Christmas!

I love Christmas, but I feel like I'm fighting for Christmas spirit this year. We have been swamped in life and I can barely keep the house clean let alone finish putting the lights on the tree. Nate and Ashley got sick the week before Thanksgiving, and are still sick. They both have RSV and I am so sick of breathing treatments. I'm due for another with Nate right now--he doesn't like them either. On the bright side, I finished the Nativity Event and I think it went well. I'm enjoying spending more time at home, now if only I could get Justin here too, we could have a perfect holiday season!

Halloween 2008

Nate's costume was the hit of this year's Halloween festivities. Thanks Laurel, I'm glad I hung onto that one!

Dallas Arboretum

It was such a beautiful day, but the kids just weren't feelin' it and the pictures didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. We fed them lunch right before leaving but they started whining and asking for candy the minute we got there, and they kept giving me these lame half smiles. We could hardly get Ashley to look at the camera, you wouldn't believe how many pictures I got of her staring off into space.

Such a pretty setting, I wish they had cooperated!

Does it seem like there are million people in this picture to anyone else besides me?

This house is made mostly of pumpkins, it has strings and strings of chilies hanging from the ceiling.

This is Uncle Adam, they all love him, especially Nate, he has a man crush.

Ashley actually took this picture. She loves to mess around with my cell phone camera, or my real camera. I don't love it, but she's getting better!

I just love this boy! We forgot his shoes rushing out of the house and he didn't like the grass--when I put him down he stood on one foot and fussed a little.

My problem:

Insomnia + disobedient kids = unhappy mom that blows up at the slightest provocation

Rosie's Photoshoot

Yes, I know my backdrop isn't covering the whole background, I never claimed to be a professional. Someday I am taking a photography class, or three or four but here are some of my amateur attemtps. Michelle, does this give you flashbacks of Camille and Carter? If I had time I'd scan that picture and put it up, too.


I got some seriously cute pictures of Rosie, It was harder with both of them because Nate wouldn't hold still, but I just love these few. I wanted to post my favorites of Rosie, but my SIL is in the process of picking some for a Christmas card so whenever she is done, NO PRESSURE!, I'll post my favorites of the little cutie.

Tagged (and finally getting around to it!)

Another friend Misti tagged me for this one. You are supposed to give one word answers to the following questions.

1. Where is your cell phone? counter
2. Where is your significant other? couch
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? talented
5. Your father? wise
6. Your favorite thing? friends
7. Your dream last night? sleep
8. Your dream/goal? photographer
9. The room you're in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? creating
11. Your fear? lonliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13. Where were you last night? crane's
14. What you're not? stylish
15. One of your wish-list items? cruise
16. Where you grew up? denver
17. The last thing you did? bedtime
18. What are you wearing? shorts
19. Your TV? fox
20. Your pet? none
21. Your computer? laptop
22. Your mood? blogging!
23. Missing someone? sisters
24. Your car? odyssey
25. Something you're not wearing? jewelry
26. Favorite store? target
27. Your summer? poolside!
28.Love someone? Justin
29. Your favorite color? browns
30. When is the last time you laughed? recently
31. Last time you cried? thursday

Tagged!

My friend Rebecca tagged me to post the sixth photo in the sixth folder on my computer. Here it is, a picture of Emma from her birthday party this last August.

Check the last post

I finally got my infamous video up.

Happy Birthday Nate Dawg!

I remember watching my nephews love their mom and thinking I needed a son. Well, now I got one and I seriously love this kid. He is so sweet and lovable, and he lets me love him and kiss him, which I do every time I pick him up because he is so cute, and then it just makes me want to kiss him more when he lets me, leaning his head in so I can do it, but I digress.

Nate turned one on Sunday so we had a little smash for him. We ate tacos and cupcakes, and all the in town fam was there.

Nana sent a little something and I completed my assignment from her by going to Toys R Us and buying a car that makes lots of noise. Nate loved it, and cracked himself up pushing the buttons. The other kids thought it was pretty cool, too, and we had a hard time convincing them they were too big to ride.


We had to make the kids sit on the fireplace so they wouldn't maul him while he was trying out the new ride.



Bash just pretty much does what she wants so she stole a turn, and made me take her picture.

I'm so embarassed to post this video, but Justin said I had too. So let this be a lesson to all of you: no candles for the first birthday. I seriously can't believe we did this, I mean we are seasoned parents--it's not like it is our first rodeo people! I felt so bad for the little guy, he couldn't figure out what the heck was going on. He just sat there looking at us after, like you all gathered around for that? Cruel Cruel. Maybe later I'll get up the guts to post the video I took right after when we handed him the cupcake sans fire hazard and he looked at it and cried. Oh man, I owe him one! He did eventually decide to eat it, as evidenced by the frosting covered photo above!

Other notes about Nate:

He walks now, a great Frankenstein/Emperor penguin walk with his arms out in fists in front of him.

He can crawl up and down the stairs.

He says, "hiee!" and waves.

He loves his blue blankie.

He loves to eat (as if you didn't already know)

He makes the cutest faces, like my favorite the fishy face.

He is a sweet and content little guy. After the girls go to bed he often sits on the floor and plays with his toys while Justin and I watch ESPN. He rarely cries, unless of course he is hungry.

He likes to dance in the kitchen with me, if no one is looking.

Partially owing to the fact that it has been too hot to wear them and the inability to find any that fit his fat feet, he isn't a big fan of shoes. He rolls his ankles around and drags his feet when he walks when I put them on.

He sticks his tongue out when he is busy with something.

And lastly, posting video takes for...ev...er. I am losing sleep and this post keeps getting longer as I wait for my video to upload. Does anyone know how to save those in smaller format or something?

Rock Band

Today I heard Camille singing "Dead or Alive" in the bathroom. Thanks for the housewarming gift Larsons!

Reality Bites

And comes back way too quickly.






I had such a weekend of bliss. Friday I spent hanging around with my mom. Then Friday evening I met my friends (gave hugs all around) and we drove up to Winter Park. My friend Tracey asked us if she should bring movies or something, and we told her no. She asked, "You just sit around and talk for two and a half days?" Yep, that's the idea. And we did. All day, and half the night too! I brought a little project (With Nate and the new baggage rules there wasn't enough space for scrapbooking stuff.) and chatted with my friends all weekend long. We went out for a long walk Saturday, and it was cold and beautiful. A couple of us went hot tubbing Saturday night, but mostly we sat around the small table and talked and ate junk. Sunday we came home, I stopped to visit a couple friends houses and say hello, and then I had a great dinner my mom made--wow, I miss you mom. Then it was time to head to the airport.

The kids all did well, Ashley was playing "go out of town" this morning. Nate was only slightly traumatized about me leaving him for the weekend. Sunday evening I ran after my brother with his forgotten cell phone, and Nate put his face down on the entry rug and cried when I shut the door after me. He was so giddy and wiggly and excited yesterday when the girls were around. It was cute to see him so happy to be home. The house? Well, in the interest of being positive we won't talk about it.

Shhhh!

I snuck out for the weekend. I'm afraid if I go to wild I'll get in trouble and get sent home. I am in Denver and had a fabulous day hanging out with my mom and getting pedicures. When she visited me last week we worked so hard we didn't have any time to just relax together, so it was nice to have this day. Soon I am getting picked up to go to Winter Park and spend a weekend with my girlfriends here. I can't wait to smell that mountain air! Plus I managed to land myself here on the weekend that the fall colors peak in the mountains--man it really is too bad that I forgot my camera!

My Beautiful Girl

Emma was baptized last Saturday. I am so proud of her, she is a good girl in many ways. She tries hard to please people, especially her parents and teachers. She is so responsible and also very quick to learn. She was very well prepared for her baptism and I hope she will remember what a special day it was!

We had family travel from three different states to be with us: Grammy Lisa came from Denver, Nana and Papa, Aunts Courtney, Kristin, and Michelle, and a cousin Mackenzie all came from CA and UT and it was so fun to have them all. I am grateful for the effort they made because it made the day so much more exciting for Em.

I am going to have a picture done of just Emma in her dress, but I thought the generations of women picture was almost as good. My mom made Emma's dress, it was perfect and we loved it. I had a Mary and Martha insight Saturday morning as we rushed out to be at the church on time, leaving my house in shambles and most of my house guests to get my other kids ready and find the church with a map. I sat thinking of the things I wished I could have done that morning, and I realized that none of it mattered really. I really felt I had all that was important that morning as we sat waiting for everyone else to get there. We had a great spirit in the meeting and although it was not perfect I felt so happy to be there and be a part of Em's special day.

And more hilarity

I wasn't kidding people. Camille and Ash are in the bath right now. We are going to Adam and Tammy's today.

Camille: I wish Adam and Tammy had toys.
Me: What kind of toys?
Camille: A toy basket like us.
Me: Well, we could bring toys, that would be a good idea.

Ash: Why, cuz' you're just gonna do boring stuff like talk and talk and talk?
Me: And watch football.
Ash (several seconds later): Mom, you don't even like football.

Last time they were in the bath, Camille stuck her foot in a cup and said, "Look, I'm a cowboy with one boot...Howdy!" I had to laugh.

Bash on a roll

This kid is cracking me up today. First, she says to me, "Mom, who is coming over tonight? Tammy better be coming over!" Incidentally we had no plans for tonight.

Then she says (while standing next to me whining and talking about many things). "Mom, why can't we call Tammy and say, 'could you come over, my kid is freaking out." All said in a very monotone and manner of fact voice.

Then while playing with my cell phone and after Nate spit up on himself she says, "Mom, can I take a picture of that?"

There is just no end to her hilarity.

Dallas World Aquarium

One of the things the kids wanted to do before their summer ended was go to the Dallas World Aquarium. Tammy was still in the hospital so we took Nana and Courtney with us, and Brandon got to come too. The kids loved it.

Ashley thought the flamingos stank. She also thinks she is funny.


I just like this picture of tubby in his stroller because he is wearing my favorite outfit. Something about the way it fits his drumstick legs just makes me want to squeeze him.


These are the Mayan performers that do a butterfly dance and they they give you an envelope with live butterflies to release. It was the coolest part of the whole aquarium. The kids were fascinated. Those are real McCaws that guy has on his shoulders.

Everybody loves Aunt Courtney

We had so much fun while Courtney was here. The kids dog-piled her when she left, and we were sad! Through some great luck she ended up staying at our house instead of with Tammy (sorry TamAdam, to steal your houseguest) and it was great! We spent the kids last days of summer hanging out with her and meeting our new neice, Elizabeth Rose Braun. More on that later, Bash and I have to go to the bank.

First Day of School!!!

This is such a happy occasion for me, and despite what it looks in the picture it is happy for my kids too. They woke up a 6:00 am on their first day of school. Emma set her alarm and woke Camille, they ate breakfast, got dressed, packed lunches, and were ready to go with time to spare, they were so excited. Camille was visibly trembling with excitement--I thought she might start bouncing. They are loving school and doing well, they both have made new friends they talk about and ask for play dates. Emma's friend is Marilee, and Camille's is well I forget, but we are planning playdates soon, so maybe I can post pictures of them.

The only one it is sad for is poor Ashley. I am just not exciting enough for her. I am hard pressed to keep her little busy body occupied. I signed her up for a dance class, so we'll be happy when that starts Monday. I think she will love it. We'll keep you posted.

Livin' the Dream

Confession: I've been putting off posting this because I wanted a really great picture and I always hate pictures of me. I know, it's dumb. I so wish I had more photos of my Dad, but he was always the photographer so I don't have lots. For that reason I'm trying to be better and be in more and use more pictures of me.

Now to the real post. Happy Anniversary to us! I love Justin so much. He makes everything in my life more fun. He makes me laugh--my favorite thing about him. He is so responsible, so motivated, so determined, so persistant. This year in addition to surviving 9 years with me, he passed the fourth and final section of the CPA, all four on the first try (the percentage of people that do that is tiny), got a great promotion, and moved us into a beautiful new house. He is such a great husband and provider, I couldn't have done better. I am so grateful to have a strong and happy marriage!

My new favorite trick

Happy Birthday Emma

Those eyes!

Emma had her eighth birthday this week. She will be baptized next month, my first child. I can't believe it. She is such a good kid. She is a straight arrow, always trying to do right and also make sure all the rest of us do, too! She is so responsible, she does what I ask without me nagging her. She takes care of her own homework, and does well in school. She is so self motivated, she taught herself to ride a bike and swim. She loves to read and I often find her at night reading in her room. (I can't tell her to stop because I did the very same thing.) She likes to surprise me by unloading the dishwasher and doing the dishes for me. Nate adores her, because she takes care of him so much. She often goes in to get him when he wakes up early in the morning. She can get him out of his crib, take him downstairs and make him a bottle. She walks him all over the house by letting him hold her fingers. He will jump ship from my arms to hers anytime. He gets super excited when she walks in the room.

She is a wild brave girl. She loves to play rough, and will try anything. I still can't believe she did that crazy rope swing we found at Jordanelle resevoir in Park City. It was a 15 foot drop! She handled it like a champ and even went back for seconds. She likes a wild tube ride behind the boat. She has loved the water since I first took her to the pool in Cali at about 5 months old. She also has had that great brown skin since that day. She gets so dark and tan. She will stay in the pool for hours and hours, and hours.

We love you Emma, we couldn't ask for a better firstborn! Happy Birthday.

Noggin

I finally got some of my videos to upload and now I can't stop.

Justin

This is why I love Justin. He makes everything more exciting.

Doh!

Nate makes noise

nate is a true boy, he loves to make all kinds of noise. He imitates sounds we make, he says da da, ma ma (non-discriminately), ow (think ET), and can make the motor boat sound, and one of my favs, the tongue click.

Rock Band

We love Rock Band. We don't actually own it, but I think if I suggested going down to Best Buy to get a Wii and the game, Justin wouldn't object--budget or no.

Help!

Today was, well I don't even have the words. 107 degrees. People die, you know. We went to the pool, but it heats up so much in the hot sun that it is barely cool enough to keep you from sweating. I do love air conditioning.

In other news, I got a new assignment at church. I'm the chair for the entire stake for the Cresh Festival that they do. And I haven't even been to it! Seriously? I don't even know where to start. And I'm told (between stifled giggles) that usually people start working on this right after the last one is over. Perfect, so I'm a little behind. Before he said anything else the Bishop asked me, "How's your testimony?" That ought to be a little clue.

I have so much to blog and so little time, I take pictures, even video, and then they sit on my computer waiting for me to get back to them. Notice it is 11:30pm and Justin went to bed hours ago. I was planning on following him shortly but I started checking my friends blogs and then, well, you know what happens.

What I have been up to

I should be doing laundry. I should be playing with Nate. I should be cleaning bathrooms. I should be getting ready for my trip to Arkansas. But I can't seem to tear myself from this book my friend Rebecca loaned me. Man I love a good book!

Go Rangers!

Doing our best to experience Dallas life at it's fullest, we went to a Rangers game. After a one hour rain delay (during which we ate hot dogs under shelter) we had a ball. My favorite moment was during the 5th inning, when a Ranger hit a home run. Everybody in the stadium stood and cheered, including all of us and Camille and Ashley, clapping like crazy. They lit off a few fireworks and it was generally exciting. Camille leaned over to Justin and asked (while still clapping) "Daddy, what did he do?"

Since the game went so late, it was well past the kids bedtime in the 9th inning. Ashley claimed her spot on Adam's lap, and there at the end she stretched out horizontally across his legs, threw her head back and said, "I think I'm dehydrated!" We all cracked up and Adam mentioned that she probably didn't even know what that meant. So Justin asked her how you get not dehydrated--"Drink lots of water," she said. Well there you go. Any other questions?

For some reason Nate loves to hang upside down. Perhaps it's to alleviate the gravity pulling down on those cachetes.

Is there anything like this view? I ask you. Hearing the national anthem gets my heart pumping and sends chills down my back. I love being an American at a ball game.

Progress?

One night this week at dinner Ashley was throwing a fit because she wanted a blue cup to drink out of. She is carrying on and on while I'm trying to reason with a pouting exhausted toddler. Emma is offering her suggestions and adding to the confusion and Camille (who has the last clean blue cup) is just observing. Until she says, "I'll trade! I really wanted green anyway." Which isn't true, they always fight over blue. I had tears spring to my eyes, no really. Could I possibly be getting through to her?

Don't worry, when I sent them to bed later Ashley called me "mean mom!" so my head won't get too big.

Kid Funnies

CAM: Ashley! Comere! There's a roly poly...in the garage! Except, this is sad...it's dead.



CAM (to Justin while he bites the crust off her peanut butter and jelly sandwich): Did you know that you eat crust? Squirrels eat crust.



CAM: ASHALEE! Our blankies are not supposed to touch! And by the way, your blankie is touching the line!
ASH: CAMILLE! I like it the way it is supposed to be!



CAM: Did you know, that Todin (yes she's back!) lives in America?
ME: Really?
CAM: Yeah, and it's too bad because she has lots of tornados in her house.



JUSTIN: (We are getting ready to eat french dip sandwiches for dinner.) It's called Ahh Juice sauce (with drawl).
CAM: No it's not!
EM: You know what you're called?
ASH: Weak sauce!

I swear, I don't make this stuff up. I've been jotting down notes so I could remember!

Sum Sum Summertime

It is hard keeping these guys busy all day. I've tried to plan a somewhat repeating schedule. Mondays we clean, then do something fun like go for ice cream or do a craft. Wednesday we go to the AMC summer movie camp. Friday is our Friday Field Trip. And in the middle we usually have friends over or run little errands, and I try to keep up with the maintenance of the house. But even the best laid plans don't always work. This last week all three girls got strep--at different times of course. The pediatricians office already recognizes me I've been in there with all four kids every other day all week.

Still, I've had some fun times spending quality (and quantity) time with the kids. When things go smoothly it's fun to experience the family dynamics changing and growing. One of our favorite activities has been reading library books. Whenever there is a lull or I need to calm them down, I sit down and read to them. Emma loves to hang around with me and help out, and Camille and Ashley play with each other.

Coming soon: Scenery of McKinney. Don't hold your breath though, we all know how quick I am getting back to these posts!

Day with cousins

Last week we spent a day with our cousins. We went to a movie, then swimming. The kids were worn out at the end, but they had fun.

My twin neices, Brooke and Brittany

Emma playing with the boys. She was whipping them at "King of the Turtle"

Camille doesn't like to swim without a floatee, she tried on several including Nate's.

Nate was so sleepy! It was a hard day for a napping baby.

They loved the shower at our community pool. The pool is so nice, it was really great.