Jayden / Alex Update

Jayden:
Little mister has become a little rolly polly.  He now can sit up by himself, he has 2 lower teeth, and is getting around rolling all over.  On Saturday I had he and the kids in my bedroom with me while I was painting the newly added trim on the baseboards. 

I was busy at work painting and all of a sudden Jayden comes rolling over toward the wall at what seemed 100 mph, right into the newly painted trim.  I was surprised, and laughed.  He got paint on his hands  and legs.  I put my things aside and picked him up and headed to the bathroom to clean him up.  (I don't think he wants to eat paint.)  What a silly baby.  He was so happy.  I was excited that he is getting around.  He brought a smile to my face.

When I told Zach over the phone a few hours later, he didn't see it the same way.  I was informed that I always get too busy, and don't pay enough attention to my kids.  I was upset!!!  I told him about it, because I thought he would think it was funny.  Guess not!  Oh well, it brought a smile to my face and that is all that matters. :)

Alex:
We went to town Saturday night.  I took the girls to my parents, and we took the boys with us to dinner and to pick up a few things.  We decided to take the boys, because Alex had achieved a reading level and was given a free Coldstone Ice cream coupon. 

We ate at Firehouse pizza with Cory and Alexis.  It was good to see them.  It has been a while since we've talked with them.  Alex was the perfect child at dinner.  He was kind, polite and mostly quiet.  He ate his pizza and colored his pictures.  If you know us, you will know, that this is not Alex's personality AT ALL!  It amazes me how good of a kid he really is when he doesn't have to out do his sisters.

We headed to Coldstone for ice cream.  Alex had never been there before.  I explained to him how it worked.  He picked Cotton Candy ice cream, with Kit Kat mix-in.  He thought it was the coolest thing ever.  I had Coconut ice cream with Brownie mix-in.  Zach picked out a few hand dipped chocolates.  We sat down and enjoyed without fighting and screaming.  YES!!

After ice cream we needed to go to Wal-Mart for a few necessities.  I love spending time with my sweet Alex without the other kids.  He has such good manners, he opens my doors, holds my hand and is quite the little gentlemen.  He told me how much fun he had just us (Alex, Zach and I . . . Jayden too).

After last night Zach and I decided that we need to take the kids one on one more often.  Maybe that will be our new Saturday thing.  I guess we'll see.

Lyndee's Solo

Today in church we had an instant choir number for the intermediate Hymn.  Since I am the Music Coordinator (Fancy name for choir director), I felt we needed to do something a little different.  I thought to myself, "I wish I would have planned better, I could have asked someone to solo the first verse. Ugh.  I guess I could do it . . . No!  Wait, I'll have Lyndee sing it with me, then it won't seem so smugish. (If smugish is a word.)"

So I called Lyn upstairs and started teaching her the first verse of, I Need Thee Every Hour.  As we were practicing she asked me if she could do it alone.  WOW!  I told her sure, if she felt comfortable enough.  We practiced for about an hour.  (She practiced singing, and I practiced my awesome piano playing skills.)

She was so excited.  When we got to church, she saw her name on the program and was so happy.  You should have seen the smile on her face.  I could however tell, that she was starting to become really nervous.  She insisted to Zach that she sit by me, and then she kept singing it over and over.  She couldn't remember the tune in some places, and started to get frustrated.  I assured her that as soon as she had music playing she would remember and be fine.  Pretty sure she had butterflies while listening to the first speaker.  She even jumped up and started heading to the bathroom.  At first I told her she would have to wait, because I thought the speaker was almost done, and we were up next.  I was wrong, so I told her to quickly run, and come right back.  Zach saw her leave and he got nervous.  I'm pretty sure it was the quickest bathroom break she has EVER made. 

We were up!!!  I set up the mic, and step stool for her.  Passed out the music for the choir members, and away we went.  She was a tiny bit slow coming in, as she was nervous, but she did great.  Her first vocal solo ever.  We were so proud of her.  The choir finished out the number, and it sounded good.

I love that Lyn steps outside of her comfort zone and tries new things.  I was a little jealous, as I really did want to sing with her, but proud that she did it on her own.  Love HER!!  Good job Lyndee.

Little Jayden

A couple of milestones have occurred with little Jayden.  First this past week he cut his very first 2 teeth.  The 2 on the bottom in the middle.  Umm . . . this explains a lot!! 

Today, Zach was playing with our little man, and that little quirt is starting to sit up on his own.  What a little stinker.  He still falls over, but not immediately.  He really does a pretty good job.  Love that little man of mine.

Pumpkin, Pumpkins, Pumpkin SMASH!

Tonight was our annual Family Pumpkin Carving Night.  Our kids look forward to this night every year. We order Pizza, this year we went with Papa Murpheys,  Dad pulls the guts from most of the pumpkins, and we get to have some fun.  Our schedule this year was a little tight.  Lyndee was gone to Activity Days, so Zach, Madi, and Alex decided to get a head start.  (This way Zach could take a nap before he has to go to work tonight.  We hate Graveyard!!)  Anyway, the kids had their pumpkins all picked out.  While Lyn and I were away, Zach accidently gave Lyndee's pumpkin to Madi, but gutted a much larger one for her.  When she returned home, Zach was setting their pumpkins out on the porch with candles.  She was mad at first because she thought we did it without her.  She stormed inside and realized that her pumpkin was gone.  She started ranting and raving and stormed back outside.  This is the time she noticed that her pumpkin had already been carved.  She came inside and started yelling at us, and shouting how she hates Halloween, and that she never wants another Halloween again.  (Here is where things get worse.)  She storms outside slamming the front door behind her.  She's gone for 1 min. maybe.  During this minute, I start explaining to Zach that she had picked the pumpkin that Madi carved.  Now, Lyn comes storming inside screaming and crying even more.  Zach chimes in trying to explain to her over her screaming voice that he gutted another, bigger pumpkin for her, and that he thought she would like the bigger one.  Lyndee abruptly stopped crying and says, "Oh".  It got quiet all of a sudden.  She turns around and again goes outside.  What was she doing?  I go to open the door, and see her picking up pieces of Madi's pumpkin off the grass.  WHAT?????  She didn't really just throw that pumpkin in the yard, did she?  Oh yes she did!!  What a brat, I really can't believe she did it.  I never ever would have thought that she would actually be mad enough to do that.  The first time she stomped outside is when she threw it, and was now trying to take back what she had done.  Umm,  unacceptable!!!  I'd like to say that Zach and I were the most awesomeness, wonderful kind parents that sit down and talk and blah, blah, blah, etc.  NOPE!!  She got her butt spanked. She had to know that she did not make the right choice.  Zach sent her to the shower, and told her to get cleaned up and ready for bed.  After shower and Jammies, Zach called her upstairs.  I talked to her first, and told her that I wasn't going to let her carve a pumpkin this year.  Consequences!  Zach was a little nicer. (Softie)  She, Zach and I agreed that she was on 2 weeks dishes duty.  All the dishes, everyday, for 2 full weeks.  (My secret dream come true.  I hate dishes!)  She had to apologize to the whole family for yelling and screaming, to Madi for her pumpkin, and Zach for yelling at his face.  Zach posted something on Facebook about this event and that made her mad again.  She was crying and whining that, "Dad told everyone in the world.  Now all my friends will know, and they will laugh at me."  I looked right at her and said, "I'm not going to sugar coat this for you.  You made a choice, a wrong choice tonight, and that choice has consequences that you have to deal with.  It makes you mad that dad posted it on Facebook, but will you ever do this again?"  "No!"  She replies.  I've learned that through the years I've given in way too much.  I was more than willing to send her to bed without carving.  Dishes work too, she hates doing the dishes.





After she calmed down we got right to work carving the remaining pumpkins.  Alex wanted to carve Jayden's, Madi helped me with mine, and Lyndee did her own.  Zach headed to bed, but left us his phone with some awesome Halloween Music.  Thanks Honey!!

He's as big as our 30lb Pumpkin

                                    

Cheer up Lyn

Zach hates having his picture taken.  Ah, Memories!

One happy baby

Miss Madi and Mommy

Just a little video

Our final Results. 
Top: Ales, Family Name, Zach
Bottom: Madi, Jayden, April, Lyndee
(Yes, we know our name is spelled wrong.  The T's meshed together and became one during construction.)




 





A simple reminder from Madi Moo

Yesterday Madi wandered into my bedroom.  She found the small journal given to Lyndee at her baptism.  It has a picture of the savior on the front cover.  She picked it up, and turned to me and said,

"It's my Jesus Christ, he loves me!"

 

 

With a huge grin on my face, my reply to her was, "Yes, Madi he does love you very much!"  What a simple, but profound reminder from such a little one, that Yes, our savior does love us.  Thank you Madi!  I love you so much.  

Pumpkin Walk 2013 and a Little Family Update

We go to the Hyde Park Pumpkin walk every year.  It is always pretty fun, and we love seeing the creativity of the pumpkin scenes.  The last few years have been good, but lacking a bit.  This year on the other hand was AMAZING!!  I don't know if they told everyone to up their game with their scenes, but things were very, very good.  Zach and I really enjoyed it, because there were a lot of scenes from when we were younger. Richard Simmons sweating to the oldies, Reading Rainbow, one of my favorites, Are you my mother? , Ghost Busters, The Jetson's, MASH, Old Mario, Pac Man, Cabbage Patch Kids, So many good ones, I can't even remember them all.  Madi was all over yelling, Mom this, and Mom that.  I was hard to keep her with us because she was so excited.  We rode the CVTD bus up to the park, and the kids love riding the bus.  That was probably one of their most favorite parts.  Alex told me that this was the 3 time he has ridden a bus, and it was SO FUN! (We were crammed in the bus going to the park, but the kids didn't even care). We had a great evening together.  Tomorrow we plan to head to the corn maze with my family.  Can't Wait!!

A little about our fast growing Kiddos.

Jayden:  This little boy is growing like a weed.  He just had his 6 month Well Child Check.  He is 16lbs 5oz, 27" long, and has a 17 3/4" head circumference.  So really a tall, skinny, large headed baby.  Love my cute little boy.  Here are his cute little blue feet.  Dr. McKenna always tries to draw a little picture of my kids.  I think he does a pretty good job.

Jayden rolls both back to belly, and belly to back.  He always has a harder time after he gets to his belly.  If his arm is in the way, he just plain hates his belly and will scream until he's rolled over.  Lyndee has gotten really good at helping us out with him.  He loves attention, and while playing with his toys, he'll constantly look up to make sure we're right there.  He holds his own bottle, and eats a ton.  Dr. McKenna told us to start with solids, umm 2 months ago.  He needs it, and he's ready for it.  I'll admit it, when I work I just fore go the baby foods for the day.  However, we just pulled out the high chair, and he is loving it.  He enjoys spending time with us at the table during dinner.  I love it, because now we are all truly at the table for dinner.

Madi:  This little girl is a spit fire.  He new favorite saying is "You bad guy!!"  She is usually mad a us for something we said, or won't let her do.  It just makes Zach laugh.  In fact he pushes her buttons on purpose just so she'll say it to him.  She loves her Mickey Mouse Club house (Anything Minnie or Mickey), Princesses, and he best friend next door Kylie.  Kylie is 6 yrs old, but Madi doesn't care.  She tells me time and time again that Kylie is her best friend.  Madi loves to be praised, and will always make sure that we are listening to the story she is telling us.  She also makes sure to repeat her stories to us 3 or 4 times in a row, just so "we've got it".  She makes me laugh.  She is very independent and has to do things her way, and in her time or else the whole house and probably all the neighbors hear about it.  She's turning into her big brother. Ahhhh.

Alex:  He is a big kindergartner.  He loves school, and is so eager to learn.  He'll finish is homework in just minutes.  I love that about him.  He enjoys drawing, and is so proud that he can count past 100.  He claims to be able to count to 1000 but he always misses numbers 110-199 on up through the hundred numbers.  I don't have the heart to tell him he's missing 900 numbers in that 1000 count.  He is very informative and precise in every things he tells us.  He uses a lot of hand gestures, and sound effects to tell us his stories.  (I love his sound effects, sometimes they make me laugh so hard). 

Lyndee:  This little girl is growing up too fast.  I am hearing her talk to me, and her dad like a grown up.  She acts like she knows exactly what she's talking about (even though she doesn't always) and dramatizes everything. Prime example, "We went to get the birthday present with dad today, but . . . YOU HAD THE DEBIT CARD!" Firm snotty voice. "Dad was so mad!"  or "I hate Justin Bieber, he has earrings, and his songs are bad".  Again her Firm snotty voice, like she knows everything in the world.  Why does she have to grow up so fast?  When she's playing with her siblings she's her fun, young, loud self.  A little too much like I was when I was her age. Sigh.  I know she hates being the oldest.  She hates that I ask her for the most help, and that I am always asking her to be the GOOD example.  Maybe I'm the one forcing her to grow up too fast. Sigh again. 

I love my cute little family.  A good chunk of the time my kids are so hard, and very demanding.  They push my buttons all to often.  But I love their guts.  We have decided that it is time for Zach to head back to school.  When we were in the temple last month, Zach really felt that it was time for us to move to the Ogden area.  We have known for almost 5 years that we would some day go that direction, just never knew when.  Well we got our confirmation, and we are supposed to be down that way by the time the Ogden temple is dedicated.  Fall of 2014 is our deadline.  Our families know, and most are upset that we would move away from them, and all the help they give us.  With me working, it really adds a lot of stress to our lives, having to know how to get the kids here or there, who's going to get them from daycare, or helping out in their classrooms at school, etc.  We have decided that after we move, we are down sizing to a smaller  home, and I am going to stay home with our kids.  I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!  Yes there are certain people from work that I am going to miss terribly, but I had a confirmation this evening while Alex was talking to me about his Dracula and Frankenstein drawings that, he makes me so happy.  My kids and Family make me so happy.  Work is drama, and my family is true happiness.  It will be so nice that Zach won't have to worry about the kids like he does.  He's going to be busy enough with work and school, that it will be so nice for me to be home.  We almost can't wait.  We're fixing up the house and getting it ready to sell.  We really just feel that when it's time to move our house will sell.  FAITH!  We love our ward, and our fun neighborhood.  These are people we love, and will miss dearly.  But we are needed elsewhere.  Weber County, HERE WE COME!

No FLU Bugs!

I took the kiddos into the clinic this evening so they could all get their flu shots.  I knew Alex would have a problem, I so kept it a secret.  Well . . . Lyndee can read, and after reading the sign as we walked in, she became hesitant and started loudly whining about getting a shot.  I cut her right off.  I told her, "If Alex finds out why we are here, he'll start screaming, so just please be quiet."  She was good to keep quiet but still hesitant.

After filling out the paperwork, and checking in at the desk, which seemed to take forever, especially since Jayden was screaming.  We did get to sit down for a few min without crying or whining.  After the called us all back and wrangled us into a room together, I could see Alex's hesitation, and his eyes grow so big they almost seemed to pop out.  They asked who was going first, and I volunteered Alex.  While trying to lift him to the table and explain to him that it would be ok, he kept yelling, "I don't want to go first, I don't want to go first!!"  So I let him down and kindly asked Lyndee to go first and be a great example.  She was a little tense, but when I told her that it was easier than having her ears pierced she relaxed and it was over.  GREAT, one down 2 to go.  Without much talk I grabbed Madi and layed her down on the table.  I had to hold her down, she was not happy, but she was done in a jiffy.  Now back to Alex.  Ummmm.  He was in the corner of the room still crying and yelling that he didn't want a shot.  Embarrassing!!!  He is so heavy now a days, that lifting him is a chore, but I wanted this done and over with.  No dragging it out and wasting time of those who are trying to help us.  I put him up on the table, laid him back and almost layed on top of his chest holding his hands down.  They were great to do the same with his feet and quickly give him his shot and an AWESOME bugs bunny bandaid.  My kids called them bunny bandaids.  How do they not know who bugs bunny is?  I have got to make it known in our house who this great Cartoon really is!!

As we were walking out they all got a sucker, and 3 of 4 kids were crying. (Jayden was hungry, and Lyndee was brave.  No tears!)  Since I knew a good chunk of the people working, I had a lot of people say, "Oh it was your kids crying!"  YEP!  If anyone knows us, really knows us, they know that my 6 year old scream and crie when he doesn't get his way, or has to do something he doesn't want to do.  Again Embarrassing!!! At least it's over.  I'll get mine in a few weeks, Jayden at the end of the month, and Zach probably never.  He still believes that having the vaccine gives you the flu.  You'd think he would learn his lesson from our flu experience last year Christmas Day.  NOPE.  Oh well.  Thank you to everyone in the clinic who had to put up with 10 min of screaming and crying.  Thank you for not making me feel incompetent to calm my children down, and Thank you for offering to help me out with the baby so I could hold the  other kids down.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

A lazy sunday

Today Jayden and I hung out at home while Z and the kids went to church.  He is such a funny baby, and seriously love his guts.  He is getting older and learning new things every day.  Today's big step: He rolled from his back to his belly twice while playing on his blanket with his toys.  What a stinker.  He has the biggest smile and he gets so excited to see us after waking up in the morning and after naps.  Today while playing with his toys he got a little tired and nodded off.  (He rarely does this.  Usually he wants to be wrapped up and put in his crib).

He really must have liked that towel, because he's cuddled right up to it!  Silly Boy!!!  His new tricks these days include eating his toes, and fingers.  His hands are always slobbery, and sometimes his socks are soaking wet on the toe side because he's flexible enough to, eat his feet!  He is really great at spitting up on dad right after he's just gotten dressed.  Usually church clothes, or black shirts.

He's even accomplished holding up his own bottle.  We LOVE this stage.  He's not perfect, because his hands are always moving, but we'll take it!  Love you little man!  (Almost 5 months old)

Just what I needed tonight!

 

Just what I needed tonight! Thank you Chase Checketts.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most....

Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace.

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng

 

Moments That Matter Most

http://youtu.be/l70e1TfN34w

This video  had me in tears instantly.  Allowing me to recognize and realize something I have been too quick to forget.   

 

 

WHY??

So tonight I keep asking myself WHY?  Why do I have to get to the point where I am yelling at my 5 almost 6 year old, before he'll get anything done?  Why do I have to repeat myself over, and over, and over, and over again?  Why isn't me politely asking enough? WHY?

Today I caught myself telling him things over, and over.  Let's start from the beginning.  Here are the things I had to repeatedly ask him to do. (repeated being more than 8 times)
(Before School)
What do you want for breakfast?
Get dressed!
Get your shoes on!
Brush your teeth!
Get your backpack!
(After School)
You have one problem left, let's finish it!
Get you soccer stuff on!
Find you soccer ball!
Where are you cleats?
Take your ball upstairs!
Stop whining, Dinner is almost ready!
Set the table?
Get in the bathtub!    
No Kindle!!!!
Go to bed!!!!!!!!

The extra !! are because at the end of the day I am so tired of yelling.  Tonight my throat hurts, and my voice is raspy.  Why won't he just listen to me and do as I ask, WHY?  I am not joking about the list above.  I really had to repeat everyone of those things multiple times.  No I did not start out yelling, I politely asked first, and over 8+ times I resort to yelling.  Then he decides that he doesn't like our family (because I'm yelling).  I will give him one kudos, when it was time to come inside I went outside and said, "Time to come in", and he said okay, and came right in.  See, I know he can do it, he is just so stubborn.  I really do love him so much, but I am getting so frustrated that he just won't listen, or chooses not to listen.  UGH!!

DINNER

 

Tonight while Alex and Madi were whining about being hungry, and Jayden was screaming, just because, and Lyn was finishing her homework, I was making dinner.  Nothing special, really. I made grilled chicken, Alfredo pasta, and sweet corn.  Zach was home teaching, so it was just me and the kiddos.  I couldn't believe how much they all ate.  Each of them had 3 helpings of pasta, and Alex had 2 helpings of corn.  I only made enough chicken for each of us, or they would have had double helpings of chicken.  Either they were all really hungry, or it really tasted good.  I think a little of both.  They just kept eating, and eating.  They would pile more food on their plates and I kept thinking to myself, they're never going to finish all that, but lo and behold THEY DID!!  I wish they would eat like that more often.  What is really funny is right before bed Alex was searching through the fridge because he was hungry.  He didn't eat enough?  Double WOW! 

 

ME TIME

 

I love my kids so much!  I enjoy spending time with them as long as nobody is screaming or whining.  One thing I look forward to every night is Me Time.  That hour or so that I have all to myself after they have all gone off to bed and are in dream land.  I can do whatever I want.  Unfortunately I find myself being all to lazy.  Tonight I'm blogging, and soon will be upstairs making swiss meringue buttercream frosting. YUM!  It's funny.  As our house was in an uproar this evening, Zach turned to me and says, "Don't you just want to be a stay at home mom?"  I could strangle him!  Yes, I want the ability to be able to be home with my kids when they get home from school.  I hate having to rely on others to get my kids here or there, and I hate paying for daycare.  I did enjoy my maternity leave, and Zach loved me being home even more.  It was a huge stress lifted off his shoulders that he didn't have to worry about where he needed to pick up the kids from, or being home in time when they get out of school, etc.  I do want to be home with my kids.  My only fear is that with the changes we are making in our lives, and Zach going back to school, that he will still be so busy that I'll never get a relief from them.  He'll be too busy for me to go do something, anything with out them.   How nice would it be to actually go grocery shopping by myself.  Oh how I miss the days of going to the store alone. . . . . . . On the other side, I keep reminding myself that I have a sister, and close co-worker that have not been able to have kids, and my best friend, and another co-worker who have both lost children.  I am so grateful that I have been blessed with my kids, but I love my alone time each night.  One of my super wise cousins (Amy Alleman) said something to me about this exact subject.  I can't quote word for word, but it went something like this.  " Yes you have your children, and they don't but these are the trials that I have to face, and they have to face.  The trials I am given are for me and consist of learning patience with my kids, as their trials are of loss.  They are different for each of us, but are still trials that we must endure."  Umm . . . . Love Her.  This is my trial right now in my life.  God gives us the trials we can handle, and it is up to me how I will react to this trial, and learn from it.  Kids grow all to fast and time is passing faster and faster.  I enjoy being with my kids, and spending time with them as long as I am not hurried or rushed.  They make me so happy.  Raising kids are the happiest and hardest thing I want to do.  I am so thankful for a wonderful husband who continues to help me, and share as much time with our kids as possible.  He works 1 full time job, and 2 part time jobs to support us.  (I work too)  Even then making ends meet has become rather tough.  He still uses whatever time he can squeeze it to play with the kids, and I love him for that!!  I am so grateful that he is a worthy priesthood holder, and that he asked the kids if they wanted father's blessing for school.  They all said yes, even Madi.  It was a spiritual experience, and I am thankful for his offering and showing the kids that the priesthood is real.

The Hubby and Me

I can't help but continually think that I need to post this.  Zach works 6/7 night (graveyard shift), and then 1-2 times a week he'll work 1/2 a swing shift prior to working his grave's shift.  So Monday nights are OUR nights.  This past Monday was wonderful.  Yes, I had to work and he was home with our kids all day long.  However we had a wonderful night.  Zach made a delicious dinner for the kids and I and then picking up the house and dishes really was done by everyone.  It was so nice.  Zach was really in such a good mood. (I loved IT!!  It doesn't happen that often, mostly from the lack of sleep and loud kids.)  What really was my most favorite part of the evening was after our kiddos went to bed.  Ah, quiet.  We love it when it's quiet.  Between work and kids we rarely get the chance to sit down and just talk especially without being interrupted.  I think we crawled into bed about 10pm and continued to just talk to each other, mostly about our lives together, our kids, what we should have done differently the last 9 years, and the big changes we are contemplating in the near future. I can't say it enough.  I love, love, love spending time with my hubby when he's not grumpy, or stressed.  At probably close to midnight I had to interrupt him, lean over and kiss him good night. (I had to get up for work much earlier than usual, and I'm not a morning person).  He says to me, "I know, I know, I just miss being able to talk to you, this doesn't happen very often".  I agreed with him.  Shortly after that he kissed me goodnight and told me how much he loves me.  What a great hubby.  I am so thankful he is in my life.  I really do cherish and love him so very much despite his oft grumpiness.  I really don't know what I would do without him in my life.  I am so grateful that we have FOREVER with each other.

Oatmeal Anyone?

Well of course both my cameras had dead batteries this morning when I really wanted to capture Jayden's face while trying a new food.  It was pretty funny.  We gave him oatmeal for the first time today, and guess what? . . . . . He loved it!! I realized that I probably made to much, but nope he ate the whole bowl.  He was so happy.  It was everywhere.  All over his face, both hands (since he can't keep them out of his mouth), and thanks to those hands it was all over his jamies.  I am so glad that he enjoyed it, and can't wait until tomorrow when he get more.  He was all smiles!  Love him.

Back to School

It was back to school week this week.  I took Thursday and Friday off so I could be one of the amazing, awesome, wonderful, organized, picture taking first day of school MOMS.  Umm,  the day didn't quite turn out how I imagined.  Yes we all slept in.  I instead of getting the kiddos a fabulous back to school breakfast, they got cereal again.  (Don't get me wrong they love cereal and oatmeal, I just wanted to surprise them with a little YUM that morning.) 

I went downstairs and got a few First day of School, still in bed pictures of them.  I know I hated these pictures growing up, and now I just laugh as I take them of my own kids.

  Lyndee

Alex

 

They were so tired.  I thought they would jump up a little faster than they did, as it was their first day.  Actually they really must be my kids, because I love to sleep in and will any extra minutes I can get.

 

 Oh how she makes me laugh.

        Just a little more awake.

 

After some cereal, teeth, and hair, we hurried out the door as I was dropping her off right as the bell was about to ring.  Umm, I guess no pictures with her teacher, classroom and friends.  I am always running late, I should never assume I'll be on time anywhere.  Ugh!  I did snap a shot before we left the house.

 

LYNDEE LOO

A big 3rd Grader -  Mrs. Lindley

Canyon Elementary

Hyrum, UT

August 22, 2013

 

Alex is in afternoon Kindergarten.  After one day of waiting for school to start, I decided that I HATE, HATE afternoon kindergarten.  He couldn't wait to go to school.  He thought he was going to be late all morning.  I had to reassure him that it wasn't time yet.  Since we had some time between drop offs, I got everyone else ready for the day. 

 

Jayden just loves bath time.  He loves to splash, and it typically all smiles.  Lately he's been munching on his fingers and hands.  Teething?  Already?

Jayden enjoying a mid morning SNACK.  If there is one thing he loves more than baths, its EATING.  He will down 2 whole bottles if I let him, and he is only 30% in weight for his age. Doesn't quite add up.  Side note:  He had his 4 month check this week and is 60% for his head, 75% in length. Tall and Skinny. We picked Red Foot Prints this time.

 

The picture on the left of his foot prints is Dr. Russell McKenna's drawing of our little guy.  He actually does a pretty good job.  We really enjoy him as our Pediatrician, and the kids like going to see him. (As long as no shots are involved.)

 

Madi had to share with me her bouncy ball.  I promise I did do her hair before we left the house.

 

 After some lunch.  PB and J sandwiches, grapes, Cheetos, and Lemon water Alex freshened up, brushed his teeth, was careful not to dirty his shirt during lunch.  We gel'd up his hair and he was excited to have his Kindergarten Pics.

 

ALEX BUDDY

Kindergarten - Mrs. Carrie Kendrick

Canyon Elementary

Hyrum, UT

August 22, 2013

 

MADI MOO

2 1/2 Years Old - Can't wait to be old enough to go to school

 

We got to school a little early.  I helped Alex find his Owl, hang up his backpack, and find his desk.  He got a new name tag, and got to play with some play dough before class started.

 

It was a little hard to just up and leave him.  I don't know why.  He's been in daycare since he was 3 months old, and had speech the last 2 years, which I just dropped him off outside.  I know school will be so much fun for him this year.  Enjoy every moment Buddy! 

 

Jayden and I walked down to the school with our neighbors to pick up the kids.  When the kids came out, I was so excited to see them.  Alex started crying.  I wondered what was wrong.  After I got him to calmly tell me, he was upset because he thought I brought the van to pick him up and he wanted to be a big Kindergartner and walk home with his big sis.  I told him I walked and Yes, we would be walking home.  But it wasn't the same walking with me, vs. just the 2 of them.  Mom's always in the way.

 

Here they are in front of the school, after their first day of school.

Alex is showing off his first project of Kindergarten.

 

This goes with a book they read that day.  He was so proud to show it off. 

 

When we got home I had the kids tell me all about their day.  Here is Lyndee's video.  I can't get Alex's to load, and it is really funny because,  one can get a little side tracked thanks to Lyndee shaking of her booty in the back ground.  What a silly girl.

 

 

 

They both had a great day, and can't wait for many more days.  Wonder if they'll still be thinking that by Christmas.  Another Side Note:  About a week before school started Lyndee told me the following. " I can't wait to go back to school, do you know why?" Me: "Why" Lyndee: "Then I won't have to do the dishes anymore!!!"  I laughed a long while.  Mostly with an evil villain laugh, because little does she know, Dishes are her job FOREVER more.  (Mostly because I hate doing dishes and always have.  Ask my mother she'll tell you!!)

 

A tired Boy

First of all I just have to share a few fun pics of Alex.  Earlier in the week, I had gotten all the kids to bed, except Alex.  He eventually got tired and pooped out on the couch upstairs.  When I came upstairs this is what I saw.

I just started laughing out loud.  I ran quick and grabbed the camera.  He was out cold!  I took numerous pictures of him, even with flash and he didn't even move an eyelash.  I just love my buddy Alex.  He does have a persistent personality, but is kind, giving, and always willing to help me out, WHEN IT'S JUST HE AND I.  Sometimes the baby.  He definitely loves his one on one time with Zach and Myself.

Blessed

For some reason or another, I am feeling very blessed tonight.  We were driving into town to take dad some dinner at work.  Lyndee and Alex were in the back of the van touching each other, tickling each other, and plain being annoying to one another.  Typically I get annoyed when they get super loud, but tonight I had the realization that Madi and Jayden didn't mind, and so neither should I.  I really started paying attention to them.  They were having fun.  Who am I to get in the way of fun?  When we got to dads work they piled out of the van to run around.  They were having racing contests all 3 of them while Jayden, dad and I watched.  It's amazing that something so simple, a single moment in time can bring one such joy and happiness.  We really do have good kids.  Yes, they are loud, and they pester, and fight, and whine, etc.  What kids don't?  I am so grateful that my family is FOREVER, and that I can enjoy forever more that same JOY and HAPPINESS that I felt tonight in that single moment.  How amazing it will truly be, to feel that much love and joy all the time from each other, Christ, and a loving Father in Heaven.  Yes, I am blessed!!!

Just a little FUN

Yesterday I got home from work about 5:40 pm.  I had to rush home from work,  because Zach was waiting for me to get home so he could shovel off to work.  He has been working any extra shift they'll give him for a little extra $.  He gave us all big loves and off he went to Gossners.

I got a text from my sis reminding me about her Hubby's surprise bday party at the park.  I wrangled up the kiddos and got them all some dinner.  Nothing special.  Alex had his favorite, CEREAL, and the girls and I ate the left over Cream cheese crock pot chicken Zach made.  In Madi's words, it was "tasty!"  Love this cute girl. 

After dinner we loaded up and headed to the park.  Zach asked if I would bring him some dinner.  I dropped the 3 oldest kiddos with my sis at the park and went to Old Grist Mill.  Zach's most favorite food in the world is a sandwich!! The girl making everyone's meals was so busy talking that it literally took her 20 min to make 3 sandwich meals.  During this 20 min time period, everyone in the store heard all about her sisters entire messed up life. (We don't care, we don't know her, just make our food, so can enjoy the rest of the night!!!)  UGH!  I was bugged, can you tell?  Anyway Zach was grateful for his favorite dinner.  I kissed him good night, and headed back to the park.

The kids got to play Volleyball, and Kickball.  I hung out with Madi and Jayden.  We all had a good time.  I got a few pics of Madi and Alex before my camera died.  Stinking Camera! 

 

 

Hydrating up for the big game.

 

 

Just a little smile or two!

 

 

 

 

 

Madi, Jayden, and I wandered over to the playground during the kickball game.  Madi was so funny.  Over and over she kept asking to go on the monkey bars.  Of course she is too little to do them all by herself, so I held her up by her tooshy and off we went.  She really likes to jump to me, and without warning will just dive right at me standing almost 5 feet in the air.  We played on the slide, and had piggy back rides for the next 40 min.  She loves one on one time.  Really all my kids do!

 

 

When the kickball game was over we all enjoyed some yummy treats my sis made.  Reese's Peanut Butter Brownie cupcakes, German Chocolate Cupcakes, Chocolate Chips cookies, and Country Time lemonade.  SUGAR OVERLOAD! They were yummy.  I got dark pretty fast.  They tried to play volleyball in the dark, but really it was impossible, so we decided it was time to head home.

 

 

We were sitting in the living room the kids and I just talking while they "did my hair".  I love that they always offer to make my hair pretty, and I take advantage of it anytime I can.   Out of no where, Alex say this funny statement, "Grandma Checketts is the smartest person in the whole universe."  What a funny little boy of ours.  I laid Jayen down to change him, and get him ready for bed.  He was pretty happy, and ticklish.  The kids would take turns putting their heads on his tummy and every time he would just start giggling.  I mad us all laugh!

 

When Jayden decided no more laughing, we all knew it was time for bed.  We got their jammies on and said prayers.  Lyndee and Alex refused to sleep downstairs in their room, because earlier they saw a spider on the wall, and . . . DIDN'T KILL IT!  (If you know anything about me, it's that I HATE spiders!!!!!!) I can't express it enough.  I really couldn't blame them, so Lyndee slept with Madi, and Alex hopped into bed with me since dad was at work.  Quickly enough all 4 kids were sound asleep having happy dreams.  I love it when it is quiet when everyone is in bed.  I really stay up too late enjoying it, that I only get 5-6 hours of sleep by the time I have to get up and get us all ready for bed.

 

I love spending time with my kids, when I have nothing else on my mind.  That is the time, when I just don't worry about anything else but the memories they are making when we are together.  Unfortunately I know it doesn't happen enough.  The stresses of life always seem to get in the way.  occasionally I just put aside all the house work and just spend the day with the kids.  (My hubby always wonders what the heck I did all day, when he wakes up to a messy house.)  Oh well.  The house will never be completely clean with 4 busy kids.  

It's her birthday, shout HOORAY!

Little Miss Lyndee Loo turned 8 years old this past sunday. (Aug. 11) She was so excited to be turning eight.  Years ago we told her she could get her ears pierced when she was 8.  She has looked forward to that day for a few years.  We took her into Claires (in the mall).  She picked out White Daisy earings with Pink centers.  She was so nervous.  There was only one worker that morning, so she had to have her ears done one at a time.  I'm pretty sure she tightened up every muscle in her body as she was putting that little machine next to her ear lobe.  She actually did better on the second ear.

She loves them, and is constantly reminding me to put the ear care solution on them 3 times a day.  She really is growing up and becoming more responsible.  She is such a great helper.  We do put a lot of pressure on her as she is the oldest. (We both know, because Zach and I are both the oldest).

Lyndee wanted a Monster High Cake for her birthday this year.  I like to make my kids their birthday cakes.  I hope it is something they will always remember.  I always have these grand ideas in my head, and, well . . . umm . . . with a 4 month old that wouldn't let me put him down, it didn't turn out at all like I wanted it too.  However, she really liked it, and that is all that counts.

 

 This year we told our families that our kids didn't need any more toys.  (Our house is overloading with unused toys) They were all so great to go with the flow.  She got the following:

* Earrings from Mom and Dad

* Her favorite Reese's Cereal (We never buy expensive cereal)

 

* 2 Taylor Swift CD's (One from Mom & Dad, and one from Grandma & Grandpa Checketts)  She loves Taylor Swift.

*A Lalaloopsy Shirt

*A Quad set of  Scriptures with her name on them, from Grandma & Grandpa Robinette

 

* Pretty Pink Ruffly Scripture case, bookmark, and highlighters from Grandma & Grandpa Checketts

 

*A Monster high Backpack with all the necessity School supplies from Aunt JJ and Uncle Matthew

 





 

 * And her Grandma's took her school shopping for all the newest clothes to start school. SPOILED!!  (Actually I am really grateful that they do this for my kids.  Love Them!!)

 

She had a great Birthday, and is so excited to have her Friend birthday party this weekend.

 

I snapped some pics of the other kiddos on Birthday morning.  I can't resist to post.  They are so cute. 

 Lyndee wanted Pancakes, Bacon and Eggs for Breakfast.  Madi didn't mind, she rather enjoyed breakfast.

 

 After Breakfast Jayden dozed off to sleep.  Don't judge me by the pink blanket.  They are my favorite stretchy little light weight blankets, and I could never find some in boy colors.  When you've had your 4th baby you just use what you have, and don't really mind.  Sorry Buddy!

 

 

Alex is enjoying Frosty the Snowman Movie during the middle of Summer.  (It has been a rather hot summer.) 

 

I just love my kiddos.  They really are such good kids.  Yes, they are loud, they scream, and fight with one another, but didn't we all do that growing up.  They really do look out for each other, and love being together. 

 

This is the last family picture we've had.  It was taken at my Grandma Ruth Robinette's 80th Birthday party.  I need to say, that I just love my sweet hubby.  I often don't give him the credit he deserves.  He works 1 full time and 2 part time jobs to support our family.  He gets little sleep, he watches our kids as much as he can when I'm at work, and yes he does dishes, mops and vacuum's the floors, mowes the lawn every week, washes and folds laundry, and is such a great DADDY for our kids.  They love when dad is laughing and playing with them.  Yes all of this puts so much stress on him.  I often complain about his grumpy"ness".  Yes I despise it, but I know where it stems from. Stress.  I am so thankful that he is in tune with the spirit, and guiding our family to the best decisions for us.  As we look to our future, and wonder what it holds for us, we know that as long as we stay close to the lord, and work hard together that we will never be led astray.  I love my Hubby, and Love our little family.  Families are forever.