Pumpkin Patchin'

Every year it has been the "Quick" tradition to pick-a-pumpkin together. We started out our night by filling our bellies with Cafe Rio.  Yum.....  Then off we went to the good old pumpkin patch. The kids were so excited to get on all the tractors! We wondered if they really cared much about the pumpkins!

The pumpkin picking finally began!

They couldn't resist the corn maze!  After about 10 times, we finally had to make them stop!

Yes, back to the tractors for a good 20 minutes! Who knew!?

We decided to end our night with a yummy ice cream cone from chick-fil-a. (of course) I had to capture this picture of Brynn picking up the broom and actually using it!  Yes, she feels right at home at good old chick-fil-a!

my list of loves

I'm so not loving this freezing weather.... but instead of listing other things that I totally don't love, I thought I'd list a few things that I do love! (look, I'm trying to stay positive.... so stay with me!)

my hard working and handsome hubby

my beautiful and sweet kids

knowing that we are a forever family

DIET COKE

bubble baths

chick-fil-a

family

friends

warm blankets on a cold day

a clean house

no laundry in the baskets

no dishes in the sink

laughing 'til it hurts

the smell of my freshly bathed babies

thunderstorms

DIET COKE

how I feel AFTER my work-out

cafe rio

sweet letters from my girls

lipstick letters on the mirror from Tyler

being told, "I love you."

ice cream

blasting the radio in the car (alone of course)

flip flops

being married

US weekly magazine

being able to say, "it's my treat."

DIET COKE

Disneyland with the entire family

family walks

when homework hour is over

when Daddy comes home

sunny days

reminiscing

being a mommy

blooming flowers

pedicures

visiting Mom and Dad in California

when my kids are off track

DIET COKE

finding a bargain

date night with Tyler

cereal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

compliments from my girls (look, that's important when you feel old!)

genuine people

snuggles from little Justin

when we are all happy at the same time

I'm sure there are a ton of things that I am missing, but my little Justin is crying and I'm going to chick-fil-a for lunch!  LOVE that!

Hubby Tag!

I was tagged by Richelle.... so here we go!

1. Where did you meet?  Blockbuster Video in Provo, where we were both working. (no, it wasn't in the drama/romance section like he always tells people!)

2. How long did you date before you were married? We "officially" met January 1, 1996, were engaged 2 weeks later, and married June 28, 1996. (he wanted a long engagement... lame)

3. How long have you been married? 12 great years!

4. What does he do that surprises you?  Honestly, he's not good with surprises.  Which is good because that means he can't lie!  He does try to surprise me, but I catch him every time!

5. What is your favorite feature of his? From day one I always loved his lips!  But I have to admit, since he's been working out I LOVE his bulging biceps!

6. What is your favorite quality of his? When he puts his mind to something, he completes it 100%!  He doesn't give up!  He's a super Dad and an wonderful Husband!

7. Does he have a Nickname for you?  Sexy mamma!

8. What is his favorite color? Black and red

9. What is his favorite food?  Italian for sure!  Luckily I know how to throw together a bowl of spaghetti, alfredo, or lasagna with no problem! (whew!)

10. What is his favorite sport?  I have a hard time believing it because I've never seen him play, but for sure Ice Hockey.  According to him and his family he was AMAZING!  Someday we'll pull out the gear (yes, we still have his stinky high school gear in storage) so he can show me his skills!

11. When and where was your first kiss?  Well, I have to be honest.  In my apartment bedroom on our first date! Hehe!

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?  We just enjoy being together no matter what it is.  He's so good to me that he'll sit in a clothing store while I try EVERYTHING on and never complain!

13. Do you have children?  Yes! April (9 1/2), Taylee (6 1/2), Brynn (3 1/2), and J-man (Justin - that's Daddy's nickname for him. 5 months)

14. Does he have a hidden talent? It's not hidden to me, because I see it.  He might not realize his talent.  When I'm having a rough day with the kids, he always has a way to calm them (and me for that matter) and makes it all better!  

15. How old is he?  Older than me and that's all that matters! 34

16. Who said I love you first?  Funny story.  He was looking into my eyes and was totally saying it with his eyes, but couldn't get it out! I could tell he wanted to SO bad.  So I say, "say it!"  He said, "say what?"  I say, "Just say it!".  So I said, "I love you!"  He said, "I love you too!" Then he never had a problem after that and continues to say it to me several times a day!  He's a good "I Love You" kind of guy!

17. What is his favorite type of music?  Well, he actually likes quite a variety of music.  Not country and is SO over the girls' High School Musical and Hannah Montana crap!

18. What do you admire most about him? How hard he works for our family.  I know my day is long and difficult sometimes while he's gone, but he's gone because he's doing the best he can to provide for us! I truly admire that!

19. Do you think he will read this? I'm sure he'll read it and then he'll get all mushy and gushy on me!  Maybe I don't want him reading this!  (Love ya!)

Little update...

Daddy is home!  Yippee!  He was nice enough to surprise us and get home extra early, which meant driving all thru the night.  Which also meant, tired Daddy!  We were all sacked out by 9:00 last night.  I'm thinking and hoping the little colds are leaving the kids systems! April is back to 100%, so all is well there!  Justin had his first physical therapy appointment today.  We received some great information on stretching the muscle so that he can work thru this.  We're all troopers around here and we'll get up and running here soon!  Thanks for all the caring thoughts and calls! 

Sick kids & no Daddy

Oh my, oh my, oh my.... what a day.  Tyler left for Seattle with his Dad and sister Thursday morning to go visit his brother and their family.  He didn't feel he should go considering we have 4 kiddos, but I insisted.  I didn't want him to pass up the chance to see his brother.  The kids have been angels because they promised Daddy they would be.  All that changed in a matter of a day.  April had been fighting a little cold all week.  No biggie, never missed school.  Brynn caught the cold, which turned into a cough, which has kept her in bed with me. (coughs always get 10 times worse at night... why is that anyway?!)  Justin woke up this morning very lethargic and with a stuffy nose.  He's an amazing baby even through all of this.  All he wants is to be held. (which is A-Ok with me!)  Taylee woke up crying at 4 a.m. because her throat hurt.  Now Taylee has the sniffles and continues to complain of a sore throat.  Well, that's not all folks.... April - out of the blue - decided she wanted to end the cold bug in the family and start the flu bug.  Yep, she's been throwing up!  I know... I'm a very lucky single Mom... and it's all my fault!  I love you Tyler and hope you are enjoying each and every second of this trip I was so kind to send you on!  When you get back tomorrow night.... I'm outta here!  XOXO

5 months already!

Our sweet little boy is already 5 months old today!  It has gone by faster than we'd like.  We have had the hardest time finding him hats, so I was thrilled when I found this hat on clearance at Children's Place for $1.00!  It doesn't fit him yet, but it will! We just made him an appointment with a Physical Therapist for Torticollis.  Brynn had to be seen for the same thing when she was a baby. Tightness of a specific muscle pulls the head sideways toward the shoulder. If you notice all the pictures I post of him, he's always twisted to that side.  I knew what to look for, so off to the Physical Therapist we go!  We just love this little guy!

My baby is moving up....

Well.... it was bound to happen sooner or later.  I was just hoping for later rather than sooner. April was ready to have her OWN room.  As much as she loves Taylee, she was ready for the separation even though it made Mom and Dad sad. We let her pick out her own colors. We think she did a great job! She was so excited she even helped Dad paint. (Thank goodness painting is not one of my jobs!) She has been on cloud 9! Does this mean she's getting older? :(

This is still Taylee's room.... but now she has a new roomie and all of the toys that came down with her!  We can only hope that Taylee will be as good to Brynn as April was to Taylee!  

Mondays...

So tomorrow is Monday.  No big deal... or is it?  Why is it that I look so forward to the weekends, as if it is any different than any other day of the week for me!  I guess in some ways I look at the weekend as my "time off" so to speak.  I still do my Mommy job, but Tyler is around a tad bit more to be the awesome Daddy that he is.  Maybe I feel a little less load to carry.  So I seem to want to cling on to Sunday nights knowing that I'll wake up to Monday in the morning.  What is it that I dread.  Let's list... shall we?

1. Wake up at 5:30 to get my work-out in and shower before the kids wake up at 7:00 for school.

2. Make sure the girls actually wake up at 7:00 for school and frantically dress them (even though they are totally capable of doing it themselves), do 3 sets of girlie hair-do's and a spiky boy-do.

3. Whip up a healthy breakfast of Lucky Charms.... yes, I said Lucky Charms with a vitamin on the side! (they are more than welcome to have oatmeal or anything healthy for that matter if the hair process goes smoothly!)

4. While they are shoving their little mouths with their healthy breakfast and I spoon feed little Justin his breakfast, I am also reading the scriptures to them! (best time to read!  They are so busy eating that they can't talk or argue!)

5. Make sure shoes are on, teeth brushed, lunches are made, and backpacks are loaded and on the right persons back!

6. It's already after 8:00!  Hurry.... let's get walking to school!  WHAT?  Justin is poopy?!

7. Walk back home from school and notice the sink piled with expanded marshmallows from their healthy breakfast.  Do kitchen clean-up.

8. Clean, clean, clean, clean...... Did I mention that I clean?

9. Play with Brynn and Justin in-between laundry loads and poopy diapers. If we are lucky, we'll even hit chick-fil-a for lunch!

10. Load up the little ones to pick up the big ones from school.... that means the dreaded homework hour is coming!

11. 3:30 - 4:30  Not a pleasant time.  Need I say more?

12. Brainstorm for a dinner idea and make the dinner with one hand (daddy-less since he works until 8:00 p.m.) while feeding Justin with the other hand.

13. Let the kids finally have some play time so that Mommy can clean up after dinner just so we can make another mess during dessert. (which is a MUST in this home!)

14. Give little boy a bath... and tuck him in bed.

15. Give Brynn a bath, read stories, and tuck her in bed.

16. Referee during April's and Taylee's shower, make sure they read, and tuck them in bed. 

17. It's already 8:00 p.m.  Daddy is hopefully on his way home.  Mommy is tired and remembers the load of laundry that I started at 9:00 earlier this morning.  Grrrr...

I do eventually get to bed, and I do repeat this every day.  Some days we throw in dance and activity days.  It gets done though.... and I wouldn't change it for the world!

Fat lip :(

My poor Brynnie!  She was being such a good girl today (I have to note that because it is rare!) when all of a sudden her world was turned upside down!  She lost her footing in her excitement to watch her favorite dinosaur show and what do you know.... her top teeth hit her lower lip with some major force! She was bleeding all over and could hardly talk without biting on that fat lip of hers, which in turn would cause more pain!

Brynn - " Mom wook at my wip!  It is big wike my eyes!"

me - "yes Brynn, it is.  It will get better. You are brave!"

Brynn - "Am I still pwetty?"

me - "You are always going to be pretty! You're Brynn!"

Brynn - "I know!"

 

Feeding time!

So I've been listening to Mom tell people that she wasn't going to start me on cereal quite yet.  That has made me a little frustrated!  I might be small, but that doesn't mean I don't want to eat "big boy" food or that I'm not ready!  I've been fussing on purpose.  Mom finally caught on and said, "Maybe he is ready for cereal.  Bottles aren't cutting it anymore. He always seems hungry."  So my crying paid off.  I've been holding up my head so good, so I'm sure that helped too.  Here's my play by play with feeding time.  It was awesome!

I'm looking up at my cool Dad and thanking him for finally feeding me something good!

I couldn't stop sucking my lips!  Each time I did, I would get more food somehow!

Even though I love Mom the most, I had to show her how I felt for making me wait!

The coolest part... I still was able to have a drink after I finished my cereal! I'm gonna love this!

Never forget...

Today is the 7th anniversary of the day our world forever changed.  I'll never forget that day.  I remember where I was, what I was doing, and what I was feeling the day I saw and heard the terrible news.  I had recently found out that I was pregnant with Taylee.  Something I was so excited about began to really scare me.  Should I be bringing a child into a world that is under attack and so evil?  I had to remind myself of my awesome Dad who always taught us about the signs of the Second Coming of the Savior and to not be afraid.  The times were going to be tough and hard, but we should not fear if we are doing the things the Lord would have us do.  Someday it will be a beautiful thing.  He looks so forward to that day. I strive to be more like my Dad!  This will live in our hearts and minds forever.  Continue to pray for those men and women who are in the Middle East fighting to keep our world safe and count your many blessings!

I'm still growing...

1. School is back on for the kids.  I've realized why I enjoy the "off track" times much more than the "on track" ones.  I expect a lot from my kids, maybe too much.  I am working so hard to be patient and calm during during homework hour.  I love my sweet girls and want them to remember the good times we share, not the nasty hour that we dread!

2. My husband might not separate laundry the way I do, clean the way I do, vacuum in straight lines like I do, or get the kids to bed the second I want them in bed, but he DOES it all the best he can!  I LOVE him for that! Who says my way is the right way anyway!?

3. I have been working on growing our food storage for years. 12 to be exact!  In no way am I near the year supply we've been asked to have, but at least I have tried.  For that I am thankful because it doesn't take a catastrophe to need to break in to the food storage!

4. Money is fun when you have it, but when you run short,  you realize quickly how much you don't need as much as you thought you did.  All that matters is that you have your family.  They are what I hope to take with me anyway!

5. Words are just words.  Actions can help people.  I want my actions to speak louder than my words to every person around me!  

6. I LOVE YOU all and I'm still growing...

Goodbye summer...

As we all know, summer is over.  Since our kids have been off track, we feel like we had a little extra summer to enjoy.  Knowing that this was officially the last weekend of "our" summer, we decided to hit the zoo and enjoy the gorgeous day together as a family!  I think every single animal was out today.  We had such a great time together and are very sad to see the summer slip away.  Back to school they go on Monday :(

The girls were actually a little nervous for this shot! Mr. Giraffe was pretty close!

Daddy and the girls watching the bear! It's not very often that the bear is out!

We already know he's little, so I thought this was the perfect shot of him!

Justin's 4 mo. check-up

Justin had his 4 month check-up today and I was positive the kid has put on enough weight to finally get over the 8% on the chart....  WRONG!  He's a tiny 11.5 lbs which puts him in the 3% for weight!  Yes, it went down, and yes, it's supposed to be going up!  Oh well.... it could be worse! He's such a sweet little boy!  We all feel so thankful to have him in our home.  Since birth he has failed his hearing tests and finally passed a few weeks ago.  He just likes to stress his Mom out, which isn't hard to do anyway!  Check out his long hair!  I've already cut it twice too!  At least something is growing! 

Paper dolls and dinosaurs!

First thing the kids asked me when traveling home from California was, "What are we going to do when we get home for the next week we are off track?"  Well, considering we just got back from vacation and money is slim... I told them we are staying home and playing with each other! I knew they would come up with something to do.  They are very creative and absolutely love all kinds of art!  They made up their own paper doll set!  Good job girls!

April and Taylee with their paper doll "Jessica" and all of her accessories!

Seriously so creative! Bed with pillow, comforter, and teddy bear (top left), TV with remote (top right), and all the change of clothes you could think of!  Maybe, just maybe, they will keep this up and own their own clothing line someday!

Brynn is obsessed with Dinosaurs! Justin is going to have a great playmate.  She enjoys showing him each one and what their names are!  I am so glad they will have each other to play with! She's a great big sister!

California trip!

Well.... this is a little look at our trip to California to visit Grandma and Papa!

Brynn and Justin meeting Molly for the first time! Surprisingly they all fell in love with her considering they don't have a love for dogs!

An awesome camping trip at the Sequoia National Forest. 

Those trees are huge!  I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid when visiting the park! We even saw a mama bear and her cub!

This is what you do the morning after camping at the 3 rivers! Diet Pepsi cans do come in handy when making a river of your own!

Enjoying the sun and jumping over the waves at Santa Monica Beach with Papa and Dad.

The girls loving every second of the beach! Brynn got a kick

out of the waves that kept "chasing" her!  Grandma, Justin and Mom were smart and stayed under the shade and enjoyed watching everyone else!

After a fun day at the beach, I surprised Tyler and we had an overnighter ALONE! I know... shocking that I actually left my kids! Thanks Mom and Dad!

CRAZY day!

So after today I'm thinking being cheap isn't so cool! Here's why.... we finally got the boat registered in Utah and ready for boating.  We thought we would take it out on the lake before heading to California just to make sure it's all running right.  Plus, we were told to break in the new engine.  Perfect day to do it!  We rushed out the door early this morning to fit it in so that Tyler could make it on time to work today by noon!  As you can tell by the pictures we were all loving it!  Tyler was taking us WAY out on the lake just to enjoy the ride.  Only about 5 minutes into the ride the boat slowed down until it came to a stop far, far, away in the middle of the lake.  We were the ONLY boat out there that early.  Hmmm... what could it be.  Those dang mechanics didn't fix our boat after all!  After sitting there contemplating who would swim and who would row, we decided to call good old Brett and Richelle hoping they could bring their boat out for a search and rescue party!  Luckily they were kind enough to do that for us!  Tyler asked him to bring some gas just in case, doubting that was the problem.  He put some gas in the tank, but by that point it was overheated.  Brett began towing us and we hear a scream from Tyler, "it started!"  Um.... we had run out of gas!  It's not so cool to be so cheap!  Next time we will top off the boat no matter what! Thank you Brett and Richelle for the rescue!

Mr. Persistent

So everyone knows the saying "when it rains it pours."  Well, it's been pouring rain.  Tyler went to start his car after lunch last week and it wouldn't start.  Being the Mr. fix-it that he is, he purchased a new battery pretty positive that that was the problem.  Well....no.  Battery was fine. Luckily after screaming at the employees, they returned the battery that he just purchased even though sales are final with things like that.  Determined to find the problem, he spent 2 hours taking the starter out of the car to get that tested.  Very positive that was the problem.  Well... no again.  After getting it tested at Checker we were told his starter was just fine!  Grrrrrr.  Fried at this point he gave up and decided to call the good old insurance to make sure we had towing so we could tow it to a mechanic.  Of course NOT!  We pay an arm and a leg for NO TOWING! He refused to pay to get it towed!  After tracking down a very kind neighbor mechanic of his Dad's, he was positive it was a $4 fix.  Off to checker again.  Guess what!!!  His car is officially up and running! I'm so thankful for my persistent and cheap husband and for awesome mechanics who are kind enough to make house calls!  Now can I go to California for my vacation and get away from the drama life brings?!

School's out!

I know.... crazy!  Most of your kids are just starting school or haven't even started yet and mine are going off track already!  I'm so excited!  Now our summer is beginning!  Tyler has been working so hard to restore Dad's boat and it's finally done!  (well, it's running.... doesn't mean it looks pretty yet!) We're hoping to take it out a few times before the season ends!  Next week we are taking our summer vacation to California. YIPPEE!  Can't wait to soak up some sun.... well, I learned my lesson though.  I will use sunscreen! 

Twilight

I started reading Twilight 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I know.... a lot later than everyone else!  But like everyone else I became hooked!  I am officially done with all 4 books now that my kids have been neglected and I have a marriage to work on (kidding of course)!  I'm going to get out of my house today and do something now that my face won't be stuck in a book!  Bring on the Diet Coke Chick-fil-a!

Head control!

I have been working so hard on strengthening my neck muscles. I'm not sure if it's because I enjoy being cuddled so carefully or if I'm a little on the lazy side, but Mom is making me work way too hard. Mom was pretty proud of me!  I lasted a whopping 10 seconds in this position today!  I decided I was pretty tired of hearing Mom say, "good job Justin!", so I rolled over pretty quick and cried really hard!  Guess what..... Mom ended up cuddling me so carefully just the way I like it!

Fun with Playdough

I can't believe the girls are already in their second week of school.  I'm not sure if I'm sad because it's just getting too expensive, so I can't keep MYSELF entertained during the long school hours, or if my heart is aching for Brynn because she's having a hard time entertaining herself while big sisters are gone.  After multiple puzzles, reading the same books over and over and over again, and listening to Diego's adventure.... we decided to pull out the playdough.  Not only did we have a fun time making spaghetti and baby food, but what a stress reliever!  I highly recommend playdough.  Who needs to go out shopping or out to eat when you can mold playdough through your fingers.  Ok... I'm pushing it, but I did have a great time with my little Brynnie!

I WILL do this...

Look... I'm trying to figure this out.  Someday I might have something on my "blog", but for now, be patient!  My poor kids are in desperate need of attention, but I'm dying to prove to myself that I can do this!  I WILL do this....