Conversation with Jaed

Jaed: "Momma, I want to talk about Halloween."
Me: "Okay, what would you like to talk about?"
Jaed: "Who was the first kid to be in Halloween?"
Me: "I'm not sure, Jaed. That's a good question for Daddy!"
Jaed: "I"m sure it was Jesus!"
Me: (trying not to laugh) "No, Jaed, Jesus wasn't here on earth when Halloween started."

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Background: We just bought Jaed a new backpack for school and were returning home. Jaed tried to hand me his backpack to carry in the house.

Jaed: "Here, Momma, can you take my backpack in?"
Me: (a little irritated) "No, Jaed, I'm not responsible for your crap."
Jaed: "Momma, this is not CRAP, this is my new CRAP!"

Wart

Jaed got a blister on his foot several months ago and after the blister went a way, a wart started to appear. He has been complaining about it hurting for the last several weeks and I noticed it getting a little black so I called and got him in to see the doctor. She said that it was infected and they needed to freeze it off. I knew that meant I was going to have to hold Jaed down and I wasn't thrilled about it. I made the girls each get a book and sit down on the chairs that were in the room and Jaed was on the patient's table looking a little worried. I tried to explain to him what they were going to do but the more I talked about it the bigger his eyes got and the more fearful he seemed.
I first tried the get him to just sit still without me having to hold him down but that didn't work. The nurse finally said that I would have to hold him down or it wasn't going to work. I was hoping I could just hold his leg down but then he was hitting me, telling me let go of him. So I had to go to drastic measures. I had to hold his whole body down, arms legs, head, etc.. It was quite traumatic for everyone......but Josie, I guess. Jaed was screaming VERY loud, Indi was crying hysterically, Kaia was crying, but Josie.....well she was sitting in her seat reading her book as if nothing was going on around her. It made me chuckle. I don't know how she was even able to concentrate with Indi crying beside her and Jaed screaming at the top of his lungs laying two feet away from her.
When we were finally done, and I got off of Jaed, he stopped screaming and Indi was tapering her cry down. I was hugging Jaed when Josie said, "What's wrong with Jaed, Mom?". I just laughed and told Josie that he was fine now.

The Chics!

I had a great time hanging out with my mom and sister. I wish we all lived closer so that we could get together more often. Even though we all so different than one another we can hang out and still have fun.


It's amazing to think that my sister and I are ten years apart because she truly is my best friend.

Becki, Me and my mom!

4th of July

We had a Fourth of July party at my brother's house. First, we went and had breakfast at his church, then we went swimming at my Dad's house, and then we had a barbaque and fireworks at my brother, Doug's house. It was a lot of fun to be all together. Thayne flew in the night before it was great to have him with our little family. The kids all fought over who was going to stand, sit, and be next to "daddy" every minute of the day. I think Josie missed him the most. I know it touched Thayne's heart because he is always saying, "I don't think Josie likes me.", which is not true at all. She's just more of a 'momma's girl' then the others but when she saw Thayne at the airport she screamed and clapped her hands and didn't leave his side for several days.
Thayne and I were able to gone a date and overnighter while my sister and mom watched our kids but we ended up taking Josie to dinner with us because she was so upset that we were leaving for the night. So, we took her with us to dinner and she was a delight. She talked tons and smiled the entire time. When we took her back to my mom's house she was okay with the idea of Thayne and I leaving for the rest of the night. It was a great experience to spend some one on one time with her and got us thinking about doing that more often with each of our kids.

Here's the kids in their patriotic outfits! Aren't they so dang cute!!!































................Jaed .............................Kaia...........

Slumber Party

I'm still working on posting all of our pictures from our trip. I don't want to just post them without doing a little bit of explaining so that's why it's taking me so long.


While we were at my mom's house the girls had a slumber party with several of their other cousins. They were so excited to sleep next to each other but unfortunately it didn't last until morning. Josie ended up in my mom's bed and Indi ended up sleeping with my sister, but the cousins all slept through the night.










Here is a picture of 15 out of the 19 (and a half) grandchildren on my side of the family. Can you find Waldo in the picture? Yes, I"m talking about our little Indiya. You really have to click on the picture so you can see Indi better. She's quite a hoot with those classes. The funny thing is, is that I didn't even realize she had the classes on until I was done taking the pictures, the kids dispersed, and I was showing the pictures to my sister.

Professional Pictures

On our last day of vacation in Utah we got professional pictures of our kids. They did a great job capturing the best picture of each of the kids.


What a handsome boy Jaed is turning in to:




















Our little Josie is growing up and is delicate and dainty as ever:



















When I showed these pictures of Indi to one of my friends she said, "Oh...look how sweet she look" but we both new that Indi has another side to her that we see more often. The feisty, independent side is the one we're use to. The scabby knees is what gives that side of her away.






































Can you believe that Kaia is only 5 months old in this picture? I don't think you can get a cuter picture than this:



















And here they are all together. Everytime I look at this picture, my heart fills up with gratitude and pride. I'm grateful to my God for giving me such precious little children and I'm so proud of myself for how dang cute they look in their "outfits" (hehehehe).

Overheard.....

Jaed: "Hey Daddy, did you know that monsters don't have bums?"
Thayne: "Well then how do they poop?"
Jaed: "Out of their mouths.....oh wait...they don't poop, Dad!"
Thayne: "Then what happens to the people they eat?"
Jaed: "The people stay in the monster's tummy until someone cuts them out."

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Josie and Indi were picking on Jaed yesterday and Jaed tried to retaliate and went after Indi until Josie got in his way and yelled, "DON'T HURT MY SISTER!". Poor Jaed was crying and holding his arm where one of the girls scratched him and Josie spoke up again and said, "Jaed you don't have a brother to protect you!"

I felt so bad for Jaed. He didn't react to what she said but I went over and hugged him and got after the girls for picking on Jaed.

Gateway Fun

While we were in Utah, we went and visited the huge fountain at Gateway mall (downtown Salt Lake City). It's filled with kids and adults running through the water having a great time. We stayed there for a couple of hours and enjoyed the shade while the kids were running in and out of the water.

Here's Jaed with his cousins Brayden and Eric. Brayden is eight and Eric is five. We know that we have a big boy and we LOVE it!!



















Here is Indi and Josie with their 5 year old cousin Kassi. She could definitely part of our family with her red hair. Josie and Indi were always fighting about who got to sit, stand, and sleep by her. I know that Kassi felt like a queen with the way my girls were fighting over her.



















Every thirty minutes the fountain plays a song and shoots up water really high. Everyone is suppose to stay out of the fountain while the show is on and while we were waiting, Josie and Indi decided to dance. We were cheering them on and laughing inside!

Indiya's Bday

We were in Utah for Indi's birthday. The morning of her birthday she woke up and said, "It's party day!". And then she continued to remind us through the day that it was "her" day. One time Jaed was trying to boss her around and she yelled at him, "It's MY SPECIAL DAY!". She asked for presents all morning even after I told her that she couldn't have any presents until her party. My sister and I made a princess hat for her and I bought her a princess cape that she wore during her party as well. This was the best birthday party ever because I didn't have to send out any invitations and I didn't have to stress about no one showing. All her cousins (who were in town) were so excited that she was having a party none of them would have missed it for anything. I know she felt very special and loved that whole day. She especially got lots of attention from her Grandpa during our stay in Utah. He thought she was the cutest ever and she LOVED the cuddles, hugs, tickles and attention he gave her.

Here was our little Birthday Princess ready to open her presents:



















Here is Indi hugging some of her presents. If it wasn't something with princesses then it was polly pocket dolls:






































We had yummy cupcakes and ice cream for her birthday. Here she is about to blow he candle out:



















What a group of kids!! Here is Indi with all her party attendees (her cousins) eating cake and ice cream outside:

Relaxing at the river

While visiting my sister in Washington we went to her families secret swimming spot. The kids had blast.

Believe it or not, Indi did start out in a swimming suit but she had a poop accident so she put her panties on and she seemed completely content:



















Indi and Jaed played together a lot that day. Here's Jaed with one of his many poses:



















Josie was splashing water everywhere. I caught her in action in this picture:



















Here's Indi (munching on chips) with her cousin Eric (5 yrs old) and Brett (10 yrs old):



















Jaed decided to sit down and take a snack break as well. You can see his two cousins in the background trying to lift the log off the big rock. Jaed wanted to go help them but I wouldn't let him so he decided to just watch:















The boys found some sticks and the sword fighting began. The girls wanted to play but the closest they got to the boys was during this picture:

Pool day

When the kid woke up this morning I told them that we would be going to the pool and having a picnic there. They were so excited and put their suits on right away even though we weren't leaving for another couple of hours. When we finally got there, I put suntan lotion on and off they went. They didn't interact with one another for the entire two hours we were there. Everytime I did a head they were at oppposite sides of the pool. They each had their own agenda and playing with one another was not on it. I even saw Josie and Indi bumped into each other one time but neither of them looked at each other, they just got their balance and kept going.

After we had a little picnic the kids ran back in the pool and started to play again. Shortly after they all got back in the life guard blew his whistle and told everyone to get out. I guess a little kid threw up in the pool. Josie was crying and Jaed was very bugged that they had to get out. When I told them that a little boy threw up Jaed said, "His momma shouldn't let him get in if he's sick!" and then Josie piped up and said, "He's naughty Mommy!". It's a good thing we didn't know who the kid was or my kids would have yelled something about being "naughty" at him.

Home Sweet Home

We are back home now and I think we were all a little anxious to get here. I had a wonderful and non-stop time at my sister's house but by the time I got to my Mom's house, I was missing my hubby, my routine and my home. The kids had a great time playing with all of their cousins and I enjoyed hanging out with family members where we caught up on each other's daily lives. I had big hopes that I would be able to call some friends and get together with them while I was visiting my mom but unfortunately I didn't get that chance (Sorry...Laura, Jami, Lori, Cathy, and everyone else!). Thayne flew in July 3rd, just in time to celebrate the holiday with us. The kids were so excited to see him. They wouldn't leave his side for the first couple of days he was there. Of course, Thayne thought that Kai had grown so big since he last saw her. She is rolling around and smiling continously now. She is already grabbing everything in sight as well.

We rented a van and drove back this weekend. It took us two days of driving but we made it safe and without complications. Thank goodness we have a DVD player for the kids. A couple of times we turned it off but that lasted about 10 minutes and then Thayne or I were turning it on again to have some peace. Jaed sat next to Kaia the whole time so he could give her the pacifier when she needed it and play with her when she got fussy. He did a great job and was a huge help for us.

When we walked in the house the girls ran right up their rooms. Josie was dragging things out of her room saying, "Daddy, do you remember my blanket.......my dolls.....my chair?". I think she was the most excited to be home and back in her familiar environment.

I am excited to get them back in a daily routine and be the Queen Bee of my house again. We'll be going to the community pool almost everyday while we still can. I'll put pictures up of our vacation as I get them downloaded on my computer.

Time flies

I can't believe we've been here in Washington for two weeks already. One more week to go and then we head t Utah for two weeks. I haven't been very good about blogging since I've been here but I did take some pictures that should give you guys a good chuckle.



The girls have been having tons of fun dressing up and running around the house after the dog. I think if they could get a dress on the dog, they would put it on her.


Here's the girls in their favorite dress up wings, glasses and crowns. They each have purse the carry around with a brush, mirror and whatever else they can put in it.

Indi was so insistant that Abby (the dog) was going to wear these glasses around. But the dog wouldn't leave them on for more than about 3 seconds. Indi was yelling at her to not touch them or leave them on, but Abby would swipe at them with her paw or shake her head to get them off. Thank goodness, Indi finally gave up and left Abby alone.

I think I mentioned in my last post that Josie has been reading Abby books. The last time she did it I grabbed my camera and took a couple of pictures. She would read the book and then show Abby the pictures and ask the dog, "Do you like it, Abby?".

On Vacation

We've been here at my sister's house for a week now and we're having tons of fun but missing Thayne a whole bunch. My sister has four boys so Jaed is feeling pretty good with the new boy/girl ratio. He is constantly counting how many boys there are verses how many girls there are. My sister's family has a dog, name Abby, that Josie and Indi are in love with. They are constantly laying on Abby, reading to her, singing to her, and (of course) dancing to her. One time, Josie was trying to read Abby a book and the dog was not looking at the pictures. Josie got so frustrated with her that she tried to make Abby turn her head and face the book, but Abby never did. Josie finally gave up and said, "You just naughty, Abby!".

All of my sister's boys are great with my kids. They are kind and very helpful which makes it easier on me. I really feel like I am on vacation! Indi and Josie have been pretty good about keeping their clothes on (well at least their panties). I have found them streaking a couple of times but the majority of the time they have something on.

We have cleaning parties about every other day and each of my sister's older three boys are assigned one of my kids as a partner to help them clean. I had forgotten how nice it is to clean without kids messing stuff up right behind you or cleaning without stopping to find the kids, change a diaper, feed a baby....etc.. I actually enjoyed cleaning and felt very productive!

It's been raining a lot since we got here so we haven't been doing a whole lot outside. The kids have been busy playing video games, playing star wars, playing dress up, and even have taken the time to color and draw a lot of pictures. Jaed has been in to drawing pictures and giving them to people so after he finished a picture he was drawing he dissappeared for a bit. I finally went looking for him and noticed the front door open. I walked out on the front porch and noticed Jaed running back from the next door neighbors house. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "I took some mail over the the neighbors house. You know, the picture I just drew.". We caught him two more times after that taking "mail" over to the same neighbor's house. He's so funny and so thoughtful!

Family Activity

Since the last time we took the kids bowling, they have been asking to go again. Thayne and I decided to take them this weekend. They had tons of fun. Here's pictures of our time together:

Here's Thayne in action. Look at the form! Hehehe, even with a great form he still didn't win, I did :).



















Here's Jaed getting his ball, excited to throw it down the lane:



















Here's Jaed after he throws his bowl. He watches his ball fly down the lane like this everytime it's his turn:




















Jaed finally stands up after his ball hits the pins:



















Josie has her ball and she's ready to go. One time she was crying because she got into some trouble and when I told her it was her turn to bowl she stopped crying immediately, wiped her eyes, and ran up to grab her ball.



















Indi had a permanent smile on her face the entire time. She was the first person to run up to you after you threw your ball down the lane and give you a 'high-five', and everytime she threw the ball she wanted a 'high-five' in return:




















Little Kai was the perfect audience the entire time. She didn't want to sit in her seat at all. She wanted to be up with the rest of us so Thayne and I took turns holding her. She didn't cry once the whole time we were there.

Season for bike riding

The kids have been so anxious to get their bikes out and ride them. We finally caved in and got them out, and ready to go. Here's some pictures of them riding around:

I had to threaten Jaed to smile here. He had been riding his bike for a while and was tired and very crabby. So his smile is very forced!



















Here's Josie in action. She was riding everywhere and especially liked going down hills on her bike. Notice that she's riding in one of her many princess dresses.




















Indi is also riding in her princess dress. She just followed Josie everywhere saying, "Wait for me, Josie!". Of course, Josie just ignored her and raced ahead even faster.




















Indi kept asking me to let Kai ride her bike even though I explained that Kai was too little. Finally, I put Kai on the bike with Indi and Indi was thrilled. She cried when I took Kai off.

Funny Memory

I have been thinking about something I did when Thayne and I were first married and laughing out loud. I thought I'd post it here so that ya'll could get a good laugh as well.

So, Thayne's dad has the most perfect hair I've ever seen on a man. There isn't a hair out of place and he has TONS of it. From the first time I saw him, I knew for sure that he was wearing a toupe'. There was no way that a man his age (48 at the time, hehe) could have that much hair and never have a strand out of place. I finally asked Thayne about it when we got engaged and he said "I don't think he wears a toupe'." Well, if his own son didn't know for a fact than I was even more positive my assumption was true. Thayne and I had funny arguements about it all the time. One day I was riding to work, listening to the morning show on the radio and the DJ encouraged the audience to call in and tell them about a constant silly/funny arguement that you have with your spouse. I didn't even hesitate. I grabbed my phone and dialed the number. I only had to a few minutes and before I knew it, I was on the radio explaining that my husband and I fought over my father in law's hair. The DJ thought it was quite comical that Thayne, his own son, didn't know for a fact that his dad did or didn't wear a toupe'. I had several friends and co-workers tell me they heard me on the radio and couldn't believe that my father really wore a toupe'. If my father in law only knew the rumors I was spreading. HAHAHHA!

Thayne and I play argued about it so much that I started to convince Thayne that it was true. Thayne agreed to check it out next time we went over to his parents house. Well, that day came and it was time to end the arguement. We were all in the kitchen and Thayne's Dad bent over to pick something up. I motioned for Thayne to check his Dad's hair out so Thayne stepped over to where his dad was, acted like was going to rub his dad's shoulder and then he quickly yanked on his dad's hair. I couldn't believe he did it. I wanted to bust up laughing right there. He actually pulled on his dad's hair. Unfortunately, I was wrong about the toupe'. His hair didn't budge at all. Thayne's dad quickly stood up and said, "Thayne, what are you doing?", and he fluffed his hair back into place. Thayne responded, "Just rubbin' your head, Dad!". Thayne looked over at me with a bugged look on his face and shook his head at me.

Thayne said later, "I can't believe I even thought he might have wore a toupe'." I laughed and tried to apologized for saying his dad wore a toupe', but it wasn't very sincere. That was ove 9 years ago and it still makes me bust up when I think about it.

Resemblence?

Indi put these glasses on this morning and this little chicken was the first thing I thought of. What a resemblence!







































(Egghead Jr. from Looney Tunes)

School Party

Today was Josie's "End of the Year" school party. She really loves school and I know she'll miss her teachers all summer.

I keep forgetting to post a funny experience I had with Josie in regards to her teachers. First, I should say that I do my girls hair everyday and pick their clothes out the night before. I love to get my girls dressed and ready for the day. It's like playing dolls all over again. Well, everytime Josie would go to school her teachers would always make a remark about how cute she looks. Several weeks ago, I was helping Josie get her clothes on for school and she looked down at herself and said, "No, Mom....my teachers won't like dis outfit!". No matter what I said she would not leave that outfit on. I looked up at Thayne and said, "She is too young to have an opinion on what she should wear!". He only laughed and walk out of the room. I had to go find a different outfit for her to wear that she liked and one she thought her teachers would like. I think I was in my own little world when I was thinking that my girls would never have an opinion on what they wore.

Okay, back to the party. Indi, Kai and I were invited to attend the party as well. Josie's class sang two songs and told a story while all the parents and siblings watched with grins on our faces. Josie was all over the floor during the story. She was rolling around, doing somersaults, and even hugging the kids next to her. She did stop and sing the songs, though.

Here are some pictures of the party:

This is Josie and her Teacher "Mrs. Arlene". I have really enjoyed her teachers this year. They seem so intune with Josie's needs. They also are very kind and loving to Josie, which is extremely important to me.



















This is Josie with her teachers Ms. Meagan and Mrs. Hope (who is holding our little Kaia):




















Here's Josie during one of the songs. I whispered her name and she turned my way, saw the camera and put a HUGE grin on her face:




















Here is Josie and her best friend Amara. Everytime I drop Josie off at school, Amara comes running up to her and wraps her arms around Josie saying, "My best friend!" :




















There was a table of cookies at the party and Indi would not leave the table for even a second at first. I finally told her she couldn't have any more cookies but after a bit I glanced over at the table and there she was eating another cookie with Josie and Amara. I caught her in the act: