The Seaney Eight!

Sophia singing, picking nose& falling asleep!

2011-03-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

What's Happening?!

2010-04-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy lately! But I have lots of great pictures I want to share with family far away, so I figured I better give an update!

A few weeks ago BooBoo had a birthday, so a few us decided to have a "Doctors appointment" and go watch Alice in Wonderland in 3D. We had a great time almost alone in a giant theatre at 10:30 in the morning! Sophie and I discovered a quiet room with a great view and sound where I could watch in peace while she drug everything from my purse all over and ate off the floor for all I know!(ok I know)

Nate lost his first tooth finally! This picture is right after, and you can see the tear still rolling down his cheek. He is really growing up, and he is the "Mickey Mouse Champion" in his 1st grade class.

This is the one that has really been consuming most of my time. Sometimes I love to watch her sleep because it just doesn't happen often enough. She only sleeps well if she's with me. She is still the highlight of every one's life around here and is doing some fun things!

I also love to check out those eyelashes! man did she get lucky.

Lucky for me, she has also discovered DORA! Loves to watch for short periods of time, which gives me moments to do what I need to do before she comes behind me to destroy everything in her path. She is on fire!

Zach had a good birthday. We officially have a teenager in the house who likes girls a lot, stinks a little, talks back, and still loves his mom most of the time.

He got another gun he's had his eye on, $ and clothes. He didn't want a party and said to save it until he turns 16! Funny kid and a great big brother and help to me. We love to try to find a few moments alone to go get at treat and have some peace as often as possible. I'm sure it's not always easy being the oldest around here! He takes good care of us though.

The boys were funny leaving for school this morning, and being the mean mom that I am, i made them stop for a quick snappy. They are growing up so fast and we are having a great time.

Rob has taken them fishing a couple times lately, but mostly we have just been playing aLOT of baseball and having a great time. I'll share some baseball pictures soon! Life is good.

Happy Birthday Zach!

2010-04-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

So glad you made it to 13. Somedays I wasn't sure we would both survive this long! Thanks for being a good boy and a good big brother. It must be tough having so many little people looking up to you. Sorry you have so much resposiblilty, but man is it going to make you strong! You are a good honest person, a hard worker with a strong personality that is going to help you get far in life. We love you Zachary!

Happy 1st Birthday Sophia!

2010-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-02T16:07:00.000-08:00

I sure hope she doesn't hate me for this!

Happy 4th Birthday Alexander!

2009-09-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my little buddy! I can't believe 4 years have gone by.

Alex is a great little boy. Everyone loves him around here. He is pretty gentle most of the time. In fact, he was never really mean until Sophia arrived. He has finally started to test us a little and he has gotten more aggressive on the big boys. He gets tired of everyone telling him what to do. he loves school, Sophie, Nate, Legos, puzzles, games, Little Einsteins, candy, cheeseburgers, chocolate and especially his mom. He is so good to me. I really love Big Al.

Sophia is 6 months old!

2009-09-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

My sweet little crybaby is 6 months old today. It has been a very action packed half a year around here for sure. My life most definitely feels full. Nothing is missing.

This month, Sophie has started eating baby food in addition to all the bread, tortillas, rice, Cheerios and other things she has been gumming for awhile! She chews like she has a mouthful of teeth, but really she just cut her first bottom right tooth today. The next one is almost through. She really likes squash, sweet potatoes, peas and bananas and is not the biggest fan of rice cereal. I wonder how she feels about all the cute blue bibs I put her in? She gets very excited while she eats--crazy girl!

Sophie continues to be very temperamental. She is so smiley and happy and then watch out! She has been saying ma, ma-ma and is beginning to wave as she says, "HHHHIIIIIII!". Everyone around here adores her. She has started to reach out to be picked up and is scooting all over the floor. She gets up with her booty in the air and rocks back and forth. She is very loud and is singing all the time. She loves to play with toys and her little dolly. She has figured out how to turn the music on in her crib and pulled herself up on the side rail a couple days ago. She loves to hangout with Alexander and lights up when Jake comes near her. We love this baby and we are so grateful to have her!

1st day of School!

2009-08-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

The summer flew by. School time again! Zach is starting at Rosedale Middle in 7th grade, Jake in 6th, Ben in 2nd, Nate is finally all day in 1st grade, and Big Al will be starting Pre-K after Labor Day.

Alex and Sophie were happy after everyone left. Big Daddy took everyone to school and walked the little guys to their classes. I went the Friday before to meet their teachers so I figured I was off the hook!

This is what they did most of the day. Lay in my bed and watch Preschool on TV. Man they're going to be smart!

Sophie is 5 months old today!

2009-08-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been 5 months. Good thing this baby is cute, because she's not always easy. In fact she is very temperamental. She is starting to sit up pretty well, rolls all over and is scooting around. She loves to grab my hair on both sides and maul my face with slobbery, wet kisses. She loves watching her brothers play and loves hanging out with her dad. She squeals with delight so loud and is very ticklish. I love rocking her, dressing her, painting her toes, accessorizing her, and kissing her soft skin.

She loves to play with this little doll.

Her blue eyes are turning very dark, and I'm sure they'll be brown any day. Her hair is beginning to sprout all over, and I'm tempted to cut off the rest of the reddish mullet in the back. I get nothing accomplished these days. But man I love my new little buddy!

My Kids

2009-07-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

I know Sophia is no longer a month old.
She finally stopped crying as soon as she hit 4 months.
I know I'm 3 months behind on updating.
But I did finally take them to get their picture taken today.
What an adventure!

Please say hi and tell me who you think she looks like. I'm still not sure?

Sophie is a month old today!

2009-04-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my cute baby girl is already 1 month old!

We have been having so much fun with her. She really adds something very special to our home and family. She has been giving me some cute smiles and has decided she really likes to be held all the time. Big Daddy has had to remind me more than once that I waited long enougth to get her that I should just hold her all the time!

I took her to the doctor on Thursday and in the last 3 weeks she has gained 3 pounds and grew 3 inches. She is now 8 pounds and 21 inches long. She is doing great and she sleeps well at night only waking up once or twice to eat. She is very loud though. She is often grunting and groaning when she's awake. She has the hugest dark eyes and I always poke them if I'm not careful! Also, I think I'm starting to like pink a little bit!

Ben is Student of the Month!

2009-03-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

Ben was finally the Student of the Month at school today! He has been waiting all year for this. The teacher said the nicest things about him:

Ben is a model student in first grade.

He is a terrific reader and loves to do AR.

He is quite a mathematician and is our "Mickey Math King".

His work is done with great effort and pride.

Because Ben is a good listener, he can always be found following directions and doing his job.

Ben is kind and helpful, so everyone loves Ben.

Nate took some great pictures during the assembly.

I was impressed and so happy at the great things his teacher had to say about Ben. So I was of course shocked when Rob was tucking him in and screamed my name. He met me in the hall and said, "OK don't laugh, but you have to check this out!" Then I go into the bedroom and Rob shows me above Benny's top bunk where he has a nice, large collection of BOOGERS! The perfect one, the one that was just honored today for his great ability to follow directions and be a model, has a slimy booger collection on the wall above his bed! When I asked him what? Why? He said to me, "What? It's the perfect place!"

I had to leave, first to get him the container of cleaning wipes, and then of course to laugh my butt-off! Sick-o that I love so much. At least he doesn't eat 'em!

One week old!

2009-03-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Alexander is so happy. I don't know if it's because I am finally home or because his sister is finally home! He loves her very much, and isn't jealous or acting out at all. He's a sweet boy.

Today we had to check Sophie's jaundice level again and it was finally ok.

I love to change her outfits and take too many pictures. Also, call me crazy but she smiled at me over and over when we were having big conversations today. She knows I love her!

We have been so blessed to have so many caring friends bring so many meals and treats. The Kinslow's made this huge chocolate chip cookie, and man was it good and so cute!

Visitors

2009-03-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

Dana and Kim have been dying to meet baby Sophie. They were the first ones to come over on Tuesday and check her out!

They were happy to change a diaper and make sure she really is a girl! It is hard to believe after so many boys--they should know!

Then, our next door neighbors, Kim and Abby Trovato came to meet her too!

Abby has lots of plans to teach her things!

Today I took Sophie to her Pediatrician for a visit and jaundice check. It has gone up slightly, but not in a dangerous zone. The doctor was concerned that her hip sockets felt loose, so this afternoon, I spent 3 hours waiting to have a ultrasound of her hips. They are fine. I knew they were but I had to do what the doc said! I am sick of doctors, tests, and seeing my new baby cry having tests done!

Day 6

2009-03-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

By Monday, the course of antibiotics was complete, the ultrasound of her overly large soft spot came back ok, she was doing well on increased feedings and her Bili count was in the normal range. Dr. Patel, the Neonatalogist thought she should spend another day or so to be watched, but the best nurse ever spoke up. She basically told him the mother of 6 was probably pretty comfortable watching the jaundice and I knew how to feed a baby. Nurse Tanya rocks! He said she could leave at 6 if her blood sugar was fine.

And it was--we got out of there! YYYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Day 5

2009-03-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday. The Graff's were nice enough to drag some extra boys to church, and I went to rock all day again. Sophie's awesome nurse worked on weaning her off the oxygen, and even helped to talk the Dr. into discharging her the next day if her tests came back ok all day. In the morning we took her out from the light for good, and I got to dress her for the first time. We had her hospital pictures taken, and I got to hold her all day.

This is one proud Daddy. In the afternoon, Rob brought all the boys to take a peek through the glass. They were dying to see her, and were having a hard time understanding why they couldn't come in, and why she had an IV in her small hand.

They were doing lots of pushing and shoving to get a good look, but here they don't look too mean!

Day 4

2009-03-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

It is Saturday, and she is still under the lights, but her breathing is improving. Her bowels have completely work themselves out and her bilirubin count is improving. Today the neonatalogist is concered that her softspot is overlarge. They do an ultrasound to check on it. I have a fabulous nurse for her, Tanya. She is very helpful and also lets me mother her. I got to give the bottles, change the diapers and hold her a couple times.

The nurse even put this cute bow in her hair. Red at my request (I still can't love pink, I'm sure that will come in time!)

I caught her smiling. She's glad I'm holding her I think!

Day 3

2009-03-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

On Friday when I got to the hospital, I found Sophie under the lights. Now on top of the other things they were watching, she was developing jaundice. All the boys had it to some severity, so it was no surprise, and I had notice her looking quite yellow the night before. This day I finally had a very sweet nurse for her. About halfway through the day of me sitting and staring at her in the rocking chair, she asked, "don't you think you should hold her?" I of course screamed, "Yes! Of course I do!" So, she gave her a short break from the lights, and made me the happiest mom ever with a quick little hold. Man that felt good! This day she was very irritated and sick acting. My poor baby. But nothing compared to the 25 weeker across the room. I am so blessed!

Day 2

2009-03-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

This was a tough day. Sophie had a nurse that did not want to me to touch her or talk to her. She thought it made her work too hard and it raised her respiratory rate and heart rate. This was so hard for me since I had waited so long to have her. She keep waving her arms and seemed so uncomfortable so I talked her into placing her on her stomach to at least help her feel secure. My poor baby. At this point, the doctor was telling me a week or two at least. They thought she had an infection, her bowels were filled with air, and looped. By the end of the day she finally passed some miconium and that made us less worried about her bowels and more hopeful they would work themselves out. I went home at around 9pm that night, very sad to have empty arms. Before I left, I stuck a bow in her hair that I made, when the mean nurse wasn't looking. I just wanted to make sure she looked girly!

Breathing Problems Day 1

2009-03-04T23:37:00.000-08:00

Right after the boys came to meet their sister, when she was a bout 2 hours old, I noticed she was really starting to have a hard time breathing and making lots of grunting noises. I called the nurse in and at first she thought she was fine. Then I insisted she was not and they took her to be checked out. When I went to see her, it was so sad to see all the pokes and tubes. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, and she looked sad. I felt bad for sending her off, but I knew she didn't seem right. I went back to my room alone, and Rob went home to take care of the business and the boys. I was so sad.

Sophie meets her brothers!

2009-03-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

After school, when baby was about 1 1/2 hours new, the boys came with Popa to meet their long awaited baby sister. It was sports day at school, so they were all decked out to meet her. The poor things obviously didn't have their mom around to comb their overgrown hair--oh well I don't think the baby noticed!

They're happy now!

Sophia Ann Seaney 5"3' 18" 1:27pm

2009-03-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

Dr. Klis is really the best! I have gone through the OB's in all my pregnancies, but nobody is quite like him. He didn't think I was ever going to deliver and was ready to do a c-section so he could go home, but I proved him wrong! He had been at the hospital since the morning before just like me and was ready to go home.

She was awfully coated in vernix, but I didn't care--I thought she was still the sweetest thing I had ever laid my eyes on! I couldn't believe how tiny she was!

Baby Sophie all cleaned up, ready to check out the lady with the big voice she'd been hearing for so long!
I had told Big Daddy his only job was to video. I realized after 15 minutes or so, he never even picked up the camera. I think he was still in shock or awe or something! By the way, I took all the pictures, gross birth shots and all (I like to be in control just a little bit!)

Getting ready for footprints in the baby book with Boo-Boo.

Welcome to the world baby Sophie!!!

Going to have a baby!

2009-03-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

So we arrived at the hospital Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:20 am ready to get the induction process started. The day before in the office, Dr. Klis thought she was very low and that my body was ready, and it would be quick! When I got to the hospital the next day, that was not the case. She was high, and they even did an ultrasound, because he thought it felt like she had turned. I told him I thought she felt very small, and like she was all balled up. (mothers always know best :)

This is what we do when we are bored! We both had our laptops for entertainment. Lots a facebook, a little shopping, and lots of reading!

I made him smile, because I told him he looks like he's sniffing something horrible all the time!

Super dad. After a couple hours, the Internet went down at the store, so Rob had to go try to resolve the problem and was gone until that night. Luckily for me, my mom came to stare at me around noon.

On a little side note, just a crazy story from the day I want to remember. Dana picked Nate up from Kindergarten and brought him home. She was supposed to bring to him to our house at 3:30 where my dad would be waiting. Around 3 all the kids were playing out front at the Tenney's and after awhile, they noticed Nate was missing. Around 3:40 I get a call at the hospital from a frantic Dana saying she can't find Nate anywhere. She asked if I thought Nate would walk home or if my Dad might have picked him up. I didn't think so. He's 5. So I called our house and Zach said he had been there since about 3:30. He really walked home! He said he knew he was supposed to be home at 3:30 and Dana just wasn't taking him! He ran into Hannah Smith on the way home and just kept going. He is one determined, stubborn little boy!

The doctor came and broke my water sometime in the evening, but that did nothing to speed up the process. During the night, around 1am, the babe started showing some signs of distress, so they rushed in, threw oxygen on me, filled my uterus with water, gave me a shot of turbudeline in my arm to stop the contractions, and turned off the Pitocin. They let me sleep until 4am then they started the Pitocin again. It got pretty uncomfortable but not much change. I hung out at a 3-4 until I gave into an Epidural hoping it would make me relax. Once I did that, I finally progressed and was ready to have her in an hour. I have done that every time. I get uptight until I give in to the good stuff- go Epidurals! The doctor said he'd be back to do a c-sect in a couple hours, at 11:30pm, but within an hour they had call him back. He didn't believe it!

Ready and waiting

2009-03-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Her corner of our room is all ready...

and if I get any bigger, I thnk I might pop! Hurry up baby!!!

Baby Shower

2009-02-22T21:54:00.001-08:00

I would like to thank 50-60 of my friends and family for a wonderful baby shower! I received so many fun things. The baby is going to have a new outfit everyday for the first year or more! Cute tu-tu's, handmade bracelets & blankets, sparkly shoes, an awesome diaper cake and more! Thank you to Host Kim and Dana for planning for so many years and everyone that helped put it all together-Alania for making cute invitations, my mom, Jill, Sisi for great food, my dad for watching the little boys, Laura for coming so far, and sweet little Hannah for all of her assistance opening gifts.

It was very overwhelming to have so many friends all together all to help me celebrate this great occasion, and very fun! I am so blessed to have so many people care about me and I know everyone is just as excited as I am to meet our baby girl!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:43:00.000-08:00

Alexander's favorite little Valentine, Charley!

2009-02-13T21:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the beautiful flowers and the hot date Rob!

Ben finally lost his first tooth!

2009-02-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

At 7 and a couple months, this little boy has been waiting to loose a tooth for so long. His friends have been loosing them for a couple of years. I knew it was a little loose but I had no idea it was almost out. He went to play at his buddy Colton's house after school and he said, "it just came out!" He was so excited when got home with it in a baggie. The really cool tooth fairy left him 5 bucks! What ever happened to 50 cents? The one next to it is loose too, so I'm sure it won't be long before she has to visit again!

Birthday Boy

2009-02-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a good birthday!

We love you Rob

Happy 38th Birthday Big Daddy!!!!

2009-02-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday! I just wanted you to know we love you and we hope you have a great day.

I love these pictures of you.

Remember when we only had Zach, and we would fight over who would hold him? We were much younger and had more energy! I love this picture of you holding him. Do remember being just 26?

You are a great dad. We love you very much. I appreciate how you put the boys first and always spend every extra second playing ball with them. They are so lucky even--if I'm left all alone to clean up after you at home. Soon I'll be inside having tea parties while you do boys stuff! I know you'll be a great dad to a girl too and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us old man! Thanks for marrying such a younger woman to keep you on your toes--I LOVE YOU BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

Baby's first photo

2009-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

We went last week for the second time to have a 3d 4d Ultrasound. The first time she had her head buried in tissue and placenta so we couldn't get a good peek. We are anxious to see what she looks like, and since she is the finale, we thought we'd take advantage of the latest technology. It was very scary, a little creepy and cool at the same time. She clearly has many features of the boys as babies. Cute chubby cheeks, big lips, Benny's little nose, Rob's chin, and definant girl parts!

Waiting for Baseball...

2009-01-26T10:48:00.004-08:00

Everyone at our house is ready for baseball season to begin. For several reasons. The first is that they all live, eat and sleep for playing baseball. Second, one of the reasons we moved here 3 1/2 years ago was because the plan was to build new fields right behind our house. If you look at the picture below, you can see our roof to the right of the stoplight far off in the distance.

Third, Nate finally gets to play this year. He has been waiting for this to come. He loves to play and is clearly the best at his age of any of the boys. We are all amazed at his natural talent for the game. I am excited to walk over and never have to worry about parking again!

I am also excited that I can send them over when they need to be there an hour early to warm-up and I can meet them. I can even run home to make lunch or do whatever. We are going to have 8 games a week plus practices for several months, so the thought of all that is crazy. Oh yeah--plus a new baby girl care for. Poor baseball baby.

My other baby last year. He is so cute.

New Year

2009-01-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Popa & Jake

We spent our new year playing games with my parents. We got really into Blokus. It is a fun tile game, and I enjoyed winning many rounds until Rob got vicious.

We are now enjoying an early church schedule again. I was really getting into 1pm, but I guess it's because I forgot how nice it is to sleep the day away after noon!

Alexander is now a Sunbeam, and he was not thrilled like I thought he would be to go to Primary with his brothers. But man he looked cute!

Christmas

2008-12-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas was good at our house. We had too many presents (as always) and the kids had a great time. Within an hour of waking up everyone was glued to some computer gadget of some sort. Benny finally got his DS he's been wanting, Nate got a Vsmile handheld game, Alexander got every Little Einsteins toy I could find. Zach and Jake got Rock band 2, Aerosmith and IPods. I think they think they really are rock stars.

Rob received some great Cowboys stuff to put up in his office from some really cool chick who had been obsessed with ebay for a month or so. He has always wanted signed memorabilia for his walls. I scored on a great a Tony Romo jersey and a Troy Aikman one, along with some pictures. Rob and the boys gave me a Cricut which is going to come in handy with school projects and the stupid Science Fair.

We had a nice morning at home with my parents and aunt and uncle over for breakfast. Then we took at nap and headed over to my parents for an awesome prime rib and leg of lamb dinner. What a nice day!

More Birthday for Ben

2008-12-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ben had a couple of his buddies over to spent the night and celebrate with. I think he had a great birthday this year!

Christmas Break

2008-12-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

We were all ready for Christmas break this year after all the activities leading up to it.

Before it began we had to attend the annual events. Alexander was a little drummer boy in St. Phillip's Christmas pageant. He was so cute and we loved watching him perform. When he was walking down the aisle, he started smiling and waving as soon as he saw me and stopped to plant a giant, slobbery kiss on me. I have never been loved so much.
We also enjoyed attending the Christmas party at Church with just the 3 little boys. Zach and Jake couldn't pass up an opportunity to go ice skating with their buddy Zach Williams. Ben and Nate sang and I had fun watching them take turns sitting on Santa's lap. I listened very closely, just in case I needed to back the old man up!

My parents came over one night to bring Benny another birthday cake my dad made. Popa makes the best stuff!

I conned my mom into making the Gingerbread kit (from last Christmas-yuck!) with the boys.

We knew we lost all creative parental control on the project when we saw them making a trail of reindeer poop. They are kind of sick. Dirty boys. Is that normal?

Are we really driving 8 hours to go to Disneyland again???

2008-12-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

As you can clearly see from this picture, all Ben wanted for his birthday was to ride the Monorail. So we made reservations at the Disney Hotel the night before his big day to ride the Monorail over and get in early. The park opened at 7. I think it was early enough. As you can see it was pretty empty that early. We enjoyed all our favorite rides within 2 hours or so.

We took the boys out of school early on Wednesday and headed down around noon. As soon as we got the Grapevine they closed it due to snow. So we turned around and thought we'd just add an extra hour or so and go up through Tehachapi. Then, before the turn off the alert boards say that road is now closed. The last option was through Maricopa to Santa Maria and along the coast. I have never driven through such a crazy snow storm! It turns out that road was closed a few minutes after we started on it. I got my wish of seeing the ocean I'd been missing, but we didn't arrive at the hotel until 8:30. We thought we be there by 3 to check in, have a fun Goofy's Kitchen Character Dinner, swim in the heated pool. Oh well, anything for Benny!

Don't they all looked thrilled to meet Tinkerbell?

We ended up having a great time and the roads were still closed the next day, so we stayed an extra night and got the kids back to school around 10 on Friday for their Christmas parties. Ben was happy he rode the monorail, and I was happy I had a hotel to take a nap in halfway through the day with the 2 little ones and my round self!

We really enjoyed Fantasmic that night and the fireworks. Nate had a little photo shoot with Al and I while Ben slept through both shows. While he was sleeping I went and bought him some Mickey gloves. It was very cold, and he never asked for a single thing all day! Great birthday boy!

Benny Boy is 7!

2008-12-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Benjamin is 7 already. Time goes so fast! Ben is the middle boy and lucky because everybody loves him. The big boys like having him around and the little boys love having him around. He is loving 1st grade and we're finding out he is just as competitive as the big brothers. I used to be concerned that Ben was very shy, but I have decided he is just extremely stubborn and very selective about who he will pay any attention to and spend his time on. He knows exactly what he likes and what he wants. He loves spending time with his best buddy Andrew and has made some really great friends at school Conner and Colton, who he has enjoying starting to have sleepovers with.

Benny had a rough start in life, or should I say he made it rough for me at the start of his life. He had turned and was breech, so I went in to have him turned and be induced. Even after Big Jake they thought he would be too big to attempt to deliver breech. They estimated through ultrasounds he was 7.5 to 8 pounds. So they attempted to do a version and turn him but his heart stopped beating, and they guessed he was pinching his cord. They couldn't move him back, so they next thing I knew they were rushing me into the OR. All I remember screaming was "please knock me out!" I was scared of something happening to him, because I had lost two babies before him.

While I was pregnant with him, I had the worst heartburn of my life. When I woke from the C-Section I believed all the wives tales about heartburn, all Rob could say was "Sara he has so much hair!" That was my wish when i found out he was a boy. The other thing he told me was he is so tiny. Benny ended up being 5 pounds! He looked like a little doll. Even though he completely ruined my abs, I loved him instantly! On his first day of life, I also discovered he had a very pronounced dimple on his cheek. During our 3+ days in the hospital, I washed his hair several times and agonized over his name. I was going back and forth between Benjamin and Alexander. They didn't want me to leave without filling out the paperwork, so after staying an extra day to decide, I ended up with Benjamin Randall (after my dad).

I love you Ben and you are a joy to have around (almost all the time!). Ben loves me and is very protective of me. If he knows I'm having a bad day or I'm upset about something, he'll walk around patting my back. He is a pretty cool kid and he loves playing baseball, soccer and swimming. He loves math and is enjoying being the Mickey Math Champion in his class. He can read like nothing else and he LOVES to play video games. Happy Birthday Benny!!!

It's Christmas time!

2008-12-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be in the Christmas season. The tree is up, most of the shopping is done, the good treats are all around me, and I keep thinking I have an excuse to eat all I want.

A baby update for the family so far away. She is doing good, growing fine. I have even started picking up a few things pink, purple and red. I am ready to make blankets and hairbows. It is going to be fun. Hopefully only 12-13 more weeks to go!

I have had some crazy comments made to me after people find out it is a girl. Often I hear, "Oh that poor baby, she will be so tortured. I feel sorry for her" or "How sad for her to have all those brothers!". I think quite the opposite. I think she is very lucky. The boys are so excited, and I know they are going to be great with her. Do people really think they are that mean? That naughty? I need to think up better comebacks for these comments. Quick, good comebacks. Any ideas???

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

This is Thanksgiving. No really the turkeys name is Thanksgiving. A couple of years ago my parents got two baby turkeys and named them Christmas and Thanksgiving hoping to eat them once they were nice and plump. They became such beloved pets they could never put them on the table.

This turkey is pretty funny, as far as turkeys go I suppose. He comes when my dad calls him and rubs all over his legs like a dog to be loved on. Sick. I am not a lover of this turkey, My dad cracks me up. I asked him to bring him for the big Kindergarten party day. So he loaded him up in the big dog crate and put him out on the playground. The kids loved it! Then Benny's 1st grade class and Jake's 5th grade class came over too. Zach's teacher isn't cool enough to do things like that--whatever.

What a great Popa my kids have. I know it took a lot out of his day to do this. He even had a little chart and taught the kids all the different parts of the big bird.

After that excitement all the cool moms prepared a feast for all of the Kindergartners in the cafeteria. I love my little pilgrim.

Next, I went over to 5th grade to do another feast. Lucky kids. Then I ran home to start preparing the real feast for the next day at our house. I wonder how many kids decided not to eat turkey after lovin on Popa's bird?

One more thing I want to remember:

I was telling Zach and Jake that their cool Popa was bringing in Thanksgiving to show the Kindergarten class. I said that Mrs. Joseph (Nate's teacher and our neighbor) had never even seen a real turkey. Then Jake asked,"Oh is she a vegetarian?" I laughed until my side hurt. Jake often has the funniest, blondest, most innocent things to say. Sweet tiny boy.

Disneyland again!

2008-11-07T22:48:00.000-08:00

The boys had another very sick day, so we hit Disneyland again. Jomama had never been before, so before we took her to the airport we had to visit the happiest place on earth.

You gotta love a giant turkey leg!

I even had 3 boys complete Jedi training and kick some Dark Side butt!

We had another great day. During the week on a school day is the perfect day. No lines, small crowds and lots of fun!

By the way, the Carnival turned out to be great last night. I am glad that it is over. It was a lot of work! We even continued on with the costume contest a week after Halloween. The kids loved it. It went very smooth and I only had one complaint. It was a ranting crazy email from a looney mom. Skip her. We ended up raising $6000 bucks, which was not bad considering it was not even supposed to be a fundraiser. I've done my good dead for the year. I quit. Now my only job is making a perfect baby girl.

Flag football & soccer saturday fun

2008-11-01T23:34:00.000-07:00

We spent the month of October having the most beautiful weather. Until the end. We kept teasing Jomama that she brought the crazy weather from Illionois with her. Saturday we started out with Benny's last flag football game. The clouds were looking pretty scarey for awhile, then in the last quarter the skies opened up. It wasn't your typical Bakersfield quick drizzle. We were absolutley soaked.

We dried off, with both the grandmas, ate breakfast then went to Nathan's soccer game.

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

A couple nights before Halloween we went to the annual Trunk-or-treat in the church parking lot. The Superheros had a great time. Here's Kim and here tiny little butterfly.

The next night (Thursday) was supposed to be the big school Carnival i had been working on for so many months. it turned out to be a horribly dusty and windy day. When I got the the school around noon to start meeting the vendors and setting up, the Principle decided to cancel it. Not very fun. I had to make a million phone calls and refigure many things. It turned out to be for the best, but I did not leave the school until around 6 that night. The things you do for your little kids.

Jomama came that morning so we ended up having a fun night carving pumpkins and just hanging out at home.

Alexander loved digging in for the guts and seeds. He wanted his just like the cute face he kept making.

The next night we had a scary dinner of guts, bones and blood and hit the neighborhood.

They ended up getting about 25 pounds of candy to rot their teeth. You've got to love Halloween!

Some highlights from October

2008-10-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

The month of October was filled with all kinds of fun and excitement. Rob sent me another bouquet of "I'm so excited we are having a girl" flowers. Actually all the card read was "It's about time". They were beautiful and I love that he loves to send me flowers, I just wish they wouldn't die so quickly. They smelt up the entire house!

I hope my baby girl is as beautiful as this rose!

Big Al had a bike parade at preschool. We have quite a collection of tricycles and bikes and he picked the oldest one in he yard! I love that smile.

The other 4 had their jog-a-thon at school. It is always funny to see how serious they take it. Ben and Zach ran non-stop, they are so competitive. Nate ran hard too , but with a big smile on his face. Jake did great and it was fun to watch.

This is Nathan's kindergarten class enjoying a Popsicle after their workout.

Secret Life of Bees Anyone?

2008-10-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

I read this a couple of years ago and remember enjoying it. Did anyone else? Does anyone want to go see it with me? I need a date, Rob just wouldn't be as much this time. Let me know!!!

Does any of this belong to any of you???

2008-10-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

I put this on the mommy blog, but I haven't had any takers. Do any of these things look familiar?

A barbie towel, a pretty yellow & pink flowered towel, Hurley shirt, billabong shirt, Nike shirt, and a rainbow checkered towel.

I love attending church in bed

2008-10-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like watching Conference from the comfort of bed! I love laying in my pj's and listening to the prophet and singing along to the hymns. No shirts to (have Rob) iron, shoes to find or lessons to prepare. Is twice a year enough???

A Baby Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful day. I have never cried so many tears of joy in my life. I got to see this blown up on the big screen....

I know it is a little gross to some. But for me to see there was absolutely nothing hanging or floating or poking out the middle was incredible. (Don't worry after she's born I promise to never share a shot anything like this, I just know I better share for all the disbelievers out there!) I had the tech show me from every possible angle for quite awhile and she wanted to make sure as much as I did!

I realize this is not my usual way of sharing info. I know I haven't even told some of my closest family or friends before today that I am expecting. I have been trying to hold it in after all our losses, and I feel at this point I would benefit more from your support, thoughts, love and prayers by sharing this news. I am being monitored very closely and feel good about having a positive outcome. We are extremely grateful and excited for this gift and opportunity!!!!!!!!!

Alexander's 3 days of fun

2008-09-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating big baby's birthday. When we got down to LA we went to dinner at Bubba Gumps.

They sang to him and made him wiggle his butt, while standing in his chair to get a sundae. It was very funny!
By the time dinner was over, I think we heard every famous Forrest Gump line repeated 50 times.

The next morning we went to Disneyland for the first time in many years. We saw all their favorite characters....

The next day we went to California Adventure for our first time. It is really fun. Alexander enjoyed torturing Zach while we waited in line.

Jake hates this picture. We were waiting to see Mickey in the dark--I think it is hilarious!

Even the cool big brother had a great time.

They all the loved the parades. We had a blast and can't wait to do it again since Big Daddy got us season passes. I haven't decided if that was a good idea or not? Isn't every few years half the fun???

My baby is 3!

2008-09-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today (Thursday 18th) Alexander is 3. He has been asking for weeks if it's his birthday yet, and every morning he wakes up and asks if I made his Elmo cake yet! We love this little boy. He has added so much fun and sweetness to our family. Everyone loves him and wants him around. He has never been very pesty (yet) or got into things too bad. He is a joy to hang out with everyday.

He had a rough start in life. We thought he was a girl until the week before he was born. I had many ultrasounds and nobody ever saw any extra parts. So, I painted his lavender room a nice shade of green, and took a beautiful girl wardrobe back, and bought him a years worth of new things (beacuse I had happily got rid of all baby boy "Little Slugger" and "you're #1" outfits) Once he was born, and I saw how dang cute he was, I could nver imagine him not being here! When Alexander was a couple weeks old he started getting sick. We found out he had RSV and after a few days here in Memorial Hospital his little heart started racing in the 220's. It was very scary. He was helicoptered to Madera's Valley Children's Hospital. Rob and I had to follow in the car (at about 100 mph). It was a very long couple weeks. I had never been away from the other kids more than a day, and I never had a sick child in the hospital. It was a very scary time and now very blurry. I am so glad he improved and was off heart meds by 6 months without any other signs of problems.

Lately he has been saying the funniest things and asking the craziest questions. He always says, "I luz you mom", "You luz me right mom?" and when the boys leave every morning he always says, "Well it's jus jew and me mom!" He cracks me up and I would take a few more of this kid!

To celebrate his big day, we are very excited to be leaving Wednesday after school to Disneyland and California Adventures. We haven't been for nearly 5 years and have never been to California Adventures. Big Al is very into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Pooh, Nemo and especially Little Einteins so we thought that it would be a perfect time to ditch school and have some fun. Hopefully it won't be too busy, everyone else should be in school (that's what good parents do).

Happy 3rd Birthday Alexander!!!!!!!!!!!

2nd Birthday

1st birthday, 1st haircut

2 months, during this time Benny called him Baby Alice

7 months--don't all moms let two kids bath in the sink at once?

Nate's big birthday and first day of school

2008-09-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Nate's big 5th birthday with Chuck E Cheese.
The first day of school. The summer flew by!
They hate when I make them take a picture while we wait for the gates to open. Too bad.
Poor Al. He was sad he wasn't going too. He kept throwing his hands around saying, "Why? Why?"
He'll start in a couple weeks.

After a fun summer with Heather, she left for ASU. We were glad she could spend the summer with us, and hope she comes back sometime soon.

Nate's baby Bella.

So It's been a month

2008-09-12T11:03:00.007-07:00

So I have heard from a few family members and friends that care that I need to share what we have been up to. It has been a whole month, and I know I never finished anything about the summer past June. It has been very busy, and I have not had much desire to take the time to download anything on my slow, failing computer.

School is going good for the boys. Alexander started Preschool last week and he loves it. I thought 2 days a week would be good, but he asks to go everyday. He doesn't realize I like him more than that.

Jake stared playing the Tuba of all things. Zach played the Trombone for a week and decided he'd stick with the Trumpet. Lazy. Doesn't want to learn something new. Zach and Jake are both playing football and loving it. Ben is playing soccer and kickin butt, I might add. He is a goal scorin machine. Nate is finally old enough to play his first real sport and Rob is coaching his soccer team, The Great White Sharks.

Rob is busy at work as always, and finally got us down to 1 store this month. It should be nice! He is also helping to coach the big boys football team and is very serious about it.

I am not the smartest and am busy enough with all these smelly, cute, boys that I am in charge of the school Carnival next month and all the room moms. It is nice to be involved in their school, but really the laundry is enough for me to handle. I just got put in as YW secretary, and while I will miss my Sunbeams dearly, I am excited to be with my camp girls.

I will post some pictures for you later this weekend Jomama. Rob and I off to LA for a Maroon 5 & Counting Crows concert until tomorrow!

Happy 5th Birthday Nathan!

2008-08-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

Nathan at 8 months

We are so happy our big Nate Dog is 5 and finally able to go to school with his brothers! Nate is a very smart boy with a crazy personality. He often likes to be alone in his room singing and playing pretend. He loves his new baby dog Bella and is a good dad to her (if he would just stop calling me grandma!) Nate is totally his own person, unlike anyone else in the house. He is amazing at sports and is playing his first season of soccer with Coach Daddy. We love you and hope you had a great birthday! Here are some of our favorite pictures of Nathan:

1 1/2 with Jake

2 when Alexander was born

2 1/2 and mad!

3 rd birthday with Barney

This summer 08 at swim lessons

Nate with his dad

It's another girl!!!

2008-07-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here is our new baby. Well Nate's new baby actually. He named her Bella. No, he hasn't read the Twilight series, he just has a friend with the name and he likes it. One of our friends found her by their mailbox and put fliers up around the neighborhood. They had no luck finding the owner, so they called us because they thought she looks like Ruby and they thought she might need a sister.

Conveinantly, Nate has been saying the only thing that he wants for his birthday (the 12th) is his very own dog. What a great bargain--free present. Not that I need another dog, but there is nothing like making your kids so happy. All week he has been treating her like a baby. He picked out a cute pink collar with a sparkly bow. She is so tiny she fits in the palm of your hand. We are guessing she is a chiweannie or pug combo or something. I think she is so sad and ugly, that it makes her cute.

Part2

2008-07-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

This very long post was erased somehow...I'll try again when I'm not mad at the computer.

The Last Month of Life part 1

2008-07-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

I know I am a month behind. Give me sometime. Maybe a little more tomorrow, it's bedtime now.

We have been busy!!! Poor Baby Al has been trying so hard to keep up with the big boys. He helped himself to a cup of BBQ chips and was watching TV in Ben and Nate's room when he fell asleep with a mouthful. He has been so tired trying to go without naps.
I had a fun visit from my buddy Anna and her baby Kaden. He was so fun to play with and it was great to catch up with her for a few short hours!

Ben got to go on his first out-of-town overnight adventure with the Froehlich family. It was their Jake's 6Th birthday so they took a bunch of boys to their cabin to get dirty. He had a great time and I really think he didn't even miss me. Being the morbid mom that I am, I made him take this 'last" picture with his little brothers, just in case something happened.

Coach Rob had his All Star team over for a hit-a-thon and swimming. It was very hot that day -112 or something ridiculous. They had fun trying to get the whole team in a picture underwater!

Right after these pictures were taken Nate decided to jump in the pool on top of the team and fell back hitting his head on the side of the deck. It was gushing blood everywhere. We of course knew where we had to go, but we were hesitant because The Good Doctor's 40Th birthday party was about to begin. I gave him a large dose of Motrin and Rob ran down the street holding a towel on Nathan's head. Luckily Jonathan had his handy-dandy stapler at home and gave him 4 quick staples to the skull without any numbing-up. That Nate is one crazy and tough kid. What would we do without the Graffs! We had a great time celebrating Jonathan's big day with him and a million of their family members.

They had a great chocolate fountain and as you can see on Alexander it was a big hit with my chocolate lovers. (Why does he always do this strange pose?)

This is part of my cute Sunbeam class. It is fun to teach these little people every Sunday. I think they are darling.

To my few loyal readers (mainly Jomama and Aunt Jenn)

2008-07-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

I know you were hoping to see lots of fun pictures and exciting dialogue, and believe me I have lots of great stuff I just don't have time to post it! The last 3 weeks have been so fun and CRAZY with 3 baseball tournaments, lots of driving, hotels, fireworks and family time!

I leave in the morning for a week of girls camp. No boys until Saturday. Just lots of fresh air, mountains, campfires and crafts with a couple hundred girls everyday. I am excited and also sad to not see my boys everyday. It will be good to miss them a little bit! I hope they remember they love me when I get home. I hope Zach and Rob realize I do things around here. Just a little bit. Off to Big Meadow! Good luck Heather

One of the many reasons I haven't been posting--I'm in love!!!

2008-07-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Besides the fact that we have been way more busy than usual, I have a new love. For those of you that know me well, I have been critized, chastized and teased relentlessly for carring around a brick of a phone that we disconntinued selling a year ago. Big Rob says that I am poor advertising, I say I am being frugal and don't really care about my phone unless I really need it. As long as Rob, my mom, Kim and Dana know where I am or I am with them I don't have much use for it.

ALL THAT HAS CHANGED. Meet the INSTINCT. It does everything but wipe noses, butts do laundry and make dinner as far as I'm concerned. I absolutley love this bad baby. Full internet--were not talking minimized pages here only from the network, but full color interactive pages at high speed. Live TV. Let me tell you how cool this was when Al wouldn't sit through Church last week. Little Einsteins saved the day. He might have screamed and raised his hands, "Rocket we need you!" a couple of times but I never had to get up and go out of the chapel. Besides he just looked like he was excited and seriously feeling the Spirit or sustaining someone.

Last week we had a baseball tournament down south and the navigation program (who's voice we named Raspusha-after watching Norbitt the night before(stuipdest movie ever by the way-that no kids should ever see!) was amazing at getting us to our destination. I love the voice recognition. I just scream at her "Call ROB!!!" and there she goes dialing away!

NEED THE PERFECT BABYSITTER?

2008-06-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Heather Jackman moved in with us for the summer. We met Heather at church when she was 14 and she quickly became our boys' favorite babysitter. She also spent plenty of time with the Graff''s and lots of other families in our ward.

She just completed her freshman year at A.S.U. and needed somewhere to stay for a couple of months. We are happy to welcome her into our home. She is so great with the boys and very helpful to me. She is available anytime and would love to earn some extra money this summer to furnish her new apartment in the fall!

Swim Lessons

2008-06-18T22:41:00.001-07:00

SO he cried for 2 weeks straight. Poor Allie had to deal with him, BUT HE CAN SWIM! Yeah--everyone can swim at our house! Allie has been a great teacher to all the boys. She taught most of them to swim and we love her for putting up with all the screaming & crying. What patience she has!

Nate and Ben have been taking some fun lessons with Jordan. They are working on different strokes and diving. Little Ben is so funny-notice his in air pose-he almost always lands on his belly. He'll get it sometime. Jordan is so great with them. They love him so much and we will miss him when he leaves to spread the word so far away! We have been lucky to have him as Ben's Primary teacher and for swimming the last couple years. He is a great example to all my boys!

Happy Big Daddy's Day Rob, Happy Popa's Day Pop!

2008-06-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to 2 of my favorite people.

Rob you are a great dad to our boys. They are so lucky to have you to be their baseball, soccer, football, basketball or whatever sport Big Coach. You are a great teacher and a good example to them of hard work and determination.

Popa you are the best Popa anyone could ask for. You are so loving in your own unique way and make all the boys feel so special and important. They all think they're your favorite. Thanks for all the endless games you watch and cheer at. Thanks for teaching them to love music, life, guns, peeing in holes and everything crazy we forget to teach them. What would we do without you Pop?!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BIG ROB!

2008-06-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

THANKS FOR STICKING IT OUT FOR SO MANY YEARS!

ALTHOUGH SO MANY TIMES ALL WE'VE WANTED TO DO WAS GET A CHANCE TO SHOVE CAKE IN EACH OTHERS FACE AGAIN.

I LOVE YOU.

Happy Birthday Jake!

2008-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our Jake is 10 today! Time goes so fast. A decade seems so short. Jake is one of the greatest people I have ever known. When he was very tiny we knew we had a very special boy on our hands. He was the most docile baby I have ever seen. Always happy. Always smiling. Big hungry. He is extremely caring and a gentle giant with an enormous heart. He is like a big, soft teddy bear. He is a great big brother and all his brothers love to play with him. He is extremely intelligent and talented in many areas and I has never brought home a B. Although he can be way dingy and it is fun and tempting to mess with him! He has read every book on animals he can get his hands on and loves to learn facts about anything. He loves sports and is very good at baseball and football. He is very strong and often doesn't know his strength. He loves music, and is always singing, loves the Beatles, thanks to Papa and he's always trying to play a new instrument. He is a people person and has never met a stranger. I know Jake is destined for greatness, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. Rob and I have always felt very lucky to be his parents. We love you Jacob and can't wait to move into that beach house you keep promising us! You are the best son any parents could ask for--you make us so proud! Here are some pictures for our family to enjoy.

BIG Dork & BIG Coach

2008-06-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

I know I am a total dork, but I have been having a really great time with my camera. Today was a great day of swimming with the boys and some of our favorite friends.

Jake enjoys joining me in a lot of nonsense.

Even Zach the serious got in on it.

Friday night Coach Rob invited his baseball team over for a family dinner and swimming. Then he had the whole team sleep over. What a crazy man. They had the best time. They swam, played every type of ball-baseball, wiffleball, football, basketball, played Xbox, watched a movie outside on the big screen, you name they did it. Finally after hours of wild fun, Big Rob laid down with them outside at 1:45 am and made them go to sleep. At 5:30 I started hearing noises, and by 5:45 am they were back in the pool. Lucky boys.
Rob really is a great coach, and these boys were so lucky to have such a fun big kid to hang out with and learn from. When he handed out their trophies he gave a long speech about each kid individually. He makes me proud at times like this.

My new toy & a couple of my little boys

2008-05-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Nate making a funny face underwater for me. He said I made the spa too hot to open his eyes. The pool is just way to cold for me to get in.

4 of my pretty birthday toes underwater. Hopefully I'll get better with my skills.

Baby Al kickin back and of course making faces. Why can't they ever just smile?

School's out for summer!

2008-05-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

It's over. Another year of fun school. My kids are so happy. The fighting has already began. I better get some chore charts made and lay down the rules.

DUUUUUUUUHHHHHHH!!!!

That is all I can think of when I look at this picture of Zach and Jared from this afternoon. I hope they spend more time outside than in front of the tube this summer. On the flip side, Zach and Jake finally got their XBOX 360 after earning straight A's all year (deal with Big Daddy-my little bragging moment).

I had a little fun with Benny and his buddies this morning while they wrapped up Kindergarten--can't wait to do it again next year!

Hannah, Benjamin & Owen--aren't they cute?

Jake with his little posse. Tough 5th graders now.

29 Again

2008-05-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of my wonderful friends and family who helped make sure I had another great 29th birthday. I had fun with my supersonic pretty kitty girlfriends yesterday without kids at breakfast. Today my mom took the day off and we played all day. We started off at the kids talent show. Britton got down to Neil Diamond on his electric guitar and Jake gave it his all on the piano. Great entertainment. Then we hit breakfast and the grocery store. Very exciting. Next we hit 7-eleven for Slurpees to keep the 3 little boys happy while we enjoyed a pedicure--thanks Kim and Dana! When I got home I found some wonderful chocolate treats from Allie and a cute wooden star her talentness whipped up for me. Thank you Allie, you always make me feel loved!

My dad made a great dinner and baked me a cake and my brother and Michelle came over with 3 of the girls to help celebrate. It was a good day and I look forward to another year of fun!

We obviously wore out baby Al. When we got home tonight he went to potty and the next thing you know--loud snoring is echoing from the bathroom! I love that boy!

Now if it would only warm up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited--I just got a cool new camera for my almost birthday that is waterproof. SO if it would only warm back up I can take some fun pictures of the little animals underwater! Of course the 50 degree temperature drop since last week has not stopped my smart children from swimming. But there is no way I am getting in!

It's almost time!

2008-05-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

I know I am not like lots of my favorite mom friends, because I get so excited for school to be out. But I really can't wait. I love when I get to have all the bratty boys to myself. I love when we don't have to be on such a tight schedule and they don't run out the door every morning to hang out with some other lady.

I like to be in charge. I like to know who they're playing with. I like to know what they're eating. I like to know how they're acting. I like to know who they're talking to.

We usually start out the summer with great intentions of doing lots of fun and exciting things together. Beach trips, movies, friends. It doesn't always end up that way, but hey we try. Summer just flies by too fast. August 18th will be here before you know. And who knows--I might be really happy to kick them out the door by then!

For my loyal fan........

2008-05-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

This post is for you. You know who you are. You crack me up!

Since having my camera stolen while on our cruise adventure, I have had a hard time finding exciting things to share with my family far away and friends here and there. Usually my silly pictures are the inspiration for the blah blah that comes out of my mouth.

(I hope Big Daddy reads this one) I have been shopping for a new one, and have been overwhelmed by the choices out there. I am working on downloading pics from our video camera and will update soon. We have been VERY busy and there is plenty (that probably only my mother-in-law JoMama will care about) that has been going on around here.

Nice Day

2008-05-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day turned out to be a very nice day! We had breakfast with my parents, my brother, his girlfriend, her daughters, her mom and brother. It was nice not to cook or clean up. Then we went to church, and came home to everyone swimming & bbqing in our backyard. It was a beautiful day outside and fun to spend time with our family.

Rob gave me some big ole shiny diamond earrings in a flower design? The boys gave me stuff they made at school, and my sweet Jake wrote this poem I have to share:

MOM

Mom is the best

She likes the color red
Mom doesn't like fish
She likes to lay in bed

Mom cooks

Mom cleans
Mom is busy
Mom isn't very mean

Mom is mean when she's in a bad mood

Mom makes me play piano
Mom makes me do chores
I hate it when she sings soprano

Mom likes chicken
She likes Italian
Mom has 5 children
She wants to ride a stallion

Mom is nice

I love her such
She is so sweet
I love her so much

by JAKE

The poor kid, I could not stop laughing when I read this. I completely lost it when I read I want to ride a stallion. Sweet Innocent boy--TOO FUNNY!

OK....I take it all back

2008-05-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

So I did get a set of handprints already.................................

but I also got a really awesome bracelet and a beautiful tissue paper flower.

I went to Nate's school for a Mother's Day Tea Party. It turned out to be a great lunch and pink lemonade, all with the cutest boy ever (and his girlfriend). It made me eat my words from my earlier post and I had a great time. The kids all sat on their moms lap and their teacher read I Love you Forever. It was wonderful. It made me slightly teary and very grateful I get to be these dirty boys mom. Forever.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!

2008-05-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for Sunday. Mother's Day is always a perfect day. The house always stays clean by my family,my kids never complain or fight, I always get some really cool poem (or like 3 or 4) with a handprint attached. If I'm really lucky I'll get a nice homemade coupon book or a nice list of reasons why they like me (you're a good cooker, etc)or maybe even some flowers from my own garden. The topper one year was a fishing pole?

Don't get me wrong, I love a nice handprint preserved in plaster to cherish forever and I would even like to go fishing sometime. However, I just would like a nice day to rest, relax and be indulged in someway on some deserted island.

Really I just have to gear myself up NOW to handle what will go on. I can't believe I'm so negative, but every year I seem to have a melt down at some point. I think I should just plan to go away every Mother's Day weekend and avoid being a crappy mom. At least Rob usually takes them camping on the father/son campout every year---except this one of course because we have 2 baseball games tonight!

Why can't we just skip Mother's Day? How do all you handle it? What are your plans?

American Elementary Carnival

2008-05-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

After lots of work, phone calls, emails and craziness our school carnival took place on Friday night. I always wonder why I get myself so involved in projects that don't focus on our family or home. But when they are over it is so rewarding to see the happiness on the kids faces that are enjoying my efforts ( and those of a few other great moms!)
Zach on the student body officers WALL of FAME (he's the activities director)

Our theme this year was "Hooray for Hollywood!" I helped by organizing all the games, booths and volunteers. We made around $9000 profit, so that wasn't bad either! My kids had a great time, and I even talked Big Daddy into skipping Coaching Benny's game to come. I'm still amazed about that! He was a great help to me, and stayed until everything was completely cleaned-up.

I enlisted the help of the Farnsworth's to make some new games that our new school could keep to reuse. They were so great and creative to make a PLINKO game, Tic-Tac-Toe and a spinning wheel. I am grateful for great friends like Robert & Amy!

I did have the opportunity to meet some really great parents at our school. My kids have had a hard time loving this new school, but I think it's getting better (for me too!).

A few of my favorite kids, Jared and Hannah all glammed up, and Olivia as cute as ever!

Family

2008-04-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy the last couple weeks. Between lots of baseball games, we were lucky to have Rob's sister Jennifer, her husband Bob and kids Garrett and Kayla come visit from Illinois.

We went to Magic Mountain and had a great time. I haven't had the opportunity to ride roller coasters like that since before kids! We took them to our favorite Mexican resturant Johannafina's in Ventura and stayed the night at Inn on the Beach, my favorite quiet spot. The next day, we went to Universal Studios. I was the only one who had ever been (maybe 15 years ago!) so it was fun and new for everyone!

Alexander was so excited to meet 2 of his very favorites at once--DORA and Curious George!

This is Garrett having a great time playing Kinghts and heros with the little boys. He was a great sport to put up with so many little ones!
Kayla was great with Al and it was nice to have some and help with him!
Thanks Bob & Jen for spending your time, energy and funds to have your vacation with us! WE LOVE YOU!

CAMP!!!

2008-04-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

I am excited about this summer. Awhile ago, I got called to be the Stake Craft lady and then this Sunday I got called to be the Ward Camp lady. I have been wanting to go to camp for years. I have just been a little busy growing or feeding a baby for 11 summers!

I know to many of you think I am crazy to have the desire to go to Big Meadow for a week. But for this mom surrounded by boys everyday it sounds very nice. I have the greatest memories of girls camp. Even during my not so perfect days of being a teenager, I always stopped to enjoy a little Big Meadow! Some fun times were had with Allie, Teanna, Holly, Sharol, Laura, Heather, Emily, Eliza.............! I might have to dig out some old pictures.

I would love to have any great ward camp ideas you have or great craft ideas!

Identity Theft!

2008-04-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of weeks ago I found a business card shoved in my front door from someone on at the DA's office. It said please call for more info. So, I spoke with this lady who said she had a subpenoa for me. She said she know the police have spoken with me a couple of time and she knows I am aware of the situation. What situation??? I ask. She says she has reports that I have spoken with the police on several occasions and that I am aware that I am a victim of identity theft. Great!

I did not know anything about it. The lady acted like she didn't believe me and said she would bring the subpoena the next day. So, last week I went to court. Still not knowing anything, because nobody ever called me back. While waiting in the lobby I sit by to girls about my age and we start talking. It turns out they have been dealing with this since last summer. Apparently, some lady had her house searched, and police found credit cards, checks and id's with many different names. The other girls are dealing with thousands and thousands of dollars of fraud in their names. So, far I haven't found any problems.

I don't know if this lady got in my trash or found something I don't know I lost or what. It is kind of scary. The other girls have watch sirvalence tapes of her using their cards and spending their money. The craziest thing to me is STILL no return phone call from Police or DA's office. I'd like to know who wants to be me?

Happy 11th Birthday Big Boy!

2008-04-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Zach's 11th Birthday! He is a great kid. He is mostly perfect to his little brothers and is becoming quite the babysitter. He likes to do well at everything he does. He has gotten nothing but A's and always impresses me with his school work that seems to come so easy. He is great on the piano and plays at least for a minute every time he walks by it. He loves to ride his wave, long board, pogo stick and bike. He loves video games and candy and chicken fried steak.

Zach is a very funny and extremely sarcastic kid. He loves his mom, but does want me to call him Zachary, big boy , Z-money, Zachy Wacky or any of the fun names we use at home, when we are in public. Especially when cheering at his games. I will continue to work on this. It is challenging for me to do when he strikes someone out or makes a great hit--I just want to yell----GO ZACHY!!! Zach's best friends are his brother Jake, and Jared who lives a few houses down. He has an extreme love-hate relationship with them both. This picture is when Boo-Boo made them 3 Musketeers costumes for Halloween. Zach is great at arguing and debating every point and we've been telling him he's got to be a lawyer since around age 3. He has other plans. He is going to be a MLB player. Then he's going to take care of his mama with a nice little place on the sand.

Supersonic

2008-04-01T21:34:00.001-07:00

So, I have had this song on my blog and no one has said anything. It makes me laugh when I hear it for a couple of reasons: 1. My friend Dana who loves to call me her Supersonic friend and I always try to sing it to her 2. It reminds me of high school riding in my '75 Toyota Corrolla singing that horrible song laughing with my best friends! One day one of our boyfriends got so sick of us singing it for a couple years that he threw it out the window while we were driving.

JJ Fad Bio
Group formed in: 1988 (disbanded in 1992) / Members: M.C.J.B. (Juana Burns) Baby-D (Dania Birks) Sassy C (Michelle Franklin) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A reminder of how fleeting hip-hop glory can be, female L.A. rappers M.C.J.B. , Baby-D and Sassy C formed Just Jammin' Fresh and Def (J.J. Fad) in 1988. They were part of Hurby "Love Bug" Azor's empire alongside Salt 'N Pepa. The female equivalent of Kriss Koss, the trio featured a youthful, heavily pop-oriented brand of rap that was non-threatening. "Supersonic", produced by The Arabian Prince, was a Top 30 pop and R&B hit, and the album went gold, peaking at 49. Soon after it dropped off the charts, they were a memory.

Spring Break

2008-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great Spring Break. We went on a cruise to Mexico with the kids. We had a blast! I loved not cooking or cleaning up after meals and not making beds. The kids loved dinners in the dining room all the kids activities. We really enjoyed the kid activities when we got to drop them for hours at a time for no charge! I got a lot of great sun and people watching in-I read the same chapter in my book I don't know HOW many times! Rob enjoyed not working and what on one thing he does well--eating! The kids we very surprised at how poor and dirty Mexico was. They wanted back on the boat after an hour. Maybe they'll appreciate what they have a little better, for a little while anyway! I like Nate's face in this picture--I think this is when we were talking about the Kindergarten physical he has this week!

I lost my camera on the last day, so I have not fun pics to share except this one!

2008-03-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Day Boo-Boo!!!

Today is my mom's birthday. She is a great mom and the best grandma any kid could ask for. For starters she lets her grandkids call her Boo-Boo. She loves my boys and has them over for days at a time. She never misses ball games or their important events. We love you Boo-Boo!

Springtime Fun

2008-03-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

I had fun on Friday trying to make it to every boy's Easter Party (before St. Patty's Day-too wierd for me!) I got to Ben's as soon as they were finishing and I rushed over to Nate's to see they were finishing too! Oh well-I tried! This is Nathan and his cute girlfriend Hannah who he adores.

Ben is having a great ime playing ball. Alex and Nate are dying to get in on the action. BOY I'm dying for that too. I can't wait for all 5 to be playing at once. It so easy now to make 6 games and 5 practices in one week. What was I thinking?

This was this weeked driving 2 hours to the beach. On the way it was so cold and we saw lots of snow. Within the hour of this pic we were enjoying 70 degree beautiful weather on the beach! Only in California!

The tiny boys giving me a hard time for a picture. We had such a great time for a few days with many great families that my kids enjoy and that we love! So fun!
This game was a big hit and kept the kids playing. Spending time with Big Daddy was also a enjoyed!Big Al enjoying his crunchy SANDwich. Ben , Nate and Al

Springtime!

2008-03-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

We've been very busy around here. Spring has sprung! The allergies are full-blown for the Big Daddy. The science fair projects are finally complete. This year I, I mean Zach, made a lemon battery which we actually got to work! My dad, being the great Popa electrician, helped set it up and explained all the mechanics and I helped to make it all pretty. Jake dissolved sugar in different water temps. I loved that boy for making this one easy. I think I hate the Science Fair! But, I am happy with our 2 A+ we earned!

This is my new daughter Ruby. I have never had a little dog before and she is sure teaching me things. She's cute, but I'm still trying to decide if she's really cute enough to have to hang out with me everywhere I go!!! Does she really have to sleep with me? Leave everytime I go? She even gets up from a dead sleep when I leave the room to follow me. SEE- I knew if I had a daughter She would think I was cool. Too bad she doesn't talk or give any input on what pair of shoes to buy.
It's also baseball season, and although my big boys have never stopped playing and practicing all year, we're really moving now. Benny is happy to be a Dodger and has some fun kids from school on his team and some children of old friends of ours.
Big Coach Rob is of course trying to coach everyone at once. He is coaching Jake's team, Ben's team, and assisting Zach's. Many days this means 2 practices a day, 6 games a week and going back to work when it's all done. What a dad. Lucky boys.
It's also time for Dodger season to get underway and I have some boys that are pretty excited for that!

My funny little boys! They love to make crazy hair in the bath tub, and crazy messes everywhere else!

The Family Bed

2008-02-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

I LLLOOOOOVVVEEEEEE my kids, but I keep asking myself--How long do I want them in my bed? It seems like no matter how nicley everyone goes to sleep in their own beds, someone always ends up in our bed. Now if the kids weren't enough, I have my sweet new daughter who loves to share my breath and my pillow and goes from under the covers to on top over and over again! I'd like to think it is because they think we are so cool and make them feel safe, but I really think it is because my bed is much more comfortable than theirs.

Have you really laid in your kids beds lately? I got in Jake's and that drove us to get him a new mattress for Christmas. He seems better. I did everything I could to try to make Alexander's bed as comfortable as ours. I put on a feather bed, soft flannel sheets, lots of pillows and still the boy makes it to our bed between midnight and 2 every night. I try to conveince myself that it is just a phase like everything else, but the dark circles under my eyes don't say the same. I am just the kind of girl that needs her 10 hours a night!

I guess I need to get mean. If I wasn't so lazy I could keep putting him back in his own bed, but instead I often just go get in his. I'll probably get sad one day when there is nobody who wants to crawl in my bed, but for know I am literally tired of it!

Happy Birthday to the King!!!

2008-02-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

Wow 37 ! I can't believe it. Happy Birthday Big Boy. I love you very much!

New Month, New Outlook

2008-02-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

I have been working everyday to change my outlook on life. I am grateful it is a new month, and as I see it, a new chance to change. I want to be grateful everyday for all of the great things that I have and not dwell on all the things I wish I had. If I want a hot bod, I need to be grateful for that treadmill I just had to have and work it! If I want nice kids with nice mouths, then I need to set the example and always talk nice to them, in front of them, and about them. If I want a nice dinner, I need to get up and make it with my vast knowledge of food network recipies. If I want great friends, I know I need to be a better friend. If I want a nice clean car, I need to make sure the rugrats clear out their trash and don't leave me with mystery smells. I could go on and on--I feel a little better now. Besides, when I look at this cute face how could I not feel grateful???

Christmas--Is it over yet????????

2007-12-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am sad that I am just not truly enjoying Christmas this year. It is just too much with all the hustle and bustle I am struggling to find the joy in the holiday. Now that I have baked, given, shipped and bought, and not wrapped a single thing, I am just wishing it was Wednesday already. I know it will be a great day.