3Grubs and a Blossom

Bali -- a skirt and sleeping with Chester

2012-02-01T21:56:00.001-06:00

Bali got this adorable dress last year for her birthday, however she's grown so much it was getting short : (

Not to mention she loved it so much it got a few stains on the top... so I cut the top part off and made it into a skirt. She loves her new skirt, and thinks it goes perfect with her Hello Kitty shirt because they are pink!

She also had a marker attack her face..

Here are some adorable pictures I took the other day of Bali and Chester during nap time. Yep they are still buddies, and one of Chester's favorite places to sleep is on one of the kids beds (even the top bunks)!

I thought it was cute how they were sound asleep in the same curled up postion, facing the same way.

Just adorable.

Grub 1 Sang in Church Last Night

2012-01-23T08:47:00.001-06:00

My oldest sweet boy, learned the song "Love in Any Language" about 1 1/2 years ago. It was one of his favorites for me to sing to him at night. He was determined to learn it so that he could sing it at church. Last night he got to sing during one of our evening services for the offertory music. He was so happy and did a great job. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYd7Sgu0gS4

Bali's new Bed Set

2011-12-31T14:41:00.001-06:00

This summer I was able to find a really good deal on an adorable bedding set for Bali.

It had a fitted sheet, flat sheet, comforter, 3 pillow shams, and a bed skirt, and 2 pillow cases.

I put the bedding on her bed the other day (as she got it for Christmas)

and today Terry helped me put the bedskirt on. We attached it to the bottom of Grub 3's bed so that it would hang more like a canopy.. She thinks it's awesome and so does cousin Shianne.

Bali's Baby Doll Diaper Bag

2011-12-26T11:04:00.002-06:00

For Christmas I made Bali a diaper bag for her baby dolls. On one of the blogs I follow they had posted this tutortial: http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/03/guest-blogger-christina-from-2-little.html

So I changed a few things ( I chose to use printed cotton material instead of fleece) and Bali's diaper bag began. Here are some pictures.

1st. I made her 2 diapers in each size. To make them I used the cotton and put a white simple thinner fleece in between for padding. She has been asking for diapers for her babies for a long time.

Next I made a blanket/quilt. One side is the material, and the other side a soft fleece.

Then using the tutorial as a guide I made her a wipes case and wipes. Only I used the cotton again, and put a thick interfacing in between to help hold shape. Bali was thrilled to have wipes for her babies..

Of course every baby doll needs a bib

and her is Bali moddling her bag for me. Only when this was taken she thought I was taking pictures for FaceBook to show another mommy the bag I had made for her little girl. She didn't know she was the special little girl I'd made the whole bag filled with goodies for.

I made the bag with a front pocket and a flap over that velcro's. It's just her size.

Inside loaded up and ready to go.

Saturday night she stuffed it with her baby doll sling, changes of clothes, bottles and food for her baby. So she would be packed and ready to go for church the next morning. She's such a good little mommy.

I love that all her pieces match. This is some material I found that my mom had bought at some point, and knew that I had to make my kitty loving Bali something. I still have a little extra material so I might make some more diapers for her or a bigger blanket for her bigger babies. I don't know yet....

2011-12-21T13:06:00.001-06:00

Because I'm out of printer ink and my printer is acting up. I am going to post below my Christmas Letter I was planning to send out. Enjoy!

Dear Family & Friends,

It has been awhile since we sent out Christmas cards and letters, and I will tell you our life has truly been busy. I will try to give an overview of what has been going on the past few years. I’m sure I will miss things as I am only human, but I will give it my best shot.

I think most of you know that just over two years ago, my mother very suddenly passed away. It has been a learning process for me as I learned how to home school the kids totally on my own. I learned what she always said I could do was true. I am able to teach them to read (I seriously had my doubts). At that time we seemed to have about a year of whirlwind events come and hang around, car accidents, family in and out of hospitals, every day trials, home repairs, car repairs. But that is all part of life I suppose, and God has brought us through each one safely and stronger in Faith in Him alone.

I guess I’ll start with our kiddos, wow they are growing way to fast, and finally last year we got bunk beds. I have always been leery of this as Anthony sleep walks though he has gotten better. Most morning I only find 2 of them in the proper bed. All the kids voted yes on sharing 1 room, and hence leading to how do you put 4 beds in a small room.. YOU DON’T.. as hard as I tried it just didn’t work unless we went up. Thankfully Valarie had already moved to a toddler bed and so the big bed was an easy switch. The other room you ask, has become the school room… and it’s get much use. We have found school time is easier and mommy doesn’t get as distracted with dirty dishes and such needing done. I also learned to turn my phone off.

So speaking of school, what are we doing there. Anthony is in 4th grade, Alex is 2nd , Avery 1st and Valarie is in pre-K. We do a lot of reading, and we even combine some of our subjects into all 3 grades. We are taking what is called a Charlotte Mason approach to our schooling. I wish school had been like this for me. Probably a favorite of everyone is History and Science, and most days school is done shortly after noon. The boys stay very active and all of them love riding their bikes around the yard, making obstacle course out of the swing sets and climbing trees. All of our kiddo’s are showing a love for books, if not reading then listening to books on tape and this brings joy to both of us as Terry and I both love to read.

All of the boys think and feel very deeply and can carry on some very intelligent conversations. I love that they are listening when we talk about following what God would have them to do and to tell satan to leave. We believe learning to do what is right in the sight of God at this young age is so important, because it never gets easier to just walk away from temptations.

Anthony is 9 now and getting very tall. He is to my shoulders, and thinks it’s funny that his feet are the same size as mommy’s. I’m not really sure when this happened because honestly it seems he was just a little thing the other day. He isn’t shy in the least and he LOVES to sing. One of his favorite places to sing is in the store, his reason is because everyone needs to hear the messages in hymns and praise songs instead of what is usually being played. He has blessed many walking through the store just singing his heart out. He has gotten to do some acting the past few years too. A play at church, 2 with Kilgore College (he even had a solo part this past year) and few with our local children theatre group. His latest thrill was to be part of a children’s fall Choir called Bravo with ArtsView. He also has a huge heart and loves people, he loves to help. I can see how he is so much like his daddy, he never looks at a person as many the world does, but he sees everyone as a person that God loves, he doesn’t treat anyone differently no matter how the look. He’s great with his little sister and spoils her rotten, and she is becoming his little singing side kick. He likes listening to books on tape or in our case LibriVox. I’m so thankful he likes the books that are no longer in print and not just the newer ones (as many we won’t allow in our home). He is truly learning to appreciate a good story. If there was one thing I wish I could give him it would be voice lessons, and he keeps asking for a drum or guitar lessons too. However I’m not sure where we would ever put a drum set.
Alex is 7, he is our animal lover. He can spend all day looking for frogs and other creatures. He is our observer when it comes to nature. He is also our more reserved child. He isn’t nearly as daring as his brothers and prefers to keep his feet more close to the ground which is most fine with this mommy. He is very artistic and loves drawing (he can never have to many notebooks). His favorite person in the world is cousin Shianne, I think it’s cute how they both seem to take after the same side of the family and actually look alike. The two are often inseparable. He loves building train tracks and building cities. He is very attached to my frog that Terry gave me years ago. He can be so shy, but then when he knows you he loves with his whole heart. He enjoys being in the kitchen with me and wants to know how to make runny eggs. He is probably my best at cleaning, but can also make some of the biggest messes, much like any 7 year old boy. He too loves reading, and listening to just about any book on tape. Alex is my babysitter, he is awesome at taking care of little ones when outside playing and helping. He is the practical thinker of all the kids. Currently he wants to take Art lessons, but he doesn’t want to go alone, and that’s fine with me. Anyone know of some good drawing videos?

Avery our bouncy 6 year old. Rightly nicknamed George. He can sit for hours figuring something out if he wants to, and when I don’t know he’s watching he figures out how to run things like my camera, computer and cell phone. He watches me sew and tries hard to figure that one out, but momma doesn’t let him touch it much. He loves climbing and this past year just decided he was going to learn to ride a 2 wheel bike. Never asked for help, just did it on his own. He can be very determined when he wants to be. He can also be one of my biggest snugglers. Avery scares me when he climbs but he seems to be very sure footed and not at all afraid of heights. He has a grin that tells you when he’s up to mischief or gets that look in his eye when he has figure out how something works. The biggest thing with him is if he gets it in his mind to figure out something works, don’t be surprised if he takes it apart. But he was also my puzzle solver at an early age. His favorite thing at 3 was sitting in my lap doing jigsaw puzzles on the computer. We have learned to never under estimate what is going on his head. He’s the kid who says I can’t do this in math, then turns around and answers his brothers math problem I’ve been explaining.

Valarie, our baby girl, or as she will tell you she’s mommy’s Baby doll. She is a little mother, and yet tries so hard to do everything her brothers do. She is 3 and growing way to fast. She loves being in the middle, and being my shadow. She thinks playing with her girl cousins is great and loves playing at Aunt Ruthies. I’m still holding out that some day she will enjoy wearing bows and letting me fix her hair, but for now she’s to busy playing to waste time on curls. Though she has times when she needs her back out of her face, but it better only take a few minutes. She has lots of baby dolls and has somehow convinced her bubbas to play house almost anytime she wants. She takes her 1 - 3 babies to town anytime we leave and her favorite (and don’t ever get found without it) is her 25 cent horse from a yard sale. She sleeps, plays and totes the thing everywhere almost. She also takes care of all our cats and absolutely loved slinging the kittens we had this year in her baby doll carrier. She loves to sing just like Anthony, and is always asking him to teach her a new song, which he is glad to do most times. Right now her favorite is Jesus Loves the little Children. She also seems to like “draw” like Alex, and loves watching her leapfrog ABC video’s for school. She’s learning how to spell her name with magnets and tries to trace it. She is learning to count, and has shapes and colors down very well. However when she started learning colors last year she called red- Anthony, blue- Alex, green-Avery, yellow- Audreyanna (one of my sweeties,I used to babysit her and her brother) and pink and purple - were Me. I guess that’s what happens when everything is color coded in the house, and she knew which colors belonged to who and so colors were someones name to her not a color. It was rather cute.

I don’t know that mine or Terry’s lives are all that exciting. We take care of the home and kids. I teach while Terry is at work. I must say God has been doing a lot in both of our lives, molding and changing and teaching us. Being parents really opens your eyes to many things, and it’s defiantly not always easy, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Terry did give up being able to get a newer truck when our suburban was in an accident and we replaced it with a 9 passenger one. The kids love that it has a dvd player in it, and it’s nice on longer trips. We love having a CD and tape player also. It has 3 bench seats in it and room for the groceries in the back. (That’s not easy to find these days). Terry and I have celebrated 10 years now together, and it seems so much longer, but that’s probably since we’ve known each other for so long. I think it’s funny that we have known each other over ½ our lives now. Terry often helps with most of the driving as my nerves just don’t do so wonderful in traffic, so grocery shopping and errands are more of a family outing than they used to be, and I actually get reading time in while riding in the car. The kids have learned when mommy is reading I often don’t hear anything going on around me.

We have been learning more about using essential oils in our everyday lives. We’ve been using them for years, but this past year I went to a meeting with DoTERRA oils, and have learned so much more than I ever knew. Terry and Anthony even came to a few of the oil meetings with me. We have all feel in love with the DoTERRA oils. Yes, there really is a difference in how an oil is processed and everything ( I honestly didn’t know that) We have several favorites and we are looking forward to learning more. Even the kids love using them, and ask for them. Over the past few years I have had some medical issues that we have tried hard to deal with. Nothing majorly life threatening, however my stress levels have been haywire to say the least. I’ve been a few medications and never really happy about it. Right now I’m off medications and only using my oils to treat my nerves and I’m feeling like my old self again. We have noticed Mommy sings and laughs again more. I think our favorites are 2 blends called Breathe and OnGuard. One is awesome for knocking congestion out of you and opening the lungs, the other kills every germ imaginable and we have been making a hand sanitizer with it. Of course that it smells like cloves is just an added bonus to us.

We also have made some new friends with joining a few home school groups in the area. A highlight of the week is going to park, though we don’t go every week. The other mothers I have met have truly been a blessing to me, wonderful encouragers and some very strong Christian ladies whom I can share with. I have tried to recently start blogging again (I have 2), and both of us of course have face book accounts.

I got a special gift of a sewing machine last year for Christmas and have really been enjoying sewing a lot. Right now I am sewing purses and bags to sell. This I find very fun and relaxing, and right now have a FB account set up for anyone who wants to buy any. Terry is working with McDonald’s and travels doing shake machine mataince to 13 stores every 2 weeks. I have given up on knowing exactly where he is each day, but pretty much have his schedule memorized. He gets to spend the 2nd part of his day on the roof and all the kids think that is just really cool. They also love when they get to go surprise daddy on his lunch break.

I think that pretty much sums up what we have been up to. If you want to really keep up with us, just find us on FB (Rhoda’s has more pictures on it), or follow our blog. We hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed year in 2012 (WOW!). And as each of our boys our grubs as we call them reminded us don’t forget the real reason for Christmas, to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They all said they have to sing Happy Birthday and make a cake. A memory I hope each of them will hold in their hearts always.

Merry Christmas,
Terry, Rhoda, Anthony, Alex, Avery, Valarie
and our many cats.

Here is our blogs and FB pages:
http://healingforlifewithoils.blogspot.com/
http://3grubsandablossom.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bags-4-Everything/215814908490843
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Healing-For-Life-doTERRA-Essential-Oils/248254488556516

FB pages: Terry Cerliano
Rhoda Burk Cerliano

my 1st blanket every for Grub 2

2011-12-20T00:37:00.000-06:00

So about 1 1/2 years ago ( I know that's really bad) the grubs and I were walking through Wal-Mart.

Grub 2 found this pre-quilted Thomas the Train material and wanted it. Of course I said we would have to wait. So wait he did, and he kept his eye on it. Then one day all our stores decided to get rid of them fabric departments and put a lot of material on sale. This was one of the things on sale, so I got what was left on the bolt.

Grub 2 was overjoyed, and he has patiently watched his material sit in the to do pile for about a year. Asking occasionally, Mommy can you make me a blanket, a pillow anything. Just don't forget about my material. So I finally figured it all out and made him a blanket for his bed. He watched me sew it, and he told me, If it doesn't come out like you want, whatever it is you are making, can you just let me have it to sleep with?

So after calling my sister in NC and talking about binding, and looking up some you tube tutorials. I figured it out, and wonder why I've been so afraid of binding. Feel kinda silly now. But here it is finished and ready to be discovered for Christmas.

The Front Side

Up Close of Binding

The back side, not perfect, but not bad for a first I think

Binding on the pieces together.

Up close of the print

And with the left over I made some pillow cases for his bed.

This one is a bit bigger, for his bigger pillow, and I used some old blue jeans in my scrap pile to give it a different look than the other one.

Family Fun

2011-12-08T22:12:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we took the kiddo's to town. Friday Night down on the Square they were having a snow slide, train rides, horse carriage rides, and local groups preforming.

We went to show support for the Arts View Group who was doing Christmas songs.

The kids were cute and we all had fun.

We only did a few things,drank HOT chocolate, talked Daddy into going on the train, said "Hi" to Uncle Maxey & Aunt Kathy, and some went down the snow slide.

Do to the fact mommy's knee(s) have been hurting a lot lately.. I opted not to cram into the little train, and be the designated picture taker instead.

However I think Daddy had fun and didn't mind at all being a kid.

On the way back to the car, we had to cross the railroad tracks and to the enjoyment of all the kids there was a LONG train crossing. We opted to stop before we were directly next to the track to allow the kid to watch. I wouldn't doubt if this was one of the biggest highlights of the whole evening.

I'll try to get a video posted later of Grub 1,3, Bali and Daddy coming down the slide.

Grub 2 helping while I sew

2011-11-23T15:57:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I'm working on Grub 2's blanket for his bed finally... Really having material for about 2 years before it gets sewed really isn't a good thing... However I am getting it done, and It's coming out nicely so far.. Last night while sewing he climbs up beside me and lays on his material while watching me sew.. Kinda funny... He doesn't know it's a blanket yet, and keeps asking "If it doesn't come out right can you just let it be a blanket for me....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w42LgWePeEI

Grub 1 and Bali singing

2011-11-22T07:42:00.001-06:00

I can't seem to post video's so I'm going to try this... hopefully it works. Here is one of Grub 1 and Bali singing Jesus Love Me. Kinda cute. Bali has really been enjoying singing with her big brother lately and loves hand motions with songs. It's very fun to watch Grub 1 with his little sister. I'm so thankful that all my grubs watch out for their little sister.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aPKFFq3Rnw

Bravo Players and Fun

2011-11-21T13:47:00.001-06:00

Grub 1 has been enjoying the time this fall being part of ArtsView Children Theatre.

Bravo Players Traveling Show Choir.

Here is a picture from one of their last performances. We made them hold the stance for a few minutes so all us mommy's could get pictures. All of these children are ages 9 -12 and they did an awesome job.

4 of them were homeschoolers!!!

One of the events they sang at was a carnival done at a retirement home for Safety Watch.

The kids all had fun and Bali got to try her hand at golf. It was adorable watching her try to do all the things her big brothers did. Grub 2 tried golf and almost hit someone because he was using a right handed putter and he's left handed.

The biggest hit of that night, was the milking cow. All 3 of the younger ones thought this was the greatest thing, and really would love to have their own "cow" to practice milking on.

Flower Disection

2011-10-30T18:07:00.000-05:00

We are studing BOTANY this year. And so far my little grubs are totally loving it.
In fact I've learned more about plants than I remember learning. (don't tell my teachers okay)

Last week we went shopping and bought what I could find as the cheapest flowers at Wal-Mart.
This happened to be 6 roses. Here we are looking at them. Nothing fancy, perfect for taking apart.

We began by removing the Sepals and then the petals. The petals were a bit difficult to keep in one piece.
However it was so amazing to look at the tiny little dots of nectar on the flowers as we got towards the middle. Grub 2 flower seemed to have the most. We all had to look in the magnify glass of course at each step.

We glued or taped the pieces down on paper and labeled each part. Some more neatly than others.
But the point was to learn and have fun, not be neat at this point.

Here is a look at Grub 3's paper.

Grub 1 took the job a bit more serious and wanted his layout more neat.

Fun Pics from Nature Walk

2011-10-07T09:22:00.003-05:00

After our long hike through the woods, we walked down into this valley sort of place.

I love this picture of my handsome man with our kiddo's. Bali thought being on Daddy's shoulders was fun.

Bali finally just sat down in the grass, loved this look she gave Grub 1 just as he was gonna pounce.

All my sweet grubs and one little blossom Bali. They are growing way to fast.

Botherly/Sisterly love. Bali loves her big brothers, and I must say I think the grubs spoil her just a tad bit.

Wow, a picture of me... Yep Me and Bali.

Here is where Bali ended up, happy as can be. Wrapped nice and snug on my back in the moby. I love this carrier. I can still use it and it doesn't bother my shoulder nearly as much as my regular sling. And even though she's 3. I love wearing her. Bali often holds her arms up and goes Moby me.

We then drove by the lake park, and to our surprise found this critter sitting on a log.

Nature Walk in the Woods

2011-10-05T15:05:00.003-05:00

So this past Sunday afternoon, since the weather was nice we went for a walk. We had this pamphlet about a "Woodsy" Nature Trail in our area. SOOOO we went for it. Took a backpack with our nature supplies, some water and tennis shoes.

The trail started out nice and easy... with no obstacles.

We found some purple berries everywhere. Later found out the name was American Beauty Berry.... I kept thinking bet these would make a pretty dye for an outfit... but had nothing to put any in..

Must go back for some.

We found stuff growing on trees... We think this was Lichens

And soon found many obstacles. Including a barbed wire fence you had to cross.. yep said "fence crossing" on the map...

The trail got a bit more interesting as we found lots and lots of bones.

Even some winged plants.

We found some sort of something. And had to cut it open..

thankfully someone remembered a pocket knife : )

Grub 2 pulled out the handy dandy Nature Book. So he could figure out the best places to look for a Wood Frog.. but he never did find one.

At the end of trail we got to see a cabin. I must say we were a tad disappointed in the "cabin"

On the way back we found a spot were Fairies like sleep, but no fairies were there..

And one sweet Bali had to be carried as she was all tuckered out from such a long hike in the woods.

At the end we went into the valley part and were stunned see a real live BIGFOOT.... and if you look there's even a little Big Foot too...

of course all the Grubs thought it was way cool..

Grub 1 does Music Machine 2010

2011-09-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

In August last year Grub 1 got the opportunity to be in a production called. Music Machine. It's held at the local Kilgore College campus for 1 week. The kids did a few crafts that went along with the theme. And they learned new hymns and did the short play "Arkiology". He got to play a wolf. It was so fun watching all the talent. Here is a few of the songs and pictures I took.

Fav. picsfrom the past.

2011-09-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

I look at pictures like this of my Bali...
and wonder where did all the time go?

Any IDEAS!

Anyways, this has always been one of my favorite outfits on her.
Acutally she just looks good in red, as well as many other colors..

AND
here is one of my all time favorite pictures
Grub 1 holding his Bali while "playing" guitar and singing to her.

What little girl wouldn't be spoilt with such a wonderful big brother.

This thing doesn't/didn't run so the boys would just push
it around the yard. One VERY muddy day, they went mudding...
It was rather a commical event to watch.

Daddy and Grub 3, just sitting watching the Yamboree parade.

Blogging again

2011-09-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, So I haven't blogged in a long time, and well... there really isn't a majorly great excuse.

Honestly I've just been getting my feet back under me. It seems I have lost 2 years somewhere. Many things have happened and I do remember them, however time just seemed to past me by in many ways. But I am slowly come back to the surface and learning to swim again. It's like I'm finally breaking through the water and being able to take a breath.

I have started sewing agian and enjoying it. I'm learning to love teaching my grubs with a new passion, and feeling like my oldself. Something I've not felt in several years.

Recently I have totally taken myself off all medications for my thyroid and hormones and have gone with treating 100% with Essitianal Oils. I am sleeping better, my brain is not so cloudy, I have more energy, my hair has stopped falling out and so much more. My grubs say I am a better mommy : )

So I will be getting back at the slow, but will most likely add in some pics from the past few years along with things we are doing from day to day that is just to fun not to share.

Welcome back to my "Never a Dull Moment" Life..

Blessings in My Life...

2009-12-10T22:45:00.002-06:00

At church we are putting up a Blessing tree, you write a blessing down and role it up and tie it to the tree.. Well, I thought I'd share a few of the things I feel blessed about, even in the rough waters our family has swam this year.

1. My husband loves me
2. My children are healthy
3. Just a few weeks ago Avery and Alex both asked Jesus into their hearts.
4. I'm getting the hang of school :)
5. God has given me wonderful friends to lean on in joy and sorrow.
6. I have 3 wonderful big sister's who I love greater than they know
7. I have the most awesome Dad in the world
8. Even though I miss mommy beyond words, I know without a doubt I will see her
again, and I am glad she isn't hurting anymore.
9. I have a roof over my head, and car that works
10. I get to spend everyday with my children
11. My grubs love listening to Tony Evans each morning.
12. Cassandra is going to church again, and her little A loves cubbies and sunday
school.
13. I can pay the most important bills somehow
14. I know I am blessed, and that God is watching out for me always
15. Rachel, LaRue, Joel, Karen, baby, Ester, and Matthew are okay.
16. I know miracles still happen everyday, we just have to keep our eyes open to see.

I know I can have so many more.. but here are just a few I wanted to share. Hopefully soon I will get some updated Grub and Blossom pictures up : )

Monkeys... in my tree...

2009-10-07T00:32:00.002-05:00

Most of these are pretty self-explanatory..... my boys working together and climbing trees.... This was Anthony's idea to see if they could get the limb lower... the did succeed.

Then they had the idea of all getting in the tree on the limb (mommy is praying we don't break any limbs!) and started bouncing as they were riding horses..... oh the imagination they have..

Here is Avery's first time in the tree.. thankfully he stayed close to the bottom, but he was so proud he had to have his picture taken.

And one morning.. while making breakfast I here Mommy, Mommy, Mommy... I knew they were outside (watering the cats)... ummmm nope Alex had climbed the tree.. this was his first time to do so.. and he didn't stay close to the bottom.. and he's in pj's and barefooted.. ahhh.. the joys of being a kid and not minding that a cedar tree is rather itchy...

Here's a close up of my proud guy... he thought it was great view.. and acutally spent most of his day in the tree... of course he did come down eat breakfast.. make his bed, and change clothes.. and put on shoes ( at mommy's request)

Discovery Science In Tyler

2009-09-24T01:13:00.000-05:00

After our rainy weekend camping... We were supposed to get to go to a Water Park..
However we got rained out... So we treated the boys to an afternoon at the Discovery Science Museum in Tyler..
They Loved IT~~~~

This is a pizza parlor set up.. They had a blast cooking and flipping the pizza

Anthony found a room full of fascinating light things to look at.. Here he is checking out the eye.. He was so amazed.

Up in the giant boat.. Daddy and Avery played around with magnets... Both totally fascianated.

The favorite part was dressing up in real clothes.. Avery is pretending to be a pilot here.. Aint he cute!!!

Weekend Camping KOA Trip

2009-09-24T00:17:00.000-05:00

Early this month we took a weekend and drove about an hour away to a wonderful KOA campground. It was so nice and peaceful. And inspite of the fact that it rained and drizzeled almost the whole weekend. We had plenty of fun. Grub 1 loved fishing, and is really good at casting. Grub 3 needs a bit more practice. But they both had a blast sitting on the banks and fishing..

Even our sweet little blossom tried her hand at it.. thankful by this time there was no hooks on the pole : )
otherwise she would've caught a grub!

Hand in hand my little grubs ran to the playground during a short dry recess of rain..... They were never out of our sight as the playground was very nearby.
With a fort, tire swing and mini kabin, what else do you need?

Grub 2 tried his best to oversee that Daddy did all the cooking correctly on the firepit. The rain however was driving all the ants out
The smell of food had them near the firepit and we all got a little bit.. Thank goodness mommy had special salves!

One of my favorite Outfits

2009-09-23T00:14:00.000-05:00

Okay. Grammy bought this for Val when I was still expecting.. It's Gymboree size 3-6 months.. She wore it last year, and it still fit her this year.. and the shoes just finally fit.. I had to take her picture as she is finally outgrowing. My little girl has grown a lot this past month.. jumped from a size 2 to size 4 shoe !!!!!!

Don't you love the shoes.. they are too small now.. Val loves shoes.. she goes around trying on shoes all the time.. funny thing is she doesn't always keep her on as she loved taking them on and off.. Funny funny girl

I found the hat one day out shopping with mom.. I thought it went well with the outfit.. Isn't she adorable.....

Grub 1 in the tree

2009-09-22T23:23:00.000-05:00

It's been a about a month now, but one morning while doing dishes. I here Mommy, come quick I need you.. I go outside
"Why do you need me?" I yell, still not seeing him from the door.. Alex says "Mommy, Anthony needs you to take his picture"... OHHHHH!!
So off I go get the camera to take a picture of my sweet oldest grub way up in the tree.. I wish they'ed wear tennie shoes for this.

after the picture is taken He climbs down runs across the yard.. and up another tree.. Where I get Mommy, take my picture in this tree..
What a funny thing.. but it was a change of pace around here... Slowly my Anthony is starting to be himself again.

Little Mommy

2009-08-31T14:29:00.000-05:00

My little blossom is really enjoying her dolls. She often has one and she will find anything to wrap it up in. If she doesn't have her blankets, she will use a wash rag, or hand towl and the other day she even used one of her bubba's shirts they'd left on the floor.

However she is smart. And she knows mommy can always use her hands and hold her still. So she kept trying to figure it out the other day.. So I took her blanket tied it around her and instant sling.. She was very happy.. Unitl about 30 mins later when she relized she needed help to take it off...

July Hot Air Balloon Racing

2009-08-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

Every year now since the year Alex was born. We get up at a unheard of time and pile sleepy kids into the car.
Mom and I used to do this, and one year Daddy got to go. And Jori & Jordan have joined too.

We find the location(s) of where they are going up. And watch them fill with air and wave goodbye to the happy pilots floating throughout the sky.

Up and down the travel along the roads of Longview.. Where the are going noone really knows... Which makes it so much more fun trying to guess where will we end up?

People come from all over to just get the chance fly in are yearly race.

But be carefull, you never know who might be watching you with their big gigantic eyes.....
Here is the Purple People Eater. Anthony go to help put it away once it landed in front of our local Target right on the side of the road.

Our Life Upside Down and Learning how to put it Right Side UP

2009-07-25T23:38:00.001-05:00

I haven't blogged in a long time. There are few reasons.

1) I haven't been ready. It just seemed pointless
2.) I've been very very busy.

On May 9. I woke up to a phone call Cassandra was in labor and I was headed to the hospital. Of course I was very happy. Baby Lathan was coming into this world. It was only a few hours in the day before Terry called. He had all the kids as my mom wasn't feeling well. A few hours later he calls again, this time to tell me my mom was being taken to the hospital by ambulance. If anyone knew my mom you know this means THINGS WERE BAD.
Here I was on the 2nd floor, my mom down in the ER. I knew she would tell me to stay put, that there wasn't anything I could down there and that Cass needed me. I prayed so hard that day, for mom, for me, for Cass, for Terry, for Dad, for everyone... FOR A MIRACLE
Early evening/late afternoon baby Lathan came into this world, he was perfect, a cute little bundle of joy. I got things together there, and went as quickly to the ER as my legs and elevator could. There I learned my mom was to be taken to the ICU. I saw her on this bed, tubes going everywhere and I felt like a little bitty girl all alone. Lost because my mom was dying and I knew it. I wasn't ready. I wanted to scream. I was afraid, my heart hurt, my lungs felt tight. I didn't understand. I prayed again. I called my friend and told her I needed her to please drive me home. I went to ICU and saw my mommy. I talked to her, and she knew who I was. She signed to me to help her clear her throat. I cried. I went back downstairs to the 2nd floor and there I sat in the hall curled up in a ball and let my tears of pure anquish come out. I cried for what felt an hour or more, Several people stopped, others walked by. I didn't care. My life had just turned totally upside down. I went home and sleept only a few hours before the call came to come back quickly. We left. The day was blurry, I cried, I clung to those I loved. I screamed, I wanted to hit, run and yell. It wasn't fair. WHY MY MOMMY????????????
Late that afternoon, my mommy went to Heaven and all that was left was all of us, just like that. Nothing mattered, she was gone out of my life forever. How was I to tell my precious babies that their grammy was gone and that she would never come back. HOW????
So you see my life the past few months have been a day of questions after another. Everywhere I turn and look I see my mom. I am always saying somthing she taught me. She was my mom, but she was also my best friend. We did everything together. She help me teach my children. She was the one who listened to my flustrations. She was the Glue in our family and she was suddenly without warning ripped from our grasp. I have tried so hard to understand, but I don't. I hurt. I keep asking why is the meaning to anything?
I look to my kids and Anthony doesn't sleep, he curls up most nights on his grammy's pillow (we have been staying with my dad) and he stares at her picture. He doesn't totally understand I know he is lonely. The shared birthday's and a special deep bond. Alex is scarred to be left anywhere. He is afraid something else will happen. Avery my sweet baby thankfully doesn't understand except that grammy went away and we can't go see her even to visit. Baby Valarie, how it pains me. She started taking a few steps just a few months ago and is practically running after her bubba's. My mom never saw that. She repeats almost everything you tell her, and she is so smart. And when she smiles at you she looks just like my mom, her eyes, her smile, her little face, and I cry because mom can't see how much my only baby girl looks like her.
I've taken over different roles now. I help my dad with budgets, phone calls. I'm trying to figure out how to be teacher my boys. How to be a wife and mom when I feel as if 1/2 of me is gone. I'm learning how to put things back Right Side Up. I take each day as it comes. Good, bad or indifferent.
I fight with those around me, I laugh with them, I cry with them. I want to run, I want to stay. I want to turn back time and change everything.

I am learning to survive.......
I am learning to live when I don't want to.....
I am learnng to lean on others.....
I am learning how to laugh and smile and not feel quilty....

I AM LEARNING....

Mommy 4-8-1948 to 5-10-2009
My mom recieved the most precious gift on mother's day to see the face of her Saviour our Lord Jesus Christ. I am happy for her, I am sad for me and for those her still on earth who are missing her so desperatly and feel her abbsence so greatly in our lives. Lord be with us still as we grieve.

HOPPY FROGS>>>>

2009-05-07T00:28:00.000-05:00

Last week Alex and Avery went frog hunting... and on day one they found these two cute hoppy guys.

The second day Alex had to go to school.. so Avery looked by himself.. and wow was I shocked when he came home with the same frog he had the day before.. Now you would think a frog would learn it's lesson after being carried around all day by little grubby hands.. but hey when you get to invited to eat lunch at the table.. Maybe not..

A few days later Avery and Alex go around looking again.. and again to my amazement Avery has the same frog.. I'm not just saying this.. This one frog had a certain chirp.. no it didn't croak it chirped... and it only did/does it when Avery is holding him.... Very Very Cute... Here Avery let the frog kiss him.

One night after coming home from awana.. Avery and Alex found frogs on the way into the house.. We told them to tell them goodnight.. and they decied the frogs needed to kiss each other good night too before heading off to bed.. Now don't you all wish you had such Hoppy Frogs around your house...

Cheerios Princess

2009-05-07T00:18:00.000-05:00

Valarie absolutly loves cheerios and here she is with her fist full of fruity one.. It doesn't matter the flavor she loves them all....

Friday at the Park

2009-04-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Avery is learning to ride his bike.. and since he thinks it's to hard to pedal he sat on the luggage rack, put one foot on the training wheels and the other foot pushed him along. around around and around the park.. You would think this would be tiring.. but I guess it's not.

Here is Alex yelling for Avery in one of those things.. you yell in one and there is another one somewhere else on the playground.. It's actually a pretty cool thing.
He was taking a break at the moment from riding his bike in circles.

Valarie. sweet little girl she is. Sat quietly on a blanket. She found the tope to her baby food and tried so hard to get it to go in her hair.. She spent almost 1/2 hours on just this.. Tasted a gumball and had fun laughing at her brothers and playing with Buster who stayed very close by.

Anthony wore himself out. He must riden his bike a couple of miles in circles. Through the grass and over and over. He made a lot of stops at the water fountain too.. He rode for a good 1 1/2 very hard.

Needless to say, with a day starting out at the Track meet with Dusty and Aunt Jennifer.. and then going home.. then playing at the park till late.. All the boys were very much ready for bed when they got home.. Actually a few of them fell asleep before home..

Monday Morning Chaos

2009-04-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

Below is a few picture of what my home currently looked like Monday morning.. WHY??? Anthony's room is in the living room and everything is getting put anywhere... So by Saturday this will all be clean and finished.. Anyone want to help???

Here we have the living room.. At least that is what I heard it was.. Not so sure right now about that at all..

Here is the kitchen/dining area.. and I was told there is a table under there.. SOMEWHERE>>.

and if the mess wasn't enough in there.. we had all the toys in anthony's room and his bedding piled into his brother's room.. SOOOOO now we have more a mess to organize also.. Watch were you step.. yesterday I hurt my foot on a mountain..

Moving Tires.. and Not my Dog

2009-04-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

The other day Anthony was very hard at work.. as always ..... He found these tires laying around in the yard. so he on his own and completly by himself. Set up an obstacle course he could do with is bike. I'm not sure he left enough space to use it with a bike. But he did a very good job.

And here is LUCY.. she is not my dog. Wouldn't know it though huh. She belongs next door, but she is always over her.
she is a good dog. loves the kids. loves to play catch. And lately she has started letting herself inside if the door is open. Often she is looking for someone to play with..
She does go home on few occasions. I think just to eat.

Rain Water

2009-04-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

Now as any little boy knows when you live in Texas and it starts getting hot.. You got to cool off somehow.
Daddy had a big trashcan he was catching rain water in. Now this water was for the tadpoles. Fill up jugs let it warm up and then use it.
however 3 little boys found it and fun they did have. Alex, Avery and cousin Joel. Soaked from head to toe. And the funniest part is it wasn't hot outside.
They would stick arms in and splash dump it over each other, and with shivering little teeth tell me how much fun they were having. Though they loved taking that warm bath later on to warm up.

Look what the trees caught

2009-04-21T00:51:00.000-05:00

While taking Valarie's pictures. Her big bubba's were busy playing in the nearby brush and gullie area. They got trapped for awhile. Here the are trying to get out.

A Little Girl and her Baby Doll

2009-04-21T00:46:00.000-05:00

I took pictures of Valarie the other day for her birthday invite, and just to get some cute pictures in a few cute outfits. She was in a great mood and more than happy to smile. The real cats weren't cooperating. So she posed with her white cat (that does meow) and her 1st baby doll. Which also happened to be Shianne's 1st baby doll too.

No Valarie isn't walking. She is just now standing and thinking of letting go for about 2 seconds. Not to worried though. None of the boys were earlier walkers. And who needs to walk when you have bubba's to tote you everywhere.

At the end Valarie finally got to taste the grass she had been trying to pick and was so curious about. Must have been good because she didn't want to give to us. And she gave Daddy the cutest look here when he told her it wasn't food.

Picasso's Drawing

2009-04-16T21:35:00.000-05:00

Alex has always loved to draw... At first it was more scribbles and coloring everything.. And yes I mean EVERYTHING.. lately he has started drawing portriats. As Valarie 'posed' (she was in her high chair). Alex drew her picture. Not bad at all.. Perhaps art lessons are in the future.

Pink Poodle

2009-04-16T21:30:00.000-05:00

Valarie got a pink poodle costum to grow into.. but until the boys think it's fun to wear. Here's Avery in it. Didn't get Alex's picture. But isn't he cute!!!

How to Sleep Like a KID

2009-04-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

If you are Alex.... You will take your arms put them inside your t-shirt and sleep near the air vent underneath your bed. WHY? because he doesn't want to mess up his bed.. LOL.. this is what he said. His bed is made and he doesn't want it to get all messed up. Solotion sleep underneath.

If you are like Anthony.. then it's a different story.. You will fight sleep, until you just can't any longer. Toss and turn in every direction, including that which may have your head hanging off the bed. The blankets will be wrapped completely around you like a cacoon. If you do wake up, you might end up on the floor as you try to untangle. Making your bed the next morning is a job, as nothing is in the right spot at all.

Avery, simply just lays down, Has to have some sort of blanket. Here he has his 1st birthday handprints. To fall asleep you must have your thumb, but once asleep it often falls out. He just curls up and passes out.. sometimes fast sometimes slow.. This night he even forgot to wash his face..

so here you have a few sleeping options.. So if you want to sleep like a kid again.. Go for it.. I have to say I'm like Anthony and Terry is more like Alex and Avery.

How to play with an Exercise Ball.. by Valarie

2009-04-08T13:41:00.000-05:00

First you find it and you tell it come along.. See here I have the ball and tell it to come with me..

UMMM.. It didn't work.. it's still back there.. okay.. maybe daddy will help me.. or mommy..

Great they got my ball to the living room.. now I just have to hold onto it real tightly. perhaps I'll kiss it too : )

I don't advise trying to stand up while playing.. you end up on the ground.. Funny ball.. why did you do that???

This went on for about 1/2 hour the other night.. chasing the ball.. getting back.. giving it big hugs.. trying to stand.. and plop over on the ground and starting over..

Our Many Creatures...

2009-04-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

I don't have pictures of all our creatures.. Has anyone out there wondered what do little boys play with???
My boys love bugs, of any shape or size..
We of course have a our 10 gallon fish tank filled with 100's tadpoles. Who are doing awesome, and many are getting very big....

We have had several catapillers running around. Alex has always loved them. As a toddler he would end up squishing them and getting upset. He has learned to let them crawl over him and he takes them everywhere. They eat, play, and sleep together.. I'm not kidding here. They get placed in a small container and sleep in his bed. Last night he had an inch worm who slept in a little container with cubbie bear. : )

Occasionally we will catch and find something that shouldn't be touched. As Terry located this spiky creature yesterday outside. It is currently in the bug house.

Last week the boys caught a lizard, It spent 3 days in the jar before it "accidently" escaped. Terry caught the poor thing flys everynight and feed it. This is rather insteresting, and if you ever have the chance you should watch one eat and catch flies.
We did have a buterfly but it got lost. The boys are thinking of making a bug collection.. Perhaps this would be a good thing.. Finding creapy crawling creatures and finding out what they are. Which is a favorite pass time.. Daddy is great finding them online.

Tadpoles

2009-03-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

WE have tadpoles... Mommy and Daddy and Anthony brought home the eggs last saturday from the park.. It was soooo cool.. In just a few days they hatched from the cute little bubble eggs and looked like micro size leaches attached all of the little 2 1/2 galloon fish tank.. Needless to say we relized we needed somthing a tad bigger.. So off to wal-mart to buy a fat pig.. oh no that was the market.. To buy a fish tank.. We got a 10 galloon, my sister had her rock she used with her turtles and we God provided the buckets (um trashcan) full of fresh rain water in which they needed to survive. We bought them some bloodworms (yes it gross) and they are now swimming and growing and so happy... We have a 150 or more.. and the boys just love them.. So does mommy.. She's a little "frog crazy"

Baseball & Tractors???

2009-03-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

Anyone else think Valarie is still just a little bit to young for baseball yet????

If you're a little boy or big boy... and you live in the country... and your poppa just happens to fix things... hmm.. all the neat things that are around... The red tractor is ours (Mommy like to drive, only it doesn't go fast enough).. Here we have poppa with 3 (trust me on this) little boys helping him drive... The pay very close attention on how to start it and how to shift gears and everything else.. The favorite is blowing the annoying horn over and over as they go trudging through the yard.. LOL I remember doing the same thing as a kid....

Here is one of the blue tractors that is getting fixed... Avery thinks it's his... If you can't located him in the play yard just look on the other side of the fence and there he is driving off to "WORK"

A few weeks ago Poppa brought home this really cool forklift... UMMM>.. well, some thought it was a jungle gym..

So Baseball or Tractors... which would you choose for more fun???

Crash Helmets for the DIRT

2009-03-27T22:56:00.000-05:00

I thought we bought these for riding bikes.... but I guess the boys needing crash helmets..

Well, they were digging under the trampoline.. though noone was jumping..

LUNCH TIME

2009-03-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you have lots of cats.. and bugs... Hmm.. Well normally we use the little picnic table. but since it had lots of dirt on it from collect "bugs" I told the boys to climb on up onto the trampoline and sit down. They had a blast and we've even had lunch a few more times up there.

PICS OF EACH...

2009-03-17T23:44:00.000-05:00

Anthony busy doing a Science Review Test....

Valarie getting into Bubba's shoe that he left laying around.. She said they didn't taste to good..

Avery proudly displaying his new bug net...with 'rock bugs' in it.. Can that grin get any bigger???

Alex playing explorer inside... He has his bug net ...I can't remember what he was hunting for...

STANDING...

2009-03-17T23:35:00.000-05:00

Okay.... so Valarie has been pulling up and standing for a little while now.. But it was cute Monday afternoon. The door is open and she spends time sitting at the door watching her brothers play or she's at the shoe shelf. Right underneath we have a bin with all the bike helmets, knee pads and such in it.. She spent some time there trying to find something. Played with a knee pad (actually put it on her head once) and decied to move onto more interesting things.. SHOES!! So up she stands and then she has a big selection to choose from.. HMMMM>>

All my "BOYS" playing marbles

2009-03-17T23:22:00.000-05:00

The other day Terry helped me out lots by entertaining the boys.. They had been couped up in the house to long with the cold wet icky rain. So they all went to Anthony's room and spent hours building this marble tower. It was a big hit. Once it was all done we also had to record the marble going through it.

Daddy's Lap Dog

2009-03-11T13:33:00.000-05:00

The days have been rather nice lately and the other day we went outside. Valarie loved being in the walker, being able to watch everyone else. Here she is wondering how she can get into Daddy's lap too. And how she can get to Buster.

Here is Terry with his "Lap"Dog.. Buster doesn't know he's not a little.. He doesn't know he's not human.. He is a good dog though.. He plays with the kids, and loves to give the kisses.. He's not to good at fetch or anything like that, but the dog next is and she comes over a lot.. she is a big chocolate lab.

And here we have Avery.. thinking he can actually carry Buster.. How funny.

Catching BUGS

2009-03-07T19:20:00.000-06:00

The boys got a late christmas gift the other day and found butterfly nets. WOW!!! They had to go outside immediatly didn't matter if it was starting to get dark or not. Off the ran to find butterflies, bugs of any sort.. but they just couldn't find anyting. But hey boys do have immaginations. So they found some "bugs" of there own..

Here is the big bug jar they got to put there critters into... So Alex opens it up and plops in his "bugs" or as we call them rocks.

Playing house with "rock people"

2009-03-02T09:15:00.000-06:00

The weather had been nice for a few days and the boys loved taking advantage and playing in the dirt, climbing trees and doing all that boy stuff.. Here is Avery the other day playing with a little house and his people. Rocks, little Pinecones and a few sticks.. It was really cute.

I'm not sleepy

2009-02-19T14:27:00.000-06:00

I told Avery he needed to take a nap.. he said but I'm not sleepy.. Before I could wash his face, get shoes off, get him ready for nap at all.
He had fallen asleep on his bed.. It was just to funny.

Drummer Boy

2009-02-09T10:22:00.001-06:00

Anyone who has been around Anthony for long knows he loves to drum. Yesterday he's cousin Vannan helped him set up a drum station outside with different things. He did quite well. Wish I could figure out how to put videos on here.

Taking care of Baby

2009-01-27T22:49:00.000-06:00

Alex and Avery were playing store today. They had a basket and a 'shopping list'. Alex was Mommy, Avery was Daddy. They had a blast going through the house. Finding items on the list. They had a dinosaur, red carpet, material, silly clay (silly putty), medals, and who knows what else. They went from room to room.. Daddy what else is on the list.. Ummm.. and Avery would pretend to read the paper they had and read off 'the list'. What an imagination. Soon they returned to being Alex and Avery when they started taking care of the baby. Who had to loose it clothes because it had a poopy accident.. and where did the clothes go? They found a wal-mart sac and tied it up with all of it inside...HMMMMM.... Avery said his baby was cold and it was hard to carry. So he brought me material and said he needed a sling. So I tied it around him, and put his baby inside.. Now he could eat his carrot, put his clothes away and so much more : ) Hope you enjoy the pics. The orange spot on the doll is silly clay.

Yoodeling...

2009-01-27T21:08:00.000-06:00

I was inside with A2 & A3... Anthony was outside following poppa around and playing. I hear this very loud yoddiling singing.
I'm thinking were on earth is Anthony at.. I peak out the back door and he's doing this really cute dance while singing at the top of his lungs.. I go get the camera and he turns around and see's me.. And poses arms spread open wide and big grin. He yells, Did you get it mommy?
He then sits for a bit and stands and sings some more.
This van is down at the barn. It's not going anywhere as all the tires are flat and it doesn't run.. He thought it made an awesome stage..It's in wonderful to see the world through a child's eye.

Alex is learning to RIDE !!!!

2009-01-25T17:16:00.000-06:00

The other afternoon I was inside doing something.. probably dishes. And my phone rings.. Hmmm.. It was Terry's cell phone. It's Alex telling me how he is riding his BLUE bike on the road all by himself come look. Terry says bring your camera.. So Mommy does that. Picks up the camera and out to the road I go.. Of course we live on a little oil road so there isn't to much traffic at this time and earlier last year we had the city post a slow children at play sign : ) It only helps 40% of the time.

So here we have Daddy holding onto to Alex, he was still having a few problems turning around and with stering. Buster in the background says this is borring and goes his own way.. Avery was headed after his own bike... That is till we said no not right now.

So Alex focuses really hard at the pedals and making them go around and around.. He still wants to know where his bell is... Maybe for his birthday.

And Avery finally deciedes well even if Alex is on his bike he's going slow enough he walk along beside him. Anthony never does that!!!! It was rather cute Avery asking Alex questions about how to ride a bike...

What is Alex thinking???

2009-01-24T12:16:00.000-06:00

I was watching out the window/door the other day as the boys played and I worked on some stuff inside. I look up to see Alex on one of the ride on bikes carrying this big piece of cardboard across the yard. Obviously I watch wondering. He then puts it over the jeep (that doesn't run) and gets inside I've no idea what he is doing. And then I see just his little toosh poking out. I asked him what he was doing but he was so absorbed in what he was doing he wasn't hearing anything around him. The only conclusion I have is he has watched Daddy and Poppa work on the cars and was coping them.

Watch Cartoons

2009-01-23T10:22:00.000-06:00

Just had to share this. Grammy found colored pillows for the boys. So this morning while watching Dora they had to have their pillows.. It was just to cute.

BUGS ON the WALL

2009-01-16T23:15:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I still have more to put up as we find them... but what do you do with all those cute little life like bugs my boys collect.. hmmmmm.. I know put them on their walls. Alex and Avery think this is just "AWESOME". I took some super glue and stuck them up....

Alex helping out with where he wants his bugs placed.

Girls Night Out

2009-01-16T23:07:00.000-06:00

Mommy says I look just adorable tonight? I got to go to Card making get together at Mrs. Thalia's tonight. It was fun. I got to crawl around and play while mommy learned some really cool techniques and ideas on card making. Even things she can do with scrapbooking....

Alex & Avery's Room Finished

2009-01-11T22:51:00.000-06:00

I only started doing this awhile back remember? For some reason I thought I could accomplish this with 3 little boys. It wasn't going so great as Alex wanted everything blue, and I was running out of brushes and things. So the boys went and had a play day at Grammy's and Poppy's house Saturday and Mommy painted, and painted and painted. And today mommy with Daddy's help put the room together. It's still not totally finishes. I have one last touch to add but I will post that later.

This picture is of the far wall. The brown is the big curtain covering the window. The window is much smaller, but it covers better this way and holds in more heat. Notice the thumbtacs holding it up.. this is because for some reason we are always bending the rods when we look out.. So Daddy put thumbtacs in because we weren't buying another cheaply made curtain rod. To make more room the boys are going to have to eventually get a different taller dresser, but for now, and until Avery goes into a twin bed this will work nicely. Don't you think.

This is Avery's wall. Same back wall just the other side of room. This wall is still pretty bare. They will get more pictures and things up on it later. and of course Avery will eventually get a bigger bed. The train picture is a puzzle we put together for the boys a few months ago.. It glows in the dark.

Here is the closet which doesn't have the clothes in it.. This a shelf that was higher up on the wall. but we lowered it so the boys can reach their clothes again. They love picking out what they are wearing. and now they can work at hanging up their own clothes to on laundry day.. This shelf holds the Fisher Price Nativity set (still gotta find pieces) and their Diego house they got for their birthday from Grandma and Granddaddy. The closet which in the bottom has a toybox holds th Geotrax toys and my Dad is going to help me put in 2 more shelfs. This will hold the toys from the dresser. And will help them stay organized better.

Here is Alex's bed. Not much room as you see between the bed and closet area. But it works the same. There is bit more room on the other side, but not much. The little rug is something the boys got with their christmas money. Anthony has a red one. They are bath mats but they had them just the right size and just the right colors and are super soft and look so cute as bed side rugs for each of the boys. and they are small enough we will be able to use them for other things too. Like sitting on for stories. tonight each of the boys used them for their praying rugs before they went to bed. Here is a close up of Avery's bed and his little rug. His bed is higher off the ground than it looks. He has two mattresses in a wooden box thing. He's wanting it higher like a real bed. So were working on that.

Mommy Take our Picture Please

2009-01-10T23:21:00.000-06:00

The other day Avery stated.. Mommy take my picture.
Avery, I ask, are you holding sissy?
Nope she's holding me mommy.
Oh okay. Valarie is smiling so I take the picture.

Valarie looks up at her big brother and laughs at him being in her lap. Silly brother the highchair is for her not him.

I love you Valarie, Avery says as he bends down and kisses her so sweetly on the check.

Okay, that's enough Avery. Sissy wants you down or she's going to eat you for breakfast...

Emergency Room AGAIN>>>

2009-01-10T01:00:00.000-06:00

There are days I wonder... does having 3 boys mean you end up at the emergency room at sometime or am I just lucky.
seems lately it is Alex's favorite spot. It was only few months ago we went to get stitches in his head after he got hit with a ball bat.
Now yesterday (Thursday) he was playing outside. Some cousins were playing volleyball nearby and a stray ball found him and his eye.
Can you tell which one? Yep the left (at least it was different side than the bat) Anyhow he played for awhile and really didn't think anything of it.
But then he started RUBBING it really bad. and crying and saying it hurt. He went into Grammy's and put a cool rag on it. Went to sleep..
and woke up screaming. Did this a few times in a hour. So I call the Dr. and an optomtrist. Since it's now after hours they say to take him to the ER. and get it looked at.
YEA.. just how I wanted to spend my evening.. so much for the Chicken soup in the crockpot. Off in the car we go.
Get there and get to a room real quick : )
Then they put some stuff in look at the eye and yep there is the plain as day without a doubt problem. He has a big tear in the cornea.
He is very very sleepy. and doesn't want to talk to us at all. So the doc says since this a 2nd blow to the head in a few months He wants a CAT scan just to be safe.
Okay.. So they want to give him some med. They say it might make him drowsy so I ask questions the kid is already asleep and not wanting to wake up.. Why do I need him more drowsy. It was basically to knock him out for the CAT scan. Seems kids don't know how to be still for one IT'S IMPOSSIBLE so says the head nurse. I say no thanks I would like to try without it. After getting the numbing eye drop in his eye he starts waking up and is acting like Alex. the Dr. or DR's are now very amused and courious Here is a mom who says my child doesn't need drugs ... Hmm. okay. I explain that he's going to go get a picture taken of his brain. And it was a really big camera and he would have to stay very very still so it can take the picture. He thinks this is "Awesome"... So when the lady comes and goes back he holds my hand through the halls and smiles. I tell him now we'll know how smart he is, and if he really knows his ABC's. He gets on the table was a little scarred at first, but mommy is there. I put on the big apron and hold his hands. Up and in the big circle he goes, they tell him to close his eyes and don't move. He does just that. Perfect. The nurses are highly impressed. A 4 year old who didn't move and he's not drugged. You can just see the wheels running in his head. As we go back to the room .. He goes oh no I forgot to tell the camera my ABC's. I told him it was okay... The camera could see it. "Awesome" once more. So we sit in the room. The dr. comes back to discharge him saying everything looks perfect on that he did such a great job. The nurse who instisted we had to drug him, comes in and discharges him holding back the she was wrong thing. We leave.. of course a few hours has passed. but before we leave Alex had to find out if he could have a pair of those cool gloves. So they oblige him and let him have a pair. As he walks out smiling form ear to ear. He says Thank you and Bye to all the Dr's and nurses who helped him. It's late. We get a bite to eat and go home.

This morning I call his ped. and we go for a follow up to an eye dr. Thankfully Eyes heal extreamly quick. (God made our bodies so amazing) After he stopped rubbing his eye and once he went to sleep and his eyes were closed his eye was able to close back up. The dr. had to look with a strong magnification to find the tear which is now a tiny scratch. : ) Mommy is so happy. He says there is no sign on infection so we don't even have to do the eye drops the ER gave us. : ) Alex didn't like them anyways.
And thus is our trip to the ER again.. with Alex.

Poppy says Alex needs a football helmet to wear outside. That way his head and face is protected. Maybe he's right.. Who knows. But so Thankfully God is watching out for him and my others.

Busy??? Tuesdays

2009-01-06T13:22:00.000-06:00

I have people ask me if I'm busy.... Hmmm.. or If I'm doing anything.... Hmmm..
How do you answer that???
Well, I might not be going anywhere on Tuesday's but Yep I stay Busy.
Tuesday are supposed to be Laundry Day.. that means if you want it clean bring it to me.
The boys are great helpers running through the house collecting laundry
Dumping it in the Kitchen and then I sort.
We got a bit of a late start today, as we had to finish school first (Alex and Avery's Day)
Then we had lunch and now I'm washing.
We have the
Whites load
Kahki/Tan load
Towels, Blankets, Bibs etc...
Black's and Dark Greens
Don't bleed load lights
Red, oranges, brigh pinks.
Blues
Blue Jeans
and the someone had an accident and it's going in the same load.
I've already washed one load of towels and one dark load that didn't get done last week.
But pretty much what you see here is about one weeks worth of laundry and it is a full day event around here.
Thankfully noone expects a fancy dinner on Tuesday nights. ; )

So next time you are thinking Your laundry is pilling up (okay some of you might have as much or more), but for those who don't... I'll trade you..

By the way I think the dryer is going again... I'm having to dry everything twice the past few weeks.. Any ideas??

Daddy's Birthday

2009-01-04T21:55:00.000-06:00

While dishes were being washed, Daddy was watching football with
Valarie and Avery. Avery's new bear kept kissing daddy though.

Dish Duty

2009-01-04T21:48:00.000-06:00

I started doing dishes today and very quickly had 2 helpers.
On their own they deceided I didn't need to do them. So Anthony & Alex
worked very hard on the dishes. I did occasionally help Alex with the stacking.
and I only gave Anthony back 2 bowls to rewash.

See the nice pile that had built up.... Of course when they got to the heavy
plates they let me take over. But they sure did help me out a lot.

Little People and Geo Tracks

2008-12-28T15:13:00.000-06:00

In our house Little People is one of the most popular toys around.
Valarie got her very first Little People play set. A pink airplane
with 3 people... Now she won't have to keep playing with her bubba's.

Avery added to the boys collections with possable Eddie and his police cruiser
All the boys love the police siren sound it makes, and Eddie can sit..
Totally Cool !!!

Next, they got the promised new firetruck and poseable Michael.
It also makes siren sounds and the boys are playing with it non stop.

Next is the 2 new car sets added to the Geo Tracks collectons.
Each came with 2 people who can sit or stand.
First is the trash truck and then the ambulance. Alex's favorite is the trash truck.

Color Coded Kids

2008-12-25T21:18:00.000-06:00

Avery is Green... and so were all his gifts....

Anthony is red... and so are all his gifts...
Anthony loves red because it reminds him of Jesus
dying for our sins.

Alex is blue... and so are his gifts...

Valarie is pink... because she's a girl.. we didn't have pink paper.
but we had purple.

I've been hearing about Color Coding Kids for organization.. both for mom and kids.
Especially when young. So I started it this year, and so far it's really great..
Now each of the kids have a color coded towel also.. Now when Mommy or Daddy
says who didn't hang their towel up.. We will already now.

They opened the towels first and it was a great way to keep them in one spot.
No one could open another gift until they were sitting on their towel.
And had their wrapping paper in the trash.. since it was color coded we knew who hadn't done it yet.

Christmas Miracle

2008-12-25T21:08:00.000-06:00

As the season started I didn't know how Christmas would turn out. How would
we ever afford it. It wasn't that the boys wanted much or needed much.
The big gift has yet to come in the mail. Will post once it gets here. But that
one gift took all our money and most of the christmas money the kids got.

One morning a few weeks ago we got a package in the mail.
It was amazing, inside was a gift for each child and us, and a card.
It was for Wal-mart and for good amount. Tears filled my eyes.
I had no idea who it came from, but it didn't matter. I knew it was God providing.

Anthony really only wanted 2 things for Christmas.
The first being anything but cheap. He wanted a bigger bike.
The second was a football. Thankfully he was able to get both.

Now, Alex needed a blue bike, but we didn't have that much money.
However, Anthony's old bike was in still very good shape, and paint is much cheaper.
Terry has spent every evening this week taking the bike apart, spray painting
and putting it back together. The only evidence is the seat is the same,
Alex, didn't care though. All he saw was his own blue bike. Now he just needs a horn.
He also got more GeoTrax cars, which he loves playing with non-stop.

Here are the two bikes and of course the miracle gifts
which we were able to get the kiddos this year.

A Very Late Night Playing Santa

2008-12-25T20:33:00.001-06:00

Last night was a late night for Mommy and Daddy. It started when the boys went to bed and were asleep around 8:30ish... and lasted till around 2 this morning... AHHHHH my bed felt so good. What were we up to??? Well, playing Santa of course. We hadn't done anything and I mean anything for decorating, wrapping, etc....so it had to get done.. And I was making crayon cupcakes too. So as we wrapped gifts, looked up jokes on line to humor ourselves, drank coffee, strung lights on our ummm tree???? and put out some of the boys favorite ornaments. Below are the pictures.. Our navity because played with all year long was missing a few parts. We have 2 sets and I couldn't find a full set of eather, and no sheep whatsoever.. but at least I got sheperads, an angel, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and 3 wise men. Our tree is truely unique. We don't have room for one so we wrapped lights and ornaments around a 3 tierd fruit and vegtable hanger. Rather nifty I do say and looked pretty cool. Then we stacked the gifts and last but not least we put the bikes out. Kept all the lights twinkling for the kids when they woke up in a few hours, and the night wouldn't have been complete without our late night suprivisor who fought sleep the whole time.. Don't you love how she's just lounging around, and if you notice she had baby Jesus.

Crayon Organization????

2008-12-24T23:13:00.000-06:00

Mommy called all three of us into the kitchen today and told us to unwrap all of
the broken crayons... this wasn't very easy.. and acutally mommy ended up
unwrapping most of them.. but was this really an art project or was it a school lesson???

Mommy got all of these plastic containers out and told us to sort the colors out.
Hmmm.. sounds like school to me..... but it sure was fun..
and if the crayons broke we didn't get in trouble for breaking them!!!!!

Here is the finishing project that mommy is working on late tonight
these are crayon cupcakes or muffins. Don't they look cool.
Hope noone tries to eat one.

After peeling and sorting all the crayons by color. go lightes to darkest and
I'm using my small crockpot set on high filled 1/3 - 1/2 with water.
Put a soup can or anything like that in it. and put crayons inside
They melt and you pour them into cupcake holders and let them harden.
These are just way to cool....... Makes everyone want to be a kid again.

So thankfull Jesus is big enough to go around...

2008-12-24T22:56:00.000-06:00

Alex and Avery this morning were playing with Jeses the figurine doll in Avery's hand. He was driving the "sleigh" and Alex there was leading the Reindeer "cow" and my jump drive as the sleigh... It was really funny watching them running through the house going Jesus says giddy up reindeer.. and then later on today we started fighting over Jesus he had to ride the bus which Alex had and Avery wanted him to play with his other animals.. Alex already had baby Jesus on the bus, but he had to have them all. I made the comment to the kids that there is enough of Jesus to go around for everyone and how thankfull I am for that.. So glad He isn't a little doll that only one or two of us can have but He's here to save the whole world if we only let Him be the center of our hearts. Amazing how kids playing can remind you of something so precious.

Helping Hands... Ummm..

2008-12-24T22:42:00.000-06:00

Avery thought it would be a great idea one day last week to help with dishes... He said he would rinse and sissy could wash.. Yep, can't you see Valarie laughing at that idea too. Her washing dishes. She can't even reach the sink. Though I must say Avery can be a big help with rinsing dishes..

Avoiding Housework Game

2008-12-20T12:06:00.000-06:00

Dec 19, 2008 (17 hours ago)
Avoiding Housework Game

from We Shall Mount Up With Wings by Rachel
If you want to play along, copy and paste the list then put the things you have done in bold

1. Started your own blog .
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (school band for 6th - 8,10 & 12th grade - clarinet, contra-base clarinet)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World)
8. Climbed a mountain (actually backpacked it.. it was awesome!!!)
9. Held a praying mantis (on a stick)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (no, it was repleing off a mountain several times.. really fun)
12. Visited Paris (I've been to Paris, TX)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (not on paper, but I have 2 girls who claim us)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables ( lima bean plant in elementary)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (before married and hardly any bills. I could go bowling anytime : )
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (just simple stuff around Colorado Springs)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (hairline only )
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
80. Published a book (I tried)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating ( I use to help my parents do up Rabbits)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (I saw Neal McCoy and said Hi in Hobby Lobby once)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee (it was red wasp actually)
100. Read an entire book in one day

I learned something else new... NO HANDS

2008-12-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

Hi again there camera... you sure come out a lot these days.. So what do you want?
Oh.... Mommy told you I learned how to sit up last night..
Yep, It's true.. Kinda tricky.. at first I fell over backwards.

See nothing to it really.. You just with your legs like this.
It's another balancing act.

Hey, Mommy did you get all that... Okay now watch real close at this next trick.

TA DA.... LOOK NO HANDS HOLDING ME UP!!!

Mommy wasn't smiling : (

2008-12-15T22:29:00.000-06:00

What do you do when you finish all your wonderful squares on the walls, only to discover that the "painter's tape" took part of the paint with it..... so now mommy has to touch it up......
But then this is what Alex mommies wonderful helper decied to do... He opened the blue paint and helped add another blue square.. Great now I gotta fix that too... Maybe.... So mommy not being very happy put all the paint away and said under no certain terms was she working on it.. for awhile at least..... anyhow this is where the "closet wall is going to be... I have a shelf with rod that will hang clothes on it at a level the boys can reach. Then they can have things on the shelf top...
Avery's wall which is to the left is solid green.. needing a 2nd coat of paint.. Hope this gives ya'll an idea of what I'm doing in there.

Valarie can Crawl !!!!

2008-12-15T21:38:00.000-06:00

Hey, there everyone. I started figure this thing out the other day.
I've been watching my friends at church, and my cats and my big brothers.
... and they move around on 4 legs (hands and knees).. I figure Hey it doesn't look so hard..
I was BIG TIME WRONG>>> but after a few weeks of trying and only going backwards.
I went forwards. This is only the 4th time for me to do this so watch closely.

And nope I wasn't crying.... my bubba's were nice enough to share their cold with me.

Now wasn't that just sweet of them.

First things first here... Get up on all 4 of them legs you got.. or arms, legs.. whatever you call them. and get your balance really good.

Now reach forward with one arm, careful not go your dress caught in your knees when you move them.

Sometimes you need take a break. Carpet can be tuff on knees.. so just rest them a second

This is also a great arm exercise if your interested..

Push up and get started going again. Reach forward.. balance and move your knees forward.. only one at a time.. It doesn't work to well if you try to both at once. I tried it and all that happened was boom, I hurt my nose.

Reach your arm way up high and get a really good stretch.

Try really hard to keep your balance with the other side so you don't fall
Remember Balance is big factor here...

Okay you got it... Now I got across the floor to this toy. I think I will stop for now.

2008-12-13T15:09:00.000-06:00

Valarie helping set up the Awana Christmas Store Tuesday afternoon

A WEEK OF....... A WEEK

2008-12-13T13:59:00.000-06:00

AHHH. NO PICTURES FOR THIS UPDATE....
BUT I'M SURE SOME OF YOU WILL LAUGH... THOUGH AT THE MOMENT.
MOMMY & DADDY WERE NOT.

Monday: All 3 boys are not feeling well. Anthony sounded horable with a wheezy cough.

Tuesday: Start of at the Dr. and then we ran a lot of errands with Grammy. Boys checked out okay just extreamly congested. Alex has a little fluid on ears but nothing to be concerned about.
Happy mommy because I really hate antibiotics.
After going by Aunt Ruth's house ---> I told the boys do not go near Miya with your colds. Stay in the living room. Okay mom says to little boys. But mom she's so tiny and cute and I have to see her. This is from Anthony. Only if you don't breath on her. you are full of germs.. After being there awhile I look to see Anthony. He has taken a huge deep breath, just outside of Aunt Ruth's room, steps inside peeps onto the bed where Miya is laying now only 4 days old. Steps back out into the hall and lets out all the air and starts coughing.. Well, he says you told me not to breath on her. Gotta smile.
Next stop was getting some food at CiCi's of course. Then to Target to get some medicine and other things. Great Anthony's isn't in... UGHHHHHHH...... soooo off to drop Grammy off at Sutton's so she can be there till mom gets home. I drive across town to the church. Where I find a sister.. Hmmmm....
I put the boys down for naps, and start to work on the Awana Christmas store. There for awhile. Back to Aunt Ruth's, pick up Grammy, go to Lowe's to get some paint (for the boys room) and back to the church. Then we met up with Pappa at I-Hop. and home.. sure was a long day..
WEDNESDAY: Wake up, everyone seems to be sick with somthing. Mommy is so tired. Someone was up all night coughing and mommy taking care of them or listening to see she needed too.. Anthony is trying hard to be a good big brother. Mommy come here....okay just a minute.. trying so hard to get up out of bed. Finally I do.. and what do I find.. 5 steps out of my room.. "It Empty".. "Huh, what's empty Avery?" ... "This" (holds up large baby powder bottle)
OHHHHHHH NOOOOOOO It's not even 8:00 yet... So to Anthony's room I go.. Find a "Bonfire" made by Alex, you name it, and it was on Anthony's floor. and Aver's Empty was all over the bed and other areas of the room.. Daddy hears mommy's UGHHHHHHHHHHH and comes out.. What is.... and he sees what is... FUN.. Not really...
So then we Mommy, Grammy, and the 4 kids get in the car. We go to a store get some supplies for tonight. Go pick up Jordan and Jori, to their house. to the church. Mommy runs to the store ALONE : ) ooops got in a line that won't swipe cards.. UGGGGGG... Jump in car, get a pizza.. drive to church. Throw 3 boys and Jori in my car.. Drive to Maria... someone parked in front of me.. How am I to get out (would have to see to understand) Made it to church @ 6.. Good we are on time... Get the kids to Awana.. and back across town to Grammy.. Help with Awana store. and then Daddy and Poppa arrive with 3 little boys in tow.... we leave late.. get to bed late...

Thursday: I get up early and go to Jennifer's even though we are cleaning and organizing it really was a break for me... Then I did carpool pick up. then to Target (Terry relized I'd forgotten the prescription last night), back to Jennifer's. Terry text says I'm on my way home.. I head to Aunt Ruth's and help her with a few things.. say hi to little Miya.. shhhh Shianne was sleeping.. Valarie is now feeling horrible.. Eyes are red red water and swollen. She looks so bad. She's all stuffy and running a low fever..... and has "The Cough" get home early okay.. depends how you see 2AM...

FRIDAY: Mom wakes me up.... huh.. what oh yeah. give me a few minutes and send the boys home..... 4 sick kids and house needs clean = call Terry.. "can you come home early?" So he does and helps with boys.. Nap time.. Yeah.. I can.. nope now that 2 is asleep 3 has woken up crying.. his ear hurt.. great... Give him some medicine hold a wimpering hurting little Avery in my arms who is cold but running 102..... I fall asleep in the rocking chair... Wake up. Lay Avery in my bed. Other boys getting up.. "Mom where is the key".. "Alex you don't need the key we aren't painting today"... I thought that was the end.. "Mom, Alex is hammering the wall".. I go look.. NOOOOOOO, steam is coming out of mommy... tired this is soooo not funny sight.. Alex is covered in Blue paint.. well his shirt and hands are. He has painted a blue square (it's supposed to be green), painted a wall blue, painted toys, it's everywhere.. Daddy hears mommy yelling.. I was far from the wonderul mommy at the time.. Daddy helps me clean it up.. I put all the paint away until futher notice. Fix supper. boys to bed. Daddy gets mommy some Finca's and I pass out... sorta.. Anthony wakes up crying his ear hurts bad.....

SATURDAY: I was supposed to go to Jennifer's again.. but.. Hmmm what is that sound..running water, thunking. oh Terry must be in the kitchen doing dishes.. hmmm.. sleep.. sleep.. Eyes wide open.. Jump up.. (just remembered Terry is at work), Avery is at the sink with my glass gallon jar for tea.. I catch it just before it trys to fall from the cabinet.. "What are you doing?""Making juice" I look at the time it was 7:23am we go to my room, Valarie is awake, change Avery's pull up, change Valarie's diaper, she's warm again, get medicine and temp... pick her up.. gross just got threw up on and it was mostly yellow mucas she had swallowed... "thank you avery" he'd got mommy a towel.... things calm down.. call Jennifer, Anthony wakes up, still coughing but feeling better. I finally go check on Alex, He looks at me.. "Alex are you okay"... shakes head no and throws up on me.. that's 2.. "Alex run to the bathroom to do that." He tries but stops again and gets it on the floor.. Clean this up.. Find Alex standing with his head in the tub.. okay... Put him back to bed in my bed.. Valarie is back asleep... What a morning and it's only 9:00 ... The day continues.. Cough, cough, mommy I don't feel good. Mommy I want juice.. Mommy.. Mommy.. Time for naps after a late breakfast/lunch... But I'm not tired says all 3 boys.. "Don't care lay down and see if your eyes want a nap" and now it's just pass 2. Avery is crying in my lap with his ear again. and Alex just woke up. Valarie woke up and Anthony is still asleep and he was the worse I'm not tired.. .

Soooo... Just thought If you thought your week was long.. check out mine.. and smile.

Christmas Cousins

2008-12-13T13:57:00.000-06:00

After church a few weeks ago I took some pictures of Valarie with one of her many cousins
Isn't Maria and Valarie cute together.
They are the only 2 girls on Terry's side of the family for grandkids. There are 5 boys.

A Child Is Born

2008-12-08T17:53:00.000-06:00

Yep there has been a baby born in our family. Belonging to my sister. Such a cute little girl. and sooo tiny.
Wow, was Valarie really that small. I keep hearing how big she's gotten, well, next to her cousin,
I guess she has gotten big. Congrats sis on your new little girl. She's a cutie.

Painting.... What was mommy thinking????

2008-12-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

Doesn't this look like fun.. 3 little boys all painting.
We are doing Alex and Avery's room right now.
We have paint leftover from when I painted Anthony's room a long time ago..
In fact I think it was about 5 years ago. HMMMMM.. Paint still works : )

So here is Avery trying his best to reach up high.
And Alex is working on the other wall. He asked first if he could paint it too.

Anthony is wondering just exactaly where is he supposed to be painting at. It's awfully crowded.

Ah, Anthony found a spot in which to work on....

Pass around dress

2008-12-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

I'm 6 months old.... okay.. so mommy is a tad late with my 6 month pictures.. But at least she
got it done before I turned 7 months old tommorow. Now here is mommy with the camera, she likes to take pictures of me. So I though I would show mommy my foot isn't just cute.

Then Daddy said something and tickeled me... Daddy what did you do that for mommy is taking my picture again.

No wait, I wasn't ready that time... Let me try this again.. Mommy are you ready..

Alright, here we go.. Click, Smile.. Perfect Mommmy thanks for the great picture of me..
Oh by the way where did this dress come from? What it was one your mommy put on you for your 6 month picture... and all my girl cousins have worn it too? Wow that's a lot of passing around..
Aunt Rachel, Aunt Rebekah, Aunt Ruthie, Mommy, Karen, Kendra, Sarah, Vannan, Michelle, Mary, Shianne, Hannah, ME, what I got to give it to Myah next... hmmm. okay.

Homemade Clay

2008-12-03T14:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, so what are we doing? Making cookies? Nope.
We are making clay things.. Mommy made up this Clay stuff to play with.
She told us to make things we can later paint and give away for christmas..
Anthony thought long and hard about what he could make.... hmmmm....
Alex likes making balls, and ball, and balls..
Avery, well he said it tasted good.. Not sure about his taste buds sometimes...
Well, we finally got it all made up into something. and baked, now to wait for them to cool off so
the boys can paint their handywork.

I'll share more pics later of what the outcomes are.

Dirty Hands

2008-12-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

Okay I have to write in blue today, because Alex is in my picture. My sister took this the other day. I was helping a friend with house organizing.

Anyways. Here is my little guy with dirty hands. Funny Alex loves to dig in the dirt and search for 'Grubs' and when he finds them he collects them, totes them around all day long. Yep, I find odd things in my laundry. Today it was acorns all in the washer and dryer. But look at that dirt, and to think this is the same child who has a fit when his hands get messy. It's great as long as He Wants His Hands Dirty.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:14:00.000-06:00

You never relize how special family is until they aren't there. I know I have my times I don't get along with my sisters (that's part of being an individual),but there hasn't been a greater blessing for me his Thanksgiving than having my sister (who doesn't live nearby) and her whole family with us this year. Hearing the kids run and play... that's 19 total. I've had a busy and fun week. Time defiently flying by to fast. I know my grubs are going to miss having the big boys to play with and my little blossom having so many hands ready to spoil her. That's all I have to say for now.. It's a wonderful Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for.
1. My whole family is together (first time in 7 1/2 yrs.. my wedding)
2. Christ is the center of my heart and home
3. My grubs, blossom and husband are all my dreams and more come true.
4. I have a wonderful church family
5. Not only do I love my family, but I love my in-laws : )
6. New friends that I've gotten to know over the past few months
7. I have a place to keep me warm at night

I have so many... Anthony said he is thankful this year for.
His Church
His Family
and the games he plays at Awana so he can get his energy out before he needs to say his verses.

Pictures Made

2008-11-23T17:07:00.000-06:00

Well, this Wednesday we went and got pictures made. It's been way to long. Here are a few I thought I'd share. Aren't they just adorable. Anthony has the baseball, Alex the tractor and Avery the blocks.. of course Valarie is all in pink.. And look at those eyes!!!! Enjoy.

We had a friend who does photography take our pictures she does such an awesome job. Here's a link to her photography site.... Anyone needing pictures???

http://cassiesullivanphotography.blogspot.com

Valarie & Chester

2008-11-22T13:10:00.000-06:00

I just had to share another picture of Valarie with her cat Chester. Or maybe she belongs to Chester.
Anyway you look at it, they sure are cute together.

3 Piggy Opera

2008-11-21T19:12:00.000-06:00

In September Anthony got the privilage of being in his first Opera. He had 2 weeks of rehersals
and on the last Saturday had 2 performance. He was a tired little boy full of excietment when it
was all said and done. And he eargerly awaits the next opportunity to be part of ArtsView performance. Wish everyone could have seen him. He did a great job. He also had a crush on the young girl behind him in the 2nd picture. You can see her also on the far right in the first picture. Enjoy.

Feeding the cats

2008-11-21T18:54:00.000-06:00

AHH.. the things little boys do.. a few days ago I opened a can of tuna for a few cats. Avery decieded he need to help them share and so he got his head down there too, and switched the can from cat to cat so they could "Take Turns" Sharing can be such fun.

A little bit of rain

2008-11-20T22:47:00.000-06:00

This was taken last month in October, Just before the Yamboree. Terry and I had promised the boys we would have a picnic at the park and they could play. Afterall we dropping off my photo and Anthony's yam anyways.... Well it started to sprinkle. There's a covered pavallian so no problem. The rain lets up and we tell the boys they can play. When it starts raining harder they kept right on playing. No storm just a good rain. Guess it's one way to take a shower and do laundry. LOL

Who Needs a Blanket?

2008-11-20T12:17:00.000-06:00

During nap time, Valarie had a few extras

Keeping warm, no need for a blanket today.

Cheester & Oreo both thought a nap would be nice too.