Twenty Nine Weeks Old

He loves his exersaucer and spends quite a bit of happy time in it while I wizz around and get things done in my spare moments. Happy Baby...

First Tooth

So it's official. Sophie has taken another big step on her road to growing up. She lost her first tooth today. It has been wiggly for a while now. She was nervous for us to help her pull it out, even though it was way ready. So she was wiggling it and RIch slapped her hand and what do you know, the tooth popped out (the bottom right front tooth). Sophie was so excited. She went around the neighborhood telling all her friends. What a grand day. Can't wait for the toothfairy to come tonight...

Vacation Work Week

Rich's secratary is on vacation this week. So that means I get to step in and run the office for Julie. Poor Julie when she gets back! I haven't worked in the office for 7-8 months! And I feel a little rusty. But it's been fun to work with Rich. If only he paid me too... And it's been a little vacation from reality to be without all the kids. I've taken Gavin, but he's so happy all the time that it's been a breeze. And the patients love him to death. The kids have loved playing with friends this week, so thank you to all of you who helped out! You are the best. I actually like working in Rich's office. And I love chiropractic. It is amazing some of the changes that it makes in his patients lives. I'm so grateful that Rich has a profession that he loves and that is so gratifying to him. Owning your own business is a hard road, but we are starting to see that it was a worth while decision for us.
What a fun and busy week. I don't know how working moms do it. You work hard all day long, and then you still have to make dinner and do the laundry when you get home. At least there is no one there during the day to make the house messy while you are gone... I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my children all the time. It feels hard a lot of the time, but it is so much better than the alternative. But all of the best things in life come with a price tag.

Tag

5 THINGS IN YOUR PURSE

You mean my diaper bag???

1. diapers (and I usually forget the wipes)

2. wallet

3. Too many reciepts, papers, garbage

4. Lip gloss

5. Hand sanitizer (known in our house as hanitizer)

5 THINGS IN YOUR WORKROOM

My computer area in my kitchen

1. camera

2. a pencil sharpener

3. mail that hasn't been gone through yet. Mail is my enemy.

4. my kids passwords to get them onto webkinz online

5. my cell phone charger

5 THINGS YOU DID TODAY

It's only 9:28 am by the way

1. cleaned dishes

2. slept in till 7am... Oops.

3. thought about throwing a load of laundry in the wash, but didn't

4. dropped three of the kids off at a friends after I got them all ready by 8am because I am working at Rich's office this week while his secratary is on vacation.

5. ate cherrios with blueberries. I missed the sugar...

5 THINGS YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

1. Live on my own

2. Visit another country

3. Have little girls so close in age I could put them in matching clothes sometimes. It's not as fun with boys.

4. Eat dinner at the top of the space needle in Seattle, WA

5. Go river rafting

5 THINGS YOU ARE INTO

1. My kids. I love their smiles.

2. Natural health, with a side of sugary treats!!

3. Board games, even though Rich isn't. I make him, and he always has fun.

4. Trying something new.

5. Movies and popcorn!!

Twenty Eight Weeks Old

I love this guy. He is still so smiley and happy! And heavy!

You can see his two toothers!!

Family Bowling

Steve and Cyndi came with us bowling for Valentines Day. It was a lot of fun, and I WON!! Not bragging, just had to share... Max had his hands all over these bowling balls. I am surprised that he only got his fingers smashed once.

"Take my picture!!!"

This bowling ramp is one of the best inventions. My kids loved it.

Playing Together

Happy Valentines Day!!
At least Max doesn't mind sharing with ONE of his cousins. He and Shelby took turns nicely getting off and on the little bike for quite a while, and even rode together. No fighting! Amazing.

Ode to Dinner

And this is how Max's dinner ends up. In his cup... On the menu tonight was grilled salmon with green beans and rice. I don't know if he took any real bites. He doesn't like any dinners very much.

25 Random Things About Me

So this tag has been floating around on Facebook for a while. I don't do much on facbook, so thought I would do it here.



1. I don't like chocolate. But I do like dark or bittersweet. The darker the better. Each pregnancy (with the boys) has led me to that discovery. I still don't like any chocolate sauce, ice cream or cake still.

2. I always hated my hair. I still do most days.

3. I never wrote a check or used a credit card until I got married.

4. I hate dishes in the sink. Especially both sinks. If the dishwasher isn't empty, you could neatly stack rinsed off dishes in one sink, but the other main sink with the garbage disposal has to be free, clear and clean at all times or I feel my blood boiling.

5. I felt like an old maid getting married at age 21. I lived in Rexburg, at Ricks college and I swear that most girls were still teenagers when they got married.

6. I delivered pizza when I was in college. I loved that job. I still think those high school jobs sound fun. Like working at the movie theaters or something.

7. My mom always made us be taking lessons on any given instrument. Piano was mandatory until 6th grade when we could choose another if we wished (band started in 6th grade). I took flute for years, and then voice for a few years. But I still regret not being better on the piano. That is such an important talent to have. So I will imply the same rule for my kids, emphasizing the piano.

8. When I get really upset I clean. When I get really depressed I like to go shopping. But I don't have to be upset or depressed to do either. I just do them stronger and better when I get down.

9. I figured out laundry in my life. 2 loads a day. It's funny because this has been hanging over my head for a long time now, and then one day it sort of clicked. I still don't always get the needed 2 loads/day done, but for some reason having a plan of attack has eliminated the stress over the endless situation.

10. I love collecting toys through my children. Maybe I'm still a kid inside.

11. Rich and I have been happily married for 7 1/2 years. We had 4 children in a 5 1/2 year span. Looking at that makes me realize why I feel as crazy as I do most days. But I know they all needed to come to our family in the timing that they did. They are all so important and add such wonderful flavor to our family life. Having so many weary days really makes me appreciate the calm moments in my life. By the way, only two of them were planned. The other two were surprises.

12. I loved being pregnant. I never got sick, loved my big round belly (until the last month), had better skin, and had the perfect excuse to eat anything I wanted. But I won't really miss never being pregnant again.

13. I hate nonsense gifts or items. They just end up being clutter. I prefer useful or practical items.

14. I love movies. I could watch movies every weekend. With popcorn. Air popped is my favorite.

15. I hate getting babysitters. I'd almost rather cancel a date than have to find a babysitter. It's not the paying that matters. I think they deserve the money I give them. It's the calling around.

16. I hate calling anyone on the phone. I like talking on the phone, but just don't like to be the one to do the calling. I don't know what I am so afraid of. But it really terrifies me. Silly I know. But true, I don't even call my mom as much as I really want to because I just can't pick up the phone. So, if you get a call from me, it's a really big deal.

17. I'm new to the world of texting, and it is awesome!!

18. I've never had a favorite animal. I'm not an animal hater or anything, they just aren't a passion of mine. I could take them or leave them, but when it comes to pets. That's out for sure.

19. I want my own house. Sure everyone does, but I think I want it more. I am so grateful for Rich's parents, and their house we live in. But I yearn for a permanent place I can call my own. Where I can have my family all to myself. And have our own yard to take care of and our own space in this huge world. I think it stems back to my mom. She never had the opportunity to own her own home, and it was always a dream of hers too. I think it is the deepest worldly desire I have.

20. I love to read. Never know what to read, so usually read selections friends or family have mentioned. I don't read often enough because the books take me away from reality and my wife and motherly duties.

21. I love fun socks. I only wear boring socks out of necessity. Black pants require black socks, or at least black-based socks.

22. I love purses. Earlier in our marriage Rich would bring me back a new purse on each business trip he would go on. I loved those times.

23. I am a procrastinator. I am trying to break this habit. But it is a strong one! That's why I'm still blogging.

24. I feel so super shy and I have a hard time making friends. ( I think some of that has to do with the fact that I would actually have to call people to get together) But I cherish the ones I have, more than they probably realize.

25. I love picnics. That is probably one of my very favorite things to do. But the catch is that you actually have to have a real picnic basket when you go. We have more than 1/2 a dozen.

23.

$25 Contest

No. It is not a contest to see who can eat all of these cookies in one sitting, much to my dismay. I'd win that one too...

We had the family of Peter's best friend over tonight to decorate cookies for Valentines Day and I couldn't even lick my fingers, let alone eat one of these tastey treats. Not to mention sneaking some cookie dough. Mmmm I love cookie dough...

I explained to my friend Jennifer (Josh's mom) about the new contest that I started today and turns out she joined up too!! I think it is totally a great idea, and an easy way to win some cash. I'm not a competitive person by any means, but I just know I can stick to this lifestyle change for 3 months, and then keep those habits after (except I will probably still sneak cookie dough!).

So, my friend Biffy put this whole thing together, and here are all the rules and what not. The pot is up to $500!! Talk about serious motivation!

$25 Contest Revised Rules - Start Your Engines!
Starting Date: Monday February 9
End Date: Monday, May 4
Okay, so I've got a lot of great feedback! I'm so excited about this! I think it is super fantastic motivation for me to be healthy. There is still time for more people to enter the contest. Tell your friends! I want to win your money! Notice two big changes on the revised rules: 1. I made a base rule for a good eating day and 2. I took out the weight loss aspect of the contest. I think this is great. It really makes the focus on healthy lifestyles. And as Mickel pointed out, these are still lofty goals. And, much to my despair, the contest will run for 12 weeks. This is going to be hard! I think it will really make the winner the true above and beyond winner!
If you are for sure in on the contest, I have already invited you to the private blog where we will keep track of our totals. I think this will be a fun way to do it.
The Rules
1. You contribute $25. The winner takes the pot.
2. You get 1 point (maximum of 4 points a day) for every day that you:
a. Have a good eating day. You can define what this is for yourself. It needs to be measurable and be a challenge for you. Although this is a personal thing, I think we need a base rule:
1 point = good eating day = no treats (I read recently that if you eat treats every day they are not treats, they are habits.)
0 points = okay eating day = 1 treat small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
-1 points = garbaged out = More than that 1 treat that will fit in the palm of your hand
In review, you get 1 point for a good eating day, 0 points for an okay day, and -1 if you garbage out. Also, a treat is not just cookies and candy, it's also chips, fries, sugary soda, buttery garlic bread, and anything you just know is not good for you.
b. Exercise for at least 30 minutes (on Sundays I think a leisurely walk counts for this).
c. Sleep 7 hours per night
d. Keep your personal goal. Again, I think this should be measurable and declared to all participants as a way to motivate each other and keep track of each other. I think my personal goal will be to keep track of everything I put in my mouth by writing it down on thedailyplate.com.
3. You get 1 bonus point per week for posting your point total on the blog by Monday at 5 pm.4. You are honest with your competitors. At the end of twelve weeks, the person with the most points wins.
Ready, Set, Go!

Here are my new limitations.

Definition of a good eating day for me:

~ The no sweets/junk food rule (I need this one)

~ 64oz of water

~ 3 meals and (only) 3 snacks (otherwise I am a grazer all day long)

~ pass on the seconds!! (I love to eat!)

~ watch portion sizes

My daily goal:

~ no eating after 7:30pm

Wish me luck!!

Twenty Seven Weeks Old

Gavin loves food!! He loves to hold the spoon and clumsily aim for his mouth. He eats green beans because they are offered. He eats sweet potatos to satisfy his cravings. He hates rice cereal. Even mixed into the regular baby food. He can easily down 2 jars of food in one sitting. He hates having his hands and face washed after eating. He loves food.

Just for Fun

This was the kids Sunday project today. They would have made them all day if I didn't finally make them stop to go to 2:30pm church!! Peter says he is saving them for Halloween. There must have been 4 dozen tissue, cotton ball, rubber band ghosts. And they brought me each one for praise and approval as they made them. For some reason my kids play really well together on Sundays.

Can I just say how much I love this crazy boy of mine!! He's one of a kind. (except that he is a clone of his dad)

Sophie Turns Six on the Sixth

Sophie is 6 today. It is her magical birthday because she turns 6 on the 6th. She is getting old enough to remember things. I wonder if she will remember this day. I know I will. On my children's birthdays my mind is always drawn back to the day they were born. What an exciting time that was. Our first baby! She was 2 days late you know. Those were the longest days of my life. I worked till closing at my job as an apartment manager, even though I was in labor. I remember showing an apartment and stopping in my tracks for a contraction on the way. I was trying to hide it from the nice man. I wonder if he noticed. I was in labor forever. But not at the hospital. I waited and waited as long as possible. I was 7 cm dilated by the time we got there. And I started pushing an hour after that. And then there was the 2 hours of pushing her out!! But it was so worth it. We didn't find our her sex during pregnancy, but I was pretty sure she was a girl. I was right. Our sweet Sophie. She has grown so much. She is so smart. Kind. Loving. Patient. Honest. Willing to obey. Helpful. Forgiving. Capable to do anything. A quick learner. A perfectionist. Cleans her room for fun. Shy. Observant, she has a brain of an elephant and never ever ever forgets anything. Ears of a hawk. Talented. A peacemaker. Wise beyond her years. Proper. Hates getting her hair done. Feels like she is a teenager on the inside. Wants so hard to fit in everywhere she goes. Beautiful. A good reader. Does homework for fun. Obedient, most of the time. A little mother. Happy. Believing. Content. All mine. My only girl. I love her more than I could ever say.

I love how these turned out. She picked them out from some we scrolled through on google looking for birthday cupcakes. She was really excited that each cupcake had its own ladybug. The picture had them all yellow and Sophie wanted them all different colors. It took way longer than anticipated. But was well worth it. A few of the cupcakes did fall and smash on the way to the bowling party, but it wasn't too bad I think. That's why I got a shot of them last night... I thought that may happen.

We got her this dance HSM mat, which she LOVES. She says she can dance just like Gabriella with it, all she needs is the arm moves! And then she got this lovely Sharpay dress up from a friend.

Me and Soph...

Kaitlyn, Camryn, Shae, Kylee, Sophie, Madison, Kimber-Lynne, Lauren.

The 6 pound balls were still a little heavy and awkward, but totally fun. I think they ended up in the gutters a dozen times WITH the bumpers on...

What a fantastic day. Everything was perfect. It started out fun with an awesome birthday brunch with Sophie and 2 of her friends from church. Holly and Chloe. Holly's mom, Biffy, came too. I'm so glad she did. Biffy is awesome. It was fun to sit and visit while our girls played. I feel like I don't get to visit with my friends enough. I'm too busy with the mom stuff. So this was a great break. We had crepes with mixed berries, bacon and sausage, and orange juice. Everything Sophie asked for, and then she just wanted the strawberries in her crepes. Funny girl. I got to go with her and bring her treat because she was VIP this week. She picked push-pops to bring and the crowd went wild from the excitement they brought. Sophie was so happy they all loved the treat. She got to wear her new tu-tu to ballet that grandma made for her. And lets not forget the rockin' birthday party in the afternoon!!!!!!!

She picked to go bowling with some school friends. At first I said 5 and it turned into 7 friends and it couldn't have gone better. Rich stayed home with the boys and I went with Sophie to the bowling birthday party. I didn't have to do anything but bring the cupcakes and supervise the whole thing. This was the first party I've done where I didn't feel like I was babysitting. The girls all got along and were super happy. The 2 hours went by really fast and we barely finished opening the massive amount of presents she got before the moms started coming. It was the perfect amount of time. The bowling alley gave us drinks, balloons, goodie bags, a decorated table including a real bowling pin for Sophie to have her friends sign and she got to take it home.

On the way home we even stopped for a donut at Krispy Kreeme because the HOT light was on. I wasn't planning on going out to dinner, but by the time we got home I was really tired (especially since I was up till 1:30 finishing her cupcakes) and so we went out. Apparently the Training Table doesn't sing happy birthday to people so we had to sing it on our own at our table while we were waiting for our food. We even got applause from the neighboring tables. We couldn't let Sophie go without singing to her at her birthday dinner. She was almost in tears when we found out they didn't sing.

It was a great day. And I am happy that birthdays are over for a few more months.

Happy 6th birthday Sophie, I love you.

Classic Fun Center

Sophie and her friend Kaimen have birthdays just one day apart. So on Kaimens birthday we all went to Classic fun Center. We had a great time especially since there wasn't very many people their. One of the coolest parts about today was that Sophie rollerskated for the first time!!! She loved it. She wanted to be out in the middle of the 'ice'. And she caught on pretty well for her first time. I didn't get any pictures of Kaimen, Aiden or Tawna. Was it because they were playing too much or I was watching out for all of my 4 kids in the large Fun Center... Max liked to wander over to the skating rink and steal other ride on toys that weren't ours... It was a really fun afternoon.

V.I.P.

Sophie is VIP (very important person) this week in her class at school. That means she gets to be the front of the line, stand in the front to say the pledge of aliegence, help the teacher, display her poster, and bring a treat on Friday along with me to share a little bit about what makes Sophie so special. We are going to try extra hard to get her to school early so she can be the front of the line as they walk into school at the beginning of kindergarten. She has been looking forward to this week all year long... She picked out all the pictures herself and helped me glue them all on her page. Good job Soph.

Twney Six Weeks Old

I love the way Gavin stares at his hands in the air as if they were forgien objects to him. And them in the next instant plunge the chubby fist into his drooling mouth.