our4monkeys

This is....

2012-01-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

Absolutely

Pure

amazing

Just plain

Sweetness...

My 2nd favorite Christmas gift

2012-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

At dinner on Christmas night we went around the table asking each child what his or her favorite gift was. Then Katelyn asked me. My answer was, "My favorite gift today was seeing how happy and blessed our family is! I loved seeing all the smiles and hearing all the laughs of my family!"

I then said my second favorite gift was this figurine. I cried when I opened it. Just as a picture is worth a thousand words this figurine is worth about a million words. For what is now and for what I will miss later. Rocking my children safe and warm on my lap is by far my favorite thing to do. Nothing even comes close. Fortunately, I learned early on that taking the time to rock my children is one of the most important things I can do so I have been sure to do it often!

Sadly, I know this won't last forever. The day is coming all to soon that I won't be able to rock my children because they will be too big. Of course we will "nuggle" as Ben calls it and that will be great but it won't be the same.

So I cried for what is so amazing now and what I will miss so much later.

Yep, this is my 2nd favorite Christmas gift...

Payback....

2012-01-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

Don't let her fool you... She's not so innocent... She may look like she's just sitting nicely and enjoying company at our family Christmas party but she's not...

She's making fun of her innocent little sister's pecan pie. The first pecan pie her very sweet and wonderful younger sister ever made. Possibly, said pie didn't come out overly great but that's not the point...

So when the younger sister sprayed whip cream all over her face she deserved it!!!!!

Who's laughing now?!?!?!?

A snow day!

2012-01-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I remember those mornings when I was little and the news reported that it was a snow day. The excitement and anticipation of piling on our snow clothes and playing outside all day.

For my children it is no different. They were begging from 7:30 to go out and play. I held them off for a bit while we waited for friends to come play.

Katelyn's best friend Ryley was dropped off and within minutes the kids were outside playing.

Throwing snowballs

Snowboarding

Laying in the snow

Looking adorable and loving it even if it's hard to move with all this winter stuff on.

Snowboarding and throwing snowballs at the same time

Ben loved sliding down the little hill and rolling on as he hit the bottom

You're rocking it Mag!!!!

Happy Snow Day!!!

Outside Christmas lights

2012-01-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

One of the very exciting things that our new house has that our old house didn't is outside electricity outlets. Every year the kids wanted outside decorations but since we didn't have outlets, and we weren't willing to run a cord out a window, we didn't get to have any.

But.... Yay! Our new house has outside electricity!

We didn't go too crazy, just a couple of trees, a reindeer, and some net lighting on two bushes, but it was so pretty. I loved looking at the lights but knew it was time for them to come down as Christmas was over weeks ago.

Then it snowed and the lights were no longer just pretty, they were absolutely beautiful!

So out there they stayed a while longer.

I tried to take pictures of them and got some decent pictures but I don't think it is even possible to capture the true and amazing beauty that they actually were.

The other day I decided it was time to pack 'em up and bring 'em in. I did get some inside but our reindeer and one of the trees is frozen in the ground and I have no idea how to get them out. The one tree I did get out broke while trying to get it out of the ground so I gave up on the other one.

I'm not a big fan of this time of year at all but I will say that the beauty of the lights on the snow makes it a little easier to deal with!

Lego man

2012-01-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Connor LOVES Lego's! He has such a creative mind when it comes to playing with Lego's and comes up with some great creations.
For Christmas he was very excited to receive some amazing Lego sets from Nana and Pa and from Santa too. He got right to work on them and worked for hours. I also happen to love Legos so when he needed some help I was right there. I may have even taken over a time or two and became a little obsessed myself.

One set was over 1200 Legos and the smaller sets were just a few hundred! This fireball spitting dragon was the first creation he put together and was so proud of it.

This is made of all Legos, little tiny Legos! It may not look like it from the picture but take my word for it.

AMAZING is what I think when I watch my seven year old have the patience and ability to put something like this together.

Add caption

After putting all of his Lego creations together Connor set up a Lego exhibit for family and friends to see when they came over.

The Legos have now been moved up into Connor's room but he still plays with them all the time. I wasn't sure how he would still be creative when following step by step directions but he is definitely still being very creative!

Great job Connor!

I now have a card reader and a six year old...

2012-01-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

Yay! It's time to celebrate! I went and bought a card reader so I can get my pictures off my camera and on the computer...
So the first picture that I will share is of my Maggie girl who just last week turned 6! So hard to believe really.

At six years old Maggie is a wonderful girl who loves to chat away the day. She never stops talking, even when she's the only one listening. She has a clothing style like no other and I LOVE it! I truly try to embrace this girls happy-go-lucky and laid-back personality.
(However, since I want to remember everything from these days I also must mention that Maggie can have some serious attitude at times!)
Back to the positives though, Maggie loves school and has made a few friends that she talks about pretty regularly. She even got a phone number from a friend on the bus and calls her often. Leah has come over to play a couple of times which is so nice for Maggie.

Oh, the style this girl has!!!!

Maggie is playing basketball on Saturday mornings and is having a blast. She is also still taking swimming lessons and is back on the swim team. I never tire of watching this amazing girl spread her wings and live her life!

Happy Birthday Maggie!!!! LOVE YOU GIRL!!!

A dream

2012-01-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

Last night, rather, early this morning I had a dream. It was right before I was getting up for the day. I don't remember a lot about it but a couple of the parts I do remember strike me as pretty profound thoughts.
The gist of the dream was that there was either a war going on and the enemies were close or there was a major storm coming. I can't remember what it was but I remember that it was going to be bad and it was expected that a lot of people were going to die. I was so scared but I also had a calm feeling overcome me.
I was thinking that in a way it was ok. I had had a wonderful life and the only thing I "wanted for" was time. I texted my friends and family that I wanted them to all know that I loved my life. That I had all I ever wanted. Love, health, family and friends.
So, here are the three really big things that I feel about this dream....
One.... I want to live another 65 years, at least!
Two.... I am thankful for the ability to keep up with friends and family with texting but by no means do I want it to ever come to the point that I am only keeping up with them by texting. I must make sure that I pick up the phone and that visiting happens as much as possible!
Third... And probably the most important part of the dream. I LOVE my life. I "want" for nothing but lots more time. In my eyes, and in my heart, I already have "everything"! At least, everything that really matters and that's all that really counts any way...

Just checking in?

2012-01-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

Just some random tidbits for all who want to know....

I can't find my cord to connect my good camera to the computer which is why I haven't posted since Christmas! I am sure it must have made the move and is somewhere in this house but I can't find where... Any ideas?

Maggie turns 6 tomorrow!!!! Where have the years gone? We had a little party for her tonight with a couple friends and a couple cousins (who are friends too) along with Nana, Pa, and Aunt Heather. It was fun and the kids seemed to have a nice time. Maggie really wanted everyone to decorate their own cupcakes and I thought that was a great idea. Until the little itty-bitty ball sprinkles, oh those were a mess!

Note to self- Never ever buy little itty-bitty ball sprinkles again! Possibly they should be outlawed, or at least a warning should be on them about how hard they are to clean up...

Our Christmas decorations are still up although the tree has been down for a bit. We just had our family party with my side of the family last Saturday so I have a good excuse. Well, at least last week I did. I think I will have to do that tomorrow...

My parents were here for a bit and it was really nice to have them stay with us. The trip was longer then they had planned because my uncle passed away so my parents came out early. Such a sad reason but we enjoyed the extra time. My dad flew home early because he was sick but seems to be feeling much better now.

Chris is going to see the Patriots' playoff game tomorrow night and it's supposed to be COLD! He is really looking forward to the game but not the cold. My bestie and her kids are gonna come spend the night with us here and the kids and I are super excited! It will be interesting to see where they actually all sleep because they have been coming up with different plans for the last few days since I told them about the sleep over.

Maggie thinks the sleep over is for her birthday and I just totally went with that. And, since there really isn't another reason, other then just for fun, I think it's perfect.

I have overdue library books and am ashamed about it. I mean, really, they can be renewed online and I am online almost everyday! Got to get there tomorrow!

Katelyn had a terrible skin infection on her face that we hope and pray is gone now. She finished her second round of antibiotics on Wednesday. It started coming back a couple days after finishing the first round. It was quite awful and she was seen at the doctor almost daily for a couple of weeks. We were so good about making sure she got every dose and right on time with both rounds because the next step was the hospital and we really didn't want to take that step.

Our satellite wasn't working this morning and I was slightly panicked that it wouldn't be working for the game tomorrow night but it seems to be fine now, phew!

I am very thankful for toilet plungers but really wish someone would invent disposable ones. Toilet plungers are NASTY things!

Bet you're happy you checked in, good night!

From our family to yours....

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

May your day be wonderful and blessed!!!!

catching up on my blog

2011-12-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to figure out how to catch up on my blog. I have so many events that have happened and I have pictures of but yet I don't have time to blog about them all.

So, I decided to stop looking back and look forward.

I am going to try and be more consistent about blogging again. But I make no promises as I am a mom to four monkeys that keep me very busy!

Ben and Mommy at the top of a small hill on a sunny afternoon

If you are wondering what this picture has to do with this post I will tell you. Nothing, it's just a picture I wanted on my blog and didn't know where to put it so I put it here. :o)

How is it possible...

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

that this little guy is gets cuter by the day?

that this little guy went upstairs and got "dressed" all by himself for the first time recently?

that this little guy convinced me to let him go to stores and to the doctor in his "tozy piderman pants"? (cozy spiderman pants for those of you that can't translate toddler talk)

I don't know how these are possible but I know they are the facts...

Yep

2011-12-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

That's the life

So sweet

So cozy

hhhmmm???

2011-12-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

I may

or may not

use this for blackmail someday...

I haven't decided....

Halloween

2011-12-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

Oh, just wanted to let you all know....

We did celebrate Halloween this year

Our kangaroo, Captain America, Vampire Queen, and baby calf had a wonderful time getting dressed up
and trick-or-treating!

Even if it was a week late because of a late October snow storm that postponed halloween....

Is it

2011-12-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Winter

Or Fall

It's hard to tell

There are still leaves on the trees

Colorful, beautiful leaves

Well at least two months ago

In October

When I took these pictures
the leaves were still there

When I first started this blog post

It was hard to tell

The leaves are actually long gone now

But when I went to delete the post I remembered how much I liked the pictures

So, even though the post was origanally supposed to post two months ago I decided to post it now.
Although, now, there is no question, it is winter and it is cold!

Update on Katelyn's hand

2011-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Two months ago I wrote about Katelyn hurting her hand just by picking Ben up. If you missed it you can read all about it here....

Well this has been quite the journey and it doesn't even seem close to being over. After being in a cast for three weeks the cast was taken off and she was put into a brace. Oh wait, let me back up... After being in the first cast for 10 days it started to fall apart so she had to have that one removed and put into a second one. Then after a total of three weeks in a cast she had it removed. It was still sore but the x-rays didn't show anything and the doctor felt like she was good to go. He said if she was still having issues 2-3 weeks later we should give him a call. That was a Friday.

Saturday morning came and her hand was already becoming more sore and swollen. We gave it until Tuesday and I called to see what they thought we should do, wait longer or bring her in. They said to bring her in.

Her hand looked pretty bad color wise, was in a lot of pain, and very swollen. So the doctor put her right back into a cast and ordered an MRI. Katelyn was absolutely TERRIFIED about the MRI but, with a little help from some calming meds, did wonderful for the 50 minute test! That was Friday night. Monday morning we went back in and found out the results of the MRI. She has a torn ligament, a bruised bone, soft tissue damage, and edema all around the area. Her third cast was taken off so he could do an actual visual exam of her hand and then a fourth cast was put on for two more weeks.

Katelyn's fourth cast, teddy bears and balloons

After another two weeks in a cast, 6 weeks total in a cast and two weeks in a brace at this point, she had the cast taken off. Her hand still doesn't look right, it is a bluish color in the area that is injured, is still swollen, and very painful. The doctor feels like she just can't be in a cast any more, it's not good for her to be in it too long. She is put into a different brace that day and we have orders to start OT with a hand specialist ASAP. I will admit, I almost lost it when her cast was taken off and she was still having so much pain... Katelyn did lose it, she just bawled in the office... I just don't get how picking up her little brother can cause such a bad injury that is taking so long to heal. Katelyn and I left the office that day very discouraged...

That was last Monday, so almost two weeks ago. Her first therapy was last Wednesday and was very discouraging. This week she had therapy on Wed and Thursday and they were definitely better. She is working so hard and it shows. It's hard to see how much it hurts after therapy though. I just hope it's on the way to getting better.

I am so thankful that I am not a working mom right now! I don't know how I could have managed all the doctor appointments and therapies that she has needed in the last two months and will continue to need! I am also VERY THANKFUL for health insurance! The co-pays are adding up very quickly and are costing us a pretty penny but if we didn't have insurance it would be SOOOO much worse! Heck, just the casts are over $160 each and she had four of those! Say nothing about the MRI!

So, that's where we are right now. She will go to therapy two times a week and do exercises every day at home. If we don't see a big improvement soon though we will be bringing her for a second opinion to a pediatric orthopedic specialist because this is crazy. Who knew all of this could be caused just by picking up your little brother to see some fish???

Just in case you're wondering

2011-12-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

If you are wondering where I have been lately I want to let you know that I have been saying goodbye to our beloved home.

The home that has memories in every corner. Like this one of "the K line" my father-in-law drew on the floor so Katelyn would know how far to sit away from the fire. That line was drawn back when my in laws owned the house and Katelyn was just a little toddler.

Like this pole down in the basement that had lines, names, and dates of our children as they grew. Sadly they were to light to take a picture of.

And here, on the basement steps, where Chris wrote his name when he was just a little boy. Where I had our children also write their names...

This move was so bittersweet. Although it was what we wanted and planned for it was so very hard. The last couple of days were extremely hard. I literally had memories flashing before me as I looked around in the different rooms. I could see these memories like they were just yesterday. Memories that happened 17 1/2 years ago when I first walked up the steps of the house, scared of the big dog (Pheffer), with butterflies in my stomach. Memories of many meals enjoyed with my in-laws who I have loved since the beginning. The memory of the night we told my in-laws that I was pregnant with Katelyn, then Connor, and Maggie. Memories of me overflowing the toilet so early in our relationship and having to get Adam from upstairs to help! (That one is funny now but at the time it was anything but funny!)

Oh, I have so many memories...I fear that they will be gone, or at least a lot harder to see, now that we have moved.

I cried buckets of hot tears as we drove away for the final time...

But, then we moved into our new home. Our home with a couple more rooms. More space for our "big" family. And right away we began making new memories.

So, just in case you have been wondering, that's where I have been...

Moving and making more memories...

That's how we roll

2011-11-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

This is how we roll

Just another day

In our house we step outside the box

We tend to make our own rules

If painting in the bathtub makes us happy

Then we paint in the bathtub

Because in our house that's how we roll

Three times

2011-10-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Three times in three years...

Back in 2009

Then again in 2010

And now in 2011....

Katelyn has another cast! A blue one this time. This time it's not for a broken wrist and this time it's not on her left hand. It's on her right hand, which is going to make writing pretty much impossible...

How, you wonder? Last Friday she picked up Ben to look at a fish tank. No, there's no more to that story... She picked up Ben... That's it... After two doctors, a lot of x-rays, then an orthopedic specialist today we got an answer. Somehow when she picked up Ben she displaced a growth plate and injured a ligament in her thumb/hand. What a crazy fluke!

She has had a lot of pain this past week so we are really glad to finally have an answer and hopefully a solution! She will have the cast on for three weeks and hopefully it will be completely healed when the cast comes off.

This is an annual event that I hope ends this year!

We need more pictures

2011-10-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I was printing pictures for a scrapbook I was going to make for Maggie. I was trying to include pictures of all the people close to her.

However, I quickly discovered that finding a recent picture of her and I together was quite a challenge.

Since I am usually the one behind the camera there are very few pictures of me.

So I tried to take a few of us together by holding out the camera and snapping pictures.

That worked ok but then Katelyn helped take a few. Connor came running in for one too, although he didn't smile!

So I have to try and remember on occasion to hand the camera over to some one else so there will be a few of me and the kids!

Stylish

2011-10-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are stylish around here!

Our kids are setting the upcoming fads, you know, the ones that people on TV will be copying soon.

Cause we are stylish trend-setters around here!

Calves and chickens

2011-10-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Near the farm stand that I buy our produce from during the late summer and fall there are chickens and baby calves to visit. And even though they are near the corn field I let the kids visit.
I hate corn fields, yes hate, I know that is a strong word but it fits for me and corn fields.
Anyway, I digress....
The other day we stopped to get some vegis and decided to visit the chickens and calves. There was also a big proud rooster there, we hadn't seen him before.

These are future milking cows as this is a milk farm. They are so adorable.
Although I will quietly admit that I feel bad for them being all cooped up in these small areas. Calves are playful and fun and need space to run and play, just like my kids.

Within a minute of being there Connor spotted an egg, this was a very exciting first. Since there is a rooster now it may possibly have a baby in it but it was just laying in the middle of the ground and not being taken care of so I don't really have any idea.

Connor tried to get a chicken to come out of the corn to get the egg, haha. So cute!

Ben got close to the baby cows, for the first time (wow, there was a lot of firsts that day) and tried to give them hay.

The big kids made a nest out of hay and laid the egg right in it and told the chickens where it was so they could come take care of it.

Then we left hoping maybe a chicken would take care of the egg once it got quiet at the farm again....

Benny's backpack

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ben had been asking me for a spiderman backpack. I wasn't sure why or even where he came up with the very specific idea of a "spiderman pack-pack". I kept telling him that we'd see.

A couple of weeks ago we were headed to Walmart and he said to me, "Mama, you pease buy mine spiderman pack-pack today?" Oh, so very polite and sweet. I told him that we would look and see if they had one. Plus I hoped we may find it on clearance if we did see one since school is back in full swing.

Sure enough they had one! It wasn't just spiderman but he didn't care, he was sooooo excited to have his very own "spiderman pack-pack"! He put it right on and it was so big on him but he loved it!

Then he commented about me dropping him and Maggie off at school. I said, "yep, we are dropping Maggie off at school now."

He said, "Mama, you drop me off at school too." I said, "No, you don't go to school yet." He, in his most serious way said, "Yes mama, now I have mine spiderman pack-pack so my go to school too!"

I told him that he wasn't big enough to go to school yet and that even though he has a pack-pack he can't go to school.

Oh, he cried, his heart was broken. He was so very sad. He really thought that once he had a pack-pack he could go to school. That was why he had been asking for one, but I didn't realize that.

Poor guy... He did get over it and still loves his "spiderman pack-pack"

However, he has not given up. In the past couple of weeks he has come to me a few times and said, "look mama, I bigger, now mine ready for school?"

Soccer

2011-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, which means soccer season is here! Actually I am so behind that now soccer is half way done! But can you really blame me, I am busy?!?!?!? Soccer is three nights during the week and pretty much all day on Saturday.
Poor Maggie, I signed her up for a different league and they cancelled the team the day before it was supposed to start. By that point it was too late to sign her up for the town league so she isn't playing. Which is such a bummer because she was so excited about it!

So far the season is going very well. We have had lots of great weather with just a few days of not so great weather.
Look at these skies, oh, soccer days don't get better then this!

Katelyn is on a U10 team for the second year and is having a lot of fun. Her team is pretty young. It's nice to see her so confident.

Connor's team is also young but he is having so much fun and is playing really good! He has the same coach as last year which is great for Connor. He is a very devoted coach and doesn't coddle Connor which is just what he needs!

I got to cuddle with this kitten at the soccer field a couple weeks ago! Oh she was so sweet! The family was hoping some one would fall in love and take her home as she was the last of their cat's kittens that needed a home. Nope, she didn't come home with us although if it was up to the kids she surely would have. With Ben's high probability of severe allergies we won't get any more furry pets before having allergy tests done at four years old or older.

Even though Maggie isn't playing she loves to go watch whenever she can. She would go to all the practices and games if we would let her but too many nights out late don't do her mood very good so we have to limit the night games.

Of course Nana goes whenever possible!

Yay for Connor and go England!!!!

And yay to Katelyn and Crew!!!! I look forward to the second half of the season! I love soccer!

Man vs Food

2011-10-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the show "Man VS Food"? It's on the Food Network.

Chris really likes the show and watches it often after the kids go to bed.

Connor came down a couple weeks ago after he should have been sleeping and caught a glimpse.

He is now slightly obsessed with the show.

And, although this isn't the greatest picture, I was impressed with his lego rendition of the show! If you know the show you will understand.

Our newest pet

2011-09-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is the whooley bear caterpillar that the girls found a couple of weeks ago.

He has been named Mischief and has been living in his new home since the girls found him.

We planned to keep him for a short time until he spins his cocoon and turns into whatever he will turn into. However, in our research of what food he needs we discovered that he won't change until next spring. And the website we were looking at said something about "rescuing a whooley bear caterpillar and keeping him safe through the cold winter".

Great! Now we have a new pet! And we will need to some how get him some grass to eat during the winter. Luckily we have some expertise on this, hopefully JJ doesn't mind sharing.

So, we have a new pet and his name is Mischief.

And Ben makes me laugh, again...

2011-09-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ben yells from the other room in a voice of disgust: "Mommy, I have mine booger on mine hand! Can you come get it from me?"

Me, yells back in normal voice: "Oh, you have a booger on your hand and you want me to come get it from you?"

Ben: "Yup."

I get up and walk in there. I grab the boogers off the fingers he is holding up in the air with a look of absolute disgust on his face.

I say with sarcasm that is completely lost on a two year old: "Oh, thank you, Mommy just loves boogers."

To which Ben replies, "Oh, Mommy loves boogers? Yuck, my don't like boogers!"

This is just one of the two hundred times that little guy has made me laugh today!

Maggie's adenoids are gone!

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we headed to the hospital nice and early for Maggie to have her adenoids out. She has needed them out for a while as they were pretty big. She snored louder then a bulldog and during the winter pretty much breathed through her mouth all the time because her nose was always full of gunk. Not to mention, she was the loudest breather ever.

She kept busy looking at pictures while we waited for it to be her turn in the OR. She was much more relaxed then I was. Although I was hiding it pretty well to keep her calm.

Chris stayed at home to get the kids on the bus and get Ben settled at a neighbors and then he came to the hospital. We figured he would have no problem getting there in time. Yep, we were wrong. Which was a problem because Chris is always the one that brings the kids into the OR.

Well, I had to pull up my big girl pants, and this lovely sterile outfit, and take her back because Chris hit traffic and didn't get there until a little while after Maggie went into surgery.

Surgery went great. No surprises. We like no surprises in this situation! Maggie woke up pretty upset but since we have done this before we know to expect that.

She was promised as many popsicles as she wanted for the whole day! When she found out that after she ate two with no problems she could go home she wanted to get started right away.

Daddy went down to get Maggie's medicines filled and came back with a cozy and snugly horse just for her. Which, not surprisingly, Maggie loved!

That afternoon Auntie Stephanie stopped by with roses which were BEAUTIFUL and Maggie thought she was just the princess to receive such a surprise.

Our sweet little neighbor girl, Christina, picked these flowers and gave them to Maggie! They were beautiful and so thoughtful.

After surgery we were given orders to keep things "low key" with Maggie for a week. Yep, obviously the doctor doesn't know our Maggie very well! It was all I had to keep her from climbing trees that afternoon!

Oh, and as a side note, probably a week after the surgery Katelyn said one morning, "Oh wow, I haven't heard Maggie snoring at all!" Looks like it was successful!

Tid-bits about Ben

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

For starters this guy is now over 2 1/2! Oh my, where has the time gone! He is so much fun and I just love this age.

His language has just exploded and he is talking in full blown sentences. We can have full conversations and I just love it. I seriously could listen to this guy talk all day. The things he comes out with are so funny.

Like when he is doing something, almost anything, and I ask him why, he answers, "Because my two!" Like that should be a reason to be going into the fridge and eating a stick of cream cheese.

When it's time to go somewhere or stop doing something he will say, "pay few minutes?" (Play a few minutes?)
Or when he says, "Mere a sedon pease" which means "Come here a second please"

"Gooboy, gooboy, gooboy" when he rubs my face to his is a favorite of mine! Especially since I have no idea where he came up with it.

He has such wonderful manners, almost always saying please when he wants or needs something, and "welcome" when he gets it. If he does say thank you it's pronounced, "Daapoo" but he hasn't quite figured out when to use thank you and your welcome. Which, honestly, I love, because it shows me he is still little!

He has had eating therapy now for a year and is doing AMAZING! He is down to once a month visits now!!!! For the first few months it was once a week so that really shows how far he has come. We have even discussed having him discharged but want to wait until we wean him off his appetite stimulant. We gave that a try this past spring again but failed pretty bad so I am hoping this try will be better!

He sleeps a lot less then he used to but I think he is more on a "normal" toddler sleeping schedule. He used to sleep so much it concerned me. Although, I won't lie, him sleeping late in the morning made getting the other kids out the door for school a lot easier!

Oh, and two and a half weeks ago we made the big jump to big boy undies! Yep, potty training and it has been going really well. Some days he still has accidents, like when he is so busy playing he doesn't stop, but most days are accident free.

He absolutely LOVES playing hide and seek but hasn't really figured it out yet. It is just hilarious and I LOVE to play it with him! He hides in the same place every single time. Oh, and he tells me where before he hides. I walk around, loudly saying where I am looking for him, and after a minute I say, "Oh, let me check in the closet". When I open the door he is beaming and laughing and is so excited I found him! Oh, it's such a moment. We can do it 15 times and it still makes me laugh every single time!

Now that school has started Ben and I have some mommy and Ben time every day. Although he spends a chunk of it napping. I think we are both cherishing the quiet times. I know I am because it won't be long before he is climbing on that bus too!

He is doing great!

He is so much fun!

I LOVE this boy!

mini carnival

2011-09-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

We went to a mini carnival recently. It was just a small carnival/fundraiser that was held in a parking lot in town.

Maggie, Katelyn and Ben went on all the rides they could.

Leah and her family joined us too!

Connor wasn't a big fan of the rides so he decided to spend his money on the games instead. I will say he quickly learned that these games are very expensive and the money runs out quick.

Oh, how I love the smiles on every one's faces.

Sweet baby Caylee is no exception, I just love that smile!

It was HOT that day so a break with snow cones was very welcome by the kids.

Ben's favorite, by far, was the giant slide. He just went up and down, up and down. Thankfully we bought bracelets instead of tickets so he could go as much as his little heart wanted to.

Aunt Jess and Uncle Justin treated the kids to a couple of games.

So much fun was had at the mini carnival! It may have been small compared to most but the smiles created were anything but small!

Go carts

2011-09-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

We decided to check out a "go-cart" place recently.

Katelyn just made the height limit and was able to drive her own car. My stomach was in knots watching and Maggie held on for dear life! Which was probably good considering when it was time to stop the go-cart Katelyn couldn't push the brake pedal down all the way and ran into the tires on the side of the track. Katelyn got off, completely embarrassed and let us know she is NEVER driving anything again!

The bumper boats were much slower and more relaxing for them and me!

The kids really loved them.

Katelyn's decree of NEVER driving again didn't last long though. She decided to give the small go-carts a try and enjoyed them quite a bit more.

Connor and Maggie were able to drive these too.

They were much slower which was a lot better for them, and for my heart watching them!

The kids really loved taking control of the wheel!

Last minute BBQ

2011-09-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a last minute BBQ and it was for a very special reason. Chris went to the grocery store and picked up all the fixings for a yummy and simple BBQ.

Oh, you are wondering why....

Well, it was so my family and my sister Stephanie's family could get a chance to meet my niece Nicole. It was the first time her cousins had met her. The last time Steph and I saw her she was just a tiny baby.

(Kyle, Nicole, Sarah and Dylan)

My sister Jen had Nicole when she was very young. Too young to take care of herself never mind a baby. So Jen made the best decision for Nicole and gave her up for adoption.

(Heather holding Ben, Maggie, Kate

Kyle, Nicole Sarah, Dylan, Julia,

and Theresa)

It was such a hard decision all those years ago and the years since have been challenging at times. But this weekend, finally, Nicole was able to come and meet her sisters for the first time.

It was such a wonderful and special weekend for everyone but especially Jen and Nicole who mended all old hurts and got to know so much about each other!

I was brought to tears when I got to hug my niece for the first time after all these years.

The kids got to know Nicole a little and she got to know them a little. We know this is just the first visit of many, many more!

Hehe, she even got to know JJ a little when he came outside to join us!

First day of school

2011-09-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Last week brought with it the first day of school! I wasn't ready for my kids to head back to school because the summer went by way too fast but the kids were very ready and very excited.
Connor started 2nd grade this year so he and Katelyn are now in the same school.

Katelyn, whose outfit I just loved, started 4th grade.

The two big kids head off on the bus first thing in the morning. I love that they still wave until they get out of site!

Then after lunch Ben, Maggie, and I headed off to drop Maggie off at kindergarten! UNBELIEVABLE I know! We live pretty close so I put Ben in the bike trailer and rode down while Maggie rode her scooter down.

My nephew, Maggie's cousin, Isaac also started afternoon kindergarten this year.

They are in separate classes but we will get to see Isaac every day at drop off.

They were both so serious while waiting to go in for their first day of kindergarten.

Maggie did great though! She didn't even really look back.

Then Ben and I rode home and waited for his big sisters and brother to get home from school.

We were so happy to see their excited faces come off the bus that afternoon.

All three of them seem to be really happy with their class and teacher so it looks like it's gonna be a great year!

Comments

2011-09-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, you have your hands full!

You must be very busy!

How do you do it?

Do you know what causes that?!?!?

A couple of weeks ago the four kids and I went to a local diner for breakfast. It was a different diner then we normally go to so the owners don't know us. Not that we go often but when we do we usually go to the same place so the people do know us. So anyway, the cook, who I think is also the owner, came up to our table to tell me how well behaved the children are. I thanked him and away he walked. Next the waitress came back to our table and asked, "Are these all yours?" Well, yes, "these" are all mine. To which she then said in quite an exaggerated voice, "WOW, you have your hands full!" Now mind you, the kids were being well behaved, mostly, other then kicking each other under the table, but people not at the table wouldn't have known that.

This kind of comment doesn't even catch me by surprise any more. Quite honestly, I barely even put another thought into them after they are said. However, that day I realized that my children, especially Katelyn, put some thought into them. A few minutes later, long after I forgot the comment, Katelyn said to me, "Mommy, are we a handful?"

First my heart cracked a little. I wonder what my kids think of all these comments. I can't say that I ever really put much thought into that. I came up with "comebacks" to say but they make me feel better. I now realize that they are also very important for my children as well. So my answer to Katelyn was, "Well, sometimes yes, but you are always a heartful!" It just came out, without even a thought, and that was the perfect response for me to say and for her to hear. And, I meant it!
Sometimes the comments must make the children feel like we have done something wrong by having more then the average amount of children. What I say back to these comments is extremely important. Not only am I setting a good example for the kids but also to let them know that they were all very much wanted and loved.
So when people say I have my hands full I will let them know that my heart is also full!
When people say that I must be very busy I will let them know that I am very busy but it is a great busy and one I love!
When I am asked how I do it I will tell them that I do it with a smile on my face because I am doing what I love!
And, when people ask me if I know what causes "that" I will let them know that I do but enjoy it so much I just keep doing it! And just giggle inside at the shocked look on their faces!
BTW, I would like to add, most people just make these comments as small talk and don't mean anything negative by them, and that really doesn't bother me at all.

It's moments like this

2011-08-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

..... when all I can think about is how very blessed I am with my life.

When I stop all of my other thoughts and I thank God for every single thing He has blessed me with.

When every small thing that may be challenging a the time seems like nothing in comparison to what is right.

When I take a moment to really realize that I have it so amazingly great.

That everything, from the clothes on my back, the food on my table, to the health of myself and my family and good friends, is a gift. A true gift.

It truly was at this exact moment, that I had these overwhelming feelings of gratefulness. I had to take out my camera, and take a picture, because these are the moments that I am just filled with love and thankfulness.

These moments happen at odd times. Sometimes when I walk into the living room and see two of my kids sitting snuggled up together. Sometimes as I am watching them ride their bikes on the street. Sometimes when I am following them to the bus stop. Sometimes when I catch Chris reading a book to Ben. Or wrestling with Connor. Sometimes when I see the excitement that the kids have when they see their grandparents, all four of them.

These are the moments that catch me, and remind me, of the great life I have.

These are the moments that all I can think about is how blessed I really am.

These are the moments when I stop all my other thoughts and thank God for every wonderful thing in my life....

candy store

2011-08-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

During the summer

I kinda feel like

A kid in

a candy store...

1st swim meet!

2011-08-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

Both girls are on the swim team this summer and are really enjoying it. Last week they had their first and second swim meets. They did really well! Although before their first race they were both feeling pretty anxious, which is very understandable.

Maggie watching and waiting for her race to be called.

Katelyn waiting too.

This is right after Maggie's first race. She really was beaming with pride and pretty relieved that the first race was behind her. She did so well!

Here she is getting a little pep talk from her daddy. And, he really knows what he's talking about because he was a great swimmer on the swim team all growing up.

Go Maggie Go!!!!!!!! Backstroke race!!!! She was in the first lane so I was able to get right next to the pool and get a good picture.

Katelyn is getting ready for the horn to sound so she can start her back stroke race. Getting pictures of her was a little tricky because of the lane she was in. She did really well. As the matter of fact she placed 3rd in her freestyle race! Her very first race EVER and she placed 3rd! WOW!

A few days later the girls had their second meet and where much more relaxed. They did great again and Katelyn even swam in her first freestyle relay in which her team placed 2nd!!! And it was CLOSE!

The girls were both so excited to find lots of ribbons in their folder showing just how wonderful they did in their two races so far. They actually only have one more meet this summer as we decided to stick to the low key ones for their first year on team. Next year though, I have a feeling we will be going to quite a few more!

Beach week

2011-07-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Recently the Chris, the kids and I, Nana, and Pa headed to Pa's beach house for almost a week. Well actually, Chris was only able to stay the weekend because of work but the rest of us stayed almost a week.
It is always one of my favorite times of the year! I love it there, like a little piece of Heaven on earth.
As soon as we arrive the kids are so anxious to head to the beach and this year was no exception. So as soon as we got settled we headed down.
Last year Ben took most of the week getting used to the sand, he really disliked it for most of the week. Not this year though, he didn't even get 5 feet onto the beach before he laid down in the sand to play. It took me a few minutes to coax him down closer to the water where everyone else was.

So the week was filled with most of the day spent at the beach having so much fun.

Connor was champion "clam digger" this year!

Looking into the water with the sea scope was a whole new view of the ocean!

Wind blown and salt water hair was pretty much the norm for the week.

Smiles, pretty much all day, were on all of our faces.

Chilling out and enjoying each other was top priority.

Catching fish and crabs was so much fun.

Lot's of looking by everyone led to finding some great ocean critters.

Katelyn surely was "queen of the net" catching many fish every day.

Sandy feet, yep, that feels so good.

Eating some snacks to keep up energy was a must.

Lots of energy was needed since going out deep with Nana was a favorite with the big kids.

Spending time with Nana and Pa was just wonderful.

Connor catching a big crab, which you can't really see in this picture, was the highlight of the week for him. Although, catching a baby pike was right up there too!

Then, at the end of a long day in the sand and the sun, snuggling on Pa's chair watching farm shows was great.

What an amazing week!

Just me

2011-07-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

And the babe...

Not the greatest picture there is, but there are so few of me and the kids that I wanted to use it!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Lake day

2011-07-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

We love spending the day at a lake during the summer.

Connor and Drew

Allison, Cara, and Katelyn

Now that is some lake hair on Cara!Ben swimming!

Allison giving me a smile.

Faith, looking adorable as ever in her bumblebee bathing suit!

Katie Girl, trying to avoid my camera but I finally caught her!

Connor hanging out digging in the sand.

Busy and hard at work!

And after a great day of swim, play, and sun Ben takes a nice nap in the air conditioned van on the ride home!

Now that is a lake day!

Funky hair

2011-07-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

We don't mess around here

When it's Funky Hair Day at Camp Invention
We go all out

With spikes, and knobs

Some pony tails and colors too

Even on the kids not going to camp

Because no one wants to be left out on Funky Hair Day!

A diver in training

2011-07-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Mama, sit down o'er der"
I sit down, Ben hands me plastic fish.
"Now throw fish o'er der."

Ok buddy, I threw them!

And off he goes to get'em!

Our little diver in training...

And I just love watching him! Although, I start getting nervous when he stays under more then a couple of seconds but when I scoop him up he gets grumpy at me and lets me know, "I swimmin for fishies!"

Maggie's pre-school show

2011-06-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Pre-school has come to an end for my Maggie.

Really? Is it true?

Since we went to her end of the year show I guess it is true.

Oh, she did so well in her show. I was so proud watching. So was her cousin, and daddy, and siblings. I wish the lighting was better so I could get better pictures but oh well, the memories are there.

After the show the kids were pretty excited to make sundaes, not just because they are so yummy but it was a hot day and the school was really hot.

Our family!!! Thanks Sarah for trying to get a good picture!

Next stop? Kindergarten!

Softball, family, and friends

2011-06-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

It seems to be taking me longer and longer to blog lately! So, again, this day happened to be a couple of weeks ago.
Some friends and family came to our town to watch Katelyn play in her softball game. Katelyn was so excited!

She had a great game and loved all the attention from Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends that came to watch.

She was even able to play one of her favorite positions, catcher during that game. One of her cousins is an amazing catcher so that made it even more exciting.

Maggie got to love on baby Caylee which made her a very happy little girl too!

Katelyn had been hoping to win the game ball for a few weeks and it couldn't have happened on a better day. She totally deserved it with a great hit and a couple great outs at first and one at home!

After the game everyone came back to our house to enjoy the beautiful weather and great company!

Does life really get better then this?

Everyone happy, and healthy, enjoying a beautiful day!

I really don't believe it does.

The kids even went in the pool for a bit but I kinda thought they were crazy. It was a beautiful day but not that warm. They didn't care though! I had to drag Ben out shivering and blue lipped for dinner.

Oh, and have I mentioned before how much I just love this little baby?

Because if I haven't, which I think I have, but just in case I will say it again, I LOVE this little munchkin! I do wish she would slow down her growing a little though!

What a day!!!!

Dr. Ben

2011-06-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we celebrated Uncle Drew's 40th birthday. One of his gifts was this golf shirt and for some reason Ben wanted to put it on.

Uncle Drew obliged and Ben thought it was just great even though he was swimming in it.

Ben walked over to me and I said, "Oh, look, it's Doctor Ben!" thinking he looked like a doctor in a lab coat.

He looked right at me, serious as could be, and said, "No, I Harry Potter." Oh. My. Goodness, every one of us in that room just started laughing! Now that is one of those moments I will NEVER forget!

Ben, where are you?

2011-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I saw Ben go into the kitchen, heard the fridge open and shut, then heard him leave the kitchen. A minute or so later I finished what I was doing and called out to Ben, as I do every couple of minutes when I can't see him.

Ben, whatcha doing?

Silence...

Ben, whatch doing?

Silence...

Ben, where are you?

Silence...

I started looking for him at this point. It took me a minute of calling out and looking before I found him behind the rocking chair in the living room. I already know he must have been getting into mischief but finding him there told me I was absolutely right.

This is how I found him...

In just a diaper and some adorable monkey boots eating a block of cream cheese one finger scoop at a time!

Yep, he is already getting to be sneaky! Look out!

Connor's 7 yr old party

2011-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Connor turned 7 last week!
Yep, seven!
We tried to talk him into picking a friend or two to take for a special activity like the movies or a water park but he had his heart set on having a few friends over and having a Bey blade party.
I wasn't sure how it would go and really wasn't coming up with ideas of what to do with 6 kids, all different ages and different personalities.
Thankfully I have some pretty creative kids so I basically let them plan the day.

They told me the plans and I just helped them make the plans happen.

First it was "pin the performance tip on the bey blade". Katelyn came up with this game and created it all by herself! The kids really liked it!

Then the kids got to pick a balloon, which had a tiny paper in it with the name of a bey blade, and had to figure out a way to pop it without using their hands, feet, or mouth. The giggles during that were great.

After they popped their balloon and read the piece of paper they went to find their bey blade that they would then use for the "Bey blade tournament".

We had a full bracket and everything! Dylan, my nephew, came in first and Connor came in second followed by Kyle at third and Sierra in fourth.

Daddy went and picked up some pizza and then we had desert. Connor's not a cake guy so we had cheese cake to put the candles in.

But the real desert was "make your own sundae" which the kids just loved!

Finally it was time for the pinata. Since there was no bey blade pinata we settled for Sponge Bob. The winner of the tournament got to go first and then the rest went in order of where they placed in the tournament.

I was a little worried that some kids wouldn't get a chance to hit it because it would break quick but I was worried for nothing. Sponge Bob was a tough guy! Each of the kids hit him three or four times and loved it!

He was hit pretty good and had no arms or legs left but just wouldn't break enough so we finally pulled the strings and the kids went to town picking up candy and reptiles (pretend of course!).

Words of advice though.... When picking out candy for a pinata do not pick lollipops or hard candy as many of them shattered into tiny pieces and ended up being all over the floor, which then got stepped on and tracked through the house. Oh well, not that big of a deal.

The party ended up being a success. The kids had a wonderful time! I can't take credit this time though, my kids are the ones who put on this great party!

Julia's day

2011-06-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are wondering what Julia did on June 4th from 2:30-4:00pm I am here to show you....

Just in case you were wondering....

Man, I love my niece!

And would like to thank my other wonderful niece, Heather, for documenting this for us!

Our art gallery

2011-06-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

I'm the kind of person that admires brightly painted walls in other peoples homes but is just not brave enough to paint my walls nice bright colors.

But our playroom was in desperate need of a new coat of paint. So I did it, went out and bought a bright blue!

Not only was I brave enough to buy a bright blue paint but I was also brave, or crazy, and let Maggie and my niece Sarah help paint it! We only did one wall. The wall that was colored on and had so many smudges you couldn't tell what color it originally was. That was actually my plan all along which was good because I think all the walls in this color would have been a bit too much.

Then the next day I went to a craft store and bought four canvases. I was quite surprised at the price of blank canvases but was very excited to find a few on clearance, yay. I also bought a whole bunch of acrylic paint in lots of colors.

Each of my monkeys worked very hard on a canvas to hang up on our nice, bright blue wall! Ben made "Mama's flowers". The entire time he was painting he had a very serious face and was concentrating like a famous painter would and he kept telling me, "My paintin mama's flowers". Love that guy!

Maggie painted a rainbow with some clouds and a sun and called it "Sunny Day Light". She was like a little artist, mixing paints and everything.

Connor painted a snake, lizard, turtle, and mouse and called his "Reptile Party". At first he said that the reptiles were gonna kick the mouse out of the party but then decided that they invited him as a snack!

Katelyn painted a big bunny on her canvas. On the food bowl she wrote "Mr. Hoppy's carrot bowl".

They all came out perfect! So absolutely beautiful and bring a smile to my face every time I walk into that room!

When I get more motivated I will paint the rest of the walls in that room a lighter blue, I think, but for now I think it is a big improvement!

Berries

2011-06-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

This little boy may not eat as well as most kids his age...

But, give him a big bowl of berries...
And he is a very happy little boy!

Flowers Connor picked

2011-06-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Not for himself, or me.

He actually bought them for Katelyn's best friend Ryley and her little sister Addy to give to one of their other sisters, Delaney, when she broke her arm a couple of weeks ago.
We were all at Katelyn and Ryley's softball game when Delaney fell off the monkey bars and broke her wrist. It was a very obvious break and needed to be attended to right away. Luckily the coach from the other team is a ER doctor and splinted up her arm while everyone helped to get her mom ready to go. I offered to take her other girls home with me so after the game we headed back to our house.
When Chris took Connor to the grocery store that afternoon he saw the flowers and said he wanted to buy them for the girls to give to their sister.

I thought that was just so very thoughtful and kind of him! And it sure made Ryley and Addy happy to give their sister a beautiful surprise! She needed a surprise too since she had a fracture in one wrist bone and completely snapped the other wrist bone in half. Thankfully kids heal quickly so she should be back to her old self in just a few weeks!

Summer fun

2011-06-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

In the summer sun!

With family and friends...

Pool fun...

Napping in the fresh air...

Putting your feet up... Slipping and sliding...

Wooshing and laughing...

Hanging out snuggling...

Making blue slush and enjoying every bite...

Relaxing...

And chilling out after a fun day....

Yep, that is some summer fun!

Hot days

2011-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

When the weather is hot

there isn't much better then sitting on the steps with friends
enjoying a nice cold snow cone ....

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Last year I wrote this as my Memorial Day Post...
Since I still feel the exact same, and am so busy with monkeys that I don't have time to write something new, I will point you in the right direction to read what I wrote last year...
Happy Memorial Day!

Mother's day wall art

2011-05-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I forgot to share my "Mother's day wall art"!

It was beautiful and surprising!

Oh how it made me smile!

My heart, well, it smiled too!

A little imagination and some wikki stix made this momma smile this mothers day!

(Just a note though, don't have your children do this because when I took the wall art down it peeled the paint off the wall. A small price to pay for my wonderful gift!)

Park play

2011-05-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

When it's a nice day out there is no place the kids would rather be then outside playing.

Thankfully we live in a great neighborhood and can go out any time we want.

But some days it is so much fun to go to a park.

And we are so very fortunate to have a number of wonderful parks in our area.

So last week, after a morning appointment we headed to one of those parks.

The kids spun around until they were dizzy.

They took breaks for juice boxes, or rather, roaring waters, I love those things.

They did some climbing and driving on the big "truck".

I played with them and enjoyed them!

I also spent time just looking at their sweet faces and being so thankful for the opportunity to spend so much time with them while they are still little.

This also happens to be the last time the sun shined around here and I am really missing that sun!

Please, Mother Nature, if you read my blog, we need some nice weather!!!!

17 YearS

2011-05-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

It was 17 years ago today that Chris and I went out on our first date.
I had a crush on him for quite some time before that. Actually to say a major crush would still be a huge understatement!
We went out with friends to play pool, I could count on one hand the number of times I have played pool but I would have gone almost any where if it would have meant spending time with Chris.
This actually is not our first date, just hanging out, but it's the night he asked me out for our first date.
After playing pool we went to leave and discovered that my friend Kathy, who drove us to the pool hall, had locked her keys in the car. Chris and I went across the street to grab a soda out of a soda machine while we were waiting for Kathy's dad to come rescue us. On the way back across the street Chris asked me if I was going to the prom. I said no. He asked why and I said that no one had asked me.
That's when it happened. He asked me out on a date. TO THE PROM! I had to seriously contain my excitement and just calmly said yes even though my insides were trying to jump out of my skin!
Over the next few weeks I made all the plans for the night. A new dress, I tried on a hundred and ended up buying the first one I tried on! Hair, nails, make-up, flowers.... It was so exciting!
Then the night I had anxiously awaited came.
It was prom night.
Our first date.

17 years have gone by and I still could recount pretty much the entire night. I won't bore you by doing that though. Just know that it was an AMAZING night and the start to an even more AMAZING relationship.

What I realized a few months ago is that it is not just 17 years, it is half my life. I am 34 years old. I have been with Chris for half my life now.

And that major crush on him back then is absolutely nothing in comparison to what I feel for him now. He holds my heart in his hands. Our relationship is better then it has ever been, and it has always been great! My love for him is beyond what any words could say.

The last half of my life, the last 17 years have been WONDERFUL, so wonderful in fact that I am looking forward to the next half of my life with my soul mate by my side!

It's just a phone

2011-05-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago our phone went kaputz and I had to get a new one. I am very particular when it comes to phones and only wanted a Panasonic. The two little ones and I went to Sam's club and the only set that really worked for us had a base with a corded phone. I hadn't realized that my kids never really see corded phones, too funny!

That afternoon when Katelyn got home from school she was in awe over it. She just thought it was so cool. She asked if she could call her best friend on it and I said sure. This is what I heard when Ryley answered the other end.

"Guess what! You're never gonna believe what I am calling you from! Our new phone! And guess what, it's attached with a cord to the wall!"

I couldn't stop laughing as she continued her conversation with her best friend about the very cool new phone we got!

Easter

2011-05-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

Time is just getting away from me lately! Life is so busy and time to blog just doesn't seem to be part of it. That would be why, even though I uploaded pictures of Easter just the day after Easter, I still haven't gotten around to writing words to go with the pictures.
So finally... Easter Sunday!
We spent time in the early morning playing games with the eggs that the kids had dyed the day before. Games like "egg war" and "spoon/egg race" that are so much fun to little kids! Not only was it fun but it bought us some time while waiting for Ben to get up.

We finally gave in and woke Ben up so the egg hunt could begin. He was half asleep for a while but the half that was awake only wanted to eat the candy out of the egg he did find and not look for any more.

The big kids however, nothing held them back from looking all over. The egg that was hidden in the ramp thing in this picture wasn't found for a few days though. I always loved finding hidden treats days after Easter when I was little!

This adorable baby chick and three of her friends found their way into the Easter baskets so we had a lot of chirping around our house.

Then we went for Easter dinner to Chris' aunt and uncles house which is always so fun and wonderful!

Here is Nana and Ben! He was way too busy keeping an eye on the dog, making sure she didn't get too close, to look at the camera and smile.

The six of us!

My family! My life!

Look at these absolutely beautiful sisters!

As usual, Auntie Joanne planned a huge egg hunt for all the children.

This year there were about 25o eggs! The kids LOVE this and remember it the whole year looking forward to the next!

There was a lot of playing, running around, and even some baseball that children and adults played!

What a day!

Easter, a day to be even more thankful for the wonderful life that I have been blessed with.

Ben in a basket

2011-05-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kate: Mommy, Mommy, come in here!

Me: What is it Kate?

Kate: Just come here you've got to see this!

Me: I really can't honey, I have something on the stove that I can't leave.

Kate: Just come here really quick! You have to see what we did to Ben, it's so cute and he loves it!

Me: Kate, I am sorry but I can't leave this. Just tell me about it.

Kate: Where's your camera, I will take a picture!

Me: It's right here but I don't know if I want you to use it.

Kate: I promise I will be really careful and you will really want to see this!

Me: OK

Ben in a basket... Very cute! Thanks for the pictures Kate! Love you!

A date in the OR for Ben

2011-04-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ben had an early morning date with the ENT in the OR this morning to get a new set of tubes in his ears. His old tubes were no longer in the right place and the second they moved he was hit with a massive double ear infection!
It was a no-brainer, he needed new tubes and quickly. For so long he was in a vicious cycle of asthma, reflux, ear infections, and thrush which also caused, we believe, some pretty major eating issues, and we didn't want to go there again! Did you know that reflux can cause ear infections and ear infections can cause reflux? Or that reflux can make asthma worse and asthma can make reflux worse? And that massive amounts of antibiotics can cause thrush? Yep, we have had them all under control for over six months and didn't want to mess up the good balance.

He was so funny while waiting. He knew something was going on but didn't understand what. My normally happy baby was super serious and wouldn't crack a smile for anyone! Including mommy! But he didn't cry or anything.
Well, until he woke up from the anesthesia, then he cried. For quite a bit but not too bad. I remember waking up the one time I had anesthesia and it's not pleasant at all so I can't blame him one bit. Eventually he settled down when we turned the lights off and his farm animal dvd on.

By 9:00am we were home and he ran in to play with his farm animals and barn. I bought him a couple new ones for today, you know, because a farm animal makes this little guy happy!

He is doing great and I am so relieved it is done!

2011-04-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

This is what I woke up to the other morning...

I came down stairs to see our living room transformed into a club house...

Ben was in awe and wasn't sure what to think of it.

Ben and I coming down was the beginning of the end to the club house though because Ben is like a bull in a china shop!

Oh well, will just have to build it again another day!

sink play

2011-04-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Playing in the bathroom sink has been a favorite pastime activity for all of my children as soon as they could reach the sink.

Ben is definitely no exception.
But let me ask one question...

When did he grow so much that he could reach the sink?!?!?!

Ellis Island Day

2011-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

At Katelyn's school the entire third grade does a long, intense unit on immigration. The kids have to do a lot of research into their back grounds and complete many projects based on their family history.
It was fun and interesting but a lot of work, for her and us!
To end the unit they have "Ellis Island Day" and reenact the ships coming into Ellis Island with immigrants from many different countries. Katelyn came from Poland.

Thanks to Chris' cousin, Colleen, Katelyn had the perfect outfit for the day!

She packed her pillowcase with the items she needed on her journey from Poland to America. She had her passport, money (not much since she was very poor), documents from Poland, a stuffed animal, a book about Poland, and a picture of the family she left behind. (The picture was one we had taken a couple years ago and I changed the coloring to look old.) She also brought "mini polish sausages" to share with her class.

When the boats (buses) arrived at Ellis Island (the school) the kids had to stand in a very long line waiting to be admitted in America. They had to answer a lot of questions and if they didn't answer correctly they were deported back to the country they came from (the end of the line).

Katelyn was deported once because she didn't answer a question right and was almost deported a second time when she coughed, since they didn't want people coming into the country that possibly had a disease.

It really was a wonderful unit and we learned quite a bit about Poland. If the other three kids chose to come from Poland as well we will be pretty set but they may end up choosing another country and we will be learning a lot more!

Katelyn loved Ellis Island day!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

For the very first time ever...

I colored Easter eggs with my children...

In the past I didn't mind shaving cream, paint, flour, rice, playdough, and many more messy projects but I wouldn't dye eggs...

Last year I bought the kit but never ended up using it...

This year my children saw the kits and asked many times a day, "When are we going to color the eggs?!?!?!"

So really, I had no choice this year...

They LOVED it and really it was crazy but not so bad. No worse then any of the other projects I do with them.

We may even do it again next year!

Happy Easter everyone!

I have a 9 year old!

2011-04-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

Really by the time I got around to doing this post I have a 9 year and three day old!

Katelyn is 9! Nine! Really? Has it really been 9 years since I gave birth to this amazing little girl? Who isn't so little any more.

She had a wonderful day but I think her favorite part of the day is when these flowers got delivered to her at school.

They were from her daddy! What a guy he is, I had no idea that he was sending her flowers. As the matter of fact when I got a message about picking Katelyn up from school because she wouldn't be able to bring the flowers on the bus I was completely confused about what was going on.

It completely tickled her pink to receive flowers at school! What girl doesn't like to receive flowers?

My sweet 9 year old birthday girl...

After dinner we had birthday cake and peeps, which came on the cake, and Katelyn happens to love.

Then her brother and sister made cards for her and gave them to her. She also opened up the gifts that we bought for her.

Can you tell by the look on her face that she was happy about the gifts???

Flip flops and racing goggles for swim team.

Along with a Harry Potter Lego game and a new scooter.

It was a great day for a great 9 year old girl!

The turtle stop...

2011-04-22T00:00:00.001-07:00

On the way to Maggie's school there is a wonderful garden/flower/gift store that has some very unique stuff.
I could walk around that store for an hour and still miss some really neat stuff. And they totally make walking around for an hour easy by providing free cookies, popcorn and drinks!
Ben's most favorite part is the indoor "pond" they have.

Although, when he got splashed on the face he was a tiny bit distraught.

This is what you see in the pond!

Although most days you can see many of the turtles hanging out on the rocks too.

I never realized just how fascinating it is to watch turtles.

The frogs are really fun to watch too; however, if you are too close you may get splashed on the face when the frog hops into the water. Ben didn't think that was much fun. I, on the other hand, thought his face was priceless!

Seriously, I could watch the frogs and turtles all day and so could Ben.

I also could watch Ben watching the turtles, fish, and frogs all day long!

Which is why we stop at the "tutles, frogs, fishies" quite often and spend an hour just watching them. And all it costs me is the 15cents on the way out for a "pop"! Well, unless I see something that catches my eye!

Colored Bubbles

2011-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you see these bubbles in the store I highly recommend that you leave them there! They are TERRIBLE!
They say "washable" and yet our tub and hands were stained for days after using them!
And, they are not easy to blow either!
Yep, good ole fashion bubbles are way better then these colored bubbles!

I think spring is here

2011-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

The daffodils have bloomed.

The pansies are planted...

Our flower garden has been freshened up with a new bush, some flowers, and some puppies in a basket...

So I think spring is here but I'm not positive because it is still COLD most days! Bring on some more warm weather and show us that spring really is here!

Jumbled thoughts on a great day...

2011-04-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day. A wonderful day. And, sadly, I never took my camera out and don't have a single picture to treasure. I know, crazy, it was so busy and wonderful that when I thought about taking pictures I didn't have the opportunity to get my camera out. (A little side note... Chris has had the same best friends since elementary school. (Justin and Chris going all the way back to kindergarten!) I came into the picture in high school so although it hasn't been quite as long these guys are definitely "childhood" friends of mine too.) Andy, his wife Jenny, and children Taylor and Ryan. Justin, his wife Jessica, and children Leah and Caylee. Joe, his girlfriend Brandy, and Joe's son Kyle (along with a friend of his) all came over for a BBQ. Also to meet the newest baby, Caylee, who is absolutely adorable! The weather was perfect. The kids and us parents were just thrilled after such a long, cold winter to spend the whole day outside. The kids played, the women chatted, and the men cooked. Perfect. I wish I could put into words my feelings on yesterday. Just watching everything going on. I really can't seem to though. The feeling of amazement at how life has transpired and transformed and yet so much is still the same. When the men get together it's like they are 16 again! And, to watch my children growing up with their children, just wonderful. Special. Making memories with each other like their fathers did at their age. Well, after all that jumbled writing that few will understand I will just say it was a great day. The playing, chatting and laughing, that's what Sundays are really for! Oh, and I got a serious baby fix with an absolutely adorable and cuddly baby Caylee! This time next year she will be running around with the rest of them!

Reptile Expo

2011-04-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the three big kids and I went to a reptile expo and it was really fun. There were more snakes and lizards then I could possibly count, with some frogs and turtles thrown in there. Oh, and I can't forget reptile food. You know what snakes eat right? Yeah, there were mice, alive and frozen, eeewww! Actually I don't mind mice, well pet mice or mice that are out in the wild, but when I see frozen ones, yuck-I can't even go there! Ok, let's go back to the good parts before I get sick. The kids thought it was just fascinating, the whole expo. Watching turtles trying to escape,

And lizards galore!

They really liked it when they got a chance to touch one of the animal.

Connor probably asked me about 243 times if he could buy one of the lizards or frogs. I said no about 243 times. "But Mom, those frogs are only $10! That's not bad at all!" Yep, still said no.

I did let each of them chose and bring home one "pet".

(Look at Punky Brewster's outfit)

Yep, I did let them each get one plastic reptile to bring home, you know, cause I am a cool mom like that!

Maggie's flowers...

2011-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

The other day I told Maggie she could pick a little something when we were at the store. She looked over all the toys, crayons, and other art supplies.

This is what she ended up picking. A bouquet of daffodils "to brighten our house".

She definitely picked something we all could enjoy! And I love that about my Maggie!

Live Chicks Inside!

2011-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

When we see this sign outside a local store we just can't help ourselves, we have to go in!

We love visiting the tiny and adorable baby chicks. Oh, and the ridiculously cute baby ducks, we just love 'em!

Let's not forget the sweet, fury baby bunny.

Yep, we can't resist temptation, so we don't!

Not to mention mommy loves free entertainment!

Drowning

2011-03-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Nice weather is well on its way! That means more swimming too which is so much fun.

That also means one of my biggest worries will be worried about even more, drowning! Chris and I are extremely careful with our children around water and make learning to swim a top priority but it still worries me.

Especially when I read this today....

The Maryland Accident Law Blog cites a few chilling statistics on Children and Drowning incidents:
Drowning is the second cause of injury-related deaths for kids ages 14 and under. In 2004, 3702 children (ages 14 and under) were treated in emergency rooms after nearly drowning. (USA Safe Kids.org)
40% of these near-drowning incidents took place in swimming pools. (USA Safe Kids.org)
19% of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present. (Drowning Prevention Foundation).
In 2000, there were 3,482 unintentional drownings in the United States; that's an average of nine people per day (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of children 4 years of age and under (Orange County California Fire Authority).
Children under five years of age and adolescents between the ages of 15-24 have the highest drowning rates (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less (Orange County, CA, Fire Authority).
The majority of children who survive (92 percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion, and most children who die (86 percent) are found after 10 minutes. Nearly all who require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) die or are left with severe brain injury (National Safe Kids Campaign).
After reading drowning statistics for children it makes one realize that water safety is crucial for children. If you are a lifeguard or parent with small children, please take every precaution not to leave a child unattended in a pool for even a few minutes. Take all the necessary precautions and protect the safety of a child swimming.

I found this information at this link so go and read more on it if you have a moment...

http://injurylaw.labovick.com/tags/connor-freed/

Watch your children and I pray that even though we watch our children very closely around water they will also have their angels watching too....

A spring walk, toddler style...

2011-03-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

The other night I asked Ben if he wanted to go on for a walk after dinner. Not the exercise for me kind, the stroll with my toddler kind.
He was excited and definitely wanted to go. So we went for a spring walk, toddler style.

First we put on Ben's new and adorable monkey boots.

Then we headed out for our walk.

Ben pointed out all the things he saw along the way.

Like the rocks on the ground.

Then there was a lot of puddle splashing.

And we stopped to check out the airplane flying over us.

We, of course, had to visit Chewy, the dog that lives across the street from us.

The dog that Ben wants to visit and says he wants to pet but has never actually touched.

That, my friends, was our walk. Our spring walk, toddler style, that didn't actually bring us more then a hundred feet or so from our house but, nonetheless, was a great spring walk!

Leprechaun traps

2011-03-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

For the past week or so the three older kids worked very hard on making leprechaun traps with hopes that this year they would catch one.

Katelyn's trap, she hoped he would climb up the unsteady stairs wanting to get her soccer medal. When he reached the top the stairs would then fall down and he would be stuck in the box.

Connor's trap, he wanted the leprechaun to see the chair and want to sit down. When the leprechaun tried to move the blocks the pan cover would fall down on top of him trapping him underneath.

Maggie's two traps were boxes that had string cheese inside. I guess she was hoping the leprechaun would go in and not remember how to get out.

But, none of the traps worked. Instead, when the kids woke up they found goodies in the traps but no leprechaun.

They were more disappointed then I expected but were happy about the chocolate gold coins, cookies, and lucky charms that were left behind.

After checking all the traps the kids put on their St. Patrick's Day shirts and we went about our day!

I didn't get the camera out before the big kids left for school but I did get a picture of two of my little leprechauns!

Bubble bath

2011-03-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Not your typical bubble bath.
Not the kind where you run bubble liquid under the running water to have tons of bubbly suds.

This bubble bath is where mommy, that's me, blows big bubbles.

And my two youngest children try really hard to catch them without popping them.

If you have really wet and very gentle hands it's not too hard.

That's what kind of bubble bath we had here the other day!

Cooking with Ben and Katie

2011-03-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Recently when I had Katie and Drew for the day I asked Ben and Katie if they wanted to help me make frosting. I had some cookies that I wanted to transform into chipwhiches and some grahm crackers that go great with frosting.

Ben thought for a minute and said, "Happy Birthday cake?" I said, "Oh, you want to make a cake?" He and Katie both said, "YES!"

Since I happened to have a cake mix in the house, which is very unusual, I happily said ok. So, while the big kids were off playing, the two little ones and I baked a cake and then made some frosting.

And, of course, after such hard work they were rewarded with a beater and spatula to lick. Not the cake mix, although I did do that when I was little, since it has raw egg in it. But frosting, yummy!

Neither of them missed even a tiny bit of frosting!

Later, after Ben's nap, it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

And boy did they enjoy it!

So did all the big kids, and maybe me too!

Julia

2011-03-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

My wonderful niece, Julia, spent school vacation week here with us.

I just love her.

The kids love her.

After she went home the kids kept saying how much they missed her and Katelyn's answer to that was, "Don't worry, we'll get her back for April vacation!"

Crazy hair day

2011-03-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

Why in the world would I put mini ponytails all over Katelyn's head?

And then use washable markers to color her hair a rainbow of colors?

And, why would Katelyn be happy about this?

Really the answer is quite simple.

It was CRAZY HAIR DAY at school....

Monkey boots

2011-03-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you

How beyond excited I was

To see these boots at Walmart a few weeks ago!

So excited, in fact, that I bought the next size up from what he wears normally because they didn't have his size and I fell in love with them!

ice and snow

2011-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

In the cold winter...

When it is too cold to go out.....

We just bring the

Ice and snow

in!!!

Ben's 2nd birthday party

2011-03-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am behind on blogging, the fact that we had Ben's 2nd birthday party almost a month ago and I am just now blogging about it proves that fact.
Oh how that can happen when I am trying to keep up with four monkeys....
So, about Ben's party...
When I saw this farm theme in a birthday catalog just for 2nd birthdays I knew it was meant to be that Ben have a farm birthday.
Which, if you know Ben or have read my blog at all, you know Ben is CRAZY about farm animals!

So we decorated the house from a big birthday banner right down to farm plates and cups.

Then we decked Ben out in his "cow shirt" which he was thrilled about and greeted our friends and family as they arrived to celebrate with us.

A week before his party I was driving along and was chatting with Maggie and Ben in the back seat. I said to Ben, "Do you want to have a birthday party?" He thought for a minute and replied, "Cow Cake!" I laughed, this kid loves cows and loves cake!

I was just gonna order a cake from a local store and throw some plastic cows on the top until three days before the party I spotted this cake on line. I went on face book and asked a couple women that I know make cakes if they could possibly pull this off with such late notice. Thankfully one lady could!

Is this not one of the most adorable cakes you have ever seen? Ben was over the moon about his cake!

Without a doubt or a moments hesitation Ben picked the cow cupcake for himself!

Katie also without doubt or a moments hesitation chose a chicken and she loved every bite.

Then it was gift time and, again, Ben was adorned with wonderful and beautiful gifts!

He especially seemed to love this mommy puppy and baby puppy that Uncle Joe and Brandy gave him. And, he wasn't the only one to love them, all the other little ones wanted some time with them.

Ben loved all his gifts and is still enjoying them.

Hi Leah! Could you be any cuter? I don't think so!

Ben turning two wasn't the only milestone of the day either... Auntie Jen, who is very scared of cows, actually wanted one of the little cows we bought for Ben's little friends. Baby steps...

Julia, what is that face you are making???

I will admit, I went a little crazy with the decorations for this party thinking Ben would just love them, like this gigantic pig balloon, and he didn't seem to care about them as much as I thought he would.

He did, however, care very much for his "cow shirt" and was proud as could be every time someone mentioned it.

Just look at him! Oh, how I love this little guy!

Happy Birthday Ben!

Sights of winter

2011-03-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

Although the sights of winter may be beautiful...

And the children have fun...
Whooshing down the hill in our back yard....

I am ready for spring!!!!

giraffes

2011-03-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

I love giraffes! The zoo that we went to while we were in Arizona was wonderful, it was the second time we have been there.
I love giraffes and was just so excited the last time because it was the first time I would see them up close and even get to feed them! Unfortunately, a couple times a year they soak the grounds and the giraffes can't come out for the day because it would be too dangerous for them to walk on soaked ground. We went on that day... Oh well.
Not this time though!

Wow, what an amazing sight to see these beautiful creatures up close. To witness a baby nursing from her mom was so neat although I can't really explain why.

Watching them walk around so graceful was a sight for sure.

This zoo has a high deck set up so the visitors can feed the giraffes.

That was quite an experience. A slobbery, but great experience.

Look at her, isn't she just so beautiful?

The kids really enjoyed this experience almost as much as I did.

"Hey Connor, I think that one is looking for a little treat!"

They have the most stunning eyes, and their lashes, they could really make a woman jealous.

There is no doubt that this was my most favorite part of the zoo that day!

What a great gift....

Grandparents

2011-03-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

When Katelyn was just a few months old my parents decided to move across the country to help with my mom's arthritis and allergy problems. For them it has proven to be a great move. My mom has improved tremendously and her quality of life is just so much better in the warmer, dry climate.
I was bummed. We were so close and still had weekly dinners, not to mention Katelyn just adored her Grammy and that baby didn't care for many people. I was trying hard not to be selfish but it was hard!
I worried that my children wouldn't have a relationship with my parents only being able to see them a few times a year. Over eight years has passed since they moved and we have added three more babies to our family and I am happy, very happy, to say that I needn't have worried.
My kids have a great relationship with my parents. They love each other to pieces. There is never shy moments between them no matter how much times has passed and no matter how little the little ones are.

Just being together is special.

And so very wonderful.

The quality of time spent together is so much better then it would be if my mom was still living here.

They have a bond that ties them.

And enjoy similar things.

Even something as silly as putting socks on his ears makes memories.

So this year we were even able to spend Grammy's birthday with her.

Grammy loves teaching them all about horses and taking good care of them.

And Grampy seems to enjoy teaching Connor to drive a tractor. ALL. BY. HIMSELF.

All my worries were unnecessary! My kids and their grandparents have a great relationship!

Sting Rays...

2011-02-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

We went to the zoo when we were in Arizona and I took lots of pictures, shocking I know, haha.
There are so many pictures that I just can't even put them into one post so I am going to break them up into a few.
This is where we got a chance to touch and feed sting rays! It was so neat!
The kids and Grampy were so excited for the chance to get up close with these awesome sea creatures.

Katelyn was the first one to jump in, or at least put her hand in, to see what the sting rays feel like.

Connor was nervous but with encouragement and help from Grammy he braved his nervousness and touched them.

Once he did he was no longer nervous!

The kids wanted to feed them so the lady took out some shrimp and help them feed the sting rays.

I was proud of the kids! I don't think I would have been willing to have sting rays suck shrimp out of my hands. The kids thought it felt really funny.

I don't have pictures of Maggie touching them because she was so nervous. She was crying because she wanted too touch them but when I would try and help her she would cry because she didn't want to. I didn't want to force her to do it but she wouldn't leave either. I think she was just so overwhelmed with the wanting to and the fear of combined! Finally I got her to touch one and she just melted after, so funny, such a release. It's hard to explain really.

What a great experience for all of us!

I love to watch children play...

2011-02-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

I could sit and watch my children play all day. Oh, and the sounds of chatter and laughing are music to my ears.

I love peaking in on one of them when he or she is playing all by his/herself and making up such an elaborate pretend play.

Like when I looked in at Ben recently and he was playing with his farm animals. He was making the sounds that they make and sorting them into sections based on what animal they were.

When he noticed me he showed me his cow and then went back to playing.

Until I asked him to look at me and he put the horse on his head just so I could take a picture.

I'm telling you, I could watch and listen to children playing all day long!

Cactus

2011-02-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

You better watch your fingers...

Your toes and even your nose...

Because Arizona is just filled with prickers!

Here Connor is standing next to the "bones" of a saguaro cactus.

Here he is looking at the cactus Grammy calls the "Connor saguaro cactus" because the arm that is growing off of it first appeared when Connor was born. It is believed that an arm doesn't grow until the cactus is around 100 years old!

Grammy enjoyed showing the kids all the different kinds of cacti all around their house.

Oh no! Connor turned into a cactus!

Look at how tall this cactus is, I can't even imagine how old it is.

Arizona is great and exploring cacti is fun but make sure you have some tweezers!

Tea party

2011-02-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

Grammy and the girls had so much fun with the last tea party they had in Arizona almost three years ago so we all decided to have another tea party when we were in Arizona this time.

This was Katelyn and Grammy the last time watching Grammy's friend playing the violin.

Here is Maggie at the last tea party. She was almost 2 1/2 and looks so little!

Here she is now getting a pretty hair piece on so she will be all ready for the tea party.

Connor helped with the preparations by using a heart cookie cutter to cut out cucumbers.

Look at these mini fancy brownies that we made! Not only were they beautiful but they are by far the BEST brownies ever! I LOVE my mom's brownies!

Time for the tea party to begin. Maggie did a great job setting the table.

Connor wanted to attend this tea party. Last time he and Grampy went fishing instead. Gotta wear a hat!

We made very special tea and added a bit of honey for extra sweetness.

So beautiful!

Ben was invited too and of course wore a cowboy hat. He was so excited to be able to use a real tea cup and did great with it!

Grammy has a special set of tea cups that came all the way from England! A good friend of hers gave her the tea cups.

In proper English style Katelyn was very careful not to hit the side of her tea cup with the spoon.

Love this cowboy!

This was a great day for afternoon tea!

Lizards!

2011-02-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

My kids LOVE animals and lizards are no exception!

So when Connor spotted this beauty the first day we were in Arizona the kids were just in their glory looking at and watching it's every move.

Grammy, being a little nervous sometimes, wouldn't let the kids touch or catch the lizard for fear that it may have been poisonous. Connor was very disappointed by this.

But the next day when Grampy took Connor to the wash and they found this little guy Connor was so excited that Grampy, who is a little more laid back about such things, let Connor pick it up and bring it back to the house for the night.

It was Connor's new pet for the night and boy was he was thrilled. Connor, I mean, not the lizard as I'm sure the lizard was not thrilled at all

The kids enjoyed studying this guy up close.

They even built a habitat just for him!

They all watched him and took turns holding him.

Even Ben was quite interested in this little guy.

Unfortunately he didn't stay as long as the kids had hoped, as he some how escaped the habitat when they were busy doing something else, but they loved the time they had with him!

Which is good because after that day the weather was cold and the lizards were all hiding to keep warm...

Guess who's two?!?!?

2011-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

The man of the day is BEN! He turned TWO today! CRAZY I know!
It feels like just yesterday that he was born. Then again, it seems like he's been in my life forever. It's weird how that is.

I remember the day we brought him home from the hospital, it was just wonderful and the kids were so excited!

This guy is such a delight, one of the light's of our lives for sure.

Today I took him to the Picture People and had his pictures done. As always, they did an amazing job capturing some great shots.

This one is by far my favorite! The photographer captured "Ben" completely in this picture! Right down to the cow in his hand!

Just yesterday when I asked him what he wanted to drink he looked right at me with a sly smile and mischief in his eyes and said, "beer". After the two of us completely cracked up I told him no. To which he replied, "why", one of his favorite words. Funny enough, most of the time he just says it not even meaning it as a question.

He is talking more and more every day. Still slightly behind with speech and language but catching up quickly. His gross motor skills, on the other hand, are anything but behind. The baby that began crawling at 5 months old has never stopped moving!

He loves farm animals and balls the most but is really enjoying the train set and table he got from Nana and Pa for his birthday. He is happy and loving, sweet and kind. He is one of the most well behaved toddlers I have ever known and makes us smile many times a day just by being Ben.

Happy Birthday my sweet Ben, I love you!

French Fries

2011-02-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

Two years ago I was in some very intense labor with this little man...

Last weekend when we got home from Arizona Ben told me that he wanted something to eat. I asked him what and he thought for a minute before telling me fries. I laughed and said I didn't have any fries so what else would he like. We went through this same line of communication three more times then he got all serious and said, "Daddy get fries?" So, because I thought it was so stinkin' adorable and random I called Chris and told him the story. The loving daddy that he is came home a little bit later with a bag that contained french fries! Ben thought he was King of the house, carried the fries into the living room (which is not normal, he usually eats at the table), climbed on the couch and ate about three fries before telling me he was done....

The wash...

2011-02-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

In Arizona there are "washes" where the rain water runs through on the rare occasion that it actually rains. The ground is just so hard that the water doesn't soak in so it runs.
When it's not raining and the wash is dry it is a very fun place to explore. As opposed to when there is water running through it, then it is very dangerous and can turn deadly, quickly!

There is lots of sand to play in.

The kids enjoyed running through it.

The rocks in the wash are so fascinating to me. The colors are so different than the "normal" rock.

Maggie found this piece of broken glass that was smooth from being in the wash for a long time. Kind of like sea glass, so cool.

She was so excited for the special treasure she discovered.

Look at these two adorable monkeys....

And the beautiful blue sky in the back ground....

Katelyn couldn't even be separated from her Harry Potter Audio book for an hour to explore the wash but we are glad she joined us so it was ok.

Bringing buckets and shovels down to the wash is a favorite.

The kids were asked by their teacher's to bring back some Arizona sand.

We love the wash. It's so full of fun, excitement and treasures. Some day we may even get lucky and find some gold!

Beauty

2011-02-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Some times there are things that one person may think are absolutely beautiful but the people around him or her just don't see.
Like this bench that my mom received from a very good friend of hers.

It's hard to see the beauty in it when you just look at it.

But if you take the time to really look at it, look at it from her perspective, you may see the beauty that she sees.

A lesson to live by. A true lesson. One that I hope to always remember. One that I hope I will teach my children.

Wearing my heart

2011-02-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Quote by Elizabeth Stone...

This is a quote I had heard before I had kids and thought I understood. I didn't. But now I do.

When I look at these four kids my heart skips beats. I love them more then life itself.

A love that only another parent could truly understand. A love that actually causes a physical reaction to my insides when I really think about it.

As Elizabeth Stone wrote, my heart now walks around outside my body.

And I am pretty sure it always will...

Arizona sunset

2011-02-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Arizona sunset...

The gorgeous view from my parents yard...

Oh how I miss you warm sun...

Oh, wait, it wasn't very warm at all after the first day but it sure was pretty!

And, to be honest, it is worth being in 3 feet of snow if my love is with me!

When life gives you lemons...

2011-02-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

When life gives you lemons....

Or you grow lemons in your front yard.

And your granddaughter picks the very first lemon off that tree..

Or you go to the local post office and there is a box full of lemons for anyone to take.

It's time to make lemonade!

So get out the lemon squeezer...

And your muscles...

Have Grammy help cut the lemons in half and put them on...

And pull that lemon squeezer down!

Just watch your eyes when you squeeze the lemons...

And always, always, add sugar to sweeten it up!