Happy Birthday, Macie!

I can't believe she's 6!  She was my baby for so long that I still think of her as my baby.  For her birthday she really wanted to get a pedicure like Maddie did, so we went to the beauty school and did it.  She had the biggest grin the entire time.  She loved the massage chair and the cute girls that did our toes got a kick out of her. 

We also had a family dinner at our house.  Macie had wanted a My Little Pony cake.  I convinced her that flamingos would be cooler.  Then I convinced her that having ice cream cone cupcakes would be cooler than a cake.  They were an epic fail, and then I convinced her that lemon (the only cake mix left in my house) cupcakes were cooler.   She was thrilled with it.  She wanted to put all 6 candles on one cupcake with the flamingo cake topper.  She was convinced by her cousin that that might be a fire hazard.  I'm glad we can convince her of things still. 
About a month before her birthday we were at City Creek with the cousins.  Macie found a Bullseye purse that she loved.  I carefully hid it, then had a cousin take her out of the store, bought it, gave the bag to another cousin to carry out and back to grandmas.  Once at grandma's, cousin left the bag on the table for me to find.  Problem is, Macie found it first.  She came up to me with a huge mischievous smile and said, "I know what's in the Disney store bag."  And we all groaned.  I left the bag at my mom's on accident and she hid it too well because we all forgot about it until the night before her birthday.  I called and asked her to wrap it and bring it to the party.  She did.  Macie started to unwrap it and saw it was a box of ziploc baggies.  She said, "Thanks, Grandma!" and went on to the next present.  She really thought she got baggies for her birthday.  :) She was much happier when she opened the box of baggies and saw her pony purse that she had forgot about!
A few things about Macie...
She loves Phineas and Ferb.  Her best friend is Rylan.  She still loves tiny things like squinkies.  She loves her baby sister and always tries to carry her.  She loves puzzles.  She can always find things in our home that are missing - she's very observant.  She's the bravest spider killer in the house.  She's already lost 2 teeth and the top two will probably be out when school starts. 

All day, she was so happy and just grinned from ear to ear.  It was fun to have a day just for her. 
The last picture is of Macie in the pj's her cousin gave her.  She wore those bad boys for 36 hours straight.  Gross.  She kept telling me they were too cozy to take off.  So funny. 

My favorite Macie moment of the month would be this...

At the dinosaur museum, it was Harry Potter week.  The kids were supposed to draw their patronus.  The girls didn't know what that was so I explained it as something that would protect you if you were in danger.  Macie drew Jesus. 
So grateful to have her in my life!

Van shopping is not for babies, or toddlers.

On Monday (Jeramy's birthday, happy birthday) we went and cleaned out the van.
Not fun. 
So hard to see and do. 
We were once again amazed to see the damage, and the coins all over the car, and let's be honest, how much crap my kids kept in that van.  Sunday before church Macie couldn't find her church shoes.  She has two pairs. They were both in the van.  Maddie's library book.  In the van.  Lindsay's new earrings.  In the van.  (Still in the van, I was not told to get them out of the pocket and I didn't see them in there). 

This picture of my trunk doesn't really show it, but we hadn't realized that the entire trunk was pushed up.  We had landed on a huge boulder at some point that pushed it up - and probably launched that dang can of chili up and over.  (Did I mention we ate said chili for lunch that day while we were waiting for the tow truck?)

Our insurance would only give us $20 a day for a rental car.  Note to self, raise that up to at least $50 a day.  To rent a minivan  it was almost $50 a day, to rent a Camry it was $28.  I decided to just get the smaller car for $8 a day.  So, we had to take both cars every where we went this week, but it worked out fine.  Once again, we had family to help us out, too. 
We hit a few lots, really not knowing what kind of van we wanted.  I had my heard set on an Odyssey again, but was willing to test drive a few other options.  We made an appointment to meet with the car rental's sales office.  We chatted with the sales lady for well over an hour about...her.  It was painful and boring and she wouldn't stop talking.  She then let us know that while she was talking to us, they sold the only Dodge they had available, so we couldn't even test drive it.  Grrrr.  Angry Heidi.  While we were waiting for her to find us any van to test drive, this one pulled up. 

Ouch. 
I wanted to ask the guy if he'd sell it to me. 
Oh, and the lady never found a van for us to drive.  An hour and a half of my life gone.  Just like that.  
We had another lot that was supposed to call us when the Odyssey I wanted was done getting detailed.  They never called. 
Twice. 
We finally said, "We just need to drive a van.  Any van."  So we saw one and went in and test drove a Dodge Caravan.  It made me want to cry I hated it so bad.  Jeramy was all right with it.  I'll spare you the long, painful story there of being taken hostage by the salesman and being driven to another lot, and waiting and waiting and having a salesman on his third day who was the complete opposite of our saleslady the day before that wouldn't stop talking.  This poor kid will not be selling cars for very long.  After we left that lot I felt like I needed a shower and I was just done. 
Done. 
Keep in mind that every time we went out car shopping, we had to dump our kids upon random friends and family and I was beginning to feel pretty bad. 
We decided that we would wait until next week and try the Odyssey place again because that's what I really wanted, even though it was at the top of our budget. 
This morning I had a friend suggest a lot.  I looked it up just for fun and the first van listed was my van.  Well, not my van, but the same year and miles as my wrecked one.  And the price was exactly what we got from our settlement with the insurance. 
Not what we were looking for at all. 
But, Jeramy said, "Let's go look at it."
And so we piled all the kids into both cars and headed up.  Lo and behold, it was in better shape than my old van (all right, better shape than my van was before we rolled it down a hill).  We actually got to test drive it within like 2 minutes of being on the lot.  (In fact, it took us longer to get all those car seats buckled in than it took for them to give us the keys).  No pushy/talky/too quiet salesperson.  The kids oohhhed and ahhhed that it was just like being in our van, but better.  I felt happy and at peace in my van.

You know that moment when a bride cries because she's found her dress?  Yeah, Jeramy cried.  (not really). 
We found our car.  The interior is exactly the same as ours was, the only difference is that this one is white.  Oh so white.  Not my favorite, but it will do for a while.  When we're in it you can seriously not tell that it's a different van, but then I get out and go "Whoa, that's not my van!" 
Here's hoping that it lasts a few years. 
Just happy not to have a car payment. 
Once again,
So blessed
So grateful!

Steele Reunion...the not so good part

We got Lexi buckled in and started to back down the road around every one's cars.  We were just chatting about what we were having for lunch.  We got around all the cars and started to straighten out the van.  All of the sudden, the van started to slip sideways.  We didn't realized there was a retaining wall on Jeramy's side of the car and we somehow got too close to the edge.  The next few seconds were all in slow motion, but yet we really don't remember what happened.  Jeramy was lucky enough to see us fall off out his window and not be able to do a dang thing about it.  We then rolled, we think twice.  Not really sure.  We've both played it over and over in our heads and can't figure it out.
(No seat belts).
I remember being on the top of the van when it caved in, and I remember thinking we were going to get crushed.  I watched Jeramy's head hit his window and I thought for sure he'd be bleeding and unconscious. We stopped upright and I immediately asked Jeramy if he was all right.  He said he was fine and he started laying on the horn.  (We were yards away from our camp site).  I turned to check on Lexi to find that she was totally covered up by our massive camping mat.  We only have one camping mat and the night before I had decided that it wasn't worth fighting over who got to sleep on it, so I had left it in the van between the two seats.  I pulled it off of her and she was happily sucking on her pacifier like nothing had happened.  Just like a ride at Disneyland, I'm sure was what she was thinking. Then I noticed the massive #10 can of chili that had been in the trunk of the van was lodged right next to her head with a huge dent in it.  I'm assuming it hit that mat that had covered her and bounced off it and up between her carseat and the car door.
Saved her life.
Blessing.  
After what seems like forever, but I'm sure it was only maybe a minute, I decided no one was coming, so I had to get tough with my door to get it open.  Finally got it open and then had to climb up the retaining wall that we had just rolled off of with my shaking, shocked body.  Not easy.  I ran back to camp and just said, "Help!  We just rolled the van."  Apparently I was white as a ghost.  Most took off down the road to help.  Once I calmed down, I walked back down.  They had got Jeramy out (my side, his side wouldn't open).  And Lexi out.  They were fine. 
Maddie, Lindsay and Macie came down and cried.  They were pretty freaked out by it all. We all were. 

 Pictures don't really do it justice.  It was quite a fall.  We called our car insurance first and Jeramy sat on hold with them for well over an hour in 100 degree weather.  They finally told us that they couldn't send a tow truck until we had an accident report number.  Note to self...call police first next time even though it didn't involve another car (oh man, I hope there is never a next time).  So we then called the police.  They sent 4 cars. Must have been a pretty slow day for Lone Peak Police.  They were all amazed that we were all up and moving.  We were feeling stiff, but fine.  One officer stayed and he was not happy about having to be there.  That made the whole process so much more fun!  We tried to call our insurance back to get the tow truck, but they were completely useless and the officer finally said, "This is ridiculous, I'm calling our tow company."  He also said, "Are all kids accounted for?"  We said yes.  He said, "What about neighbor kids?  What if they had been down there playing?"  And then we were sick.  Once the van was pulled out, he really went down to make sure we hadn't smashed someone.  :(  He also had to ask if Jeramy had been drinking or doing drugs.  I know it's his job, but seriously.  He said, "You look like you may have been drinking."  Jeramy said, "Well, it's well over a 100, I've been out here for over 2 hours and, I just rolled my van down a hill.  I probably don't look too great."

 Three hours after we rolled down the hill, our van finally came back up the hill.  I had held it together up until this point.  Watching my lifeless van be hauled out made me cry.  As much as I really had wanted a new van, it was a good van and I was happy driving it. 

My nephew took this picture.  He was on the other side of the tow truck.  Kind of funny to see all those blue shirts huddled under that tiny tree trying to stay cool.  The tow guy was great and it was really impressive to see how he got it out.  My nephew got some video, but I don't care to put it on here.  If you really want to see it, text me.
Totally awful day, BUT
Jeramy and I sat and talked about how blessed we were...
We were with my family, they jumped into action to help.  They took care of the girls, took them home for us and bathed them, took down our tent and packed our stuff into their cars.  Gave us the support we needed, and even the cell phone charger.
We weren't hurt.  Just a little sore.  Could have been a lot worse, especially for sweet Lexi.  (And I do have to say that yes, she is forward facing and not two, BUT, that can of chili could have done a lot more damage had she been rear facing).
The reason Jeramy's door wouldn't open was because of a tiny tree.  That tiny tree probably kept us from rolling again into the river and landing on our side.  That would have been a whole lot scarier. 
All of the doors on the van were smashed in and not working - except Lexi's door.  It's automatic feature worked just fine. 
And this one...Maddie apparently heard us honking and said, "That's my parents."  Everyone told her it wasn't, but she ran down the road to check on us.  She couldn't see us (we were down the hill in the bushes), so she went back.  I can not think of a situation more scary for my 10 year old daughter to have to witness on her own.  Her parents trapped in their car.  She had nightmares as it was for a few nights, I can only image how much worse it would have been.
So blessed.
So grateful. 

Steele Reunion...the good part

This year for our family reunion, we stayed close by since Todd and Amy's baby was due any day...and was actually born before the reunion, but we already had our spot chosen.  We went up a little canyon in Alpine to a family friend's private property that has an amazing cabin, bathroom outside, fire pit, playground, stream, grassy areas, sand volley ball pit, and lots of other really cool things.  My niece had her wedding there a few years back, and my nephew did also. 
Anyway, we didn't use the cabin, we tented it.  My sister ordered us these fun matching shirts - which I chose not to tell Jeramy about.  We pulled up and he saw everyone and said, "Matching shirts, eh?"  He wore it like a champ though! 
We were only missing my brother, his wife and son at our reunion.  So sad they weren't able to be there.  :(

My nephew Dylan came from Florida for the first time in 4 years.  Macie attached herself to his side like a good leech and did not let go for...well, she's still stuck on him every time we see him.  He's been a super good sport and played with her a ton.  For an almost 17 year old boy, I'm impressed!  We have very few opportunities to interact with boys in our family and he's made me think they are all angels.  He hugged me on his own free will and choice when he got here, he plays willingly with my kids, he babysat for me AND CLEANED while he was there.  Seriously.  Amazing. 
Wow...side story there...
The kids played in the creek a lot, played lots of games and such.  Sweet Macie picked me some flowers (with Dylan's help) and surprised me.  My sister brought up a ton of balls and Lexi was in ball heaven.  Her and Max played balls all night.  I was lucky enough to almost step on a snake on a walk.  Yuck.  I really don't like wild life. 
When it got dark, we watched Wreck it Ralph on a sheet and had popcorn and glow sticks.  Super fun!  My sister Robin was able to get Lexi to sleep for me.  She woke up around 1:30 and tossed and turned the rest of the night. 
Not fun.
You'd think we'd learn not to take her camping.
Especially when our nice warm, cozy house was just 15 minutes away.
In the morning we played a crazy game of dodge ball, then a minute to win it, and a candy bar matching game.  By this point Lexi was just done.  She was exhausted and that meant I was, too.  Jeramy and I decided to take a drive down into Alpine just to get her to go to sleep. 

Enter the next blog post...

Perkins family!

We love summer because it means my siblings all start to trickle in to Utah one at a time.  Robin was the first to arrive this year and it was so fun to hang out with them.  My girls always look forward to playing with the Perkins family.  My sister, Robin, made it her goal to get Lexi to like her.  Lexi struggled with this goal BIG time, but Robin finally came to our house and Lexi took her a book and climbed right up on her like they had been buds forever. 
We took them to Neptune Park, City Creek, and the Draper Temple to do baptisms.  At the temple I was asked if I was one of the mothers and it kind of freaked me out a bit.  Then as I sat there, I realized I totally could have been one of their moms AND that in a year and a half, I WILL be that mom.  Yikes!

Lexi 16 months

Lexi has become quite the mommas girl. 
Not fun when you're the momma and the only person she wants. 
We've had a ton of family in town and all these new faces have taken a while to get used to.  Her favorite things would be balls, balls and balls.  If she sees one or  even a picture of one, that's all we hear over and over, "Ball!  Ball! Ball!"  She's discovered coloring and loves to scribble like her sisters do.  When they do their daily worksheets, I tape a paper down for her to draw on, too. 
The top picture is of her in her car seat holding my Disney Encyclopedia.  She loves to look through that book, too. 
The picture on the top left still amazes me.  Somehow Shelby can get Lexi to fall asleep while she's holding her!  She'll never do that for me.  She did it this one day, and then last week while we were at 7 Peaks with Shelby I took Macie in the wave pool and left Lexi with Shelby on the shore.  When we came back out, she was asleep.  Amazing. 
Bottom left picture is at Firehouse Subs (new restaurant by us).  She is "Panting" like a dog, cause that's what dogs say.  She loved it there. 
She's sleeping like a champ these days.  9-9 usually.  I think she wakes up around 8:30, but she's happy just to hang out in her bed because she only gets her pacifier in bed.  Nap time has been interesting since we've been gone so much with family.  Hopefully we get it all back on track in the next few days! 
She has learned to "jump."  She crouches over and then stands up quick, but her sweet little feet never leave the ground. 
Love it. 
Love her.