So long 2006!

We got to spend a few days visiting my inlaws this past week. It's always fun seeing family, especially when you don't get to see them very often.
The kids had a FAB Christmas...I will try to get pictures up soon. It's the whole uploading and resizing that's taken me so long. :)
We did managed to get a pretty descent family picture taken while we were visiting the family. As a gift to MIL and FIL, all the kids chipped in for us to have a big family portrait done. They were thrilled since their last family picture was taken LOOOOONG ago. It was nice, and even more nice that we got to have our little family's picture taken as well!



As 2006 comes to an end, I find myself looking back on all the things that has happened to our little family. We started off the year with a new addition to our family. David will turn one on Jan. 4th. We moved house in May....Lexi started Kindergarten in August. Robby got glasses, Haley...well what can you say...Haley is 2, and life's never dull with a 2 year old. :)
I'm particularly thankful for my family and friends who've always been my support system. I am looking forward to 2007 with all of you!
Ohh I think I'll try to make a little "montage" of 2006 and post it here. Stay tuned :D
Happy New Year!

It's been HOW LONG??!!!?!

It only took the third person pointing out to me that almost a month has past since I've last written on here. Shame on me, right!?!?

Well a little update on the last month. We had a great Thanksgiving. We spent it home this year and celebrated with my family. It's always fun to get together with family. Of course Thanksgiving being over meant that I could finally listen to Christmas music out in the open!! :)
Rob and I got to see TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) in concert and it was FABULOUS!! I think I've convinced him that we should go EVERY year. I could definately make that a tradition!

The Christmas season has been hectic! Between church parties and school parties, and throw in a little life in general in there, and it has just been crazy. At least this year we are ahead as far as gifts go, and I got my Christmas cards out on time! (is it cheating if I made photo card in photoshop?? it just makes life so easy!!).

Despite the hectic times, Christmas remains my favorite time of year. (and no, not for the presents..although who doesn't like presents!?!). I really enjoy the lights, the sounds, usually the cold weather (it was 75 today tho...totally killing my christmas mood), I love it all. It always comes too fast and is over before we know it. I'm trying to enjoy this last week before Christmas, and am trying to cram as much holiday-ness as I possibly can (read: CHRISTMAS TREATS!!!) :) After all, what's Christmas without a little divinity and gingerbread men. mmm.

Oh, and here are 2 shares. First is our Christmas card...I'm a little biased, but I think it turned out cute. And the second share is ornaments that I made. Total out of pocket cost was less that $2. I already had all the ribbons!

YAY! A tooth!

When Lexi was about 8 months old, she was pulling up to a stand against things. We were visitng my inlaws. MIL had a wooden box (for lack of a better description) that served kind of as a coffee table. Lexi pulled up to standing next to the box and bent down to chew on it (like babies do). She lost her balace and fell, and ripped her tooth out. I think it was more traumatic for me, and even more tramatic for MIL. As soon as we gave her a wet washcloth to chew on, Lexi wasn't even crying. We debated taking her to a dentist, but figured since it was a baby tooth, there was really nothing that could be done, and so we didn't. So ever since then she's had a gap where the tooth should be. I kept telling myself to make her a dentist appt to make find out if things were ok, but it just kept getting put off. A couple months ago she lost her very first tooth (right next to her gap). It was another reminder to have the missing one checked out, but yet again I forgot about it.
But....low and behold, there is a tooth coming in in the empty spot!!!!!!! I'm so happy! One less thing to worry about!

Ideas for the holidays??!

With Thanksiving this week (YAY!!) and Christmas just around the corner, I'm trying to come up with some fun things for the kids to do when cousins are here visiting. We'll have 3 or 4 days together over this week and while the kids do just love playing together, it does become chaotic at times.
So, if you have a fan-shan-tastic idea that we can do with the kids, leave me a comment!

Where are you from?!

Living in a military town (and in what used to be off base military housing), I get asked a lot where I am from. In the past I've always made some response about how I'm a military brat and grew up mainly overseas in Germany and England. So much harder to explain that just "Georgia" or "California". It started me thinking tho...
I've lived in Georgia for almost 9 years, and 7 of those years I've been in the same town. At what point will my response become "I'm from Georgia."? It still doesn't seem natural for me to say I'm from Georgia. My husband is a born and bred Georgian. With the exception of 2 years when he served a church mission in the Dominican Republic, he has lived in Georgia his whole life.

So WDYT (what do you think)? Will I always have to explain my roots or one day will I feel like I'm "from" Georgia? LOL Guess time will tell. :D

Since Thanksgiving is almost here, I made a new signature. David looks so big. :(

It's still Monday...so not *too* late.

Lammy tagged me, and hey it's still Monday!! :D

1) Five Minutes to Yourself. How would you spend them, ideally?
5 minutes?
hmmmm I see it involving chocolate (the non-caloric kind :P)
2) Five dollars to spend right now. How would you spend it?
Since we're out, probably some diet cherry coke. mmmm and some of of the same chocolate mentioned above.
3) Five Items In Your House You Could Part With Right Now?
The mountain of laundry
A certain 2 year old (ha ha only kidding)
Crayons or any other writing instrument in the house for that matter (rolly eyes)
Trash, and while we're dreaming, could it take itself out???!
Did I mention laundry?

4) Five Items In My House You Could Absolutely Never Part With?
Computer
Camera
Scrapbooks/pictures
my family :D
hmm maybe my cellphone to talk to my family.


5) Five Words You Love?
honestly, cashews, eternity, prosperity, schhhweeeet!


And the second meme:

1. Favorite memory of your mother:
We brought homemade lunches to school for...um...forever. And while we probably protested about not being able to be like the cool kids and buy school luches, we were really the lucky ones. My mom would write little notes to us and would always sign her little "face" that she draws. I swear it should be copyrighted for her. I love it. She still draws that same face when she writes us notes now. She also would suprise us with COLORED bread on certain occations. For St. Patty's day we had green, Valentines would be pink, Halloween might be orange. Our friends thought that was pretty cool.

2. Favorite memory of my dad:
All the songs that we sang on any car trip--no matter the length. Also making Gorilla Cheese Sammiches (and my kids so affectionaly call it the same)


3. Favorite memory of your sibling(s):
I have a few small memories from the trip to the lake with all of us before Emily died. I was only 5 then, so they aren't very detailed. Another memory that comes to mind is Disney Land. We each got paired up with another sibling (the olders with the smallers). I got paired up with Leslie and Aaron. Leslie was pg so Aaron would ride the coasters with me again and again and again. Poor Les! :D

4. What one skill would you like to wake up tomorrow and be able to do (though you'd never learned it):
Cook like my momma hahahaha.

5. Which one of your dreams has come true:
Getting married and having a family.

One of the reasons I keep so busy...heh.

I know it's been a little while since I've been able to update my blog. Things just seem to happen all at once. First let me share one reason I keep busy....his name is David. :)

Make photo slide shows at onetruemedia.com

Last Wednesday, a friend of ours lost his dad very unexpectedly. It was very sad having to watch him going through this. I haven't been to a funeral since my sister died, about 20 years ago. I was only 5. There were a lot of different thoughts going through my mind during the services. Watching a mother pat her son's hand and wipe a tear, not even being able to fathom how sad it must be to bury your child. Reflecting on my own mother and father who went through the same loss so many years ago. And being so greatful for the Gospel in my life. Watching a family mourn who don't have the church really hit home for me. I am so fortunate.

Friday Saturday and Sunday I got to spend with family. I love my family. Yes, it's a little chaotic with so many little kids running around, but fun to make memories. I'm glad my mom let us invade her poor house. :) (thanks mom!)

And after such a fun weekend, we woke up this morning to little red bumps. I think Lexi has chicken pox. FUN! From what I've read since she has been vaccinated, she should only have a mild case. Guess time will tell! :)
**Just an update, it's not chicken pox! Either a strange rash that only appears on one side of the body (all her bumps are on her right side) or some weird staph infection rash. She's got antibiotics for the next couple days was but was ok'd for school.

So there's our saga for the week! Hopefully it won't be too long before I check in again. :) Guess that's life with 4 little kids. Never a dull moment around here, that's for sure!

Sibling love

Being the ages that they are, my kids tend to pick and fight a lot. But now and again, I can catch them when they are just being sweet and loving each other. I have such good memories growing up in a big family (I'm the youngest of 8 kids) and I hope my kids have the same love that I do for all my siblings. :)





Find more Love Thursday posts at Chookooloonks!

Making me crazy

Robby is so funny about his hair. Most days I'll ask him if he wants me to spike the top of his hair and usually his response is "No, tomorrow you can." Well, tomorrow never seems to come but today was finally the day. After his bath he wanted spikey hair. It looked so cute! He loved it.
So we go to Lexi's school to get her and they always play on the playground for a little bit after school. A little bit into playing and he comes to me and says "Mom, the spikes are making me crazy, can I put it down??" Can't help but laugh. I love that crazy guy.

The Fun Restaurant

Today for lunch, we had a picnic outside in the front yard. Of course, the kids thought this was great. 2 of them had tuna casserole left over from last night's dinner, and 1 had a PB&J. They got to talking about restaurants and how our lunch was like our own little restaurant. We even have a name...."The Fun Restaurant." The conversation that followed:

Lexi: May I take your order?
Robby: I want mmmm chicken nuggets.
Lexi: I'm sorry, we only have tuna casserole.
Robby: MmmmMMmM I'll have that!
Lexi: Ok.....pay me.
Robby: How much?
Lexi: Ten dollars.
Robby: Here you go.
Lexi: Thanks.

10 bucks for leftover tuna casserole eh??? I'd hate to see the rest of the prices. :D

dreaming...

For tomorrow's photo hunt, the theme is Dreaming. I thought these pictures I got tonight fit perfectly!

Even superhero's dream. ;-)




Grab the photo hunt code or join the blogroll.

I really do LOVE

2 is such a FUN age. *said with just the right amount of sarcasm*
For this week's Love Thursday, the first thing that came to mind was my 2 year old. For me 2 is THE hardest age I've come to yet (and ok since my oldest is only 5, I do realize that I still have a lot to go through :D). It's just a frustrating age. My older 2 kids weren't really THAT bad when they were 2, but I'm telling you I think the term Terrible Two's was invented specifically for Haley. She is the most strong spirited child I've ever known. When she throws an all out tantrum, it just lasts and lasts. She will still be shouting "NO!" when she's sitting on her bed for a time out. And the little attitude that goes with it...well is....priceless. I didn't realize little kids could come with so much spunk. This week has been a particuarly challenging week for me, which is why I've chosen her as my topic for Love Thursday.


Despite the hard times (and for me 2 is really hard), I cannot even put into words how much I lOVE my little girl. And when she looks at me with her big blue eyes, my heart melts. I'm so glad she's mine. :)

For more Love Thursday entries, check out Chookooloonks. :)

And so we try again....

We're back to potty training. Wish us luck.

Juice really is a treat around here because one glass and Haley gets the runs (eeek that was an overshare, huh?!). Today, oh a whim I decided to offer juice if she would use the potty.....and she did! We ditched the diaper and went to "pannnnies" for the rest of the night. Granted, I did take her potty every 1/2 hour but before that didn't matter, she'd still wet her panties. She stayed dry all the way till bedtime!! So we're off to a good start!!
I won't torture you with daily potty updates, but I look forward to the day I can we only have ONE kid in diapers! (imagine that!)

Watch out, woman with scissors!

In all my haste (and excitement) yesterday getting ready to go scrapping, I forgot about my scavengar hunt photo. I don't get to scrapbook often (too many little helpers) so that's pretty much all I was thinking of. :)

Had a great day tho, and actually got 4 layouts done. That is HUGE for me. And I was happy with how they turned out, so that's always great. A friend brought her Cricut machine with her and lemme just say WOW. That thing is waaaaaaaayy too much fun. Maybe I can talk Rob one day into getting me one (i won't hold my breath tho LOL!)

After a day to myself, I am feeling refreshed and ready to take on a new week. Rob managed to survive his daddy day, but is a little more appreciative of me I think. ;0)Although my house did suffer a little, but such is life :D.

Pumpkin Patch!

Took the kids today to a local "pumpkin patch". Ok it's the closest thing nearby that we have. :) Kids had a good time and love picking out their own pumpkins.




And what would any photo shoot be like without trying to accomplish the impossible--trying to get four wiggly kids to look and smile in the same direction at the same time. *sigh* Maybe one day...

Friendship

Growing up, I was always the outgoing kid, while my twin sister would be the one hiding under mom's skirt. Now as adults, we find the reverse is true. She is much more outgoing and me, much more reserved. Making friends used to be so easy for me. I'm not sure if it was one monumental thing that changed that, but now I feel painfully shy when it comes to new people.

I have found that having kids has somewhat eased the situation. Your kids play with their kids, and slowly conversation comes from it. I've met a couple moms this way who's children go to Lexi's school. I still feel ackward and shy, but slowly I've managed to break down my shell. I try, although I know I have a long way to go.

I have several really good friends. The kind that you might not get to talk for weeks, months, maybe even years....but when you're back together, it's as if nothing has changed. It's these friends whom I treasure most. And I hope they know that.

For me, online friends are priceless. It takes away some of the nerves of meeting face to face. I'm protected from behind my monitor and keyboard. I have come to meet some really interesting women this way....and I hope one day to meet them all. (and for me that is saying a LOT!)

A friend is like a good bra, close to your heart, hard to find and supportive!

Think Love

Last week, while browsing differen blogs, I came across Chookooloonks' Love Thursday. I loved it, and selfishly couldn't wait until this week so I could put up my own love thursday photo.



This photo is one of my all time favorites. My oldest, Alexis has always had a motherly way with each of her siblings. I think this pictures captures how she feels about them.

"A sibling is a gift given by nature"-author unknown.

Be sure to check out Chookooloonks for more Love Thursday entries. :)

Couple of funnies

My kids are always doing little things that just crack me up. On Sunday, we were sitting in sacrament meeting and the kids were quietly coloring. I had given them each a little piece of gum, thinking that it would keep their mouths busy and lessen the need to talk (or yell or scream or cry for that matter). Pretty soon, Haley is complaining about her nose. I thought she just had a boogie that was irritating her, so got her to blow and finally out comes.......HER GUM! Yikes. Needless to say she hasn't gotten gum since! (much to her dismay). yuck.

Today the kids were talking to Aunt Lolly on the phone and Robby asks me "Mom, can we go see her tomorrow?" I told him not tomorrow. He asks me why and I just said because we don't have the money right now. Without batting an eye, he said "Ok, we'll see you when we get the money." LOL So cute.

This morning, Lexi was getting dressed (in a skirt---of course) and told me her skirt was cranky. I asked her what she meant and she said "you know, cranky.....like grumpy". Still not sure what made her skirt grumpy or cranky but it gave me a good giggle this morning. :D

Last night the kids started wrestling with Daddy and it turned into a whole family wrestling match. As soon as I got involved, my personal defender, Haley got quite upset. She just kept kissing me, like saving me. It was cute.

I love these crazy kids. :)

Saturday Scavenger Hunt

This week's Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt theme is sleeping. This is the first one that came to mind. Having given up the paci only a short time ago, Haley decided to steal her baby brother's. She hid in her room, where she fell asleep with it. :D

Breast Cancer Awareness

My dad was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 2 1/2 years ago. It was something you always hear of people having, but never thought it would happen to your family, and definately not to a man in your family. But it happened to us.

And so it is with Breast Cancer....there is no rhyme or reason to who it will affect, or when. That is why it is so so so important to regularly check yourself and your husband. Before my Dad, it never even occured to me that men get breast cancer.

Most women have normal lumps and bumps in their brest tissue. Lumps that feel hard are not normal. Pain isn't typically associated with Cancerous masses, so don't think you're safe because it doesn't hurt.

One of my big goals is to participate in a Breast Cancer 3-Day event.
(from the website)
"Thousands of women and men will unite in cities across the country and walk 60 miles over the course of three days. It's a weekend of hope, as we honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, promote breast cancer research, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it.

Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives."

My sisters and I are planning to do one together hopefully next year. I think it will be a great experience.

So what are you still doing here?? Go have your mammies grammed....and I'll step off my soapbox.
ps don't forget your men.
ok really off the box now. :)

bigger baby steps

Caught a better video tonight of David taking steps. I know you're thinking "alright alrighty, enough videos already LOL! What can I say....proud momma???

Edit video online at onetruemedia.com

new layout!

I got bored with the old layout and figured with football season upon us, why not show some spirit for the "Dawgs"! I have the cutest fans, after all! :)

Such the helper!

Today, Rob was home, which means not having to drag all the kids to and from Lexi's school. I took Robby with me when I went to pick her up. As we walked, before I even saw the man, Robby started speaking to him..... "HHHHIIIIIIIII!....Do you need any help?" The man was sitting on the porch fixing his screen door. Of course he said that he didn't need any help, but it just made me so happy that Robby is so willing to help others (even if he does balk at helping around the house). Such a little gentleman, he is. Everyday, as we walk to Lexi's school, he greets EVERY person we pass with a cheerful "Good Morning!"

It made me think about this past weekend...I was on my way to my mom's house to visit with my sister and her kids who were down visiting. On the way, I got a flat tire. (Thank goodness for cellphones and Dad's!) Now, in reality I could have changed it all myself....but I was glad that my dad was willing to come to my aid. As I sat there waiting though, I started wondering where all the "do-gooders" of the world have gone? Not one person stopped to ask if I needed assistance. Although after thinking more on it, I'm glad that no one stopped. There are too many crazies out there, and it was just me and the kids. Still it makes me sad what our world has become. What ever happened to lending a helping hand not because you'll get some tangible reward, but just because it's a beautiful thing to do.

In highschool I had an English teacher who was near and dear to my heart. She had a motto that we all had to learn and use whenever possible. PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. It was a great experience for me...and I do try to be kind whenever I can just because. That sweet teacher died shortly after I had moved away, but I'll never forget her "legacy" of being kind.
So when I find my kids being kind just because, I feel like I am doing SOMETHING right, which is an awesome feeling.

Works for me Wednesday!

My WFMW is pretty simple, but here goes...

I struggled with how many plastic bags we end up with after a trip to the grocery store, and always felt a tad guilty just throwing them away. So, I started saving them and I use them in my small trash cans around the house. Now I don't feel quite so guilty about throwing them away because at least I've reused them. :D

I also just noticed the other day at a local grocery store (Kroger if anyone knows it) that they have a bin just inside their door where you can bring clean dry bags for recycling. Another alternative to look into if you're trying to figure out what to do with all the bags. :) So there you have it....works for me :)

You can check out more awesome WFMW ideas at Rocks In My Dryer

Our bedtime routine

Everynight, we pretty much have the same bedtime routine. We brush teeth, go potty, get a drink of water, say famiy prayers, say our "thankfuls" (each person says one thing they are thankful for from the day) and then everyone exchanges is hugs and kisses and hop in bed. THEN, comes MY routine with each of them.

When I go in the girls' room, Haley is usually out of bed, so I scoop her up snuggle her in bed, and try to manage a hug and kiss--mostly she wants to try and lick me or pretend to eat my cheek. lol. Once I start to get up, she'll always say "I wan some hugs and kisses" and then I'll finally get some.

Next, Lexi always hides under her blanket and I try to guess where she is, which follows with giggles from under the blanket. When at last I "find" her, I get lots of hugs and kisses, in fact she never wants to STOP giving them and usually says "I just love you so much I don't want to let go". *awwww* Sweet.

Then, I make my way to the boys' room, and usually David is already asleep. I'm sure his own bedtime routine will come when he's a little older. It's harder with little ones.

Robby and I have this little game we play every night. I start out by sniffing his face and saying something like "You smell like chicken" to which he replys "that's because I ate some" Then he'll sniff my face and tell me what I smell like. Sometimes it's quite commical and he'll tell me stuff like I smell like garbage (in an ever so loving way---complete with a little giggle). We usually go back and forth telling each other what we smell like but we always end with (him): "You smell like *sniff sniff sniff sniff* my sweet mommmmmm." and (me): "Awww you smell like *sniff sniff sniff sniff* my sweet boy". Silly I know but I love it. If I forget and just try to give simple hugs and kisses, he is quck to remind me "mom, you have to smell me" :D. I'm sure he won't wanna play the sniffing game when he's a teenager, eh?

MOMMMMMM....I WANT THE CAMERA!

Here's another video for your viewing pleasure LOL. He gets SO mad when he can't have the camera (which is always.)

Edit video online at onetruemedia.com

Lookie what he can do!!

David will be 9 months old tomorrow and has already began taking baby steps. :( You wouldn't believe how hard it is to catch his talent....as soon as I pull out the camera, he heads straight for it.

Edit video online at onetruemedia.com

Tag, you're it!

I've been tagged by Tammy!
Here's the tag: list seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your LiveJournal/blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

Here are my 7...in no particular order...
1)Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado
2)Wish for you by Faith Hill
3)The First time ever I saw your face by Roberta Flack
4)Anything from Trans-Siberian Orchestra
5)Hips don't lie by Shakira
6)Panic at the Disco- I write sins not tragedies
7)John Mayer-Waiting on the world to change.

Now it's your turn...I'm tagging LammyAnn, Lolly, Jenn, Christy,Lil'Duck Duck, Mikki, and Toni.

Giggling into the weeeeeee hours

My twin sister came to visit this weekend and we decided that one night after the kids were asleep, we were going to have a girlie night where we could watch a girlie movie, talk, giggle, and just spend time togther. So last night, we didn't get together until around 11pm. We giggled and talked until FIVE THIRTY in the morning. LOL Guess you could say we don't get out much. :D It was really fun and I'm glad we could do it. I love being silly with her. :)

Glasses for Robby

When Robby had his 4 year well check at the ped., he didn't pass the little eye exam that they do, so the ped. suggested we take him to a real eye dr to be tested. Sometimes (like in Lexi's case when she failed it) it's just that they are little and don't concentrate well, etc. But much to our surprise, he did in fact need glasses. He doesn't have to wear them all the time, but for reading, watching tv and those kinds of activities.
The first day he had them, he wanted to wear them when it was time to get Lexi to show all his pals his new glasses. He was playing on the monkey bars and fell, scraping up his forehead. His glasses scraped his nose but thankfully weren't broken. (whew!)
So here's some pictures, banged up forhead and all, proudly sporting his new glasses. :)

Eeek....get a room already!

When I go to pick up Lexi from school, normally we walk, so there's a little waiting area where all the parents who walk pick up their kids. The teachers bring the kids to this spot once school is out.
There's this couple who have like a 7 or 8 year boy. Seriously tho, GAG me. The stand there and like cuddle and smooch all over each other while waiting for the kids to get out. I mean really, get a room. I swear, they're worse than newlyweds! Eeek. It's not like there's a little hidey spot where they can do it...no it's right out in the open. :P

*and I know I know....some of you might be falling out of your chairs seeing TWO posts from me in ONE day....maybe this'll be a trend. LOL*

"I hope you have a child just like you...."

Hmmm I think everyone has heard that phrase....funny when it actually happens.
Alexis came home from school REALLY upset that she got a frowny face in her agenda for the day. Her teacher has a 5 point scoring system to rate each day--excellent, great, good, satisfactory, and ummm bad or something LOL. Alexis has had ALL excellent days and one great (for talking too much...eek another mother like daughter thing). Today's comments read that Alexis overall did have an excellent day, BUT she wrote on a desk in the media center. (she wrote her OWN NAME I might add) (MOM if you're reading this...I can already hear the laughter...) The teacher told the kids that if whoever did it fessed up, they would only have to move their name down one "degree". But when she was asked, she denied it (twice). Once the teacher pointed out that it was her handwriting, she admitted it and had to move her name down 3 spaces. :( She was SO upset. So where is the "child just like you" coming in?? When I was little (I don't remember how old..) I CARVED my name onto my mom's sewing desk. I couldn't help but giggle inside when I found out what Lexi did today.

My "imaginary" friends!

Well, ok they aren't really imaginary, but I only know them through the world wide web. I had the chance today to meet one of my good friends that I've known on the internet for 2+ years. I was nervous before hand...but it was SO fun, and she was as sweet as can be.

If you would have asked me a year ago to meet up with one of my "imaginary" friends, I would have probably talked my way out of it. I am normally really shy and uncertain in situations like these. But I've been slowly working on breaking out of my shell, so YAY ME! *patting myself on the back* It was definately worth it, and really is neat to meet someone that you've only seen in pictures. :)

My sweet boy...

I cannot believe he is 4. Tonight as we sang happy birthday and opened presents I couldn't help but think about the day I had him. It seems like it was just yesterday but obviously it wasn't. I'm so grateful for the past four years I've had with him. He holds a special place in my heart (as do all my children).
We've made it through surgery at only 2 days old, to bumps and bruises, to a black eye from an empty swimming pool. A boy is definately different than a girl. I love it. He keeps me on my toes wondering what adventure is next. He has a smile that makes my heart melt. I'm am feeling very blessed and very grateful for my boy. It is a little bittersweet realizing just how quickly they grow up. We celebrate each milestone and yet miss the times when they were just babes in our arms.
I will post pictures hopefully tomorrow of superman in his new "get up". :D He makes a DARN CUTE Superman if I do say so myself...

I can tell you how to get to Sesame Street.

We took the kids tonight to see Sesame Street Live in Atlanta. I was a little worried at first because my kids don't really watch Sesame Street. They just haven't gotten into it. But my worry was short lived because they loved it. So without further ado, here's some pictures (with some captions :D)




I think I was a tad worried that Lexi would be bored, but she danced right along with the best of them!


The kids LOVED the cotton candy and had to show off their blue tongues. :)


Robby made this face when cookie monster came out. He is a crack up.




Me and my Haley bug.


She was obsessed with sitting on the steps of the walkway. I guess they were just her size :D.


David and Daddy! awwwww


David loved all the bright colors and movement. He slept really good on the way home. :D

It's been awhile, I know...*blush*

I know it's been a while since I last blogged...things have just been hectic and life often gets in the way. :)

The kids have been battling a cold, which is never fun. I keep telling them to NOT share with their siblings, but alas, what's one sick kid when you could have four?? Haley and David have had it the worst, and both have been wheezy. Sooooo, on top of all the other fun, we've added breathing treatments into the mix. Calgon anyone??

Alexis is still loving Kindergarten. She's only had one mediocre day, and it was because she got a little too talkative with her classmates. Hmm like mother like daughter. I think almost all of my report cards from school always said something to the effect of being a bright student, but I talked too much. At least we know she comes by it honestly. She also celebrated her 5th birthday earlier this month. She is a PROUD 5 year old, let me tell you!

Robby cracks me up. Lately anytime we got ANYWHERE he strikes up a conversation with someone (ie a sales clerk or another parent). I think he started doing it because when we walk Lex to school, we pass by a bunch of parents walking home and we always say good morning. It can be quite commical tho when he runs down the whole list of his sisters, brother, mother and father and then ever so casually says "What's your name?" It was Mindy at the store the other day and not even missing a beat he chimed "Well hi, Mindy....I'm Robby." Such a funny kid. I hope he's always so outgoing. He is really looking forward to his upcoming birthday this month. Too bad he doesn't have the concept of 18 days (or whatever number we happen to be on) from today. He keeps asking if his birthday is tomorrow. Guess by the time his birthday gets here I'll be ready to say YES IT'S TOMORROW.

Haley is definately 2. She can be VERY sweet and loving when she wants to be, but when she's unhappy, WATCH OUT! Her current obsession is still babies, and insists on carrying as many babies as she can find. She gets quite distraught if she drops one or if I suggest she not carry so many. I think she's destined to have at least one set of multiples. I do love to see her little personality emerge. I think she definatley has a little soft spot for David. I love watching her play with him and be sweet to him. It gets me through the tantrums that she just loves to throw. She has absolutely NO interest in potty training, but is ALL about doing things herself (like getting dressed or undressed--even if it's the wrong way around).

Annd David is FULLY mobile now. It took him NO time whatsoever to learn crawling. He pulls up to stand next to everything and even does a slow cruise around the furniture. I keep telling him to slow down but he never listens! I think he's determined to follow in his siblings' footsteps and be an early walker. I gave him his first haircut a few weeks ago. His "donald" 'do in front was becoming a little much, and I kept getting the "aww how old is SHE" comments, so I bit the bullet and trimmed him. He looks like such a little man now. It does look better....but still....WAAAHHHH. He LOVES food and wants whatever anyone else is eating. At his last appt he weigned in at 19 lbs. I'm still working on getting him to say MAMAMMAMAMAMMAMA. He still thinks dadadaddadadadadadadada is more fun tho....lil stinker. :)

So there you have it....an update of sorts. I do promise to try and be less of a slacker. :)

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!

Today is the first day of school, and my little kindergartener is so excited. :)



And here she was begging me to stop taking pictures so she could go to school :D

A big visit at our house....

Alexis lost her first tooth last Wednesday(well techincally her second tooth--but first tooth at the right time...she lost a bottom tooth as a baby when she was learning to stand up and bit down on something and fell back, ripping it out.)
She was super excited that the tooth fairy would give her money (something that's new to her) for it. Thursday morning she woke up panicked that the TF hadn't made her appearance, as the envelope was still under her pillow. But, upon closer inspection and much to her delight she found 4 shiny quarters in the envelope. It's all down hill from here :D

smell my what??

I don't remember where I was reading but I came across someone discussing not knowing whether or not her significant other was a slob and just cleaned up before she came over or if he was truly a neat person. Someone suggested to her to smell his sponges. It's probably been 3 weeks since I read it, and yet I still keep thinking about it. Basically she was saying if his sponges smell bad, he's probably a slob.
Well, I don't know about all of you, but um YUCK. There is a reason you periodically throw away your sponges...enough said. So before you think I'm a slob based on the smell of my sponge, just take a sec and remember what you've wiped down with your own sponge. And for those of you without kids, we're talking about a whole other realm of icky sticky stuff.
I'm sorry do you really want to smell my sponge? I think I might have to reconsider our friendship if you do. :D

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What is it about ketchup??

...that little kids just cannot resist? Seriously, my kids seem to be obsessed with ketchup. Tonight we had hotdogs for dinner (so healthy!!) and as we were eating, I watch Lexi. She picked up her hotdog and some of the ketchup brushed onto the plate. Of course she couldn't resist the urge to lick it off her plate. Haley puts ketchup in it's own food group, and I'm quite sure she would eat that by itself if I let her. Robby has been known to actually pick up his plate and lick the remains off it. I don't get it, but I guess there are worse things. :D

What works for me

I was scrambling my brain trying to think of something to use for my WFMW, and it wasn't until I was hunting for a game for my daughter that I found one I can use. So here it is. To store CD's, both blank and used, we use the container that the blank ones come up. I have one specific "stack" that is just for CD's with important stuff like picture. The other stack is more of the junk my husband uses. :)


So there you have, it works for me.

A big victory....and moments that make you smile.

Alexis has struggled for what seems forever to successfully pedal and steer her bike. And more often than not, after only a few minutes of trying, she'd throw the towel in and be upset and just quit trying. Despite much encouragement from me, she would just give up each time.
Well today, we were out riding bikes in the carport, as well as drawing with sidewalk chalk and playing in the sprinkler in their bathing suits. I'm SO proud to say that she has mastered not just pedaling but also steering. I'm serious, it's like night and day difference. I'm not sure what clicked in her little noggin, but she just all of a sudden can do it! I'm so happy for her!

And onto moments that just make you smile...
Little Haley is such a hoot. She's just so little and innocent looking, and yet at times she is a total TERROR. Ohhh man does she have a healthy set of lungs on her. Tonight we had pancakes with vanilla ice cream and strawberry syrup. She LOVES strawberries. I absolutely LOVE how she says strawberries though. It comes out something like "stwabbies". It just makes me giggle. "moooom you get me some stwabbies? Pleeeeeeeeese?"
Then there's my poor son. We call him Robby. His full name is William Roberts though, and despite his best efforts, still struggles to say it. So if you ask him his full name, you're likely to get something like "Ribblets Robblets". It makes his older sister laugh to no end. Poor guy. My little Riblets. :D

Monday Me-me's

1. Do you have a particular meal-in-a-pinch? Something you always have on hand that can be whipped up at the last minute? I usually keep on hand ingredients for Spaghetti or Sloppy Joes.

2. Do you have a Emergency Kit for when and if the electricity goes out?
What is in it? And where do you keep it? I'm super slacking in this area...I have candles we could use if the lights went out, but beyond that, not very prepared.

3. Do you save water? Where and how do you store it? How much? Again, not so prepared. The trouble for is having the space to store it. My mom lives nearby tho, so we'll just drink out of her swimming pool LOL. (ok only kidding).

4. Do you know how to change a tire on your car? This one I CAN say yes to! While I've never actually done it myself, I do know how to change a tire. I feel confident enough that if I ever had to, I could change it. :)

A cropping I will go

Today is another all day crop!! Not only do I get to go, but I don't have to worry about a baby sitter who may or may not fall asleep and let my 4 year old be in charge of everyone....although DH probably WILL fall asleep. LOL

I'm a BLOGGING CHICK!!! :D

Woo Woo!! I feel so special! :D