Here's the before picture:
Here's the after (the shiny stuff on her forehead and face is not sweat! It's water from my squirt bottle!)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
First Haircut
It's amazing that Indi has NEVER had a haircut. She was born with such little amount of hair that we never even thought about cutting it. Well, the ends of her hair are quite ratty so I decided it was time for the big first cut! I didn't want to pay to have someone cut 3 inches off evenly across so I just decided to do it. She has curly hair so if I am not exactly even, no one can tell because it's curled!
Here's the before picture:
Here's the after (the shiny stuff on her forehead and face is not sweat! It's water from my squirt bottle!)
Here's the before picture:
Here's the after (the shiny stuff on her forehead and face is not sweat! It's water from my squirt bottle!)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Bikers
Thayne and I have been trying to teach the older three kids to ride a two wheeler and we have succeeded with 2 out of the 3. Jaed and Indi caught on very quickly and are riding everywhere. Josie is a bit more hesitant because she doesn't want to fall so we put her training wheels back on her bike and told her to tell us when she's ready to learn to ride without them. I check in with her a lot and ask her if she's ready to learn without the training wheels and she's not shy to say, "No, I'm not ready!". She is quite speedy on her bike with training wheels so there is no pressure to learn since she can keep up with her other two siblings. This is the main cause of tension between our old FART neighbors. One neighbor doesn't want them riding on the sidewalk because a car might back out and hit them and another neighbor doesn't want them to ride in the street because they might get hit by a car. Mind you, that that they are NEVER outside riding their bikes without Thayne or I (or both of us) out there with them making sure to get them out of the way if a car comes but obviously that isn't good enough for our crabby neighbors. They think our kids should not leave our yard even when riding their bikes.
Anyways....enough about the old folks....Kaia doesn't have a bike but she's off and running on her little scooter!
Thayne's parents got this bike for Josie but it's too big for her right now and Jaed out grew his bike so he's not apposed to riding it!
She's ready with her knee pads and elbow pads on!
We don't' think this bike was meant to be ridden without the training wheels because it has no brakes, but it doesn't stop Indiya!
Here's our Indiana Cheerleader riding her nifty scooter!
Anyways....enough about the old folks....Kaia doesn't have a bike but she's off and running on her little scooter!
Thayne's parents got this bike for Josie but it's too big for her right now and Jaed out grew his bike so he's not apposed to riding it!
She's ready with her knee pads and elbow pads on!
We don't' think this bike was meant to be ridden without the training wheels because it has no brakes, but it doesn't stop Indiya!
Here's our Indiana Cheerleader riding her nifty scooter!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
It's all about Kaia!
Kaia is next! What a sweet/stinker girl this one is! One minute she is the cutest most adorable little thing you have ever seen and the next minute she's the "devil's child" (that's what Thayne calls her when she's in one of those moods!). She is quite gifted verbally and bosses everyone around all of the time. She also isn't shy about telling you what she wants and when she wants it. The best time to spend with her is at night because she turns in to a cuddle machine and plasters her body to yours and gives tons of hugs and kisses. She doesn't give those things freely and only gives them to a select few when she's ready. I'm glad I happen to one of those chosen few (Thayne's one too. I think he's higher on the list than me!).
Kaia loves to pretend. She can make a family out of anything. I gave her a piece of paper and she rip it into two pieces and one piece was the mommy and one piece was the baby and the baby had poopy pants that the mom didn't want to change them. Sounds like she got that scenario from a real life experience! We got the Little People out of storage when we got here and she loves to play with them. She can play for a long time in her room if she's surrounded by those Little People!
Kaia is also the biggest teaser ever around. One of the worst things she has done is moved her high chair right in the middle of the kitchen, sat in it, and every time one of the kids came close to her she would reach out and pull their hair until they screamed. How does a two year old think of things like that? Of course, she's smiling the whole time. She even laughed one time! Scary!! She loves to grab the kids's toys and run with them and when they catch her and pin her down to get the toy she comes crying to me and says that she had it first. I think she likes to tease Josie the most because she gets the most reaction out of her. Josie is so upset when Kaia takes her toys that she can't catch Kaia right away because she's crying and screaming. I really try to act like the adult and discipline her but I always have to turn my head for a moment to wipe the grin off my face and compose myself.
Kaia is constantly talking and asking questions. She has great grammar and understands so much for toddler. We are so impressed with how advanced she is and laugh everyday over something she said or did. One of her favorite things to do is hold on to the dog's tail and follow him around where ever he goes. She doesn't try to direct him, she just holds and follows. He lets her do it and knows that he has to keep walking around until she gets bored. Our dog's name is Cooper but Kaia calls him "Coopy". She rolls all over him, lays on him and makes him take her dolls for a ride. He puts up with her and never refuses! They have a special relationship!
Kaia was our special blessing during law school. She was the highlight of that time in our lives. I think she will always have a special place in Thayne's heart as the "law school baby"!
Kaia loves to pretend. She can make a family out of anything. I gave her a piece of paper and she rip it into two pieces and one piece was the mommy and one piece was the baby and the baby had poopy pants that the mom didn't want to change them. Sounds like she got that scenario from a real life experience! We got the Little People out of storage when we got here and she loves to play with them. She can play for a long time in her room if she's surrounded by those Little People!
Kaia is also the biggest teaser ever around. One of the worst things she has done is moved her high chair right in the middle of the kitchen, sat in it, and every time one of the kids came close to her she would reach out and pull their hair until they screamed. How does a two year old think of things like that? Of course, she's smiling the whole time. She even laughed one time! Scary!! She loves to grab the kids's toys and run with them and when they catch her and pin her down to get the toy she comes crying to me and says that she had it first. I think she likes to tease Josie the most because she gets the most reaction out of her. Josie is so upset when Kaia takes her toys that she can't catch Kaia right away because she's crying and screaming. I really try to act like the adult and discipline her but I always have to turn my head for a moment to wipe the grin off my face and compose myself.
Kaia is constantly talking and asking questions. She has great grammar and understands so much for toddler. We are so impressed with how advanced she is and laugh everyday over something she said or did. One of her favorite things to do is hold on to the dog's tail and follow him around where ever he goes. She doesn't try to direct him, she just holds and follows. He lets her do it and knows that he has to keep walking around until she gets bored. Our dog's name is Cooper but Kaia calls him "Coopy". She rolls all over him, lays on him and makes him take her dolls for a ride. He puts up with her and never refuses! They have a special relationship!
Kaia was our special blessing during law school. She was the highlight of that time in our lives. I think she will always have a special place in Thayne's heart as the "law school baby"!
It's all about Indiya!
It's Indiya's turn to be bragged about! What a little girl she is!! Thayne and I both agree that she is our best helper around! She loves to help with everything. I even have had her change Zoey's diaper and she did great! When I asked her to do it she jumped right at it and followed every step she has seen me do. When I've asked Josie to do it she complains and says, "This is icky" the whole time she's doing it and tries to change the diaper with her thumb and first finger only. The contrast is between these two girls is amazing!
Indi is a bit obsessive compulsive. She changes her obsessions often. Some obsessions she's had is washing her hands and making sure everyone else is washing theirs. Every time you come out of the bathroom she is right there to make sure you washed your hands. Jaed hates this! I think he purposely doesn't wash his hands because he gets quite a reaction out of Indi. He'll finally go wash his hands when she won't play anything with him and avoids everything he touches. She even goes on and on about how disgusting it is that he didn't wash his hands. Another obsession is germs. She was constantly asking if this or that had germs on it. You should have seen her face when I finally told her that germs are on everything. I thought she was going to die! I think that's where the hand washing obsession came in to play because i told her that if we wash our hands often then it kills the germs.
Indi is very compassionate and sensitive. She hates to see others hurting and is so willing to hug them and comfort them however she can. She loves to make friends and is not shy about asking someone to be her friend. If they say yes, she'll immediately hold their hand and lead them to where ever they're going to play. She's quite the social butterfly!
Indi is very obedient and wants to do what is right. She tries very hard to follow all the rules! It's nice to have a child that I don't constantly have to look after and watch. When her and Josie are fighting and I come into the room to be the referee, I'll immediately ask who is going to be like Jesus and Indi and Josie BOTH points at Indi.
Indi is truly a delight in our family! She keeps us moving and there is never a dull moment when she's around. She has a great sense of humor and laughing all the time!
Indi is a bit obsessive compulsive. She changes her obsessions often. Some obsessions she's had is washing her hands and making sure everyone else is washing theirs. Every time you come out of the bathroom she is right there to make sure you washed your hands. Jaed hates this! I think he purposely doesn't wash his hands because he gets quite a reaction out of Indi. He'll finally go wash his hands when she won't play anything with him and avoids everything he touches. She even goes on and on about how disgusting it is that he didn't wash his hands. Another obsession is germs. She was constantly asking if this or that had germs on it. You should have seen her face when I finally told her that germs are on everything. I thought she was going to die! I think that's where the hand washing obsession came in to play because i told her that if we wash our hands often then it kills the germs.
Indi is very compassionate and sensitive. She hates to see others hurting and is so willing to hug them and comfort them however she can. She loves to make friends and is not shy about asking someone to be her friend. If they say yes, she'll immediately hold their hand and lead them to where ever they're going to play. She's quite the social butterfly!
Indi is very obedient and wants to do what is right. She tries very hard to follow all the rules! It's nice to have a child that I don't constantly have to look after and watch. When her and Josie are fighting and I come into the room to be the referee, I'll immediately ask who is going to be like Jesus and Indi and Josie BOTH points at Indi.
Indi is truly a delight in our family! She keeps us moving and there is never a dull moment when she's around. She has a great sense of humor and laughing all the time!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
All about Josie!
Josie is my next child to brag about. Wow, where do I even start. Thayne often says that Josie could have been just fine being an only child. She loves to play by herself and is easily bugged by her siblings, but loves them even though the bug her sometimes....ok, most of the time. My mom said that Josie looks exactly like I did at her age and if you look at pictures of me at her age, you'd probably say the same thing.
Josie thrives on routine and does not do well with change. She likes everything in it's place and when it's out of place she becomes frustrated until it's back the way it is suppose to be. When she unloads the dishwasher she does it perfectly and in her own way. If you tell her to unload the bowls first you'll get an ear full about how that's not the order she does it in. She has certain rules that she does not break in the house but other rules she thinks are jokes. For example, she knows that she can not wear her school shoes on any other day but school days and if I'm in a hurry and want her to just throw them on she will fight be until she wins, saying "I CAN'T WEAR THOSE! IT'S NOT A SCHOOL DAY!". But, she's more then willing to break the rule about not touching my jewelry, she'll come out of my room with every necklace and bracelet on I own. How can you not chuckle at her (after I sternly tell her to get the jewelry back in my room, of course.).
When it comes to learning new things at school you can see that she really wants to learn them and is trying so hard. It's not an easy thing for her but after a lot of practice, the light bulb turns on and she's got it down. Her favorite subject in school is music. She loves to sing and be sung to. She tries really hard to sing with a vibrato in her voice which makes it a bit humorous. She loves to make up her own songs and sing them for you. The only problem with that is that the songs never end. I usually have to wait until she takes a huge breathe and then start clapping, saying "That was wonderful, Josie!" which is normally responds, "I'm not done, though." and keeps going.
She is truly a blessing in our lives and keeps us on our toes, constantly! Thayne and I often wonder what her husband will be like and how he'll handle her :)>.
Josie thrives on routine and does not do well with change. She likes everything in it's place and when it's out of place she becomes frustrated until it's back the way it is suppose to be. When she unloads the dishwasher she does it perfectly and in her own way. If you tell her to unload the bowls first you'll get an ear full about how that's not the order she does it in. She has certain rules that she does not break in the house but other rules she thinks are jokes. For example, she knows that she can not wear her school shoes on any other day but school days and if I'm in a hurry and want her to just throw them on she will fight be until she wins, saying "I CAN'T WEAR THOSE! IT'S NOT A SCHOOL DAY!". But, she's more then willing to break the rule about not touching my jewelry, she'll come out of my room with every necklace and bracelet on I own. How can you not chuckle at her (after I sternly tell her to get the jewelry back in my room, of course.).
When it comes to learning new things at school you can see that she really wants to learn them and is trying so hard. It's not an easy thing for her but after a lot of practice, the light bulb turns on and she's got it down. Her favorite subject in school is music. She loves to sing and be sung to. She tries really hard to sing with a vibrato in her voice which makes it a bit humorous. She loves to make up her own songs and sing them for you. The only problem with that is that the songs never end. I usually have to wait until she takes a huge breathe and then start clapping, saying "That was wonderful, Josie!" which is normally responds, "I'm not done, though." and keeps going.
She is truly a blessing in our lives and keeps us on our toes, constantly! Thayne and I often wonder what her husband will be like and how he'll handle her :)>.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
All about Jaed!
It's been a while since I've talked about each of my kids individually so I thought I would start with Jaedon. He will be eight in three months!! I can't believe he is so old. Jaed will always be very special to Thayne and I because we tried so long to have a baby and after three long years of tears, heartache and frustration, we finally found out that Jaed was on his way! My mom said that his personality is just like mine, such as:
His best friend is his dad! He loves everything that Thayne loves and he can't wait until he can do everything Thayne does. Thayne always makes sure that he and Jaed have some "guy" time since they are both surrounded by emotional girls. Jaed really looks forward to this time with Thayne. Even though the girls cry and beg to be apart of it, Thayne stands his ground and tries to help them understand that he and Jaed needs this time together, just the two of them. I can tell that this makes Jaed feel very special!
Jaed is doing GREAT at school. He's like a sponge and just soaks up everything that is taught to him. His worst subject P.E.. He failed it in kindergarten and pretty much did the same in first grade. He's not into physical activity that is forced on him. If he chooses to do it then he'll do it for a long time but not if he's told to. Funny kid! I can't imagine having a problem with authority figures.....he must take after his dad in that area!
- Jaedon hates to be alone. He told me that he'd rather share a room with his sisters then have his own.
- He is determined and a bit bullheaded (I can't believe I was ever like that....wait...am I still?)
- He likes to be charge and lead the group
- He likes to to know the schedule and you better stick to it
- Jaedon is a pleaser. He doesn't like others to mad at him.
- He makes friends very easily
- He is very loyal to his family and friends
His best friend is his dad! He loves everything that Thayne loves and he can't wait until he can do everything Thayne does. Thayne always makes sure that he and Jaed have some "guy" time since they are both surrounded by emotional girls. Jaed really looks forward to this time with Thayne. Even though the girls cry and beg to be apart of it, Thayne stands his ground and tries to help them understand that he and Jaed needs this time together, just the two of them. I can tell that this makes Jaed feel very special!
Jaed is doing GREAT at school. He's like a sponge and just soaks up everything that is taught to him. His worst subject P.E.. He failed it in kindergarten and pretty much did the same in first grade. He's not into physical activity that is forced on him. If he chooses to do it then he'll do it for a long time but not if he's told to. Funny kid! I can't imagine having a problem with authority figures.....he must take after his dad in that area!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Big girl!
Zofiya turned 8 months old a couple of days ago. She is so dang cute!!! She is constantly smiling which just warms your heart every time you see her. Here's an update on some things she can do:
-Roll over
-Sit up
um....yeah that's about it! Once you put her down in a spot she'll sit there forever or fall over and lay there forever. She's not interested in crawling moving around..yet. She's very chunky so that could be the problem...hehehe..! She wears 24 month old clothes (same size as Kaia) and still has a muffin top when wearing pants. I pretty sure she's my chunkiest baby. Here's some photos of our chunky monkey:
-Roll over
-Sit up
um....yeah that's about it! Once you put her down in a spot she'll sit there forever or fall over and lay there forever. She's not interested in crawling moving around..yet. She's very chunky so that could be the problem...hehehe..! She wears 24 month old clothes (same size as Kaia) and still has a muffin top when wearing pants. I pretty sure she's my chunkiest baby. Here's some photos of our chunky monkey:
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Stitches AGAIN
I think we'll change Josie's name to Jo-Stitch! She fell on our back deck and ripped her knee up so I ran her to the hospital where they had to DIG a bunch of wood out of her knee and then give her 5 stitches. She was brave but wanted them to hurry up and be done.
During the LONG wait at the hospital she wanted me to tell her a story so I decided to recite "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". Well, you should know ahead of time that Thayne is the story teller in our family and likes to throw in his own made up parts in whatever story he tells to the kids. I'm the singer and sing exactly how the songs goes! Anyways, as I was telling the story and Goldilocks was heading up the stairs to try out the beds, Josie stopped me and said, "Momma, Daddy says that Goldilocks stops at the bathroom, poops in the toilet, doesn't wipe her butt, doesn't flush the toilet and doesn't wash her hands before she goes and lays down". My eyes are rolling and I'm trying not to laugh hysterically. Of course, everything that Thayne added into the story is everything our kids do in the bathroom. I told Josie that Daddy tells his version of the story and I tell mine and then I started to continue with MY version, but Josie wasn't having it. She tells me that Daddy tells the story how it really goes not me. I seriously couldn't hold it back, I just started laughing so hard I was crying. I can just see her stopping a future teacher that tries to tell this story and explain the REAL version.
I gave up on telling stories because I was afraid to see what other stories Thayne ruined and want to plead ignorance if the added parts come up in the near future at school!
During the LONG wait at the hospital she wanted me to tell her a story so I decided to recite "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". Well, you should know ahead of time that Thayne is the story teller in our family and likes to throw in his own made up parts in whatever story he tells to the kids. I'm the singer and sing exactly how the songs goes! Anyways, as I was telling the story and Goldilocks was heading up the stairs to try out the beds, Josie stopped me and said, "Momma, Daddy says that Goldilocks stops at the bathroom, poops in the toilet, doesn't wipe her butt, doesn't flush the toilet and doesn't wash her hands before she goes and lays down". My eyes are rolling and I'm trying not to laugh hysterically. Of course, everything that Thayne added into the story is everything our kids do in the bathroom. I told Josie that Daddy tells his version of the story and I tell mine and then I started to continue with MY version, but Josie wasn't having it. She tells me that Daddy tells the story how it really goes not me. I seriously couldn't hold it back, I just started laughing so hard I was crying. I can just see her stopping a future teacher that tries to tell this story and explain the REAL version.
I gave up on telling stories because I was afraid to see what other stories Thayne ruined and want to plead ignorance if the added parts come up in the near future at school!
Monday, August 10, 2009
One of those days...
Today is one of those days that you wonder "What the hell am I doing!" (excuse the language). I don't want to be called "Mommy", I don't want to clean, I don't want to make any decisions, don't want to be a referee, disciplinarian, or a negotiator. I want to run away, read a book all day and think of nothing else but myself. But, unfortunately, that can't happen so I guess I'll get my act together and act like a responsible mom (but I don't have to like it!). How come cloud nine can't last more than a day?
Jaed woke up teasing his sisters from the time he got out of bed. Josie woke up deciding that she didn't want to play nice with anyone and if anyone got near her they were going to get a shove and yelled at to stay away. Indiya woke up with a whine...I think I even heard her whine in her sleep last night when I checked on them. She has that whine that just rakes your nerves. I don't think I've heard her real voice yet, today. Kaia woke up deciding she was going to cry about everything, be miserable and make sure everyone else was too. I think the only sunshine of the day is my little Zofiya. When I look at her I think, "Oh alright, I'll stick around and hope the day gets better!". Her siblings should be thanking her because if it wasn't for her I think I'd lock myself in my room and not answer if they came pounding on the door. How can I have such bad stinkers all at once? It's as if they feed off each other....ahhhhh......take me away CALGON!!!
Jaed woke up teasing his sisters from the time he got out of bed. Josie woke up deciding that she didn't want to play nice with anyone and if anyone got near her they were going to get a shove and yelled at to stay away. Indiya woke up with a whine...I think I even heard her whine in her sleep last night when I checked on them. She has that whine that just rakes your nerves. I don't think I've heard her real voice yet, today. Kaia woke up deciding she was going to cry about everything, be miserable and make sure everyone else was too. I think the only sunshine of the day is my little Zofiya. When I look at her I think, "Oh alright, I'll stick around and hope the day gets better!". Her siblings should be thanking her because if it wasn't for her I think I'd lock myself in my room and not answer if they came pounding on the door. How can I have such bad stinkers all at once? It's as if they feed off each other....ahhhhh......take me away CALGON!!!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Whirl wind
The last couple of days have been a whirl wind. We have painted, organized, shopped, and spent time as a family which has been great! We played soccer with Indi and Jaed in our fenced backyard while Josie and Kaia dug in the dirt. Zoey loves to be outside! We put a blanket on our deck and sit her on it so she can see us all and she is thrilled. We love the weather here. It’s windy most of the time but still warm so the breeze is welcomed. Since we live on the east side of Washington we don’t get tons of rain which is nice as well.
Since Thayne has put us on a budget (budgets suck!) we only have a certain amount of money to spend on food a month so I made a menu for a whole month and then made a grocery list from the menu. We have to travel 30 minutes to get to the closest Costco and Walmart so we plan on doing that only once a month and do our major grocery shopping then. It’s nice to not have to wonder or stress about what’s for dinner every day Like I use to do. I can just look at my menu, decide what I want to cook that day, mark it off my menu and I know I have all the stuff in the house to make it!! One less thing to stress about now!
We met our neighbors across the street. Wow, I never knew there were real neighbors like the nosy ones on the T.V. show “Bewitched”. If you don’t know or remember that show…….I feel old! Our neighbors across the street are a retired couple and the woman spends most of her time peering out her window to spy on everyone while her husband sits in his recliner and watches sports. I’m sure our family will be a real scene of entertainment for her. She has already come over to tell us about the leash law because the day we arrived we let our dog out of the car and he started running everywhere to check out the surroundings. Every time I go outside I make sure to wave towards her house just in case she’s hiding behind the curtain. Maybe I’ll feel dangerously adventurous and moon her one time …hehehe…..ok, I probably won’t but it made me laugh to think about it!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Settled!!
Most of you know that Thayne got a job in Washington and he came early to start work while the kids and I stayed behind for about 5 weeks because the house we got wasn't quite ready. Well the kids and I drove to Washington yesterday and we are together as a family again, and on our own!
I love Washington!! It's beautiful, the weather is mild, trees everywhere and the camping, hiking and water activities are endless!! We live in a small college town which is great! The firm Thayne works for is small but he is getting tons of experience. He has already been to court on his own and he won his first motion! His boss is a bit different but Thayne said he'll deal with it since he is getting so much experience and learning so many things.
Our house is four bedrooms and has a huge family room that we are turning into a playroom. Less toy clutter in the kids room and it's a place they can all spread out and play but be in the same room. I have my OWN craft room which I am most excited about. I may have to give it up when the kids get older but for right now it's ALL mine!!
The kids love the back yard which is completely fenced in and has a nice be deck they can play on as well. We're planning on getting a swing set soon so that will keep them busy and active. It's nice to let them out of the back door and know that they will be safe in the backyard.
If you can't tell, I'm feeling like I'm on cloud nine! I have an awesome husband who works so that I can stay home and raise our kids, I have five wonderful children who challenge me to be a better Mom everyday (I don't always succeed, though), I have a nice home that is a blank palette for me decorate and organize myself (which I love to d0), and did I mention that I have a GREAT husband?!!!
The next month will be bit crazy as I organize my home, get the kids and myself on a routine and get settled in the community but I'm ready for it. I plan on blogging frequently again so keep checking back!!!
I love Washington!! It's beautiful, the weather is mild, trees everywhere and the camping, hiking and water activities are endless!! We live in a small college town which is great! The firm Thayne works for is small but he is getting tons of experience. He has already been to court on his own and he won his first motion! His boss is a bit different but Thayne said he'll deal with it since he is getting so much experience and learning so many things.
Our house is four bedrooms and has a huge family room that we are turning into a playroom. Less toy clutter in the kids room and it's a place they can all spread out and play but be in the same room. I have my OWN craft room which I am most excited about. I may have to give it up when the kids get older but for right now it's ALL mine!!
The kids love the back yard which is completely fenced in and has a nice be deck they can play on as well. We're planning on getting a swing set soon so that will keep them busy and active. It's nice to let them out of the back door and know that they will be safe in the backyard.
If you can't tell, I'm feeling like I'm on cloud nine! I have an awesome husband who works so that I can stay home and raise our kids, I have five wonderful children who challenge me to be a better Mom everyday (I don't always succeed, though), I have a nice home that is a blank palette for me decorate and organize myself (which I love to d0), and did I mention that I have a GREAT husband?!!!
The next month will be bit crazy as I organize my home, get the kids and myself on a routine and get settled in the community but I'm ready for it. I plan on blogging frequently again so keep checking back!!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Past Away
I found out, today, that my Dad passed away. His girlfriend couldn't get a hold of him and called my sister in a panic. My sister had the sheriff go over to his house and there he found my dad in his recliner, covered up in a blanket, no longer alive. My dad had diabetes and we knew that he probably wouldn't be around for very much longer but we all thought that he would get sick, go into the hospital, and we would all be around his bed when he passed on. I never thought that he would be alone when died. It's just so sad! I had so much I wanted to say to him....especially to tell him that I loved him. Most of you know that he and I didn't get along all the time but he was my father and I loved him. He loved my children so much! He use to call Indi his girlfriend. She always wanted to sit by him and hug him when he was around. She always brought out the tender side of my Dad.My heart is so full and my mind is swimming in memories but I just don't have the words to express it all. I know that he is in a better place and he is with his mom who passed away when he was 13 years old, but it doesn't seem enough to comfort the pain.
I thought my heart was going to break when I saw the expression on my childrens face after we told them that Grandpa had passed away. Indi said, "Jesus will turn him back to life, right Mom?" and Josie said, "Why did he have to die, Mom?". Jaed just curled up on our laps and cried. I tried to tell them that Grandpa wouldn't want us to be sad, that he would want us to be happy for him that he's with his Mom and doing great but how can you make them believe that when you're crying the whole time while trying to explain that.
I'm so exhausted!
My DAD! Can I take back every negative thing I said about him?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Super Model
My friend, Laura, is soooooooo talented and has her own etsy shop. She needed some models to show off her beautiful (and very reasonably priced) hats she makes so I volunteered Kaia for the job. She was so dang cute and did great! I brought tons of different things in my purse to bribe her so she would do well but to my surprise I didn't even have to pull them out.
Here's the link to the beautiful pictures of Kai. Feel free to browse around Laura's shop too!
Super Model Kai
More Poses
And even MORE poses
Here's the link to the beautiful pictures of Kai. Feel free to browse around Laura's shop too!
Super Model Kai
More Poses
And even MORE poses
Friday, March 27, 2009
Me, a photographer???
One of my life desires has been to be a photographer. Ok, maybe not a big professional one, but one that can take pictures of her kids (and friends and families, as well) and feel very proud of myself when I see the final pictures developed (or downloaded :> ). Well, I'm getting my chance to learn the basics!! A good friend and mission companion is a SUPERB photographer and is offering photography workshops! I, of course, begged Thayne to let me do this and he agreed (after I shed a few tears!!). I am so dang excited. I have so many kids of my own to take pictures of and have been so frustrated with the idea because they can't sit still for more than two seconds and the pictures turn out horribly! Well, things are going to change.
So, if any of you are in the Salt Lake area and want to learn a bit more about photography, give Jen a call or email her! She said that more workshops are coming soon as long as there is interest!
Her professional website is:
www.jennifereliason.com
So, if any of you are in the Salt Lake area and want to learn a bit more about photography, give Jen a call or email her! She said that more workshops are coming soon as long as there is interest!
Her professional website is:
www.jennifereliason.com
Monday, March 16, 2009
Swearing In
Last month we drove to Washington so that Thayne could be sworn in as an attorney. It was a great experience and one I hope the kids will remember (but probably not). My sister, her husband, and my dad all came with us to support Thayne. The judge invited us to sit in the jury box while Thayne was being sworn in. It didn't take very long at all but it was moment of pride for me! I am so dang proud of Thayne. He has accomplished so much and more than most people would with five kids!
Here's Thayne taking the oath to be an honest attorney!
Here we are as a family so proud of our man! (aren't the dresses cute!!)
My dad with the kids
Here's Thayne taking the oath to be an honest attorney!
Here we are as a family so proud of our man! (aren't the dresses cute!!)
My dad with the kids
.Finally...an update
I'm back at blogging!!! I have missed recording my family adventures and am going to start it again. Here's a little update on our family:
Thayne: He is working hard for the firm in D.C. and still sending out resumes to jobs in Washington state. So, no, he hasn't found a permanent job yet. We feel truly blessed that he has a job in D.C. and frankly, it's nice to have him around the house (he works from home). We're not sure how long the job in D.C. will last but every time we get a paycheck we're thrilled!
Ally: I'm recovering from childbirth and postpartum (I think). I've joined a gym and even hired a personal trainer!! I'd like to say I'm crafting up a storm but, unfortunately, my craft stuff is still packed with the rest of our things so I've been trying to busy myself with good books when I find time away from my kids. Right now, I'm reading the Harry Potter series, which I never read before, and I'm enjoying it.
Jaed: He is doing excellent in school. His teacher adores him and praises him all the time!! He's still quite the story teller, though. Last week, he came home and told us some kid got hit by a car right outside the school and died. He proceeded to tell us about all the blood that was everywhere. I called the school to see if the story was true and of course, it wasn't. What a stinker! When we confronted him he said someone told him that it happened so we had a little lesson about gossiping and lying. He told us that he will tell the truth more often, hehehe! I guess we'll accept "more often" than not at all. Jaed got a Nintendo DS for Christmas and loves to play it all the time. He thinks his life has come to an end when he loses the priviledge to play it, though. When I pick the him and Josie up from school, Jaed is suppose to get Josie from class and bring her to the car. Well one day they both came to the car crying and Jaed told me that Josie ran from him and he couldn't see her and he thought he had lost her, so when he found her he yelled at her which made her cry. I told Josie that she is to stay right by Jaed, because he is there to protect her and watch over her until I get there. She turned to Jaed, on her own, and said "Sorry Jaed, I'll stay by you next time.". He is such a good brother....when he wants to be!
Josie: She's not so sure how she feels about school. Somedays she loves it other days she doesn't want to go because Indi will play barbies without her! We are pleased with all the things she is learning, though. She loves to teach Indi new stuff when she comse home from school. Thanks to Josie, indi knows her colors, numbers and the whole alphabet by sight. Josie loves to play barbies with her sisters but also likes to play by herself sometimes which crushes Indi. Josie got a Leapster for her birthday and likes to call it her Nintendo DS. Jaed reminders her that it's not a DS but Josie ignores him! We like it because the games are educational and prompts her to use the things she is learning in Kindergarten to win the games. She got to go to Chuck E. Cheese for her birthday this year and was in heaven. It as the best day of her life, in her opinion. We went to visit my sister and while we were there we went over to my sister's friends house. They had an unfriendly dog that bit Josie on the nose and lip. She had to get stitches on both her nose and lip. It was so sad! Josie kept asking why that dog bit her. I think it hurt her feelings as well. The scar on her lip is very minimal but the scar on her nose is quite noticable. We hope with time it will fade.
Indi: She is truly our princess. She wants her hair done everyday (while Josie runs when I say it's time to do hair), and when she gets dressed and wants to know how she looks you better go overboard in your response. The other day she asked Thayne how she looked and he, of course, went on and on about how pretty she was so when she was leaving the room she was swaying her hips from left to right and swinging her hair back and forth, with her head in the air! She's not in preschool anymore and we never gave her a reason for pulling her out, but when someone asks her why she's not in preschool she responds, "Because I need to spend more time with my family!". Indi loves taking care of anyone who is crying. She is really a mini mom! When Kaia crys (after being disciplined) she goes to Indi for hugs! I'm sure the same thing will happen with Zoey. Indi loves to dance and sing with an audience. She makes up her own songs and dance moves :>. She preforms several times a week and if I try and her performance off she is very upset. She is also my exercise buddy. When I do Wii Fit she is right there with me and when I want to go for a walk she puts on her shoes to go with me. She reminds me what foods are healthy and what foods are not and how important exercise is. She even got emotional when she realized that Thayne was not exercising. She was afraid he wasn't going to be healthy!
Kaia: Wow, what can I say about this girl.......she is our little spit fire. She hates to mind and can throw quite a fit when she doesn't get her way, but she loves to cuddle at night and is so dang cute! She has her dad wrapped around her little finger. Thayne gives in more than I do! She is very attached her pacifier, which she calls her "Power". Thayne has started to keep all her "powers" in his pocket so now she knows that if she kind find one to go ask dad for a "power" in his pocket. She talks all the time and even tells me that I'm bugging her! She tattles on her siblings and steals their toys and runs and then cries when they get the toy back saying, "I had it first!". She loves SpongeBob and Dora!! She will not move from in front of the t.v. if either of those shows are on.....so that's when I get some peace :>. Kai really wants to play barbies and other things with her older sisters but it never lasts very long without someone crying about how Kai hit them with the barbie, or took all thebarbies, or something else like that. When Josie and Indi want to play "house" Kai does make a great baby. I think it's because they pamper her and give her so much attention that she's in heaven.
Zoey: She is three months now!! She is a beautiful chunky baby. She's a pretty serious baby, like Josie was. She loves to sit up and if she's not eating or sleeping, you better have her sitting up or she's crying. It's hilarious to see her cry with these HUGE tears but once you sit her up she stops crying immediately and content. She's starting to smile at the kids more. Jaed can get her to smile the most. Josie and Kai pretty much ignore her but Indi and Jaed love to play with her and make her happy. She has huge chipmunk cheeks and loves her food! We adore her!
Thayne: He is working hard for the firm in D.C. and still sending out resumes to jobs in Washington state. So, no, he hasn't found a permanent job yet. We feel truly blessed that he has a job in D.C. and frankly, it's nice to have him around the house (he works from home). We're not sure how long the job in D.C. will last but every time we get a paycheck we're thrilled!
Ally: I'm recovering from childbirth and postpartum (I think). I've joined a gym and even hired a personal trainer!! I'd like to say I'm crafting up a storm but, unfortunately, my craft stuff is still packed with the rest of our things so I've been trying to busy myself with good books when I find time away from my kids. Right now, I'm reading the Harry Potter series, which I never read before, and I'm enjoying it.
Jaed: He is doing excellent in school. His teacher adores him and praises him all the time!! He's still quite the story teller, though. Last week, he came home and told us some kid got hit by a car right outside the school and died. He proceeded to tell us about all the blood that was everywhere. I called the school to see if the story was true and of course, it wasn't. What a stinker! When we confronted him he said someone told him that it happened so we had a little lesson about gossiping and lying. He told us that he will tell the truth more often, hehehe! I guess we'll accept "more often" than not at all. Jaed got a Nintendo DS for Christmas and loves to play it all the time. He thinks his life has come to an end when he loses the priviledge to play it, though. When I pick the him and Josie up from school, Jaed is suppose to get Josie from class and bring her to the car. Well one day they both came to the car crying and Jaed told me that Josie ran from him and he couldn't see her and he thought he had lost her, so when he found her he yelled at her which made her cry. I told Josie that she is to stay right by Jaed, because he is there to protect her and watch over her until I get there. She turned to Jaed, on her own, and said "Sorry Jaed, I'll stay by you next time.". He is such a good brother....when he wants to be!
Josie: She's not so sure how she feels about school. Somedays she loves it other days she doesn't want to go because Indi will play barbies without her! We are pleased with all the things she is learning, though. She loves to teach Indi new stuff when she comse home from school. Thanks to Josie, indi knows her colors, numbers and the whole alphabet by sight. Josie loves to play barbies with her sisters but also likes to play by herself sometimes which crushes Indi. Josie got a Leapster for her birthday and likes to call it her Nintendo DS. Jaed reminders her that it's not a DS but Josie ignores him! We like it because the games are educational and prompts her to use the things she is learning in Kindergarten to win the games. She got to go to Chuck E. Cheese for her birthday this year and was in heaven. It as the best day of her life, in her opinion. We went to visit my sister and while we were there we went over to my sister's friends house. They had an unfriendly dog that bit Josie on the nose and lip. She had to get stitches on both her nose and lip. It was so sad! Josie kept asking why that dog bit her. I think it hurt her feelings as well. The scar on her lip is very minimal but the scar on her nose is quite noticable. We hope with time it will fade.
Indi: She is truly our princess. She wants her hair done everyday (while Josie runs when I say it's time to do hair), and when she gets dressed and wants to know how she looks you better go overboard in your response. The other day she asked Thayne how she looked and he, of course, went on and on about how pretty she was so when she was leaving the room she was swaying her hips from left to right and swinging her hair back and forth, with her head in the air! She's not in preschool anymore and we never gave her a reason for pulling her out, but when someone asks her why she's not in preschool she responds, "Because I need to spend more time with my family!". Indi loves taking care of anyone who is crying. She is really a mini mom! When Kaia crys (after being disciplined) she goes to Indi for hugs! I'm sure the same thing will happen with Zoey. Indi loves to dance and sing with an audience. She makes up her own songs and dance moves :>. She preforms several times a week and if I try and her performance off she is very upset. She is also my exercise buddy. When I do Wii Fit she is right there with me and when I want to go for a walk she puts on her shoes to go with me. She reminds me what foods are healthy and what foods are not and how important exercise is. She even got emotional when she realized that Thayne was not exercising. She was afraid he wasn't going to be healthy!
Kaia: Wow, what can I say about this girl.......she is our little spit fire. She hates to mind and can throw quite a fit when she doesn't get her way, but she loves to cuddle at night and is so dang cute! She has her dad wrapped around her little finger. Thayne gives in more than I do! She is very attached her pacifier, which she calls her "Power". Thayne has started to keep all her "powers" in his pocket so now she knows that if she kind find one to go ask dad for a "power" in his pocket. She talks all the time and even tells me that I'm bugging her! She tattles on her siblings and steals their toys and runs and then cries when they get the toy back saying, "I had it first!". She loves SpongeBob and Dora!! She will not move from in front of the t.v. if either of those shows are on.....so that's when I get some peace :>. Kai really wants to play barbies and other things with her older sisters but it never lasts very long without someone crying about how Kai hit them with the barbie, or took all thebarbies, or something else like that. When Josie and Indi want to play "house" Kai does make a great baby. I think it's because they pamper her and give her so much attention that she's in heaven.
Zoey: She is three months now!! She is a beautiful chunky baby. She's a pretty serious baby, like Josie was. She loves to sit up and if she's not eating or sleeping, you better have her sitting up or she's crying. It's hilarious to see her cry with these HUGE tears but once you sit her up she stops crying immediately and content. She's starting to smile at the kids more. Jaed can get her to smile the most. Josie and Kai pretty much ignore her but Indi and Jaed love to play with her and make her happy. She has huge chipmunk cheeks and loves her food! We adore her!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Things that make me go...AHHHHHHHHHHH!
I really think my kids were out to get me today! I found so many things in the wrong places today and I know it was done by my demon children (does that make me a demon? Hmm...they probably thought I was one today!). Here's my list:
A sock in the kitchen sink
Regurgitated banana in the bathtub
Poopy toilet paper in the bathroom garbage (half of it hanging out)
Toothbrushes in the toilet
Dog food in Zoey swing (I am almost scared to think that someone was trying to feed it to her!)
Shaving cream all over the lego blocks
String cheese stuffed in a car
And to top it all of, Kai decided to use her pudding as body paint! I really think she is to blame (with the help of her sisters) for the list above, minus the poopy toilet paper. I hope tomorrow is better day!
A sock in the kitchen sink
Regurgitated banana in the bathtub
Poopy toilet paper in the bathroom garbage (half of it hanging out)
Toothbrushes in the toilet
Dog food in Zoey swing (I am almost scared to think that someone was trying to feed it to her!)
Shaving cream all over the lego blocks
String cheese stuffed in a car
And to top it all of, Kai decided to use her pudding as body paint! I really think she is to blame (with the help of her sisters) for the list above, minus the poopy toilet paper. I hope tomorrow is better day!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Nose picking 101
I was driving in the car with the kids the other day and Josie said "Mommy, my nose is bleeding!". I told her to quit picking it so it wouldn't bleed and Jaed spoke right up:
(Jaed): "Josie, you have to pick it just right so it doesn't bleed."
(Josie): "How do you pick it so it won't bleed?"
(Jaed): "You can't pick it in the back. You have to pick the sides, not way in the back!"
(Josie): "Oh!"
A few seconds later.
(Jaed): "See, I just picked the sides and my nose isn't bleeding!"
(Josie): "Ok, let me try it."
After trying it the "NEW" way.......
(Josie): "I did it! Thanks Jaed."
(Jaed): "Josie, you have to pick it just right so it doesn't bleed."
(Josie): "How do you pick it so it won't bleed?"
(Jaed): "You can't pick it in the back. You have to pick the sides, not way in the back!"
(Josie): "Oh!"
A few seconds later.
(Jaed): "See, I just picked the sides and my nose isn't bleeding!"
(Josie): "Ok, let me try it."
After trying it the "NEW" way.......
(Josie): "I did it! Thanks Jaed."
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas Eve
Christmas eve is full of traditions in our family. We always act out the birth of Christ and this year was no different. My brother, his wife and two kids came over to join the fun and participate in our traditions.
Thayne was the token donkey that carries Mary to the Inn. My niece, Kassi, played Mary.
My nephew, Brayden, played Joseph and the other girls played the three wise "Queens" instead of the three wisemen. Jaed was the Inn keeper and then played the Angel later on. They all had a great time and enjoyed their acting debut.
Little Zoey played the baby Jesus and did a great job!
After the play we had cheese fondue (another tradition) and then had the kids open one gift. I don't think they have caught on that the one gift they open up every Christmas eve is pajamas.
My niece and nephew also got pajamas that night.
It was a great night and it was so much fun to spend it with my brother and his family as well as my Mom!
Thayne was the token donkey that carries Mary to the Inn. My niece, Kassi, played Mary.
My nephew, Brayden, played Joseph and the other girls played the three wise "Queens" instead of the three wisemen. Jaed was the Inn keeper and then played the Angel later on. They all had a great time and enjoyed their acting debut.
Little Zoey played the baby Jesus and did a great job!
After the play we had cheese fondue (another tradition) and then had the kids open one gift. I don't think they have caught on that the one gift they open up every Christmas eve is pajamas.
My niece and nephew also got pajamas that night.
It was a great night and it was so much fun to spend it with my brother and his family as well as my Mom!
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