Visit the Hoyts

2012-01-30T20:48:00.002-05:00

Tonight, samantha wanted a drink. Richard gave her one and said "here you go shnookums"

Samantha replied "I'm Samanfa".

I cracked up. She was so matter of fact. And when we mess up their names, they reply in the same tone "i'm ______"

A makeshift substitute

2012-01-21T22:24:00.005-05:00

When I was a kid, we always went to see the Temple Square lights on christmas night. I have missed that greatly. But I have found a substitute. Columbus Zoo does lights. They are awesome. So every year we go see them. Not on christmas night (they are closed) but at some other point in the season.

christmas day

2012-01-21T22:19:00.003-05:00

so excited to see their santa gifts!

Somewhere in there are the actual gifts. It's like a big game of I Spy!

Christmas chocolate

2012-01-21T22:10:00.002-05:00

For christmas we don't bake cookies. We don't often go caroling. But my childhood tradition continues!!!

Making CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!

I was so surprised by how much help they were. They loved it. And it didn't take all day like I though it would. Jacob even learned how to use a hammer to break up the chocolate.

Johnny Lingo

2012-01-16T21:28:00.003-05:00

So while I was attending church at another ward, my husband gathered the children around the computer and fired up the internet. He went to the mormon channel on youtube and showed them Johnny Lingo.

They loved it. Jacob's favorite part was the speech bubbles (don't ask, it takes too long to explain). Adam loved that the girl was in a tree. Samantha loved the pretty girl and now claims that she herself is "johnny lingo pretty".

I didn't even know this movie existed until I served in Young Women while living in Wisconsin. How is it that my kids know about it and one of them is 3!?!?!

More scripture fun

2012-01-16T21:23:00.002-05:00

We were reading along and then richard said: "More people would read the Book of Mormon if it had pictures and rhyme."

Jacob responds with Another testament of rhyme instead of Jesus christ."

I pipe up with "I am Nephi, hear me roar. You are Laman, you are no more."

Ok so scripture reading got a little out of hand. But there was lots of good laughing and bonding going on.

Fit of giggles

2012-01-11T21:05:00.002-05:00

During Book of Mormon reading every night at least one child asks to read "chunks" (meaning the parent reads a few words and the child repeats them). Tonight Richard was reading and turned to Adam. He said a few words so Adam could read the chunk and Adam's response was...

"I haven't asked that question yet!"

Giggles broke out and took about 5 minutes to stop. Jacob was laughing so hard I thought he would wet himself. Richard got told by a 5 year old!

Taco beans to the rescue!

2012-01-07T20:33:00.003-05:00

In our continuing efforts to find more food that adam can and will eat (that at nutritional value), we introduced black beans tonight. Richard cooked them with taco seasoning and Adam's comment was "tastes just like taco's. their delicious."

Good job Richard. I'm sorry I doubted you.

Greatest Game Ever

2012-01-04T21:20:00.001-05:00

Even my little ones can play it. The game is Bonkers. It is a horrible shame that they don't make it anymore. Talk about generations missing out.

New Year's

2012-01-02T21:49:00.001-05:00

Don't spend today wishing it was yesterday. Go out and enjoy all that today has to offer.

New Years Slide Show

2012-01-02T21:45:00.003-05:00

So new year's eve was awesome. We had our family slide show. We went through and looked at the pictures of things that have happened this last year. Adam starting preschool, Jacob in 2nd grade, Elizabeth learning to walk, etc etc etc. It was great. I loved it so much. Your whole year summed up in about 5 minutes of time.

Day 10

2012-01-02T21:39:00.002-05:00

Well, I jumped the gun. Yesterday was Elizabeth's first day with undies. And she did amazing. Not a single accident. Made it through church and everything. Then today I put pants on top of the undies and while she didn't have any accidents in the traditional way, potty got everywhere because her pants where in the way. But hey, she is doing great. She even stands by the toilet waiting for me to come and help her.

I am so proud of her.

day 5

2011-12-28T21:44:00.002-05:00

She has again surpassed my expectations. Dear Elizabeth now takes herself potty. Even if her pants are on, she will sit on the potty and go. I think that is much better than having an accident while trying to get her pants down. Even if I'm not around, she will take herself potty. One of the other kids normally start yelling for me "Elizabeth's going potty!" I come running because I think she is having an accident.

But she has only had one accident all day. And that was because dinner took too long and I probably didn't hear the potty request with all the chaos. (anyone who has dined at my house can attest to that chaos).

Day 2 and 3

2011-12-26T21:15:00.002-05:00

Potty training continues to do great.

Day 2: more than 10 (probably closer to 15, but I stopped counting) successes and only about 5 accidents. She even successfully went number 2 on the potty after yelling "poop" while running to the bathroom. She can now potty on command (ex: we we are about to have dinner we make her try the potty first and she goes because we put her there).

Day 3: the game is starting to wear thin. I have had to break out a different kind of candy, the smarties no longer thrilled her. But only 4 accidents and too many successes to even try to count. She has gotten good enough that she now fights going to the bathroom if she doesn't have to go. I am "super" thrilled, as Adam would say.

Day 1

2011-12-24T21:14:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth started potty training today. I know you might think I am crazy... Christmas Eve!!!! But I have been putting it off. And now is the perfect time. I son't have to take any kids to school for the next week and with all of Richard's time off, the extra help is perfect timing.

So here are her stats.

On her first day she had 7 accidents and 6 successes. She learned to recognize that she was having an accident and stop it mid-flow. She also started running to the bathroom yelling POTTY. I think she is off to a great start. And the best part is... I didn't get peed on at all today! That is a potty training FIRST!

Richard's work party

2011-12-21T21:17:00.002-05:00

Richard's work holds a family christmas party every year. The kids love to go, I love to take them, so you get the idea.

This year Samantha won a door prize. A barbie car! (and then a couple days later someone gave a barbie suv to elizabeth!) The older kids all got backpacks and balloon animals/swords, but best of all....

Is it good? Or bad?

2011-12-19T22:02:00.002-05:00

The other day, I was talking with my kids and we somehow got around to the resurrection. Jacob pipes up with "its like bzflag [a computer game he plays]. you will die, but after some time you come back in your tank and body again."

Should I be stunned that my 7 year old can relate the resurrection like that? Or should I just call it a "mommy pay-day"?

Beautiful

2011-12-17T21:26:00.001-05:00

Tonight we put the kids to bed. Then from the boys' room I hear singing. Jacob was humming and singing For the Beauty of the Earth.

My kids sing themselves hymns even when I am not around!

I feel so excited I might burst!

Peanut Butter Bars to the rescue

2011-12-12T22:14:00.001-05:00

With all my little helpers.

Decorating for Christmas

2011-12-12T22:07:00.001-05:00

random cuteness

2011-12-12T21:55:00.002-05:00

She loves putting things on her head!

playing in the rain after church. not enough umbrellas to go around.

I haven't quite figured out why she looks so happy.

Adam's birthday pictures

2011-12-12T21:38:00.003-05:00

It's so late that it's not even funny. But here they are. I selected some of my favorites.

Remember, comments are great, especially if you are going to help me improve my photography skills.

Adam's bday

2011-11-26T22:23:00.002-05:00

While making this post I realized that I still haven't posted Jacob or Samantha's bdays. Duh!

Anyway... Adam had a great day. He loves it when he gets sung to, so all day we kept singing happy birthday to him. To keep it interesting for me, we used all the versions found in the children's songbook plus the traditional one. He had a great day.

Spanish school buses

2011-11-26T22:19:00.002-05:00

Adam's preschool is a bilingual preschool. So, everyday when we drive Jacob to school the 3 oldest kids start counting all the school buses they see. Jacob says the number in english and Adam says it in spanish. However on the short 4.3 minute ride to school they see on average 13 buses. But Adam only knows spanish numbers to 10, so the system breaks down.

But they have fun!

Another one takes the plunge

2011-11-26T22:14:00.002-05:00

Samantha had her first dentist appointment. It was back in October. That tells you how well I am doing with blogging!

Anyway... She did well. It didn't really scare her since she has always had to come with the rest of us when we go, but this is her first time in the chair. The lady let Samantha play with the "sucker straw" and the spinning "toothbrush" and they counted her teeth (samantha now knows that she has 20). She was an angel.

Course afterwards comes the part where the kids make out like bandits. They get sunglasses (to keep the light out of their eyes), a toothbrush, a flosser, a sand-timer, 3 toys, and a picture. I don't remember getting that much stuff when I used to go! I feel oddly jealous!

2000 or 24?

2011-11-26T22:07:00.002-05:00

We were reading on page 343 of the book of mormon, verse 18.

Adam: "That's the 2000 stripling warriors!"

Richard: how many are there?

Adam: "24"

Richard: no

Adam: "2"

Richard: no

Adam: 1?

Richard: no, 2000

Adam: "that's a 2 with a thousand on the end. They disobeyed parents by going to war"

Well at least he is learning something.....

Jacob's sleepover

2011-11-26T22:02:00.002-05:00

Its official. Jacob had his first sleepover. He has been begging me for a while, but it was always for sleepovers with his classmates at school. I wasn't ok with that because I didn't know the family or the parents, etc.

Then Scott moved in. And one day after church Jacob and Scott came running up to their mothers telling us that they had planned a sleepover. I looked at the other mom in disbelief. But months later it finally happened. And Jacob is in heaven. He has found such a great friend in Scott. They had such a great time that the very next week they again got a sleepover.

The big brick wall

2011-11-26T21:49:00.002-05:00

I guess all parents feel this way at some point. But I am annoyed that I teach lessons (like no hitting, no sucking your thumb, no throwing) and yet I might as well be talking to a brick wall. The lessons are taught. But the students have not yet received a desire to learn the lesson.

On the bright side, at least the part that I am accountable for is actually being done. I am grateful for that.

Temple challenge... done

2011-11-03T20:28:00.002-04:00

My stake president challenged all temple recommend holders to visit the temple 5 times in 5 weeks (a specified 5 weeks might I add). The 5 weeks ends this Saturday, but my 5 sessions are done. Now.....

I don't know. I am feeling torn. Once I had settled into the routine of it (tuesday babysit 6 extra children, and thursday go to the temple for my session) I found that I mostly liked it. I am sad to see it end. I will not miss the chaos of tuesday and thursday, but part of me wishes I could keep it up. Visiting the temple that often was hard but completely worth it. And if gave me a chance to see an amazing lady 2 times a week. She is definitely someone to admire. I look up to her is so many ways and desire very much to become the same kind of amazing woman. I will miss seeing her often and I will miss how much influence that had over me.

Ok, now that I am teary eyed... I have set a goal that every year I will personally repeat this temple challenge. The blessings are huge and the peace and happiness are overwhelming.

Mobile Upload dump part 2

2011-10-29T22:46:00.004-04:00

Mobile upload dump (part 1 of?)

2011-10-19T21:42:00.003-04:00

Sister steps up to help!

2011-10-19T21:06:00.001-04:00

2011-10-19T21:00:00.002-04:00

the new version of food storage! Surprise!!!!

And a daddy with his kids. It takes a lot of work to play a piano while others are pounded on the keys.

Feel the peace

2011-10-19T20:39:00.001-04:00

How can a mom not smile when she sees her treasures doing this?

Not just for easter

2011-10-17T21:58:00.002-04:00

I am now an Adult!

2011-10-17T21:51:00.003-04:00

I have a piano!!!

Best birthday I have had as a mommy!

2011-10-17T21:44:00.002-04:00

I came home to find the driveway decorated. Then they sang to me. Then I walked in the house to find balloons hanging from my ceiling fan (loved it) with the fan running. We had cake and icecream for lunch! My kids must have sung happy birthday to me like 40 times in the whole day!!!! And the best part was: They didn't fight until bedtime! Everything was happy and everyone was playing happily together! I was so surprised that they were able to temporarily squash the sibling rivalry!

Better late than never

2011-10-17T21:11:00.004-04:00

Here are some cute pics of my sister at 8 months pregnant. I think they are awesome and these are totally unedited!

Experience it now, and know it later

2011-10-12T21:03:00.003-04:00

Yesterday and today as we were headed different places, we got stuck trying to turn left out of a neighborhood and onto a busy road. The first time we waited 5 minutes and there was literally no end in sight. Adam asked if he could help. I told him that he could pray for help. So he did in his cute little almost 5 yr old way. Within a minute a gap opened. He was so excited that Heavenly Father answered his prayer.

Then today the same thing happened. Only I didn't have to prompt him. He prayed on his own and again within a minute, a gap opened (though a noticeably smaller gap that you would never take unless you had a go-getter attitude).

He spent 10 minutes talking about how Heavenly Father answers prayers and even for things like traffic.

Learn it now, and hopefully later when his adult brain is set in its ways, he won't have to learn it. Then he will just know it.

Lunch time Chuckles

2011-10-08T21:21:00.002-04:00

Samantha and Adam had a very interesting debate at lunch time. Samantha made comments about who she would marry when she "grow up". She mentioned Grandma and Papa and then Adam told her she couldn't because Grandma and Papa were already married. Samantha seemed very put out by this, and proceeded down the list. Adam kept shooting them down. There were various reasons, including "that's your sibwing samantha. You can't marry sibwings."

Another first

2011-10-08T21:08:00.002-04:00

Jacob had another first. His first sinus infection. He went to the doctor on Tuesday. Poor thing.

Again?

2011-10-05T21:30:00.002-04:00

Driving in the car:

Samantha: Elizabeth is sucking her thumb. Mommy... Elizabeth is sucking her thumb.

Mommy: (sigh) Thanks for telling me Samantha.

Samantha: I taught her that. Elizabeth, no sucking your thumb.

Why can't we get the beam out of her eye before attempting to remove the mote in her sister's?

mommy PAYDAY!

2011-10-03T21:13:00.002-04:00

On our drive home from preschool, Samantha (sitting in the backseat) tells me she is sorry for "broken it". After much coaxing, I finally get her to tell me what she broke. Then I told her I forgive her. Her next comments made my day.

"I still a good gwiwl (girl)." (At which point I felt anger bubbling because she had just broken something). "But it was bad choice."

Cha-ching!!!! She gets it. She understands that just because she did something wrong doesn't make her as a person bad. It was her choice that was bad! I felt relief flood through me. She gets it. She really gets it!

Sneak peek at kid photos

2011-09-28T19:46:00.004-04:00

A request was made for photos of my four treasures. This gave me a chance to "play" with my camera.

Hope you enjoy.

If not then make sure it is constructive criticism. I am always up for tips and hints and things to avoid.

Preschool Stories

2011-09-26T22:19:00.002-04:00

Adam loves preschool. After the day is over. he loves the idea but pouts the entire car ride over there. But when I pick him up, he is thrilled. So today he told me a story. I love how excited his was.

"At preschool I got swords and raised my hand. Ms Nicole called me and I asked if I could play pirates. She said 'of course'. I raised my hand again. She called me. I asked if she would play with me and she said 'I would love to'. Then Seattle joined us and katie. They are my friends. And even Rowan came to play. And they were all so nice. And I was amazed by their niceness."

There you have it folks. Be nice to the boy and you will amaze him. It makes me wonder if it's rare in his life?

Sneak peek at Samantha's bday pics

2011-09-21T21:40:00.004-04:00

Again, if you don't like them, that is fine. If you do like them (or are able to constructively criticize) then let me know. I feel wishy washy about them. But she wasn't exactly cooperative either.

More fun from Oma's

2011-09-10T21:18:00.004-04:00

Loving Uncle James...

playing in the pool with cousin Bradley.

A peek at pictures

2011-09-10T21:07:00.002-04:00

Here is a peek at Jacob's 7th birthday pics. Love them or hate them, I don't care, cuz I love them! At least... most of them. (but I'm hiding the failures)

I feel good at what we've taught

2011-09-10T21:04:00.002-04:00

Today Jacob and Adam were playing Zoobtubes. I had built them cars and they were crashing them. Jacob's car crashed into Adam's and Jacob said "my car can't stop, it doesn't have any friction"

I am feeling mighty proud today!

Dakota (the Alaskan Malamute)

2011-09-05T21:01:00.003-04:00

She is such a good dog with kids. She puts up with everything. Kids climbing on her, poking her face etc. I try hard to teach my kids to be nice to the dogs, but Elizabeth loved Dakota so much. I am pretty sure Dakota loved Elizabeth just as much.

Happiness

2011-09-05T20:53:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth and Tante Patty. Very happy to see each other for the first time.

Now just sit still

2011-08-31T21:27:00.002-04:00

Samantha brushing Vlad. What you can't see is that the top s of their heads are equal. Pretty weird if you think about the fact that she is kneeling!

Me and my kids nicknamed him the "big black wall". He has a habit of standing right in your way but perpendicular so he acts as a wall. He is too tall to go over, to long to go around and none of us dare to go under him. So he was a pretty good wall.

So much and yet so little time

2011-08-31T21:19:00.002-04:00

I have much to blog about. 2 birthdays, a trip to Washington, checkups on 3 of the kids, school starting, and more! I just don't know where to start. So I decided not to go in order and just hack away at it. Chip away. A little at a time.

On our trip home from Washington, we had a layover in Denver. This is how the kids burned some energy and time (about 20 minutes worth!)

Very good movie

2011-08-15T19:38:00.001-04:00

I watched it tonight. You should too. http://lds.org/media-library/video/feature-films?lang=eng#2011-03-01-joseph-smith-the-prophet-of-the-restoration

Bye bye

2011-08-08T20:41:00.003-04:00

About 2 months ago, Elizabeth upgraded from crib to twin bed. I am oddly grateful for the upgrade but distressed about how much room the twin bed takes. Oh well. The happy news is she has not crawled out of it.... AT ALL. Not even once. Lots of effort was involved in this, including sitting in the hallway watching her until she fell asleep. But the effort is worth it. And all is well.

Richard had nothing to do with it...

2011-07-27T21:52:00.001-04:00

We are EXPECTING!!!!! I know, I know pretty crazy isn't it?? I really don't want to believe it myself. I wasn't going to put it on here, because it will be obvious soon enough, but thought I needed to make it official. So now you know, it's official. We are EXPECTING another hot day tomorrow!! Wait!?!?!? What did you think I meant?? LOL!

The Pot calling the Kettle black.

2011-07-23T21:57:00.002-04:00

We were driving in the car and the kids are being their normal selves. Suddenly Samantha gets really loud and starts giggling and screaming. Adam turns around in his car seat and says "Samantha be quiet. You are too loud and hurt my ears."

Now if you know Adam, and seen him in his element, you will completely understand the title of this post.

Mini Bear

2011-07-23T21:54:00.002-04:00

Jacob has his Tante Tober's genes. She was always able to tan and get dark brown without really burning. We teased her and called her a bear. Sorry for that Tober.

Jacob gets it from her. I am always so surprised to see how dark his tan is when he takes off his shirt.

Samantha takes after her Tante Patty. Blonde, blue eyes, and pale skin that fries in a heart beat. She has just enough of my genes to have it tan afterwards though. But it is a light tan.

Oh well, we can't all be mini bears.

Cracker Barrel

2011-07-13T21:53:00.002-04:00

Quite a while ago my dad came to visit. He took me and the kids to cracker barrel for dinner. My kids felt so special. (eating out is almost non-existent for us) Now everytime we drive on I-70 past the Cracker Barrel my kids start shouting the name. And then they start with the story of how Big Dad took mommy, Jacob, Adam, Samantha, and Elizabeth to Cracker Barrel.

They have permanently connected Big Dad and Cracker Barrel, and the love for both couldn't be better shown.

Along the road

2011-07-03T20:47:00.005-04:00

I am sorry but the pictures are in reverse order. Blogger wouldn't let me change them around (mean blogger).

I so don't want to go there.

Finally a road where I get to speed!

Whatcha lookin at?

On our trip we used our window clings (my favorite decoration of all time!) in the shapes of the states to keep track of which license plates we saw. All of these on the window are from just our drive home. We got all but Hawaii, Alaska, Utah, Arizona, and one other I can't remember. Can you recognize all the states by shape (or if you have a good zoom function by the words on them)?

Maybe he is being zapped by the electricity display he's at. Maybe?

I hear ya, girl. Me too.

I am so glad my sister could come on our trip with us. However, why was she meandering behind?

Thank you, I think. Did you know that New York labels their exits differently than most states. Most states link the number of the exit with the mile it is on. Not New York. If your at exit one and need to get off on exit 2, it could be a good 17 miles away (trust me).

So does this mean if I get off here I will be in the North East? I didn't know North East has a designated spot.

It was just to funny to pass up. The building is shared with a candy store specializing in Nostalgic candy (jelly belly's included).

Thank you, but I am just passing through.

Columbus Motor Speedway

2011-07-03T20:39:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately no figure 8 bus racing this time, but we got to see trailer racing instead. We love CMS. (the 2 pics of elizabeth are from right before we left for CMS. Hence their inclusion)

Palmyra New York

2011-07-01T21:08:00.005-04:00

Kirtland Ohio

2011-07-01T20:59:00.002-04:00

Old Fort Niagara

2011-07-01T20:42:00.006-04:00

I love forts. I would travel the world just to see forts. I also loved this one because the majority of it was NOT roped off! we got to climb all the stairs sit in the chairs and touch so many things. It was great!!!!

Niagara Falls

2011-07-01T20:31:00.003-04:00

A new song

2011-06-13T21:15:00.002-04:00

We went to Mormon night at the Columbus Crew on the 8th. Since then my kids keep singing a new song. To the tune of Yellow Submarine (by the beatles) it goes "we all play for the yellow soccer team, the yellow soccer team, the yellow soccer team. We all play for the yellow soccer team, yeah"

They take after their mom and aunts. Who are constantly making up songs.

"Bonjour, Good day"

2011-06-13T08:53:00.002-04:00

About a week ago we borrowed Beauty and the Beast from the library. My kids have been singing the opening song since. They loved the movie. (To my surprise). They even try to imitate the voices while singing the song.

I didn't know that Walt Disney edited the movie. When I turned the movie on and it brought a menu saying there were three enchanting version of the song I was so confused. I didn't know which one to pick. Apparently they added a song. It fits perfectly and explains alot. So now I must say that if I ever get to own that movie I will need to make sure it is the special edition. That way it has the new song version and the original as I remember from my childhood.

It is hilarious to hear Samantha walk around singing the Bonjour song. She mixes up the lines and makes it even funnier.

Is there anyway to express our thanks?

2011-06-11T21:01:00.002-04:00

Sonicare toothbrushes. Kid version. One of the best inventions. My kids love them. I love it (yes I use Jacob's, just with a different head). Samantha and Adam love to brush their teeth now and Samantha can even tell if she is getting her teeth!!!!

Oma, you ROCK!

Here comes....

2011-06-02T21:19:00.004-04:00

Megatron!!!!!

She hunts, she conquers, she devours. She knows what she wants and will do what is necessary to make it happen.

Weighing in at 25 pounds, 29 inches tall, and with a 20 inch head, nothing can stand in her way. She has learned to play "scare" (you sneak up on someone and yell "boo") by yelling "Boo!"

She has learned the art of 'jungle gym' but mostly with samantha. I have a great video of it but it's too big for the blog.

She refuses to eat unless she is feeding herself and it must be finger food. Is completely off the bottle (though I keep one in the diaper bag for emergencies). Is now drinking normal cow's milk and cannot decide what to make of it (though drinks it anyway). Is a complete mommy's-girl. Talks more and is louder than the other children. Plays chase and keep away. Tries to play indoor hockey with us (holds a stick and can hit the ball if left uncontested). Plays soccer by kicking the ball. tries to throw a frisbee (but fails to let go!). Has 4 teeth (number 4 came in on may 29th.).

She is happy, she is funny, she is loving and headstrong. She is very independent but seriously attached to those she loves. She has the funniest smile (causing a wrinkly across the bridge of her nose).

She's gone

2011-06-02T21:17:00.001-04:00

Lizzy the lizard has left. the kids are sad and miss her, but we promised the owner's we would gladly watch her again next time they are out of town.

We also learned the real name of the lizard. Bloodgen. Never would have guessed that one.

She enjoyed it

2011-05-27T21:20:00.002-04:00

Here are pics of Elizabeth enjoying her birthday cake and icecream. Man did she love it!!!!

Lizzy the Lizard

2011-05-27T21:04:00.003-04:00

To those of you who are freaking out right about now, don't worry. She is temporary. We are pet sitting her. However.. The kids love her. The have loved watching her hunt her crickets, they love to watch her move (which isn't often).

We are calling her Lizzy because I forgot to ask her real name (though I do know that its a girl). And I guess technically she is a bearded dragon. But that is neither here nor there.

Leave No Trace

2011-05-15T20:41:00.002-04:00

The Leave no Trace guidelines for cub scouts are principles to follow while doing outdoor activities. They are: Plan ahead. Stick to trails. Manage your pet. Leave what you find. Respect other visitors. Trash your trash.

As part of the Stake Father Son camp out we were able to practice these principles:

http://www.madison-press.com/news/local-news/leaving-no-trace/

What happened?!?!?!

2011-05-10T21:27:00.002-04:00

Samantha is now a world-class clutz!

This is new, this is weird, and this is annoying. She keeps falling and really hurting herself. She skinned up her forehead but taking a turn to sharp on her bike, then in one day she fell at least 5 times (I stopped counting) by tripping over her feet. The next day she fell multiple times again, and then today she has tripped over her feet causing her to fall on the stairs and into the van, and then while riding her bike she fell and the handle bar hit her on the right temple.

The biggest problem is: she never was clutzy so now she whines and cries all the time.

What happened? She was so sure footed. I used to tease her about being a mountain goat (not that she understood the joke). Now she is a piece of paper, can't stand on her own for more than a few moments.

Oh, by the way

2011-05-08T21:11:00.004-04:00

Elizabeth walks (before a year old), has only two teeth (got her second one yesterday!) and weighs 25 (ish) pounds. Richard can't decide if this pic of her makes her look devilish, or a vampire, or a banshee or just really happy. So many ways to take it!

Thanks to Adam's allergist appointment, we know that Adam weighs 35 pounds and is 41 inches tall, while Samantha weighs in at 32 (ish).

Groundbreaking ceremony

2011-05-08T21:08:00.001-04:00

Golden shovels are soooooooooo old-school. The new fad is: plastic shovels.

Ring a bell?

2011-05-08T21:05:00.001-04:00

Does anyone else see these pics and say "that reminds me of Wizard of Oz"?

Coloring easter eggs

2011-05-08T21:01:00.002-04:00

I gotta give HIGH praise for the egg coloring q-tips. Such an awesome thing to have when little ones (under age 4) are involved. They can easily color on their own, they can't spill anything, and it dries a lot quicker.

A Patio!

2011-05-08T20:57:00.001-04:00

Ok, its not done. I know that. Trust me, I know it's taking a long time. But what do you expect when it rains so much and I have 4 kids to contend with.

Isn't the hole pretty?

"Man" ual labor!

2011-05-08T20:50:00.002-04:00

Now I know why its called manual labor! Here's the man part!

A new face

2011-05-08T20:44:00.003-04:00

The playroom has been in need of a "new face" for years. It had flat paint. Whoever thought that up should be shot, but that's neither here nor there. However due to the number of children I have I can only paint one wall at a time. This gives me the power to protect the wall and the open paint.

Adam and Samantha wanted to help paint the walls. So, with guidance, I allowed it. They quickly burned out, but I got pics first!

Here they are again

2011-04-23T20:55:00.002-04:00

Amanda's Moving tips (been there, done that!)

1) a room for boxes. This is my biggest and most helpful tip. While packing, fill a box and put it in one place (one room). Every box goes there. It empty's the rooms out, keeps the kids out of the boxes and makes it soooooooo easy for EQ brethren to move the boxes to the truck.

Then when you get to the new house put ALL boxes into one room (either front room, bedroom, whatever). You may think I am nuts but trust me. You can grab a box and unpack, then go get another. It is easy to stop when the kids need attention. It leaves the house with running room and you don't have to worry about the kids getting into boxes while you are in a different room (especially since some of the boxes will have chemicals). Once a box is unpacked you can break it down and stack it. Another bonus to this is you don't have to trip over boxes while trying to unpack or try to move them so that you can get to that cabinet in the kitchen.

2) keep one closet of things that are last minute pack items (cleaning supplies, rags, paper plates, forks, a small set of tools, etc) Make sure to think if toys for the kids (only their tried and true favorites) some blankets for car ride, snacks, a couple of cups to drink out of, GARBAGE BAGS!!!!, and anything else you may need. Put a sign on the closet door and keep some boxes in there for the packing of it. This prevents your purse from accidently getting packed.

3) pack a little everyday. Start a good 2 months before the move. Even a box or 2 every day helps a ton. Kids are much more cooperative if you do it this way. If you spend all day every day trying to pack they get attention deprived and will start getting into things.

4) 2 days before the move... DISASSEMBLE all furniture!!!! put mattresses on the floor, etc. It won't kill you, saves the EQ men tons of time, and makes moving day easier. By one week before the move, everything that isn't ESSENTIAL to living should be packed.

5) diaper boxes are great for books. Small, have handles, and sturdy. It also makes it easy on the EQ brethren.

6) no reminiscing. Just box it or toss it. If need be, keep a box or closet for donation and throw it in there. Life and packing will go much faster.

7) work from top down. This means, take the pictures off your walls first (use towels to wrap them) and work down towards the floor.

8) save boxes for a year

9) label essential boxes (silverware, plate, toilet paper) so that they are easy to unpack at new house

10) label other boxes based on what room they came out of. ex: front room. You will remember what was in your front room more than you will remember what you had planned for the new "playroom".

11) stop doing laundry 3 days before move. And make sure the washer and dryer are empty. Many previous EQ moves have been thwarted because laundry is still wet in the washer and then needs to be dried.

12) 2 days before move, unhook ALL appliances that are coming with you (not including the microwave). it gives them time to dry out, and then you have time to get the tools packed up. It also makes it so that the movers don't have to do it last minute and you have to find the tools for them.

13) 12 is especially important for the washer. The hoses often get rusted onto the connections and are nearly impossible to get off. Plus sometimes the shutoffs are stuck in the "open" position so they can't be shut off anyway. It gives a few days to get those things taken care of. Also, you don't want dripping rusty hoses on the carpet on the way out or in.

14) Electronics. It is highly recommended that items like TVs, computers, and other electronics be unplugged some time before a move to have time to cool down. This helps prevent damage during moving. Also, the cabling should be unplugged the day before the move or you'll find that the DVD player and sound equipment are in one box, and the cables are in a big knot in another box. Take the time to wrap them nicely and label them before the day of the big show. Use tape or twist ties to keep each cable together.

15) during move time, try to have a babysitter for the kids and pets. Dogs go nuts with all the people going in and out (plus trying to keep them from running away is a nightmare), the kids start to feel anxious and end up wanting lots of attention. Almost all the time, mom has to help with the moving to some degree cuz dad says "I don't know where she wants it". Plus kids tend to be underfoot causing a trip hazard for the people carrying stuff. They also love to run up the truck ramp.

I have moved with kids, multiple times. Trust me, these things help a ton and make life less stressful. It's ok to think I am crazy. But trust me!!!!

Elizabeth

2011-04-12T21:24:00.003-04:00

First attempt to feed herself = do not repeat this mistake.

Oh dear she has a bat!

What Wii Fit has done for us

2011-04-12T21:20:00.003-04:00

Yes, the kids have learned some yoga. And they love it. The boys are actually able to balance doing it!

Pics of Samantha

2011-04-12T21:14:00.002-04:00

As you can tell, editing is needed. But I was playing around with my camera and the settings and the new backgrounds. Samantha is the only one willing to be the guinea pig subject.

Our weekend with Grandparents

2011-04-12T21:02:00.004-04:00

We met the partway and had a great time. We played at the hotel, we swam, we went to the children's museum (which was fun but I don't vote for going back). While at the museum we did crafts and dressed up like Egyptians (I capitalized this just for you Patty!), we played (even mommy), dressed up like Barbie and walked the runway! and saw Bumblebee (the transformer). It was so much fun. I hope that we can repeat the event more often.

Dear Grandma and Papa

2011-04-12T21:00:00.003-04:00

We adored seeing you this last weekend. You were fun and loving. We loved hording your hotel bed, and running through your hotel room. We loved the cupcakes and the food, but mostly the candy. But above all we love you.

If I had my way

2011-04-12T20:56:00.002-04:00

All my closets would have mirrored doors. And this is not because I love to see myself. It is because I love that little ones adore them, and they make the rooms brighter, and they make the rooms feel bigger. The extra hassle of washing them is completely worth it in my book.

The new version of food storage

2011-04-04T20:49:00.002-04:00

Forget all of your shelves in the basement. Forget the writing of dates on it and the rotating it. Elizabeth has come up with a new version.

Take your food in your fists. Reach up over your head. And deposit the food into the hood of your shirt.

Now when you are hungry, you can reach into your hood and retrieve the food. Instant food storage.

I wish I could get a picture, but she isn't willing to let me take a picture of it. Sorry.

It's official

2011-04-02T21:05:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth finally has her first tooth! I found it today. I am so grateful that my children get teeth so late!!!!! There is no way to express my gratitude for it.

Long overdue post

2011-04-01T22:05:00.002-04:00

During the winter, one of our family home evenings was to go to a local ice rink and go skating. We kept our shoes on, but the kids had a great time.

Thought it was cute

2011-04-01T21:57:00.001-04:00

2 adorable bowl heads. They were taking the bowls and dumping water on themselves. The girls are the only 2 kids who like water on their face.

Only a baby

2011-04-01T21:52:00.002-04:00

Could sleep like this. When she is sleepy, she is sleepy and nothing will stand in her way.

the game expands

2011-04-01T21:28:00.002-04:00

The boys love to take a ball and roll it around the table. They try to score goals on the other one by making the ball go off the table on the opponent's side. Samantha is luke-warm about the game.

Elizabeth learned to crawl over to the table. She already knew how to pull herself up, and joined the game. She thinks it is great. Squeals with delight and everything.

It is one of the few things that the boys will actually do WITH her.

Adam learns to write

2011-04-01T21:23:00.002-04:00

I have been attempting to work with Adam on his writing skills (he will need these for preschool and beyond). But I am realizing how hard it is to work with him since he goofs off with everything (or throws a tantrum). I am really starting to appreciate what my family went through with me.

Enter Daddy. And all of a sudden there is Adam writing his name. (Richard's letters for him to mimic are along the bottom of the board). Then they started on other letters.

It just goes to show that when someone is a true goof ball, only certain (and very few) people can get through. Find them and don't let them go.

A first

2011-04-01T21:17:00.003-04:00

Jacob's first time (but definitely not the last) doing taxes. He wanted to help, he wanted to stay up late. I guess he thought it would be a lot more fun than it actually was. We gave him a blank form and had him write the number's in. And we gave him a calculator and let him do the math for the numbers.

He went to bed around 10:30ish, and we were up until almost 2am. But taxes have to be done. Good thing he didn't stay up that late. Although the older he gets, we might be able to talk him into staying up longer!

The side sleeper

2011-04-01T21:14:00.003-04:00

Elizabeth has been our only child to sleep on her side. She loves it and finds it very comfy. By the time you get 4 kids you start to think you've seen it all. But not even close. Although the things that are new are always surprising in their simplicity.

Success (finally)

2011-03-29T21:02:00.002-04:00

Jacob takes a lunch to school everyday. He keeps asking to buy a lunch like the other kids. Well it is expensive ($2.25 a day), and if anyone has ever seen my boy eat, you know that he eats like $.75 worth of food at lunch. But we made a deal with him. If he could eat all of his packed lunch for 5 days in a row he could then buy school lunch for one day (then the cycle starts over).

Richard figured he would succeed in May. I figured he would never succeed.

He did. So he bought school lunch and loved it.

And now that he has had a taste of success, he is doing well at repeating the feat. He is already 2 days into the 5 days in a row. I have a feeling he will be getting more "hot lunch" next week.

Out with the old in with the new

2011-03-23T20:40:00.004-04:00

So one day I was cleaning (sweeping actually which is the one chore that I do multiple times every day) and noticed droppings one my floor. They looked like mouse droppings but to big. I thought of my chinchilla, Misty and went down to her cage. There she was chillin and begging for snacks. At that point I really thought it was a mouse. I left to get Jacob to school and when I got home found fresh droppings on my floor! Dang mouse, coming out and pooping on my freshly swept floor! Richard came home looked at it and agreed. So that night he went and bought mouse traps. The normal snap kind and (new to me) glue pads. We put the glue pads down first because of Samantha. We went to bed and in the middle of the night Richard felt prompted to get out of bed. He hunts around for a while and then at one point turns around and there is the culprit sitting in the middle of the floor. No, not a mouse. My chinchilla. I could wring her neck for that stunt. He then spent roughly 2 hours trying to catch her (and if anyone knows how allergic he is and how hard to catch she is, you will be amazed that it only took 2 hours). He finally succeeded around 3:30 am. Poor guy. He caught her then came to wake me so I could get her travel carrier and trap her in that. So I did. And she stayed in that little carrier for about 12 hours. (Poor thing and yet she had it coming). I had to make an emergency trip to the pet store to buy her a brand new cage. My chin is such a punk. So as the pictures show, she ate her way out of the old cage. But the new cage is completely metal. I dare her to eat through that. And for added protection, the door is padlocked shut (I don't trust her!).

Today I was cleaning and found even more droppings from her little excursions. It reminded me of her gallivanting around my house. I got mad all over again.

Here come the little boxers

2011-03-21T21:09:00.004-04:00

The boys decided that they want to be boxers when they grow up. So they took off their shirts (being topless while boxing must be instinctive) and started boxing. I won't even bother telling you the outcome. Just remember they are 6 and 4; the 6 year old can dish it but not take it and the 4 year old will only take it on his terms.