Day 10

I messed up somewhere, and I think today is actually Day 9

Do a Kind Deed

Day 11

Make Christmas cookies

Day 12

Sing O' Little Town of Bethlehem

Burke

Day 13

See the Mesa Christmas Lights.

Our neighbors are going with us!

Day 14

Eat a candy cane

Day 15

Play at the park as a family.

Day 16

Watch the Santa Clause

SSFMN I love it

Day 17

Make a gift for Grandma, Grandpa and Great-Grandma

Day 18

Sing "The First Noel"

The reindeer turned out really cute.  A hot glue gun is a must for this project.  The plastic on the candy cane and the googly eyes was too slick for super glue and Elmer's glue.

Day 19

Make candy cane reindeer.

The GF graham crackers that I made for the gingerbread house didn't work yesterday, so we made day13 craft instead.  We made jingle bell wreaths to put on the tree.  Very easy, very cute.  Thank goodness I don't have to make the candy canes!

Day 20

Make a gingerbread house

Day 21

Watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Day 22

Go to the ward Christmas party. 

We are having a Luau.

Day 23

Make a family hand Christmas tree.

We each traced our hands  four times onto green paper and cut them out and made a Christmas tree out of them.  It turned out really cute, and big.

Day 24

Watch the Joy to the World DVD

Day 25

See the Christmas house. 

There is a "Griswald" type house down the street and it is fun to see.  They have Lots of lights, and tons of cartoon characters in their yard.  Thay hand out candy canes every year, too.

Day 26

Sing Joy to the World

So...

Today I finally washed the van.

I can't believe how busy we've been.  But then I don't feel busy.  Just too busy to post.

I missed posting Alexis and Amy's birthdays.  That's pathetic.  My oldest child is now a decade old.  She is an amazing girl.  I love to be around her and talk to her, and listen to her.  She is so smart and happy and has so many crazy and fun ideas.  We had a fun birthday party for her.  We watched the Ramona and Beezus movie with a few of her friends, and ate pizza and S'mores.  No cake, no ice cream.  It was great.  That weekend, not for her birthday, we flew to Denver to go to the American Girl store.  Even I was giddy there, and so excited to see all they have.  Alexis had saved some money and was able to buy a few things she wanted for her Kit doll.  We had lunch with my sister Molly at Red Robin, yum, and we went to the mall and to the Godiva shop to buy the delicious pumpkin truffles, yum again.   it was a great trip.  Unfortunately, Molly came down with a nasty stomach thing while we were there and was too sick to hang out.  We took Madison, her daughter, and ran around a little and had lunch with my sister Amanda on Saturday.  We flew home Saturday night.  It was some much needed time with Alexis.  She is awesome.

Amy had a fun birthday, too.  No trips to anywhere fun, but she did have lunch at Applebees, and now has a pink "big kid" car seat.  She was given a pillow pet by Steve and I, and some more fun things from everyone else.  She is now four, and quite the firecracker.  She is so sweet and I can't get over her smile.  If I'm feeling grouchy, all she has to do is smile and it melts me.  I'm goo.  Actually, that's true with all our kids.  I think Heavenly Father made children smiles special.  There is just something about the happiness of a child that is so innocent, and it comes through when they smile.  Baby smiles are uncomperable.  So sweet.  OK back to Amy.  I don't know what our family would be like without her.  She is so loved and adored.  Again, I feel my kids growing too fast and slipping away.

Burke cut his first two teeth, seven days apart.  He crawls around like a little inch worm  It's so cute.

Thanksgiving was so tasty, and I really enjoyed the company we had.  We were lucky enough to have Steve's parents and Grandma, Kelley, Mark and Logan, and Mark's sister Cindy and her hubby James, and their sweet boy Steven.  I think it was my best year yet.  I did my regular turkey with sides of cranberries from scratch, buttermilk mashed potatoes, tarragon green beans, seasoned red potatoes with cauliflower, butternut squash, rolls, gravy and baked apples.  I usually make a pumpkin cheesecake, but we were having a lot of people, so I did pies instead.  I'm glad I did, because they were sooo good.  I took a vote, between pumpkin and pecan, and the result was split down the middle.  Well I have quite a few pie plates, so I did both.  It had been a long time since I made either of those pies, and unfortunately, I couldn't stop eating them.  I love Thanksgiving.  It is my favorite holiday.  I think because it is not so commercialized, and it's so simple. Just Be Grateful.  I am.

Now we're on to Christmas.  Our shopping is done.  The tree and decor are up.  The weather is in the 70's.  I am ready.

This year I've started something new with the family.  We are doing a paper chain advent calendar.  The reason we are doing this is because Amy was sad that we weren't opening gifts the morning after we put up the tree.  I decided to make the paper chain so that she could see it get shorter each day as we count down for Christmas.On the inside of each chain, I wrote something that we have to do as a family that day.  It has been so fun.  I'm goig to take a longer break from my count down to the last day of school, and post our count down to Christmas instead.  Here it goes:

Really Quick

My cold kept me from my training, and now I'm a week and a half behind schedule with no desire to get back into it.  Ugh.  I need to really push myself.
I'm off to wash the van!  It's a job that's long over due, and gives me an excuse not to mop my floors.

It's Going Around

On Friday, Michael had a fever, and no other symptoms.  I kept him home from church on Sunday because he had a bit of fever on Saturday too.  I'm sure glad I did, because I quickly came down with a nasty crud in my chest.  It brought me down fast.  I know from experience that you have to cough it up and spit it out to get well.  The sooner the better.  Monday was bad, Tuesday was a little better, and today I'm mostly well, but I can't breathe too deeply.  I don't like coughing.  I don't like sneezing.  I think the only thing that could literally drive me crazy is coughing.  Not just mine, but listening to my kids.  Poor Michael has a bad cough.  I'm trying to teach him how to cough the crud up and spit it out.  It's gross, but it works. 

Michael has his first field trip tomorrow.  I am so excited for him.  He is so excited.  I really hope he has fun.

Burke rolled over today.  He is growing so fast.  He also isn't feeling well.  He had is four month shots yesterday.  He has had a mild fever and sore legs.  He wants to be happy, but you can tell he just isn't himself. 

Today was a half day.  I like half days.  I love hearing the voices of the kids happy and playful.  Not tired and cranky like after a full day of school. 

Steve's grandma came over for a few hours this evening.  I love that woman.

I haven't done my RAGNAR training at all this week.  I have been sticking to the diet that Steve has me on.  Food doesn't taste like anything right now anyway because of my cold.  I am going to try to run and do yoga tomorrow.  We'll see.

I'm going to the State Fair tomorrow.  I'll say more about that later.

I love Alexis's loyalty.  I love Tommy's concern for others.  I love Michael's excitement.  I love Amy's dancing.  I love Burke's new skills.  I love that Steve is home from his business trip.

SFFMN

I'm so happy it's Friday.  The kids have worked so hard in school and on homework this week.  We are going to watch the Night at the Museum 2.  It is a funny movie.  Of course we will be having pizza, too.  I'd be reamed if we didn't.

I was by the school today to come pick up Michael.  He fell asleep at lunch.  When I arrived there, his teacher happened to be in the office.  She said she didn't send him to the nurse, that the lunch room monitor did.  When I saw him, his teacher asked the nurse to take his temp.  Duh.  It was over 102.  I decided to take the rest of the kids home as well.  It's been a nice afternoon.

RAGNAR training day four- 15 minutes of running

I did NOT not not want to run today.  After my yoga-ish night last night, I feel like I should just stop trying.  I had to push myself to run.  After three minutes I thought about stopping.  I love our treadmill.  It shows you how far you've gone (1.28 miles), how many calories you've burned (191), your pace, and how long you've run.  That's my favorite.  I start counting down when there are three minutes left to go.  Pathetic.  I am planning on running my first race next month.  Alexis also wants to run.  We will be running in the Laveen Turkey Trot and Dairy Dash. It will be good for me to do it.  I'm not competitive, and I'm not an exercise fanatic.  I'm not sore like I thought I'd be.  Thanks to Steve and his awesome stretch moves.

I love singing in the kitchen with Alexis.  I love getting hugs from Tommy.  I love making things for Michael.  I love playing with Amy.  I love watching everything Burke does.  I love Steve.

What A Joke

That's what I was at yoga.

RAGNAR training day three- cross train yoga

I love Alexis' eagerness.  I love Tommy's diligence.  I love Michael's pumpkin patch.  I love Amy's monkey song.I love Burke's smiles.  I love Steve's teaching.

Ouch!

Today was a good day.  I feel like I'm finally learning to be a good mom.  I had a list of things to do today, and didn't really accomplish any of them.  More to do tomorrow.  Burke had his first solid food.  It was not planned.  He has been grabbing my bananas and sucking on them.  I know it's weird.  This evening I mashed a bit of banana up with water, and he really loved it.  I wasn't planning on giving him solids for another two months, but a little now and then will be OK.  He would vocally let me know that he wanted more.  So fun.

RAGNAR training day two- 15 minutes of running
I am sore.  I feel like a wuss.  Tomorrow is a cross training day.  I'm going to do pilates and yoga.  I'm going to try the yoga class at the gym.

I love Alexis.  I love Tommy.  I love Michael.  I love Amy.  I love Burke.  I love Steve.

Before I Forget

Sometimes life goes by so fast that I forget things about my kids that I'd like to remember.  I was reminded by my mother-in-law of something Alexis used to do when she was Burke's age, and I can't believe I had forgotten it.  So with that...

• Alexis used to cry when I said, "Alexis, I love you."
• Burke will stop crying instantly when I play ' He Sent His Son' in the car.
• Burke sticks out his bottom lip and cries when someone whistles.  It's very cute.
• Burke "nursed" a banana yesterday.
• Amy has a sweet singing voice.

There will be more to come I'm sure.

First Day Back In School and Day 1

Yesterday was the first day to school after Fall Break.  All three kids received a Principal's List award for making all A's.  The assembly was really long, but I was so happy to see my kids up there with their certificates.  We are back in the swing of things.

RAGNAR training day one- running for 15 minutes
I didn't realize how out of shape I really am.  My legs are like Jell-O.  Unfortunately the Biggest Loser is a great motivator.


I love Alexis' excitement for things.  I love Tommy's love of reading.  I love Michael reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  I love Amy doing pilates.  I love Burke's motor development.  I love Steve's encouragement.

Fall Break

Steve was out of town from last Friday early morning, until Tuesday around 8:30pm.  He  and the other seminary teacher took 9 of his seminary kids to Utah for conference and to tour BYU and see some fun things to do around there.  It was a great experience for the kids, and for Steve too.  They were able to get 10 tickets to the Saturday afternoon session.  What a great memory for them. 

I was home for five days without my main mode of transportation, as Steve needed the van for his trip.  I was planning on watching all of the sessions of conference on the Internet on our TV, but the Saturday morning session didn't work. I was a little bummed because I really didn't want to miss any of it.  I decided to listen to church music instead so I programmed a Mormon Tabernacle Choir station on our Pandora radio.  Then I set the timer for 1 hour and the kids and I went to work cleaning the house and listening to music.  I am sure that I was not meant to watch conference that morning.  I can watch it anytime.  The feeling of peace and harmony in our home that morning was amazing.  I felt the Spirit so strongly and had to hold back tears more than once.  Do you ever have to kind of catch your breath when you think of your kids, like they really took your breath away?  I have.  More than once.  On Saturday, a lot.  I don't know how to describe the love and joy I feel for my kids.  They were so sweet to each other.  They did not argue.  They helped and did not bicker.  They were amazing.  It was a perfect morning.  The Lord knew I needed that, and that if I were watching conference instead, I would have been shushing and ignoring, and putting kids in time out.  They would have been restless and loud.  I needed to feel the Spirit, especially because Steve was gone.  I was able to reflect on that morning for the rest of the time Steve was away, and it helped me a lot.  I did get to watch a little of conference in the afternoon, and the next day, but I wasn't able to really focus because the kids had a bit of cabin fever.  I think I played Chess with Tommy about 50 times, and we all played UNO together a few times.  We kinda watched Fiddler on the Roof.  We watched the rain and hail.  That was fun.  You would have thought it was snowing the kids were so excited.  Burke was a really good boy the whole time.  Amy came into my bed a lot.  Michael wrote and  read a lot.  Alexis set up a school room and taught the little kids.  I think they played school for about 40 hours.  No kidding.  She is a great teacher.  The temperature has been amazing.  Not too hot.  I'm so happy to have Steve home.  I do not want to be a lone parent.  I need his support.  I wouldn't be able to do this on my own.  He is an inspired man, and he guides and leads this family well.

I love Alexis' teaching skills.  I love Tommy's new found chess skills.  I love Michael's map drawing ability.  I love Amy's singing in the rain.  I love Burke's upper body strength.

I've Lost Count and General Conference

I am going to have to recount and start the count down over.

It's been a bit of a busy week, and I have fallen asleep on the couch while nursing Burke just about every night.

Today was a half day for the kids, and it kicked off their Fall Break.  We came home and Tommy and Michael played chess for about four hours.  They all helped me clean the house.  Alexis played school with Amy for a long time, and I was just happy listening to them get along so well while I played with Burke and watched the second half of A&E's Pride and Prejudice (love it).

So this is General Conference weekend.  I really look forward to conference.  It is so uplifting, and relaxing.  I love the talks, and I love the music.  I can't wait to hear what the MoTab performs.  I am so grateful for a prophet on the earth today.  I am grateful for the Atonement, and for our Savior.  I know he loves me how I am with all of my imperfections.  He makes me a better mother and a better wife.  I am grateful for the blessings we receive from the temple.  I can't wait for the spiritual upliftment.

148 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Let's see here.  Mastitis, and pink-eye, and coughing kids.  It is really fun at our house right now.  We have a lot of hand washing going on. 

I woke up early on Saturday feeling great, and around 7:30 I started to have cold chills and achy muscles.  I told Steve that I wasn't feeling right.  By 8:30 I was shaking uncontrollably of cold chills, and I had body aches and a fever.  I googled some things,and decided that it must be mastitis considering all of my symptoms (some of which need not be typed out).  It has really kicked my butt.  I don't get sick often, probably once a year.  So it feels like the flu.  Steve has been so great with the kids.  Burke has been perfect.  I am surprised.  He didn't fuss much at all on Saturday.  He actually slept most of the day with me.I'm better today, but missed church on Sunday.  That is very rare.

This morning Burke woke up with his eye sealed shut with boogers.  Pink-eye it is.  so fun.

Tommy and Michael have been sharing coughs. 

I love Alexis' smart-alick remarks.  I love Tommy's sensitiveness.  I love Michael's stubbornness.  I love Amy's little voice.  I love Burke's bath time.  I love Steve's fathering skills.

the spell check won't turn off!!!

149 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I'm super tired tonight.  Amy had bad dreams, and I ended up sleeping half on her bed and half on the floor last night.  I'm reading Mockingjay.  I'm interested to see how it ends up.

All of the kids love the new video game.  I like watching them play because they help each other out when it's no longer their turn to play.  It is a fun looking game.  I can't play video games.  If I did, nothing, and I really mean nothing would be done around here. 

I love that all of my kids are best friends.  I love that Steve is so willing to serve.

Good Night

150 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I'm better.  I'm not frustrated anymore.  Steve could talk me off any ledge.  I am so glad that one of us is a rational thinker.

Michael earned his reward today.  He had so much fun playing it.  Tommy was invited to a pool party after school and had a great time.  No injuries!  Alexis spent the afternoon with her Grandma Cindy and Great Grandma.  Amy watched Michael play his game.  It was a fun day.

151 Days 'Till Summer Vacation (Rambling)

I am feeling quite frustrated tonight.  I'm wishing there were more things in my control, and that I had the support to do them.  Three things in particular, but only one that I'm really talking about tonight.  I am not a highly educated person.  I don't think I'm dumb, but I didn't do more than a semester of college, and so some of my skills are weak.  I wish I was able to retain what I had been taught in high school.  I wish I had the ability to vocalize my points without getting flustered and emotional.  I wish I could express certain options and be taken serious.  I would like to have my judgment trusted.  I would give up a lot to do some of the things I would like to do.  Not for myself.  I'm not being selfish.  I know the things I want to do for myself will happen one day when my family is grown.  I just want my kids to have the fullest and most productive and highest quality upbringing that I can give them.

The kids had a great day today.  They are happy.  Tommy and I had fun at scouts.  Unfortunately I think all the boys left with hot glue burns.  They'll get the hang it one day.  We made American Indian homes out of popsicle sticks.  It was fun.  The kids worked on homework until about 7:00 and then we watched Dreamer with my mom.  She had been wanting us to see it for a long time, and so she brought it with her from Hawaii.

I love Alexis' gifted mind.  I love Tommy's butter fingers.  I love Michael's improved coloring skills.  I love Amy's "reading" skills.  I love Burke's little ears.  I love Steve's calm thinking.

153 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

We woke-up early to take my mom to the airport so she could go see Cher in Las Vegas.  She'll be there for a few days, and then she'll come back to visit us again.  The kids were really tired, so I took them out of school early.  We went to visit Great Grandma and Grandma  and Grandpa.  It was the first time they've seen Burke happy.  He was in such a good mood the whole time.

We watched Babe for SSFMN.  I think that is a cute movie. 

154 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I took my mom to The Farm at South Mountain for breakfast.  We split the breakfast Monte Cristo.  It was really delicious.  We ran some errands.

I love Alexis' girly side.  I love Tommy's silly side.  I love Michael's sweet side.  I love Amy's cute side. I love Burke's sleepy side.  I love Steve's determined side.

155 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Grandma Nancy is here.  We had a great day.  I was supper tired because Burke didn't sleep well after we got home from the airport. 

I love Alexis, Tommy Michael, Amy, Burke and Steve.

156 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

We had a nice three day weekend.  Steve's mom and Grandma made the move down.  It went pretty smoothly as far as I can tell.  Along with them they brought us a set of couches and a china hutch.  Yay!  It's so good to have them here.  On Monday we finally sold the couches.  Tommy answered the door, and there was a 6'9" tall man and his huge friends, and they were packing heat (carrying a gun).  I got after him for opening the door without checking to see who it was.  They were bounty hunters (like Dog) and bought the couches for their office.  Interesting.

Today Michael was excited to go to school.  He was dressed and ready to go at 7:30. 

My mom flies in from Hawaii tonight at 11:55.  It will be nice to see her.

I love Alexis' smile.  I love Tommy's head shape.  I love Michael's handwriting.  I love Amy's "makeover".  I love Burke's laugh.  I love Steve's love of the temple.

157 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

It's a three day weekend!

Steve's parents and Grandma are officially moving to Phoenix this weekend.  My mom will be here on Tuesday.  Hurray for Grandmas!

SFFMN was a hit.  I didn't make pizza, which I was as sad as the kids.  I didn't plan well.  I took them to Dell Taco instead.  I have promised pizza for tomorrow.

I didn't buy anything for curtain making.  I didn't find anything that I love.  I did find and discount fabric store that I can't wait to go back to.  I am taking Steve with me, because it is too big a decision for me to make alone.

I love Alexis' enthusiasm.  I love Tommy's dance moves.  I love Michael's own little world.  I love Amy's tooshie.  I love Burke's fuzzy hair.  I love Steve's commitment to his family.

158 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I want to put curtains in my family room, over my sliding glass door.  There's a problem though.  The door is not a standard door so I can't buy curtains in the store.  I spoke with a friend about it today and she said that they have to be special ordered.  She actually made her own, which I can do, so I'm going to go to Hobby Lobby with my trusty 40% Off coupon and try to find some fabric that I love and make a panel.  Hers look really nice.  I hope mine turns out.

I've started The Hunger Games.  So far so good.

The kids have been very good today.  They are really being kind to each other.  Mom's attitudes set the tone.

For dinner we ate mac'n'cheese with broccoli and bacon mixed in.  It was yummy. Staying up late tonight to clean...Hurray.

I love Alexis' grown-up side.  I love Tommy's happy helping side.  I love Michael's proud of himself side.  I love Amy's organizing side.  I love Burke's playful side.  I just love Steve.

159 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I think Craigslist is great.  We have purchased a lot of things off there.  We have sold a few things there.  We recently posted a set of couches and have had some hits on it.  A couple came by to look at them, and wanted to buy them, and then they asked us if we had a truck.  What?  You mean you are planning on buying a set of couches off Craigslist without anyway to move them?  Are you kidding.  Steve went out of his way to see how much it would cost to rent a Uhaul, or a Home Depot truck.  They left and we haven't heard from them.  Weird.

We had yummy baked potato night.  Nothing major is going on. 

I love Alexis' desire to help.  I love Tommy's weird noises.  I love Michael's new writing obsession.  I love Amy's excitement of small things.  I love how Burke follows us around the room now.  I love Steve's love for his Grandma.

Oh, I didn't exercise.

160 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

One thing a mom needs to have is a positive attitude.  When we look for the good in our families, we will grow to love them more.  I love the feeling in our home.  I am trying so hard to give each child what they need from me.  The kids are learning that "fair is not equal".  What one of them needs for positive reinforcement may not be what another needs.  They are all so different, and you can't treat them like they should be the same.  I want my home to be a place that  they want to be.  I want them to be best friends with each other.  I love the Julie B Beck talk called "Mothers Who Know".  I've thought about it a lot since she gave it, and I re-read it yesterday.  I strive to be the type of mother she talks about.  I just had that on my mind.

School is going well for the kids.  Amy is missing her playmates. I need to do better.  She is an awesome girl.  Michael was so good to day.  He is behaving better in the mornings and is trying hard to earn his game.  Tommy is not struggling as hard as I though he would be in math.  Alexis is doing great in all areas.  They are both complaining about the testing this week, but that's OK.  They are able to have some mindless time after school to relax.

We had a Pack Meeting tonight.  It was fun.  Tommy earned another bead.  All the kids had fun with the water theme.

I love that Alexis loves to read.  I love how Tommy looks in his scout uniform.  I love that Michael loves Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone.  I love that Amy enjoys her siblings.  I love that Burke smiles so big at his daddy.  I love the way Steve plays with the kids.

Maybe I'll exercise in the morning.

161 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I have set some goals for myself recently.  One of them is to exercise for 40 minutes three times a week.  This morning I finally did it.  I woke up when Steve left for seminary, and looked at my birthday treadmill mocking me in the corner of the room.  I laid back down fully intending to fall back to sleep when the thought came to me "what good are goals if you're not going to try to accomplish them?"  I have so many goals.  I can't do them all at once, but I can do them one at a time.  I rolled out of bed and put on my shoes and socks and I did 30 minutes on the treadmill.  It felt fabulous.  I actually had sweat dripping off of my face.  I haven't had that for a long time.  I didn't run, I did a pre-programmed work out.  I felt very happy after my walk.  I felt good about myself, and felt that I did a good thing. I hope I can remember that feeling on Wednesday when I don't want to wake up.

The kids are doing some benchmark testing this week, so they don't have much homework.  They are doing well.  I received the progress reports on Friday and am very pleased with the grades.

I love Alexis' dinner prep help.  I love Tommy's love for Burke.  I love Michael's bright smile.  I love Amy's need to play.  I love Burke's shining personality.  I love Steve's desire to have his house in order.

162 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I hardly did anything around the house today.  I planned to, but didn't.  I did some cleaning that I wasn't planning on doing.  It's so late right now, that I can barely remember this morning. 

Tomorrow we are having a complete cleaning day.  I want this house looking as good as it did before school started.  I am not afraid to throw things out, either.  I am ready to dejunk the kids rooms.

We went swimming at our good friends house right after school.  That was a fun surprise for the kids.  Then we had pizza with Grandpa, and SSFMN with some other friends. I love having friends over.  The movie we chose for tonight was "Diary of a Wimpy Kid".  It is funny.  Tommy and I had already watched it in the theater, but it was new to everyone else.  Alexis has read all the books, so she was looking forward to seeing the movie. 

Today is Burke's 10 week birthday. I took a picture, but will load it later.

It's late.

I love Alexis' creative mind.  I love Tommy's laugh.  I love that Michael learned how to doggy paddle today.  I love Amy's girly attitude.  I love Burke's belly.  I love Steve's work ethic.

163 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Where is Michael's homework packet?  That's what I'd like to know.  My best guess is that it is in the trash and now at the dump.  Too bad for him.  He needs to learn responsibility, and right now grades don't mean much to him.

We had a bunch of boys over for dinner tonight.  It was fun.  I've had a glimpse into what my future holds.

I think Alexis broke two toes.  Burke has been asleep for a few hours.  Amy is so sweet.  Tommy is active.  Michael is a great Airbender. Steve is great at folding laundry.

164 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

I had a call from the school first thing this morning.  I am always a little nervous when the school calls because it usually means someone's hurt.  Well this morning it was Tommy's teacher informing me that she would like to have Tommy attend the fourth grade class for math instruction. That means that Tommy would actually be doing fifth grade work since they are on an accelerated curriculum.  I told her that it was OK with me if he wasn't already too far behind, and if he wanted to do it.  We'll see how it goes. 

I went to a meeting at the school today for a drug prevention program we are hoping to implement in our school called notMYkid.  It actually made me want to home school more than ever.  I'm scared for my kids and what they will be exposed to in the future.  I pray everyday that they will be safe and make good choices, and make good friends that will help them through life, not hurt them.  I just want my kids to be safe and successful.  I want them to be strong.  I want them to grasp tightly to the gospel.  I want them to live what is right, not just know what is right.  I will never say that "it could never happen to my kid".  I know that things happen and you honestly never know what to expect.  I know I can't control their choices, and that they have agency.  I want them to know that there are lasting consequences for every action they choose.  I want them to know that repentance is a wonderful gift from our Savior.  I hope they know that they have earthly parents who love them.  I hope they know that they have Heavenly parents who love them.  I want to be able to protect them at all times, but I can't.  As much as I hate to admit it, I can't do it all.  All I can do is teach them.

165 'Till Summer Vacation

Burke had his two month check-up today.  He is 11 lbs 15.75oz and 24 inches.He is a sweet baby.  When he smiles it makes my day.He had three shots, so he's a little sad.  His legs hurt. Scouts was crazy.  School was great.  Michael's teacher sent a thank you note home for parent volunteer time.  That was sweet.  I'm proud of him working so hard to earn his video game. Alexis is reading the Ramona books.  Tommy is re-reading the Percy Jackson books.  Life is good.  Yummy chili and cornbread for dinner.  I've chosen something fun to do with Alexis.  She will love it, but I'm not telling her what it is until we arrive there.  It won't be for a few months, anyway.

166 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

The morning routine went off without a hitch today.  We even had time to play before school!  I love smooth mornings.  The afternoon also went well.  I think it has a lot to do with Monday being a no video game day. We had a great FHE.

I had a nice diaper mess to clean today.  Actually, it was a lack of diaper mess on my family room rug. Yuck.  My good friend was kind enough to let me borrow her carpet cleaner.  Next time I'll remember to put the new diaper on Burke before I turn away to give Amy a kiss.

I've been thinking of a few friends I haven't talked to in a while.  I need to stop in for a visit.

I think our ward Primary presidency is doing a really great job.  Thank you all so much for all you do for our kids!

167 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

It's the end of another school week.  Things are going well. 

Tonight for SFFMN we watched Big Fat Liar.  The kids really liked it.  Grandpa Dave came over for pizza.  It was so good.  I really love pizza.

I had time to clean the kids bathroom today.  It was way overdue.  Too bad it won't last until Monday.

168 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Today was a great day.  There wasn't anything special about it, it was just great.  Michael and Alexis were dropped off at school, and then I took Tommy to see an Endocrinologist.  Good news there.  There isn't a problem with his hormones, he'll just have a late growth spurt as a teenager.  If in a few years he seems extremely short, then we'll see about doing something.  For now the gluten-free diet is all we need to worry about.  His lab work showed that he has normal levels of the Celiac antibody, which means we've been doing an excellent job keeping gluten- free.

Michael earned his sticker.  It's nice that his teacher is in on the plan and can remind him when he needs it.

Alexis needs some one on one Mom time.  I'm trying to come up with something.

Amy and I had fun playing together today.

I think Burke is actually on a schedule.  He is quite consistent with his sleep now.  Hurray!

Steve went to play b-ball for the first time in a really long time.  I'm really glad he did.  He needs to get out of here once in a while.  Working at home is great, but he rarely gets "Steve Time".

Can't wait for SSFMN!

"Quotes"

Steve: If you're a princess, what does that make me?
Amy: Happy.

That little girl does make us so happy.


.

No School

I'm not sure whether or not non-school days are included in how long the school year is, so I'm not going to count down on those days. We'll probably end up way off at the end of the year.

Today the kids didn't have school.  We had a fun time together.  I would love to have days like this everyday.  We had a productive morning which included laundry getting done and rooms picked up and the week's homework packets finished. We had lunch at our good friends home, and then went swimming in their pool.  (Thanks Suze).

We have Netflix on our Wii.  I recently added the show Man vs Wild to our instant queue.  Tommy loves it.  It grosses him out, but he thinks it's cool at the same time.

Burke is two months old today. He is sleeping much better and not eating quite as often.  He's crying less, too.  He laughed his first laugh today.  It was really cute.

I love that Alexis loves to read.  I love that Michael loves to draw. I love that Tommy is hilarious.  I love that Amy is caring and kind.  I love that Burke has brown hair.  I love that Steve loves the gospel.

169 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Today was super.  Michael was great.  Didn't get any housework done.  Had a good scout activity.  I love brown rice.  No school tomorrow!

170 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Who You Callin' Stubborn?

Michael, that's who.  This morning he flat out refused to go to school.  He practically jumped out of the van as I was backing out of the driveway.  He said he wanted to play.  I told him that if he didn't go to school, he wouldn't be playing.  I sat him in a chair in the front room and had him face the wall.  That is where he was to stay.  Amy and I took the kids to school and came home and he was still in the chair.  Steve said that he hadn't made a sound.  (Steve works from home, bytheway.  I don't leave my 5 year old son home alone.)  I fed Burke, and let Amy watch a show.  I kept thinking of what I might be able to do to get him to go to school without it sounding like we were murdering him.  I emailed his teacher, and she said that he is fine in school, and doesn't get in trouble, and that he gives her hugs.  She didn't have an idea of why he wouldn't want to go.  So I decided to come up with and incentive program for Michael, and his teacher is in on it.  Between now and  September 15th he will get to put a sticker on the calendar for each day he goes to school with a good attitude, and without getting into any trouble at school.  On the 15th, if he hasn't missed a day of stickers I will buy him the Lego Harry Potter game for the Wii.  He was happy with that deal, and I took him to Walmart to pick out his stickers, and then took him to school.   So now I've been thinking.  I don't think he is stubborn at all.  I think he is a master negotiator. 


Oh Yummm...

On Saturday we bought a lot of produce. We bought Olathe, Colorado corn, red bell peppers, and Hatch green chiles.  It was money well spent. We spent the weekend shucking, chopping and roasting.  The house smells delicious.  The kids had a fun time helping out, and I think it was a good family activity.

Alexis Gets a Haircut

Alexis finally let me give her a haircut.  It looks so cute.

Burke Eight Weeks Old

                                      

I think blurry pictures work best

171 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

Michael had a really hard time this morning.  I had to walk him to class because he wouldn't get out of the van.  It was the first day he cried going to school.  It broke my heart.  His teacher helped him go in the the classroom, and I had to leave without saying good bye because it would have only made things worse.  He had a great day after that. 

For tonight's movie I chose The Land Before Time.  I loved that movie when I was little.  The pizza was extra-delicious tonight.  There's none left.

Burke napped well again today, and slept through the night again last night.  I'm hoping we've turned a new leaf with him, but I'm not going to jinx it.  He laughed today.

While he was napping I scrubbed the dining area floor.  My muscles are sooo big now!  (and the floor looks good too.)

172 Day's Left 'Till Summer Vacaion

I love visiting teaching.

Burke slept through the night last night (9-5), and took good naps today.  The past two days have been much better.

Tomorrow is Friday.  I need to find a SFFMN movie for the kids.  Something they haven't seen before, and not lame.  I love pizza night. 

I am glad the kids like school. The teachers are great.  Thank you teachers for teaching my kids!  It's a hard job.

173 Day's 'Till Summer Vacation

It was a great day today.  School was fun for everyone.  Unfortunately I forgot to have lunch with Michael, so I will be doing that tomorrow.  No one whined about homework or reading. 

Amy and I had fun with math today.  A wonderful thing happened today.  Burke had a four hour nap.  It was so great.  I was able to clean the tile and grout in the kitchen (the reason I forgot to have lunch with my boy).  It looks so good that Tommy asked if I mopped.  I said "nope, I scrubbed".  He noticed, so it must look different.  After that I was able to fold a few loads of laundry. 

Everyone is bathed, watching The Last Air Bender.  Super Day.

5 Things I Would Have Liked To Throw $120 Away On

1.  As much Moda fabric as it could buy, about 12 yards

2.  The Reebok butt shaping shoes

3.  New clothes from Eddie Bauer

4.  An overpriced hair cut and style

5.  Putting it through a paper shredder

What did I waste it on?  I'm not ready to talk about it publicly, yet.  It still hurts.

174 Days "Till Summer Vacation

All of the kids have homework today.  They all had a great day at school.  Michael was able to choose a prize from the treasure box, because he had good behavior all last week.  He was very happy about that. 

Amy and I ran some errands this morning.  Just regular groceries, nothing fun.  My co-den leader came over and we planned the next few months of activities for our Wolf Pack. 

Tonight we had an ice cream party for FHE.  We were celebrating the completion of reading the Book of Mormon as a family, and not missing a day of reading for a year.  We feel like it was a big accomplishment, and that the kids should have a treat.

Today was a great day.

Burke Seven Weeks Old

We love this baby.

175 Day's "Till Summer Vacation

The first week of school has come to an end.  The kids were all happy as they came out to the van. They were allowed to wear their school spirit shirts today instead of polo's.  I think it was a great first week of school.  I was surprised that Michael didn't cry at all.  I really expected him to.  Tommy cried every day for a month in kindergarten, and continued to groan about school until it was out for the summer.  Michael has had a great time.  Alexis is thriving.  She loves school.  We have had our pizza, and the kids are watching their movie.

Amy and I didn't have preschool today.  We went with Steve to pick up his latest Craigslist find.  It's a bookshelf for his office.  It's beautiful, and was only $25.  There is something to be said about buying quality used items instead of junky new ones.  Besides, it's all used after a week.

not a great picture

176 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

The kids were happy to go to school today.  Amy, Burke and I had lunch with Michael and Alexis.  They run the lunch schedule like a machine.  I was surprised at how they time the kids to eat and then shuffle them out the door into the 114 degree heat to have recess.  It's a good thing that they all are allowed to have water bottles in class.  Tommy came home upset, and wants to home school.  Too bad.  I'd love to, but Steve is so against it.  I went to the first PTO meeting tonight.  They have great things planned for the year.  I'm going to  help out as much as I can.  With three kids there, I need to be more involved.  I'm also going to contact the Gifted specialist to see what help she needs.  I did my first teacher help for the year for Michael's teacher.  She needed some laminated name tags cut apart.  Michael is learning some cute songs in class.  Amy and I worked on a Memory card game.  She is really good, and gets so excited to get her match.  Burke wasn't so fussy today, but he is now, so I need to put him to bed.  Last night he went down at 9:00, and woke up at 12:30, and 2:00, and 4:30, and 6:30.  It was a long night.  I'm surprised I functioned at all today.  Steve is was told that he is a strict and mean seminary teacher.  I actually think that's pretty funny.  I'm the strict mean one.  Tomorrow I hope to get the floor mopped, and some clothes folded.  We seem to have a never ending mountain of laundry.  I don't get it.  The kids are looking forward to Super Fun Friday Movie Night.  It's something we've done for the past four years and I don't think we've missed more than 5 Friday's.  They all count on it.  I make pizza, and show them a movie, usually one they've never seen before.  I've picked a few of my childhood favorites, and a lot of new ones.  They were all scared of An American Tail.  OK, I'm rambling now. 

I need sleep, and so does my baby.

177 Days "till Summer Vacation!

They all had a great day today.  Just a teeny bit of homework for each of them.  Michael asked me to come to lunch with him tomorrow!  Amy and I practiced handwriting, and she's pretty good.  Burke took good naps.  I have a clean kitchen.  It was a good day.

I keep apologizing to Steve about things being out of order around here.  Burke's eating at random times, and not on a great nap schedule.  He seems to want to eat when I'm in the middle of cooking, or cleaning, or shopping, or being awake.  Lucky for me Steve is knows that my first job is the kids.

Sweet Blog

I just found this super sweet, and adorable blog.  You should, too.

Only 178 School Days 'Till Summer Vacation!

Yesterday was the first day of school for our kids.  It was harder for me than it was for them.  I'm not one of those moms who can't wait for their kids to get back to school.  I really miss them when they're gone.  Michael went right into Kindergarten with no problem.  He asked me not to walk him to class today, because Tommy was going to do it.  Alexis is so social that she was happy to see all of her friends again.  Tommy and Alexis both have teachers that they've had before, so they weren't nervous.  Most of the kids in their classes are the same as the past few years.  It's so routine to them that it wasn't a big deal... for them.  I felt that the house was too quiet.  I felt like pieces of me were missing, especially while at the grocery store.  I feel like I have less and less time to teach them how to be good people, and that they are influenced more by outside sources.  Before I know it they will be moving out going to college. I know what a huge responsibility it is to raise these children for the Lord.  I'm so thankful for that responsibility.  I love these kids.  I'm realizing how important FHE is to our home.  I'm happy that we have it every week.  It's time to have deeper gospel centered conversations.  I'm grateful for our daily family scripture study, and the strength it gives them each day.  I'm grateful for family prayer. I really just can't wait for school to be out so that I have my kids home with me.

I'm so happy that Amy is still home.  She and I are doing at home pre-school.  She is a fun and neat little girl.  Today I taught her how to put laundry on hangers. She did a great job.  Burke is sweet baby.  I love his smile.  I also love watching  his bottom lip when he cries.  It is one of the cutest things ever.  Even he seems to be growing faster than I'd like.  Seven weeks on Friday?!

P.S.  I love school uniforms!

Time Passing Right Before My Eyes

There's not time to say all that I would like to, right now.  I love being a mom.  I love being a wife.  I am so in love with my husband.  I love our new addition. I love my big kids, and my bigger kids. I'm not ready for school to start on Monday.  Crying while getting uniforms ready.  Looking forward to time with Amy and Burke.  Praying my kids will be safe and successful.  Wishing there was more time in the day.  Hoping that one day there will be a balance between all of my want to's. Wanting my to do list to actually get done. 

Feeling so blessed. Loving my life.

Alexis' Hard Work Pays Off

Alexis has been wanting a Nintendo DS for a long time.  We told her that she could buy one with her own money.  For months she has been working hard to earn money to buy one, and she had been very discouraged because they cost so much.  Her goal was to save enough by Christmas.  Well, thanks to her hard work and Craig'sList, she has her DS.  She found an almost new one for $50.  It came with a few games, and she had enough money left over to go to Game Stop and buy a game she has been wanting.  We are so proud of her hard work and determination.  She had been tempted to buy other toys and things, but realized how hard she would have to work to earn that money back.  She is just as happy with a "new" used one as she would have been with a new one. 

Introducing...

Burke Ryan Winn

7 lbs 6 oz

June 18, 2010

We are doing great! 

One Belly Shot Won't Hurt!

33 weeks tomorrow! Seven weeks to go!

Steve Caught a Lizard, and I Made Jam!

We have little lizards all over the wall of our back yard.  They are really fast and hard to catch.  We have been trying to catch one for about a year without any luck, but with a few squished lizard heads.  Yesterday Steve was mowing the lawn and came in the house with a lizard.  The kids were so happy.  They have been asking for a pet for a long time, and now they have one.

While Steve was playing Crocodile Hunter, Alexis, Amy and I made strawberry jam with the $.88 per pound strawberries I bought on Tuesday.  It was the last day of the sale so I didn't get enough to make more than one batch of jam, but it was pretty fun.  Steve already gave one jar to a home teaching family.   Tomorrow is the Father and Sons campout, so while all the guys are gone we girls are going to make blackberry jam with our sale berries!

Tommy's Baptism

Tommy had his baptism on Saturday.  It was a great day.  Steve baptised and confirmed him.  Alexis gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost.  Kelley and Mark did a very sweet rendition of a baptism song.  It was such a nice program.  Thanks to everyone else who helped out and participated in the day!

Michael turns Five

My sweet, sweet boy turned five this month.  I love this kid so much.  He is such a fun, sweet, and stuborn boy.  He has amazed me with his ability to build spaceships with Legos.  He has a very creative mind.  He has the best smile.  I'm so happy that we get to be his family!

He chose to have Strawberry Shortcake.  This is the before strawberries shot.

Mr. T Turns 8 and Pinewood Derby

I didn't take any pictures of Tommy on his birthday.  I know, it's sad.  He had a great day, however.  I picked him and his friend up from school a little early and took them to see the movie Diary of a Whimpy Kid.   Tommy has read all the books and really wanted to see it.  It was pretty funny.  The boys loved it.  It reminded me a little of the tv show The Wonder Years.  After the movie we came home for pizza, cake and gifts.  He told me it was the best day.  I'm so happy.  I love that kid so much.

Now that Tommy's eight, he is in Cub Scouts.  His first scouting experience was the Pinewood Derby, held on April 10th.  He and Steve worked really hard on the car, and it looked very good.  All the boys at the derby had a great time, and Tommy was so excited that he made a race car. 

Bytheway, he looks so stinkin' cute in his little scout uniform.  I can't stand it.  I want to squeeze him.

Finished Quilt

I started this quilt in April 2009.  I am really happy with it because it was by my own design.  I was so excited to quilt it, but a little nervous.  I made a decent attempt of stitching in the ditch, and hated the way it turned out.It puckered up in a lot of places.  I did what any other sane person would do, and I picked out all of the stitches.  Thousands of them.  Then I put the quilt top away for about 10 months so I wouldn't have to look at it.   Well, I've been practicing free motion quilting on my machine and finally felt confident enough to try it on a real quilt.  I am very happy with the result, and can't wait to give it to BabyVoldemort in June (even though it will be about 110 degrees when he arives).

My design

unquilted

quilted and bound

close-up of the stippling

front and back together

my 30 something year old sewing machine, never meant for quilting

Do Over

We painted the family room and dining area soon after we moved into the house.  Steve has not been happy with the colors chosen, and so finally he decided to redo all of it.  So, instead of brown, now we have blue.  I am not a fan of blue, but it works and looks nice.  It really brightens up the room.  We've also decided to paint the rest of our white walls.  We've done one and a half in a tanish color.  I love it.  The best part is, I get to buy more fabric for new curtains!  So here are some before and after shots done with my not so great camera.

Before

After

Our one painted wall.

Baby Voldemort

Many of you know the deal that Steve and I have when it comes to naming the kiddos.  I choose the girl names, and Steve chooses the boy names.  So far it has been even, but I'm starting to loose ground.  Never did I imagine that I would have any boys, let alone three boys (hence the deal).  I have been getting a little impatient and anxious waiting for Steve to choose a name this time.  He has given a lot of joke names, that I don't think are funny such as Eldrick ( Tiger Woods real name).  I have tried to pin him down, but he is not commiting because we still have about 12 weeks to go.  So, lately he has been asking the kids what they would like to name their brother.  For some reason Alexis keeps calling him Warren.  Tommy and Amy don't have any suggestions, but have a lot of objections.  Michael has decided that the baby's name will be Baby Voldemort.  I asked him why he wants to have such a bad guy name for his brother.  He said "Because I like bad guys, and because he will be bald like Voldemort, and if he has two tongues and is half snake he will look like Voldemort."  I told him that if the baby has two tongues and is half snake, that we will absolutely name the baby Voldemort. 

                                                                      Ahh, ain't he sweet?