, basically cells were sluffing off. They were confused as to why. They send me home with thick lubrication drops and pain drops. Well Friday, the pain was way worse, so I went back in and the spots has gotten bigger. So they gave me anti-virel meds. I'm feeling better.

Oh but wait, the best for last.....Thursday when I was in the eye doc, Logan calls me, "Mom.... I just got into a car wreck, can you come". I could't because my eyes were dialated and couldn't drive. I called Jeanel Tomnitz, who was at our house, she's a good friend, and asked her to go. Logan is fine, but the passenger side is way mashed up. Yup, he's had his liscense for 3 wks, yes you heard me right..... 3 wks. I have to admit it wasn't his fault, but it was not cool.

Logan leaves tomorrow for his high adventure trip, then the next week, Bug goes to girls camp. Then the next week, Bug leaves and flies to IF for 3 wks to visit Steve, Joni, Mom and dad, Doran and Monty. She's very busy, but having fun.

She made the highschool cheer squad for the boys basketball! She's so excited. She has lost 25 lbs, and she looks fabulous! Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the summer, the cheer team meet in the gym and work out and learn stunts and cheers, she's getting Buff!

Hope all is well with you all!

I have hit my "sweet spot"

2010-01-11T17:26:00.002-06:00

Wow, so I got on the scale today and I have lost a total of 46 lbs!!! I am so thrilled I can hardly stand it. I went grocery shopping to Aldi's, bread store and Walmart, and I sprinted and bee-bopped around like there was no tomorrow. I have so much energy, it's fabulous! I can't wait to see how much energy I have when I lose another 50 lbs! I don't ever regret my decision to have lap-band. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I will dance and play with my grand children because of this!

2nd time's the charm

2009-12-30T23:31:00.002-06:00

I have been reading Steve's blog and seeing pictures of Austin and the babies, christmas and car wreck. I figured it was time to catch up on news.

Christmas: Logan got a new car..... old but new to him, a 99 mercury Buick, forest green. He got nothing else. That is his Christmas and Birthday. He's totally fine with that being that he is 16 in Feb.

Bug: New professional flute, and a itouch. She was nice and gave Logan her old ipod to him for Christmas, so he did have something to open besides grandparents. Her and Logan spent all day putting new music on their ipods. Tori's itouch also came with a $50 gift card, so she spent all day downloading apps and games.

Morgan: Santa gave her a membership to Club Penguin online. No clue what they do, I think it's gay, but they love it, so, OK. We gave her a shopping spree in St louis where we got her ears pierced and got to shop and eat with just mom and dad. She said that was her most favorite gift EVER! We went the day after Christmas, so the West County mall was horrible! She also got a new DSI.

Rylan: He, amazingly, was not all about cars this year. He has learned that he loves legos. NOT DUBLOS, because he's a big kid now. Since Logan isn't playing with them anymore, we stuck the table and a HUGE tub of legos downstairs. He's there for hours. He intertwines the legos with cars, so he's not all the way out of cars. I have to admit, Santa did get him 5 new cars and they were opened first and formost. The rest of his gifts were Lego sets that he can put together. Santa also brought a new membership to Club Penguin. He also got a new DSI.

Kevin: He has been dying for a the new 27" Mac. We ordered it for him and he got it early. He told me no more gifts, but, we never stick to that. I gave him 3 DVD's of Looney Toons, his favorite. He also got a DSI with 3 new games. He always stills Ruth's so he can play Zelda, and I never get to play mine, so I got him one. He opened it and laughed and said that we weren't supposed to get each other anything. HA!

Ruth: My laptop was getting old, so when he got his new computer I got a new Macbook Pro. Very nice! So, no need for more presents! He, of course, didn't stick to it and got me a purse! My man knows me so well! And he got me a spa treatment, he knows me so well!!!!!!

We don't do Christmas dinner at our house, mainly because I'm lazy. Our tradition is Christmas breakfast casserole. When we spent Christmas up at the Davis's one year I made it there and it was a big hit for them too. I didn't make it one year and ALL the kids complained, even Kevin, so our tradition is Christmas casserole! YUMMMMMMMMY!

All of us spent all day Christmas with our new electronics, not talking to anyone! I was perturbed, but no one wanted to stop, but they were all happy.

On to other news, Logan made the play at school, he was Simmon in DAVID AND LISA. Very somber play about an insane assylym. He also made 2nd chair in the top band at highschool. Being a Sophomore, that's great. He has also started taking piano lessons and has proclaimed he wants to go into piano pedegody. The picture of him with classes if of him in the play, he was a nerd. He did his part a little tooooo well! :-) Logan also went on his first date, but not really date. His friend's boyfriend broke up with her the day before homecoming, so Logan being who he is, said he would take her. They had a blast.

Bug: She made Cheerleader, no surprise there. The big surprise is that she didn't want to do volleyball this year. I have come to realize that she is our sports fanatic, and wants to try every sport. She tried volleyball, did very well, but wanted to move on. Cheerleading is the only thing she has stuck with. She's done, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, um..... don't know what else. But it doesn't hold her interest for long, but Cheerleading has. She has also taken up quilting along with her mom. She has made a beautiful quilt, which is black, pink, and purple. She just needs to quilt it on the machine and she will be done.

Kevin: He is still High Priest Group Leader at church and does very well. He loves, I repeat, LOVES, his job at the hospital. Recently, while I was home visiting mom and dad over Halloween, I felt strongly I wanted to move back to Idaho. I came home and we prayed about it. The Lord said "NO WAY". Kevin was much relieved!

Ruth: I love to quilt and spent the entire trip up to Idaho, for 2 wks, quilting and shopping with mom. It was THE most precious time I had. Mom and dad are starting to be like grandma Stephenson and tell lots of stories. I usually just say yeah, yeah, but this time, when dad told a story, I would hurry after and write it in my journal. I will never forget my time with him, knowing that time is precious with him right now. I have also had my dreams come true, finally! Logan was trying out for band chairs, and they usually tell each student what they need to work on, well with Logan, they both just looked at Logan and said, "you are taking private lessons aren't you?" "Uh, yes..... my mother!" Boy were they surprised! They immediately called me up and asked if I would be willing to help with the high school. Sure! It soon ended up, that I was helping every grade from 7-12th grade. I go to 3-4 classes a day, about 3-4 times a week to help the students. I am totally having a ball! The teachers are so impressed with how well the students are responding that I got an email from Craig French, the assistant teacher, asking if I would please come as much as possible this next semester, like every day! No more sleeping in for me, I guess. I kinda wish I would get paid for it, but it's totally volunteer. Oh well, I'm totally having the time of my life, and learning that I am a good teacher, but need to no be so serious with the kids. I've been very blessed that I am able to do this now that the kids are in school.

All in all, we have had a great year. I can't find the picture of Logan from the play, I will find it and add it later. I'm going to also post some video of Christmas, hopefully it will work! The photos of the little kids are from the photobooth on the computer here. They love taking videos and photos and then distort their faces. They spend ours doing this!

Hola

2009-10-04T18:26:00.003-05:00

Woo! I'm a freshmen now!!! So much is going on!!! Band, home, school, and bed have basically been my life at the moment.

As Logan has said, this saturday we got 2nd place in our division and then the week before we got 3rd in our division and would have gotten into finals but we got rained out. Sad day. But it has been so much fun!!! Saturday was my first good competition and it was amazing to see all the bands show off their stuff.I'm so happy that I've decided to do band.

Since I chose to do band, I gave up volleyball, sadly. I went to the first two days of try outs and then walked in the third day, thought "No, I can't be here." And walked out. It was hard, let me tell you that. But I'm glad I did it. I wouldn't have any time to do homework or anything though. But I also learned that my first game I felt a much better sense of accomplishment on marching than I do with volleyball. It truly is a team sport with no one left behind. I like it so much better.

Let's see...... school. In the same order as listed as I do at school, I do band, biology, honors english, algebra, gym, spanish, and finally, history. I don't really have a favorite subject because they are all just so fun!!!!....... Yeah not really. Haha. But none of the classes are really giving me a hard time anyway. So It's alright. But I also did make the yearbook committee for my school. So I'm excited to do that too. :)

I'm not sure if everyone has heard yet, but I'm so excited for this saturday because I'm getting my patriarchal blessing then!!! I'm so excited!!! It was my goal to get my blessing before my freshmen year or before I was 14, but this is pretty close. As the day comes closer, I'm getting more and more excited but also, more and more nervous!!! But it will help so much.

Well, I must go. Talk to all of you later!!!!! Bye

Bug

I've done some stuff....

2009-10-04T14:41:00.004-05:00

Well I just went to Homecoming, and wow was that fun!!! I went with a freshman. The theme was shaking it with the 50s. I asked her in an awesome way. I decorated her lcker with black and white balloons, streamers, flowers, and confetti. (her dress is black and white. color cooridination is how i work ^_^) She was sooo excited. After the dance, I took Hannah to Steak and Shake. We each ended up going home at around 1 am.

I made it into another play. This one is called David and Lisa. Unlike the musical I was in, this is a play and I actually have a speaking part. I play the part of Simon, who is a depressed nerdy kid who has no friends. lol. The play goes November 4-7. I'll tell you guys how it goes.

School is doing okay. The only class that stinks is Chemistry 1. The teacher doesnt like to explain what she's teaching very well. So most everyone is on their own when it comes to homework. However, my mom made a bet with me that if i got an A on this next test, that she would get me my drivers permit. So 2 days ago i took the test.... and got a 95%!!! This Friday I'm taking the test and hopefully getting my permit!!

Marching band this year is going great! I'm playing first part in our show, Chronometry. The movements are called Grandfather Clock, Stopwatch, and Hourglass. The music and marching is definitely intense. Yesterday we went to Washington and got 2nd in our division!! Loads of fun! District band is coming up in about 2 weeks or so. This time I'm actually practicing, so the plan is to make the all state band this year!

Piano is going great. I don't have all the time I'd like to practice, but I'm still progressing. I volunteer every now and then playing at a seniors home. They totally love me. It's great to do something fun with my talent.

Well, I'll let you know if something else comes up! Life is great and I'll try and keep you guys updated. Have fun and talk to ya later!

Figured I would write.

2009-03-22T11:22:00.007-05:00

Hello Out There!! Ha ha. Well, I thought that since I haven't written in a while and plus the parents are gone, I would write. So here are some updates I guess on my life and what's been going on.

First off, in January, I got into district band and I got first chair out of, what?, 10 flutes. It was an amazing experience and I had so much fun. I could actually tell when other people and myself were out of tune, ESPECIALLY our piccolo who sat next to me.

I am taking private flute lessons and am doing fabulous on that. She said that her students and her will be doing a concert type thing where each of her flute students and well playing piano students (which Morgan began about a month ago but am not sure if she will do this) will each play a solo piece that we've worked on and a duet piece that they have worked on with her. Amazing huh??

I guess while I'm still on the musical path of my life I will say that I made first chair in my 8Th grade band and we will be going to six flags April 25 to do "Music in the Parks" competition. After we play out concert at 8 a.m. We will be riding over to six flags and play in the park for quite a few hours. I am so excited!!! And our 8Th grade band is one of the best: says our band directors anyway. Maybe they're biased. : ) Oh, then later on in the year towards the end the 8Th grade band and the high school bands will be putting on a huge performance in Castleman Hall (a huge auditorium that is in downtown Rolla to put on shows and other cool stuff). I'm excited for that too except that there will be a lot more people to mess up in front of so its a bit more nerve-racking.

Let's see, to get off of the musical path let us go onto the school path. : ) I have straight A's in all of my classes so far and I am going to take summer school to get rid of gym and health so I can do another class next year for fun. Whenever we do parent/teacher conferences and my parents see my grade card, they (especially Mom) don't really want to talk to my teachers because they know I'm good and everything. It's quite funny actually to see them complain like that. I never really see them complain. Makes me think of little kids. (Love you Mom and Dad ^_^)

Well my health is..... My health is.. Well as normal. I'm sick right now with the flu but its the beginning of Spring Break so I'll hopefully get over it soon. You guys know me... Its just sick all year round for me. : ) I now have glasses to wear all the time... I have tendinitis in my wrists from playing the flute and the piano. Also from texting and computer typing too. I can't really do it as much as I want to now. *tear* This is actually the first long time I've been on the computer since last Friday when I found out. Anyway, other than that my health is good. Good news though!!! I'm not sure if anyone knew but I used to have to get tubs in my ears every 4-6 months. October 31, 2005 though, we found out that I was allergic to 7 different foods: corn, beef, pork, egg, peanut, soybeans, and wheat. So since we found that out. I didn't have to get tubs in for at least 3 1/2 years!!!!! It was my new record!! Then, unfortunately, Dad went out of town for a month and Mom made foods that I wasn't supposed to eat but I ate them anyway. Bad choice, I had to get tubs again 3 weeks ago. So now I'm going to try to make a new record (again) and try to go for at least 5 years. If I can help it, never again get tubs replaced.

Alrighty, let's see, to wrap it up, my parents went out of town this weekend to go get a dog in Georgia. I know, they're crazy to want to get up early and get there 10 hours later JUST to get a dog then sleep overnight, then drive back with the dog. Weird, I know. But anyway, so I am in charge of Morgan and Rylan this weekend and surprisingly they have been pretty good. I mean, a little fussing here and there but you know, that's little kids+a teenager=fighting at least every once in a while. Alright. I think I've got it all for what's been going on lately and I will talk to you guys later!!

Love to all!!

P.S. The picture up top is the closest picture I could find to what I look like now. With my new hair and glasses. ^_^

update on me

2009-03-11T08:04:00.001-05:00

Hi all, I don't think Kevin has had the chance to call everyone, so I thought I would post what has happened. On Monday morning at 3:00 AM I got up to take some pain medicine and I always have some flem in my throat, so i spit into the sink and noticed some blood. I immediatly got Kevin up and and he tried different things and he also saw that it was coming from a whole the size of a que tip head. So we went and on the way it slowed way down. We got into the ER and I don't know if it was me moving around but it started bleeding a ton. I was constantly spitting blood. On the way to the hospital, Kevin was talking to me and when I went downstairs to rinse my mouth, He usually falls back asleep, he told me that he just layed there and prayed, I could tell he was worried. Well, they didn't have aroom and wow, I haven't seen Kevin pull rank and use his clout EVER! He said that I was a post op bleed and I need a room NOW! The nurses thought I was fine, so he called Dr. Krenning, the woman who did my surgery. She immediatly ran in and said to get me in a room STAT! Well, I have never had people move around me so fast in all my life. JudyAnn (the doc) got there and then all hell broke lose. She asked for sucktion and I thought I would die, she suctioned way back into my throat and it made me gag hundreds of times, but she pulled the rest of the scab off and then noticed another bleed further down my throat, so she kept suctioning, can i say OWWWWW! WELL THEN she made me gargel with cups and cups of ice cold water to try and stop the bleed, can I say another OWWWW! All the while suctioning after each spit. She couldn't get thebleeding to stop and by this time I kind a lost it. My blood preasure dropped to 80/50 and I felt very faint and kinda lost my surroundings. All I remember is her suctioning and it hurting so bad I was screaming, and Kevin pushing on the back on my head because I was pulling away. There were about 4 nurses running around getting more ice water. She then used um..... Oh i don't know what it's called, but to cauterize the bleeding, can I say another huge OWWWWWW!!!!! She called in the OR staff STAT because she couldn't get the bleeding to stop. I don't know how long the time was, but she finally got the bleeding stopped and i didn't need surgery. Finally I sorta came back around and they were trying to get an IV in me, but since I haven't eaten or drunk in 11 days it took 4 times to find a vain that wouldn't blow. I remember falling asleep finally and they took me up to a room to watch for till noon. I slept all day and came home and slept when I came home. I have never been so weak and tired. That night Kevin gave me a blessing and in the blessing he said that my children would be OK during this time of crisis and they would be blessed for their obidience. He blessed me that it would take longer than usual, but that I would make a full recovery. I have NEVER just felt so much peace after a blessing. Well the next morning we had to take mom to the airport and I woke up feeling, literally 100% better than I did. i think getting rid of those scabs helped so I could swallow easier.

The other bad thing that happened is that when I went into surgery, they said i needed an awake intibation. I was furious! But I guess in the records, they said I was very hard to intibate and the almost lost me, so he wouldn't do anything but an awake intibation. They said they would give me plenty or versaid and other drugs. Well, all I know is that it didn't work, I remember EVERYTHING, every conversation, I remember Dr. Knox telling Cindy to pull back out and go back in. Then when they did get it I remember thinking that I would die because I couldn't breathe. I remember taking Kevin's hand and squeezing, hopeing he would know that I knew exactly what happened. I told Dr. Krenning afterword, and oh, boy I have never seen a Doctor get so angry EVERY. Boy she had some words with Anesthesia. I WILL NEVER HAVE SURGERY AGAIN! if I have to do the fiberoptic intibation. That was the most horrific thing I have ever been through.

Soooo, all in all it has been the worst experience in my life, and one I hope to never repeat. Thank you for all your prayers and calls. I love you all so much!

What a week!

2008-11-30T20:21:00.005-06:00

All I can say is the Lord does answer prayers! We talk to friends and they all say leave Logan alone, he's just finding out who he is, but the Church doesn't say that. We have fasted and prayed on how to talk to Logan, on how relate to Logan, and how to treat Logan. Mom and Dad, thank you so much for being that answer to our prayer! There couldn't never be enough thank you's for what you are giving us, you are giving us our son. Karvel, the Bishop, told me a story today. We have a young man who comes and lives with his grandparents in the summer from Alaska. Well, he dropped out of school, and got into trouble, don't know more. Anyway, he came to live permenantly with him grandparents. They are such wonderful people! Well, because of his grandparents they were sealed in October, and he was just ordained an Elder, and after he gets his GED he will go on a mission! Karvel thought I should hear that, and I should pass it onto you. No, Logan hasnt dropped out of school, no he's not doing drugs, alcohol, or smoking, but he does need help and the Lord told us you were the answer to our prayer. I don't say this to overwhelm you and to have these expectations, I just wanted to tell you thank you for listening to the Spirit and helping us. You two have had your share of trials with the family and I'm sorry to burden this on you when you have had so much, but my family just can't do it. So thank you again.

Onto lighter notes, we took new pictures and videos of the pups so go onto youtube to look at them.... if I can get them loaded. I think I have Scully sold, so it's kink of bitter-sweet. My first baby sold, sigh!!!! They are 4 1/2 wks old now!

love to all!

Hey

2008-11-22T16:37:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone. Well, I'm doing pretty good can't complain much. I tried out for the RAVE volleyball and found out that pretty muc everyone gets on the team. So that's good news. School is good. Straight A's. I saw Twilight last night and I get to see it again tonight. Yay! Haha. Last night it was the total girl thing and everyone. . but me and a few other friends and people, shreaked at some parts. I loved it! I haven't had much go on so I will say TTFN, tah tah for now.

*Bug*

Puppies are 3 weeks old

2008-11-20T08:35:00.002-06:00

Wow, I can't believe how hold the puppies are. Time flies when you aren't getting any sleep! I think I have Boo sold. A lady down in Dexter Missouri is looking for an all white one. I was looking at Boo's pictures and he had a tan stripe down his back but now he doesn't, I think he might be all white. Scully came out gray and white and now she's Sable, I guess very rare. She has red, black, gray and white all over her, she's very pretty! These pictures were taken 2 days ago.

Sandy's gone and Misha comes in

2008-11-14T22:39:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we put our beloved cocker spaniel down. She was 16 yrs old, so it was time. Everyone is fine except me, I'm a wreck, seriously, crying all the time. On the other hand we have 2 beautiful babies that are growing by the day. I have decided that this is what I want to do, is raise huskies. I'm so in love with this that I just can't stand it. I convinced Kevin that I wanted to do this right, so we got a male dog so we can breed him with Sasha and not hire out for a sire again. That was a disaster!

Anyway, his name is Misha, kevin got to name him this time. It's his first night away from his mom, so this will be a long night with the pups crying and then Misha crying for his mother. Busy household!

They are getting so old!

2008-11-12T20:57:00.004-06:00

Ug, they are so cute I just can't stand it. Last night they opened their eyes for the first time, and todays pictures are even more cute.

We have decided to put Sandy to sleep. She has no teeth, she's blind, and every other wk we bring her back from deaths door. I just can't do it again, so tomorrow Kevin will take her in.

10 days old and only 1 more day till Kevin gets home

2008-11-09T18:27:00.007-06:00

Sigh..... yup Kevin gets home tomorrow. I don't know how we will do 1 month away while he works. Time usually goes faster, but I don't know, it went so slow. I'm grateful he can work like this, it was just harder this time.

The puppies are so amazing, I'm hooked. These 2 little miracles are a wonder to watch. I swear I woke up this morning to them gaining in length. Completley different, I swear!!!! It's so funny that they don't want to be away from each other, they cry till they find each other and then they calm down. The crawling is so cute, and Jess is right, the ears are my favorite! You should feel the inside of their ears, they re baby soft.

Sasha still is crazy protective, but the Amatriptoline is working enough that he doesn't attach everyone that looks at the pups.... just Rylan. she still doesn't trust him... and I don't blame her. lol!

I love you Kevin and will see you tomorrow!

9 days old

2008-11-08T18:32:00.004-06:00

Ok here's they are today November 8th and they are 9 days old. So sweet, and their noses are turning black, it's so cute.

8 and 9 days old

2008-11-08T18:24:00.004-06:00

I skipped yesterday so I will do 2 different posts for you Kevin. I just can't believe how fast they are growing. I love you and miss you, 2 more days!

pups are 1 wk old

2008-11-06T19:11:00.004-06:00

Wow, what an eventful wk. Sasha still hates Sandy, but the pups are alive and Sandy is alive, so all is well. Remember is you want to see some videos go to youtube.com and look up Sasha Pickens' puppies. There are 8 videos and adding more every day for Kevin since he's out of town, so he can see them. love to all!!!!

6 days old

2008-11-05T20:26:00.002-06:00

These pups are growing so fast I can't believe it. Scully is 2 lb. 2 oz. and Boo is 1 lb. 14.5 oz.

Weighing babies

2008-11-04T19:39:00.002-06:00

Just weighed pups, and Scully is 1 lb 12 oz. Boo is 1 lb. 11 oz.

Sorry, forgot!!

2008-11-04T19:25:00.002-06:00

Oh gosh!!! Looking at Logan's post made me forget about my news. . . . I HAVE GOTTEN INTO DISTRICT BAND THIS YEAR!!!! For 7th and 8th graders they "draw-people-out-of-a-hat" type of thing I got picked!! I'm so excited because Logan did it and he loved it!! I just hope that I can get into a high chair and yeah. . I don't think if I get hight than 5th chair I would be depressed. :/

Life so far.

2008-11-04T18:56:00.002-06:00

Well, nothing is really going in my life that is that interesting as of lately. I am done with school volleyball and Mom and Dad are going to let me do a winter volleyball club. First quarter at school I had all A's and one A- Mom and Dad were SO "upset" Ha ha. Dad is gone for a week and so that leaves Logan and me to be extra good and help even more. Which is just "SO!!" much "FUN!"

As of lately, I have never read the "Twilight" series yet and now, I'm addicted to it so far. I read Twilight in a day and a half and I'm on New Moon right now and very, very upset. Ha ha. I have to have my friends take away my books during class so I do my work instead of read. It is very hard to pass the offer of free time to read a book but I have to sadly resist. :'( Oh well.

With the news of our new family (the pups) I have been ecstatic to have them!! I was there for Skully to be born and then not for Boo, but its okay. It was neat and gross at the same time to see it being born. But it is so cool to see the puppies growing up so fast and now I'm even more excited to have the puppies be bigger and pounce around a lot. :D

So I don't have much else to say really. I hope everyone is doing okay and would love to hear from everyone on how they are doing!!

Love you all,

Bug

I forgot some stuff. . .

2008-11-04T18:45:00.002-06:00

Well, since I have to do a sport this year, I decided not to do soccer. I am going to try wrestling. Had the first day of practice yesterday. It was brutal. My legs still hurt from practice.

Went to district band last Saturday. I am the only freshman who went. I made 5th chair originally. The 1st chair didn't go that day, so I got bumped up to 4th chair. Only one other Rolla person beat me in chairs. The drum major beat me by one chair. She is a senior. I beat my section leader by 10 chairs. I got a solo for the performance. I WAS THE ONLY BOY IN OUR SECTION!! I think I was the only freshman, so I got double the stares. One of the good things was that there was a cute girl sitting next to me. She is a junior ;). Well, I'll catch up later on what's going on. C' YA

Long Time huh?

2008-11-04T18:23:00.002-06:00

Well, its been a while. This last halloween I had to go to the high school Senior Night. We marched into the field. We waited at attention for 30 minutes while they went through the senior's names. It took FOREVER! I couldn't dress up for the game, so I went to school in my costume. I dyed my hair black, wore my black leather jacket, wore black church shoes, wore jeans and role up the legs. Can you guess who I was. . . FONZIE!! Because of my regular jacket wearing, I have a new nickname. . . Fonzie.

Things have been a little rough as of lately. Everything is getting better though.

I guess I am going to Nana and Papo's house this summer. My own plan if I do go is to try and get a job. I am poor, need money for scouts, mission, college, and personal spending. If I can't. More time to spend with you guys!!

5 days old

2008-11-04T12:38:00.006-06:00

more pix 4 days old

2008-11-03T20:52:00.002-06:00

4 days old

2008-11-03T20:41:00.004-06:00

heres some videos of the pups and cute pix. I never get tired of them, they are precious!

3 days old and counting!

2008-11-02T21:38:00.004-06:00

Oh they are getting so big, so fast! I just can't believe it. They gained 2 oz. just from yesterday. Sasha is doing a great job.

2008-11-01T22:04:00.003-05:00

Nov 1, 2008 they are 2 days old ehre

2008-11-01T21:57:00.002-05:00

These are on Halloween, one day old

The puppies are here!

2008-11-01T21:51:00.003-05:00

Halloween Eve, Sasha had her puppies. She had 4, but 2 were still-born. We are sad, but excited about the 2 we have. Sasha is a good mommy and we are having a blast! This is when they were born

all these pets, just don't know what to do

2008-10-03T22:23:00.006-05:00

Well, I'm such a proud mama! Our tadples are growing like little weeds. One has actually turned to a baby frog. We have had so much fun taking care of..... oh ..... about 200 tadples. Ya I know it's excessive, but when did we ever do anything small??? Anyway, this summer, we were swimming in our pool and we had a transplant for a couple days, a raccoon. He actually ate out of our hands. Poor thing was half starved. The picture of Morgi and Ry were this summer, the day we had the raccoon, they were being silly in the pool, but it's a cute picture

A fabulous Sunday

2008-09-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

I haven't written in so long, but I wanted to tell you all about this last Sunday and what led up to it. It's a long story....

You all know Sasha, our husky. I got her from a girl who's family wouldn't let her keep her anymore. Well, we have stayed in touch. I have felt inclined to share the gospel with her. Come to find out, she is already Mormon. Hmmmm...... didn't see that one coming. Well, she left the church after her family had a falling out. She has a husband and now an adorable baby girl. Well, lately she has been calling me and asking me for a Book of Mormon for her Mother-in-law. Then she called me and asked for the Bishop's number. She had her parents come out to bless the baby, and she wanted to set that up. Anyway, the 21st was the blessing day. Her husband, Jon, is..... well, not so thrilled with having his baby blessed. But she stood up to him and said this is important to her and that he would be there. He showed up, along with his real mother, and his grandparents, all of whom and completley against the whole thing. Well, her dad gave her a beautiful blessing, and in the blessing he blessed her with wanting to be apart of this church, and to be a good example to her parents. Well, after the blessing we had the speakers. Every speaker, all 3, were exactly for Mary. I was stunned, I just couldn't help crying. Even the youth speaker was directed exactly at Mary. It was quite amazing. After the blessing though, his family got up and left. I was really disappointed in them that they would do that, but atleast they walked into the building. Well after Sacrament meeting, they wanted to leave, so I went out with them and took pictures of them. I walked the parents to their car and we talked for over an hour. They said that I was an answer to their prayers, and they couldn't believe how this whole thing came about with her giving me Sasha and all.

I forgot to tell you, Thursday, Mary called me and asked if she could bring her parents over to introduce us. i said sure, and said why don't they come to dinner. They came straight from the airport to our house. I thought it was so strange that this girl I hardly know, though getting to know, wanted me to meet her parents. I think it says something about the connection we have. Anyway, they ended up staying 3 hrs. It was so lovely. Jon, her husband even came, though he's not thrilled with our friendship either. So back to Sunday....

While we were talking they told me that Mary feels like she is too far gone and can't come back to the church. I also feel like there will be a huge rift between her and her husband if she does come back. It was so powerful our talk, the Spirit was very strong, and I saw the love and the hurt they feel. They love Mary so much, and want only the best for her. They know, like we know, that the only way to happiness is through the Gospel.

Oh, I also forgot, the choir sang a beautiful arrangment of O My Father. Her mother leaned over to me after and said that was her favorite song, so I'm glad it went well. I was nervous with the family there.

Anyway, it was so wonderful to see this whole thing come about. The Spirit was so strong that day. I went back into church and just sobbed the rest of it. Everyone asked what was wrong, but I just said they were tears of Joy!!! I'm so proud her Mary for choosing to bless her baby, and for standing up to her husband in order to get it done. I love her so much. She is a wonderful young woman, and I see so much potential and love in her. Even Karvel, the Bishop, came up to me afterword, and said, wow, that was amazing. I told him thank you for picking the topics, and he smiled and said, I didn't, the stake did today. Holy Crap!!! I just get goose bumps thinking about it again.

I know it's a long road for Mary, and I don't even know if she will come back to the church. But for her to even step into the building with his family is so huge, you have no idea. I feel blessed to have been there Sunday to wittness it.

Take care and lots of love,

PS. We actually have a couple tadpoles who have little baby legs. Can you believe it????

Bug made the volley ball team!!!!!

2008-08-22T20:05:00.002-05:00

Yup, I'll let her tell you the whole thing, but Bug made the 8th grade volley ball team. Good job, baby!

Kevin's new calling

2008-08-17T18:33:00.001-05:00

Well, Kevin has a new calling. He is now the High Priest Group Leader. He's feeling a little overwhelmed. I was talking to David Mosher (Bishopric) and he was telling me how it happened. He said that they had 3 names on their list, Kevin wasn't on that list. Karvel asked them that think about it and pray and write down the name that they want as the leader. All three came back after church with Kevin's name on it. Guess the Lord added Kevin's name to that list, lol.

Last week was the start of school. It was also the start of Rylan's speech therapy. We asked to get on the list at the hospital and they said it was a year waiting list. I can't believe they would make kids wait a year to get help! Anyway, we needed to get a doctor's referel, so we called Dr Krenning, our friend, and our ENT. She wrote the referal and faxed it over. She then called and said you get Rylan Pickens in NOW!!!! In less than a week we got a call. She was an answer to our prayers. Well, I took him in On Wednesday and she asked what my concerns were. I told her that I think Ry has Asphergers (Autism). So she started asking questions, she soon stopped and said, "He doesn't have autism, he has Sensory Integration Disorder". I had no clue what that was, but I guess he gets too much senses and doesn't know how to handle it. Very closely related to Autism. We are officially going to get tested in Columbia at the Autism Center, and if they feel he is Autistic, then they will send us over the the Autistc side. I can't tell you how relieved we are to finally have an answer. SI dysfuntion is so much easier to treat then Autism, so we pray that this is what he has.

Logan has started seminary, they have accomidated the band members, so the kids go just Wednesday mornings, then 2 hrs on Sunday evenings, so they will get their time in. Once Marching Band is over they will go to seminary 5 days a week.

Toriann has been watching the Olympics with me, and she has decided to try out for the Volley Ball Team. We watch beach volleyball, and she's in love. Don't know if she'll make it, but she's excited to find out. She's so athletic, I think she will do fine. The problem is next year, she now has to choose between volleyball and Cheerleading! Oh to have such choices in my life. LOL!

I finished my first baby quilt that is machine quilted. It is so darling. Only have a picture on my cell phone and I don't know how to put it in here. Oh well. Have a good week, Love to all!

My fun, busy, but yet gross week.

2008-08-02T12:41:00.004-05:00

Wow!!!! I just got beck from girls camp about 4 hours ago and I had a BLAST!!!!! . . . . Well, except for the muggy, muggy weather. Since we were right by the lake it was just so sticky, hot, gross, sweaty, and just dehydrating.

We arrived there tuesday and I met my J.C.s and my level leader. We had an opening fireside and we met the camp director then. It was the same as last year. . . Every night we had a ward devotional and tuesday's one was were we had a cup full of m&ms and we had to eat all besides 3. Once everyone was done we found out we had to share some certain things depending on the color. Like brown was share and emabarising or funny moment.

Wedensday we had to go on hikes and lucky us, it was a down pore!!!!! The level 2 girls were originally supposed to go on a 5 mile hike but because of the rain, it was just barely a mile hike. During that time we collected trash and some leaves, sticks, rocks, and whatever else we could find for our calosh. That night for our devotional we talked about some qualities we had. Next, we talked about our devine qualities. So our leader would say like, "Who are you, Tori?" and everyone in the group would name some things off that you were or that you did or something like that. And to my very great surprise. . . everyone, even the girls that I have been having trouble with said that I was Christ-like. And once I heard that, I just started bawling!!! I didn't know I had that big of an influence on all of them. Even the leaders agreed on that and said I was an example to them. WOW!!!!

Thursday, from 9-12 the 1st and 3rd years went boating. then we had lunch and then from 1-4 the 2nd and 4th years went boating. So we got to go on the tube and get flown off of it. . . you know how that is. =) After that we got dressed for the bishops night. Our theme. . . well one of them, was a cowboy type of thing. So we had to dress up as cowgirls. Some of my friends had put eyeliner on themselves to look like beards and mustaches. It was so fun!!! One of them was my "boyfriend" you could say. So the bishops had a shoot out with marshmallow guns. It was fun because a lot of the girls had their own guns too and we shot the bishops. For devotionals that night we talked more about our devine qualities. Our leader decided to have all of us girls to know at least 3 different devine qualities. I decided that I would have Christ-like, kind, and talented. When we decided on which quality, we had to remember the names or else that meant we didn't really feel like we had that quality.

Friday, we went boating again, but like the paddle boats, canoes, and kiaking. 2nd and 4th years went from 9-12. Then from 1:30-4 the others went. So I'm glad I got in the morning because it was a supper hot day!!! Then at night, we didn't have a ward devotional. This is the special night when it's like almost the only reason why you come to camp. Our them was "Like the Stars: Steadfast and Immovable." And wow!!! It was an amazing night. So we all walk down to a corner and the J.C.s start singing hyms. And one by one, the girls in the line watching and singing with the J.C.s go on the path that goes in the middle of the camp ground. At the very begining, a leader handed me a bag of gravel and said, "these are your trials. Carry them while you are walking. You have to do this by yourself. This is your burrden." And so I walk on and a few leaders later, a leader says to me, "I know it is very very hard to remember the savior all the time. But it is your job to remind yourself and others that He is always there. NO MATTER WHAT!!! This message I'm giving you is only for you. Not for the girl in front of you and not the girl behind you. Only for you." I still have been crying about it when I tell it to people. So all of the leaders from the stake were lined up giving everyone hugs and saying "I love you" At the very end, Sis. Nicoliozo, the stake camp director said, "now is the time to let go of all your trials. It's time to let them go and move on. Now go and throw your trials in the fire, and watch them burn into the flames and never think of them again." I'm even crying right now as I'm typing this. Once we were all in the place where we were supposed to be, we watched a slide show of all of the pictures the assistant director took of us. After that, Sis. Nicliozo stood up and bore her testimony for the last time. This was her last year being girls camp director. When she was done, we all stood up for the last time with her to say the young women's theme. Everyone could hardly say it because they were all crying so hard. Last, in our cabin, our ward had a testimony meeting and it was the strongest one I have ever been too. I bore mine. The spirit was just so strong. Mostly because of a friend who just had a very, VERY!! strong testimony that made everyone cry. It was just so peaceful and wonderful.

I just really needed this girls camp. I think this time, it was a special one for all of us going through these really hard times. My testimony has grown so much from this. I will never EVER forget this wonderful girls camp.

New frog eggs

2008-08-01T21:36:00.002-05:00

Well, I can't remember if I wrote that Kevin killed our tadpoles. It was a sad, sad day, but today as we were swimming, Rylan noticed some more frog eggs. I was actually very surprised because the frogs usually lay their eggs from May into the end of June. They had sunk, so it was hard to get them, but I got eight measly eggs. Hopefully tomorrow I will find some more. This time we will use filtered water to change the water with. Pray that it works!

What I've been dong with my new machine!

2008-08-01T21:32:00.002-05:00

Well I have been so busy with my new sewing machine. I finished my table runner and I pieced a new quilt together. Very easy to put it together. I even learned how to miter my corners. It was no small feat, but I finally did it.

NEW TOY!!!!!!

2008-07-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

I completely forgot my best news! The day the Pickens left (Sat), Kevin suprised me with a new Bernina Quilting, sewing machine!!!!!! I haven't stopped sewing since!

Sad news, Kevin killed our tadpoles, lol! He added more water because it was dirty, and they died instantly. Oh well, guess we will try again next year

We have babies!!!!!!

2008-07-12T20:45:00.002-05:00

When my parents were here, we were getting into the pool and we saw frog eggs. We get them all the time because of our forrest we get tree frogs every night. Well, Kevin decided to take the eggs and see if he could hatch them. I can't believe it, but at first the eggs opened up and they looked like little worms, and couple days later they started to move, and then I looked at them today and they are real live tappoles, with eyes and everything. I think our experiment is working. We'll see if we can keep them alive.

Pickens Family next

2008-07-12T16:26:00.004-05:00

Well, Mom and dad pickens came with Shad and Jess. Boy, we never sat down. We first went to six flags. I didn't go becasue my back gave out on me a couple days before. Stupid pinched nerve. Well then we played by the pool, ate lots of food, and then we went to Branson for a couple days. Half of us saw Broadway and the other have saw Yakaov. Broadway was the biggest joke I've ever seen, it was horrible. The dancers weren't together, the main singers were horrible, and the main guy sounded like an Elvis impersinator! So we left half way through. We then went to Chilis to eat and then saw the Chinese Acrobats. Now that was amazing! We all had a blast, and Morgan and Rylan couldn't take their eyes off the stage.!

I forgot that Mom and Dad showed up on time for the 4th. We went out to our friends house in the country and shot off fireworks. Very loud fireworks!

All in all it's been so much fun having all the family come to visit. We didn't have to travel this year and it was great!

2008-07-12T16:21:00.003-05:00

We then took grandma and grandpa to Caveman Resturant. This was their first time going. This old couple bought this cave and they blew out some more of it and put a restaraunt in there. It is so fun, they are only open in the summer due to no heating inside the cave. It just unique. It was a fun week with my parents.

Most of the time we just visited because the kids were in summer school, so it was fun to chat

Go carts at Branson

2008-07-12T16:16:00.002-05:00

We then had the little one do go carts, then Kevin and the older kids did the bigger go carts. I didn't get pictures of the older ones, they were going to fast. lol Rylan was so excited he actually squeeled like a girl the 1st time he went around.

FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY!

2008-07-12T16:09:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness, where do I begin??? We have had family galore, and it's been fabulous. My parents came out the 17th of July for a week. We had so much fun, we went to Branson and saw Noah, the musical. I highly recommend it. The staging and props were out of this world.

New Family Pictures

2008-07-02T19:12:00.007-05:00

Wow, we can't decide which pictures to choose, there were so many perfect ones. Enjoy the fabulous pictures

Scout Camp

2008-06-29T19:13:00.002-05:00

Ok, I went to scout camp this week, and it was AWESOME!!! I left Sunday at 1:30 because registration ended at 4:30. My troop went to camp Hahn, which is at the Lake of the Ozarks. We were introduced to our guides and had a 'pack shake down'. We were told to take a tent to camp, at shake down, we were told not to take them. My supplies I ended up with during the shake down were: 2 shorts, 3 shirts, 4 pairs of socks, a sleeping bag, my tent fly, a camelback an army shovel, and very little other things. We then got the meals we were going to carry, 1 package of poptarts for breakfast, and 1 MRE per meal. We then gathered and started the week. We hiked about a half mile in the dark up a hill and got to camp. I slept very poorly, lets leave it at that. We then woke up and ate a pack of poptarts. Here's the basics of the week:

Canoeing 3 miles

kayaking half a mile

blacksmithed a horseshoe into a bracelet

threw tomahak

shot my hat with a black powder gun

backpacked a total of 5 miles throughout the week

slept a different place each night, only one night with the rest of camp

went in a sweat lodge (VERY CLEAN FEELING!!!!)

went on a sailboat and slept on it

ate horrible tasting MRE's all week

climbed on a climbing tower and repelled 50 feet down

did a huge C.O.P.E course (I'll explain it when you come)

That's about it. . . . . . . WAIT!!! Friday night was the best ( and when I say 'best', I mean HORRIBLE!!!) night ever. We were all tired and ready to go back home and then went to bed at 11:30, we were then woken up by our scout master and were put in the canopy because there was a severe storm siren while we were sleeping. This was at 1:00. We then stayed under this for an hour and a half while the rain soaked all my possesions I brought because I set up the tent I brought, and my fly came off.

All in all, it was a very, very productive week.

And now I'm sick. I really am.

The End

I Finally Have it!!!

2008-06-18T06:36:00.002-05:00

Months ago I decided. . Oh I want to learn how to play "Fer Elise" on the piano. So I got the whole first simple part down and didn't learn the rest of it. I just didn't really want to learn the rest until summer started. I, just one day, decided to learn the rest of the song before summer ended or else if I didn't learn the rest if the song. . . I'd drive my self CRAZY!!!! just doing that first part of the song. So. . . I taught myself the rest of the song. I now if it ALMOST FULLY memorized!!! I think it's just crazy I taught myself the song. . . with some help with one of my used-to-be piano teachers and mom. I'm so happy i finally have the whole song down now. . . . Now I just need another song. . . . maybe even harder???? lol

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

On a good note

2008-06-11T21:37:00.005-05:00

Well the good news is that our gardening is done, and we are almost done putting all the last min. touches with the pool. It turned out really pretty and the pavillion is beautiful!

What an accident prone week!

2008-06-11T21:19:00.004-05:00

Well, what can I say, my kids take after me! We were finishing up our garden in the back last Saturday, and Toriann dropped 50 lbs of rock on my "good" food. Split the tip of my toe, bless her heart, she felt soooo bad. Needless to say, Logan had to administer first aid because Kevin left for Michigan for the week. We called Bob Pearson in our ward, who is a Pediatrist and he came over. I then went to see him the next Monday to check on my toe and my other foot that had surgery on. I had staff in the incision, so I'm on antibiotics again.

Yesterday we were swimming and Morgan came out of the pool and hit a metal pole and sliced her toe open in between her pinky and her 4th toe. Needless to say, Kevin said she needed stitches, so I called Bob again, and we went into his office. Sure enough, 5 shots and 4 stitches later, she has a very cool purple bandage.

Logan today was at wrestling camp, and a head found his mouth, and he may lose his front tooth, we are going to visit a dentist hopefully tomorrow. He had fun until that happened. Logan is the least accident prone person, so this really surprised me.

Tomorrow, Rylan is having his nose Cauterized again so they have to put him to sleep, that will be no big deal, just something added on top of everything else.

The bruised toe is mine, the purple foot is Morgan's and Mr. Fang is Logan

this is sooo cute!!!

2008-05-31T22:41:00.002-05:00

This is so cute of Morgan!!!! I just love it!!! I've already watched it like 10 times and everytime I watch it I laugh so hard!!! =D

Love to all,

Bug

It's Logan!!!

2008-05-31T22:18:00.002-05:00

Hey wassap! It's Logan. I am working on my Eagle Project at the moment. Haven't got it approved yet, but we, meaning 'me', are working on the planing on the project. what i want to do is to clean an outdoor classroom that is rarely used in our Junior High. My hopes is that is if the classroom is cleaned up, then it will get used more often. Marching band is coming up in a month or so, so I am looking forward to that. I am training for wrestling for freshmen year. That is going to be fun. I AM TALLER THAN MY DAD!!! That's awesome!! I am almost taller than Mom, but she is taller by about an inch. NOT HAPPY! Well, I guess I will post later. Peace Out!

Bug's Big Day!

2008-05-31T22:05:00.003-05:00

Stay the Same
There was a girl with bright pink cheeks
and loved to go to school.
She did not know one thing though,
it was that she was not so “cool.”

Not too many noticed her
but she was always there.
Not too many talked to her
but she just didn’t care.

Until one day she had enough
she changed her look and mind,
Her mother looked so worried
and thought to open the blind.

So the mother talked to her
and told her to stay the same.
But that little girl just had enough,
she thought she had to change.

People sort of noticed her
but just a little bit.
She decided to change some more,
so she would be noticed and just fit.

She changed her attitude, look, and behavior
she thought she was certainly fine.
Until one day her mother said,
I miss the way you were divine.

The girl refused to change again
because she was “in”
She wanted the better stuff
and have a cool boyfriend.

She got her wish; she got her dream
but she still wasn’t happy.
Her grades had dropped and her mind had popped,
she thought she would always be crappie.

The girl was gone, no one really noticed.
Except her dear old mother
who had tried to tell her to stay the same
and told her she was like no other.

The moral is to stay the same
and just know who you are
And never let anything change your way
especially when you are your own star.

Toriann wrote this and entered it into a contest. She got a letter a couple days ago saying her poem is going to be published into a book! Can you believe that? We are so proud of her. She will write more later.

All about the Pickens Life

2008-05-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! A friend at church suggested I start my own blog so I don't have to send Pictures to everyone I want to, I just give you all my blog address and you can see for yourself. Most of you all have blogs, so no big deal. Thanks.... and love to all