This Year's Wrap Up
2 years ago
Monday, September 29, 2014
Genius
I love my Travis. I keep saying he must be a genius. He has so many ideas and projects and inventions on his mind, ALL THE TIME. But really, he forgets all the little things. This morning he could not find his reading glasses. Just as he was heading out the door I ran up stairs and found them sitting on his dresser. I was feeling accomplished because that would mean one less trip to the school today, and may be none at all! (unlike friday, when Travis was having a rough morning. So he missed the bus, and then also forgot his glasses, and then Nate fell in mud and needed clean shoes and socks and wardrobe! =3 trips!) But then, after they are all out the door, Emali is snacking on a sandwich and has a bag of grapes, and I find Travis' empty lunchbox (mind you it is the back up lunch bag because his lunchbox is probably on the bus, or still in the lunch basket at school). This kid is going to have a high paying corner office/or secret laboratory kind of job...but his wife is going to be a busy lady! I am trying to train him though! :)
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
FIRSTS
I didn't cry when my kids left for the first day of school, or on the same day when my baby cut his first tooth, AND took his first steps. Or the next day when the kids took the bus and it was Brelee's first time and she ran ahead of us the whole way and had zero fear to step on the bus in the line of 30 or so other kids at our bus stop. Or when Preston was walking between furniture and using the wall to even stay standing and Emali is showing signs she is excited to potty train (trust me though, we drag that step out as long as possible!). But darn it, I want them to all come back home and to stop growing up.
I think Emali wants to stop growing up too, or maybe she is just confused because all the big kids are at school and she only has Preston and I to copy. She helped me empty the dishwasher and insists on putting the laundry soap in the washer and pushing the buttons for the dryer, and REdoing EVERYTHING I try to do for her. But then some days, she asks me to carry her in the front pack (hence my shoulder having issues lately) and puts on a bib and asks me to spoon feed her in the high chair. But today, just a minute ago, she broke my heart. She asked me to nurse her. She was crying, "mommy! feed me! and lifting up my shirt." I love her so much, she makes me smile and I wish she was small enough to nurse her and just cuddle her to sleep. But thankfully, she let me get her a snack and cuddled with me on the couch without throwing a fit that I wouldn't nurse her. She usually (weekly?) has a day or two that she will throw a fit because SHE wants to nurse Preston. She really wants to, and I let her try, but he cracks me up and for some reason hates it when she choke holds him and forces him to sit in her lap. haha! She is such a good little mommy. and she and Preton really are bet buds. I love it. I love my family so much and I was tearing up thinking about how big they are.
HOWEVER, lately the kids like to do things I LIKE to do to! I love playing with them when they are little, don't get me wrong. But last week we all learned the cup game together and last month the big kids learned how to play Settlers of Catan and we can all play together. I LOVE riding bikes with my kids and some of my favorite memories are teaching each of them to ride without training wheels. And this summer we read out loud and listened on CD to several books that I couldn't put down and I wanted to stay up just as badly as they did, and finish reading the books to see what happens! The last two days after school, we have gotten a snack and then turned on a movie. We watched High School Musical, High School Musical 2, and Freaky Friday. I had never seen the first two, and we all loved them. Emali was dancing all over the place and Brelee even got up and danced with me a few times. We have just been relaxing together and enjoying each other's company after they have been away all day. We miss them, I hope they miss each other. But I know they are doing great things and I love them so much.
can you see my first tooth? only 10 1/2 months old! :)
notice Brelee, to the left of the trash cans way ahead of us walking to the bus
my big helper!
I think Emali wants to stop growing up too, or maybe she is just confused because all the big kids are at school and she only has Preston and I to copy. She helped me empty the dishwasher and insists on putting the laundry soap in the washer and pushing the buttons for the dryer, and REdoing EVERYTHING I try to do for her. But then some days, she asks me to carry her in the front pack (hence my shoulder having issues lately) and puts on a bib and asks me to spoon feed her in the high chair. But today, just a minute ago, she broke my heart. She asked me to nurse her. She was crying, "mommy! feed me! and lifting up my shirt." I love her so much, she makes me smile and I wish she was small enough to nurse her and just cuddle her to sleep. But thankfully, she let me get her a snack and cuddled with me on the couch without throwing a fit that I wouldn't nurse her. She usually (weekly?) has a day or two that she will throw a fit because SHE wants to nurse Preston. She really wants to, and I let her try, but he cracks me up and for some reason hates it when she choke holds him and forces him to sit in her lap. haha! She is such a good little mommy. and she and Preton really are bet buds. I love it. I love my family so much and I was tearing up thinking about how big they are.
HOWEVER, lately the kids like to do things I LIKE to do to! I love playing with them when they are little, don't get me wrong. But last week we all learned the cup game together and last month the big kids learned how to play Settlers of Catan and we can all play together. I LOVE riding bikes with my kids and some of my favorite memories are teaching each of them to ride without training wheels. And this summer we read out loud and listened on CD to several books that I couldn't put down and I wanted to stay up just as badly as they did, and finish reading the books to see what happens! The last two days after school, we have gotten a snack and then turned on a movie. We watched High School Musical, High School Musical 2, and Freaky Friday. I had never seen the first two, and we all loved them. Emali was dancing all over the place and Brelee even got up and danced with me a few times. We have just been relaxing together and enjoying each other's company after they have been away all day. We miss them, I hope they miss each other. But I know they are doing great things and I love them so much.
can you see my first tooth? only 10 1/2 months old! :)
notice Brelee, to the left of the trash cans way ahead of us walking to the bus
my big helper!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 11
Today started off AMAZING.
I woke up, and I thought it was about 6. You know, our alarm clock is crazy fast. But I don't think I told you that I never reset it after the power outage...and today I forgot that.
I decided to get up and shower. I got ready for my day and before leaving the room, I even ironed the kids' church clothes.
Before I left the room I heard a couple kids get up. Someone was digging in legos, and I was pretty sure it had to be Travis. Last night I had to peel him from the Legos as he was inspired to build a double decker couch and Emmett's car, after watching the extras on the LEGO movie blue ray. I also was pleased to hear someone practicing the piano. I LOVE it, when the kids get up and want to get their chores done right away. I love how the boys are progressing on the piano. Wesly was busy at it, and it sounded great and those noises made me smile.
I came down stairs and went to work on Nathan's talk for primary. When I was done with that, I think is when you called to chat. You were passing through Delaware on your way to Philidelphia to do some site seeing with your group.
We eventually had breakfast, played the never ending game of monopoly where the kids left off yesterday, and got ready for church.
We headed out the door about 15 min till the hour and I wasn't too disappointed with our time being later than normal, I was just glad we were going to be there before it started. The boys offered to get my bags and go get us a seat while I unloaded the little kids, Preston slept through sacrament meeting last week, and I was sad to see he had not dosed off yet and would be adding more excitement to our 70 minute workout called sacrament meeting.
However, before I was even in the door, the boys came back and told me that it was a different ward in the chapel. uh??? really? I was trying to figure out what was going on, and Emali slipped in the door to the church. It was only a moment later that I heard her scream...I wasn't sure that it was her, and then I was. I knew exactly where she went. She has been fascinated with the stairs to the stage lately. But I found her in the cultural hall, she can't open the cultural hall doors, and there was no one else around (slight miracle because I am beyond embarrassed now). She had ran up the stairs and the curtains were shut on the stage and I am not sure how fast she was going, but she fell off the stage. :( She screamed for a bit and I got her to the car. She kind of freaked me out when she suddenly got calm and almost looked like she was going to take a nap. concussion?! I threw everyone back in the car as I had by then figured out we were an entire HOUR early to church. (i need some sleep)
I got everyone food once we got home and checked on emali, but she was back to normal. I wasn't sure how I would muster up the energy to go back to church. I called you and vented a little, but we didn't have much time before we were loading back up to get a RE-DO, and I really needed that re-do.
We headed back to church and miraculously Preston went to sleep. :) We slipped into a bench next to the Parkers again (yay!). Brelee quickly found her spot next to brother Parker and the boys were good. We lasted most of the time and only had minor incidents of Emali choosing to lay spread eagle in the middle of the walk way and I had to take Brelee and Emali out once for Brelee being stubborn. Emali also had two little friends that sat in different rows and the three of them would take turns eying each other and saying "MINE!" as they thought the other 2 yr old was looking too hard at her cereal cup or water bottle or toy. They were kind of cute.
Primary was great, Preston was great, the kids did good. Wesly did come to me and say he wasn't feeling well amd he did say that his throat felt like it did when we thought he was having acid reflux. I think I (we) need to pay attention to that and try some more ideas for him. If it keeps coming up like this.
5 minutes before church got out, I decided to take my bags to the car so I wouldn't have a hard time later. Then, when church was over, I got the kids and I tried to start the car before buckling everyone in to cool the car off....but it wouldn't start. I looked at all the lights and I hadn't left anything on. I was confused agai and stepped out of the car ready to cry. Wesly asked what was wrong and I said I think our battery is dead. Just then, Brother Miller was walking by and heard what I said. He asked if you were around and I said no. He said he would pull his car up and give the van a jump. In the meanwhile, the Parkers also came by and noticed my distress and Rich and AJ and Zane got htings hooked up to get us on the road. Only it didn't work. More trying and what not and it was determined to not be the battery. Sister Parker offered us a ride home and I got worried that maybe we would be locked out because the garage door opener is programed into the dead car, and my key to the house is the same as yours, and yours has been finicky lately. AJ was able to get the 3 boys in his car and Preston and the girls all road with Tracy. I left my keys with Rich and he said he would take a further look at the car and let me know.
In the meanwhile, we were going to get you in PHX tomorrow and worked on finding a ride for you and canceled our fun water park plans :( Just as we were leaving the church, Sister McKinlay came back to check on us because she had seen our issues before she left. She is super in tune with the spirit, because Saturday she offered to bring us dinner for Sunday, and it was super appreciated tonight!!
You asked me to call Brother Esplin to see if he could help Brother Parker with the car and they showed up at our house just after 5 with the van rigged up to come home once, but it needs work on, or a new, starter.
I had been feeling kind of sorry for myself, so I did as my Father would tell me, and I found someone else to serve. Of course, in the best way I know how, I made mint brownies. :) We went for a walk after dinner to deliver them and the family we chose was not home. We decided to go further around the block only to have Emali run away out of the stroller (I thought I told myself to always strap that girl in?!?!) and out into the middle of the street, where the family we had meant to take the brownies to, drove up in time to see me chasing her down the road, and then they drove off again (we'll have to try tomorrow). just a little embarrassed again of my awesome parenting skills.
We then hi-tailed it home and thankfully so, becuase the Eagars were at our door ready to take the kiddos for a ride in the Mule. (fourwheeling golf cart-ish) Awesome, because then they came in and I got them to eat some of the tempting brownies and I was so happy for company to pick up my spirits. (even if the house wasn't clean)
I woke up, and I thought it was about 6. You know, our alarm clock is crazy fast. But I don't think I told you that I never reset it after the power outage...and today I forgot that.
I decided to get up and shower. I got ready for my day and before leaving the room, I even ironed the kids' church clothes.
Before I left the room I heard a couple kids get up. Someone was digging in legos, and I was pretty sure it had to be Travis. Last night I had to peel him from the Legos as he was inspired to build a double decker couch and Emmett's car, after watching the extras on the LEGO movie blue ray. I also was pleased to hear someone practicing the piano. I LOVE it, when the kids get up and want to get their chores done right away. I love how the boys are progressing on the piano. Wesly was busy at it, and it sounded great and those noises made me smile.
I came down stairs and went to work on Nathan's talk for primary. When I was done with that, I think is when you called to chat. You were passing through Delaware on your way to Philidelphia to do some site seeing with your group.
We eventually had breakfast, played the never ending game of monopoly where the kids left off yesterday, and got ready for church.
We headed out the door about 15 min till the hour and I wasn't too disappointed with our time being later than normal, I was just glad we were going to be there before it started. The boys offered to get my bags and go get us a seat while I unloaded the little kids, Preston slept through sacrament meeting last week, and I was sad to see he had not dosed off yet and would be adding more excitement to our 70 minute workout called sacrament meeting.
However, before I was even in the door, the boys came back and told me that it was a different ward in the chapel. uh??? really? I was trying to figure out what was going on, and Emali slipped in the door to the church. It was only a moment later that I heard her scream...I wasn't sure that it was her, and then I was. I knew exactly where she went. She has been fascinated with the stairs to the stage lately. But I found her in the cultural hall, she can't open the cultural hall doors, and there was no one else around (slight miracle because I am beyond embarrassed now). She had ran up the stairs and the curtains were shut on the stage and I am not sure how fast she was going, but she fell off the stage. :( She screamed for a bit and I got her to the car. She kind of freaked me out when she suddenly got calm and almost looked like she was going to take a nap. concussion?! I threw everyone back in the car as I had by then figured out we were an entire HOUR early to church. (i need some sleep)
I got everyone food once we got home and checked on emali, but she was back to normal. I wasn't sure how I would muster up the energy to go back to church. I called you and vented a little, but we didn't have much time before we were loading back up to get a RE-DO, and I really needed that re-do.
We headed back to church and miraculously Preston went to sleep. :) We slipped into a bench next to the Parkers again (yay!). Brelee quickly found her spot next to brother Parker and the boys were good. We lasted most of the time and only had minor incidents of Emali choosing to lay spread eagle in the middle of the walk way and I had to take Brelee and Emali out once for Brelee being stubborn. Emali also had two little friends that sat in different rows and the three of them would take turns eying each other and saying "MINE!" as they thought the other 2 yr old was looking too hard at her cereal cup or water bottle or toy. They were kind of cute.
Primary was great, Preston was great, the kids did good. Wesly did come to me and say he wasn't feeling well amd he did say that his throat felt like it did when we thought he was having acid reflux. I think I (we) need to pay attention to that and try some more ideas for him. If it keeps coming up like this.
5 minutes before church got out, I decided to take my bags to the car so I wouldn't have a hard time later. Then, when church was over, I got the kids and I tried to start the car before buckling everyone in to cool the car off....but it wouldn't start. I looked at all the lights and I hadn't left anything on. I was confused agai and stepped out of the car ready to cry. Wesly asked what was wrong and I said I think our battery is dead. Just then, Brother Miller was walking by and heard what I said. He asked if you were around and I said no. He said he would pull his car up and give the van a jump. In the meanwhile, the Parkers also came by and noticed my distress and Rich and AJ and Zane got htings hooked up to get us on the road. Only it didn't work. More trying and what not and it was determined to not be the battery. Sister Parker offered us a ride home and I got worried that maybe we would be locked out because the garage door opener is programed into the dead car, and my key to the house is the same as yours, and yours has been finicky lately. AJ was able to get the 3 boys in his car and Preston and the girls all road with Tracy. I left my keys with Rich and he said he would take a further look at the car and let me know.
In the meanwhile, we were going to get you in PHX tomorrow and worked on finding a ride for you and canceled our fun water park plans :( Just as we were leaving the church, Sister McKinlay came back to check on us because she had seen our issues before she left. She is super in tune with the spirit, because Saturday she offered to bring us dinner for Sunday, and it was super appreciated tonight!!
You asked me to call Brother Esplin to see if he could help Brother Parker with the car and they showed up at our house just after 5 with the van rigged up to come home once, but it needs work on, or a new, starter.
I had been feeling kind of sorry for myself, so I did as my Father would tell me, and I found someone else to serve. Of course, in the best way I know how, I made mint brownies. :) We went for a walk after dinner to deliver them and the family we chose was not home. We decided to go further around the block only to have Emali run away out of the stroller (I thought I told myself to always strap that girl in?!?!) and out into the middle of the street, where the family we had meant to take the brownies to, drove up in time to see me chasing her down the road, and then they drove off again (we'll have to try tomorrow). just a little embarrassed again of my awesome parenting skills.
We then hi-tailed it home and thankfully so, becuase the Eagars were at our door ready to take the kiddos for a ride in the Mule. (fourwheeling golf cart-ish) Awesome, because then they came in and I got them to eat some of the tempting brownies and I was so happy for company to pick up my spirits. (even if the house wasn't clean)
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 10
Saturday is a special day...well, it was today.
I got a text in the morning from Micaela. She and Jackson got engaged....so Micaela is getting MARRIED! super exciting. The kids thought it is funny that Jackson's last name is Skinner...since we just watched 101 dalmations (not the cartoon) an dthe taxidermist's name is SKINNER. :)
We cleaned and cleaned and then had friends over for lunch. The kids played hard with the Glausers again. They started a monopoly game as well that is yet to be put away. Saturday night we were feeling lonely, so we asked the McKinlays to come over and join us for a movie party night. Where of course, we watched....THE LEGO MOVIE. and had to watch all of the extras and repeated the sing along version of EVERYTHING IS AWESOME. because IT. IS. AWESOME.
Can't wait to hear more details about your trip!
I love you always forever.
I got a text in the morning from Micaela. She and Jackson got engaged....so Micaela is getting MARRIED! super exciting. The kids thought it is funny that Jackson's last name is Skinner...since we just watched 101 dalmations (not the cartoon) an dthe taxidermist's name is SKINNER. :)
We cleaned and cleaned and then had friends over for lunch. The kids played hard with the Glausers again. They started a monopoly game as well that is yet to be put away. Saturday night we were feeling lonely, so we asked the McKinlays to come over and join us for a movie party night. Where of course, we watched....THE LEGO MOVIE. and had to watch all of the extras and repeated the sing along version of EVERYTHING IS AWESOME. because IT. IS. AWESOME.
Can't wait to hear more details about your trip!
I love you always forever.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 9
The power went out today and took out the internet.
We didn't make it to the movies, but Brelee and Travis had fun birthday parties to attend. We made a fun minecraft creeper shirt for one friend and Brelee had fun picking out a My Little Pony purse for her friend.
When Travis got home from his party, we headed over to the Ora Mae pool for free swim time and met the Glausers there. We also go to hang out with the Gallions and the Toone kids. I can't wait to show you Brelee's progress! And Emali is a FISH!! Preston was so comfy, he fell asleep and napped while I held him in the water too. Nathan was super excited to also bump into Rowan at the pool, those boys get a long super well.
After swimming we hussled home to change and eat hot dogs before heading to the church for the ice cream social. Wesly invited Jaxon K. and Nathan asked me to invite Rowan and his family. Jaxon was able to come and Rowan's mom said she appreciated the offer, but they couldn't that night. The kids loved the ice cream and I ran one rotation of games before I had to take off early for my soccer game.
Enter the tantrums: Everyone was having a great time and was mad that I pulled them away. We picked up our babysitter (jordan) and dropped off Jaxon and I was quickly back on the road for my soccer game. Preston crying and I picked up Kortney. Preston pretty much didnt stop crying until half time of the game when I nursed him to sleep. Zane came to the game to watch him for me and I felt so bad for him.
The game was great, we ended up winning 2-1, but I wasn't really in it. We are trying to figure things out with new players still and the baby was crying and it was hot...excuses excuses...but I am hoping I am more pleased this coming week.
BIGGEST EVENT of the DAY: Travis LOST A TOOTH!
We didn't make it to the movies, but Brelee and Travis had fun birthday parties to attend. We made a fun minecraft creeper shirt for one friend and Brelee had fun picking out a My Little Pony purse for her friend.
When Travis got home from his party, we headed over to the Ora Mae pool for free swim time and met the Glausers there. We also go to hang out with the Gallions and the Toone kids. I can't wait to show you Brelee's progress! And Emali is a FISH!! Preston was so comfy, he fell asleep and napped while I held him in the water too. Nathan was super excited to also bump into Rowan at the pool, those boys get a long super well.
After swimming we hussled home to change and eat hot dogs before heading to the church for the ice cream social. Wesly invited Jaxon K. and Nathan asked me to invite Rowan and his family. Jaxon was able to come and Rowan's mom said she appreciated the offer, but they couldn't that night. The kids loved the ice cream and I ran one rotation of games before I had to take off early for my soccer game.
Enter the tantrums: Everyone was having a great time and was mad that I pulled them away. We picked up our babysitter (jordan) and dropped off Jaxon and I was quickly back on the road for my soccer game. Preston crying and I picked up Kortney. Preston pretty much didnt stop crying until half time of the game when I nursed him to sleep. Zane came to the game to watch him for me and I felt so bad for him.
The game was great, we ended up winning 2-1, but I wasn't really in it. We are trying to figure things out with new players still and the baby was crying and it was hot...excuses excuses...but I am hoping I am more pleased this coming week.
BIGGEST EVENT of the DAY: Travis LOST A TOOTH!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 8
This morning started off with trash collection to take the big can out to the street and to my joy, I found a black widow in the garage. :( But I did good and got rid of it.
We had fun at swim today, all the kiddos jumped off the diving board. It was also fun to watch Brelee play circus with her class as they took turns swimming through a pool noodle in the shape of a hoop. The teacher moved it deeper each time and they each chose different animals to pretend to be. Super cute! The boys got to swim the length of the entire pool today! They are new at it, and it looked pretty intimidating, but I am glad to see their teacher pushing them.
After swim we dropped Travis off to play with Tyler while the rest of us ran errands. No one got lost in Walmart today :) and we made some bracelets for gifts for parties that Brelee is going to, and we made a shirt for one of Travis' friends. The kids went gaga over some Minecraft books at Michaels and they would love it if we bought some bead kids where you melt the beads together after you make a design.
The kids were good when we got home and did some cleaning to earn some Pokemon cards. (btw we need to buy a new pack to give out as rewards).
I made a full regular meal tonight (not breakfast for dinner). We had spaghetti and meatballs with zucchini and french bread. Preston ate noodles for the first time and I think he loved them. Emali was here regular picky self as of late and Brelee was gone at a pizza party.
The kids and I are reading Tuesdays at the Castle right now and I am excited to read the next chapter, I am enjoying reading it at bedtime with them. Emali also insists on a book at bedtime and we are having fun singing the pages of Brown Bear Brown Bear. I think she will pick up on the animals colors fast.
Nathan spotted the cockroach in the bathroom that I have been trying to catch the last 2 nights, and tonight I got it! ( I am on a role!)
I have yet to fix the lawn mower, but I did try to get the oil changed today…but the line was too long, so maybe I'll try fri or sat. I am trying to be responsible! We won't let everything fall apart.
btw you hold the record for the longest dinner EVER right now. (cause you said you would call when you were done eating :) but no worries, I didn't believe you anyhow) ;)
I LOVE YOU!
kati
We had fun at swim today, all the kiddos jumped off the diving board. It was also fun to watch Brelee play circus with her class as they took turns swimming through a pool noodle in the shape of a hoop. The teacher moved it deeper each time and they each chose different animals to pretend to be. Super cute! The boys got to swim the length of the entire pool today! They are new at it, and it looked pretty intimidating, but I am glad to see their teacher pushing them.
After swim we dropped Travis off to play with Tyler while the rest of us ran errands. No one got lost in Walmart today :) and we made some bracelets for gifts for parties that Brelee is going to, and we made a shirt for one of Travis' friends. The kids went gaga over some Minecraft books at Michaels and they would love it if we bought some bead kids where you melt the beads together after you make a design.
The kids were good when we got home and did some cleaning to earn some Pokemon cards. (btw we need to buy a new pack to give out as rewards).
I made a full regular meal tonight (not breakfast for dinner). We had spaghetti and meatballs with zucchini and french bread. Preston ate noodles for the first time and I think he loved them. Emali was here regular picky self as of late and Brelee was gone at a pizza party.
The kids and I are reading Tuesdays at the Castle right now and I am excited to read the next chapter, I am enjoying reading it at bedtime with them. Emali also insists on a book at bedtime and we are having fun singing the pages of Brown Bear Brown Bear. I think she will pick up on the animals colors fast.
Nathan spotted the cockroach in the bathroom that I have been trying to catch the last 2 nights, and tonight I got it! ( I am on a role!)
I have yet to fix the lawn mower, but I did try to get the oil changed today…but the line was too long, so maybe I'll try fri or sat. I am trying to be responsible! We won't let everything fall apart.
btw you hold the record for the longest dinner EVER right now. (cause you said you would call when you were done eating :) but no worries, I didn't believe you anyhow) ;)
I LOVE YOU!
kati
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 7
Happy half way day! well, you told me this morning that you were about 1200 miles to go, so you hit half way a while ago, but I was at least right that you have less days to go then you have put in :)
You told me that you would be in Illinois tonight and that the racers would be going through Missouri today.
Today we had swim lessons in the morning as usual. Brelee is rocking it and Wesly seems to have plenty of confidence now. Travis and Nathan just love it as always. Emali was really good and stayed near me in the shade and let me sit and chat with Lori. Preston likes to take a morning nap sometimes, and he did today.
Today was extremely laid back. We did our chores and scrounged for food as the fridge is looking a little bare and I am dreading taking the kids grocery shopping.
We had the McKinley kids over to play for the afternoon and we all had fun. Noah donned a knight costume and Brelee got to be a queen and Nathan was the bad guy and Olivia the princess. Wesly and Zoey and Travis played Stratego and had fun teaching Zoey.
I thought about shopping after that, but again delayed and had the kids take baths and get on jammies before 5pm. :) We had dinner and dessert by 5:45 and then we watched 101 Dalmations, had bedtime prayers and read a few chapters of Tuesdays at the Castle.
Pretty normal and slow day. And yes, Preston got into the bathroom for the 3rd day in a row and this time he didn't eat the dog food, but he did pour the dogs water everywhere and soak his clothes and everything else. he is so sneaky and fast!
Sorry we woke you up for prayers, but thank you for bearing with us and saying hi to everyone. It is the highlight of our day!!!
I love you!
You told me that you would be in Illinois tonight and that the racers would be going through Missouri today.
Today we had swim lessons in the morning as usual. Brelee is rocking it and Wesly seems to have plenty of confidence now. Travis and Nathan just love it as always. Emali was really good and stayed near me in the shade and let me sit and chat with Lori. Preston likes to take a morning nap sometimes, and he did today.
Today was extremely laid back. We did our chores and scrounged for food as the fridge is looking a little bare and I am dreading taking the kids grocery shopping.
We had the McKinley kids over to play for the afternoon and we all had fun. Noah donned a knight costume and Brelee got to be a queen and Nathan was the bad guy and Olivia the princess. Wesly and Zoey and Travis played Stratego and had fun teaching Zoey.
I thought about shopping after that, but again delayed and had the kids take baths and get on jammies before 5pm. :) We had dinner and dessert by 5:45 and then we watched 101 Dalmations, had bedtime prayers and read a few chapters of Tuesdays at the Castle.
Pretty normal and slow day. And yes, Preston got into the bathroom for the 3rd day in a row and this time he didn't eat the dog food, but he did pour the dogs water everywhere and soak his clothes and everything else. he is so sneaky and fast!
Sorry we woke you up for prayers, but thank you for bearing with us and saying hi to everyone. It is the highlight of our day!!!
I love you!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 6
Hey Daddy! Today was a water day. The big kids had swim lessons from 9-930 and when we got home I decided to pay some attention to the back yard. It was overcast and kind of windy, so I figured it wouldn't be 100 degrees. It was hot, but I got some things done. Except for mowing :/ never got the lawn mower to start, but I will try to figure out what kind of oil it might need tomorrow.
While cleaning up the back back yard, I decided to hose off the big tarp I had let the kids put the slip and slide on quite some time ago. I took it to the driveway and once the hose was turned on, the kids flocked like bees. We spent 2 hrs in the driveway, first playing with the tarp ( they would fold it up and catch as much water as they could to make a pool (but if you see how far the water goes down the street in the picture, you can see how long it lasted), they even rolled the tarp like a burrito and made themselves a cave and had a fun time with the hose inside the cave.
Then we got out the real slip n slide (and swim suits) and had a lot of fun with that also.
We, again, have amazing friends and in the afternoon we swapped Emali and Preston for Zoey and Noah and took the big kids to the pool and met Kyla and Trevor and Lori there. Brelee is full on swimming and taking breaths now. she doesn't tread great, but she can swim and take a few breaths and keep swimming! And all 3 of the boys were jumping from the diving board as many times as they could.
We sure wore everyone out today being outside and swimming so much.
Preston helped himself to the dog food while I was making dinner, but is only crying because I picked him up and then put him back down for the picture :)
The drool on his chin is TOTALLY dog food. yum!
Nathan requested this pic of his car stuff he was playing with.
Monday, June 16, 2014
follow up on Emali
okay, Emali is still adorable, but she is clearly 2! She is determined to everything we all do, and to do it on her own. She also started running away from me. Last Monday we went to Crossroads Park for FHE. We played soccer with friends and then had a picnic dinner. Emali kept heading for the playground that was just out of our sight. Eventually she made it there, and we didn't notice. I ran to the playground when I noticed she was gone and held my breath a little while as I looked for her and couldn't find her. It wasn't long, but I found her sitting at the top of a slide, kind of hidden. A little scary. Fast forward two days later, and one second I have all the kids with me a Walmart, and then the next second Brelee is no where to be seen. I back track twice from the entrance to where we were standing and finally told the greeter that I had lost Brelee. I sent Wesly with her to Customer Service and headed to check back in the spot I noticed she was gone. Still no sign, I went to customer service where they didn't do anything until I got there, but a man was there reporting a little girl that looked lost but wouldn't come with him (one point for brelee). I sent Wesly with the employee and stayed put in case we needed to go another direction. Brelee came a few moments later. It was only a couple minutes. But scary when it happens. AND TWICE IN ONE WEEK! AH!
Fast forward again to Friday morning, my game is turned up a notch as I enter walmart with six kids. I only had to chase Emali across 3/4ths of the store before catching her the one time I let her unbuckle. That poor girl is loosing her freedom, and she is getting buckled to save my sanity.
Fast forward again to Friday morning, my game is turned up a notch as I enter walmart with six kids. I only had to chase Emali across 3/4ths of the store before catching her the one time I let her unbuckle. That poor girl is loosing her freedom, and she is getting buckled to save my sanity.
Dear Daddy Day 5
Today we started a new swim session. While Brelee got a new instructor for the same level she was on last time, the boys have the same instructor and I am very excited for them. I am super excited that Wesly got to show her how far he has come! He volunteered to go first!!! he was always last or second to last and he went first, and swam without any help, on EVERYTHING she asked! he even jumped off the diving board and swam to the side of the pool with NO help and no fussing! I am super proud, if you can't tell. The other boys did great too and Brelee had fun learning to bob.
We had the Petersons over today and they all had fun. We love hanging out with that family. Then Jaxon K came over to play with Wesly and the boys all got their chores done so they could play the Wii.
We ran to Walmart quickly after Jaxon left to buy butter and biscuits and we came home and made biscuits and gravy for the sister missionaries for dinner. Everyone was melting down and I was trying not to burn the gravy and get the house picked up before their 6pm arrival. They both are SO good with the kids and talked to them about Pokemon (in super crazy detail) and then turns out they both love Super Smash brothers….let's just say our kids love them! and I do too. sweet girls!
I really love our ward family. I have had help every day from someone different and I never asked anyone for help. Amy and Nadia helped me at the pool on thursday, Karli drove over after soccer and helped put the cranky kids to bed on Friday, Kortney walked me to my car after the soccer game Saturday and helped load the kids after Karli helped get Emali buckled in the stroller because she was having a melt down when I tried. Sunday was Vangie and the Parkers. And today I enjoyed chatting with Lori at swim, and Alisa brought her kids over and SAVED THE DAY with some advice for me shoulder that I hurt while carrying Preston in the front pack, Brelee piggy back, and pushing Emali in the stroller. Or at least that is when I think the pain started. I couldn't bear to take my shirt off or do my hair or do anything that required my elbow moving away from my side or my flexing my fingers even. I could hold weight on it, but not function, it started giving me a headache and once I took some Ibuprofen to make the swelling go away, I feel soooooo much better. hero.
Anyhow, I should probably try to get some sleep tonight. I hope you get some too.
love you and miss you!
work hard out on the course!!
love kati and the kidderwidders
btw PRESTON is 9 months old TODAY!
We had the Petersons over today and they all had fun. We love hanging out with that family. Then Jaxon K came over to play with Wesly and the boys all got their chores done so they could play the Wii.
We ran to Walmart quickly after Jaxon left to buy butter and biscuits and we came home and made biscuits and gravy for the sister missionaries for dinner. Everyone was melting down and I was trying not to burn the gravy and get the house picked up before their 6pm arrival. They both are SO good with the kids and talked to them about Pokemon (in super crazy detail) and then turns out they both love Super Smash brothers….let's just say our kids love them! and I do too. sweet girls!
I really love our ward family. I have had help every day from someone different and I never asked anyone for help. Amy and Nadia helped me at the pool on thursday, Karli drove over after soccer and helped put the cranky kids to bed on Friday, Kortney walked me to my car after the soccer game Saturday and helped load the kids after Karli helped get Emali buckled in the stroller because she was having a melt down when I tried. Sunday was Vangie and the Parkers. And today I enjoyed chatting with Lori at swim, and Alisa brought her kids over and SAVED THE DAY with some advice for me shoulder that I hurt while carrying Preston in the front pack, Brelee piggy back, and pushing Emali in the stroller. Or at least that is when I think the pain started. I couldn't bear to take my shirt off or do my hair or do anything that required my elbow moving away from my side or my flexing my fingers even. I could hold weight on it, but not function, it started giving me a headache and once I took some Ibuprofen to make the swelling go away, I feel soooooo much better. hero.
Anyhow, I should probably try to get some sleep tonight. I hope you get some too.
love you and miss you!
work hard out on the course!!
love kati and the kidderwidders
btw PRESTON is 9 months old TODAY!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 4 HAPPY FATHER's DAY
Daddy is once again gone for Father's Day and we miss him something fierce. However, we made him some videos and I hope he gets a moment to watch them!
We miss you! Thanks for calling today and letting the kids say hi! I hope you get to eat some real food today.
For dinner tonight we had Banana Bread Pancakes, Strawberries and Bacon. It was delish….we wanted to share…but ya know..
The kids sang in sacrament meeting and we recorded it at home for you as well. i was actually SUPER proud of all 4 of the big kids because I could hear each one of them singing and they did the best I have ever seen them do!
ALSO…we lasted almost ALL of sacrament meeting in the chapel! The Parkers sat by us and I asked Brelee if she wanted to take a Friend magazine and a paper and pen and go sit by Brother Parker, and she did! I also kind of bribed the boys with the DS and told them if they were reverent they could play it when we got home. Travis asked me if he could sit on the opposite side of me from Wesly. HA!
Emali decided she wanted to do my hair, so I let her rip out my bobby pins and pony tail and play to her hearts content, so long as she stayed at our bench. I did have to take her out once, but she was mad that I made her sit in a chair by the doors, and she asked to go back to the bench.
Then, when I started conducting opening exercises in Primary, I was holding Preston, and Vangie came and asked if she could take him, well, she took him from me as she asked. :) and I was MORE than happy for the help. I went to check on him later and she had already changed his diaper and he was happy playing with a toy. I am so grateful for our friends!
We recorded some other acts for you. All EXTREMELY original :) I hope you like them! WE hope you like them
Oh and Preston found the dog food and water this weekend. So fun! :p
and Cherise sent out the pictures from our photo shoot. I got a couple but you'll have to tell me your favorite!
love you!
Kati, Wesly, Travis, Nathan, Brelee, Emali, and Preston
We miss you! Thanks for calling today and letting the kids say hi! I hope you get to eat some real food today.
For dinner tonight we had Banana Bread Pancakes, Strawberries and Bacon. It was delish….we wanted to share…but ya know..
ALSO…we lasted almost ALL of sacrament meeting in the chapel! The Parkers sat by us and I asked Brelee if she wanted to take a Friend magazine and a paper and pen and go sit by Brother Parker, and she did! I also kind of bribed the boys with the DS and told them if they were reverent they could play it when we got home. Travis asked me if he could sit on the opposite side of me from Wesly. HA!
Emali decided she wanted to do my hair, so I let her rip out my bobby pins and pony tail and play to her hearts content, so long as she stayed at our bench. I did have to take her out once, but she was mad that I made her sit in a chair by the doors, and she asked to go back to the bench.
Then, when I started conducting opening exercises in Primary, I was holding Preston, and Vangie came and asked if she could take him, well, she took him from me as she asked. :) and I was MORE than happy for the help. I went to check on him later and she had already changed his diaper and he was happy playing with a toy. I am so grateful for our friends!
We recorded some other acts for you. All EXTREMELY original :) I hope you like them! WE hope you like them
Oh and Preston found the dog food and water this weekend. So fun! :p
love you!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 3 (sat)
We were going to start the day off by going to the Desert Museum, but Wesly and I had a tiff, so, we stayed home and did chores. I spoke to you on the phone and had a melt down, so, I decided not to follow the race, but to let you tell me the most important things when you call so I can hear it from you. I won't be mad if I see a picture of you doing something that looks like you are taking a break and not calling us :) cuase I know, even when you are eating dinner as a group, you are planning your next steps and unable to chat.
We decided to go to the FC Tucson soccer game and were asked if the kids wanted to be escorts for the players again. They all really wanted to and we were able to get Kade and Jhett to join them on the field as well. It was fun to hang out with friends, watch an intense game a (a little heavy on the fist fighting though) and the kids played soccer in the field by the stands and Emali and Gemma hung out on the ramp.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 2
Today went to the movies! We saw Dispicable Me 2. It was cute. Emali sat and watch a good three quarters of it, then she decided to walk around the stairs. Thankfully she went up the stairs and was too nervous to go down any of the aisles.
Before we got to the movies we stopped by Walmart and even with keeping an eye on the kids, Emali managed to get around 2 corners and get out of my eye sight for a moment. When I spotted the aisle she was charging down, she was in full run pretty far away. So I chased her down.
That girl has earned full buckles at all times.
Today she also painted her dress, hands, and the table with pink nail polish.
And had a diaper explode somewhere and it didn't even look like it went up her back, just spots on her rear…but lucky for me I found the dog licking the chair that she was in, so I was able to clean it up before it got spread more. I'm glad the dog is earning his keep. :p
Good day over all, we miss you!
That girl has earned full buckles at all times.
Today she also painted her dress, hands, and the table with pink nail polish.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Dear Daddy Day 1
Hi Daddy!
We miss you. We had a slow day, but then tonight we got to go swimming with friends at the high school pool. We tried to snap a few pics before we left the house because I knew all chaos would be happening at the pool.
We miss you. We had a slow day, but then tonight we got to go swimming with friends at the high school pool. We tried to snap a few pics before we left the house because I knew all chaos would be happening at the pool.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Emali and kids :)
Cute little Emali has started a couple new things this week and I wanted to jot them down. She started playing with toys on her own. She can now open and close the little game that you have to do something different to get each animal to pop up. (push a button, slide a switch, push a switch, turn a nob etc) She used to ask us to do it, and then she would close them all. But come to think of it, she also recently started insisting on turning off the lights for us for each room and we let her push the button for the garage door and she loves to pull the handle to shut the van doors.
She also has picked up an interest in playing with the little people animals. Daddy taught her that the giraffe's name is Jeff (toysrus) and she was clearly teaching all the other animals that the giraffe was "Jeff!" She picks up the animals and makes them hop around. She will pile them all up on daddys lap and insist he lets er crash the animals into one he is holding and he makes dying noises and she laughs.
In the last couple weeks she has started to request daily, to play on Just Dance 4. Always requesting "Love Song, Baby!" She also loves to listen/sing to the nursery rhymes on Starfall.com (head shoulders knees and toes and wheels on the bus are her favorites)
while I am at it.
Preston started rolling from his back to his tummy last wednesday. the next day, thurs., he was full on rolling across/around the room. He can entertain himself so much longer now! and even better, he and Emali love to play together. She will get him toys or talk to him while he is in the jumper. He will be 6 months this weekend. it's hard to believe that much time has passed!
Wesly had his last day of "Kids on the Run" yesterday. The 3rd-6th graders geared up for a 5k race this Sunday. But since it is on a sunday, we are having our own race this saturday with 5 other kids from church. We are getting medals and donuts for them :)
Wes Trav and Nate finished flag football with their best games all season! Wesly's team wen all the way in the tournament to win the SUPERBOWL!!
Brelee and I are enjoying our last school year at home together, yet I know she gets bored with me a lot of days! She sure treasures her Wednesday morning playgroup with a couple of girl friends and an occassional friend over on other days.
We have spring break next week and we are sad Daddy has to work, but we will have fun doing little things.
We are looking forward to visits from cousins and maybe a movie night or 2.
Life is crazy but fun.
Travis got baptized on March 1st and was able to attend the Gilbert Temple Dedication the next day. I have so many things to post about, but life moves quickly! Today is a half day, so I better get moving before I know it, the kids will be home and raring to do something fun!
She also has picked up an interest in playing with the little people animals. Daddy taught her that the giraffe's name is Jeff (toysrus) and she was clearly teaching all the other animals that the giraffe was "Jeff!" She picks up the animals and makes them hop around. She will pile them all up on daddys lap and insist he lets er crash the animals into one he is holding and he makes dying noises and she laughs.
In the last couple weeks she has started to request daily, to play on Just Dance 4. Always requesting "Love Song, Baby!" She also loves to listen/sing to the nursery rhymes on Starfall.com (head shoulders knees and toes and wheels on the bus are her favorites)
while I am at it.
Preston started rolling from his back to his tummy last wednesday. the next day, thurs., he was full on rolling across/around the room. He can entertain himself so much longer now! and even better, he and Emali love to play together. She will get him toys or talk to him while he is in the jumper. He will be 6 months this weekend. it's hard to believe that much time has passed!
Wesly had his last day of "Kids on the Run" yesterday. The 3rd-6th graders geared up for a 5k race this Sunday. But since it is on a sunday, we are having our own race this saturday with 5 other kids from church. We are getting medals and donuts for them :)
Wes Trav and Nate finished flag football with their best games all season! Wesly's team wen all the way in the tournament to win the SUPERBOWL!!
Brelee and I are enjoying our last school year at home together, yet I know she gets bored with me a lot of days! She sure treasures her Wednesday morning playgroup with a couple of girl friends and an occassional friend over on other days.
We have spring break next week and we are sad Daddy has to work, but we will have fun doing little things.
We are looking forward to visits from cousins and maybe a movie night or 2.
Life is crazy but fun.
Travis got baptized on March 1st and was able to attend the Gilbert Temple Dedication the next day. I have so many things to post about, but life moves quickly! Today is a half day, so I better get moving before I know it, the kids will be home and raring to do something fun!
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