Sibling love

Being the ages that they are, my kids tend to pick and fight a lot. But now and again, I can catch them when they are just being sweet and loving each other. I have such good memories growing up in a big family (I'm the youngest of 8 kids) and I hope my kids have the same love that I do for all my siblings. :)





Find more Love Thursday posts at Chookooloonks!

Making me crazy

Robby is so funny about his hair. Most days I'll ask him if he wants me to spike the top of his hair and usually his response is "No, tomorrow you can." Well, tomorrow never seems to come but today was finally the day. After his bath he wanted spikey hair. It looked so cute! He loved it.
So we go to Lexi's school to get her and they always play on the playground for a little bit after school. A little bit into playing and he comes to me and says "Mom, the spikes are making me crazy, can I put it down??" Can't help but laugh. I love that crazy guy.

The Fun Restaurant

Today for lunch, we had a picnic outside in the front yard. Of course, the kids thought this was great. 2 of them had tuna casserole left over from last night's dinner, and 1 had a PB&J. They got to talking about restaurants and how our lunch was like our own little restaurant. We even have a name...."The Fun Restaurant." The conversation that followed:

Lexi: May I take your order?
Robby: I want mmmm chicken nuggets.
Lexi: I'm sorry, we only have tuna casserole.
Robby: MmmmMMmM I'll have that!
Lexi: Ok.....pay me.
Robby: How much?
Lexi: Ten dollars.
Robby: Here you go.
Lexi: Thanks.

10 bucks for leftover tuna casserole eh??? I'd hate to see the rest of the prices. :D

dreaming...

For tomorrow's photo hunt, the theme is Dreaming. I thought these pictures I got tonight fit perfectly!

Even superhero's dream. ;-)




Grab the photo hunt code or join the blogroll.

I really do LOVE

2 is such a FUN age. *said with just the right amount of sarcasm*
For this week's Love Thursday, the first thing that came to mind was my 2 year old. For me 2 is THE hardest age I've come to yet (and ok since my oldest is only 5, I do realize that I still have a lot to go through :D). It's just a frustrating age. My older 2 kids weren't really THAT bad when they were 2, but I'm telling you I think the term Terrible Two's was invented specifically for Haley. She is the most strong spirited child I've ever known. When she throws an all out tantrum, it just lasts and lasts. She will still be shouting "NO!" when she's sitting on her bed for a time out. And the little attitude that goes with it...well is....priceless. I didn't realize little kids could come with so much spunk. This week has been a particuarly challenging week for me, which is why I've chosen her as my topic for Love Thursday.


Despite the hard times (and for me 2 is really hard), I cannot even put into words how much I lOVE my little girl. And when she looks at me with her big blue eyes, my heart melts. I'm so glad she's mine. :)

For more Love Thursday entries, check out Chookooloonks. :)

And so we try again....

We're back to potty training. Wish us luck.

Juice really is a treat around here because one glass and Haley gets the runs (eeek that was an overshare, huh?!). Today, oh a whim I decided to offer juice if she would use the potty.....and she did! We ditched the diaper and went to "pannnnies" for the rest of the night. Granted, I did take her potty every 1/2 hour but before that didn't matter, she'd still wet her panties. She stayed dry all the way till bedtime!! So we're off to a good start!!
I won't torture you with daily potty updates, but I look forward to the day I can we only have ONE kid in diapers! (imagine that!)

Watch out, woman with scissors!

In all my haste (and excitement) yesterday getting ready to go scrapping, I forgot about my scavengar hunt photo. I don't get to scrapbook often (too many little helpers) so that's pretty much all I was thinking of. :)

Had a great day tho, and actually got 4 layouts done. That is HUGE for me. And I was happy with how they turned out, so that's always great. A friend brought her Cricut machine with her and lemme just say WOW. That thing is waaaaaaaayy too much fun. Maybe I can talk Rob one day into getting me one (i won't hold my breath tho LOL!)

After a day to myself, I am feeling refreshed and ready to take on a new week. Rob managed to survive his daddy day, but is a little more appreciative of me I think. ;0)Although my house did suffer a little, but such is life :D.

Pumpkin Patch!

Took the kids today to a local "pumpkin patch". Ok it's the closest thing nearby that we have. :) Kids had a good time and love picking out their own pumpkins.




And what would any photo shoot be like without trying to accomplish the impossible--trying to get four wiggly kids to look and smile in the same direction at the same time. *sigh* Maybe one day...

Friendship

Growing up, I was always the outgoing kid, while my twin sister would be the one hiding under mom's skirt. Now as adults, we find the reverse is true. She is much more outgoing and me, much more reserved. Making friends used to be so easy for me. I'm not sure if it was one monumental thing that changed that, but now I feel painfully shy when it comes to new people.

I have found that having kids has somewhat eased the situation. Your kids play with their kids, and slowly conversation comes from it. I've met a couple moms this way who's children go to Lexi's school. I still feel ackward and shy, but slowly I've managed to break down my shell. I try, although I know I have a long way to go.

I have several really good friends. The kind that you might not get to talk for weeks, months, maybe even years....but when you're back together, it's as if nothing has changed. It's these friends whom I treasure most. And I hope they know that.

For me, online friends are priceless. It takes away some of the nerves of meeting face to face. I'm protected from behind my monitor and keyboard. I have come to meet some really interesting women this way....and I hope one day to meet them all. (and for me that is saying a LOT!)

A friend is like a good bra, close to your heart, hard to find and supportive!

Think Love

Last week, while browsing differen blogs, I came across Chookooloonks' Love Thursday. I loved it, and selfishly couldn't wait until this week so I could put up my own love thursday photo.



This photo is one of my all time favorites. My oldest, Alexis has always had a motherly way with each of her siblings. I think this pictures captures how she feels about them.

"A sibling is a gift given by nature"-author unknown.

Be sure to check out Chookooloonks for more Love Thursday entries. :)

Couple of funnies

My kids are always doing little things that just crack me up. On Sunday, we were sitting in sacrament meeting and the kids were quietly coloring. I had given them each a little piece of gum, thinking that it would keep their mouths busy and lessen the need to talk (or yell or scream or cry for that matter). Pretty soon, Haley is complaining about her nose. I thought she just had a boogie that was irritating her, so got her to blow and finally out comes.......HER GUM! Yikes. Needless to say she hasn't gotten gum since! (much to her dismay). yuck.

Today the kids were talking to Aunt Lolly on the phone and Robby asks me "Mom, can we go see her tomorrow?" I told him not tomorrow. He asks me why and I just said because we don't have the money right now. Without batting an eye, he said "Ok, we'll see you when we get the money." LOL So cute.

This morning, Lexi was getting dressed (in a skirt---of course) and told me her skirt was cranky. I asked her what she meant and she said "you know, cranky.....like grumpy". Still not sure what made her skirt grumpy or cranky but it gave me a good giggle this morning. :D

Last night the kids started wrestling with Daddy and it turned into a whole family wrestling match. As soon as I got involved, my personal defender, Haley got quite upset. She just kept kissing me, like saving me. It was cute.

I love these crazy kids. :)

Saturday Scavenger Hunt

This week's Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt theme is sleeping. This is the first one that came to mind. Having given up the paci only a short time ago, Haley decided to steal her baby brother's. She hid in her room, where she fell asleep with it. :D

Breast Cancer Awareness

My dad was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 2 1/2 years ago. It was something you always hear of people having, but never thought it would happen to your family, and definately not to a man in your family. But it happened to us.

And so it is with Breast Cancer....there is no rhyme or reason to who it will affect, or when. That is why it is so so so important to regularly check yourself and your husband. Before my Dad, it never even occured to me that men get breast cancer.

Most women have normal lumps and bumps in their brest tissue. Lumps that feel hard are not normal. Pain isn't typically associated with Cancerous masses, so don't think you're safe because it doesn't hurt.

One of my big goals is to participate in a Breast Cancer 3-Day event.
(from the website)
"Thousands of women and men will unite in cities across the country and walk 60 miles over the course of three days. It's a weekend of hope, as we honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, promote breast cancer research, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it.

Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives."

My sisters and I are planning to do one together hopefully next year. I think it will be a great experience.

So what are you still doing here?? Go have your mammies grammed....and I'll step off my soapbox.
ps don't forget your men.
ok really off the box now. :)

bigger baby steps

Caught a better video tonight of David taking steps. I know you're thinking "alright alrighty, enough videos already LOL! What can I say....proud momma???

Edit video online at onetruemedia.com

new layout!

I got bored with the old layout and figured with football season upon us, why not show some spirit for the "Dawgs"! I have the cutest fans, after all! :)

Such the helper!

Today, Rob was home, which means not having to drag all the kids to and from Lexi's school. I took Robby with me when I went to pick her up. As we walked, before I even saw the man, Robby started speaking to him..... "HHHHIIIIIIIII!....Do you need any help?" The man was sitting on the porch fixing his screen door. Of course he said that he didn't need any help, but it just made me so happy that Robby is so willing to help others (even if he does balk at helping around the house). Such a little gentleman, he is. Everyday, as we walk to Lexi's school, he greets EVERY person we pass with a cheerful "Good Morning!"

It made me think about this past weekend...I was on my way to my mom's house to visit with my sister and her kids who were down visiting. On the way, I got a flat tire. (Thank goodness for cellphones and Dad's!) Now, in reality I could have changed it all myself....but I was glad that my dad was willing to come to my aid. As I sat there waiting though, I started wondering where all the "do-gooders" of the world have gone? Not one person stopped to ask if I needed assistance. Although after thinking more on it, I'm glad that no one stopped. There are too many crazies out there, and it was just me and the kids. Still it makes me sad what our world has become. What ever happened to lending a helping hand not because you'll get some tangible reward, but just because it's a beautiful thing to do.

In highschool I had an English teacher who was near and dear to my heart. She had a motto that we all had to learn and use whenever possible. PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. It was a great experience for me...and I do try to be kind whenever I can just because. That sweet teacher died shortly after I had moved away, but I'll never forget her "legacy" of being kind.
So when I find my kids being kind just because, I feel like I am doing SOMETHING right, which is an awesome feeling.

Works for me Wednesday!

My WFMW is pretty simple, but here goes...

I struggled with how many plastic bags we end up with after a trip to the grocery store, and always felt a tad guilty just throwing them away. So, I started saving them and I use them in my small trash cans around the house. Now I don't feel quite so guilty about throwing them away because at least I've reused them. :D

I also just noticed the other day at a local grocery store (Kroger if anyone knows it) that they have a bin just inside their door where you can bring clean dry bags for recycling. Another alternative to look into if you're trying to figure out what to do with all the bags. :) So there you have it....works for me :)

You can check out more awesome WFMW ideas at Rocks In My Dryer

Our bedtime routine

Everynight, we pretty much have the same bedtime routine. We brush teeth, go potty, get a drink of water, say famiy prayers, say our "thankfuls" (each person says one thing they are thankful for from the day) and then everyone exchanges is hugs and kisses and hop in bed. THEN, comes MY routine with each of them.

When I go in the girls' room, Haley is usually out of bed, so I scoop her up snuggle her in bed, and try to manage a hug and kiss--mostly she wants to try and lick me or pretend to eat my cheek. lol. Once I start to get up, she'll always say "I wan some hugs and kisses" and then I'll finally get some.

Next, Lexi always hides under her blanket and I try to guess where she is, which follows with giggles from under the blanket. When at last I "find" her, I get lots of hugs and kisses, in fact she never wants to STOP giving them and usually says "I just love you so much I don't want to let go". *awwww* Sweet.

Then, I make my way to the boys' room, and usually David is already asleep. I'm sure his own bedtime routine will come when he's a little older. It's harder with little ones.

Robby and I have this little game we play every night. I start out by sniffing his face and saying something like "You smell like chicken" to which he replys "that's because I ate some" Then he'll sniff my face and tell me what I smell like. Sometimes it's quite commical and he'll tell me stuff like I smell like garbage (in an ever so loving way---complete with a little giggle). We usually go back and forth telling each other what we smell like but we always end with (him): "You smell like *sniff sniff sniff sniff* my sweet mommmmmm." and (me): "Awww you smell like *sniff sniff sniff sniff* my sweet boy". Silly I know but I love it. If I forget and just try to give simple hugs and kisses, he is quck to remind me "mom, you have to smell me" :D. I'm sure he won't wanna play the sniffing game when he's a teenager, eh?

MOMMMMMM....I WANT THE CAMERA!

Here's another video for your viewing pleasure LOL. He gets SO mad when he can't have the camera (which is always.)

Edit video online at onetruemedia.com

Lookie what he can do!!

David will be 9 months old tomorrow and has already began taking baby steps. :( You wouldn't believe how hard it is to catch his talent....as soon as I pull out the camera, he heads straight for it.

Edit video online at onetruemedia.com

Tag, you're it!

I've been tagged by Tammy!
Here's the tag: list seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your LiveJournal/blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

Here are my 7...in no particular order...
1)Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado
2)Wish for you by Faith Hill
3)The First time ever I saw your face by Roberta Flack
4)Anything from Trans-Siberian Orchestra
5)Hips don't lie by Shakira
6)Panic at the Disco- I write sins not tragedies
7)John Mayer-Waiting on the world to change.

Now it's your turn...I'm tagging LammyAnn, Lolly, Jenn, Christy,Lil'Duck Duck, Mikki, and Toni.

Giggling into the weeeeeee hours

My twin sister came to visit this weekend and we decided that one night after the kids were asleep, we were going to have a girlie night where we could watch a girlie movie, talk, giggle, and just spend time togther. So last night, we didn't get together until around 11pm. We giggled and talked until FIVE THIRTY in the morning. LOL Guess you could say we don't get out much. :D It was really fun and I'm glad we could do it. I love being silly with her. :)