A slow week

Kaden is taking the equivalent of home ec. this quarter. (I can't remember the technical name for it). Anyway, he has to complete 10 hours of lab points at home either cooking or sewing.  It's been nice having him in the kitchen helping with meals. (we all know what kind of a cook I am, and how much I LOVE fixing meals, Note the sarcasm here) Even better is the fact that he kind of enjoys doing it. So far we haven't taken on sewing yet.  Thinking back on my home ec. sewing experiences (I'm sure you remember my awesome shorts mom) we might have to ease into that one.  So for now, cooking it is!

Carly thought she was super helpful getting into the pantry and mixing the goldfish crackers with the uncooked pasta noodles.  Now that would be an interesting dinner. Goldfish pasta. 

After a week and a 1/2 on anti-biotics for a sinus infection, Noah, (aka batman) woke up with a fever again today.  I don't know what is going on with this kid.  Thank goodness he was better by the next day.  I blame the inversion and the bad air.  (Not for any particular reason, just because lately that is what I am blaming EVERYTHING bad on.) Isn't he a pretty cute little batman?

Jordan and Carly are just the cutest little buddies.  I think out of all the boys, he needed a little sister the most.  And he treats her like a princess.

I know, another Friday, another Jack picture.  I'm seeing a pattern here.  Jack gets his homework folder on Monday, and is supposed to do a little bit every day to return to school on Friday.  (Usually about 6 or 7 pages of whatever number or letter they are working on that week).  Well, in true Jack form as you can imagine it is EXTREMELY hard to get him to do his homework.  He HATES it!!!!  Usually I make sure he gets it done before Friday morning, but he still had one page left and we had piano and pack meeting Thursday night so we didn't quite make it.  Friday morning I got him right on it at about 7:30 am.  All he had to do was write his full name 8 times, he had already finished about half the page so I thought he'd plow through it pretty quickly.  I left him to it while I got the other kids ready and came back about 15 minutes later to see how he was doing only to find that my little perfectionist had ERASED all the first part because his letters were "too close together", and he was starting over.  UGH!!!!!!  Yep, the boy that can't keep his room clean, collects "happy meal" sacks and cereal box garbage and leaves a paper trail ALL over the house, is SUCH a perfectionist when it comes to writing or drawing anything. It DRIVES ME CRAZY.  So, I made him finish the bottom half of the paper with the hopes that his teacher would see the part that was erased and know he actually did it, and it still took him to 8:20 am to get it done.  (Of course that was followed by the usual getting to school drama, see my last post, so it made for a really fun morning.)

Saturday we were fogged in (AGAIN, remind me why I live here again?)  So I was actually a little happy to head up skiing with the boys (only a little).  We left Carly and Noah with Mike and Stacie for the day, (I think I might owe them several years of babysitting payback now) and headed up to the slopes.  MUCH different from last weekend. It was sunny and warm and even though I had LOTS of other things I could have been doing, I wouldn't have missed watching my boys.  They are so much improved after just one month of lessons I was amazed.  Rob and I were able to hit a few runs during their lessons (Rob kept commenting that he forgot I was actually a good skier because of all the complaing I always do about it) and we all went together for a little while after they were done.  I stayed in the back to make sure no one crashed or fell behind and when we were done Rob asked the boys if I was a pretty good skier, Jack answered, "well, she's pretty slow but that's ok mom, you'll get better."   Thanks Jack.

Proof that I really was there, and that skiing is NOT the most flattering sport.  :)

So yes, it was a slow week and while sometimes that is good, here's to hoping for a little more excitement this week, but mostly a LOT LESS FOG!  (please)

Week 3

  Gotta love that inversion in the valley eh?  This wasn't even one of the worse days.  Just a typical one for the winter.  One of the perks of our house is that we are above the gunk! After living 7 years right smack in it, it is a welcome change, and one that gets me through these valley winters.

The kids had the day off for MLK day and spent most of it playing Legos.  It was really fun having them home for a day.  Even Carly gets in on the action.

Finally, here comes the sun and the smog is GONE! YAY!!!

One of the biggest issues we have with Carly is that with all these older brothers, she has never really learned how to "play" with toys.  She just follows the boys around doing whatever they are doing.  So, today was monumental in that I showed her how to "pretend" with her food toys.  She actually got the hang of it.

Right before we headed out for school, Jack came down and reported in a very non-chalant way that he and Jordan had broken his bed.  Like it was no big deal.  They had been jumping on the beds (bunk beds that aren't actually stacked right now, thus the boards and not a frame) and it had broke.  I was so mad I told Jack that he still had to sleep on it until he could earn money to buy another board to fix it,  and hopefully the mattress wouldn't fall through while he was asleep. BIG MISTAKE!!!! He cried the ENTIRE way to school thinking that he was going to DIE in his bed and I was the meanest mother EVER! (like I haven't heard THAT one before!).  He slept on the floor for the next two nights until he had eaned enough to fix it. (all of about $3.00 but I made him REALLY earn every penny :)

Every day I take the boys to school.  Yes there is a bus and yes, they moved the bus stop a bit closer to our house but if I take them it allows me 2 things.  #1: an extra 20 minutes to get Jack out the door. (believe me I need it, he complains to no end EVERY STINKIN' DAY! and it literally takes us 15 minutes just to drag his fanny out of the house, usually hollering and complaining the entire time!)  and #2: it allows me that trip though the McDonald's drive thru for my $1.08 large diet coke.  And after getting the kids off, I NEED it! (and yes, it is ironic that in this particular picture.... Jack the same afore-mentioned child, is the ONLY one smiling... go figure!)

Rob had shareholder/board meetings Saturday so I was on Ski school duty.  We started up the canyon, (this was a picture taken before it got really bad. Now, I don't mind the bad roads, I'm from Idaho after all and I've driven my fair share, plus I have a 4 wheel drive beast that gets me pretty much anywhere.  But, after the guy in front of this car, (a little further up) slid off the road, I decided it soooooo wasn't worth it, it was cold, snowy, windy and yucky roads, so we turned around and headed home.  Granted, had I been a die hard skier like my loving hubby, I probably would have toughened it out. But I'm not.  The boys were really glad. In my mind there is NOTHING worse when skiing than skiing in the wind, and getting cold.  Hopefully next week will be Awesome.  There is LOTS of much needed new snow.  (btw: there was an avalanche the next day through the canyon that actually closed it for about an hour, so I know I wasn't crazy about how bad it was.:)

Sunday afternoon Ashley came up with her kids to play.  It was so much fun to spend the day with my sister and catch up on all the going-ons in each others lives. (we haven't really talked since Christmas which is so unlike us)  It was a really fun day and we were sad to see them go.  We'll have to return the favor and visit them soon.  (above: Sophi and Carly) (below: Jack, Noah, Parker, Mason, and Sophi) The boys all had so much fun building and playing with the trains all afternoon.  (oh and yes, this is my red room, I'll have to get a better picture)

Photo of the day Week 2

Jack is our little game man.  He is constantly trying to get someone, anyone to play games with him.  Sunday afternoon he finally got his dad to play this pirate game called "Loot" with him.  They were so cute together and had so much fun. Also to note. Sunday night I got a phone call from Jack's primary teacher wanting to know how our dinner was.  I was almost embarrassed to tell her because we just had sandwiches and chips.  But confused, I told her it was fine, and she started laughing and told me that when Jack said the closing prayer in primary, he blessed that we would have a "delicious" dinner.  (aparantly he knows my cooking skills need some serious divine help)  So when I asked him if he was dissapointed he said, " NO WAY, peanut butter is my most favorite food EVER!)  Ahhh. I guess prayers are answered.

For FHE tonight we had a little lesson and then, once again, played games.  It is so much fun now that all the kids are getting old enough to actually understand and follow the rules.  This is one of the games we got for Christmas called "Feed the Kitty" and it was as easy as rolling a dice, and that was about it.  We played 3 times.

My project life kit arrived today, YAY!  However, today's picture of the day was a toss up because it was also the return of "American Idol" and that was probably the highlight of my night... Or at least it would have been if it wasn't for scouts, homework, getting kids to bed, etc. etc. etc.  Thank goodness for DVR.  Anyway, the point is.  I love "American Idol"  But I love my scrapbooking more.  (I'm also noticing a trend this week in my non-hair do, and non-make up.  A subtle sign as to what kind of week I was having!: Even Carly looks a bit frazzled)

We officially experienced our first stomach bug/throw ups of the season. (I'm sure there will be more to come)  Noah woke up with a fever around 1:00 am. And after giving him some motrin, he proceeded to barf in our bed.  Super fun!  That scenario was repeated about 3 times today.  Fever, Motrin, barf.  Poor little guy.  None of the boys have ever had a fever with the stomach flu so we're still not sure if that was what it was or just his sensitive stomach, (my boys have SUPER sensitive stomachs) to the motrin.  As of today, (Saturday) still has a fever and just not his usual self.  (I suspect a sinus infection but REFUSE to go to the insta-care because I am convinced that every time I do, the kids catch something else)  So, we'll hold out until Monday and visit the pediatrician. More important to note:  While most kids LOVE their mom's and want to snuggle constantly when they are sick... Not my Noah,  Every time he gets to where he doesn't feel well, he goes on a screaming rampage crying.. "Stupid you!" "Stupid mom" "Stupid you!"  I know, makes you feel all warm and tingly doesn't it?  Here's hopin he gets better SOON!!!

Today was just one of those days that felt like a cupcake day.  Nothing makes you feel better than a batch of yummy cupcakes right? 

Kaden made the honor roll!  WOW!!! Not only that but he brought home straight A's!  THis was definately my photo of the day!  I am so proud of him. Man I have awesome kids!

And last but not least... Today I finally got to paint a room red!  I've tried before, (my bedroom, my scrapbook room) but both times, the furniture etc. just didn't work with it.  But today, I finally got to do it, HOORAY!  Look for the end result on a future POTD (photo of the day). 

Photo a day

One of the ways I am Desperately trying to keep up on my scrapbooking/journaling this year is by taking the "photo a day" approach. I am in love with the concept, taken from Becky Higgins (my hero of scrapbookers). It's her "Project Life" kit and I tried it last year but only lasted about 2 days. This year I am determined. So here is our first week of the new year in pictures. I've had fun trying to pick just the right photo that gives just a glimpse into what my day was like.

Day 1: Sunday:

Noah went to Sunbeams! Now, unless you know the history of my boys and primary, this is really no big deal. But, since Kaden, NONE of my boys have gone to nursery, or sunbeams without some sort of drama, that ended with me or Rob sitting in class with them for an entire year. No joke! Noah didn't go to nursery, EVER! I was DETERMINED to get him in a class. Thank goodness he has a teacher who really puts 190% into her calling. She literally carried him down the hall kicking and screaming to his class. (yes you can imagine the sympathetic looks she and I both got). Somehow, she managed to learn his love for all things Batman, and got him excited. When I picked him up he was happy and having a good time and neither Rob or I had to go in with him once. This was a moment in history! (Now Carly in nursery was another story, lets hope the trend stops with her. So far, it's not looking good)

Day 2: Monday:

Carly is a climber. She thinks she needs to climb up, squeeze in, get on EVERYTHING! This was just the pick of the day, her little shopping cart she got for Christmas. She uses the window sill to boost her way up and climb in. ahhh, such a little lady.

Day 3: Tuesday:

Noah got these cool legos for Christmas from grandma C. However, Jordan and Jack thought they were the coolest things they had ever seen and spent all morning before school, and all afternoon after school, building "creatures". This was my picture of the day because it shows what good buddies my boys are. I want to remember, and remind them of that on those days when they are fighting or mad at each other. They truly are each others best friend, and I think that is AWESOME!

Day 4: Wednesday:


Oh, today's picture of the day is just a small glimpse of trouble. This is Carly's new favorite place. (remember how she climbs everything?) She has learned to slide the stool to any high place she needs to go. This is where I keep all the things that little hands shouldn't play with. ie: scissors, pens, pencils, telephone, hand sanitizer, etc. So of course, this is where my little princess migrates to. ahhhhh! Today, I had put a small container of paint on this little counter, (I had been doing a little touch ups on the walls where my sweet boys had felt the need to throw things and bang things to make dings in my walls). So I finished, put the paint there for just a second to rinse out my brush, turned around only to find little miss Carly Faye dumping the paint down the front of her, my cabinet, the floor, etc. The problem was, everywhere I put her, left a trail of paint. So, I stuck her in the bath and put Jack in charge (I know, risky) while I cleaned up the mess. You can see why I didn't get a "during" picture. I was terrified I wouldn't' get the paint up fast enough. Thank goodness I did and there was once again peace in the land. This is where I found her an hour later. I guess old habits die hard.


Day 5: Thursday


Our nightly ritual. Bedtime milk!
Day 6: Friday


This was my LAST load of laundry for the day. Nothing really spectacular about it except for the fact that this was about 8:00 p.m and my washer and dryer had been running non stop since 8:00 am. (NO JOKE) Laundry is LITERALLY an ALL DAY process in our house. UGH!


Day 7: Saturday

The 3 older boys all got skis for Christmas this year. Rob bought them all season ski passes last march when I was gone for a weekend knowing that if the money was already spent I'd have to let them go, oh he's a sly one that man of mine. (I am not a fan of skiing all winter, once or twice, ok, but EVERY Saturday? I have soooooooooo many other things I'd rather be doing). But Rob's a skier and he wanted them to ski. So, I caved and we got them skis for Christmas and signed them up for ski school every Saturday for the month of January. This was their first day of ski school and they were REALLY excited. They all seemed to have fun and even though Jack informed me that he "cried a little bit, but then got brave" it was a good day.

Our family fast

Most of you know that Jack's kindergarten teacher, lovingly referred to as "Miss Melanie" was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. She has been at LDS hospital for about 2 months now, (most of November and December). Jack has not missed one night of diligently praying for Miss Melanie to feel better. He likes his interim teacher, but he constantly asks when Miss Melanie will be back. Her family has set up a blog http://melanieballs.blogspot.com/ and we check it daily, (I edit a lot, and give Jack a brief update) he thinks it's funny that she shaved her head, but thinks the hats she wears are cool.

In December the school had a fund raiser for her selling cookie dough and between Rob and I we managed to sell almost $1000 worth. Jack was able to personally deliver almost EVERY tub (close to 40) and thank each person for helping Miss Melanie. It was one of those teaching moments that can't be taught, only experienced, and it was deeply moving for our family.

Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot our little family can do to help Miss Melanie, it's a battle that belongs to her and her family. However, I firmly believe that through the power of fasting and prayer, great things are possible. Another lesson for my 5 sweet spirits that can only be taught through experience. We have fasted together as a family for a cause only one other time and although the outcome was not what we expected and another family had to mourn a loss, our family was greatly blessed and our faith, amazingly, strengthened. (So I thank you, (you know who you are) for including us and allowing us that blessing)

This fast Sunday, our family is going to have a special fast, for Miss Melanie. Our littlest ones fast a bit differently than the older ones, for obvious reasons, but we all give it a shot. We would love any of you to join us in this cause. We'll close our fast around 5:00 pm with a family prayer. I know that through faith, great things can happen.

This is Jack in front of his classroom, Miss Melanie's picture is on the door. Unfortunately, she wasn't there on back-to-school night so I didn't get a picture of Jack with her, but I have absolute faith that I will get that chance in the near future.

Something I miss

Having lunch with all 3 little ones. Jack's kindergarten class has a program where they stay after for a 1/2 hour and those that need help with reading or other learning issues are helped, and the others eat lunch at school. Jack gets to eat lunch at school everyday. They call them the "lunch bunch", (which he thinks is the COOLEST thing ever) and I didn't realize just how much I missed that daily activity with him until the week before Christmas when they weren't doing the daily reading or "lunch bunch" and he came home at the normal time, and had lunch with us. It was so much fun.

One of the most important lessons I've learned this year is to embrace the little things. Having 3 kids in school with crazy schedules and miscellaneous activities has made me realize just how fast life wizzes past you. Whether you are ready or not. So, my one and only "New Years Resolution" (I DO NOT believe in making goals or resolutions, my opinion has always been if you want to get something done, just do it, don't "resolve" to do it, just do it) this year is to soak it all in. To rejoice in the simple things and to enjoy every day for what ever it brings. (and hopefully get a little more sleep, that would be nice too:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bring on 2010!

Ready for Christmas

Here's the gang with their BEAUTIFUL "real" Christmas tree.

Here's MY Christmas tree. Note the stockings and the tree skirt from my last post. (thanks again mom!)

Jack's kindergarten program. He is in the top corner, 2nd in from the right in the green sweater. What a cutie!

My little santa Jack.

Jordan's class put on 3 Christmas plays. He was the "ghost of Christmas Everywhere!". He was so cute!

He also pinch- hitted as an elf. I guess the regular elf was sick that day so Jordan learned his lines and performed his part. He fit the part perfectly.

We have loved going to Kaden's basketball games. Well, let me re-phrase that, Rob and I have LOVED going to Kaden's games. The other boys think it is boring unless we let them run up and down the bleachers. Kaden has gotten REALLY good this year. He seems to have finally let his guard down and gets really into the games. It has also helped that he has a GREAT coach and friends on his team. (he's #32 in the white on the block)

Every day, the boys ask me if they can play outside in the snow. Now, I know that if I let them, the process goes something like this... 20 minutes putting on snow clothes followed by 15 minutes outside followed by someone coming in crying because someone either wouldn't play what they wanted or left them alone, followed by 20 minutes of taking off wet snow clothes and the hot chocolate and the pile of wet clothes left in my mud room. So, being the "mean" mom that I am, I made a rule, no playing outside until weekends. Well, Jack was about 10 minutes late walking home from the bus stop one day and I had started to worry about him, when I opened the front door to look down the street I found him with a little friend. (ie: snowman) He figured if he played in the snow before I could say no, it would be ok. It was so cute. I caved and we let Noah build a little one as well and we did the best we could to add eyes, (my scrapbooking brads) arms (crayons and greenery cut from my mantle garland), etc. They are pretty cute and such an easy thing to make 2 little boys' day!

Last Monday for FHE we trucked to the mall and saw Santa. Carly was less than thrilled as you can see. Noah hopped right on up and let Santa know he wanted the "Batcave", Jack wanted a "Bionicle" Kaden wanted a "Nintendo DSi" and Jordan told Santa to "surprise" him. (super helpful Jordan) They were all pretty cute, you could tell that Kaden wasn't really thrilled to be there, he was too old for this thing, but he was a good sport anyway.

Sunday before Christmas. All the kids in their new Christmas clothes. We made a surprise visit to grandma and grandpa C's ward for church. Grandma was singing in the choir program and it was kind of fun to see everyone from our old neighborhood again.

The boys only have 2 days of school this week, I am spending the day baking cookies, we had a movie night with Mike and Stacie on Saturday, the Christmas shopping is FINALLY done, Christmas cards are mailed, I think I can finally say....

.....Bring on Christmas! We're ready!