Surgery...Merry Christmas Jax!

Jax and Me Before Surgery

Recuperating at Home

Well, Eric, Jax, and I got up early this morning (5:00 AM) to go to the hospital. We checked in at 6:30 and we got him dressed in the cute pj's the hospital wanted him in. There was an hour where we killed time, but right at 8:00 am they took him back to surgery. I nearly killed me to watch him being rolled away...he was fine however and was pushing all the buttons along the hallway for the nurse who was wheeling his gurney to the O.R.
The actual surgery involved an incision above his pubic bone. Through this incision they tied off a tube that was letting fluid accumulate in his testicle. Then they found the actual testicle, pulled it out of his body, removed the fluid and sac, and then pushed the testicle back where it goes. OUCH! They sutured him up and he was off to the recovery room to regain consciousness.
At 9:15 he was brough back to us and BOY, was he out of it! In recovery he had gotten really upset (to the point that he was screaming so hard that he broke some blood vessels by his eye), and they gave him some morphine. So, of course the morphine made him throw-up a few times, but after on hour and a half we were released to come home. Now he's sleeping on the couch and wimpering...poor baby! The doctors think that he will be feeling a lot better tomorrow, so we're keeping our fingers crossed! Two more days to go!

Christmas Helper?

Finnegan...The Ribbon Bandit!

Well, the weather outside is indeed frightful! We heard on the radio that the temperature would drop to -40 windchill tonight! There is blowing snow, and tons of falling snow. For those of you who wished for a white Christmas...WISH GRANTED! You can't even shovel it...10 minutes later your walkway is covered again! We have those light-up deer in our front yard and they have been completely covered...you can't even see them anymore! Yikes!
So, I was in the kitchen wrapping a present for Eric while he was out doing errands. the kids were in the front room when I realized that it was WAY too quiet. All you moms out there know what I mean. It's the quiet where you think to yourself, "Okay, I know that they are doing something bad, but do I just stay here in denial for a few more minutes...or do I go see what they are up to?" Cade, Claire, and Jax were emptying out our book drawers and Finnegan...well, refer to the picture! He found my Christmas ribbons and had a blast! Just a few more days to go...now if only I had any ribbon left to finish wrapping presents! :)

Random Pictures...Random Happenings!

Finnegan is walking so well now! He's almost ten months old and such a cutie! I took this picture yesterday after I gave him a haircut...isn't he handsome!

The next picture is of our poor gingerbread house. We got the kit at Sam's Club and the kids and I put it together. It was so much fun! We all went to bed and in the morning it looked like this...1/2 the roof missing! Yep, our dog won't eat dog food, but gingerbread, NO PROBLEM! He's lucky I didn't turn him into a rug after this!

The last pic is my sweet Jax. It was freezing outside and I was telling him that it was going to snow. He ran out of the room, put on his Daddy's snow boots, and then informed me that he was going to go out and shovel snow!

Sometimes life gets crazy in our house, but it is ALWAYS exciting and different! I love my little family so much and hope that they will have a wonderful, fun, and VERY Merry Christmas! Nine more days to go!

Christmas is Almost Here!

I'm a brunette again!

I LOVE this time of year! With Christmas only a little more than a week away, I am almost as excited as the kids. This year will be especially memorable and fun due to the fact that my brother will be out here for the first time since we moved! He lives in Seattle, about five hours from my mom, but he's spending the holiday with the kids and Eric and I out here! We are soooo excited to have him visit! It will also be a big help that he's coming out here due to the fact that Jaxon will be having surgery on the 23rd. I think that the distraction of Uncle Richard, alsong with the excitement of Christmas will speed his recovery along! The surgery isn't a big thing...don't worry too much! The doctors have to make an incision right above his pubic bone and tie off a tube that runs down to his testicle and is causing it to fill with fluid and swell. Then they have to make another incision and drain the fluid. He won't have to spend the night in the hospital and will be home that afternoon. We are hoping that he will be feeling well enough to go to dinner at Lisa's on the 24th, but if not we will make a dinner at home.
Let's see, what else...yep I colored my hair. Everyone was so shocked! It's kind of funny, I've been getting it highlighted for years, and I decided to go back to my natural color...which by the way, my hair is naturally DARKER than the color in the picture, but they couldn't get it dark enough on the first visit, so we will darken it up more next time. I don't think that anyone knew that my hair was SO dark brown, well, we'll see how long I can go without highlighting it this time!
I hope that these last few days before Christmas go well for everyone, and don't forget to write your letters to Santa!

How to Get Out of Church...By: Finnegan

Well, today was fun (insert sarcasm)! We made it to Church, but Eric took Finnegan out to the lobby due to the fact that he was fussing...Finn that is, not Eric! Finn was sitting by a chair and decided to fall over and bash his face against the chair's wooden leg. He ended-up splitting open the skin right in the corner of his eye...OUCH! Poor baby. I rushed him to the ER where they FINALLY decided to glue it closed. They wanted to stich it, but it is too close to his eye and they were afraid he would pick at the stiches. So, we have to watch it to make sure that the laceration doesn't open up again. Oh, and don't forget that we have to watch him for a possible concussion. Well, we are home, Eric and the kids will be back from Church any minute, and Finn and I are just going to cuddle up under some warm blankets for a while! Hope your Sunday's are a little bit less eventful!

It's My Birthday...BE CAREFUL!!!

So, today is my birthday. We are spending it quietly here at home due to that fact that my birthday is cursed! Seriously, BAD things happen to people on this day! A few years ago my birthday fell on a Fast Sunday. I was bummed that we wouldn't be able to go out for dinner, but we got to church and were almost through sacrament meeting when a woman sitting a few rows ahead of us had a heart attack and died right there...Happy Birthday To Me! A few years later, on the way to my birthday dinner, Eric and I got rear-ended...Happy Birthday To Me! Last year there was a HUGE ice storm and Eric, Bonnie, and I all got the stomach flu...Happy Birthday Dear Nessa! Don't forget Bonnie spilling an entire order of eggs benedict all over the window of Perkin's and moy mom having to cancel her surprise visit for that day...Happy Birthday To Me!
So, we are staying in this year. Eric is bringing me home some yummy food and pizzas for the kids so that I don't have to do any cooking! My hairstylist is doing my hair tomorrow...she's a big believer in my birthday curse and refused to do my hair today! So, basically I get to veg out a bit today and relax!
I will say that in all of my now...gulp, 29, years I do have at least five things that I know that I did right! Four of them are Cade, Claire, Jaxon, and Finnegan...I love those kids so much that it hurts! The other thing that I did absolutely, positively, right was to say yes when that wonderful husband of mine asked me to marry him...smartest move I ever made! Thanks hon for loving me so much, and for not taking Azul up on his offer to run you off to Tiauana the day we got married!
So, to all of my friends and family out there on this 2nd of December..be careful...don't chew gum and walk...stay away from sharp objects (Heather!)...and if you have any, wrap yourselves in bubble wrap until the 3rd!

Family, Turkey, and Rockband???

Dear Santa...just give us a box!

Rockbanders!

Well, we decimated the bird. Almost drank the gravy bowl, and we able to sit around with family and friends and enjoy this fun holiday. Eric's grade school friend, Brian, drove out all the way from northern California to see us...what FUN!!!The kids had such fun with their Uncle B! This year was a more low key Turkey Day due to the fact that Rick and Eileen are in Iceland, Paige is off becoming a lawyer, and the Bremner's had family in town at their home. It was sooooo quiet with just us, the Peter's, the Martin's, and Amanda! :)For those who don't know how many kids we each have we are talking 20 people.
After the food was eaten, second helpings were enjoyed and belts were loosened...it happened. Yes, you know of what I speak...I have nightmares every few days of the HORROR that is RockBand! Get all these people together, with instruments and a microfone...OH MY GOSH! (It's a good thing that none of us drink!)
We went to bed late, being Brian's last night and I got up at 4:15 AM to go shopping with Lisa, Bonnie, and Meredith. I really didn't know that there WAS a 4 AM...who knew! We got a LOT of shopping done and then went home. I hung out with the kids and we cleaned up a bit, got out the decorations, and put up our Christmas tree! By 9:00 I was exhausted! I went upstairs and sat in bed reading while Eric played a new videogame...purchased at 5:00 AM! I was getting mad because I thought he was in the hall throwing things around to freak me out so I got up to tell him to quit it and that's when I saw it...A BAT! Yikes, freaky enough, but it flew into Finnegan's room. I ran downstairs and got Eric who took it all instride...that is until he got upstairs and realized that it was flying! He thought it was just hanging and sleeping! Using towels...and my bath robe (thanks Hon!) he caught it and put it outside. I'm sorry that there are no pictures of this, but I was busy hiding in my room humming loudly so that I couldn't hear the squeaks from the bat!
Hope you all have a great weekend and a fabulous Holiday Season...BAT FREE!;)

The Grandparents Come to Town!

Well, I know that I haven't posted in a while, but life has been crazy! My Dad and step-mom came to visit us out here in Austin. The kids had a blast with them and are still asking when they are coming back. Hey- they had so much fun that Grandpa and Grammy ended-up taking the kids out to dinner without Eric and I, because as Cade said...parents weren't invited! Ha...see if Santa visits you this year Cade! Eric and I got spoiled, the kids got spoiled, and the weather (for once) cooperated!
Well, Dad and Pam left on Monday morning (last Monday) and then Wednesday morning Eric went out of town for a few days. His trip was only four days, but oh goodness...the things that happened! Finnegan started walking...yep he's 8 months old! Jaxon got the Roto Virus...if you don't know what that is, live content in your ignorance! Cade got a cold, and for some reason Claire wouldn't sleep in her own bed. YIKES! Well, Eric is home now...a bit gimpy with a dislocated sholder, but at least he's in one piece! Life is getting back on track and I just have to hold out until Friday when us 'girls' go out to see Twilight!

We Voted...Did You?

I think 'Uncle' David had the most fun!

So, today is election day...and Ranger's birthday! I picked Claire up from school and we went over to vote. Luckily for me David and Lisa were going to vote around the same time and they were able to help me with the three kids...sooooo glad Cade was in school! Well, Claire helped me mark our pick for President, and Jaxon helped me mark in our vote for Mayor. Finn just drooled all over Auntie Lisa...such a help I am sure! So, we are all wearing our "I Voted" stickers and eating lunch right now. Oh-cute story...Jaxon was really disappointed when we went to vote because he thought that we were going to a BOAT! Poor kid! Well, there are still a few hours left to vote...get out there and do it!

Halloween!

Tired...nah, I'm sure they are faking it!

Sweet, Sweet, Goodness...dentists of the world, turn away from these horrifying pictures!

Darth Maul, Snow princess, Cow, and Dragon

What is the best thing about Halloween? There is so much candy in my house right now! Who says that Halloween is a pointless holiday? I love it. I've even realized that this is a holiday where I really do benefit from having a large family. The kids go out and trick-or-treat until they fall down, and at the end of the night Eric and I get to take all the candy! We really are the candy PIMPS! Anyway- we trick-or-treated with some family and friends for a few hours, Cade setting the pace and Claire bringing up the rear. My little girl held her own this year and I was really impressed with how far she went. When Cade gets around candy it's like feeding time at the pirana tank...make that free candy and the kid moves at the speed of light! Oh, did he have fun! Jax was cute as a dragon, but wanted to eat each piece as it was given to him. Finnegan stayed awake the whole time and had me carry him constantly! We ended the night with what has now become our tradition of going to the Anderson's house for hot cocoa...and saltines for Finn! It is so much fun to visit with and talk to all these wonderful people! Enjoy the pictures and I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween evenings!

Preschool Pumpkin Carving Party!

Cade and Claire get put to work!

Stars, Hearts, a Smile, and SNOT!

Last night was Claire's preschool pumpkin carving party. Yep- nothing says fun and safety like a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds hyped up on sugar and running around, while their parents hack into pumpkins with carving knives! We had so much fun! Claire got to 'design' her pumpkin and Eric carved it for her. He did get to put some of his own ideas into it though...if you look closely the pumpkin has "snot" coming out of it's nose...I am so proud! Claire slso had dance yesterday and was able to dress-up in a costume for class. Due to the fact that she got to dress up, the boys had to try on their costumes as well. All the kids are counting the days until we get to Halloween, and their excitement has become contagious! Hopefully, we'll be able to stay out for a while. I think that the weather is supposed to be in the 40's. Well, good thing that I got out the winter jackets this week!

Oh No...SNOW!!!

Well, the weekend started out a bit windy, but with bright, clear blue skies. We raked up a TON of leaves and Eric took them out the the town leaf pile. It was so cute to see the kids playing in the truck bed, crushing all the leaves to make room for more!
Well, we woke-up this morning and it was even more windy, with gray skies. By the time we were on our way to church it was snowing! We weren't worried...we weren't dismayed...the snow wasn't sticking, just falling and melting. Well, we got home and the missionaries came over to eat. Around 4:30 they left and immediately my phone rang. My friend, Meredith, was calling to tell me to look outside. The snow had gotten worse and was STICKING! Man- I thought that we would have a few more weeks of good weather. Well, get out the snow blowers and shovels my friends...it looks like winter is here...EARLY!

Halloween is almost here!

My attempt at window painting!

We made it to the Zoo...Finally!

I love this time of year! We just passed our first hurdle of the month...Cade's birthday, and now we are on the Trick-or-Treating COUNTDOWN! During my blog stalking, I found a FABULOUS idea on my cousin-in-laws blog. She painted her windows in Halloween themes! I loved it and decided to give it a try. Luckily, my mom was out here and did half of the windows for me, but the above picture is what I did! (Thanks for the idea Heather!) The kids are soooooo excited about Halloween and are trying on their costumes everyday and practicing knocking on all our doors...no wonder I have a headache!
The other fun thing that we got to do recently was go up to the ZOO! We haven't been there in forever, so when we took my Mom up to the airport, we made a stop at the Zoo for some fun. The weather was gorgeous, and there was trick-or-treating throughout the entire ZOO...as if the kids needed bags full of candy! We had fun, and now are just hoping that the weather stays nice for Halloween!

Cade's Birthday!

Hard to see, but there's the cake!

Cenneidigh, J.T., Jax in the back, Cade and Jacob!


Well, another miracle has happened! Cade has made it to 6 years old! I know, I know, I am shocked as well! We had a few of the family over for cake and ice cream, and we were lucky that my mom, Grandma Rita, was able to spend a few days with us!
So, Cade had wanted me to make his cake this year. Last May I made Claire a Princess Castle Cake...and if I do say so, it came out prety good! Well, I asked Cade what kind of cake he wanted and he said a chocolate Pirate Ship cake...yeah-he might as well have asked me to build him a nuclear reactor for his birthday! Lucky for me, my mom and I found a Pirate Ship cake at the local grocery store...thank goodness! He got lots of toys and had a really fun time. I really love it when all the cousins converge on us, all 10 of them, plus the Martin's 3 (with our kids we are at 17!)...it was so fun to stay up and chat with everyone.
I had such a good time visiting with 'the girls' while all the men-folk went downstairs and played video games. I can't wait for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It is so fun to go to everyones homes and spend time with eachother...as if we don't see eachother enough every week! Well, the drawback to the holidays is that we get REALLY cold weather! Remind me again why we live out here!:) It's already getting pretty chilly...better stock up on hot chocolate and soup! We hope you are all ready for winter and the holidays...wherever you live!

A Miracle!

Our Little Clan

The Connett Girls!

Wrestling with the older boys!

So, after seven years of marriage, and four children, the unthinkable has happened! We actually got family pictures taken! I have always gotten pictures of the kids taken, but never a shot of the whole family. I think that between Eric's work, and the hectic life of having kids...we never made the time to do it. I am so glad that we did it, and I am so glad to have a photographer for a friend. It made it much easier for the kids during the shoot due to the fact that they knew who was taking the photos...thanks a bunch Ashley! I hope that you enjoy the pictures...who knows how long it will be before we do it again!

Idiot...Party of one...Your table is Ready!

The OLD wall color is behind the kids!

So, as many of you who read my blog know, we had a small house fire last April. The damage was minimal to our wall, but I have been putting off re-painting it. The section that was burned was only 6 inches wide, and two feet tall, however this project took on epic proportions. Why, you might ask? Well, the previous owners had used two different paint colors to texturize the walls. Unfortunately, for me, they did this in the front room (fire damage room), hallway, top half of the kitchen, stairway to second story, and the upstairs hallway. I couldn't match the colors that they had, so I picked out a color called Lazy Beige (seriously...where do they come up with some of these paint names)! Changing one rooms color would have stood out like a sore thumb, so I painted all of them!
This week, I got a cold and Finn got it too. We've both been tired and cranky, but I still painted all the above mentioned rooms anyway because, like the post heading states... I am an IDIOT! I was painting while the two older kids were in school. I was painting once all the kids went to bed. I was painting while Eric was out watching a movie with some friends, and I fell down the stairs...don't worry, I didn't spill the paint! So, today is Saturday, and we just got home from having our family pictures taken. I am sitting in my newly painted front room and quite frankly, I am so tired that I don't know if I will get up any time soon! Bonnie had come by and said that she really liked the new color on the walls...good thing, if she had said that she didn't like it...well, there are LOTS of places in Southern Minnesota that I could hide a body! Okay- all joking aside, I'm going to go take a nap!

Chubby Bubba!

Well, Finnegan started out as a tiny, little guy. At two months old people were still stopping me to ask if he was a premie! Well, I have stopped nursing him completely this past week. Why? Well, he hit a MAJOR growth spurt and I was having to feed him every half an hour. I put him on formula and he loved it (after I doctored it with strawberry Nestle Quick for a few days)! He has all but stopped spitting up and he has gained A LOT of weight (as you can see from the pictures).
Finn loves to smile, and is sitting up really well. If you hold his fingers he will happily walk all over the house giggling all the way. He isn't crawling perfectly, but instead does this army crawl, so he looks like he is stalking his toys!
The newest characteristic in his development is that he growls. We were in Relief Society on Sunday and there was one of those pauses where the whole room goes silent...well, the whole room minus Finnegan! He decided that it was the perfect time to show all of us his impersonation of an angry lion...all with a smile on his face!
The other kids and Eric and I are doing great...I just thought that it was time for a Finn Update!

Claire's Last Year of Preschool Begins!

Claire playing shy!

Claire and Claire...otherwise known as Claire Squared!

Well, my baby girl started her last year of preschool this week. She loved her class, and her teacher, and quite frankly, won't stop talking about it! It's so fun to see the kids growing up! To celebrate her first day, we went out to dinner at the Country Club with all four kids, Eric and I, and Granny. The kids all ordered personal mini pizzas and even ate most of the adults onion rings. Really, it's a good thing that we love the kids so much...Country Club onion rings are good, we rarely share. We came home and by that time they were all wiped out. Eric left to go out and have 'guy time' with some friends, and Bonnie and I watched the movie Baby Mama. It was really cute and funny! Well, our week is almost over and I am definetly ready for the weekend! Do I have any big plans...YOU BET!! I'm going to do laundry, and go grocery shopping. I know, I know, I am such a party animal!

Jesse James Festival

The Campers!

Can you read the sign?

Well, due to the cold, we didn't go on the camping trip. It would have just been too hard with Finn still so young. So instead, we made smores and set-up our tent in our front room. The kids loved it and I was able to sleep in my own room. Now, that's how I like to camp!
The next morning we packed up the car and drove to Northfield for the 'Defeat of Jesse James Days'. The re-enactment was great, as always, and the kids had so much fun looking at the bullet holes in the bank walls. The town really goes all out and most kids are dressed as cowboys and cowgirls. Even the police foot-patrol was handing out stickers that looked like police badges that said DEPUTY to all the kids! We had fun and are definetly looking forward to going back next year!
In school news...Claire had her first day of dance yesterday (which she loved) and goes back to school tomorrow. Even though Cade has only been in school for a week, there is already a fundraiser going on at his school. Oh, the joy of having the kids in school! Hope that all is well with everyone out there!!!

Here's What's Up!

My Little Girl is Growing Up!

So, with Cade in school my house is shiny and clean. Really, just how much of a mess can a 1st grade boy make? The answer is A LOT! Seriously, I have had so much more time to clean, take walks with the other three (Claire doesn't start school until next week), and get Finnegan on an eating and sleeping schedule.
Finn is doing great. He is growing like a weed! I have cut back on nursing him due to the fact that I just can't keep up with his needs! He's taking formula like a champ, and last night he slept for almost seven hours straight! THANK YOU FINNEGAN!!! He's napping well, and eating his baby food (sweet potatoes and squash are his favorites)! He's always smiling, but for some reason he especially loves his Auntie Lisa...she's like a baby form of cat-nip to him! I'm really lucky that he's such a good baby!
Claire is starting her last year of pre-school next week. The first day for Cade we told him he could pick a place to go out for diner. He picked Culver's...a hamburger joint. We told Claire she could pick on her first day...and being my daughter, she's picked the Country Club! I love this kid! She can't wait for school to start. Next week is also when her dance classes resume. She has been picking out outfits for school and dance all week!
Eric, the kids and I were going to go camping this weekend with our friends, but the weather is going to be COLD at night and might rain. Sleeping outside with a 6 month old in 45-50 degrees is worrying Eric and I a bit. I'm afraid of Finn getting sick, and I'm selfish enough to not want sick kids in my house...what one gets, they all get. You see we share in our house! Saturday morning we are going to drive up and meet all the campers at the Jesse James Festival. We went last year and it was so much fun! I'm sure with our luck it will be pouring rain!:)

School Begins...Yea For Me!!!!!

J.T. and Cade's first day of 1st Grade!


Well, today was the first day of school for the year! Cade is starting 1st grade...I swear he was just a baby yesterday! I can't believe he is growing up so quickly. We got to school this morning right as the bell rang. Cade had already met his teacher and learned where to line up so he was pretty confident about the morning routine. He lined up with his class and all us parents watched as our kids filed into the school. Luckily, there are three girls in his class that were in his Kindergarten class last year, so he knows some kids. I hope that he has fun and is quiet long enough to learn a few things!
Claire starts her last year of preschool next week. She is really excited because her favorite teacher is going to be there and we have the added bonus of the fact that one of my best friends is going to be her teacher as well! Good luck Meredith! Claire's dance classes also start up again next week...she has already picked out the new dance outfit that she is going to wear (thanks Grammy Pam)!
Jax and Finn and I are planning to go on walks and trips to the park...at least until the weather starts to turn. It is amazing to me how much time I have when the kids are in school. Seriously...my house is soooooo much cleaner when they are gone for a few hours! Well, good luck to all of you with kids in school...here's to a great, fun filled year!

Carmel, Ca!

Well, busted-up foot and all we flew out to Ca. The weather was a little crummy while we were there, but it didn't deter us from going to the beach, and climbing around all the tide pools. I can't even begin to explain how many shells I am still finding in my laundry from the kids pockets! We were especially lucky to be able to go the the Monterey Bay Aquarium one morning. Those of you who haven't been there shpuld go if you are ever able. It's not just fun for the kids...I love it too!
There was even a big car show out there and everywhere we drove in town, there were Lamborghinis, Ferrari's, Corvettes, Bentleys...you name it and it was there...really weird since the majority of those cars are more expensive than my house! The kids had a blast with their grandparents and loved seeing my brother, Uncle Richard.
As much fun as it was, it is nice to be back home. This is the last week of summer! I can't quite wrap my mind around it...it seems like summer just started! Hope everyone has a great week!

The Things They Say!

The one thing that I have learned as a mom is NEVER think that I know what is going to come out of my children's mouths at any given time! We've had a few recent sayings that have been totally hilarious to us. First-up Cade:
Me: "Cade, do dogs talk?"
Cade: "Yep"
Me: "How do they speak?" (I thought that he'd say that they bark)
Cade: (exasperated) "They speak Doglish mom"
Well, of course they do. I can't believe that I didn't know that!

Next-up Jax:
A little background for you all...whenever Eric and I are eating something that we do NOT want Jax to eat we say it's spicy...yes, I know that we are lying to our two year old, but darn it, there are times that I am simply NOT willing to share my Mint Chip Ice Cream! So...
Cade: "Hey, Jax, can I have a sip of your apple juice?"
Jax: (with no hesitation) "No, Cader, it's SPICY!"
I'm so in trouble...what does this mean for my ice cream?

One more thought. I have come to the conclusion that I wasted a lot of time getting an education. No, really! Think about it. I graduated from high school, have a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University, and all my life I've heard... "someday you'll need to know this". Well, as a stay at home mom I have gained the knowledge that all I really needed to know was how to count to three. Seriously,... "Clean your room. One...Two...don't make me say three...!" See what I mean? All those lost years spent studying, and all I've needed to know I learned in preschool...who knew?

You've GOT to Be Kidding Me!!!

Well, I swear, sometimes I think that Fate just sits around trying to think up new ways to mess with me! Eric and I are planning a trip out west to California next week. The kids and Eric and I are so excited and so are the grandparents and great-grandparents. We are leaving on the 14th and will be back the 20th. So, of corse, we have the plane tickets...the rental car...the dog in the kennel...everything is set! I should have known that everything was too easy! Yesterday I stubbed my toe really hard into the corner of a door. During the day my foot got progressively worse and worse, so this morning I went into the ER. Well, I didn't break my little toe. I broke the bone farther down in my foot! Now, I have a walking boot and a beautiful black and blue foot. Oh, and our trip? Yep, like a moron I am still going to try to go, because hey...what else could happen!

Relay for Life!

This weekend was the Relay for Life. I had so much fun supporting this cause! I just wish that I had bought new running shoes BEFORE the weekend! Meredith and I walked from 11:00- midnight, and then from 5AM to 7AM. After it was all over we raced home to get ready for Church. Note to self...next year I think I'll walk a bigger stretch all at once, instead of broken up...much easier to be a human the next day!!! There were lots of people out and Finnegan did me the honor of keeping me company for the morning hours...he was so excited...I think you could hear his snores across the pond! Well, I'd better train for next year since I want to break my "record"...this year I did 15 laps, next year, who knows? Thanks to Renee for inviting me to be on the team. I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Future Careers?

Paper...Who Needs Paper?

We woke-up this morning to another wet, and miserable day. The kids were bummed because we didn't go to swimming lessons, and have been driving me nuts ALL DAY LONG! We were down in the basement and they wanted to draw, but I had just sat down and didn't want to go upstairs to dig out all the art supplies...I know, bad Mommy! So, the kids drew on me instead...yeah, put a pen in a two year olds hand and tell him to be soft on Mommy's legs...yeah that was communicated well! Anyhow, they drew a sun, random people, Granny, Me, flowers, and Jax swears that he drew a T-Rex eating a man off a toilet (his favorite movie is Jurassic Park). It's nice to know that if all else fails, they can all become Mormon Tattoo Artists!

Where did summer go?

Playing on the slide!

Jax steals Cade's bike!

Not too sure about the grass!

It seems as if summer has been flying by! At the beginning of June I was so freaked-out at the prospect of having all the kids around 24-7. I work well on a schedule, and with the kids in school it forces me to plan things out. Now with Summer more than half over, I'm freaked-out about school starting up again! We are almost into August and I have to start thinking about school supplies, dance classes, and parent teacher conferences! I'm not ready yet! There is so much to do still this month!
This weekend is the Relay for Life walk. I'll be walking with Finn starting with the Team Lap at 9:00 PM, and then off-and-on until the end at 7:00 AM. I'm really excited to be able to participate! Our team raised over five-thousand dollars! Go Team!
Next up- California. Eric and the kids and I are going to visit my Dad and Step-mom in Carmel mid-month. I know, I know...flying with four kids, four carseats, a double stroller, carry-ons, diaper bags, cameras, suitcases...I think I'm going to need a vacation from vacation! Lucky for us my brother, Richard, is going to make it out there for a few days and the kids are already fighting over who gets to sleep with him (sorry Rich!).
We will be back in town on the 20th, and then the Activities Committee (of which I am on) have to plan out our Ward's Labor Day picnic!! So much to do and so little time!
Well, I guess that I would rather it be really busy, than not at all! Hope everyone is having a great, and busy, summer!

Finn's First Food!

YUMMY!!!

So, we had our meeting last night for Relay For Life. Renee and Jeff were nice enough to host the meeting at their house, and the kids were in heaven! Between all the food and all the fun with the water the kids were nice and exhausted by the time that we got home! There was sooooo much food, and I think that we all over ate...even Finnegan. The kid won't eat baby food, but at five months old (today!) he was chewing on a baby-back rib bone! Oh, he is so Eric's child!

Anyway the walk is in two weeks...y'all better come out and cheer for us!

"T" is for Thunder-Thighs

Claire shows off Finn!

Look at those knees!!!

Finnegan is such a little boy! He is putting on weight, but is still well below the average for weight and height. We were looking at Finn the other day and to our surprise he has gotten PUDGY! Cade and Claire call him the little "Fat Boy'. His rolls have rolls of their own! Well I guess the proof is in the pudding...or, in this case, the breastmilk! I just love chubby babies! So enjoy our little Fat Boy...hopefully he grows out of that nickname before he understands Engligh!

White Trash Living!

So, our camping trip was cancelled due to bad weather yesterday. This was indeed lucky due to the fact that my little boys were sick. Unfortunately, our friends (and camp cook) had already bought all the food! So, tonite we partook of our camp food at our friends home. Shawn cooked Dutch-oven chicken and potatoes with onions. We had lemonade, watermelon, and rice krispie treats. The funnest part of all of this is that we didn't eat in the house. We didn't eat in the backyard. We ate in the driveway! There was no shade anywhere else, and people drove by and honked, and people walked by and waved...it was so much fun! So here's to eating in the driveway! Lets make it a theme and next time lets use my driveway!