The Rees Family

Spring ball

2011-07-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

In my attempts to catch up on all lost time here are my 2011 spring ball players. We supported a Phillies team and an Angels team this year. Words can not express how excited Zach was to finally get on an Angels team! Matthew and Eli graduated from t-ball so this year was a little more challenging for them. Sometimes they got a hit off the machine and sometimes they didn't. Zach mostly played 3rd base and cathcer with some relief pitching in there. He is turning into quite the ball player. He has such a love for the game. I'm amazed each time I watch him. He has such a good attitude. If he has a bad day on the field he shakes it off and knows nexxt game will be better. If he has an awesome game he graciously accepts it. What a good example he is to his brothers, me and each one of his team mates.

Overall all 3 boys had a good season. Mom and dad did a fairly good job at tag teaming the games and practices. Next spring ball we'll have all 4 boys playing. Here's to looking forward to that crazy season!

Private

2011-06-09T13:36:00.001-07:00

Okay guys. I thknk I'm going to go private. I don't like the random comments, advertising or not, showing up on my blog. I know that I haven't been very consistent in posting to my blog, but I'm hoping that you see this and email me so I can add you to the list of people to visit my blog! Thank you for understanding.

rnicolerees@gmail.com

Crazy hair day

2011-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

It is always so much fun to have crazy hair day at school. It is even more fun with a girl. We got a little creative this year. What do you think? She looks like spring to me.

Blessed

2011-01-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

I just felt the need to express how blessed I feel to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I'm not even sure they know the effect they have on me and my family. I love how our children all so easily get along. I love that as we adults sit and play a game we look over to see all of our children sitting there on the floor playing games too. Boys, girls, younger kids and older kids...they ALL get along! Or even how we can sit and be talking and amongst all the craziness we can hear our children giggling form the other room. It makes everything all worth it and it makes me proud to live here around all these wonderful people.

Today, life is good.

Normal

2011-01-20T08:34:00.001-08:00

If you were to come into my home while I am in the shower you most likely will see at least one of my children kicking, banging, and screaming at my bedroom door. This happens every time I get in the shower. Mostly during the week. I spend my mornings out with the kids getting them breakfast, making thier sandwiches, making sure they're dressed, hair fixed, etc. I do this so by the time I get in the shower they are practically ready for school. Never fails, they ABSOLUTELY HAVE something to tell me just as soon as I jump in the shower! This morning my one child, whom it's like pulling teeth to get ready for school, was pounding, kicking and screaming at my door. I'm yelling form inside, "I'm in the shower. I'll be done in a minute." (As if he can hear me) Anyway, I hurry through the shower, wrap myself in a towel and open my door. This is what he had to tell me, "I'm ready for school, mom." How do you get upset at that??? I was so grateful that fo rthe first time all year he was ready 45 min. before school started!

I'm just wondering if this is the norm in everyone's house and if this is ine of those things that I will NOT miss? You know, like the pee around the toilets, the little "prizes" you find under beds, in closets and anywhere that you can stash something, and the homework!

SO today I love my job as a mom and I'm grateful I have the privilege of being a mom. I love all my children and today in particular, I'm glad they were ready for school early!

P.S. I'm hoping to post pictures from the last post, but I'm having internet problems on the computer that has all my pictures :(

We LOVE visitors!

2011-01-16T14:04:00.001-08:00

We love having people come visit us, especially when it is Mimi and Papa Ben. They came out to see us for our last week off school. We did so many things and the kids had a blast! We went to the Discovery Science Center, snow sledding, the beach, a farmer's market (mom and dad's favorite!), the park, out to dinner with even more family, played games, put puzzles together and just hung out at home. We have all kinds of pictures from our many events.

The kids had a blast at the Disc. Science Center. We went a few years ago and they have just een begging to go back. If you have never been I STRONGLY urge you to go. We could have spent all day there building, exploring and discovering the hows and whys to science. Some of the highlights were building space craft with legos, locking them all in a wind tunnel, playing ice hockey and learning about space shuttles.

Snow sledding was a blast. We bundled the kids all up in snow gear, were armed with hot chocolate and off we went. I thought Eli and Matthew would be nervous about the hills...I was wrong. One time down with and adult and they wanted to do it all on their own! We had only one casualty and that was me and Spencer. Really I was the only one with lasting bruises so not to shabby!

We spent a day down at the beach doing many fun things. We went to a farmer's market and got some really yummy fruit. I was in awe of all the things they had and at how many markets we had to choose from. Isle after isle of fresh fruit and veggies. Do these people know how lucky they are to have it all so accesible to them? We had lunch and then off to 1,000 steps beach. Really it had only 253, but who's counting when you're going down??? Up was a whole nother story. Lots of little legs climbing a VERY steep 253 stairs. We made it ranging from 1min.30sec.- 4min.52sec. Whew, my legs are hurting thinking about it again! While at this beach we met a man who had lived there the past 30 years. He gave us some history of the houses and helped Allison find sand crabs. He also told us the record for climbing those stairs was 32 seconds!!! You need to go climb those stairs to appreciate that time! After that we were off to find a good spot for sunset pictures. Beautiful! Then dinner with the whole family. It is so fun to see everyone and catch up.

The kids enjoyed putting many jigsaw puzzles together and playing games with everyone. Our favorite for the moment is headbandz. I just like to sit back and look at everyone with a card stuck on their head trying to guess what it is.

We do have on tradition that we have been trying to shake when Mimi and Papa come to visit. Someone ALWAYS gets sick! It started with Matthew and went through them all. They had high fevers, headaches, body aches and bad colds. I do have to say that it was so nice to have 2 extra sets of hands waking up at night giving kids medicine and to check on them. I do think I got a little spoiled. It has been a little hard to adjust to not having them here. BUT, we get to look forward to seeing them in August!!! Maybe I should pump the kids full of vitamin c and everything else that can keep them healthy for the first time ever whole they are here!

Papa and Mimi, we miss you and can't wait to see you again!

New Year's resolutions

2011-01-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

The best thing about a new year is your resolutions. I'm not going to tell you all of them, but one of them is to regularly update my blog. Well, at least to NEVER get so far behind again. I LOVE having my blog and I LOVE to look back and read all about my family. I'm sad that I let life get a hold of me last year. It's easy to say this now because my kids are on "winter" vacation for another week. When we go back to school it's 3 kids to all day school, 1 to kindergarten, and 1 to preschool. For me it's work 3 days a week, at preschool, and in class rooms all the days in between. Somewhere in all that I try to get laundry done and house cleaned. The homework thing has just been KILLING me. What am I to do with all 5 in school next year??? Homework for 5 kids...YUCK! Anyway, I love teaching preschool. It's a fun thing for me to do and I get to spend it with my little guy. In all of life we still are trying to balance activity days, cub scouts, golf (it's year round), dance, and baseball that will be starting here soon. I'm telling you all this because I failed to document it all last year. Maybe I will have to randomly post pictures of things last year too.

Ok on to Christmas and New Years. This year Christmas Eve was the same as always. We spend it with grandma Nana. We go to the movies, we saw Tangled, go back to her house eat dinner, sing carols, act out the Christmas story, have a visit with santa and open presents. The kids LOVE getting their new jammies every year! (Well, so does mommy) After all that we load up and go home to prepare for the BIG man to come down the chimney and bring us lots of goodies. Christmas morning for the first time in years was just us. It was VERY quiet. You see my kids don't shout with excitement when they open that present that they had been dying for. They just smile and say thanks. Me on the other hand, I sit there on the edge of my seat so excited for them to open it and to see their reaction. I can hardly stand it! It is tradition that we block off the hallway so they can not see the presents under the tree until everyone is ready to come out.

Here they all are waiting, waiting, waiting for dad to get out of the shower. Really come on dad, we don't care how you look just come out so we can OPEN presents! (He does this every year. He has to shower and be dressed before we open presents...lame, I know, but how can you be upset when he has good hygene?)

Here they are when they finally got to come around the corner! Seriously that is the most excitement I think we've ever had! I love how I got Zach in mid air!

Here is yet another tradition. I think last year I actually posted video of this. So, after they have seen all the presents they have to sit and listen to the story of Christ and His birth. Never mind that we acted it out the night before. I think Craig just likes to torcher them as much as possible ;)

Among some of our favorite gifts we got DS's, clothes, books, lego sets, shoes, baseball stuff, clocks, a kindle and a bosch :)

After our yummy breakfast we got cleaned up, played and rested. We then had a yummy dinner of stuffed beef tenderloin, parmesan mashed potatoes, asparagus and salad. For dessert we had a super yummy caramel cheesecake and brownies. We enjoyed that dinner with one of my brothers, his wife and daughter and her mom, my dad and sister.

Now for our New years celebration. Every year we spend this holiday with our friends. We trade off houses. This year we were off to their house. We get a sitter for all 10 kids and we go have a nice quiet dinner with just the 4 of us. We come home to attempt put them all down and we play games. Then it was off to bed just after midnight because we had an early morning planned. We got up and took all the kids to the rose parade. How fun was that! We were soooo cold, but it was worth it.

Here are some of our monkeys in a tree by our friends, uncle's mom's house. Here are some pics form the parade.

Me and my little guy bundled up.

Me and my big guy :)

Enjoying all the hot chocolate! We sure needed it to warm the insides of our bodies!

Look at the freckles across M's face. So cute!

I guess every year they have a war with the people that sit across the street. When I say every year I mean that this has been going on for at least 10 years they said. Whenever there is a break in the parade, one side will get up a spray silly string on the other side and visa versa. The kids thought they had died and gone to heaven. Why is that you ask? Because it was adults that have this war NOT the kids!

I guess you could say they got him good!

After the parade we go back to the house and have lunch. After that has settled we took the kids to the park down the street and let them go. They ran and enjoyed a fun game of soccer that everyone played. It was such a wonderful day and I feel so lucky to have been able to have this experience with my kids. Who knows, this may become a tradition for us. We know that the seats are there. They have been sitting in the same spot for over 50 years! Can you believe it??? Not only that, but they mark off their section just before halloween! Yes you read that right, halloween! Thank you to them for letting us share such a fun day and here's to a new year and a few resolutions!

Whiny voice

2010-05-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Spencer (after the kids have gone to school): mom can I go to Aiden's house

Mom: No, he is coming to our house for a haircut as soon as his mommy gets ready.

Spencer: Please mom I just want to go to someones house.

Mom: It's just me and you, don't you want to hang out with mommy and help her until Aiden gets here?

Spencer: No, I just want to go to Aiden's house

Mom: Ok let's call his mommy.

So I call her and ask if he can come and play until she is ready to come over. She says yes and we go to get him. We pull up to his house and I tell Spencer that he can get out all by himself and get him. This is what I hear as they are running back to the car.

Spencer: Aiden, my mom let you come over because I was whinning.

Happy birthday baby girl

2010-05-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated my baby girl's 8th birthday. It was her year to have a party and that we did! We had 16 little girls over for a nature party. We had snacks like bug juice, a caterpillar made out of a cucumber, snails, and oh man, I forgot the last snack! They each made their own terrarium, went on a nature treasure hunt, ate cake, opened presents, played "nature" charades and duck, duck goose. She also was able to have her best friend spend the night and go to church the next day since her birthday fell on a Sunday. These girls cracked me up. When we played charades I told them to act out things you find outside. They rule was they had to tell me so I know there was no cheating. They chose things like dirt, a blade of grass, a tree, and a rollie pollie. No joke, someone got each one with in 5 guesses! I couldn't believe it...a blade of grass??? Literally the girl just walked up to the front and stood there at attention. One girl yelled out right away, "A BLADE OF GRASS"! I about died! Anyway it was great and they all had a blast.

The next day we had family and a few friends over for her birthday, Craig's and my brother's. Of course that meant there was a million kids here. Craig set up the badmitton set. We did have a few casualties, but all in all they were hooked and most of them played that the WHOLE time! Oh, and of course we had yummy bbq!

Happy birthday all!!!

Sock Hop

2010-05-06T14:47:00.001-07:00

This year the Father/daughter dance was a sock hop. It took some convincing that a side pony is how they wore their hair back then. The previous dances had been more like church dress and I had made her hair curly and in some sort of "up do". We were able to borrow a skirt (thank you Christina) and I ended up on a mad hunt for Ked type shoes. Apparently those are hard to come by these days. Anyway, I think she came together very cute. Craig on the other hand put on his high school letterman's jacket and realized a few things (shhh, in his physique) had changed since then.

I think they made a cute couple. What do you think?

Merry Christmas

2010-05-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yep, you read that right. I was just looking back and realized I never posted Christmas. To be honest I'm not surprised. I don't know if I'll ever get caught up, but I can at least try. So here it is. We started off with our traditional Christmas Eve movie. We saw Princess and the Frog. Then dinner and festivities at our house. We even had a visit from Santa. He brought our Christmas jammies and stayed long enough to read 'Twas the night before Christmas. It was then off to bed so we could have plenty of rest for the big day. Christmas morning started off with Craig's tradition of putting all the kids on the couch and he explains why we celebrate and how it is much more important to give than receive. The poor kids just nod and say yes so he will get through it quickly and they can get on to opening presents. The big thing this year was bikes. They all got them and the excitement did not set in for quit some time about the bikes. After that more family came with more presents and then on to Iron Chef Swant vs. Rees. My brother thought it would be fun to do that for Christmas dinner. It was battle orange. We both had to make an appetizer, main dish, a drink, and dessert. We all had so much fun and the food was great. It did solidify that I really should have a double oven and 5 burner stove among a kitchen twice the size it is...hint, hint.

Over all it was a great day and we were just happy to spend it with the people we care about the most.

Go Angeles

2010-05-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

The night before we went back on track we took the two older kids to the Angel game. They had a blast and so did we. We had garlic fries, cotton candy and ice cream. They thought they were in heaven and I had a bad case of heart burn!

Happy Birthday

2010-05-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Craig just celebrated his birthday (well I'm behind so it was a few weeks ago) We just love our dad and even more love his bbq skills. Last year our bbq just stopped working and so that is what he got. We had friends and family over to celebrate with some yummy bbq!

Ride 'em Tiger

2010-05-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Last year all Matthew wanted for his birthday was cowboy boots, hat and a horse. Well he got 2 out of 3. A few weekends ago Grandma saw how used his boots were and decided he needed new ones. So she loaded him up and he got new boots, a belt to match and a another hat. She decided to take these pictures of him. So cute. He is our little cowboy.

Crazy hair day

2010-05-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Here it is again...crazy hair day. Of course, you can't do one with out doing them all even if they aren't going to school.

Sweetness

2010-05-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

We were able to have this cutie (my niece) for 3 days and 3 nights a few weekends ago. I had forgotten how different life is with a baby, but it was definetly my pleasure taking care of her. Who would have thought that all it took was a baby to entertain my kids! All of them were so excited and wanted to help feed her, pick out her clothes, read her stories, pick out which baby einstein movie she would watch, and who got to push her stroller. I had ALL kinds of help! Anyway, she was so cute and every time I pulled the camera out to take her picture she made this silly face. Can you say HAM?

Beach

2010-04-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

We also went to the beach while they were here and had so much fun. I seriously had never seen So. California beach water as clear as it was. It was aqua in color and you could see straight through it. We also have never been to the tide pools. Next time we would like to get there earlier so we could see more, but we did get to see many things including a bright orange starfish. Another fun thing for us was to watch the pilot whales out in the ocean!

Spring pictures

2010-04-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

While we had our favorite visitors from Texas here we went on a wild hunt for wild flowers to take pictures of the kids in their matching Easter clothes. The flowers were taller than me and I told the kids to go right in and play. They looked at me like I was crazy! Nevertheless, we did have fun playing in the flowers and finding lady bugs. Next to the filed of flowers there was this dirt hill and I could NOT keep my little cowboy off the hill. Check out close ups of him on his very own little hill!

"Sweet" giveaway

2010-04-12T16:20:00.001-07:00

I just had to post this. Who wouldn't want to win a yummy and beautiful cake? I do, I do!!! Check it out and enter yourself. http://michellepetersonphotography.blogspot.com/2010/04/yummy-giveaway.html

American girl

2010-04-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to something by my sister in law. She about fell off her seat last June when she found out I had no idea what an American girl doll or store was. When I went out to LA to visit after she had her baby my brother and her took me into the store and insisted that I make sure my daughter has this experience. You have to know a little background about me. I usually boy cot anything that is "big time" marketed and is SUPER expensive. Yea I know BORING mom! I did have this thought while in that store. I thought, "This is it. I'm not going to have another girl. Live it up!" So for Christmas Allison asked Santa for an American girl doll. She got almost that. He brought her an empty doll box with a gift card and letter stating that he thought it would be more fun for her to go to the store and pick out her very own doll and have lunch there. So we did just that. We invited her aunts and girl cousins and off we went. We went through the whole store ever so carefully while we painstakingly tried to pick out a doll. Then we had lunch there. If you have never done this, it is an experience in it self. They have little table side "high chairs" for these dolls and their very own dishes. The menu is so cute. It's like having a tea party. Every little girls dream! (Although Aunt Emily was in heaven too, I think) We did decide that we will have to do this more than once, especially when the babies get older. Thank you ladies for the fun time. Definitely a day to remember forever.

Easter

2010-04-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

For us Easter always starts a little early. We start with the church egg hunt, then Grandma Nana's the day before and then our house the day of. We had a blast at our annual egg hunt at our friends house for church. The kids look forward to it every year and it gets them ready for whats to come. Then it was off yesterday to grandma Nana's. She always seems to out do herself. One day I hope to be able to throw a party like her. We had LOTS of friends and family there. We had a wonderful spread of food to eat. She had a bounce house there for the kids (and the kids at heart). Then some of the adults snuck out to the front to hide all 150 eggs. The kids were let loose and boy did they run to find all the eggs. After all papers were exchanged for the proper prizes the kids got their chance at a pinata. My kids were exhausted after a fun day, but every minute was worth it! Today we had a brunch at our house with more family and friends. We enjoyed visiting and getting more candy of course. After brunch the kids were again turned loose to the back yard for another egg hunt. After all was cleaned up and everyone left daddy and mommy couldn't resist a nice afternoon nap while all the kids surveyed and compared all their loot!

We are so grateful for the chance to spend time with our family and friends. we are especially grateful to celebrate our Savior on this special day.

Dentist

2010-04-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

We are going through our half yearly dentist check ups and we added a new one to the bill. Spencer. He really did a great job getting his x rays and cleaning. He kept asking, "I will get a toy right?" Apparently it was all for the toy!

Getting our x rays

The lady gave him this glove and you would have thought it was his favorite toy

Such a ham

Mother son bowling

2010-04-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Every year our school has a mother son date night. This year it was bowling. For the first time I was able to take 2 of my boys. It's hard for me to believe that in 2 years I will be taking all 4 of them! We had a blast and Zach won a raffle prize AGAIN! (Each year I buy 6 tickets and each year we have the "it's ok if we don't win , there is lots of people there, and this is for the experience and not the prize" talk AND each year he wins something! Here's the big prize for this year!

Date night

2010-04-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my friend asked if we wanted to double with our 2 oldest. Of course we couldn't pass this one up. We went and saw the play Cinderella and then off to our favorite dessert place Berrysweet. We had a blast and I am so grateful for spending this time alone with my 2 oldest.

Way behind AGAIN

2010-04-04T16:49:00.001-07:00

For Valentines Day I made these cake pops for my kids' teachers. I have always wanted to and, well, here they are. I think they turned out cute and they tasted oh so yummy!

Check this out

2010-02-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

I was on a friends blog and saw this, so naturally I had to check it out. Who would not want to win this??? Click here

More rain

2010-01-18T16:25:00.001-08:00

As you can tell I had my friends 3 boys today and she had Allison. Actually we swapped kids for a sleep over. Well, we had to do the exchange today in the middle of all this bad weather. There have been a few times where I have had to drive in bad weather and this ranks up with those few. I got in the car and said a quick prayer that she and I would make it to our meeting spot and back home safely. I then called to tell her we were on our way. She said to me drive safely and I responded with, "Oh, I will and I have already said a prayer". I then told her to do the same. Honestly, I don't think I have ever been so scared. Not only do I have most of my precious cargo, but hers too. I gripped the steering wheel so tight and off I went. There were times the freeway was so flooded that as I crept through the water as it splashed above my van. I never went over 45 for fear that I would hit another bad spot and spin out. And during this whole time I kept on repeating my prayer over and over. We made it to the meeting spot and then it was time to go home. The drive home was totally different. There was one really flooded area and that was it. The rain had stopped (keep in mind it has been pouring since noon) and the sun came out. At one point it actually became so bright that I had to reach for my sunglasses. This is when my daughter says, "It has stopped raining and the sun is coming out." My 9 year old son replies with, "That is because mom said a prayer." These are the moments I am most grateful for. Even as I type this tears form in my eyes. I realize that I could have had a teaching moment with my children and we could all have said the prayer together. However, I am grateful that he did over hear me say that I had said that prayer. I am grateful for the power of prayer and that my 9 year old has a testimony of prayer. I am also extremely grateful that I made it home to record this moment forever.

It's great to be 8

2010-01-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

I was in charge of the refreshment again this year for our Great to be 8. Since last years cake was a HUGE success they asked for another one. If you remember last year Zach told me the finished product looked like the mushroom from super mario bros. This year my mother in law thought it was a snow man! I just laugh and hope that next year it will look more like an "8". Maybe I should cut the centers out??? Anyway here it is.

It's raining, it's pouring

2010-01-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

What do you do when there is no school, you have 7 boys and 1 girl at your house, and it is raining cats and dogs outside...You put up a tent in the garage and let the good times roll. I did have to draw the line when they started taking my couch pillows out there, but everything else was fair game. I have to admit, not a bad idea and I am going to have to remember this one:)

2010-01-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back

2010-01-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am. I was looking back at my blog and it seriously has been since Halloween since I have blogged about anything. Life sure has a way of just grabbing you and taking you right with it. As I sat down this year to do our Christmas cards, which by the way I have still not mailed out, I decided to not do a Christmas letter. I was hoping I journaled enough here that we can look back as a family and read all of what went on in our lives. Now this will not work if I leave gaps in through out the year. My goal this year is to keep caught up on this, so when I do print it out as a book I will have recorded everything in a timely manner AND accurately.

That being said I have to go through all my pictures to see what has been happening. I found this recording of Spencer. I wanted to capture him singing his ABC's. He has such a squeaky voice and is cute when he sings them. He has been singing his ABC's since he was almost 2. He started saying all the sounds to his letters at about 2 1/2. He is such an amazing kid and I love him so much.

This video will not post:( I will post it when I can figure it out.

I know

2009-12-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know it has been WAY to long. I just feel overwhelmed at how much I have not blogged. Where do I start? Do I pick up from where I left off, do a quick summary of what has happened, or try to catch up one day at a time??? I haven't even blogged about our amazing vacation to Oregon this summer. I can promise this, something is coming soon. Well, as soon as I get those Christmas decorations down, the house cleaned, the laundry done, the kids back to school, and the mission project completed. Maybe then I can concentrate on getting caught up:)

Winter ball

2009-11-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

We decided to sign Zach up for winter ball this year. We thought that it would give him practice for when spring ball rolls around. He is doing so good and we are very proud of him!!!

Halloween

2009-11-02T14:42:00.001-08:00

On Friday I decided top take the kids out front after school to carve their pumpkins. Each year this task is getting easier and easier. I had fun with them and they all pulled the "guts" out themselves!

I let Zach carve it himself this year. I think he did a good job.

Here is the clan. This summer when we went to visit Aunt Jacque and Jennie in Oregon (I am still trying to figure how I want to post all of the pics from that one). Aunt Jacque decided it would be fun to make all the kids Alice in Wonderland characters. They were thrilled to be them. So about a month later the package came in the mail and it took everything to keep them out of it.

Alice

The white rabbit

The mad hatter

Caterpillar

The King of Hearts
She even made each of them bags to go with their costumes. She is so talented and we are so lucky to have her as our aunt. Thank you!!!!

Oak Glen

2009-10-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

As long as I can remeber I have always gone to Oak Glen in the fall. I am so gratefull to carry on this tradition with my kids. At the beginning of this month we went with our friends the Fisher's. We love going places with them for a few reasons. Reason one: it is NEVER a dull moment and two: we LOVE the looks we get with 10 kids that are all the same age and all resemble each other. No one can figure out who is who and who goes to who. We love it!!! This year we did something I have never done beofre. Our other friends told us of this place that has apple donuts. Oh, well then we have to try it because if it has apple in it I know I will love it!

This is the apple donut place and I have to say they were pretty yummy. (even if you had to wait fo an hour in line to get them)

The whole gang. Yes that is a stroller to the right. I had my 3 month old niece for the day. What a sport she was. She splept the whole time!

I think we wore them out!

Halloween Party

2009-10-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

So here it is...the finished product. My friend Melissa called me and said she has this cake stand that would look so cute with a whitch hat cake on it, can you make it? I think maybe, but how do you say no to a challenge like that? With a few trips to the local cake store and a few few phone calls to Michelle I got through it.

You have to know the story behind these costumes. Our first Halloween as parents we dressed up. I was Winnie the Pooh, Zach the honey pot and dad Tigger. It took a lot of coaxing to get a 6 foot man to dress up as tigger. Never the less he did it for the cause. I think we looked so cute! Anyway I promised him he would NEVER have to dress up again. 9 years later Melissa has a party and of course you have to dress up. I couldn't get him to agree on anything. We both sat at the computer looking at costumes and he said no to practically everything. Then these costumes comes up. He chuckled and didn't say no (or yes) so I took it as a yes and bought it! So here we are and boy did he get teased! (I think mostly because everyone knoew how much he does NOT like to dress up)

Your a good sport honey and I love you!

Rain Gutter Regatta

2009-10-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last week we had our first rain gutter regatta. It was a fun experience and definitley not as intense as the pinewood derby! The hard part is it is getting dark sooner, so the pics are hard to see. Zach did a great job. He told dad exactly what he wanted his boat to lok like (colors and all) and tht is what they did.

My favorite thing about these activities is the night before I come home to my hubby and other dads all around the table putting fininshing touches on their boats or trying to get it done because they waited to long. And then they pick up the phone to call "more experienced" builders to see what they did to make their boat/car a winner. I love it!!! Way to go dads. We love you!

cake

2009-10-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

So my friend who is having a Halloween party and asked me to make a witch hat cake for it. This is the rough draft in smaller form. Keep in mind the real cake is going to be bigger and made with fondant so it will be much smoother. What do you think?

Sept.11th

2009-10-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

I know this is late in coming, but better late than never. Every year our school has an assembly for Sept. 11th. They do an amazing job and the songs the kids sing are amazing! (The sound doesn't start right away for one of them, sorry)

Doesn't it look like he is haveing so much fun???

It is hard to see Allison. She saw that I was taping, but didn't move over. She is to the right of the little girl in the center.

He is hard to see too, but if you look toward the back to the right of the boy with the red hat you will see Zach.

Coupons, coupons, and more coupons

2009-09-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have this friend that is AMAZING with her coupons. She told me about it awhile ago and I have been collecting many, many coupons. Most of the time I can cut my bill in half, but I just did something VERY exciting this weekend....I spent practically nothing on a lot of stuff. To be honest I will be sending in some mail in rebates and it all will be free after that! You just can't go wrong with that!

This is trip #2 to Albertson's. I spent $27.72 and saved $233.15
Trip #1 to Albertson's spent $17.73 and saved $161.75.

It's official!!!

2009-09-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had our pack meeting. Zach was so excited because this was a big one for him. He earned his wolf badge, 5 arrow points (one gold, 4 silver), I have no idea how many belt loops and pins and then some extra stuff for summer time activities. We are so proud of him. He is self motivated when it comes to this and I appreciate that! A while back we went to an Eagle court of honor for a boy who I had way back when in my wolf den. Zach asked how old you have to be to get your eagle. Craig told him atleast 14. Zach said that is when he is going to get his. I hope he will continue to carry this entusiasm!

Dancing Diva

2009-09-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well, here she is...my little dancing diva. (I guess we will have to see)

I have had this inner struggle for some time about putting her in dance. I'm not sure why, but I decided she is my only girl so live it up!!! She was a little nervous, but after she saw her leotard she was all grins. Something in me has sparked and I just can't wait for the recital next June!

*On a side note. Craig came home last night and we were talking about what we need to get Zach for baseball. (We signed him up for winter ball) I then pulled him aside and very excitedly (is that a word?) showed him her little outfit. He looked at it and said two things: "Isn't that a little small" and "Will she be wearing a long sleeve leotard underneath?" Oh boy, is he in for it!!!!

Story Time

2009-09-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I just love how a mommy is a hero in her little boys eyes.

While I am doing the dishes this evening little man is sitting on the couch trying to read his storybook teller book. This book takes cartridges and a book and then reads the story to you. Anyway it keeps stopping to tell him it needs batteries. So, he brings me the book and in his cute little squeaky voice says, "Can you fix it mom"? My heart just melts. So, of course I drop everything to change the batteries and his feet are quick at work. He goes and grabs a stool to watch me "fix" his toy. He says to me, "I need to see how you can make it work, mom" I put the cover back on, screw it on, and hand it back to him. He goes straight to the couch turns it on and says, "You fixed it mom"!

This is him sitting on the couch listening to his story and so happy that it works!

Happy Birthday

2009-09-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we celebrated the boys birthdays. Zach 9 and Matthew 5. Zach loves rock climbing, so rock climbing cake it was. Matthew is obessed with cowboys right now, so a cowboy hat cake was his choice.

Here are 9 things we love about Zach:
1. He is such a love bug. (I'm the mom so I can say that, ya know!) He is always hugging me, kissing me, and making sure everyone is alright.
2. He is good at whatever he tries to do.
3. He is never afraid to try something new.
4. He is everyones friend. He truely is kind to everyone. A pure example of Christlike behavior.
5. I love (and I'm sure dad does too) that he has a love for sports and LOVES to stay up with dad to watch them.
6. If he sees it, he remembers it. He has the most amazing visual memory. A side note: you will lose if you play that game with him...be prepared!
7. He is very willing to help me out at all times. I know how hard it can be to be the oldest and he wears it well.
8. He has a sensitive side that will make someone lucky women happy some day!
9. He has the most amazing smile. Every time I see it I can't help but smile too!!!

Matthew, our little Matthew. Here are 5 things we love about him:
1. He is ALL boy. He loves cars, trains, planes, anything that moves. I love that he can play over and with them and never tire of them. I also love to see him put all his cars into their rolling suitcase and roll them everywhere with pride.
2. He is so anxious to learn. He loves school and everything about it. He talks enlessly of it when he comes home.
3. He can always keep me on my toes. I tell ya I don't know what he would do if he didn't have 2 younger brothers to try and blame half of his "adventures" on. ( I really do love that about him. It makes me smile that he tries and thinks he got away with it)
4. I love that he is determined. Right now it can be challenging at times, but I have faith that it will help him accomplish many many things in life.
5. I love that he will just walk up to me, no matter what I am doing or where we are, back himself up to me and lift his shirt up. Nothing said...it just means he needs a back tickle :)

Happy Birthday boys!

We love you,
Mom and Dad

Kick Ball

2009-09-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we got some friends together to play kick ball. I hadn't played it in years. We had a lot of fun. Thanks guys for the fun evening!

Beach Day

2009-09-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach some time in August too. The kids just love the beach and the plan was to go every wek, but somehow that was the only trip :( It was a perfect day!

They were so proud of the hole they dug

Her husband took turns dragging all the little boys. Did I mention between the 3 families there was 10 boys and 3 girls? No joke if you aren't a family of all or mostly boys you can't live in our ward! (Just kidding, of course)

I just love this picture, plain and simple

Cub Day Camp

2009-09-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

Every year our cubs participate in day camp. It is 4 days and the boys LOVE it!!! They get to do so many fun things and earn many arrow points, belt loops, pins and in Zach's case was able to mark off his last to items to finish his wolf badge. I can't believe I don't have a family pic. but here is their scit they did.

Awards

2009-09-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have only blogged once in August! This happened way back in July. They always have an end of the year award assembly at school. This is Allison with her Principles award in all around academics. Great job! We are so proud of you.

One of these days...

2009-09-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have soooo many posts to do and know that if I sit down to do just one I will end up doing them all. Rest assured that it is on my mind and I will eventually get to it!

He's at it again

2009-08-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Mom (After changing poop number 3 and we are not even half way through the day): When are you going to be a big boy?

Spencer: Um, on Thursday mom.

Mom: Oh, okay. So, what is it that you are going to do?

Spencer: I will go poop and pee in the toilet.

Mom: Well, then I am going to remind you when it is Thursday.

A couple of weeks ago my friend had her baby asleep in the porta a crib in my room. I went in to get him up because she was leaving.
Spencer follows me in there and says: Mom, do you remember when I was in your tummy?

Mom: Yes I do.

Spencer: Can I go back in your tummy?

Mom: Nope, your to big now to be in my tummy.

Seriously, where do they get this stuff from?

cookies

2009-07-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

I just had to share these cookies. I helped a give a shower for a friend. The gal that I helped had the cute idea of doing a onesie theme. We found these cookie cutters online and made and decorated them. I think they turned out so cute. What do you think? Oh, they were yummy too!!!

Chubby Cheeks

2009-07-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is my other niece born June 28th. I have seen her a few times, but the other day my brother and his family came out for a visit. When I saw her sitting in her car seat I couldn't believe the size of her cheeks! It gets better. I changed her diaper and she has these skinny little legs and arms. Then you focus in on the belly! It is so chubby. I just love chubby babies. Isn't she so sweet?

Pioneer Trek

2009-07-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

We were asked to be a ma and pa for the pioneer trek this year. Of course we said yes.
Side note: For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about here is a quick run down. Each year our church has a youth conference for youth ages 14-18. Once every 4 years they have a pioneer trek. Three days of wearing clothes from those days, pulling a hand cart with your belongings and being in charge of 10 youth (5 boys and 5 girls)
It really is so much fun and I was counting down the days. The day arrives and we had activities at the church before we left to Big Bear. We drive up there, unload, get our sack lunch and we are on our way. I just have to say right now what an amazing group of kids we had. Never once did they complain about hunger, tiredness, being dirty, they don't like so and so, and so on. They all pushed (in fact neither Craig nor I had to touch the cart unless we were at a tuff spot). I have never seen a better example of teamwork.
Our first day started off up hill. I kid you not our kids ran up the hill with the cart. This was no little hill. It went on forever. We had to convince them to wait on the other members of our company since we had the radio if there was an injury.
Here are some highlights:
Rocky Ridge: I taped this and they worked so hard together, but I think they got the idea of just exactly how hard it was for the saints. This was a very spiritual moment. Each set of families went up and then came back down very solemn. No one was hoopin' and holerin'. Very solemn.
: After a long rest and lunch we were off again. All the men were then taken off to fight. Which left us women to do the pushing and pulling. I wish had a picture of the hill we had to climb. The rumor is they accidentally kept the men to long which led to the women going farther than had expected. We climbed this hill (me and 3 of my "daughters") with everything we had. At one point I thought there is no way we are going to make this. I stopped and listened to the words of my girls and they will probably never realize that they were my inspiration. They encouraged each other to go on, not stop and to not give up. As we were almost to the top the men came running down and my girls said, "Don't touch the cart! We want to finish this ourselves!" WOW!!! If we could just encourage each other each day and have the determination to get through life's hard struggles we together can make it.
Each night there was dinner, a fireside and then family home evening with our families. I truly grew to love these kids. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go on this trek and have a greater appreciation for the saints that had to travel across the wilderness in the dead of winter. These people had to amputate their own toes and fingers along with their children's. These men and women had to bury their little ones in the snow and continue to move on. Some women were left to take care of their families alone because their husbands were to weak to carry on. But, they did not stop. The pressed onward because they knew the truthfulness of the gospel and knew that what they were doing was the right thing. I am forever grateful for their sacrifices and that I could have a small taste of what they went through. I am so grateful to be a member of this church and to know that I am a daughter of God.

4th of July

2009-07-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun fourth. It started out with our pancake breakfast at church. Then we were off to the annual parade. We have never watched, let alone marched in it, so we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We sat in the sun for 2 hours! My poor fair skinned children. Matthew's face was so red his eyebrows were glowing! Note to self: next year have sun block!!! After the parade we were off to our first BBQ of the day. The kids had a blast swimming and playing in the bounce house. We hung out for awhile and then left for our second BBQ of the day. We tried to keep ourselves and the kids in the shade as much as possible. How do you do that when swimming is involved? Craig is still trying to figure out why his scalp got so sunburned because his hair is surely not thinning at all! I think I know what Santa will be putting in his stocking this year ;) Anyway we all had a blast eating yummy food and enjoying the company of our friends. And as usual the kids slept GREAT that night!

Our week off

2009-07-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy week off. Being the slacker that I am I don't have pictures for everything. Here is the run down anyway. We spent time swimming, play dates, UCR botanical gardens, ward beach party, tour of the fire station, and the movies. Did I miss anything??? All I have pictures of are from the botanical gardens and the fire station. I did have my camera at the beach, but never used it. Oh and I had my 3 1/2 year old niece for the week because my other brother had his baby! (Another post for that one)

Kissing hand

2009-07-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

I remember when Allison started kindergarten her teacher did this. This year I decided to record it. I got most of it until my finger got to tired and stopped holding the button.
I think they do this to make all parents cry. After the story is over they have the child come to their parent and we are supposed to kiss their hand. Then we give them a hershey kiss (which was handed out earlier). After that it is our cue to leave. At that point I bend down and give him a hug and cry silently to myself. I then pull it together to give him a kiss. (You know you can't have him seeing you falling apart.) I stand up tell him to have a good day and he grabs my leg so tightly and says, "Don't leave me here mom!" I have never had a child do that. Leaving him that day was one of the hardest things I have done. I knew over time he would be okay and he was. He now goes to school everyday with a skip in his step.
Tell me, does it get harder with each one? I thought it would be easier.

Did you watch Matthew the whole time? Do you think he is going to have a hard time sitting still in school? He surely can't stay in one place very long at home!

New school year

2009-07-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

We live in a year round school district. So for us that means our track gets one week between the new school years. We packed a lot in during that week (posts to come). I just wanted to post these pics of my kids on their first day of school. I can hardly believe how fast they are growing.

The sweetest 2nd grader

Our big fourth grader

The cutest kindergartner

I have so many things to post, but I have decided to try and do just one new one a day so I don't spend all day on my blog. You know how that happens! I sometimes just seem to get lost in here and can't get out!

My Hero

2009-06-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

I would like to welcome Zoe Ann Swant to the world. On Wednesday, June 24th she finally made her apperance to all of her fans.

Soon after my sister in law found out she was pregnant, she told me that my brother and her would like me to be in the room during delivery. During the course of her pregnancy I jokinly told her that I would give her privacy and stay at her head. That is not how it went and to be honest I am grateful for many reasons. Watching a baby come into this world is NOTHING like bringing one into the world. I realized I took for granted all 4 times I went through this process. Beyond that I feel that my sister in law (and all those other women out there that have to push for more than a few times and labor for hours on end) are more of a woman than I could ever be. She showed such strenength and bravery. She truley is my hero. We held her legs as she continued to push for 3 hours. When Zoe finally came out it was a miracle before all of our eyes. We have been given the most amazing and powerful gift. The gift to bring life in to this world. This is one of those experiences that I hope I never forget. Not because it was amazing, but because it reminds me how lucky I am that I chose to be a woman and to have children. How lucky I am that my Heavenly Father gave me the abilty to bring life into this world. How wonderful it is to be a mom and the great responsibilty that comes with these souls that have been entrusted to us. How how very lucky I am that I married a man that does not take his part of the responsibity lightly.

Zoe is one lucky little girl. She has two of the most wonderful parents and the most amazing extended family that will love her more than she will ever know.

To my brother and his wife...thank you for allowing me to be apart of your special day. I love you both and I am so proud of you.

End of the year

2009-06-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

We had our end of the year assembly on Monday. Each class has a little song to perform in between the awards given out certain children. I tried to tape Zach and Allison's class, but hers came out a little fuzzy. Bummer, but you can hear the cute song!

Zach's class did a class play about the solar system and this was one of their songs.

Allison received the principal's award for outstanding academics. We are so very proud of her!

Thie year our district had a fitness club and encouraged all kids to participate. Zach was all over this! They logged how many miles each child ran. Allison ran 75 (for the year) and Zach 79. They each got a medal. Great job guys! Keep up the good work!

Middle of the night

2009-06-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last night, at 2:37 am to be exact, I was woken by my 4 1/2 year old. He was standing by my bed completely dressed for the day. He was wanting to watch a movie. It took me a minute to get my barrings. I had to tell him it was still night night time and he had to go back to bed. I then lay back down to go back to sleep and I hear sobbing from the other room. He had gone into the toy room and laid himself on the couch and was just sobbing. (He is definitely my most sensitive child) I then go back in there (trying really hard not to wake myself completely up, because I will then lay in bed for hours trying to go back to sleep) to see what is the matter. He says he is so sad because he just wants to watch a movie. Sometimes as a mom your heart just melts. I tell him that if he goes back to bed he can watch one first thing when the sun comes up. That seemed to slow down the crying enough to get him quietly back to bed.

Thank heaven for little children.

Pack meeting

2009-06-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have a wonderful cubmaster in many ways. First, beacuse I am over the scouting program and she makes my job VERY easy and second, because my son is a wolf. The theme for the month was a camping we will go. She wanted to have a campfire at a home to roast marshmellows for smores when the meeting was over. We volunteered our backyard. Other than the smoke blowing in our faces, it was a fun night for the boys and parents.

Open house part 2

2009-06-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Matthew goes to a different school, so his open house was a week later. I got on the road and realized I forgot my camera. So, I turned the car around to get it. We get to the school, park at the bottom of a very big and steep hill, walk to the the class and UGH I forgot my camera in the car!!! I wasn't going back. So, this is when we got back in the car. He was very proud of the book he made.

Open house

2009-06-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

I just love to go to open house. The way the rooms are decorated, to the cute projects, and the looks on the kids faces when they get to show mom and dad all of it is just priceless. Here are a few pics of some of the projects.

Desert silhouette

Report on the President

Life cycle of a frog

Being a forest ranger. So cute!!!

End of baseball season

2009-06-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Warning: I have bragging rights because I am the mom.

This year our baseball team had very good comradery (sp.?) and some skill. We had boys that were good, but it was hard for us to "get our act together". So, we were in second to last place. Nobody cared, not even the boys. We all had such a good time.

Then....the league had a tournament. First we played the team in third place. Side note, very rarely could we even hold the score. At the end of games the score board would often say 10-2, 18-5, even once it was something like 20-2. Never us with the winning score. Okay so the game comes and I am thinking, YEA last baseball game of the season. NOT, we won!!! So, on to the next game a few days later. Same thought playing the second place team. Never in a million years are we going to win, but we did!!! Okay so now we are in the championship game. Parents and kids are just so stoked! We start off in the lead, then they tie it up. We keep it like that for 3 innings...and then, they make 5 runs. Our last time up to bat we make 2 runs and then game is called. We ended up in second place. Not bad for a bottom ranked team, huh!? I must say I am so proud of our team. The only bad thing was they lined both teams up and presented the other team with their first place trophies and we were to get ours at our party. Our boys were so sad. They thought they would not be getting any at all. Over all it was GREAT season. GO RED SOX!!!

YEA!!! The much anticipated trophy!

Trying to catch up

2009-06-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a bunch of random things that I have been meaning to post, but just not enough time to do it. The first is about a month ago Craig and the kids finished laying our sod. Yes, if you remember back he laid the bulk of it 1 1/2 years ago. He thought he bought enough to go around the basketball court and soon found out he was short. So, we sat there looking at it thinking maybe we don't want grass there, but what else do you do with it? I finally said I could not go another summer with the kids plying in that mud. So, being the good husband that he is he got up very early one Sat. morning (he is NOT a morning person) went to Home Depot and bought it! By the time I made it to the kitchen this is what I found.

He put all the kids to work pulling weeds. He suddenly remembered how he was always pulling weeds or doing yard work when he was a kid and decided our kids were not going to get off that easy!

This is Allison's first grade rain forest mobile. We had one for Zach two years ago and I knew this one was coming. I had all year to think about it! For those of you who know me well, you know that I do not have a creative bone in my body. I am a copy cat. I got smart this year at open house...I took pictures of all the others to give me ideas for when Matthew hits first grade! Anyway I was very proud of how it turned out. Definetly a step up from Zach's.

Just a cute picture of Spencer and his friend Lawson. They would play peek-a-boo like this at the baseball games.

birthday pics

2009-06-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here are just some random birthday pictures. He LOVES Dora and Diego. So, it was only fitting that he have a Diego cake. I had just finished writting on it, "Happy 2nd birthday" and Zach says mom he isn't 2 he is 3. That just proves I am in denile of him getting any older. SO ofcourse I had to do my best to scrap off the writting and fix it.

My baby turns 3

2009-06-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

First of all...of course the pics do not post in order!

Yesterday my baby boy turned 3. Each year it is getting harder and harder to accept him growing up. He is just the cutest thing and we couldn't have had a better surprise! Spencer really makes each day fun (challenging too), but mostly fun. He always says the cutest things. We just love that we stopped on a good note.

Here are some things that he can do at the age of 3:
He recognizes the letter "S" on everything and says, "That's my name!"
He still doesn't care if he has poo in his pants
He loves to learn
He can tell you the sound every letter of the alphabet makes
He can count to 13
He loves to play baseball and ride his bikes
He loves to do EVERYTHING the big kids are doing and refuses to hear he is to little

Here are the 3 things I love the most about him:
1.I love how he grabs my face and kisses me over and over
2.I love that he can melt me with his dimples
3.I love he is very confident in all that he does

Spencer 1 hour old

2nd birthday He was born on my grandma's birthday. Another special surprise. Grandma says that makes him her baby!

3rd birthday

1st birthday

FHE fun

2009-06-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last night for family home evening we talked about being prepared. We told the kids that their was a fire and we had to be out of our house in 10 min. They had to get everything they felt they needed and that was important to them. Check out Matthew in the background. After the 10 min. was up we all compred what we had and if it was important or not. Everyone, but Matthew grabbed their pillows. He wanted to go back and get it. Of course dad said no it has already burned. Poor Matthew thoght it was real and was so upset!

Do you see everything Zach grabbed? He was persistant that he would be able to carry ALL of it!

Major breakthrough

2009-05-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

We just had a major breakthrough in our home that is VERY worthy of blogging and bragging about. After 3 long and grueling weeks of potty training we just went poop in the potty!!!!! Not even a skid mark in the underwear. I don't think I can even contain myself. I am ready to throw a big party here. The best part is he did it all by himself. I sent him to the bathroom because I could see that he had leaked a little. I thought to myself, "I'm just going to leave him in there for awhile and he can just think about it. By the time I got in there he had gotten onto the toilet and done his business all by himself! Go Spencer!!!

Today is a good day! :)

GROSS

2009-05-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

No that is not a bugger!!! What were you thinking? That I am gross enough to take a picture of my kids gigantic buggers. It is a rock. I heard him sniffing down in the car, so I turned around and there it was....a rock stuck up his nose. What else do you do with little rocks? It just fits perfectly, like it was made to go up there!

Customer Appreciation day

2009-05-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Zach's orthodontist had a costumer apprecitaion day at Scandia. They invited all kids and their families for lunch, minatr=ure golf and rides for FREE!!!! You didn't have to ask us again. We were there. The kids had a blast. The best part was that they had a little kids roller coaster. Only Matthew would not go on it.

Check out Spencer's face. He wasn't so sure about it. They went around three times! I guess it was good sign that he didn't cry!

Pinewood Derby

2009-05-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had our pinewood cerby. This was Zach's first one and he was so excited. Ofcourse dad and son waited to the last minute to do the car, but I think it turned out great! On a side note, I thought it was hilarious that on the Monday before (it was in Thursday) other dads started calling and asking Craig, "Have you guys done your car yet? How did you cut it? What are you going to do?" Leave it to the dads to wait to the last minute! Anyway they made a "Z" car and it took 3rd place. Way to go dad and Zach!!!!

2009-05-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mothere's Day was a good day. I was brought breakfast in bed. I just have to say my husband is the best cook ever! He even brought me the Sunday ads so I could check them all out. We then went to church and watched all the cute kids sing to the moms for Mother's Day. I also had sharing time that day. I made cookies for all the kids to give to their moms the night before as part of sharing time. When we got home from church I was exhausted. So, I quietly snuck into the bedroom and took a nap. When I woke up I walked in to family room to this.

Does this even look comfortable?

Poor kids.

Craig was busy making dinner and the boys (due to the campout Friday night) just feel asleep on the couch. We had his mom and the missionaries for dinner. Craig made a wonderful dinner. To be honest he NEVER cooks anything gross. I am truley blessed to have such a wonderful husband and 5 beautiful children. THanks guys...I love you.

Father Son campout

2009-05-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

The 9th of May was the much anticipated Father son campout. Sorry there is no picture of Eli here. He was MIA at the time I snapped these. The boys were so excited to go camping with daddy. I did send the camera with dad, but unfortunate events prevented him form taking pictures. I will blog about this another time. All in all the boys had fun and they were VERY tired!

Girls Night Out

2009-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

It worked!!!! I have figured it out and I am back in business. Now I just need to catch up. May 9th was our Father son camp out. Allison and I used this time to out to eat and then shopping, shopping, shopping. It was so much fun. We got in the car and I said to her, "Let's shop 'til we drop." She asked me what that meant. Apparently I have been a good mom and taught her what us women do. When we got in the car a t 9:30 that night she said to me, "I am so tired and my feet hurt." I then told her, "That my dear, is shopping until you drop!"

I have to say I enjoyed my one on one time with my daughter. I am so glad that we have this opportunity to spend time together just the two of us.

Funny Spencer and HELP

2009-05-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Spencer and I are walking into the bathroom and he hit his hand on the door jam.

Spencer: Ouch, my hand is broken. I need a new hand.

Mom: Where are you going to get a new hand?

Spencer: The grocery store.

So I have recently downloaded Picassa for all of my pictures. I then have put in my SD card in to download all the pics on it. Now I am trying to post them through Picassa and it will not recognize that I have a blog. Does anyone have experience with this? Does it matter that my blog was created with an email address that is not gmail? HELP!!!!

He has said it again!!!

2009-05-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Spencer is just on a roll with great stuff to say. So, I have been potty training him and let me tell you the last one is KILLING me. I have NEVER had to swirl underwear in a toilet. SO GROSS!!! After doing this for two weeks I am done. This afternoon he just kept ripping one right after another. (I surely hope you all know what I am talking about) Anyway I asked him if he had to go poop. Of course he said no. To which I replied yes you do because you keep tooting. So I made him sit on the toilet for a long time hoping gravity would take over. No such luck.

Fast forward to just a few minutes ago while brushing his teeth. It is just the two of us in the bathroom and my stomach has just been in knots. I decide that it is just the two of us and how would he even know where the sound is about to come from anyway? So I let it rip. (Yes, I am admitting to the world that I am human too). Anyway he looks at me and says, "Mom, you just tooted. You need to go potty.

I just love kids!

More funny things

2009-05-07T10:00:00.001-07:00

Today I was pulling into the Target shopping center and this is the conversation that happened in the car:

Spencer: Mom, can we go to that store on the slide?

Mom: What store? Chick Fil A?

Spencer: Yes, mom that one please (with his hands placed together in the traditional prayer position looking so angelic) Please mommy.

MOm: It is 9am and we just had breakfast. Not today buddy.

Spencer: Please (using same hand gestures) I'll give you a piece of candy.
Does this mean I bribe him to much?

2009-05-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Mom: After you have your treat it is time for your nap.

Spencer: Jesus says we don't have to take naps!

Mom: Well, Jesus also says to listen to your mommy and mommy says it is time for your nap.

The price of children

2009-05-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

I just read this on a friends blog and had to steal it. Some days are just harder than others and today was one of the harder ones. I needed to be reminded how blessed we are that we have chosen to be parents. I would NEVER change a thing. I love each and every one of my kids and am going to try to look through their eyes more often and have a little more fun each day!

The Price of Children.

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Here is something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition .But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down.

It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month,
* $171.08 a week.
* A mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is : don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.What do you get for your $160,140.00?
* Naming rights . First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night..
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs,
* never stop believing in Santa Claus .

You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.

You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas , hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day , and cards with backward letters for Father's Day .

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool ,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and
* coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* First step,
* First word,
* First bra,
* First date,
* First time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great - grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match...In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren!!!!!!! It's the best investment you'll ever make!!!!!!!!!

Allison's birthday

2009-04-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

We started a new rule in our house. Every other year they get a birthday party. This was Allison's off year. She chose to go to Disneyland with 2 friends. The rule was they had to be off track and have their own pass. She took a friend from school and then a little boy on Zach's team has a sister that is her age, goes to a different school, but on our same track with a Disneyland pass!!!! They get a long so well and play at every game. So the big day was last Thursday, the 23rd. Grandma Nana came to watch the boys...thank you! We left to get the girls and away we went to Disney land. Aunt Emily met us there for part of they day and we had so much fun. I promised Allison 2 things, 1. to get their faces painted and 2. eat at Rainforest Cafe. The face painting was the first thing we did. So cute! Then off to lunch and then the rides. I was so impressed with Allison. Craig is always trying to get her to go on Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountian, etc. She WANTED to go on them. In fact she reminded me many times to make sure that we go on them. It is so much fun to listne to little girls giggle and talk all day. That is not something I get to listen to often. Our house in more like WWF. At the end of the day we ate dinner at Rainforest cafe. The girls had so much fun and I orederd the volcano for dessert. They LOVED that. If have no idea what it is you are missing out. Order it, you won't regret it! The best part of the day is when we got to the car at about 9:45 and changed the girls into their jammies I discovered that I had left all my interior lights on when I was searching for my cell phone that morning. What an experience that was. Just so you know, you do not need to drag your kids in their jammies all the way back down to the tram to ask for help. If you look next time you are there, there are little emergency buttons ALL over that you can push for help. As I waited for an employee to give me a jump a nice family offered. Thank you to them. After all that I was able to leave by 10:30. Needless to say I was no lomger tired and had no trouble driving home.

Happy 7th Birhtday Allison. Here are 7 things that we love about you:

1. Always strives to do her best.

2. Always a friend to everyone.

3. Always asks me if she can help me cook.

4. Is a good mommy's helper.

5. Loves to smile.

6. Has such a kind heart.

7. I love that she is ALWAYS reading a book. ( I hated to read when I was younger, so that is why I love this attribute about her)

Happy Birthday to you, and you, and you, and you!

2009-04-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Monday the 20th is Craig's birthday, Friday the 24th is my brother's birthday, Sat., the 25th is Allison's birthday and somewhere in all that is our friend Greg's birthday. (sorry Shellie, you know I am bad with numbers) Anyway, we had a family/long time friend "birthday party at our house after church this last Sunday. I am learning how my husband gets a ltitle excited for these type of things. He submitted his "menu" to me that Sat. night. Lets see if I can remember eveything that was on it: fried mac'n'cheese balls, steak with dry rub, bbq chicken, risotto w/vegies, chicken and shrimpo, potato salad, fruit salad, I think that is it. On top of that I made the cake and strawberry pie. Then people brought stuff. We had crockpot beans, ice cream, more fruit, chocolate covered strawberries, cantalope, a cheese tray, and who knows what else. We had oh, 19 adults and 28 kids here. All in all I say it went fairly well! Our friend Greg (who's birthday it was also) stopped by because he had to work. He is a CHP and the kids loved seeing the police car. Here are all the pictures:

Line 'em up

2009-04-21T17:09:00.001-07:00

It has just been a whirl wind of activities for us. Last Wed. we had an enrichment activity called in the kitchen with.... Well, this time it was with me and 2 other women. We were asked to demonstrate bread making and freezer jam. So, long story short I was going to have 2 loaves there that just needed to rise and then bake. One we were giving to the hostess and the other whoever won the bread trivia game. I walked into our computer room to look up trivia and found this...

Just in case you can't tell what this is I will explain. I walked into our computer room and found my sweet innocent little boy lying on his belly with his hand on the carpet, trying to trace it with permanent red marker. First thing I did was gasp and then the second was run to get the camera. Needless to say, there was no bread trivia because I spent the rest of my evening trying to get permanent marker out of my carpet!

When Craig got home he did the usual line up when someone has done something bad.

He then pulled Spencer out of the line up and preceded to tell all the other kids that Spencer was the "bad guy" and they were the "law enforcement". It is their job to report all wrong doings to the "police chief" (that's me) as soon as possible. They all just stood there and giggled. Spencer didn't have a clue what he was talking about and had a BIG grin on his face the whole time because he got to stand next to daddy and not in the line up. He probably thought he was off the hook!

Mother Son Dance

2009-04-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Every year our school has a mother son dance. Traditionally we wear matching jersey's and jeans. Zach looks forward to it every year. This year my friend decided she would be the committee for the dance. She did a great job and I would hire her in a heart beat to plan any major party, I just don't know if she would commit!

She had Thunder (from the Lake Elsinore Storm) and Wild Duck (from the Mighty Ducks) come for the evening. The boys LOVED it! Zach even won an autographed puck from Wild Duck!

Funeral

2009-04-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

After the funeral we went to a cute little inn where they had a dinner ready for everyone. They had a grassy area with flowers and a carriage. I just thought it was a good spot for picture taking.

Easter

2009-04-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

Better late than never right? Here is a bunch of pictures form Easter. We had our ward egg hunt the week before, and then Easter dinner over at Grandma Nana's house Easter Sunday. As I type this I am trying to remember that far back.

Here is a quick synopsis: We have been off track for the whole month of April. The first week was filled with fun. We had play dates and went to Disneyland. AND THEN it hit....THE FLU!!!! It started with Allison and creeped it's way through our house. It seriously took the next 2 weeks for it to finish it's cycle in our home. Then the week before Easter my aunt passed away and her funeral was the day before Easter. The funeral was all the way up by Fresno. Craig had to work, so I packed up my kids (very early Sat. morning) and drove to my brother's house in LA to pick him and his wife up. He drove the rest of the way up there for me while I took care of the kids in the back. Thank you so much!!!! Anyway, on the way home Eli started to say he didn't feel very well (he was the only one of the kids who had not gotten sick yet) and I was starting to fell yucky! We did make it home, but I did not make it throught the night. Needless to say We missed the first part of church Easter Sunday. Poor Eli wound up getting sick that Monday. Phew, that is it and we were all done getting sick!

I digress, so here are the many pictures of the egg hint and Easter sunday:

How do I get the stuff to put in the house?

2009-04-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

So we are driving in the car, listening to the kids' music when from out of nowhere Eli says: Mom, when I grow up and get to be a dad how am I going to get a house?

Mom: Well, when you are a dad you are going to have a job and that job is going to pay you money. With that money you can buy a house.

Eli: Well, then how am I going to get all that stuff to put in the house?

Mom: What stuff?

Eli: You know, how am I going to get the kids to put in the house?

Mom: (Oh boy here we go again, I am never going to think that my kids are never going to ask me these questions again! See post about Zach) Well, Eli when you grow up you will meet a young lady and get married.

Before I even can take a breath Allison chimes in: In the temple!

Mom: Yes, you will get married in the temple and because you love each other soooo much, Heavenly Father is going to give you children to put in that house. (Phew, I think I'm done. Good job mom!)

Eli: Mom? Is that how you and daddy did it?

Mom: Yes Eli, that is exactly how we did it!!!!!

Pack meeting

2009-04-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a pack meeting and Craig was in charge of bringing the treats. Translation: I needed to come up with something cute. The theme was "When I grow up". I decided to make cookies. Here they are:

As I was finishing up with the cookies my little boy decided he wanted a closer look at what was going on. So, with my back to him he pulled a chair over to the counter and thought it would be fun to taste the food coloring paste. GROSS!!!! Seriously though, how can a mother get mad at a face like this?

camping

2009-04-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago Craig wanted to take the kids camping for a night. You have to know that the last time we went camping as a family we were a family of 3. It sure takes alot of stuff just for one night! The kids had a blast. It was a minimum day, so we were able to leave early. He took us to Anza Borrego. I was familiar with the area, but some how it never clicked that where we were going there was no bathrooms or running water. This is when it comes in handy to have all boys! The kids had a blast and Allison was a real trooper learning how to go to the bathroom out in nature. (sorry the pictures are not in order)

We were a little really to see the desert in full bloom. It really is a beautiful sight to see this everywhere you look.

During our little hike we found this.

On our drive home we stopped at Mt. Palomar. The kids thought it was way cool (their words exactly)

We found a small pond that was full of tadpoles.They had so much fun catching them. One of the big kids would catch one and then give it to Spencer. He was so excited he wouldn't let it go. I felt sorry for every one of those tadpoles that were given to him to hold.

This was just a quick stop along our hike.

Haapy Birthday Relief Society

2009-03-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Our Relief Society Birthday dinner is tonight. I originally signed up to bring something else, but they did not have enough people bring cakes. I said okay, I will do that. So, I made a homemade yellow cake with lemon filling. I then decided to be bold and try fondant for the first time by myself. Here it is. I think I did okay. I was going for the spring look.

The dentist......again

2009-03-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Our orthodontist told us that Zach needed to have 3 top teeth pulled to make more room in his mouth. So, off to the dentist we go. (I think we will be forever in debt to our dentist.) I reminded Zach to get his teeth so we can leave them for the Toothfairy. He asked me if she would be giving him $100. For 3 teeth????? Anyway they cam out and we brought them home in a cute tooth container. When it was time for bed he opened it and the littlest one was missing. He decide a note to the Toothfairy.

This the before picture.

This is after the teeth were pulled.

I don't remember eye teeth being this big when they came out. Do you?

I just had to take a picture of this note. Isn't it cute? He told me this morning that he asked the toothfairy to sign so he would know that she came. Too cute!

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun ways we celebrated St. Patricks Day...

Of course the pictures get posted backwards!

The kids frosted shamrock cookies for a snack.
Doesn't green mac n cheese look so appetizing!!
Green pancakes for breakfast
We have a baseball game tonight, so our green dinner got eaten last night. This is our favorite thing to eat on this holiday. Pasta with pesto and green french bread...YUMMY!!!!

Crazy Hair Day

2009-03-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was crazy hair day and crazy clothes day. The kids look forward to this every year. What do you think? Crazy or not crazy???

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday not only marked our wedding anniversary, but also when we met. We met 12 years ago this month. I thought it would be fun (for posterity's sake) to rehash just exactly how we met. Sorry, but there is going to be a lot of side tracking, for lack of a better way to tell the story.

I had just finished my second discussion at my friends house when we decided to go to a fireside. She and I, yes you Becca, went to the fireside and I was a wreck! You see I had just been asked to commit to baptism just minutes prior. I knew this is what I wanted to do, but knew that my parents were not going to take this news well. So here I am socializing after the fireside was over with my two guy friends Tony and Chris, and from across the room comes this guy. He walks right up to me and says, "Don't I know you from somewhere?" What a dork!!!! That is what was going through my mind. I was in no mood for some cocky 21 year old guy to try and make small talk with me. He continued to stick around and pursue conversation. He learns that I am taking the discussions (a return missionaries dream) and the next question was, "So are you going to go on a mission?" What is this guy trying to accomplish here? I can barely figure out how to tell my parents that I want to be baptized and he wants to know if I am going to serve a mission? At this point I just want to go home and process all that has gone on that day.

Side note: He and his friend Bryce went to this fireside together and had a deal that they would not leave until they introduced themselves to the best looking girls there. (These are his exact words.)

The night ends and I go home. A few weeks later I get a call form this guy. Mind you, he did not get my number from me. You see what I was slowly learning at the time was that in the mormon world everybody knows everybody. Craig worked with the two guys I was with, Chris and Tony. He asked which one of them I was going out with and was totally excited when he found out we were all just friends. So, they give him my number and he called me. Needless to say he asked me out on a date and I thought, alright he has gone through some trouble to get my number I will give him a chance.

Boy am I glad I did. Two years later we were married. I feel so blessed that I found my best friend to spend the rest of eternity with. Each and every day he challenges me to grow and learn new things. He is always making me laugh and I know that I could never have chosen a better man to be with. I am so madly in love with him. Thank you for chosing me to be your wife.

So cute

2009-02-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today Allison asked me to put her hair in two ponies. She hasn't asked for that in a long time. She looks so cute. I looked at her this morning and I was reminded of how cute she is and how fast she is growing up. It seems that little by little the small things fad away until one day they are all grown up. Funny how I am just realizing this.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2009-02-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday was the much anticipated daddy daughter dance. These little girls look forward to this so much. The school rents out a room at the golf club and they decorate so beautifully. Allison got all dressed up and curled up to go on this special date with her daddy.

There is only one picture of her and Craig because he can't stand the "photo shoots" I try to hold!

Happy Birthday Grandma Nana

2009-02-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

The following week was Grandma Nana's 55th birthday. We had her out for her birthday dinner. She requested my ritz cracker chicken that she loves so much. Her cake was a little different.

A few days prior my friend asked me to take a fondant class with her. It was a Valentine cake class. We had so much fun! I can't wait to go back and learn more. Needless to say that was Cathy's birthday cake. I hope she was okay with that! Thank you for sharing your birthday with us. We love you!

Happy Birthday Papa Rees

2009-02-25T13:16:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago it was Craig's dad's 60th birthday. He decided to have him out for a little bash. We invited Clint's brother, Craig's two sisters, Clint's mom, and Cathy. It turned out to just be Cathy, who brought Natalie and Dylan, us and Clint's mom. We had a yummy dinner of pasta, per his request, bread and salad. I also made him the cake if his choice.....chocolate. For the first time I made it all form scratch (even the filling). I may say it was pretty tasty. We hope it was a fun evening for him. Happy 60th Birthday Papa Rees!

What did you just ask me????

2009-02-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

It seems that my posts lately have been of conversations with my sweet children. Well here is another one. Some of us ladies were chit chattin' over lunch last week about many things, but of those things was when our children asked the BIG question. I simply said I don't even think it has crossed their minds. Not even a hint of anything like that goin' on over here.

So, picture this...Mom thinks it would be a good day to spend with Zach. Happily he comes along with me to all of my various errands today. The last one being Stater Bros. So, here we are walking down the cereal isle and he turns to me and asks:

Z: Mom how did you get 4 babies out of you?

I pause for a moment and think, okay not bad, I can handle this one.

M: Well son, I pushed them out.

Z:No mom, I mean how did you get them in you?

Suddenly everything comes to a screeching halt down the cereal isle! What did you just ask me??? I contemplate for a minute, what is appropriate to answer here in Stater Bros on a Saturday nontheless. So, I turn to him and say...

M:Can we talk about this later???

Now the big question is do I bring it up or wait for him to ask again???

Options

2009-02-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

It seems somehow we have just spoiled this last child of ours a little too much. He comes into our bed every morning between the hours of 3am-5am. This has NEVER been allowed! Last night he came into our bed at about 11:30. I was asleep, but Craig was awake watching tv. Anyway, this is the conversation Craig told me about this morning.

Spencer crawls into our bed.

Craig: If you are going to stay in our bed, you can not suck your thumb. (We are trying to stop this habit)

Spencer: takes his thumb out of his mouth, folds his arms across his chest and has a horrible scowl on his face. Craig says he sat there for a few minutes just with that mad look on his face. Then he finally sat up and crawled out of our bed.

Craig: Where are you going? I thought you were going to cuddle with me.

Spencer: I'm going to Spencer's bed! (I guess he sat there with his mad face and thought about his options. 1. Mom and dad's bed with no thumb or 2. My bed alone with my thumb. I guess he chose #2.