My day off...not really, more like mother/daughter bonding time!

This morning Red and I went to meet my mom at our half way point between the two houses. Lots of shopping places! I burned a whole through my Christmas money and bought a bunch of new shirts for me! I think I have about $20 left. I also got my hair cut :) It was a really good day with my mom and Red. Even though I bought stuff for the two older kids because I missed them so much. Only having Red was like being childless. At least for me it felt that way. I also saw a friend from Highschool that was really cool. We had a yummy lunch at Olive Garden so I am so stuffed I haven't eaten dinner. I am definitely ready for bed! Tomorrow I am helping out in GG's class for the Valentine's party so Red and I will be missing playgroup this week. But we still have Bible study on Wednesday morning. I think I am going to take this Bible study again. IT is AWESOME!!! It is called Entrusted with a Child's Heart. Isn't that title so true of mothers and their children's hearts?!?! GG had a moment the other night when she didn't get her way and so she threw a fit. She knows that is unacceptable behavior and she needs to use words to get her point across. Long story short she had to go to bed. After she had calmed down I went in and we talked about her behavior and what was wrong and how she could change it for next time. Then we prayed together. Her words still ring through my head they were so precious. She said, "Dear God, please forgive me for my sin of yelling and screaming. Help me to obey my mom and dad and not act in a bad way like I did tonight. Amen." I had to kiss her and leave the room because I was tearing up she was so sincere. She has such a sweet heart.

Sunday!

J had today off and so we spent most of the day hanging out with his family. They are so great. We had an awesome lunch. Now we are home getting everyone ready for bed. J and I have been talking about our trips for this year. We are going to go visit our new nephew who lives in another state and his parents too:) Then J is going to Canada with his dad near the end of summer and then the big trip to Disney world!!! I can't wait to go to Disney that is going to be so much fun!

Red has learned yet another new thing! It is amazing how fast he learns things. When we nurse the last couple of days he has been pointing to my nose and then my mouth. So I tell him "nose" and "mouth". Well now when he is not nursing if I ask him where is mommy's nose he will point to it. Same thing with my mouth. Very cool. I love watching him learn new things. Actually I love watching all my kids learn new things.

Bathtime fun!

This morning J went to help keep an eye on some students taking the ACT (I think it was that one!) test. I knew that today was going to be a long day because we were only going to get to see him for about 2 hours. I saved GG's homework for today that she did this morning then I gave the kids a bubble bath because we had all the time in the world today! It was funny because they came out all wrinkly. It was actually the first time REd took a bath with his brother and sister...there are pictures. Red's schedule has gotten more predictable that I am able to do more with pictures now so we'll see how long that lasts.

Couldn't resist

She was reading to Red while I was cleaning up the kitchen after lunch. It was too sweet I had to take a picture and share right away!

My dad the NUT!

Right now he is in Florida at Disney World with my step-mom and some of his siblings and their spouses. Yeah I know, we are going there in what 8 months. He has called me twice since he has been there. The first time I didn't get the phone so he left a message saying that I needed to call him back because he had something important to tell me. I called him and this is what he said, "Just wanted to let you know we are not going to get the kids anything." Then he called again a few days later to tell me the exact same thing. My dad is a goof like this and what he is really saying is, "Just wanted to tell you know we will be bringing home gifts for the kids. So make a date to come over so we can give them to our grandkids." My dad travels quite frequently either with work or pleasure and this is what he does EVERYTIME! The kids have come to know that when grandpa says he didn't get them anything that they have something waiting for them at his house. He can't resist buying them things when he leaves town actually he can't resist buying them things when he is in town. All they have to say is Grandpa can I have .... fill in the blank with what they want and he gets it. The funny part is that he is always asking us if he is spoiling them or if they know he loves them. I say no to spoiling because they don't ask for stuff all the time usually because he already has something for them! And yes to they know he loves them.

Sentimental...

I just got done cleaning the kitchen after lunch and thought I would update real quick. GG is reading with J. I think back to last year when she was in preschool and was sounding out words. I can't believe how fluently she is reading. Where did that little girl who was sounding out simple words go? Now Monkey is starting to sound out words. They are growing up too fast.

The reason for the title of this post is because last night my dough print of Monkey's hand got broken, by the Monkey. He was only 17 months old when we made it and it makes me sad because I will never have that little Monkey hand again. He was so sad, too. He started crying and asked if we could make another one just like it. I had to explain to him that he is bigger now so I can't make the hand small like it was. It was hard to handle his sadness with mine. But I just told him it is better to have the print broken then the actual Monkey broken. I think he was so sad because he liked putting his now big hand over the smaller one to see how big he has gotten. I am going to have to make some more of those prints because he will still get bigger!

New things

Right now the kids are sitting at the breakfast bar doing their homework. Monkey's is something I made for him to do because HE WANTS HOMEWORK! I thought this would be a great time to update. Oh yeah Red is on my lapping watching my hands type and occasionally trying to type too! Red has been doing some new things lately. He has learned to put the ball into his gumball machine he got for Christmas! He doesn't quite get that he has to pull the handle to let it come back out but I have a feeling he will learn that soon. He has started to shack his head up and down for YES and sideways for NO. I don't believe he really knows that is what it means but it is fun to watch him imitate us! Lastly he has gotten his first tooth! It finally broke through on the 4th of February. I will end with saying I CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER! Enough of the snow already. I just dislike being cold :)

Twinkle Twinkle little moon.

Wow I can't believe the last time I posted was 3 days ago, where oh where did the time go? We had much fun on J days off with jumps and jiggles, church lunch and super bowl. Yesterday was my catching up game because we weren't home most of J's days off, you know laundry and cleaning. Today we had playgroup at our house and we made Valentine's cards for the daddy's. We put foot prints on paper and we are going to have a little saying write on the card. The foot prints turned out really good so I think the daddy's will like it. This afternoon the two bigger kids did prints of their hands and feet which turned out really good as well. I am really excited about it. As for the title of this post that is what Monkey was singing today ALL day long. Twinkle twinkle little moon you look like a shiny spoon. Up above the world so high like a piece of cheese in the sky. Twinkle twinkle little moon you look like a shiny spoon. On a side note: Red is wearing slippers today! They are so cute and he is really funny with them. They have sponge Bob on them so he keeps grabbing at them. To funny!

A totally AMAZING day!

Friday was the most amazing day! We had such a fun filled day. We got up and headed to Navy Pier, to the children's museum we got there right when it opened at 10am. We went at the children's pace so that they could do everything they wanted to do. However, we did have to convince them to leave a couple of rooms so they could see all the other cool stuff, it is 3 floors! So this is what we did...first we walked around and played in the Monkey King room. Then headed to the water works room were the kids had a blast playing with water. Red was so excited to watch the water shoot up that he almost jumped out of my arms. We pulled them out of that room by telling them about the robot exhibit. Which was really cool, my favorite part of that room was a table that had domino's that you could set up and then dock down but it had different gadgets to make it all work. When you sat down it said to have everyone help and work as a team. We called ourselves "Team Incredible" the first time we set it up GG docked it over then the second time was Monkey's turn. We got them to leave that room by telling them it was time to eat. The kids wanted McDonalds and us adults wanted something else so J got our food with Red and I took the other two to get their food. The line was super duper long but they were so good. We stood in line for about 15 minutes. We decided that they did such a great job behaving in line we would get them ice cream. Oh another cool thing that happened at lunch was that we saw a girl from Western. She looked familiar to me but I knew I didn't have any classes with her so I pointed her out to J and he just looked at me like, "I know I know her but I can't place her name or from where" I said I think she is from college. He agreed that was probably the place but he wouldn't go up to her so I did. Yep they had classes together. So that was pretty neat. After lunch, back to the museum to go into the room called Tree House Playhouse (I think that was what it was called) then to the Playmaze room that had a bus and car and grocery store in it to imagine you are doing different things. Like GG and I played store and she was the cashier and I was the customer. Then to get ice cream and we sat and watched the little play in the middle of Navy Pier. It was a pirate play and it was really cute and the kids really liked it. Then back to the museum and the kids climbed the rope tunnel and then built houses with huge tinker type toys. We went into the tots room to see what was going on in there and they had playdough and goo, which was fun as you can imagine. Then to the backyard room where each of the kids got to put their faces on a bee, butterfly or beetle. GG and I also dressed up as Butterflies and ran around the room pretending to eat flowers! Then we went into the inventing room. The kids went down the piano slide and Red thought that was the coolest thing ever. He liked the music it made. We invented things together as a family and then individually. It was so fun. We had the kids measured and GG and Monkey are 4 inches apart in height and Red is 2ft 4 inches making him 11 inches shorter than his big brother. Then we went to dig for dinos! Monkey stuck his head in the bones of a dino's face it was pretty funny. It looked like it had eaten Monkey! The last stop we made which was on the way out because the museum was closing was the room with the ambulance and firefighter stuff. It also had a phone you can use to practice calling 911. The child pushes the number then listens for the questions and answers them, it had an adult phone on the side so you could listen to the questions to make sure your child was answering them right. Pretty cool. We were going to stay for dinner and go to Joe's Be-bop Cafe because there was a jazz band playing but we were all tired. Though we did stay for one last show of a magician. He asked for volunteers and GG raised her hand and he called her to come up. It was hilarious the things he was having her do. She had a lot of fun being up infront of everyone it was fun to watch her listen so intently to what he told her to do. For instance he told her to hold the wand straight out and keep it still. She made sure it was out and still. Then she was done and he did other things and got a couple more volunteers, cute twin boys. Then he asked once again for a volunteer and before he could even say what he wanted them for Monkey raised his hand. So he had him go up there and told him he wanted Monkey to ride the unicycle. Monkey's face was priceless! He of course didn't ride it but he had him do a fun tester. He was to pull on the string of one stick and the other one would go up and that is the way you could tell if they were having fun. He came out into the audience and tested some kids then he walked over to J and asked him if he was having fun. He said, "yes" then he tested him and it didn't work. It was very funny. After the show we left and came home to eat. I nursed Red while J and the kids played a board game before bed. Like I said it was an amazing day! We had great family fun.

Hair Cut

I thought that I could cut GG hair...well I should really leave it to the professionals. I wanted to only cut about a forth of an inch well I ended up cutting way more than that. It was due to the fact that she wasn't exactly sitting still and so I would mess up then have to make the rest even. Oh well it looks cute. Shorter then I wanted it but still cute.

Whirlwind of thoughts.

As I sit here ready to post I can't decide what I want to talk about first! I think I will talk about the funeral. As weird as this may sound it was really an interesting learning experience for me. We don't really get together with Joe's (dad-in-laws) side much, I got to meet so many of J's relatives. I also got to learn more about my father-in-law as a child with pictures and home videos. Of course, it was a little stressful with the kids but we were complimented on how well they behaved during the service...even though they were bugging the heck out of me. They weren't talking but they were very fidgety. I know they were board but there really isn't much *fun* things you can do at a funeral. Hind sight being 20/20 I wish we would of stuck to our original plan and took them to school instead. They were absolutely amazing during the wake but it wasn't so structured. Another cool thing that happened was the gospel was presented by Joe. Today the kids went to school for the last time this week. GG got a new reading book. I was so impressed by her yesterday she read the word "everything", that is a really long word! Monkey got homework today...he is learning to write his last name. On the homework was a website and I went on it to print out some more pages for him to practice on. That site was absolutely awesome. The kids and I played on it for awhile. It had so many things on it I bookmarked it! Tomorrow J has the day off so we are planning something special. Then I put the kids down for their naps and started messing around with a website for pictures. I have some pictures on it. I am having a hard time keeping up with the kids each having their own sites. So I think I am going to go this route instead. I was thinking for awhile of putting pictures on here but I just want to keep it a journal.

Special Helper

Today at school GG got to be the Bible teacher's special helper. She was so excited about it last night that I didn't think she was ever going to fall asleep. I guess this is something new they just started and she was the second one chosen. She has really excelled this year in school. I can't believe she is reading. It is so cool to listen to her read!!! This was what she read today for homework...

Mother had to ask Pam to help.
The task is to help Bill.
Pam must give Bill his lunch.
The lunch is in the cup.

Pam has a mug, too.
Milk is in the mug.
It is fun to help Bill.
Bill is glad.
Pam is glad to help Mother and Bill.

It is absolutely amazing to hear her read this, I don't think I was doing this type of reading until I was at least in 1st grade. She has also made some really good friends. She is my little extrovert :)

We are about ready to go to a wake for J's aunt who passed away a couple of days ago. We have prepared the children for what is going to take place. GG is so sweet she wanted to color a picture to put in the casket...she has never even met this aunt. We decided it would be a better idea to color one for grandpa because it was his sister. She hates to see people sad so it should be interesting to see her compassion come out today to people she hasn't met before or only once before. She is so caring towards others...just one of the reasons I love that little girl so much!!!

Lessons learned...

The first was something J and I learned about Red. He does not like dogs. We were at the Irwin's house and their neighbors came over to show them their new dog. J took Red over to the dog so he could get a closer look. Red started to cry. I just thought it was a fluke because the door was opened and I thought he was cold. Well then on Saturday we went to my dad's house and they have a dog. Red watched her the whole time we were there. The dog even jumped up on the couch we were sitting on and then jumped back down, Red started shacking and then cried, that completely freaked him out. Then last night the kids and I were watching America's Funniest Home Videos and they had a segment with dogs...Red cried when he saw them. I am really hoping he will out grow that because during the summer when we are outside there are tons of dogs that walk down our street and Jack (our neighbor) feeds them and usually lets the kids do it!

The second lesson learned was for GlamorGirl. That is you have unacceptable behavior at school you will have to ask for forgiveness. Friday she spent the day in KAP J was subbing and she wanted to stay. I thought I'll just stick around for the pep assembly...I really wanted to see a pep assembly at a Christian school. So I brought Monkey lunch at school and had him take a nap with the kids who stay all day. While he was sleeping I went to see GG to do her reading with her. Wanted to get it done because we were going to the I's for dinner. Well this is when she was bad. She started screaming and throwing a fit...I know...I know my little girl? But she is so sweet. Well she let out some true colors that day. All of the teachers in that wing stopped class to come check out the noise in the hallway. They thought someone was being hurt. No it was just GG not wanting to read the right lesson, and being stubborn. I told her she could do the right homework now or we can just do it at home. I finally got her settled down with help from her teacher telling her that she is suppose to do the lesson I had told her. She did do her reading homework but today she had to go to each teacher and ask them to forgive her for disrupting their classes. It was hard for her but I was very proud of her for doing it because it was the right thing to do. They all gave her a hug after she said in the sweetest little voice, "I'm sorry for screaming and interrupting your class." I think she will think twice before she throws another fit like that one in public. Life is learning.

The brain sucker!

J was rubbing Monkey's head and told him it was a brain sucker, do you know what it is doing? Monkey shock his head no. J said, "Starving" Then he asked Monkey if that meant he had no brains? Monkey said, "Yes, I have no brains." I stepped in and said, "That's not true. You have brains in your head." So J looked into his ears. And said I don't see any brains but I see popcorn. Remember the day I was pulling popcorn out of his ear?!?! We all just laughed. Then J looked again and said, "I do see some brains in there!" What goofs:)

Grandparents

Today we came over to my dad's house and on the way there we talked about the kids great grandparents who passed away last year. It turned into a conversation about divorce because GG wanted to know why she had so many grandparents and why my mom and dad didn't have the same last name. I didn't think I was going to having this conversation with her...ever. But I did.

The last couple of nights we had fun, Thursday night we went to Starbucks after we dropped the kids off at Cubbies. It was the one our babysitter works at and so she got us a good deal. She is a really great kid. Very talented artist too. Then last night we went over to the I's house...GG's future in-laws! One of the twins likes her and so does the one her age. I honestly wouldn't have a problem if they got married. We had a good time talking while the kids played.

Movie recommendation: Sky High. It was a really cute/cheesy kids movie that had no bad words. It was rated PG which we don't really let the kids watch but after we watched it we both agreed that it is an acceptable movie for our children.

Our day

Oh my goodness I was not happy with GG this morning. She woke up at 6am wanting to watch tv, I told her to go back to bed because she had another 1 1/2 to sleep before we needed to get up and get ready for school. Of course, she didn't go back to bed but started playing with her polly pockets. Now it wouldn't be such a big deal, but today is a really long day for a girl who normally goes to be at 7:30 at the latest, she has Cubbies tonight and that doesn't end until 8:30. I told her that after school she was going to have to take a nap...guess how long it took her to finally "let herself" fall asleep? I say "let herself" because she was completely fighting it. I put her down at 1 and she went to sleep at 3, yes 2 hours she laid in her bed calling out and telling me she had already slept. For some reason she thinks that she can take a nap for 10 minutes! I haven't made her take a nap in almost a year now, she does normally have to take rests on Thursdays but since she was up so early I *made* her take one. Her Cubbie leaders will thank me. So it is now after 4 and she hasn't even started her homework and she is sleeping right now. After I post I am going to go wake her up and have her do the homework which will take all the time before dinner. That is ok tonight because we are having a pot roast so I can work with her and not have to be doing other things...and J is home to tend to the boys. Monkey and I just got done playing Mr. Mouth, it is a really cute game the kids got for Christmas, J took Red to the movie store for some Daddy and Red time so I got out some playdough for Monkey so I could update. I love listening to him play and his imagination! Speaking of Monkey he did the funniest thing the other day. We had gone to the store and one of the things we got was toilet paper. J asked him to take it to the bathroom and just set it down. Well a few minutes later I went into the bathroom and I opened the cabinet to get a new roll out because one was needed. It looked like someone had just thrown the rolls into the cabinet. So I asked J if he had asked one of the kids to put it away. He said, "No, Why?" I then told him what I had seen in the cabinet and he then told me he had asked Monkey to put the toilet paper into the bathroom. I asked Monkey if he put it away and he said, "Yes, but my arm was getting tired. So I didn't put it all in there." I had to try really hard to control my laughter...his arm was tired from whipping the toilet paper rolls into the cabinet! I guess that is one way to put them away :)

As promised!

I took a look to see what was on the schedule for the spirit week and tomorrow is slipper/stuffed animal day and Friday is school spirit/crazy hair day. So I think those two days will be easy. Today is J's first day off and that is always a great time as family bonding goes. We were going to take the kids sledding but GG had ear issues today at school but seems to be doing fine now. I just don't want to risk her getting an ear infection from the strong wind we are having here. We thought about taking the kids skating but we are in limbo with that decision as well. I just got back from running errands (paying bills) and J and the kids played games while I was gone. Now they are cleaning their rooms so I thought I would update real quick before blogger has it's scheduled outage. I'm outta here...

Barbara Manity...

is a little song we like to sing in our house! Except we substitute the word Barbara with one of the kids name mostly Red's because he is usually the one I sing too. But the other kids names fit in nicely too! It is from the Veggie Tales in case you think it sounds familiar and you just can't place it.

Red Manity...Manity
You are the one for me...one for me
Sent from up above...up above
You are the one I love...one I love

As you can see it is a great song to sing to a child, especially a baby :) This weekend we went to a birthday party and the older two kids got pixie sticks in their goody bags. They have never eaten one of them before so I let them have them after dinner. We ordered pizza and GG my little piggy ate 5 pieces and Monkey ate 3, which is as much as I ate. I decided they ate so good I would give them a treat. It was hilarious. I poured it in their mouths. It was so much sugar they didn't know what to do with it! It was a good laugh.

Spirit Week

Today was mix 'n' match or backwards day. Let me take a minute to paint you a picture of GlamorGirl's outfit! She had on a long sleeve turtle neck with red and white stripes, on top of that she had a green t-shirt with pink sleeves that said Irish in pink letters in the middle, she had on purple pants with a white stripe down the sides, a yellow sock on one foot, a blue sock on the other, a white shoe on one foot and a black shoe on the other. She was looking pretty good! Tomorrow is Super Hero day and she wants to be Violet from the Incredibles. So we got a bunch of her clothes that were black and red and made a costume that will work. I colored an incredible sign to put on her so people know who she is, not like she won't tell them! The next day is occupation day and I think that she is going to borrow Monkey's dress up outfit of a Train Conductor. That is all I have planned so far I need to figure out the rest of the week. I'll let you know what she did at a later date because I am drawing a blank as to what the theme is for those days. Yesterday I was playing Polly Pockets with GG and I was looking through all her shoes to see if she even had matches to them all and she ended up with two without a match. I asked her if we should throw them away and her response was, "No, because I can use the shoes for a Silly Wacky Wednesday day like I have at school." I thought that was pretty creative of her. They don't have that for a month but they have talked about it at school, she had no idea that today was mix n match day because I forgot and remembered after she had gone to bed. So I picked out her crazy outfit while she was sleeping.

Cute story: Monkey got roller skates for Christmas, the kind that you wear shoes with, well he has been putting them on the last couple of days and skating around on the carpet. Apparently he thought he was getting good and decided that he was going to try the tile. I told him to be careful and this is what he said, "Look mom, I'm not going to fall." No sooner did he get those words out of his mouth, did he fall on his butt. He started laughing and so we all laughed. Then he headed towards the kitchen that has hardwood floors. I told him not too but you know a 3 year old has a mind of their own and he took one step onto the hardwood and fell. Needless to say, he was done with flirting with the dangerous surfaces and went back to skating on the carpet! This summer should be fun both GG and Monkey have skates :)

No church today for Red and I

Yesterday we got up early for the kids' friends birthday party. We had to drive an hour away, about 2 minutes before we needed to leave to make it there on time Red throw up all over the floor and himself. So I called the family to let them know what happened and to see if they still wanted us to come, it was just mucus that he threw up. I think the snot settling into his tummy made him feel sick. They told us to still come so I cleaned him and floor up and we left. While at the party he threw up all over J and my lunch. Don't ask it was a very freak thing...J was holding him and when he started to throw up he turned him towards where my food was sitting. So that made two. Then we got home and J left shortly after for work. I was getting the kids some dinner and I was hold Red and out came number 3 all over the kitchen floor. At least it was easy to clean up. No sooner then I cleaned that up he did it again and then a minute later again. Making the total 5 times. I called J to tell him I was not taking Red to church tomorrow because he had been throwing up. I sat down to eat my food and I had him in my lap facing the side and once again he threw up making that the last time for the night. He slept fine all night and this morning I was so tempted to just take him to church because I REALLY wanted to go. J thought it best for us to stay home so we did. He has been fine all morning. I just hope that was the end of it because I am so completely ready for him to be 100% better.

Life Saver!

I discovered a technique that has proven to be very effective. It has saved us twice now. The first time with Monkey and the second time with Red. I'll explain...I have realized that nighttime parenting can be very stressful when an accident/throwing up is involved. Just night waking is fine but when you have to strip down a bed and then put new covers on, it can be a lot for someone who isn't completely awake. So this is what I have come up with, I put a fitted sheet on the bed with a towel in the spot of the most likely problem area (Red would be up by his mouth and Monkey in the middle where he might pee) then the mattress pad and then another sheet over top of that. The reason for this is when the first sheet gets soiled you just have to remove it and the mattress pad and the bed is still made! You simply lay the child back down on the towel that is already there! Then if they soil the towel, it is much easier to change then a fitted sheet. At first I was just using the towel on top of the sheet but it would get messed up to easy and so I figured this way would be better, plus you never know when they will get sick or have an accident, this way you are prepared always. J called last night, the calm before the storm! Yes, early this morning after Red slept so good until about 5:30am when he then threw up all over the bed. I changed him while J ripped off the bedding then we went back to sleep. It was great. I got the most sleep in one night than I have in about 5 days last night. So today has been major cleaning and sorting through things that we don't need anymore. Feels good to finally get to that stuff.

Warning I have alot to write about...

Yesterday was very busy...in the morning Red and I had Bible study. Then we got the kids and ate lunch, headed over to GG's doctor's appointment. Then home so GG could do her homework which we had just enough time. Then back in the car to get J from school and off to get GG's pictures taken. Then to Dinorex! That was a lot of fun and their pizza wasn't bad. I think next time we go I will definitely print off the coupons for getting the wrist bands. Then home, bath, bedtime routine and then to bed. In more detail GG's doctors appointment...just to get an idea of what a little peanut she really is she weighed 38 pounds and was 42 inches. I had them weigh Monkey too and he was 36 pounds. I couldn't believe there was only 2 pounds difference!

Two nights ago on GG's birthday I tucked her into bed and told her about the day I gave birth to her, it has become our tradition and she LOVES to hear about the day she was born. So I was telling her and she says. "Did I come out of your butt?" I said, "No". After I was done with her I got out her scrapbook and J and I sat on the couch looking over all the pictures of her as a baby. We talked about what a joy and blessing she has been in our lives as a baby and now as a big girl, who can do so much stuff. It has been so cool and neat to see her grow up. And she is still growing. I remember for about the first 3 weeks of her life I would just lay in bed and watch her sleep. J would always tell me to go to sleep but I caught him watching her sleep too. I still go in her room and watch her sleep!

Last night was about the 4th night now that Red has had a hard time sleeping because he is sick with a runny nose and it makes it hard for him to breathe laying down. So we have to hold him. J knew how tired I was because apparently when I get too tired I become spacey. The last few nights J has slept with Monkey so that he can sleep, which I recommended because it is no good if we are both sleep deprived! Last night about 2am Red was crying and it was probably the 3 time he had woken up since 10pm. J came in our room and said, "Why don't you go get some sleep in Monkey's room and I will take Red." This was ok with me because he wasn't even interested in nursing. I got 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It was amazing! That is what I love about J, he does things to help me without me even asking for it. I was completely prepared to get no sleep but having that sleep has totally helped. Now I told you Red is sick with a runny nose. His newest thing is if the snot is running down and we don't get to it in time, he curls his tongue up and starts licking it. It is very gross but really funny to watch! He has also started to point at things. I think that is so cool when they do that, because you can say things like, "Red's number..." and then he holds up his one finger. Also I think it was yesterday J was talking to Red and all of a sudden Red said as clear as day, "Hi Dada" we looked at each other and said, "Did he just say 'Hi Dada'".

And last but definitely not least is Monkey. He has been himself just cracking us up. He was in his room playing the other day and I walked in to see what he was doing. He had buzz lightyear on one of his dinosaurs, riding it like a horse. I swear I have *never* met a kid with more imagination. He can turn anything into something else and entertain himself for hours. Most nights I have to carry him out of his room to eat, which is funny because he LOVES to eat!

Birthday Girl!

Every night before bed I pray with the kids well J was home last night so he prayed with GlamorGirl first, then I did. He told her that tonight would be the last night she would be 4 and she said, "Tomorrow I will be a whole hand!" It was cute. So today everytime we want the kids to give us a high five we say give me a "GG". Also last night after I got the streamers hung up and J blew up all the balloons to put on GG's room she woke up to go potty. It was about 11:15 and she called my name and then started to walk into my room. I redirected her to the bathroom where J was getting out of the shower because he had just cut his hair. She pulled down her pj bottoms and started to sit on the toilet. J told her, "GG don't forget to pull your undies down too." So she started to take off her shirt. She was so out of it, I helped her get her undies down and wiped her and then put her back to bed. I kissed her and told her "that was the last time you are going to pee as a 4 year old!" This morning when she woke up and saw the streamers, balloons and birthday cards hanging on her door she was super excited we almost didn't get her to school on time. I love seeing her face light up with excitement like that. Then J, Red and I came to school at 10:30 with her birthday treat, ice cream sandwiches, and got to sing Happy Birthday with her class. When school was over we got the kids and headed over to Dinorex were she wanted to eat but they were closed. So we took her to her second choice, Photo's, and they gave her a birthday sundae! She was pretty tickled about that. We came home and gave her the last of her presents...another 100 puzzles, which she is doing right now, and she got more birthday cards and phone calls! She is such a blessing even though she is sometimes difficult! I love her so much.

5 going on 15...

So GlamorGirl will be 5 tomorrow, yes she will be a whole hand!!! She is doing her homework right now and decided that writing her name isn't good enough anymore. She has taught herself how to write it in cursive, and she does a pretty good job too. I think she is always going to want to know or learn more...she has so far in her short 5 years.

Randomness...

In the past week I have called three different people and there responses were one of two, "I was just thinking about you and was going to call you." Or "I was just going to call you." I found that somewhat random!

I am totally excited, GG came home with this book challenge given from Six Flags. The goal is for each student to read or be read to 6 hours by Feb something. If she accomplishes that goal she will receive a free admission ticket to Six Flags. I smell either daddy/daughter date or mother/daughter bonding time. We have already read 1 hour in two days. It is so easy to reach that goal because we read to the kids ALL the time. Oh yeah it is recreational reading so homework isn't included. The one thing I love about that school is they encourage kids to read, big time. GG has been doing "Book it" through Pizza Hut for about 4 months now. Next year will be cool because Monkey will be apart of the reading programs too.

Another random thought... our friends, Jason and Kristy, that have been married for 6 1/2 years are pregnant with their first baby!!! J grew up with this couple and I have known them for almost 10 years it is really neat to see them expecting! It almost makes me want to have another one but I said ALMOST, I'm good for now ;)

Attitude

Here is a very interesting quote and one that I agree with!

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life... The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... We are in charge of our attitudes." ~ Charles Swindoll

The funny thing about this quote is that it was put in package J had ordered from a snowboarding company. The company moto is "Attitude is Everything" and it was followed by this quote. But it definitely came in handy this morning after getting very little sleep because Red is either teething or getting sick, either way I didn't get much sleep. I decided to embrace a good attitude and go to church and today has been great. I don't even really feel that tired!

Campin' Out

So last night I was in a spontaneous mood. For dinner we had pot roast that I had started earlier in the day and we ate it as a picnic in the living room. Then we laid out blankets and got our pillows and blankets from our rooms and watched Incredibles as we camped out. It was fun all 3 of the kids fell asleep while the movie was playing as did I. However, I did end up putting the kids in their beds because I was cold on the floor in the living room so I thought they would probably be too.

The highlights of today:
~I got a new bra at the Mall to replace the one that broke!
~we got a hot pretzel while we were there so the kids could taste it and we also walked through the Rainforest Cafe, that's always a treat
~At lunch J saw one of my old college shirts and we laughed at what was written on it.
~we were talking about my R.A. (Resident Assistant)and GG sounded it out and said that says "RAH" it was pretty funny
~Red pooped out of his diaper and the only one home to help me was GG, Monkey was sleeping, she is a great help and I am so blessed to have her!
~tonight I have my Bible study through church and I expect it to be a blast like always and my friend Marni is coming to watch the kids and they absolutely love her.

Show and Tell...

I have been telling GG for the last couple of weeks that she can bring Red in as Show and Tell but on the Friday mornings I didn't want to get him ready to take to school. So today, of all days, rain and all I took him with so GG could tell about him. It was really cute to hear what she said about her baby brother Red! I know that Red had fun too having GG tell her class about him and show her class how she makes him laugh :) Then her teacher told me before I left that the other day while the kids were doing an art project GG was telling her friends in the class about "the pill" and how sometimes mommy's take it so that they don't have another baby. I couldn't believe it we have never talked to her about "the pill" or what it does. I am very cautious about what she watches so I know it isn't something she learned on tv but she is very observant so I think she might have overheard J and I talking about my needing to get a refill on my?!?! Who knows.

Anyways after school GG and Monkey's friends were going to McDonalds for lunch and invited us to go with them so we thought sure why not. Even though the thought of their food didn't sound good to us. The things parents sacrifice for their kids...like eating crappy fast food so they can be with friends. While we were there my bra broke! I have never had this happened before but the strap that goes over your shoulder and attaches to the cup ripped. It was very uncomfortable and my breast kept falling out of the cup that kept falling down (because there was no support to keep the cup up) so I had to wear my coat the whole time we were there.

Scrapbooking!

The ladies that I have playgroup with want to start scrapbooking and since I have been doing it for almost 5 years I have accumulated a lot of scrapbooking "tools" so we are going to start meeting once a week, separate from our playgroup and scrapbook. I am really excited especially because I got a really awesome new kit from Liz for Christmas and I have been wanting to use it. So tonight while the kids were at Awanas I started organizing the pictures I have and I only got half way through them. I am hoping before I go to bed tonight I have them completely sorted so that I can start up again with my scrapbooking. I love looking back at the pictures I have already done and even going through the pictures I just have laying around. It is amazing how truly fast kids grow up!

God is GOOD!

Today my Bible study started back up and it was so great to be there and learn more about biblical principles on raising children. I have really have gotten a lot out of this study so far. J and I don't do New Years resolutions because we figure what's the point no one ever sticks to them so when we first got married we made a resolution to never make a resolution again. And that was the first time I ever kept my resolution!!! Anyways, J and I are reading the Bible in a year in chronological order. But this is not a resolution! It is so nice to be reading it with him, we have been able to talk about what we read and talk about what we learned from the Bible that day.

Another thing God has shown me how good He is, is through our house. Our bathroom drain got plugged up and wasn't draining. Through people J knows at work we were able to get it fixed at a pretty good price. Of course, it did put a little strain on the check book but I know God will provide somehow, I trust him. But I look at our house and location and I am so amazed that we live here and are able to pay our bills every month.

I also see God's goodness in my new nephew who was born today to J's brother Joe and his wife Virginia. He was a healthy 8lb 14oz baby boy. I just can't wait til we can go see them, have to work the details out with J first!

I will leave you with this verse:
Psalm 85:8 "I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly."

Wonder Child!

Over the last few days Red has taken off his pj bottoms 3 times. The first time I thought it was just a fluke but he has done it two other times. How in the world does a 7 1/2 month old know how to take off his pants??? I guess he just likes to be naked. He must get those *wanting to be naked* genes from his daddy! He has been so fun lately learning new things and expressing himself more. I'm just so glad he is apart of our family. It's amazing how much love one person can have for another person...it is so natural and easy to love someone that is your parent, your child or even your sibling but to love someone who isn't blood related is so amazing! If you haven't gotten it yet I am completely in love with my husband, J, and its weird to think but I love him even more with every passing day! Sure I might not always like things he does but I always love him.

Birthday Mania

From the time we got up this morning until about 5 minutes ago when I put the kids to bed we have been doing things for GlamorGirl's 5th birthday party or playing with her new presents. Her party was from 1-3pm today at the school. When we got up and ready this morning Monkey and I went to get some last minute preparations plus Monkey picked GG out a gift from him. He got her a sponge Bob puzzle with 100 pieces. She had a blast at her party and received some wonderful new things. Among the gifts were but this is not everything or even close to being everything she received...a Cinderella dress up dress, Crocodile Dentist game, play make-up, Cinderella felt book, clothes (all very cute) and many many puzzles. About the puzzles J and I were talking about what we were going to get her for her birthday and I suggested to J spelled out so GG wouldn't know what it was P.u.z.z.l.e she had this thinking face on and says, "I know what that is...PUZZLE!" I couldn't believe it the little stinker sounded it out. I guess spelling things out, so the kids don't know what we are talking about, around GG is over. After the party and clean up we came back to the house (with friends from out of town) and GG built the puzzle (51 pieces) of the United States that J and I got her and she didn't need any help which I was surprised because it wasn't a normal puzzle where the pieces fit into each other it had a boarder and an empty middle in the shape of the US and each state was it's own piece except for the really small states, they got lumped together with another state or two. Then we played the crocodile game about a million times they loved it. Then she wanted to build the puzzle Monkey got her and I thought she might have difficulty with that one as well because it was 100 pieces but she did it all by herself! She has to take after me because J does not like puzzles but I love them. Then for bedtime stories we read her new books she got and played another game. Needless to say, we had a very fun filled and busy day. GG's real birthday isn't for another 10 days but J had today off and that is why it was early. On the actual day she is bringing in ice cream sandwiches for a treat and then we are going to Dinorex for lunch. Plus, all the other things we do to make her day special :)

The boy has popcorn coming out of his ear!

During lunch today I decided I wanted to see if I could trick Monkey into thinking he had popcorn growing in his ear! I showed him my empty hand and then put a piece of popcorn in it quickly before I reached for his ear. I pulled out a piece of popcorn every time. He was laughing so hard I thought he was going to pee his pants. GG got concerned and examined Monkey's ear very carefully and then laughed when it kept coming out! Monkey kept saying to me, "But I don't feel any popcorn in my ear!" It was a pretty silly lunch today :)

Trip to the Dentist

The kids didn't go to school this morning because we had a dentist appointment. It was Monkey's first time getting his teeth cleaned and I must say he did a great job. He did keep asking if it was going to hurt and the nurse who cleaned his teeth was very patient and kind with him. I stayed with him while he was being worked on and GlamorGirl was in the room with J while he got his teeth cleaned. Then it was my turn and I needed to get a full set of x-rays done. That was horrible. They took 18 shots of my teeth. Six on each side of my mouth and three on the top front and three on the bottom front. By the time my teeth were done being x-rayed GG was done and she wanted to watch me get my teeth cleaned and of course I said, "Sure!" Well let me tell you I think that was a big mistake. Here I am on the chair with my mouth wide open and the nurse has her hands in my mouth cleaning my teeth. GG is standing right next to the chair and I bet she couldn't get any closer to my mouth with her face if she tried. She was so interested in seeing what the nurse was doing. It was really kind of funny. Then the nurse was polishing my teeth and she took her foot off of the pedal, that makes the brush spin, to get more polish on the brush. All of a sudden we hear the brush going and the polish is flying all over the room. GG had stepped on the pedal making it spin when it wasn't in my mouth! It took us a few seconds to figure it was her. Then after the nurse was done the dentist came in the room and GG stepped on it again. At least the second time there was nothing on the brush to do any harm. As far as I know none of us had any cavities...that is always great news. When I was growing up whenever we went to the dentist we always went out to eat afterwards either at a restaurant with our dentist or to eat back at the dentist's house. He and my dad wrestled together in high school so they were pretty good friends, hints the reason we would go back to his house after our appointments :)

Want to Paint?

The kids got paint books for Christmas, the kind that have water colors. We normally do the paint with water, a lot less messy! I got each of the kids a cup of water and told them not to use too much or the paper would get soaked. Next thing I know Monkey has the cup and is asking, "Is this too much water?" As he is pouring it onto the page. I was like "What are you doing?" Then I explained to him that he was supposed to dip the brush into the water and then in the paint so he could paint, as I was laughing historically. Water was everywhere...on the table, floor, and his pants. At least it was just water! After he figured out how to use the paint he was fine. It didn't even dawn on me to explain how to use the paints because he uses them at school so I really don't know what was going through his head today. But it was pretty funny.

To change the topic real quick. I have been being bugged by members of my family, I won't name names, about Red eating real food. He sits on my lap during dinner most nights and he doesn't even grab at the food. He does watch it go from my plate to my mouth but that is it. It is recommended that you wait until the baby shows interest in food by grabbing at it, not just watching. Well today J read over my LLL meeting papers about starting solids. He thinks Red is ready too, because of the ages listed not by the readiness cues. But I am the mom and I'm telling you he IS NOT ready. So to prove my point I cut up a green bean tonight and put it on Red's tray. He picked one piece up smashed it in his hands and then threw it on the floor. The rest of it was just played with and none of it went anywhere near his mouth. And the only reason he picked up the first piece is because I pointed it out to him. He is not ready or he would of put it in his mouth. My guess is that he will want to eat real food in about 2 months. But I am going to go by his cues not the books!!!! I will finish with saying he will get to eat real food when he is ready.

No childcare...

We didn't get home until 1pm from the party we went too on New Years Eve. So on Sunday the 1st we had a difficult time getting up and getting ready. We got to church right at 9:30 when it started and they had already began singing. I told J I would take the kids to children's church and then go up stairs with Red. I had all 3 kids and we headed downstairs. All the rooms were dark, even the nursery. Oh no I thought no childcare. I guess I have to take them to the mother's room with me. Now if you don't go to our church you wouldn't understand how small this room is so let me try and paint you a picture. It is big enough for about 8 to 10 rocking chairs to be lined up next to each other and about 3 chairs deep. That is it in a nutshell. When we walk in we see Al and his 3 girls ages 2, 5, & 7, Jen and her 3 kids ages 10 months, 4, & 6, Dan and Anne and their little baby boy and the pastor's wife and their little girl. Then us! It was crowded and LOUD! I didn't hear any of the service and we got told to keep the kids quiet twice. It was unreal there was nothing for them to do. At one point Monkey walked over to the window that looks down on the congregation and with two fists pounds on the window and screams, "THIS IS BORING! THIS IS BORING!" I, of course, stopped him but it was already done. Then I found out that the pastor's wife had told him what Monkey had said good thing he is young and has a good sense of humor! And knew it was because Monkey was bored out of his mind and not because his sermon was boring :)

Happy New Years!

I am so excited because J is off tonight...maybe we will be able to stay up until midnight to kiss. We are attending two parties tonight, one that starts soon with a guy J works with and the other that starts around 9pm with friends from church. Should be a very fun night and an even funnier tomorrow. Party after church at the M's house :) Need to go get ready to pretend I can stay up late!

Legacy of the Lazer Pointer!

Let me explain a little further into detail...when GG was a baby J used to lay with her on the bed and point his laser at the ceiling and she would follow it for what seemed like hours. That was one of their favorite things to do together...doesn't really sound like fun to me...hmmm sit in a dark room and watch a little red light on the ceiling! Well it proved to be one of Monkey's favorite things to do with daddy as well. You get where I am going with this right?! Yes, Red and J have spent time watching the same laser pointer. But J has gotten silly with it now. As I hold Red he points it into my mouth and when I close my mouth he turns it off. So Red thinks it is in my mouth. Very funny to watch or be attack is more like it by a 7 mouth old trying to get the little red light that you have in your mouth. It has amused all of the kids at one point in time and thus making it special to our family's child/father bond. One night as J was playing with Red and the laser we talked about how long he has been doing this and we started to feel old. Our first born is going to be 5 I just can't believe it. I guess to prove we can still act young (and childish) this is what we did, really J, I was just a bystander...our next door neighbor's back door is a clear shot from our dinning room door, we waited for him to get out of his car and walk to his back door when J used the laser pointer at the door. IT was hilarious. Our neighbor stopped dead in his tracks and quickly turned around. Where he saw J and I looking out the window laughing so hard I bet he could hear us! When he saw us he started laughing but I think he was scared at first. Good thing we are friends with them :)

here's another glimspe into the funny farm!

So we are in the van all five of us but the baby was sleeping. Now most parents when wanting to play a car game would say to their small children "lets play the game who can be the quietest." Well this is what J says, "Lets see who can keep their mouth open the longest." Here we are the four of us mouths wide open pulling into the parking lot of the store we are about to go in to. As J turns to go into the parking space this guy is walking right in front of our van, we look at each other mouths still open and start to laugh. Do you know how hard it is to laugh with your mouth wide open! I told you I live with a bunch of clowns. I love my family, they are so much fun to be around.

The Girl

The last couple of days I remembered this after I posted and then thought I write about it next time. But the kids are getting ready for bed and I have a quick minute. Ok so here is the picture. Christmas morning it is about 8:30am, yes we got to sleep in because the kids were sick. The next thing I know GG is at my bed asking...you think she is going to ask to open presents right? Well she asks if she can watch tv. I couldn't believe it the tree is loaded with presents under it and she wants to watch TV. In her mind she thinks I don't really need anything that is in those presents (she is not spoiled at all but she gets things she needs and sometimes wants) but I NEVER get to watch tv so that is what I want to do! J and I were shocked to hear those words come out of her mouth and at the same time it was pretty funny. Ok as I am sitting here typing Monkey is walking up to me with one foot in the don't brake the ice box and a hand over one eye saying, "RRRRRRRRRRR" I'm surrounded by clowns!

My Monkey

I'm in the kitchen making breakfast and Monkey walks in with his new doodle pad in his hands. He starts scratching at the pad and says, "Do you know what I'm doing?" I look at him and say, "Are you playing the guitar?" He gets a really big smile on his face and says, "Yes!" Then he starts hitting the pad and says, "Do you know what I'm doing now?" Doesn't wait for answer and says, "I'm playing the drum guitar!" He is such a fun little person so imaginative!

Yay! We are finally getting HEALTHY :)

The past few days have been very interesting with fevers, baby throw up, and blowing noses. I feel much better today even though I still have to blow my nose but my nose doesn't hurt. Do you want to know my secret? Well I have been using Lansinoh on it! Yes, it is a breast cream for breastfeeding moms but it has worked wonderfully. I use it on my chapped hands and it is just great for healing sore body parts!!!

Although we had a sick Christmas we still held true to our family traditions. We opened stockings and then ate breakfast and read Luke 2 from the Bible. Then we opened presents. The only thing we didn't do because I was just too sick was make the birthday cake for Jesus' birthday.

The kids have gotten many wonderful presents and they aren't even done receiving or giving out presents. One of GG's favorite presents is the key board that Monkey (and Red) picked out for her. If I had to sum up her Christmas this year it would be Disney Princess Christmas! She got 2 princess books, tinker bell pjs, tinker bell chair (that is very cool and soft), and a princess poster. She also got these really cool books that show you how to draw different things like pigs, rockets, etc...and she loves it. Monkey got one of those books too and they each got a doodle pad so they could practice drawing them. GG also got a ton more polly pockets and clothes, mainly dresses! And a really cute umbrella. If I were to sum up Monkey's Christmas it would be a Buzz LightYear/Toy Story Christmas. He now has about 3 Buzz LightYears along with the other characters which are what he has played with nonstop since opening them, a clear favorite. He got a lot of books and clothes. And a spiderman chair, magna doodle, and lincoln logs. Both the kids got roller skates from their uncle Travis. And Red got clothes and toys for his age. His favorite is the pop up toy. The kids have loved everything they have received so far and are great at saying Thank you, very pleased with their manners. As a disclaimer: if the gift you gave the kids did not get mentioned it is not because they don't like it, it is because I can't remember EVERYTHING that they have gotten. I can already think of things I didn't say that J and I got them but, oh well. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that you remember the reason for it. The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sickness ruined our plans for today

This morning GG, Red and I all woke up sick this morning. I am so mad about this sickness. I wanted us to be healthy for Christmas this year. But I do have hope because Monkey woke up feeling a little better today so maybe the rest of us will be on the mend soon too. I just hope and pray J doesn't get it. We had planned to go to Jumps and Jiggles this morning with the kids :( I guess we'll have to go next week. J and I were just talking and we decided that the tv quota for the day as been way over the norm. We watched 4 movies as us sickies laid on the couch or slept. GG went to bed before 6pm after she wasn't hungry enough to eat dinner and just didn't feel good. She had a 102 temp poor little girl. I hate when the kids are sick and I hate it even more when I am sick too. J was MR. Mom today taking care of us all, and I love him so much for it some men wouldn't do that. Well I would write more but I think I am going to head back to bed.

Baking Goodies

On Monday afternoon the kids and I made cupcakes and a funfetti cake. It was a lot of fun and a great time consumer. Since the kids have been out of school I have needed to keep them busy so that they don't drive me crazy! I've gotten completely used to them being gone in the mornings but I have definitely enjoyed them being home these last couple of days. Last night was the LLL Christmas party, they actually called it a Holiday party but to me it was a Christmas party. We brought the cake which I am glad because after we made all of that stuff I thought now who is going to eat this??? Well it got consumed last night and the cupcakes are gone as well so today the GG and I made snickerdoodles, I am waiting for the last batch to come out of the oven. We had a really lazy late morning today because Monkey was sick last night and is sleeping right now without eating lunch, so not like him. The kids got up at 9 and J and I got up shortly after and had pancakes for breakfast. Then GG, Red and I took a bath together. That was quite funny and we were in there for about 45 minutes. I bathed Red while GG soaped up my back and drew pictures on it. I loved those types of baths when I was a little kid with my mom and so the tradition continues. Today has been a pretty great day so far with family bonding time and lots of snuggles with the kids. Couldn't ask for more. Only 4 days til Christmas :)

Sea Monkeys!

As I sit here typing I have the youngest member of our family on my lap sporting a Mohawk compliments of daddy. Ever since we stayed at the hotel and went swimming J thinks that Red needs a Mohawk. He listened to me yesterday and didn't give him one before church so I am grateful for that!!! Christmas in our house is really a season and not just a day. On Saturday the kids got their first gifts of the *season* and they have enjoyed playing with them. I got a gift of sea monkeys along with my sister-in-law and Aunt. So the kids have wanted to *play* the sea monkey game not really understanding that they are pets. Today we opened the box and started the process of raising sea monkeys I never knew how much work went into these things. The funny part is that Monkey stood at the counter for about 30 minutes before he believed us that we were going to have the sea monkeys tomorrow. He didn't want to miss anything! The nice thing about having a big family is the fact that we can space the presents out. We are going to my dad's on the 24th to exchange gifts, then we celebrate Jesus' birthday on Christmas day, then J's family on the 29th and then with my brother and his family the beginning of Jan. Should be fun we are going to be making birthday cake on the 22nd as a family. I love Christmas and what it means!!!
Update: On Red he can now roll both ways and right now is in the living room where I am watching him try and get on his hands and knees. I had to put him down because he was getting to wiggly. He loves when I sing the itsy bitsy spider song but at the end instead of saying "And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again." We say, "And the itsy bitsy spider got Red." As we tickle him and he gets so excited right before he gets tickled. He knows its coming :)

Our 6th Anniversary and counting :)

Wow, I can't believe that it has been 6 years since we took our wedding vows. This has been the best 6 years of my life! We have been so blessed to have 3 children, own a house and J have a job he loves plus many other things that I won't bore you with! Today at church was the Sunday school Christmas program. The kids did great! GG was so sweet on the stage in the front row and the only child doing sign language to the songs. Apparently she wasn't taught the signs at church but at school and just decided that she should do the signs. It was very sweet to see her signing...when she was a baby we taught her to sign so she could communicate better with us. Then during the church service they announced our anniversary and had us kiss in front of everyone. We also got flowers in honor of our day. On Friday Monkey had his Christmas program at school and he was the loudest kid on stage very funny! They told the story of the candy cane and that was very cute and interesting. GG had her party and after Monkey's program we went to her class to be at her party. J also subbed last minute for one period, only 45 minutes. After school we left for our family get together with my grandparents and mom and stepdad. That was fun, we stayed in a brand new hotel and went swimming way too many times!!! We came home Saturday night so we could go to church today. And that is all I want to share.

Backed up against a wall

I so felt like that today. Here is why. I was originally suppose to have my annual appointment with the doctor Dec 5th but I forgot about it and missed it completely. So I had to reschedule and I needed an appointment quickly because my pill refills had run out and I needed a prescription. Now you are probably thinking no big deal but the thing is I can not get pregnant until we go to Disney World next November, if I am going to have another child that is. So those pills are very vital. Now here's were it gets sticky. I had to take the next available appointment and then I find out that J has court that morning. So I asked my friend to watch Red which is no big deal but last night Red didn't sleep well because he was in pain at least that is the way it sounded from his screams. I brought his pacifier just in case but he was not happy the whole time he was at my friends and I even tried to hurry my appointment up as fast as I could by paying before I was even seen and I dressed while the midwife wrote my prescription. I felt so guilty but there was nothing I could do I had to go to my appointment. He has slept most of the day since I picked him up and seems to be feeling better. I did put some bm in his ears just in case it was an ear infection. That always helped Monkey get over them quickly, the two times he had ear infections. He can't get sick we are leaving town tomorrow...

Bedtime Prayers

Every night before the kids go to bed I pray with them, I say a prayer and then they say one. Well the last couple of nights GG has been praying for a baby sister or brother, but that she really wants a SISTER. I have talked to her about the fact that if I were to get pregnant there are no guarantees that the baby would be a girl. She completely understands but still wants a sister. Just to clarify I'm not saying that we are going to have another baby or that J and I are even talking about it this is all GLAMORGIRL. I love saying prayers with the kids and listening to what they are grateful for...Monkey looks at everything in his room and thanks God for it! So his prayers are quite long but very cute to hear him say, "Thank you God for the wonderful world, my mommy, daddy, GG, Red my curtains, my clock, the fan, my door and so on!" Very different prayers from GG and Monkey but they are both from their hearts and that is the part I love!

You know what I think is funny?!?! Before I became a mother I would of never dreamt of holding a 6 month old while brushing my teeth, while he grabs at the toothbrush. Life is definitely interesting with children present:)

A little about Red! So I have mentioned about shadows and he likes to watch them well that is an understatement. He goes *crazy* at nighttime when he sees his shadow in the bedroom. His arms go up and down and his hands twist and he makes his mouth do this really funny thing. He loves shadows :) He also loves baths...when given a bath he kicks and splashes so much that he gets water in his face. Before when this would happen he would just jump because the water startled him. Well yesterday night when I gave him a bath and it got his face he made the funniest face. He did it every time it got his face so I called J in to see. It was a face I had never seen him make before and it was pretty cute. I wish I could describe it but words wouldn't do it justice!!! I love that little boy with all my heart. He definitely fits into our family with his spunky personality. Oh and have I mentioned that he has found his voice in the form of a high pitch squeal??? It's really funny to listen to him talk with the kids like that and they think it is hilarious which, of course, makes Red do it more. Like I said, kids are interesting!

Oh the Sweet smell of new candles!!!

I had a candle party about a month ago and the order just came in!!! We got 5 candles free from hosting the party. That was the best party I have ever had, so easy to sell those things. Plus, I got free candles which J and I love :) I hear giggles coming from the living room and as I look in there I see Monkey playing with Red and making him crack up. The girl is mesmerized by the tv, she has been begging to watch all day and I finally gave in because I needed to start dinner and I wanted some alone time on the computer. A little selfish on my part but it is the only break I have had today because J left early this morning to go snowboarding. Must be nice to just up and leave...can't do that when you have a nursling. The whole snowboarding thing was a huge debut between us yesterday on, when he should leave, and come home, and yada yada. I would have to say the children got a great lesson in learning how to handle disagreements without yelling or fighting. We talked through it at dinner with them right there. Oh yeah the kids had a blast sliding on Sunday it was funny to see them so bundled up in their snow gear. Monkey could barely move, too cute. Yesterday I got to go out to lunch with a friend, of course, the baby came with even though J said I could leave him. We went to subway and the fans entertained him while we ate and talked for over an hour. Sara kept saying, "He is such a good baby. He hasn't made a peep." She doesn't realize though that I just fed and changed him before I came so he was content. Then today the baby and I had playgroup which is fun as always. News flash, this just in :) Well not really but we have had some really cool firsts! On Sunday when we got to church GG unbuckled her seat belt, which is sometimes hard for me to do. She has been getting herself buckled and unbuckled ever since. Very exciting for mama of 3 one less person to get in and out. We are now starting to work on Monkey buckling himself. Oh and to top GG doing her own she gets out and unbuckles Monkey for me. What a *HUGE* help that has been! So if he can buckle in and she can get him out I can focus on just Red! On to that little bean. He is so close to rolling from his back to his tummy. But he has started to wave at people. It is so sweet. He is sitting up really good now with the occasional throw of the head back. I just can't believe he is getting so big. All of them need to stop growing NOW!!! Just kidding I love that they are growing and becoming self sufficient little people. That's it for now.

Snowflakes!

This afternoon we made snowflakes with white paper. Well Monkey made one then decided that it wasn't for him so he colored a picture of an angel for me. GG and I made enough snowflakes to fill the bay window in the living room with them. It looks great. I got the idea last night while watching ER, during a JC Penney's commercial they had a little girl make a snowflake. I thought I bet GG would love that craft idea and we already had everything needed to accomplish the making of them. I was right she loved it and wanted to keep making them even after the window was finished. We sang carols while we made them too. It was a little messy but well worth the effort! I've got a lot of stuff to get done before our big day tomorrow. J's department is having their Christmas party at 10 to 2 and then after that the kids and I are going to a family gathering. We probably won't get home until late at night so I'll hopefully update on Sunday while J takes the kids sliding.

only a mom would...

...comfort her injured and crying child while she sits on the toilet peeing.

...wipe baby slobber/snot on her own shirt so that the baby stays dry and warm.

...make shadows on the floor for the baby to watch while she plays a game with her oldest child.

...allow her middle child to crawl into her bed at night and warm his cold feet between her legs, making her cold.

All of the above have happened to me in the last 24 hours. Looking back I can't believe how much becoming a mother has changed me these last almost 5 years. I love my job as mom and wife.

Last night after we put the kids to bed and we were sure they were sleeping J and I wrapped all of their presents. It was so much fun and it took us 2 hours to get them all wrapped!!! I can't wait to see their faces on Christmas morning and knowing they truly know the meaning of Christmas as Jesus' birthday. J and GG had a conversation about why people say Happy Holiday. So GlamorGirl now only says Merry Christmas.

Oh the joys of being *the MOM*

So last night I went back to my bedroom to get Red ready for bed. It was an hour from the time I tucked the other two into their beds. J and I use different blankets at night so they don't cover Red so there was a pile of blankets in the middle of the bed. I laid Red down and went to move the blankets and I felt something warm and hard. I no idea what it was so I stuck my hand back in the covers to see if I could find out what it was. Just then I see a little Monkey head sticking out! The stinker crawled into my bed after I had tucked him into his bed. I am so glad it was Monkey because when I felt how warm it was I started to worry, thinking what in the world is in my bed. Anyways, I moved him to his room and called J to tell him what happened. He got a good laugh at my freaking out. Then for some reason unknown to me at the time Red started to scream at about 10:15pm. At about 11pm J came home and he stopped for about 20 minutes and then started again. So I tried nursing him and that didn't help but for maybe 10 minutes. I tried burping him, he burped and then started again. Then I thought maybe I should change his diaper even though I had just changed it like an hour before. When I changed him I noticed that the onsie he had on was irritating his leg. So I took it off and changed his pjs. He liked that then when I went to lay him down he started crying again but at least it was a scream this time. I repeated the above and nothing changed. So I started to walk around with him and it soothed him until he fell asleep. I then got back into the bed to lay him down and as soon as I did he was awake again. AAAGGGHHH So back up I went to walk some more and he fell asleep faster this time so I got back into bed and propped up some pillows so that I could sit and hold him while he slept. By now it is about 1:30am. I held him for about 2 hours like that not really getting any sleep for myself and then I laid him down and he woke wanting to nurse. So I fed him and we slept until 6:30am and then I started my day getting the kids ready for school and me and Red ready for the Bible study I have on Wednesday mornings, which I almost skipped but I'll glad I didn't. After lunch I told the kids it was family nap time because GG and Monkey got woke up a few times last night by the littlest member of our family. Monkey and J slept in Monkey's room and GG didn't want to sleep so I put on a movie for her and gave her strict orders not to wake me up unless it was an emergency that she was to go ask daddy. Well you guessed it...about 30 minutes into my nap. GG: Mom I'm hungry. Can I have some fruit snacks.
Me: Shh don't wake up Red. Yes
then about another 30 minutes go by and she screams from the potty. Mom there's no toilet paper can you get me some. I jump out of bed as not to wake the baby and got her some toilet paper. At this point I really haven't gotten any sleep just a headache from being woke up as I get to sleep, you know that panic type of feeling you get when get startled awake? So I tried again to tell her to not come wake me up and if she needs something to go ask daddy. He had been sleeping for about an hour and a half by now. If you think she left me alone you would be WRONG. About 40 minutes later she comes in asking to play a game on J's palm pilot. Oh yeah and between all of that the phone rang. I really do love being a mom but on days like this I just wish I had a secret cave to go to so that I could Sleep!!!

Laundry Boy...

Red is usually attached to my hip as I bend down and get the laundry out of the dryer or put the clothes in the washer. Well he has gotten BIG! So I invented a new way of doing laundry with Red aka Laundry Boy. I sat him in the clothes basket and started putting clothes around him. He got the biggest kick out of that. Then I called the two older kids to come and see him and before I knew it all 3 of the little ones were laughing historically. I only wish I would of taken a picture but I'm sure there will be more opportunity for that considering I do laundry everyday!!!

This morning Red and I went to our playgroup that is growing and I'm so excited. I dropped Red off with J and went to get the kids from school. When I got home I felt so sick to my stomach. So after lunch I put the two boys down for naps and I turned on PBS for GG and I tried to take a nap too. But I felt so yucky that I couldn't fall asleep. So when Red woke up about an hour and half later I got up too. I think just being still on the bed and laying down helped, because I feel a little better.

Last week J had asked GG's teacher about a computer game that we want to get her for Christmas. It turns out that we need to get a higher grade. So J is going to get Jumpstart 1st grade, which she will learn in school the second part of this year. It was a toss up if we should get the 2nd grade so she could use it longer but I figure that the boys will get to use it too. I just hope she doesn't get bored.

So the Ark performance was great on Sunday. It was called Christmas: Where, When, and Why? It took place on a tree farm and these kids were looking for peoples favorite Christmas stories...where, when and why. The main character was named Tanna and she had a brother named Daniel, like as in Daniel in the lion's den. My favorite line was when he says to Tanna "Don't hate me because I'm biblical." Anyway on the way home J and I were talking about trees and I asked if he thought we would ever get a real tree. He said absolutely not and I'll show you why when we get home. Then he showed me a website called wimp.com and it had a real tree that caught fire and it only took 48 seconds for the whole room to be filled with smoke. It only took like 15 seconds for the whole tree to be burned. At playgroup we talked about who has their Christmas tree yet. Everyone but one girl because they get a real one. She was telling us that her dad was saying that they get the trees from China, because they are pretreated there. It was a joke of course but it was funny. Her dad has a fake tree!

J told me today that he only has to work 4 hours tomorrow for a training and it is from 8 to 12 so he will be home tomorrow night. I am so excited. I love when that happens. Tonight he is going to pick up some subway and bring it home for dinner because he didn't get a chance to get groceries this morning because of court. I'm down with that ;)

Here is the staple?!?!

I remembered what Monkey said yesterday! So we are in the car driving to J's parents and GG clasped her knuckles together and says, "Here is the church." Then sticks both pointer fingers up and makes them touch and says, "Here is the steeple. Open the door." And she opens her hands and wiggles her fingers and says, "And here's all the people." So Monkey does the same motions and says, "Here is the church. Here is the staple." Laughter from the backseat is heard coming out of big sister! Then she says, "No, Monkey it is STEEPLE not staple!" He starts laughing and says, "Oh oops!" It was pretty funny.

Chocolate Fountain

We were at Bible study for 5 hours last night and had a blast. They had a chocolate fountain. It was so cool and I think that everyone *needs* to have a chocolate fountain in their home! Not really, but that would be pretty cool. It was funny because I don't know how much I weigh since we don't own a scale but at the M's they did and so I weighed myself only 10 pounds to go so I feel pretty good. This morning we went to church and afterwards spent the rest of the day at J's parents house. On the way here GG was signing a song and Monkey was signing along and said the wrong word and it was funny but I can't remember what in the world the song was now and J can't either so I'm not the only one losing my mind :) Right now we are watching old home movies of J and his brother Joe when they were little. The kids are loving seeing their daddy as a little boy. And grandma and grandpa younger! Tonight we are going to church to see the Ark performance, which is only going to start the whole topic of GG wanting to be apart of Ark which she can't join until she is in 1st grade. I really wish I could remember what Monkey said in the van on the way here but I can't. I'm going to go finish watching my adorable husband as a little tyke.

Threehead

Last night was so much fun. We first went to see all the pretty lights that we bundled up for because it was freezing out! Then we went to the open house for the pastor candidate. It was a great time the kids got to play with their friends from church and J and I got to socialize with our friends. Jake and Carmen have a air hockey game in their basement which the kids played. It was the first time GG ever played that game and she loved it. And just like everything else she does she was really good at it. Anyways, this morning I gave the kids a bath and I noticed Monkey had a little cut on his nose. So I asked him if he got hit with one of the pucks. J and Monkey at the same time said. "Yes" Then I looked at GG's face and she had an identical cut on her nose. So I asked her if she got hit too.
GG: No!
Me: Then how did you get the cut on your nose?
GG: Me and Sage were throwing the pucks in the air.
Me: So you got hit when you were throwing them?
GG: I guess
Me: What do you mean you guess? Didn't it hurt?
GG: Yeah it hurt but I was in shock. I didn't realize what happened.
Me: So you didn't cry?
GG: No. I thought it was going to hit my forehead you know...your threehead and your forehead. (as she points to her forehead both times!)
So I think since it hit her nose she didn't even realize it was the puck and just went on playing!
Which is funny because she is normally a drama queen when it comes to her getting hurt.

Today has been a relaxing day since we were shopping all day yesterday. We mainly cleaned the house. Tonight Jess is coming over to watch the kids while J and I go to our couples Bible study. Oh I want to mention my wonderful brother-in-law (Joe) he is the only one I have. But he has been so helpful with my blog. He put on a link so people can write comments instead of emailing me! Also I had him change and add a few things. But everything stayed the same for the most part. Thank you Joe!!!

Banana-man aka Red just cracks me up. J was holding him and I was talking to him and all of a sudden he got this sore puss look on his face and started to scream like he was in pain. So J handed him to me and he stopped instantly. What a little stinker. Then I was holding him and J was talking to him and he was laughing and giggling. Apparently I am the only one allowed to hold him, in his eyes. GlamorGirl also cracks me up, actually all the kids are pretty funny! We were on our way to Cubbies last night and she was telling me about her favorite leader. GG: My favorite is the one with the hair.
Me: Don't they all have hair GG?
GG: Yes, but the one that has the pretty hair.
Me: Oh ok I guess you'll have to point her out to me!
So I told the lady Janet that she is GG's favorite and what she said about the hair. She smiled and said that GG always comments on how her hair is *so* pretty.
I have good news...Monkey slept in his bed all night long. Our house brings new meaning to the term "family bed"...on a typical morning if you were to walk into our room you would find Red in the middle of J and I and Monkey with his head by my feet and legs shooting up towards our heads. And on a rare morning if *the girl* woke up at night she would be next to Monkey in the same position. It reminds me of the grandparents in Willy Wonka how the 4 of them shared a bed and two on each end. The crazy thing about this arrangement is that neither J or I even know that they are in our bed until the next morning when we wake up. So I guess it works pretty good! Well I need to go pick up the little ones from school. We have a busy day of more Christmas shopping...teachers and grandparents. Plus, tonight we are going to see the Christmas lights in downtown where J works and then to meet the new Pastor candidate for Church. Should be a very fun filled day!

Christmas is just around the corner! I am so excited. J and I spent the morning shopping for the kids. I think we are completely done with Monkey and need one thing for GG and Red! I think that tonight after I drop the kids off at Cubbies I am going to go shopping for J?!?! Just depends on how motivated I am. OK I started this post while dinner was cooking at 5:30 and now it is almost 9:30...oops. Anyways, Red and I did go shopping and we bought J all of his presents and I am so excited about most of them :) Well that is it for me.

It's been a few days so I thought I would update. Thanksgiving was great this year like always. It is my most tempting holiday because of all the good food. I usually gain at least 3 to 5 pounds! I am happy with the outcome this year. I only ate one plate full of food and it wasn't overflowing either. I had one piece of apple pie and half a piece of cake. I didn't feel uncomfortable or over stuffed. It reminded me of one of Pastor Rob's messages. Won't go into it though but if you go to church with me you probably know what I am talking about. Then yesterday we did our family tradition of putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. We have 5 stockings hanging on the fireplace and Monkey says, "Look at the socks!" It was funny. We have our nativity scene on the bay window, which we got when we were first married. It is Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in a manger and that is it none of the fancy stuff that usually come with it that wasn't even there, like the wise men. Then J had to put on the angel tree topper that I made when I was pregnant with GG. YES I said I made it...it has lasted 5 Christmas' now and it is time to get rid of it because the halo isn't on it anymore. I really can't believe it lasted this long because it is out of construction paper. When we were first married we got back from our honeymoon on Christmas day so the next Christmas was the one I made the tree topper and most of the ornaments because we were in college still, pregnant and just down right poor. J is very sentimental so he doesn't want to get rid of it but I do we can afford a real one now. Hopefully J will get me one for Christmas?!?! I did ask for one. Ok this has turned into Christmas talk and very mushy, sorry. So our house is decorated for Christmas and this year we bought lights for outside the kids think that is very cool. Only 29 days til Christmas and we don't even have half the shopping done. I am getting a little nervous about that.

I last wrote about GG's having her Thanksgiving program that was the cutest thing I have ever seen. She had paint on her face because she was an Indian. While the kids were practicing I was talking to Mrs S about something that I was getting annoyed with GG doing at home. She has taken up rhythming words some that aren't really words which is the annoying part. This seemed to make her teacher very glad that she was rhythming and getting real words some of the time. Then I was telling her that the other day she wrote. I l y t g we p mom. GG told me she wrote "I like the games we play mom." Her teacher said that was great. That these are the first steps in really reading. I told her that GG will take books in her room and make stories up to the pictures but lately she has started to really try and read the words. Some she gets and some she doesn't. Then last night in the van she said, "I can spell the word tag. T... A... G!" I told her she was right then she kept going with words, she spelled brag, dog, van, grill and jam. I just think it is really cool the excitement and interest she has in reading and writing. So yesterday J had training for work so he left our house earlier than normal, he called and asked if I would be willing to bring the kids to the station and he would order pizza and we could eat together. I thought that was a great idea and the kids absolutely loved it. So we were there for about an hour. Today GG came with me to our playgroup and Monkey went shopping with J. Tomorrow J is taking Brae on their date for November, remember I told you we rented Ice Princess? Well J is taking her ice skating tomorrow. While they are gone the boys and I are going to get some Christmas presents for them!!! Well both of the boys just woke up so later.

I was going to update last night before I went to bed but I was just too tired. J was off of work Monday through Wednesday. So here is what we did. Monday after Monkey got up from his nap we went to the Library. We haven't been there in a while and the kids really enjoyed the time there. We started out coloring pictures and the next thing I knew Monkey had written his whole name on the page. I was so amazed, because I really haven't worked with him. Just the other day his teacher sent home a page to learn how to write the e, I believe that is the only time I have sat down with him and did letter writing. His fine motor skills have really taken off since the beginning on the school year, I can totally tell when he colors pictures, he tries to stay in the lines now. I guess I should start writing more letters with him since he has the interest. My friend Julie has a little boy about Monkey's age and he is starting to write too. So when they are ready there really is no stopping them. Then we picked out some books and movies and headed home. J and I got the movie Super Size Me. There was one part I thought I was going to throw up but I didn't thank heavens. I guess you could say it motivated us to start working out. So we took "fat pictures" neither one of us are fat but we wanted a before picture to see how we change at the end of 6 weeks. I got 20 minutes of a work out before Red needed me and J got 30 minutes. Tuesday I met my friend Silva at the mall and we walked for a hour and a half. I was not as sore as I thought I would be but I could feel the work that I had done the night before! That afternoon we hung out playing with the kids all day. Then Red and I went to the LLL meeting, came home and worked out again. Yesterday Red and I went to Bible study, got the kids, came home had lunch and then Monkey and I went on a date. We went to Starbucks to get some hot chocolate and a cookie. I let Monkey pay, which he thought was cool. Then we sat down and I took his coat off and explained to him why we should take our coats off inside. As I went to sit down this lady says, "I just want to compliment you on your mothering skills. I like the way you are interacting with your child." I was a little shocked and said thanks. You never know when someone is watching what you do or say. When we got home GG wanted some one on one mommy time so we popped in the movie Ice Princess that we got from the library and snuggled on the couch. It was a cute movie and I got to hold my little girl while I watched it with her. I love my kids so much. Then last night J and I got into a discussion because he said he wanted to go snowboarding at least once on his days off...first we don't have the money for him to go every day off and secondly that is our family time. So basically it came down to I could do things on my own but I always want the kids to be with us. Which is true I like having my kids with me, how else are they going to learn how to act or behave if you keep them locked up with a babysitter???? Don't get me wrong I am all about going out with my hubby on dates which the kids *need* to stay home but other than that I like having them with me. Well tonight the kids have Cubbies and I was going to take Red shopping for J's Christmas presents but I really don't really want to be out in the cold. This morning we dropped the kids off at school and went to 3 different grocery stores and the to get Red's 6 month pictures taken. Yes he is 6 months old TODAY! I can't believe it. Tomorrow GG has her Thanksgiving program at school and so does Monkey at different times (yay) J and I are going to help with that, the kids have costumes it should be really cute, I can't wait. Then at night we have our couples small group Bible study (my dad and Roberta are babysitting, they just got back from CA and have gifts for the kids) and Sunday is Red's baby dedication. And they have next week off of school, a whole week of not getting up at 7am should be restful. Later

I just love the picture J has on the computer for our wallpaper, its so sweet. It is J and all 3 kids covered in leaves. Monkey has his hands under his chin smiling, GG is smiling and J is holding Red in a sitting position. I think I took a pretty good picture if I do say so myself! Yesterday the kids and I went to my mom's house for the night. I gave my first show and it went pretty good. Before the show we were eating dinner and my brother Kory who is 20 asked me to pour him a cup of pop after I filled my cup up. I said, "Anything for my little brother." Then I looked at the kids and asked, "Did you know he is my little brother?" Monkey was so funny he replied right away, "But mommy he is bigger than you." I told him he was right but that I was older than him. So GG asked Kory how old he was and he, of course, said 20 and then she said, "Mommy is 27, yep that is 7 years older." It was cute. GG and Monkey had a blast playing with my siblings and my friend Sunshine's daughter who is 8 years old. GG thinks that is a pretty cool name to have...Sunshine. You should hear the way she says it :) I would write more but I didn't get a lot of sleep last night due to the fact that Red is coming down with something and had a hard time breathing/eating. Poor baby didn't get much sleep either. Plus, Monkey at about 4am says, "Excuse me mommy, I need to go pee pee." So polite even when he is half asleep! So I jumped out of bed to show him where to go I figured it was easier for me to wake up completely then have to clean up pee and wake everyone up.

Let's see what has gone on here this week. Monday J was off and he and the two older children raked leaves, not to play in this time. And I went through the kids clothes found some winter clothes from last year for GG and Monkey and put away all of Red's 0-3 months and 3-6 month clothes. I can't believe how big he has gotten. I, however, realized that I have no winter clothes for Red past 9 months. That is no good. I am hoping to make it to Christmas time where I am also hoping he will get some 12 month winter clothes...hint hint :) I might ask a friend if I can borrow some clothes if he grows too fast. But he is completely covered for summer! Tuesday, Red and I had playgroup it was at our house and then after lunch the kids and I met some friends at an Outlet Mall, that was really fun. We got home just in time for my candle party. Yeah that was a pretty busy day but very fun. Today J had court and I had Bible study this morning, it was my small groups turn to serve in the nursery so J picked the kids up at school so I could stay and watch the video of the study. I got home at 1pm just in time to help J take down GG's bed. When we were at my dad's on Sunday they asked if we wanted the twin bed we used when we lived there. Of course we said YES! J's parents had a twin bed that was Liz's in their basement for a long time that we wanted but Liz decided that when she remodeled her room she wanted to use it so we took the bed that was in her room. It definitely served its purpose. J put the bed up for sale on this really cool website that you don't have to pay for like Ebay. We sold it in a day and they guy came and got it today. So GG's room is set up the way I want it and it looks super cute!!!! Well enough of my rambling....

The past few days have been absolutely beautiful outside so that is where the kids and I have been. We have racked a lot of leaves just to play in :) Today after church I took GG to pizza hut to redeem her "book it" personal pan pizza. We gave her a choice if she wanted to go with just me or J or the whole family. She wanted to spend time with just me so J had the two boys. Later we are going to my dad's and they are going to watch the kids while J and I go on a date. Well I'm outta here!

The kids and I just came inside from taking a walk/bike ride and playing outside. They were cracking me up outside...they each took a jump rope and pretended that it was a dog. Pretty funny to watch them with their *dog* running around the yard. Now they are pretending they are going to a wedding. I love their imaginations! GG has learned a new somewhat annoying skill, whistling. She is actually really good at it too. While on the subject of GG her teacher (in my opinion) gave me the nicest compliment, she told me in all of her years teaching GG is the sweetest most compassionate, loving little girl she has had in class. She said that GG is always so gently with the kids that are having a hard day at school by hugging and comforting them. She told me that I am really blessed to have her and I totally agree. She has always been very motherly towards the boys as a matter of fact towards any baby. She truly is a great big sister and Monkey will tell you she is the best! Now don't get me wrong GG and Monkey fight but she is a very gentle hearted and sensitive to his feelings. Today while Monkey was sleeping she was playing with his balloon and it popped she was so sad for him and apologized as soon as he woke up. He could tell she was sincere and he was totally ok with the fact his balloon was gone.

On a side note: Last night my little m&m's went trick or treating for a little over an hour until it started raining. They looked so sweet in their costumes. The kids had so much fun and some of the neighbors had special treats just for them. They thought that was pretty cool. When we were done trick or treating we went to my dad's work and he took us out to dinner. We got home with about 2 hours left of trick or treating and the rest of the time GG and Monkey took turns handing out the candy. I think it was good for them to be on the other end of the candy exchange. I think they liked passing out the candy more then getting it!!!