only a boy

Yesterday, I walked into the hallway bathroom and saw a yellow liquid dripping down the side of the tub and floor. "Who peed on the floor?!!" I yelled. After all boys denied it and me assuring them that it had to be "one of you boys" because there is no possible way a girl could do that. I threatened the boys that I will put them in a pull-up if they EVER miss the toilet again.

Today, I walked into the hallway bathroom and AGAIN saw yellow liquid on the floor. I was so mad! Let me just say good thing they were outside playing because I almost pulled out my hat and broom. I poured some bleach on the floor and cleaned it up.

Later, child #3 comes to me and says, "would you really put a diaper on us if we peed on the floor?"
"What?" I turned my head so quick, he probably thought I was possessed. "Did you pee on the floor?" "Huh?" "Was it you, goshdarnit!"

The boy looked scared and finally said, "I think I'm gonna go back to my room."

Tonight,  I found this on Pinterest. I'm hanging this in the bathroom.

We drove to the Washington D.C. Temple on Presidents day to walk around the visitors center and watch some movies. Made a stop for a picnic lunch, shopping at the bookstore, and Beehive clothing (shhhh! You are technicaly in the Temple! Stop hitting each other!)

I'll be on Pinterest all month

March is a busy, busy month and it isn't even the 1st. I am planning 2 birthday parties for Sam, 1 for his friends and 1 for family. A baptism. A baby shower. And 2 get togethers for friends/family. WoW! I'm tired already and may sleep right through the month. See you in April.

Sam

was and still is a total BOY. He loves getting dirty. He loves his food. He loves nature and planes and trains and things that shot.

Going to memory lane with these photos. These were taken 5 years ago, making Sam a little over 3 years old. I will be posting a lot more of Sam this month as he turns 8 and gets baptized in the upcoming weeks.

a first and a second

Since Matthew turned 6 months old last week I decided I should start feeding him solid foods. Besides the fact he is running our food bill over the top with his oh too frequent formula needs. His first time eating from a spoon:

 I completely skipped the bland oatmeal and went straight to pureed bananas,

 thats what he will be eating anyway. No one here eats oatmeal.

Later on Michael lost (got pulled) his second loose tooth.

Let me not get started on the lousy no good Tooth Fairy who visits our house. I seriously think we got a the short straw. No $ if you loose your tooth after 8:00 p.m., no visits on Sunday PLUS she usually forgets...for days on end. Last night, this little fairy with blue wings (Michael saw her) didn't even bother to take the tooth from under the pillow when she left the 2$. Zach had to secretly find it this morning. Does she know what trauma that would of caused?

I thought

since we were all dressed for church very early I would snap a few family shots. It was an..adventure as we all tried to fit on one couch and there were a lot of re-dos.

and after 15 shots this is what we ended with. Perfect.

date night

Last night, Zach and I were able to have our first official date night without any children since Matthew was born..in celebration of my birthday. We had a gift card to Bertuccis so we headed there. Since I am anti-pasta/bread I ordered a grilled chicken salad and Zach got the meat lovers pizza, as usual. I wanted to take advantage of our time out so I suggested we go see a movie, The Woman in Black. I am such a wimp! I hate scary movies (and this one was only PG-13). I had my hand over my eyes or my eyes shut tight during half the movie. Pathetic. If the music sounded suspenseful and thrilling I assumed something was going to happen...I wasn't taking any chances. I even told Zach that we should just leave because I can't watch anymore. More pathetic. Zach assured me over and over, "it's not real". Oh, really? Like I didn't know that.

I smile

Matthew is 6 months old today. I really can not believe it. He has brought such joy to our family. He is truly a loved baby. He makes me so happy. I love his smile, his giggle, his chubby little thighs, and his beautiful blue eyes. He rarely cries, sleeps like an angel, and has the most curious look.


This past month he decided he only likes sleeping on his belly. He can't fully roll over so he is stuck on his belly until I rescue him. I don't mind since I watch his tiny blue eyed head pop up and try to look over the crib railing. I smile. He showers me with wet drooling kisses. I smile. He attempts to sit up by himself. Though not quite sturdy he falls back...with a smile. I smile. I could spend every moment watching him, listening to his "oohs" and "ahhhs", and kissing him.

I have learned to cherish these moments because believe it or not those wise "older" women were correct when they said, "time goes by so quick".

more birthday fun

This evening for my birthday "celebration" we played PLANETS (this is what Isaac called it). The kids blew up 20 balloons, we divided into 2 teams and smacked the balloons across a table. The balloons were not allowed to touch the ground. It was fun. No pictures though because everyone was running around. We then tried to pop the balloons by squeezing them between our bodies.

Gotta love a camera phone!

After an exciting time (and some crying and yelling)of balloon popping. We ate cupcakes.

 

I had a great birthday. I enjoyed spending the evening laughing with the kids and rolling my eyes at my husband..who sometimes acts like the kids.

another birthday...another year gone...another wrinkle appearing...another memory made...

Isaac told me on my birthday eve that he KNEW what he was doing for my birthday present. He left with, "be back soon." I later found this sign on my bed:

and this hanging from my ceiling (above my bed)

and this is what happened when the string got pulled.

This is the best, most sweetest present EVER! Thanks Isaac!

There is a funny story that goes along with the best present. I never needed to pull the string to bring down the sign because the tape holding the string fell..along with a bunch of confetti! Oh, well, Isaac forgot to mention there was confetti up there! I woke up at 1 am to find my bed and myself covered in black specks. What the...!?!

One sad day

 At the end of last school year I remember crying...repeatedly. I was pregnant with Matthew at the time so I can still blame hormones but I was sad because for the first time I realized the children are growing up and growing up FAST! Isaac was "graduating" from elementary school and going into middle school. Michael, my most precious, was heading to Kindergarten and Olivia was attending her first year of pre-school. It was too much happening at one time.

Well, just the other day I was sad again. I have been so blessed with great teachers (almost every year) for the children. I have really enjoyed the pre-school teachers at Bush. It occurred to me as I was walking through the school hallway after a former teacher saying "hi", that I will not walk into that school again for another 5 years! I will miss them. I will miss my children that use to be there and the fun memories that were created.

I have had the opportunity to bond with a few teachers as I volunteer in their classroom. These special teachers have molded my children, taught them, and loved them. There will be a time, in the very near future, that I will no longer have children that need to picked up from school (because they will be too cool, of course), when I will no longer be able to be a part of their classroom life, when I will have no idea who their teachers are.

So until that time, I will attend 3 Valentine parties in the same day, every Christmas party, in fact, I will attend ALL the parties. I will take each of my children to the book fair to let them pick out a book they don't want or need. I will try to never miss an assembly or award ceremony or spelling bee. I will come home after a long day of school activities, complain that I am too exhausted to cook dinner because "I've been at the school all day!" and go to bed at 7:30 (along with the kids) only to get up and do it all over again next week. Why? because one day...

Cara had a cupcake party

Cara had her 10th birthday party on Friday, February 17. Cara loves baking and decorating cupcakes. In fact, her most favorite show is Cupcake Wars. So she requested a cupcake party.

First, everyone made some cupcake crafts.

Then they decorated cupcakes.

Of course, Aunt Britt was invited to the party because "everyone knows

she is the coolest Aunt ever!" Aunt Britt made pin the candle on the cupcake.

Everyone played Just Dance including Britt and myself.

I know one of the girls was recording me.

All I can say is it better not get leaked out!

I know Cara had a blast. I had a house of 6 girls laughing, giggling, dancing, and yes, they got very loud., but I totally enjoyed every moment of it.

Olivias Valentine Party

At Olivias party she decorated cupcakes, sang songs, listen to a Valentine story, and exchanged cards. It was very cute and she had fun!

I had the privilege of attending 3 Valentine parties on Valentines Day. Olivia, Michael, and Cara. Unfortunately, my camera battery died so all I have is Olivia.

laundry, the fabric in my life

Monday is a laundry day. That means everyone puts their dirty clothes down the chute (yes, we have a laundry chute..THANK GOODNESS!) Here is what I tried to conquer today.

Totally missing in this picture are the 2 piles of towels and bed sheets. Oh, and the last  laundry day was Thursday. This is only 4 days worth.

So this morning I opened the washer to discover clothes..wet...moldy..clothes...from 3 days ago. I sighed. BUT then I realized they DON'T smell disgusting. They smell fabulous. Snuggle fabric softener saved my day. I love, love, love that stuff. I love the smell when I pour it in the washer, when I trade machines, when I take it out of the dryer and when I fold it. I especially love smelling it on my kids. I could hold them and smell them all day!

Yea, this is what makes me happy.

reason # 1

you always make me smile.

Olivias Valentine box

 We started with a tissue box

 wrapped in red paper

 decorated with pom-poms, stickers,

lots and lots of glue,

 

added some tissue paper and finished off with glitter glue.

This morning for FHM

Isaac gave the lesson about

Ammon converting King Lamoni.

 Michael as King Lamoni

 The flock of sheep

 Olivia as a son of Mosiah

Then the kids arm wrestled before "Ammon" smote off their arms.

(& just for the record..Cara beat Isaac)

this week in review

Sunday:
We had Family Home Morning. The topic was agency. I wrapped little presents for everyone as a representation of the "gift" Heavenly Father has given us. To open the gift everyone had to tell one time they had to choose between right & wrong this week. To my surprise, each child and Zach came up with an example. Then we all ate cupcakes and ice cream at 10:30 in the morning.

Monday:
Matthew got up at 6 and decided to stay up (little bugger!) and since I was up before my normal 7:30 rise and shine, the children were all ready for school by 8. Cara had some major attitude this morning, calling Michael a "dumb, fat, stupid boy", so I took the Wii away for 2 weeks. Then she didn't want to get out of the van on the preschool side (the same side she does EVERY morning) she insisted on getting dropped off on Hanby side. Fine, Cara! Well, that made her late and I wasn't walking out to sign her in. "Have a great day! I love you!" that was my final farewell to her. She just glared at me. But seriously, I hope she has a great day.

Tuesday:
Sam came home from school today and told me he lost his recess because he was talking during lunch when he was suppose to be quiet. I asked him why he did that, His response, "because I didn't choose the right." YES!!! I knew one day all my hard work would pay off..at least for a moment. Next time I hope he makes the right choice though.

Wednesday:
At night, I heard Olivia do some cough, gag and then Cara yell, "MOM! MOM! Olivia's throwing up!" I ran. Not in time though. Her bed sheets were covered. Guess what I found regurgitated from her stomach? 5 pieces of chewed gum! No wonder she threw up. This reoccurred 3 more times until she woke up Thursday morning running around obviously feeling great.

Thursday:
Today I went to the dentist. No cavities. (I've only had 1 in my adult teeth) The hygienist said I was an easy patient and didn't need much. I told her I am a "teeth" person and explained how my husband makes fun of my 5 minute brushing routine. What? I make sure EACH one is really clean.

Took Matthew to the doctor because he has been coughing. His coughs started sounding more mucusy and in his chest. Turns out he has bronchiolitis. There isn't any medication for it and it just needs to run its course. Which could take 2-3 weeks! He was given an inhaler with Albuteral to help break up the mucus. (same thing for kids with asthma). This medicine cost $78! In shock , I called the doctor to request a different prescription. Nope. Oh well, good thing I am totally in love with that baby!

It cost $65 to put half a tank of gas in my van. Highway robbery...literally.

Friday:
I got my hair cut. I haven't had my hair cut at a salon for years. I usually do it myself but, this day I was feeling very adventurous and spontaneous and spent that $15! Really glad I did.

I exercised Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Besides sweating on the cardio machine I took a Pilates class on Tuesday, shook my hips on Wednesday with Zumba for the Wii. Then Hooped for an hour on Friday (hula hooping..or so I tried). Weights on Saturday. This was my "fit and fabulous" goal for the week and I am proud of myself.

I've been reading a book called Faithful, Fit & Fabulous. I have really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone trying to improve their life in any area. The book is sectioned into weekly goals. Week 1 is developing a holy habit. This included prayer, scripture study, or personal revelation. I chose to work on prayer. This week I had to write a life paragraph. I really did not want to do this and put it off for 3 days. Basically, I had to write about myself. Here it is

I am a obedient, faithful daughter of God. I am happy. I am creative and enjoy using my time and energy to improve myself and my surroundings. I forgive much and easily. I connect with my family and friends in positive ways and like being around other people. I am sensitive to others feelings and am careful to not offend or degrade with gossip. I am willing to serve others and show them that I care. I have a balanced and  organized life. I enjoy having fun with my children and look for ways to teach them about temporal and spiritual things. 

This is suppose to be ever changing, especially through out this 8 week process. While reading I came across some words from James E Faust that I really like.

"..you cannot do everything well at the same time. You cannot be a 100 percent wife, a 100 percent mother, a 100 percent church worker, a 100 percent career person, and a 100 percent public-service person at the same time.” Doing things sequentially, he said, “gives a woman the opportunity to do each thing well in its time and to fill a variety of roles in her life.”

love is in the air

I never cared for Valentines Day until I found out it is Cara and Isaacs' favorite Holiday so I need to step up my game and make it special. I found small, metal mail boxes at Target in the 1$ section. They come in pink, white, red, & blue. I obviously picked up Valentine colors. I'm hoping my finished box will look similar. I will fill them with candy for each of the kids.

For Zach, I am writing down 52 things I love about him on address labels and then sticking them each on a card (in a card deck). I bought a pack of cards when we were in Miami. ** Extra special** (I'm stuck at 37 things!) I found this idea on Pinterest.

For one of the childrens school Valentine party I am making sugar cookies decorated like conversation hearts.



This Sunday for FHM, we will all sit down and help each other fill out 93 Valentine cards for classroom parties. I think by the 14th I will no longer care who likes Valentines Day. But for now, I am enjoying it

This whole spending thing has got my undies in a knot. I feel so guilty. Last night, I couldn't stop thinking about what to do to fix it. I designed, in my mind, over and over again a list with budget goals. After hours, seriously hours, I realized that a lot of the purchases last week I did need to make. The boys really did need shoes and I scored some sweet deals online at Famous Footwear (spending only 22$ for Puma sneakers for Isaac) and LL Bean for a book bag for Sam. Usually, I can't afford to buy from LL Bean but took the chance knowing their products have a lifetime guarantee. I chose a bag on clearance and got free shipping. Purchases for gas, groceries, medicines, etc were necessary. The Target purchases included formula for the baby and household items including light bulbs, a heater filter, and batteries. (there was also a cute dress for Olivia and shoes..on clearance though!). So I guess in conclusion I (we) really need to sit down and decide HOW much I (we) should to spend in each area and then stick with it. Of course, if I spend $141 each week on unnecessary items I could possibly save $600 a month, right?

Now what can I buy for $600???

I have been in self improvement mode lately and have enjoyed the progress I make each week. I have set up work charts for the kids (which work amazing!) and assigned myself 15 minutes each day to get the house together. I have been reading a book called "Fabulous, Fit, and Faithful" which claims to improve my life in 8 weeks, however, I know it will take way longer then that. I was excited to set a holy habit and accomplish it this past week. WOW! What a difference being holy makes in ones' day.

This week I am heading back to the Y to work out. I plan to go everyday, in reality I will be happy to make it twice this week.

My BIG goal this week is fixing the family budget. Here is a list of what I spent this week:
Ashley Bird would be appalled.

Monday:
Goodwill $23.88
Michaels $22.14
Kids Kuts $14.00 (plus 3$ cash tip)
Wendys $7.74
YMCA $2.68

Tuesday:
LL Bean $19.99*
Famous Footwear $78.17*

Wednesday:
Salvation Army $43.42
Walgreens $12.47
Gas $40.00

Friday:
Shoprite $151.01
Kohls $109.57*
Gas $57.01
Target $39.50*
Christmas Tree Shop $43.88

Saturday:
LDS online $79.63 (scriptures for Sams 8th birthday and magazine renewals)
Target $42.38

$790.47
So, let me break this down. I put in red the purchases that were REALLY unnecessary. That total is
$141.06. I put a * by the purchases that were necessary but perhaps I could of shopped around more OR bought cheaper, used coupons, etc. Those included a new book bag for Sam, bras for myself, and  new shoes for 3 boys.

I consider myself a wise shopper. I use coupons, online deals, and always look for the best sales. However, this is an eye opener for me. So this week I am going to spend $0 in unnecessary purchases. Sorry, Goodwill, I will not be visiting you this week. Plus, I already spent $35.50 TODAY. (online so no Sabbath breaking)

I will set a food budget (thinking about using only CASH again, more couponing), set a "project" budget, and then take it from there.

A day of baking, crafts, naps, and games

Today was great. No planned activities. No pressure to be on time anywhere. Cara and I baked from-scratch cupcakes. YUM! Butter cake with fluffy white icing. Olivia helped decorate.

In the process of making icing, discovered how to make homemade marshmallow fluff

We played Sorry!, Yahtzee, TROUBLE, and UPwords....over... and over.... again. I am thankful I picked up many new games from the Goodwill lately.

Then Sam, Michael, Olivia, and myself crafted some MoNsTeRs out of paper towel rolls, pipe cleaners, pom poms, paint, and google eyes.

Isaac snuck out to hang with his friend and guess who napped?