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.  :)

The Kiddos

Monday night was my work summer party.  We were able to go over to a small private lake in Honeyville where the kids had so much fun.  Each year my kids get a little more brave when it comes to water.  They had the boat available for rides.  Lyndee jumped at the chance for a ride on their huge tube.  This thing holds 4-6 people, and spins in circles when it gets pulled.  She hung on for dear life, and enjoyed every second of her rides.  Alex really wanted to try, but was so hesitant, that he was fine watching.  Madi on the other hand was up in line with the big kids for her turn.  I had to talk her out of riding on the tube, no way I was gonna let that happen, and she settled for a ride in the boat.  She had a blast.  When she got off, she came running over to the pavilion shouting, "Mom, boat fun! Mom, boat fun!"  I wish I had my camera, so you can all see the gleaming happy smile on her face then.  She would have jumped off the dock if I let her, but I didn't bring my swimming suit, as I knew I'd be taking care of little Jayden.  Sometimes Madi has no fear, which is good, but worries me a little.  Here she is strutting her stuff in Alex's construction hat.

Lyndee is getting things ready for her Baptism in September.  She has asked Grandma Checketts and Grandma Robinette to talk at her baptism about Baptism and the Holy Ghost.  She asked Uncle Chase, and Uncle Dalon to give the opening and closing prayers.  I am proud of her.  She even prayed to ask Heavenly Father if these 4 family members were the ones to help out at her Baptism.  With a smile on her face, she happily told me that her decisions were right.  Aunt JJ is going to get her Baptism pictures done up at the Logan Temple Grounds.  She wants Pink flowers in her pictures with her pretty white dress that Grandma Checketts bought her last year.  It's hard to get a picture of her NOT posing. :)

Jayden will be 3 months old next Monday.  I can't believe how fast it is going.  He is growing like a weed.  We started him on some acid reflux medicine last week, and WOW what a difference it makes.  He can not sit in his bouncer and play for 15-20 min at a time without the needing to be held every second because he is in pain.  We are slowly incorporating formula into his days.  He is always more grumpy after a bottle of formula.  It must be harder to digest.  Since going back to work a few weeks ago, and since he is sleeping through the night, I am slowly losing my milk.  This always happens with each baby.  The thought of buying formula again, I hate, because it is so expensive.  Thank you Sam's Club for having the cheapest prices on baby formula.  I have to include this picture of Jayden.  This is his classic sad face.  It really melts everyone's hearts.

Alex is such a gentlemen, and such a well behaved child when he is by himself, or with only Jayden.  He willingly opens doors for me, and helps me out.  I love when he is like that.  On the flip side he still throws his lovely (sarcasm) tantrums when he doesn't get his way around Lyndee or Madi.  Our parents have even commented how good he is to help when he is by himself.  He has been strutting around the house this last week wearing his suspenders.  He likes to wear them because he says he's like grandpa Checketts.

 

My kids are growing up so fast.  I love spending time with them, expecially when they are NOT yelling, screaming, and fighting with each other.  Those days when I get some one on one time, are the best. 

 



A grumpy baby.

Today I didn't have to work.  I love having Wednesdays off.  Jayden got up earlier than usual today.  I got up to feed him.  He ate well, and I was falling asleep while he was eating.  When he was done I changed his diaper, wrapped him up, and he and I went back to bed.  We both got up after 9am. WOW!  I haven't slept that late in, umm, a long time.

I got the kids breakfast, and Alex ready for summer speech.  Jayden was ok at first, then he started up grunting and eventually screaming until he get held.  Ugh!  Lyndee entertained him when I ran Alex up to the school. (Zach is asleep in the other room, or I would just haul them all with me).   After dropping him off, Lyndee and I got busy picking up the house.  Alex is only at speech for 30 min, which comes to quickly.  So I ran back to the school to get him.  When we got home it was time to feed Jayden again.  Before I did that he got his bath and clean clothes.  After eating he burped well, and fell off to sleep.  Oh yes, now I can get my kitchen project done. (Back Splash) Well Jayden didn't sleep very long, not with the other 3 bugging each other and being loud.  Ugh.  On and off all afternoon, and evening that is all he wanted.  For a while I have been thinking he's just spoiled, but today he was screaming during his feeds, and tightening his body.  Nothing I did could calm him down.  I feel so bad for the little guy, but every time I got him to fall asleep, and I would set him down, he'd wake right up, pucker up his bottom lip (His super sad face) and start screaming.  Right before dinner I had Madi screaming about the kindle, Jayden screaming, and Lyn and Alex bugging, and tattle telling on each other.  I had, had it!!!!!  Madi to her room for time out, Jayden to his room, so I could only barely hear him, and I told Lyn and Alex to eat and be quiet.  Madi eventually calmed down and came to eat, but all during dinner Jayden just screamed, and screamed, and screamed.  I needed a break from him and his klingyness.  After dinner I cleaned up a bit, took a few deep breaths and went to hold Jayden again.  My little back splash project that was only supposed to take 2-3 hours is still not done.

He is asleep now, but due to eat any minuet. Madi is aslelep in my room and the 2 oldest are watching a movie.  I stay up so late every night, because it is my alone time.  4 kids are so much harder than I anticipated.  Zach and I know for sure that our family is complete, and I am so grateful.  I am thankful for healthy kids.  They are good kids.  I think Jayden is having some terrible bouts with Acid Reflux.  He is usually so happy in the mornings before he eats, and it seems as if it goes downhill from that point.  I hope he'll feel better soon.

Shark Teeth

Lyndee has been famous at our house for growing what we call "Shark Teeth".  This is when her adult teeth grow in almost completely behind her baby teeth. (2 rows of teeth)  She has had to have so many teeth pulled by our dentist, because of it.  I know this is common in a lot of kids, but Lyndee is such a whinier when it comes to anyone getting near her teeth.  We saw the dentist the first week of April 2013.  He told her to work on wiggling one tooth in particular.  Over the last few months I've reminded her to wiggle, wiggle, and wiggle it.  Today it was sticking straight out the side of her gums, (because of the tooth growing in behind it). Well I got tired of waiting for her to do it, so Zach held her down on the bed.  I really wiggled it back and forth getting it pretty loose.  I then made a slip knot out of some dental floss, looped it around that tooth, and commissioned Zach to do the pulling.   My tying skills are, umm, not great, so Zach got to pull twice.  On the second pull we got it.  She was so anxious, not that I blame her.  Zach saved the tooth fairy a trip, and gave Lyn $1.  The tooth fairy always forgets to stop at our house, night after night.  We've waited over 3 weeks before.  We almost had to make her a sign and stake it in the yard, just so she'll see it. 

She was a good sport, and now . . . IT'S DONE!! I can only imagine how Alex will be when we have to hold him down and pull his "Shark Teeth".