Creations from Curtisville

labor day fun....

2011-10-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

My sweet kids and I over Labor Day weekend visited Antelope Island. At the ranch house, I saw this spot and wanted to capture it with a Most-of-the-family pic! We sure miss Cole while he is working.....but luckily we were able to take a few pics with ALL of us when he was home this last time!

soon....

2011-10-12T22:55:00.001-07:00

i shall update soon....my baby is getting bigger!

...Then there was one more

2011-06-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

This may be old news for all of you, but I thought I would add our newest addition to my blog. We welcomed our fourth child, a sweet boy, on April 30, 2011. Skyler Jace Curtis was born at 2:06 am, weighing in at 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20.5 inches long. Although his Dad was unable to get here in time, he did get to meet him a couple of days later. After such a (as I'm told) normal delivery experience.....I have come to the conclusion that I have NO IDEA how all of you birth your babies like this. Middle of the night....no plan or real warning......it's for the birds...or at least the Christina's of the world! ;)

He is mindful of me....

2010-07-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

As I have been engaged in very difficult and personal matters this last little while, I have been feeling the affects of stress on my spirit as well as my physical self.

Tonight, as I was deeply engaged in digging through more of the vital matters that concern my family, I decided that I needed to bring more of a priority to filling my spiritual side.

As I launched my home page of the internet (which happens to be set at lds.org) I clicked on the first Mormon Message video that appeared.

I watched that one, then continued backward on the list. My emotions ran over, and I cried for the first time in a long time. Not necessarily out of sorrow, but more out of exhaustion, and being able to express to my Heavenly Father in my heart and mind, my feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes, concerns, and on and on and on.

As I continued through each message, that seemed placed there specifically for me, I was filled with such warmth in my heart and soul. The Holy Ghost spoke so strongly to me of the love and concern of my Heavenly Father for not only me, but for my family and for each one of us individually.

The Lord is mindful of each of us in our own special circumstances. Whether they be good times, or hard times.

I am so grateful for the testimony I have of my Savior. That He lives. That He atoned for each one of us. That He and our Heavenly Father are standing ever ready to help us, we only need ask. I am assured that He is mindful of me and of my personal situation. I am grateful for my Savior, and for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am so thankful the He IS mindful of me....

It's raining....it's pouring....but boring???

2010-05-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

So life has sent a few storms our way. It not only raining, but pouring....at least I can look at the bright side that it's not boring.

Since I have been weighed down by so many sad and tragic things these last few weeks, I am going to take time to make a list of things I am truly grateful for:

laughter sunshine rain storm riley home love cole jr. family health my savior emma sleep friends cole the gospel faith freedom peace the comfortor

love

follow up on the Kindness post...

2010-01-19T01:20:00.000-08:00

So to all of you who remember a previous post about Emma and the preschool incident, I do have an update on the situation.

Each Monday and Wednesday morning, after dropping Cole at school, Emma and I enjoy some girl time for about 10 minutes in front of her teachers house until it is time for her school. We talk about various subjects that enter her mind. One morning she kept referring to her incident at school and about how we like ALL our preschool friends EXCEPT Nate. "He's MEAN.." she said. I then started talking to her about Christ and about how he would want us to treat others. I also reminded her that everyone is learning different things in life, and Nate must be trying to learn kindness to others and sharing. It's not ok what he did to her, and she could use her words to explain that, but that she can always choose to be kind to others, especially Nate. He needs friends the most, especially since he is having a hard time learning kindness.

After talking about how she might feel if others didn't like her because of a choice she had made while learning something, she suddenly decided that she COULD be friends with Nate, and help others of her classmate be nice to him.

A few weeks later, as I was helping Emma get out of the car for preschool, I recognized a parent whom I had attended the singles ward with several years ago. I remember him to be the kindest, most genuine and gentle person. I called him by name and we exchanged pleasantries. After talking for a moment, I asked who his child was. He replied Nate. He quickly asked who my child was, and I responded Emma. "Emma, yes we've talked about Emma." was his response. I just smiled and said "I BET you've talked about her". He quickly said.."no, no...I just mean I remember hearing about her!" I smiled and realized the irony of the situation.

I spoke briefly with Emma's preschool teacher and explained that I knew Nate's dad from years ago. I told her that I thought how funny it was that it was our two children that had interacted, but that I really remembered Nate's dad as being a great guy. She then quickly explained that he had lost his job about six months prior, that they had 3 boys, and the oldest was Nate.

Suddenly all of this situation came into a hard reality perspective for me. I could understand why a child might act out because of stress felt at home, that they could not explain nor control.
It made me even more grateful that I had been given the opportunity to talk to my child about a Christlike additude and how even without knowing another persons situation, we can still love others and show kindness.

So I suppose in this whole scenario, I was the one truly taught about how "K" is for kindness. My child picked up on all of this without ever knowing a single detail of why she was the recipient of another childs stress, but she was the one who without further explanation decided it was better to show love for others than to alienate them. I love the lessons that I am able to learn with my children.

Because of the new layout.....

2009-12-06T19:48:00.001-08:00

Alright, because I'm not really educated on how to do all this blog stuff, when I changed the layout, it deleted a lot of my old stuff, including my list of blogs I like to follow etc. So, if you are not on the side of this blog page, will you please send me an email to jenniferadamscurtis at hotmail dot com, so I can add it again! I tried to recreate it, but don't think I remembered everyone! Thanks all!

"K" is for Kindness

2009-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Last Monday I went to pick Emma up from her preschool. She had her coat and hood on because it was cold. As I looked at her smiling face I noticed her cheek was a little red...no biggie. Then I noticed her teacher waving me to roll the window down. As I rolled it down she began to explain: "I feel so bad about Emma's cheek! Just as we had finished learning about "k" is for kindness, another little friend smacked her in the side of the face with a broom!" I asked Emma if I could see her cheek. She showed me and exclaimed: "Nathan did it! He whacked me in the face with the broom. So Miss Laurie put in him in TIME OUT! And he said, ' Man, am I in BIG trouble'. I of course smiled at the whole situation knowing that as long as Emma felt that justice had been served, you could have chopped off her right arm and she'd be fine with it. I also explained to Miss Laurie that, if Emma can fall head first out of a semi-truck, and not be hurt (bottom pic from 3 years ago), a little flesh wound would certainly not be her demise. It was not until later that evening that I remembered we were taking pictures of the kids at the elementary school for picture retake day. Oh well, the remainder of her triangle shaped gash can just be "nakuped"-over and her head can be turned slightly to the right!

The Holidays are almost here!

2009-12-02T13:21:00.001-08:00

The holidays are almost here, and I have decided I really need to get better at this blogging thing! I choose to believe that I still have the ability to learn new and HARD things, so with that "confidence" I will be learning this blogging thing and adding pics and new and exciting elements to this thing!

I aspire to be you Angela! So if I am copying your stuff for awhile....no hard feelings ok?! :P

He's Finally Here!

2009-06-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

To those of you who may not follow facebook, but do follow our blog. He's here! Riley John Curtis born June 25th at 8:03 am. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 oz., 20 in. long. He is definitely our smallest (but still not beensy!) Both he and I are doing well, and we should be able to get home by Sunday! Emma and Cole jr. LOVE their new baby brother, and can hardly wait for mom and baby to come home! As for pictures....I am unable to get some up here until I get home, but I promise to post some as soon as I get home!

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and prayers!

We Love You!

Almost there....

2009-06-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

So this week has been quite interesting. We are trying to keep the baby in...no wait have him...no wait!!! AHHHH!!!!

If the date stays as planned we have 8 days left and this pregnancy process will be over. But since this pregnancy from before it began has been quite the journey, I don't see the point in trying to stick to a plan.

My fluids are up, my fluids are down, we should think about delivering early, we can't deliver early. Could someone please just make a plan....I don't care anymore what...and stick to it!

There, I feel better now that I've vented! Thank you!

We have survived so far....only 25 more days to go!!

2009-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

So we have survived the ever-looming end to preschool and dance for the season. Now we patiently await the arrival of our 3rd child!

I have consciously kept the next 3 and 1/2 weeks open so that I don't drop any balls, and so that I don't "accidentally" have this baby sooner! ;)

Now my only problem is keeping the kids entertained, while we WAIT!!! I have even found the time to get my hair cut and colored. I plan to update the blonde portion about a week before I go into the hospital.....that way....even if I die on the operating table, at least I will look good! :)

The kids keep asking how many more days until the baby comes out, and so Katie and I made a countdown chain for them to pull off a link everyday until it happens. I guess even when you tell a 4 year old "25 days"....it doesn't really compute. But when they see the chain getting smaller, then the visual should be enough for them!

I really am getting excited to see this new baby....and even more excited to let ANYONE else hold him ALL BY THEMSELVES!!!!! Yeah!!!

Here are a couple of updated photos of me and the kids (and my new hair).....ENJOY!!!

A Bright Note....

2009-03-25T23:34:00.001-07:00

So....here are a few updated pics of the kids. We had to take some quick shots for a newsletter for my family, and thought I'd post them up....enjoy!!!

My Rainbow has lasted just a bit longer......

2009-03-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

So, I looked into Cole jr.'s throat this afternoon and saw that ever looming appearance of red dots and puss. It can only mean one thing.....strep. Now, normally this would throw me into a panic of sorts, since he doesn't have insurance at the moment. But, I did my best to call around for the best price on a throat swab. I was referred to an Express Care in the Smiths in Farmington.

$49.00 for the exam and swab. The quick test confirmed my suspicions, and we headed from there to Walgreens to get the damage report on how much to pay for the liquid gold that might save my childs throat from immediate removal.

$23.99 for the liquid gold. That's cheaper than a visit to his pediatrician without the swab!

Done deal....didn't break the bank...and my childs throat is saved!

Tender mercy for just one more day .... :)

When it rains it pours...LITERALLY...but then I look for the rainbow!

2009-03-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so today was the ending of a very long week. I have felt AWFUL, and my health isn't that great! But I will stop taking the antibiotic I have been on Tuesday..(I am SO counting the hours).

I went to bed last night, after drugging both of my fevering children, hoping that I could sleep peacefully and wake to miraculously recovered kids. One was, the other wasn't. So instead of trying to make all of my obligations...I bailed from all of them.....

Hence, my rainbow. I have decided that even when it pours down upon us all, we really can find the rainbow. I spent the morning in bed while my 3 year old went to church with grandma wendy, and my 4 year old stayed passed out until noon.

My body, mind, and soul thanked me for taking a timeout for myself.

I obviously know that rainbows are a short lived miracle after a storm, but they do seem to remind me of how much the Lord will bless our lives in ways that He knows we need!

I am grateful for the miracle of ALL of my rainbows!!!

The Merry-Go-Round of Life

2009-03-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Life is quite the experience. Constantly changing. Never dull if you really think about it. Full of more hills than valleys on the climb to the top, but somehow we manage to keep moving whether we want to or not.

Pregnancy is not my friend. I am grateful for the outcome of a new life, once the endurance is done. I am thankful and humbled by the miracle of the new life, and what a major impact this new little personality brings to a family. And once there, is not replaceable.

So we are having a boy, and although the child seems absolutely uncooperative in the womb, I am saving some faith in the fact that the fetus might not fully enjoy this whole process into mortality either :)

I love my family very much. I am so grateful for my husband. He sacrifices so much for us, and I am so thankful for the children that I have that keep me reminded of how special he is to us. I am so blessed to have the children that I have. They are constantly teaching me about the simplicity of life, and how much we can enjoy.....even when we have very little. They teach me about the perspective of life, and how your own take on a situation can very dramatically change your own decision of problem solving or even how to handle a situation.

Lately I have felt like I have been spinning in circles on this Merry-Go-Round we call Life. I'm waiting for a slow in the motor to try and get some bearing on what and where to go next, but I'm afraid I might just have to change to a different animal to ride on for awhile. Maybe even the stationary sleigh. It will obviously be a momentary breather....after all. Babies come..ready or not. Bills come...like it or not. Happy and sad moments...regardless of readiness.

I am just waiting to take in a full breath of fresh air.........

Updates.....

2008-12-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I realized after a month or so, that I have not updated those of you who like to follow the blog. So, yes we are pregnant, and due July 2nd. For sure we will have this baby the last week in June, and that is VERY ok with Jen. Jen is feeling a bit better, but now the waves of sickness feel like they hit harder than before. Oh well, the joys of motherhood! On Saturday, we will be leaving our beautiful home, and traveling with Cole back to Wisconsin for the holidays! We are SOOOOOOO excited! I will attempt to keep some of our vacation up to date...if not, see you all next year!

Emma......and her dancing

2008-12-04T21:36:00.001-08:00

Here is the recital Emma performed in today! It was VERY entertaining!

2008-11-29T20:40:00.001-08:00

"and for Christmas I would like sharks and sea monsters.
Can you do that?"

"and Santa, do you like Jesus? ..... and do you like presents?"

And what is a marvelous celebration without a visit from
Santa and Mrs. Claus!!!!

Amid the re-creation of the nativity! Can you tell what part we are at?
Better yet.....do you know who is who?

Beautiful ladies.....and a handsome prince!

What a handsome wiseman and an exquisite angel!

Dennis and Kendria supervising the creative portion of the day!

Cole intently eating...er...I mean creating a wonderful cookie!

Emma creating her masterpiece.....

Jen creating her own version of a wonderful gingerbread facade!

Singing carols.....most of us anyway.

We love the memories and fun we have at our annual Adams Family Christmas Party. These photos are compliments of Katie....Thanks for sharing them with us!!!!

And then there was one more......

2008-11-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

So if you haven't already been notified, it's true. We are expanding our small family with one more (hopefully only one)! We found out on November 1st, and despite Jen's shock, the kids and Cole are ecstatic! Jen is warming up to the thought of three, and every once in awhile can even smile at the thought of a new little one! We will have a picture of the baby tomorrow....it might still look like an alien! Until then.....

Ok...so I guess we all give in at some point....

2008-09-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

I don't even pretend to have time to be blogging, but since I don't do any journaling either, I guess I can try my hand at this! So to all of you who have been waiting for our family to join the blogging world....here you go!!!