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.

 

Croquet Anyone?

A couple of weeks ago the kids were playing Croquet in the front yard with a few of the neighbor kids.  I was inside with little Jayden.  I hear a blood curdling scream that was getting louder and louder.  Lyndee comes running in the house with her hand over her eye, accusing Alex of hitting her in the face with a croquet mallet.  I asked to see her eye.  She removed her hands and . . . within seconds she has a huge goose egg, and black eye. WOW!  Alex followed her inside the house.  Actually after calming her down what really happen was this:  She bent over to pick up her ball just as Alex swung his mallet to hit his own ball.  Total Accident.  She thought she was going to die, and lose her eye sight, and in her words, "I'll have to use one of those stick things when I can't see! Thanks a lot ALEX!!"  I had to make her realize that it truly was an accident, then it was a little easier for her to calm down.  Silly Girl!

She looks soooo Happy, doesn't she? (She pulled this face on purpose, because I pulled out the camera)

 

Sunday Morning

I can't believe it!  At breakfast this morning, Zach asked Alex what day it was.  Alex replied, "It's Sunday.  Mom, I love going to church, it's FUN!"  What? Did those words really just come out of his mouth?  I know that he really does enjoy church, but to actually hear them come out of his mouth, and with such enthusiasm?  Getting ready for 1pm church may be a little easier today.  It would really be nice not to have any yelling before church.  Thank you Alex.  :)