Our break in pictures...somewhat. A video too!

Sorry there are no pictures from Chuck E. Cheese as I was having too much fun playing both times we went. But my friend got a video on her phone of Peanut on her first ride! I hope that you enjoy these pictures though.
GlamorGirl the egg dying pro!










Monkey coloring his eggs...











Red having fun!













Peanut with her first Easter egg! She had dropped it on her tray and I picked it up and she started to cry so I let her have it until it cracked :)









This is Easter morning. No baskets this year because we are giving the kids a membership to Brookfield Zoo.




When he is pointing he is saying, "That's my sister."

Here are a few pictures from the Children's Museum. We took a picture of our picture on the wall. J and Red did the same pose as the picture!

Lovin' our Break!

Good Friday was the kids first day off of school. On Friday we dyed Easter eggs and I have some great pictures of the kids especially, Peanut sucking on the hard boiled egg I gave her so I could take a picture of her. She screamed when I took it off her tray so I gave it back until she dropped it on the floor! I will hopefully get them up on here soon but right now I'm being lazy because I am too tired. This was also the day we taught the kids to play the game skip-bo. We played it about 5 times that day.

Saturday we were going to go to church for the Easter egg hunt but J didn't want to drive that direction twice. Our church is 30 minutes from our house. We improvised and hid the kids eggs in our house with money instead of candy. We spent the afternoon playing skip-bo and uno. Then one of our sitters came over to watch the kids so J and I could go bowling and out to dinner with our Sunday School class. We had a blast and over 30 people came out! This was a treat for the kids too because this sitter has only been here when I have been home. And I think that Monkey has a crush on her, too ;)

Then Sunday was Easter and Red was on the stage again. I have pictures of him talking into the microphone and a few videos of him on stage singing and talking. He was pretty funny. I hope to get one video up here soon too. Then we came home and J went to work and my friend Amy called and wanted to know if we wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese. We piled into the van and off we went. Amy even bought the tokens, which was so nice. Got home in time to eat dinner and go to bed.

Monday we spent playing skip-bo until we realized we should be getting groceries. So we did that. Then we played skip-bo again. We are addicted to that game. We play it in teams and solo, it's so fun. Then my dad called to see if we wanted to go out to eat. We ate at Panera Bread with my dad, step-mom and my brother Travis. We ate in the town J works in so he could come too. He wanted to hear about Israel. Then we came back to our house and we got our gifts. J got a shirt with a map of Israel, the boys got two pens (they said there wasn't any good kid gifts) GG got a beautiful hand knitted shawl type thing and a pen, Peanut got two pens to use when she gets older, and I got the best one of all. I got a necklace with my birthstone and earrings to match. The necklace is really cool and I really can't explain it so I will have to take a picture of them. But the symbol on the necklace was found in a cave thought to be the first symbol of Christianity.

That brings us to today. This morning we took the kids to Pump It Up and had a blast. Some of the moms from my playgroup came too. If you don't know what that Pump It Up is it is a huge space with tons of inflatables of slides, obstacle courses and jumping jacks. Great fun. Then we came home and after lunch the kids and I played more skip-bo while Red took his nap. Peanut sat in my lap for some of the card playing but she liked to grab my cards making it difficult, but the kids got a good laugh from it. Then they decided to switch it up and we played old maid, wig out and uno.

Tomorrow we are hoping to head to the Children's Museum to see our picture! It is going to be a long day as we will leave the house around 9am and won't get back until probably 9pm. After the museum we are going to church for Awana clubs. I need to go finish packing out lunch and then go to bed. And Thursday and Friday we have plans too.

6 month Pictures

These are the 6 month pictures we took of Peanut! Well the 6 that I like the best we took about 30! It's hard to take a wiggly babies picture.






***Now I need your help. Leave a comment and let me know which one you like the best. We're trying to decide which one to display.*** Thanks!

What's the saying...

You never know what you've got til it's gone! I got that lesson all around today. First, J had training this morning which meant I had to get up and get all 4 kids ready and get them to school. When J takes the kids to school he just takes the two school aged kids, who can dress and feed themselves. He rolls out of bed 15 minutes before they need to leave. I couldn't do that this morning. Lesson one: appreciate your husband being home in the mornings more. I survived getting the kids to school, picking up something from my mom-in-law and paying a bill only to come home to a flooded street and a bunch of city workers. Get out of the van and find out I can't park in my driveway because a pipe broke at the end of my driveway. Move the van and get the kids in the house. Peanut poops and I change her diaper and go to wash my hands. You see where this is going, don't you? We had no water. I'm thinking great I didn't shower before I took the kids to school, I'm glad I brushed my teeth! I go outside to see how long the water will be off. They told me about 4 hours. Second lesson: I use water a LOT throughout the day. I think I tried to wash my hands at least 20 times in that 4 hours if not more. Around the 3 1/2 hour mark both the boys had to poop at the same time, one in each bathroom. No water = no flushing the stink. I kept my eye on the work going on outside and when I thought they were done I ran out to see if we had water so I could flush those toilets. Once the water was on I got a pot of water for the dinner I was making, just in case. Boiled the eggs I was planning on doing tonight. We had water for about 2 hours when I got a knock on the door, the guy told me that another pipe broke on our street and they were going to be turning the water off again in about 3 hours. At this point I still hadn't showered. I dropped everything and got in the shower. Of course, it was more like a 4 hour time frame but we were happy to have the water the extra hour. The one thing I don't get is why my 2 year old usually only poops once a day decides his bowels need to be emptied twice and during the time we have no water!

Eye Check ups...

I have been having some eye issues so I made appointments for me and the two older kids, I figure they should get checked out since they are in school. The kids did great doing everything she asked them to do. They both have 20/20 vision! I'm happy about that. She gave me a prescription for glasses to use only at night when my eyes get tired. I have 20/30 vision. I didn't get glasses and I'm debating whether or not I should, she told me I didn't have to have them but only if I choose to get them. I can't do sunglasses so would I really wear them?!

Oh the most exciting thing happened today. We got a phone call from Israel, yep my dad and step mom are in Israel and they called us today! They said they have bought gifts and I can't wait to see what they got us. If I can't travel to cool places at least I get gifts from them!

Awana Clubs

Before I talk about that I just wanted to say that we have been crazy busy...shocking, I know! Plus, the weather has been extremely nice out and we've taken advantage of the warmth. This weekend GlamorGirl went to her first Awana Games, as did I. I didn't grow up going to Awana Clubs like my husband did so this was all new to me. It was great fun. There was about 32 churches there. If you are unfamiliar with Awana Clubs they start at Cubbies which is ages 3 and 4 year olds, then Sparks which is Kindergarten to 2nd grade, then they split the kids into boys and girls called Truth in Training better known as TNT Boys and TNT Girls, which is 3rd grade through 5th grade. Well this Saturday was the Awana games where the churches compete in different games. GlamorGirl made the team for our church. Hopefully Monkey will be on it next year. They had matching shirts with our church name on it and they also had spectator shirts that we bought for me, J, Monkey and Red. We ended up taking home 2nd place. She was so excited. On Sunday we all wore our shirts. The best part was that they were taking pictures for the picture directory in the hallway. I begged J to let us get our taken because we were making. He doesn't like to match! We got it taken and I can't wait for them to update our picture because the one on there now Red was 3 weeks old, he is going to be 3 years old in May! We needed to update :) The only bad part about this weekend was that I lost my hooter hider that my friend Belinda made me, so sad. I used it while we were at the games and I must not have gotten it into the diaper bag before we left.

On a goofy note, I just talked to some friends from church who went to Navy Pier today and they said that Red, J and I are famous with a 2 ft picture hanging up. I think it was in the children's museum? I'm thinking we might have to make a trip there and see this. I remember last year when we went there in February they were taking our pictures and told us that if they used it they would let us know but they never did. We also had to sign some kind of form. Too funny.

There's A Party at my HOUSE!

***I made this post a sticky post for the rest of this week for the Ultimate Blog Party, you can scroll down to see newer posts!***
Welcome to my humble abode! Please come in and watch out for the toys, all over the floor. I tried to tell the kids we were having company. But alas, they don't care, who am I kidding. Would you like to sit down and hold Peanut. She has her party dress on.

I'll go get us something to drink. I made strawberry banana smoothies! I also have some cheese and crackers if you get hungry. Here is your smoothie, but be careful because Peanut is at the stage where she is starting to grab at things, I wouldn't want her to spill the smoothie all over you.

Also beware that Buzz LightYear is running around the house somewhere and he likes to get people with his laser pointer.

He likes to party by jumping on the couch.

He seems to be entertaining Peanut and himself pretty well!





Oh look spidey joined us...this is my 5 year old, who we refer to as Monkey on here, as he is a lot like a monkey child.

Here comes my oldest (7yrs old) in her best party dress as not to be out done by her baby sister!


Now that you've met the kids...you can see I'm busy and there is never a dull moment in our house. I tend to blog about our happenings and the funny things my kids say and do through the day, if I remember! I've been married to my husband for over 8 years and sometimes it still feels like we are newlyweds and sometimes it feels like we've been married for over a hundred years ;) I hope you enjoyed your time at my party and I hope that you will come by again, soon!

Oh one last thing...my friend Belinda has an online store called Bellissimama. She is giving a discount of 15% off any purchase from her site by letting her know you got there from my blog!

To get back to the party links click HERE

As for the prizes I would like to win my top 6 are:
#61 from The Very Cool Lunchbox or #119 Personalized Lunchbox
#19 Klean Kanteen Sippy Cup or #137 BPA free Sippy Cup sampler
#29 Baby Girl Bracelets
#63 $50 Gift Certificate
I would also enjoy winning #8, any of the blog designs #24, #45, #67 or any of the stationary prizes such as #40 and #57

Finding time...

with a sick baby is HARD! I will say that slings are such a blessing, I can at least get some housework done. Since Peanut has been sick she can't sleep unless you are holding her upright, so she can breath. Her naps are usually the time I get on the computer to blog and the Ultimate Blog Party is going on right now. I feel so behind as I have only checked out about 70 parties and there is over 1200 last time I checked. I know I'm not going to get to them all but I'm not even scratching the surface. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining that I *have* to hold my baby. I love holding her. It is just wearing on me her not feeling good. I hate seeing my kids sick. I miss my happy content little girl who is nothing but smiles. I guess another blessing in all of this is that when in the sling she wants me to be moving so I am cleaning more then I do when she is healthy to so I can be moving with a purpose! This was such a boring post but I just wanted to say if I haven't been able to stop by your blog this is the reason.

Trip to the ER

Peanut and I got some bonding time tonight. She is still having diarrhea and it has almost been 2 weeks. Earlier today I had noticed she has started coughing a little. After her nap I laid her down to change her diaper and she was having difficulty breathing, she was gasping for air. So I sat her up and she started coughing a barky type cough. I looked at J and said, "I think she has croup." Made call to doctor and shortly thereafter we were on our way to the ER. We left the house at 6pm and got home at 9:45pm. While we were there they took a stool sample to test for the rotovirus = negative and took a swap from her nose to test for RSV = negative. They also did a chest x-ray on her. I have never seen a baby get x-rayed but they put her in this little chair that looked like a mini electric chair. They velcroed her onto it around her chest and belly. Then they had me hold her hands down while they took it then they had me hold her hands up in the air. It was one of the strangest things I have ever done. The x-ray came back good. The doctor said her cough was croup so they gave her some steroids and a breathing treatment as well as some prescriptions, one hopefully will clear up the diarrhea! I did learn that the older kids (GG and Red) probably have croup as well. I didn't think older kids could get it but the doc told me they can get it up until they are 12 years old. Tomorrow we are headed to the doctor's office with the three kids. I am the most worried about Red as he has it really bad. I hope the breathing treatments help him along with any prescription the doc gives us. I just want us all to be better. Can you hear the whine in my words. Seriously, I am so sick of everyone being sick. Did I mention that J is actually not feeling the greatest either? HE. NEVER. GETS. SICK. All I have to say is Spring Where are YOU???

We're back!

We went out of town to see some friends who moved to another state, their daughter was celebrating her first birthday. We stayed at the same hotel as them and went swimming. Peanut loved the water, except when the girls were screeching being loud. I forgot my camera so my friend let me take some pictures with her camera that she is going to be sending me. Anyways, it was great to see them and J and I went on a double date with the couple who have 3 girls. We got two sitters to watch the 6 kids in the hotel room. Of course, we took Peanut with us! I must say that I think I win "Mother of the Year" because I packed up the diaper bag for the movie and then left it in our hotel room. This is not a good thing when the baby has been pooping a lot to not have the diaper bag with you. As soon as I realized we didn't have it I started thinking of what I was going to do if she pooped. I told my plan to my friend and she came up with a different plan using a pad and gave me 50 cents. My plan was to get paper towel and put it on top of the poop and put the diaper back on her. This would of been great if the bathrooms had paper towels in them. I looked at the pad machine and they were 75 cents. So I hunt down an employee to see if they have any paper towels, he goes into the supply room and gets me some. I used some to clean her butt and some for the inside of the diaper and I was going to save some in case she pooped again. As I was putting the towel in the diaper she started to pee on her outfit. I quickly stuck some paper towel under her, but she had already gotten her outfit wet. No diaper bag = no extra change of clothes. The good thing was that the bathroom did have blow dryers, the outfit went under the dryer. I go back into the movie and tell my friend what happened and she laughed and said, "I should of gone with you." I replied, "Oh well it will make a good blog post!" About 10 minutes into the movie she pooped AGAIN! At this point she was tired and so J took her and put her to sleep. As soon as we got back to the hotel I changed her. Doesn't that scream Mother of the Year?

Life Changing News...

For me! J put in for a specialty unit with the department and HE. GOT. IT! I am so scared out of my mind excited about this new job. He will have a day shift schedule (starting next school year, we hope) which will change my life in this way:

-I have to get up read I get to sleep in now and get the kids ready for school and take them with no help.

-I will have to go grocery shopping and run other errands with just me and Peanut. Read as I have to be responsible for all the meals by myself Since J and I have been married 8 years we have always gone grocery shopping together.

-I have to bundle up the non-schoolers to pick up the kids from school in the winter...read I hate the cold.

-I will not be home by myself during the crazy homework, dinner, bath and bedtime! Read this is the most exciting part of the new position.

-I will get my nights with my husband like normal people. Enough said!

-He can go to church with us on Wednesday nights for Children's Choir and Awana clubs. I dislike late nights by myself especially the driving at night.

I'm sure there will be other changes that occur but these are the things that stick out in my head as of now. We'll see when it actually happens. I am so proud of him getting this specialty assignment.

Works for me Wednesday! Backwards addition

I'm looking for ideas on how to build our immune systems and to get rid of germs/bacteria in our house. We have been passing sickness back and forth between everyone for the last 2 1/2 months and I am in need of some IDEAS. Please :) Other than being a shut in as that is the way I am leaning towards as of now but if you know me is not at all possible! Also I know germs are inevitable with 4 small children but how do I keep them at minimal???? Thanks in advance as well.

Help me,
the exhausted, tired and sick mama of 4

For more Works For Me Wednesday go here

Sunday

Well I actually got to go to church this morning. I talked my sick little girl into going. I am a bad mama but I really wanted to go. She stayed in our class during Sunday School it worked out good because J played his guitar and we did praise and worship. Then during church she sat in the back with me and since it was the first Sunday of the month they didn't have kings kids during church because of communion. For the last three months we have been talking to her about communion and what it means. She really understands what taking communion means and so we decided today that she could take her first communion. She was so excited until she ate the bread part of it and said it tasted gross. This year for my quiet times I have been listening to the Bible online at www.biblegateway.com while I read along in my Bible. There have been a few times that she has been home while I was listening and she came up next to me and listen and then we discussed what was just read, it has been really neat to see her grasps different biblical concepts. I really want to show my kids the blessings of having that personal relationship with Christ and give them a deep level of understanding who He truly is, instead of having them think the Bible is just a bunch of rules they have to follow in order to earn eternal life and the love of Christ. I fall short in this area A LOT but this is a new day and a new chance to train them in the way of the Lord.

Going in a completely different direction Red was going to take a nap and he asked me, "Mommy will you lay with me for a couple of minutes and then leave me alone?" I told him I would and so I went to lay with him. I had my hand propping my head up and he looks at me and says, "Mom your not laying down. LAY DOWN." I told him I was laying down but he said, "No your not your hand is going like this." As he tried to do what I was doing with my hand but he used the other hand so his elbow was sticking up in the air. It was too funny and cute.

Also update on the sickies...Peanut has started to return to her normal pooping schedule today. Thank the Lord, her little butt isn't beat red anymore. GG has a headache and has been laying around the house for the last few days. As I mentioned I talked her into going to church where she laid there too. I have a headache still but not has bad as before. I am able to function, which is great. All the boys are fine so I pray they don't get any of this. And that we stop passing it back and forth between us.

A little of this a little of that

Well I took Peanut to the doctor yesterday and she was 17 pounds! I couldn't believe how big she is. I had to take her in because she isn't feeling good and isn't her happy content little self. I woke up Sunday morning with terrible stomach pain, I'm guessing is what she has as well. Plus, she has had runny nasty poop and she has been pooping between 15 to 20 times a day for the last 4 days not so kind on her behind. I have been using water to wipe her instead of wipes and changing her immediately after she poops as to not let it get on her bottom. This is easily done because she only wants to be held. The doctor checked her out and told me she has a virus. Nothing he can do it just has to run it's course. My stomach doesn't hurt anymore but I have a nasty headache that won't seem to GO. AWAY. I just feel bad for her as you can totally tell it is killing hurting her butt. So if you think of us say a prayer for Peanut and me as she isn't sleeping well at night and I'm tired.

Today we had a parent/teacher conference with GG's teacher. It was really cool to hear how she is doing in class. She was telling us that they make stories up in class and that GG is one of the most creative story tellers in the class. Yeah she is definitely filled with DRAMA! She also told us that she has the kindest most caring heart she has seen in a child her age. She is always the first to help people with their work or picking up toys and so on. We, of course, think she is pretty special so it's nice to hear her teacher thinks the same thing!

Cute kid conversations!

I was in the bathroom getting ready to brush my teeth and Red had just finished peeing in the potty he looks up at me and says, "One day when I was a baby I had milk when you feed me with your nurse." I smiled at him and said, "Yes." When I feed the baby I tell him I am nursing her, so he thinks that a breast is called a nurse.

Last night we were sitting on the couch and I turned the television (first I had to hook the cable back up) on to see if there was anything worth watching on. I found a channel talking about the presidential candidates. GG started asking me questions about who the next president was going to be, to which I told her honestly that I didn't know. She just did a report on George Washington in school so it is of interest to her. The cute part in all of this was Monkey. After she had stopped asking her questions he looks at me and says very seriously, "I want to be the president one day." I must of looked shocked because he then followed it with, "What?" I smiled at him and told him to go for it. Such a big thinker that one is!

This one cracks me up but I can only laugh at it now! Saturday I gave GG and Monkey some Valentine's candy called fun dip, while Red was sleeping. They started to get rowdy and I looked to see what they were doing. They were feeding Peanut the candy. I immediately grabbed her and wiped as much of it out of her mouth as I could. Then came the conversation of why we don't give babies sugar and so on. I took their candy away and told them they couldn't play on the computer, which was what they were going to do after they finished their candy, as well as tell their daddy what they did when he came home. For some reason they were more upset about telling him then the other punishments. Anyways, after a few minutes GG comes out with her Bible in hand and says, "The Bible says it's not right for you to punish us more than one time for the same thing." Shocked at how bold she was I told her, "Well you take your Bible and find where it says that and then I will change your punishment." At first she was happy about this and went to go look it up. About 5 minutes later she comes to me sad, "Mom if I'm going to find it I will have to read the whole Bible and that will take forever." At this point I am trying not to laugh. I explain to her about a conversation that her dad and her had a few weeks ago which made her say that about punishment. In the end they got to play the computer just not as long as they would have gotten to and telling their dad didn't kill them. I think they thought he was going to punish them too. But I had already taken care of it, we don't do the whole wait til your dad comes home.

Kids in a box...

This is one of our traditions with the kids when they are little. She was laughing and smiling until she saw the camera and these are the faces we got!

Needing some help...

I don't usually ask for parenting advice but I'm kind of stumped right now and starting to get frustrated. GG is in 1st grade which is the first year she actually gets grades on her report card. First quarter she had all A's, three being A+'s. She just got her report card for the second quarter and she had all A's and one B this time and I believe two of the A's were A+'s. She is inconsolable about that B. I have had in great length, talks with her about how great of a report card she got and as long as she was trying her best that is all she can do. The B was in Math, which didn't surprise me, because the packet of work she gets sent home for us to review, she has always struggled with the math portion. They do speed drills and so she gets all the plank ones marked wrong but all the ones she has filled in are the correct answer, she just doesn't have enough time on the test. Next year she is going to have to answer 100 math problems in 5 minutes so this is preparing her for that. I have even told her I would work with her on her math but she just feels so bad she didn't get all A's. She even told me she was the ONLY one in her class that didn't get all A's which I know to be false. The school sends home the honor roll along with the GPA of everyone that is on it. There is high honors and then honors. There were a few kids in her class that didn't even make it on the sheet so they couldn't have gotten all A's. But I don't really feel I can share that with her. Well I feel better after getting that off my chest, please any help/advice with this from you moms out there with grade school kids would be greatly appreciated.

100th day of School...and randomness

Yep, my kids had school today! I'm not complaining I actually like their school schedule. They start in September and get a week off for Thanksgiving, Good Friday and the following week for Spring Break (Easter Break they call it) and two weeks for Christmas break and they get out the beginning of June like all the other schools!

Well I am still in my "nesting" phase. I have cleaned out so many areas in our house! The other night I went through my shoes and got rid of 7 pairs, one being my wedding shoes, is that bad? But I never wear them. I also went through each kids baby books and made sure all the necessary things were filled in, I was a little behind on that. I only have a few things left to do on my list of things to do. However there is one task that I have to wait until it warms up, it is going through all the baby clothes in the garage and saying goodbye! Of course, I will keep a few favorites and the outfits they came home in but the majority of it is going.

Oh the last thing I wanted to blog about was that we have turned off the cable in the living room. We still have it it is just not hooked up! Before I got pregnant with Peanut my kids watched maybe a half hour of tv a day if at all. We just did other things to fill our time. However, when I got pregnant with Peanut and had such terrible morning sickness that lasted almost the whole pregnancy all rules flew out the window and I felt that the tv was *always* on. I hated it but wasn't in a place to really do much about it. Then after she was born life was crazy and then I got sick. It just felt like it never ended and eventually my kids thought they must watch tv! Well J and I talked about it and so it came unhooked in the living room. We may be hypocrites because we can watch tv at night but I will say the kids have gotten to watch some tv it just has to be a video. I feel so much better about things now and I am feeling much better so I can keep them occupied with activities. I also want to clarify I don't think television is bad but when it is the only thing my kids want to do then I have a problem with it.

I was going through pictures on the computer to get them printed off and I came across this one...life doesn't get much better!

Exciting Announcements!

Well today is Valentine's Day and my hubby is working so my dad is taking us out for dinner. I know that really isn't an announcement but it's exciting to me! My step-mom is busy otherwise he would take her out!

First announcement is my friend Belinda has an online store for nursing aprons. I called mine a hooter hider! I have a link on my sidebar under Bellissimamas - nursing aprons/covers. Some of you have asked me about them. I talked to Belinda and anyone who orders from her and mentions they learned about her through my blog gets 15% off! See isn't that exciting? If you are pregnant or know someone who is go check them out! I absolutely love mine. This offer is good through March 30th 2008.

Second announcement the Ultimate Blog Party is coming March 7 -14th! I had so much fun last year reading new blogs and meeting people. If you weren't apart of it last year you should check it out this year. To learn more about the party go to 5 Minutes for Mom. If that didn't convince you there are tons of prize give-a-ways that you can only be eligible if you participate. There are already over 50 prizes listed see if there is anything you would be interested in winning!

Nesting?!

Well I started going through all my clothes mainly to pick out all the maternity that I have so I can give them to my friend who is pregnant. I have plans within the next few days to go through them all and get rid of the old/too small/too big clothes! This is the first time after a baby I have gotten rid of my maternity clothes. There is no rhythm to the space between our kids so I never knew when the next one would come but I *did* know there would be a next one! This time we are done and so the clothes must go. If I do get pregnant again I figure I could borrow from my friend or just get new clothes but I really pray that doesn't happen. As I am going through the clothes my husband looks at me and says, "Are you nesting?" I looked at him funny and said, "If I am giving away all my maternity clothes I better not be!" I have only nested during pregnancy...so I'd like to call this de-cluttering! I must say that it feels good to have those clothes gone and know that they will get used by my friend!

Taxes....

I know most people don't like doing their taxes but having small children it is a good thing to get them done. Today we spend a good part of the afternoon filing our taxes for last year. All the money that we are getting back is basically already spent. Though it is nice to know that that money will be coming in even if it won't be there that long!

Movin' on Up

I have seen so many cool looking blogs out there and I have had this blog with the same look for 5 years. Yes, I started blogging back in 2003! I needed a major face lift and so with the help of my brother-in-law we have a new look. I just don't know much about computer but I am learning slowly and having fun at the same time. I wish I liked learning back when I was in school. What do you think of the new look?

American Girl Day

Well more like hour but still GG finally got an American Girl doll. Today after church we dropped the boys off at J's parents and we took GG and Peanut to the American Girl Place. It was huge! We found the doll she wanted and an outfit and we were out of there. She has been saving her money from birthdays and scratching Grandpa's head. Yes, my dad pays my kids to scratch his head. When I was a kid I had scratch without pay. Here is her new American Girl doll named Emily, she LOVES her.

Crazy Busy week...

This week has proven to be quite busy for us. Here are some of the highlights of our week so far and to come. Monday we (everyone but the two youngest) went to the dentist the highlight was that the office workers told me how impressed they were with me. They said they knew I wasn't 30 yet and had 4 kids and was very organized. Looks like I fooled them ;) The compliment was nice though and considering I was the only one that ended up with cavities and 2 of them, bummer. Tuesday was playgroup at an indoor play place and the only other thing I remember about that day was we had major poop issues (and spit up) with 3 of the 4 kids. I don't even want to write what happened because I don't want to relive it! I'll just say I didn't get a good night sleep. Wednesday was a snow day and that was super fun but realized I didn't go over GG homework with her again and she had 2 tests today, oops. Today we went to the bank and then a birthday party, Red wanted to wear his buzz lightyear costume but didn't get too. The rest of today is normal at least I hope. Tomorrow I have a mom's brunch and GG goes back to the dentist to get sealant put on her 6 year molars. This is to prevent cavities! I know boring post but is life!

Wordless Wednesday

This is why we *had* to get them bunk beds!

Super Bowl Sunday...

I don't usually watch the game but I love to go to parties and hang out with people during the game. Today we no different. We left the party a little early because the kids have school tomorrow and it was snowing out and we knew the roads were going to be bad. As we were leaving Kendell, a high schooler, came outside to go sledding. She took the sled and went down the cement stairs. We heard, "owie, owie," on each step she went down.
J says: Smooth move exlax
Red: Smooth move exlax
J: Hahahaha
Red: hahaha exlax
Then we both started cracking up! He had no idea what he was saying. I will say that overall today was a great day. We went to church, had the all church lunch afterwards, came home, GG went to a friends house for a play date, I took a 2 hour nap, and then we went to the party. Last night we had game night with our Sunday School class and it was a late night for me and we laughed so hard my sides seriously hurt, so the nap was great!

Pretty Girl

We had a fun little photo shoot! I hope you like the pictures she is getting so big so fast. But we are loving every moment of her being with us!






She was done with the pictures and that is how she was showing me! She is even cute when she is getting cranky :) I know I'm bias!

I love this kid

I was sitting in the chair last night nursing Peanut and Red comes up to me and says, "Mom who person is yellow?" I looked at him funny and asked him, "What do you mean?" He said it again. "Who is a person who is yellow?" I told him I didn't know and he gets a big smile on his face and says, "Hairy!" His face was priceless and so adorable because he knew something I didn't know.

Hairy is a puppet that is yellow that Red loves to watch but hasn't watched in a few months. It was just such a funny conversation to have with a 2 1/2 year old. I just love his personality so much.