Long time no see!

Hi. It's been a while since I've been on here (the blog). Hi. Sorry.

We've been getting ready for Christmas but before that we went down south for a funeral and then Budd and Roxanne came up and visited us. The kids were so so so excited to see both sets of Grandparents! Yay!

I loved visiting with my grandma and having my kids enjoy her and being (thankfully) respectful and calm-ish around her. Yay!

Matt's older

Hello! Matt had a birthday and is now 34. Happy Birthday Matt. He got a cheesecake since he prefers that over my dry cakes (he prefers it over anything, really). He got lots of themed ties and was delighted with those since he sort of collects ties. We got him an ice cream maker. Other than that we just keep busy. The picture of Matt with the fox (it's not a wolf... it's a fox....really) was taken at his office. Unfortunately the fox stayed on the wall and he is no longer in that office. He's back home! Hooray!! It's easier now that the younger boys go to preschool. Matt can actually get something done. That's what's new with us. Oh... the picture of D & R is so cute because they were being too quiet. Upon finding them Dylan was helping Riley with his homework. How cute is that???

Trampoline fixed

Our trampoline was totally worn out with gaping holes. Sooooo, we bought a new mat and spring cover and Matt so kindly took 3 hours putting it all back together again. Now my children have an outlet for their energy. Hooray!! This was Hannah's first experience on a trampoline and she was quite delighted!

Riley's preschool

See his overwhelmingly excited expression? That's how he feels about preschool.

She's just cute!

My baby girl was hamming it up for me this morning. I asked her to smile so she did in a super adorable way!! She's talking a bunch and says about 12 words. She's also thinning out, getting molars, running, and following directions. She's darling.

Exercise

See these cute boys? We walked to school today. It was an almost 4 mile adventure! From home to preschool was 1.25 miles and Dylan rode his scooter the entire way. Riley got tired after .25 miles. Impressive for the little guy, though. From Preschool to Levi's school was 1.41 miles. Then Hannah I walked home the 1.25 miles.Hannah thought it was fantastic to be out on a walk. I was surprised we made it to both schools on time. It was also great that my double stroller loaded up so well and held the 3 scooters and helmets in addition to Hannah.

Shannon and Jennifer C.W

We had a fantastic time taking pictures and posing all over the place. I took 400 pictures. It was fun!

Ghost tour

Castro has her ears plugged through the story of the deaths at the house we stayed at (the Kehoe house). I was getting crazy with the Martinelli's. Do you love Amy's coffin purse?? It was awesome (sorry it's sideways). The last picture is one of the buildings on the tour. It was a hospital at the time of the yellow fever epidemic.

Bachelorette Party

Spectacular fun is sure to be had with this crowd at Jennifer's elegant birds and the bees themed bachelor/ette party. It was excellent food, fabulous company and a night to remember. After our dinner we were in a hearse as we toured the city of Savannah and heard all the ghost stories.

"The Jennifers"

One thing I am grateful for from having been married to Kyle was the connections I made at Dave and Busters and ultimately with "the Jennifers". These two ladies are such a part of my life that to imagine life without them is impossible. They were key to so many critical instances in my life and instrumental in teaching me such important lessons that I wouldn't be who I am without them. I am so VERY grateful. That being said.... I get to see them both this weekend!!!!!!!! I'll have lots of pictures to post and a little blurb about this fabulous weekend. I have 5 pairs of shoes packed and all my "non-mom" clothes. It'll be great!!! Hooray!! I love these ladies!

Ha ha ha!!

We have this neighbor who constantly asks if I'm done having kids. He also seems irritated a lot by them. He's never had his own children but he did marry a lady who had grown girls... and now he has a grandson. I saw him and his wife out for a walk with the baby a week or so ago. This morning I asked him about it and he said, "I don't know how you do it!!! I only had that little guy for 2 days and I was able to give him back. You've got four and they go non-stop". True. It was just rewarding to hear him to continue to praise me as a mother. He may forget this experience soon, but at least I had a moment of appreciation. It was nice.

Levi's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Otherwise known as the first day of school.

sorry about the sideways picture. Levi was not a fan of 2nd grade. He had a new teacher, new school, new friends. Besides that they don't play 4 square the same way at THIS school as they did at his old school. I just held him as he cried yesterday and it broke my heart. I wanted to follow him around and hold his hand today and make it all better. However, I didn't. (mostly because I have 3 other kids that I would have to haul with me or find a place for). I bribed Levi with a new pair of Angry Birds underwear and the promise to let him pick something from the dollar store if he was on time every day each week. He went to school. Last night he was acting out and he said that it was because he was hoping I'd ground him from school. Poor kid! Anyhow, we're going to say lots of prayers, do lots of talking, and give lots of hugs to help him make it through this hard year.

Family Togetherness (have some pictures)

We went to the park on Saturday. Matt played catch with the boys and Hannah decided to be a big girl and climb all over the toys/slides/steps/bridge all by herself (with a paranoid mother hovering close at hand). It was fun!

Hey Sugar...

I have been caring a lot lately about my health. Mostly I worry about the heart disease, diabetes, and cancers that run in my family. I really want to be around to see my kids turn into nice adults. :-) I also need many more years with Matthew, even though we have eternity together. :-) I also need more time on earth to increase my understanding of the atonement, the gospel, and my Heavenly Father's love for me, etc. I have things to do people!!! I've come to the realization that sugar is bad for me. It's bad for you too but that's for you to figure out on your own. I can preach for days on the affects it has but I don't want to become one of those crazy people who share their obsession with everyone and are kind of crazy about it (you know someone like this I'm sure). Anyhow, with that being said.... I've been eating very small amounts of sugar in the last month. We're talking going from eating a ton of chocolate and junk EACH day to eating a piece or two once a week. Big change. It's been obvious in my appearance (losing 7 pounds in one month with do that to a person), and I am a lot less stressed and crazy in my head. Who knew??? I read a great article (and there's a YouTube video on it) called "Sugar is Toxic" and "Sugar: the bitter truth". Scoff all you want and think I'm crazy, just know that I'm going to live longer and be happier and healthier because of the changes I am making to my diet. Hooray!! Hopefully Matt will live longer since I sort of control what he eats at home. Remember the part about me wanting him around for a long time?!???? The hardest part I have it trying to change what my kids eat. It's so easy to hand them some carbohydrate product that is processed and loaded with crap than to convince them that they want to have a(n): (insert fruit or vegetable item here). If you have any suggestions about how to do that I would love to hear it. So that's my plug for the day. Happy day to you!!

It's not the 90's but I have a GOAL skirt.

It just seems like yesterday that it was the 90's. I guess that's because I don't feel like I'm 33. In my head I'm 21. The reason the 90's is such a concern to me is because I have this goal skirt. It was one I wore when I was working at Dave and Busters and it's tight and black and super cute. It's a pencil skirt and I've held onto it for, ummmmm, 10 years?!?!? Anyhow, it's the goal skirt. I successfully got on a pair of size 4 Levi jeans that I wore prior to marrying Matt and having 3 kids (granted they are cotton/spandex). That made my day and I only had a slight muffin top. :-) With great excitement I tried on "the goal skirt". It doesn't zip all the way up (and it's a size 6 so how about those size discrepancies?) Anyhow, I wasn't depressed about it just motivated!! Whoo hoo! Then I was reading in the Glamour magazine and some comment was made about "the pencil skirt from the 90's". It was very similar to MY skirt and the magazine made it sound so OLD. It got me to thinking... and I was sad for a moment or two. But I've moved on and I'm still going to fit into that skirt, dang it! :-) I'm still hoping some of the dresses from the OLDEN days (like the 40's or 50's) with the full skirts and puffy sleeves come back. :-) So onward with the weight loss. How am I doing it?? Of course I exercise. I'll always exercise. It gives me happy endorphins, a legitimate break from reality, and I don't make enough of the good cholesterol so I have to work out. Besides that though changing my diet has had the biggest affect on my overall appearance. I don't eat the entire bag of Raisinettes anymore (moment of silence in fond remembrance....), nor do I spend my evenings bingeing behind closed doors with a good book. I do eat less and healthier and it works. Who knew???? Happy day to you! Now, do you have a pair of goal pants or a goal dress or skirt? I'd love to hear about it. Find it. Get it out. Put it up to remind you. Whoo hoo!

Riley's kneeR

Read the below post for an explanation.

I just forget

I really do mean to update this. I'll stop my own guilt trip now since there are many other worthwhile things to feel guilty over.... Let's see.... Levi went to bed last night at 2am because 1st he stayed up to read a book and then he took my phone (while I slept) and played Angry Birds for 3 hours. He woke me up at 2am to tell me that he couldn't go to sleep and then I saw my phone with the battery dead (and it had just been 100% charged) so I called him on it and he confessed. He was grounded today and we had a lovely discussion. Raising kids is so hard. There's all this stuff to learn. Phooey. Dylan is the child that constantly amazes me. He amazes me because one day he's a little devil and being an ornery little sucker who gets in to everything and drives me nuts. Then the next day he'll be sweet as can be and so tender and loving. I think he's a confused soul. I hope the nice boy wins out. Pictured above was a sweet day for Dylan. Riley had fallen and got a minor cut on his knee. I basically told Riley to suck it up and deal with it. Dylan so kindly put his arm around Riley and said, "It's okay Riley, I'll take care of you." A little while later Levi came to tattle on Dylan and was bummed that I didn't yell at him (Dylan). I saw the above scene upon arrival and had to pause and capture it. Riley has two bandaids on his knee, some gauze tape and about 10 stickers to make him feel better. Dylan helped "take care of him". Isn't that sweet?? I thought so. Riley told me that his owie feels better. I just love these kids! Hannah has been walking for a month now and is so confident. She bends down to pick things up and carries things. She loves to carry her dolly around and put her to bed and play peek a boo with her. She wants to always read books (which is okay by me!) Matt and I are just busy running a household. We are happy. (How could I not be?! I'm married to Matt and he's pretty awesome!) So there's your monthly update world. :-)

Riley Gus has SPD

My cute Riley has Sensory Processing Disorder. One aspect of it is that he gets overstimulated while sleeping (or something) and needs a weighted blanket. Double bonus: it helps with Restless Leg Syndrome! (April, you were right!) So, rather than pay the $90 for a weighted blanket (and that was the cheapest with moderately cute fabric) I made him one myself with a set of directions found free online. I do so love the internet. He wanted yellow on his blanket and "something funny". The supplies were $20 and it took me 2.5 hours to make his cool weighted blanket. He loves it but was a little worried that it held him down. We'll see how tonight goes. Hooray!

Levi's Birthday

My oldest child is 7. Wowie Kazowie! I have no idea how to raise a 7 year old. I work on it every day. He was so excited for his birthday and thrilled for his presents. He got a four square ball!! (Thanks Mom and Dad). He's "the best 4 square player at school". He also got shirts, a wallet, and books. Kyle sent him a Tech Deck ramp and boards (finger skate board toys). He's pretty happy. Plus, I let him play video games and said "yes" to whatever reasonable thing he asked for. Happy Birthday Levi! Oh, he picked the cake: lemon cake with chocolate frosting. It was also his cousin's birthday the same day.... Happy Birthday Maddie!

I suppose I could update this blog

Hello world! We are alive and well... just busy. One thing I learned while teaching was that if the kids knew (or even sensed) that the adult in charge was unprepared then all hell would break loose. I've found the same to be true of being the Mom. With that being said, I try everyday to have a planned day of activities and learning to keep the little darlings happy and nice and to preserve my sanity. It's easier said than done. It would surely help if I had more energy. We did have a picnic at the Temple last week (two lovely pictures are shown from this adventure). We had a lovely time. Levi will be 7 this week. I can't believe it. I have no idea how to raise a 7 year old (or any kid for that matter). I seriously need a manual or something. I know every parent probably thinks that. So could someone write one already?!?!? Thanks. Dylan's favorite thing to do is yell bad words at me (Please don't let this give you a negative impression of this darling boy... he can be quite charming). Bad words include: stupid, shut up, and dummy. Not acceptable, although preferable to the alternative. I haven't found a disciplining method that works so feel free to offer your suggestions. Riley just wants to be like his older brothers. He's still an avid playdoh player. He really wants to be out of diapers but has no desire to use a toilet. We're also having sensory issues with him and trying to address those. Hannah just freaks out when her brothers get too loud (can you blame her?) She'd love to be held all day and has separation anxiety. That's our life in a nutshell. They'll be awake in 2 hours so I better come up with a plan for the day since I fell asleep last night while attempting to do so. I need to clone me or something. Three cheers for all the Moms out there!!!