Cryin' Kylan

Yep Kylan, I know exactly how you feel!

Butterfly on a Log

Dear Joey, this is one of those "kids say the darndest things" moments.  Today I turned around when I heard Misty laughing and saying, "Joey, what's wrong?"  I walk around the corner and you're standing there with your underwear around your ankles and a really sad look. "Dad wouldn't come and see."  Misty and I start laughing and I walk to the bathroom with you.  "See?"  You say, and you're looking all proud. "It looks like a butterfly on a log."  So I have to take a double take after that and ya know what?  You were right.  I tell Misty what you said and she says, "Ah the joys of motherhood."  And then Dad felt really bad that he didn't come and look at the butterfly on a log.  Okay, enough of this gross but hilarious story.

Is Santa Real?

Dear Jaida, can you believe this is the only picture I got of you?  Oh wait, yes I can believe it, you run now whenever I get out my camera!  This year you asked me the question: Is Santa real?  Well of course he is!  However, I don't think he has a naughty and nice list - I think someone made that up.

Joey's Goal: Be Nice To Kayla

Dear Joey, you were so cute on Christmas Eve.  I wanted to do something that really made it hit home that Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth.  So we had a treasure hunt to find the pieces of the Nativity - reading a part of the story before each clue.  At the end you all found a present under the tree.  Inside was a birthday cake and a box.  You each had to give Jesus a birthday present by writing down a goal you would work on the next year.  I was giving you suggestions and you finally said, "I think Jesus would be happy if I was nice to Kayla." You are so sweet and we will have to work hard on that goal. :)

p.s. Kayla, while we were singing happy birthday I was just starting to feel like, "Wow, this really is kind of special," when all of a sudden you started singing, "tralalaaaaa," after each verse.

Santa, coming?

Dear Kylan, you are such a cheeser!  I love these cute little faces you make when we whip out the camera.  You loved Christmas this year and were so excited to open presents and play with the new toys.  I think one of your favorite things were the slippers.  You keep trading with Joey and then you can't decide which pair you want to wear so you'll wear a monkey on one foot and Lighting McQueen on the other.

Oh, and you were so excited about Santa on Christmas Eve that for the first time ever you climbed into your crib and laid there while I laid in bed by Joey.  You repeated over and over and over, "Santa, coming? Santa, coming?" (seriously about 14 times, I was trying to count after awhile)  It was the funniest thing!  Of course about 10 minutes later you climbed out and got in bed with me and Joey - boy was that squishy. Three bodies in a twin bed.

I almost forgot, you ate almost all the birthday cake.  We were all in the living room singing Christmas carols or something and you were in the kitchen going to town on the cake, hahaha!

You're A Star

Dear Kayla, for Christmas you got a makeup kit that you opened first thing.  You were SO excited and got right to work on your face.  Unfortunately we then got all ready for church and you had done such a great job that I let you wear the makeup.  I can't believe I didn't get a picture!  When we got there I found out the primary would be singing in Sacrament meeting... I wasn't planning on that.  You marched right up there in your beautiful black velvet dress, new black tights, new black and white leopard scarf and amazing makeup. You got right in front, waved a few times, made sure we heard you singing and even held the last note of each line longer than anyone else. When we got home you told Grandma Fielding, "Everyone kept looking at me."  It's just because you're such a star! ;)

Jaida A Tease?

Dear Jaida, look at those innocent eyes and sparking smile...I'm sure you don't tease, harass and make fun of your brothers and sisters until they cry??  I'm sure you would never just grab the remote out of Kayla's hands because you want to watch something different or take a toy away from Joey because it's yours (even though no one was playing with it), or spit in someone's face and get made because they smack you back...  Nah, must be another nine-year old named Jaida.

Eeew Kucky

I have no idea how to spell this but it's funny to hear Kylan saying it. :)

Foot-Tapping Mad

 

Dear Kayla, Misty took this picture about a month or more ago - I can't even remember why you were so mad now....?  Jaida was probably harassing you.  When you walked over to us I think you were even angrily tapping your foot. We were at the swimming pool so of course you couldn't stay mad very long before you were back in the water.  Thankfully dad swam with you girls and played the whole time - you two wore him out!  Misty, where is that pic of Monty all worn out..... hahaha

Sledding Video

I should have done my post first and then the video but oh well.

Sledding and Sleeping

Dear Joey and Kylan, you two had a blast sledding!  You were both a little to light to keep the sled from tipping over but you just kept going down.  We laughed every you went down because you would both scream. :)

Kylan, you were the only one that would hold still long enough for me to get a picture - and then my camera died!

After Jaida went down with you a few times she just started pulling you around in the sled and you fell asleep. Couldn't have found a more comfy spot! :)

Jaida's Violin Performance

Dear Jaida, we loved being there for your Orchestra Christmas Concert.  It's been awesome seeing you learn an instrument and really loving it.  If Joey and Kayla weren't running around we would have stayed to watch everyone perform.  Keep practicing!

Happy, Sad, Scared

Kylan's cheezin' it face.

Dear girls, you are in your room for an hour after school. Hopefully you will learn that the mornings are not a time to just sit around and stare at the wall, play with the dog, toys, cereal boxes and yappity yap instead of eating. You missed the bus and I had to drive you to school - I was not happy. :(

Dear Joey, it is 3pm and you have not said, "I hate You!" once today.  You also have not stomped off to your room and slammed the door.  I told you that I am proud of you for controlling your temper.  We've still got a long time until bedtime but today was a nice break from the usual. That made me happy. :)

Dear Kylan, you fell head first off the chair and hit your head on something or landed on something?? It made a small cut that bled a little and you cried for a long time.  The fall, the cut and the blood were scary...please don't do it again. :'(

Don't Play Candy Land with 3-year olds

Dear Jaida, yesterday when we went to the library you took care of Kylan, found your own books, colored by yourself, checked out everyone's books (with your card) and helped me get everyone to the van.  I LOVE that you are getting older and more responsible!

Dear Kylan, I thought your throwing up would have been over by now but last night proved me wrong.  Next time I'll be sure and rip your nigh-night right off you so you don't throw up on it.  You cried forever because I had to put it in the washer.  How did you become so attached to a blanket?

Dear Joey, today we were playing Candy Land until I picked the gum drop card. Then you stomped off to your room telling me I was rude because I got to go to the gum drop and not you.  You wouldn't even finish the game...  This is just a three-year old thing, right?

New Baby?

Dear New Baby, finding out about you has left me with shock, anger, depression, excitement and even dread.  None of this is of course your fault - it's Monty's. hahaha. You are now 4 months along and I am just starting to feel small kicks and twists. I have awesome sisters, moms and friends and know I will get through this and FIVE kids will not kill me off.  I can't forget prayer, as sometimes God is the only person you want to tell things. :) By the way, we do love you and even Arie said, "Your baby will be a little gift."

School Troubles

Dear Kayla, this morning you were so excited because you thought you wouldn't have to go to school today. When the bus finally showed up you cried and cried that you didn't want to go to school.  The last two days you had a really hard time and didn't want to do your work.  Yesterday you had to go to the refocus room so today I thought it was gonna be a good day for you and then this.  I haven't heard from your school yet today so I hope you were happy and did your work.

Love/Hate

Dear Joey, remember when you used to say, "Mom, I love you," over and over and over and over?  I think it was getting me prepared to hear you say, "I don't like you anymore," and "I hate you," all the time now. Oh and let's not forget you sticking out your tongue, that's just the icing on top... too bad you have to spend so much time in your room now.

Mustard Bottle

Dear Kayla, yesterday you walked in the door from school with a mustard bottle. You said you found it on the road.  When I told you to throw it in the trash you said, "Finders keepers, losers weepers!" 

Dear Kylan, you are the most jealous little boy.  Not only can dad not hug me, but Joey cannot sit on my lap.  You run over from across the room yelling, "Mom!  My Mom!" Today you did that to Sammo.

Dear Jaida, lately it seems like you set the tone of the house.  If you are mad, mean and ornery, so is everyone else.  When you are happy and playful, everyone wants to be happy and playful with you.

I Can't Win

Dear Joey, from the tantrum you threw this morning you said that I'm rude if I don't talk and I'm rude if I do talk.  I will think on that and in the mean time you can sit in your room and think about it too.  Also, Kylan is now yelling over and over in his little growly voice, "LIKE YOU!"  He's really just copying you Joey and saying, "I don't like you!" Over and over and over.  I just love parenting moments like these.

p.s. This picture was taken coming from the park today. I pretty much had to drag you out of the house and lock the door so you couldn't get back in. As we were walking home I heard you say, "This is the best day ever!" Ha!

Girls Weekend

Dear Jaida,
Our "girls weekend" has been great! When was the last time we were able to play Scrabble, do a little sewing and play the dot game. You even ate during all our meals, hahaha. We will definetly have to do this more often. What I can't understand is why you wouldn't go to dinner with me, Misty and Kayla - you missed out!

Dear Kayla,
I could not talk you out of wearing your poodle skirt to the Iron Mission Days. I'm glad you're not afraid to get dirty! You crushed apples, panned for gold (and got so wet), roasted marshmellows, smashed corn, tried out the adeladl, ran through the sheep barn, washed clothes on a washing board and made candles.  You're cute little high heel dress shoes got all muddy but that would never stop you from having fun.  When Dad got home you told him how many "complications" you got on your skirt.  (compliments)

At Applebee's you told our server "it. is. awesome!" when she asked about your mac & cheese. You raised your hand forever to get our server's attention however it was a manager that came over and asked if you need anything (a to go box). When we were all done you raised your hand again so that they could come and clear our plates and table before we left. I explained that a restaurant was different than your school lunch room. Misty and I had a great dinner date with you.

A Good Laugh

Dear Kayla, the other day we were watching a tv show where one cousin was speaking Spanish and the other cousin was speaking English.  Kayla says, "Mom! They can speak Spanish and human talk."

A couple of weeks ago we were all driving in the van.  Dad and Jaida were arguing (surprise). Jaida said some smart alecky remark and Dad says back, "Don't be such a snot bag."  You started laughing and said, "Snot bag, hahaha... oh sorry Jaida, hee heee, sorry, sorry hee hee hee, sorry! I didn't mean to laugh, hee hee hee! "  It was so hilarious.  Dad and I laughed for a long time after that.

Protector

Dear Kylan, you love putting on "galubs" and punching dad, Joey, or anyone.  Last night I was laying on the bed reading, Dad brought you in, put "galubs" on all of us and said, "Come on, lets get Mom."  Then he started punching me.  You immediately got upset, ran over as fast as you could and climbed on me to protect me.  It was the funniest and sweetest thing. Just to make sure, Dad tried it again and you had the same reaction - I love it!

Snowball Fight

Dear Jaida, Kayla, Joey and Kylan,
Today was one of our best Sunday's.  Kayla, you were having TV withdrawals pretty much the entire day, but you made it even past 5:00!  You all played with legos, and pet shops.  Then you moved to my room where everyone built a "nest" out of blankets and pillows on each corner of the bed. You were all in there forever laughing, screaming and crying. You helped me make granola, and then play dough - which you made bird nests and alligator nests out of.  Back to the bedroom you went to check on your nests and then we watched Cinderella.  We ended the day outside where I forced you all to get dressed and play in the snow.  You have to admit you had a blast. Jaida, I went easy on you during the snowball fight because you were in shorts! Joey and Kylan, you two hit me the most times with snowballs. I'm sure the snowman you made is thankful for the jacket from Jaida and the hat from Kayla.  We'll have to do this the next time it snows and this time Dad better come out or we'll dump snow in his bath. hahaha!
Love you guys!
Mom

Halloween 2011

 Jaida was a Pumpkin and LOVED this costume that Grandma Sitthichai made for her.

 Joey was a Ninja and did not want his picture taken.

 Kayla was a Witch and a Unicorn this year.  But what she really wanted to be was a Pumpkin.

Kylan was a frog - all of our kids have worn this costume!

Meanie!

Kylan's new favorite word.  He'll say it if someone is being mean to him.  Which is at least 20 times a day.  It is hilarious!!

I Want to go to Grandma's House

Joey was not cooperating when I was trying to put his pj's on and I of course was getting frustrated.
Mom: Joey I'm going to send you to grandma's house.
His face was so funny, almost smiling but not sure if he should. I could really see the wheels turning in his head.
Joey: I want to go to grandma's house.
~
Mom: Kayla, aren't you a little girl?
Kayla: Mom, I am SEVEN years old and next year I'll be EIGHT!
~
Joey: Mom how does a clothes pin hang on the clothes line?
Mom: You open the clothes pin, put the rope inside and close it.
Joey: That doesn't make any sense.
Monty, I think Joey is picking up on your sayings, he already says POOP way too much. :)

I Have Never Been Happier

Dear Kylan, right now you are again climbing on EVERYTHING!  I finally turned all the kitchen chairs on their side (again) so that you can't push them around the kitchen, climb on the stove, turn on the microwave, throw things out of the drawers, get into the cupboards and throw everything off the counters.  You are very upset but I am much happier.

By the way, we love the way you say "punch". You push out your lips and really accentuate the "ch".  It's so funny.

Dear Kayla, the other day I asked you how school was and you said, "GRREAT!  I have never been happier!"  You had art class that day and brought home an awesome ox coloring you had done on a piece of drywall. You were very happy.

Dear Monty, when I have Kayla show you her picture tell her how awesome it is. Later on you can explain about oxen being plural and ox singular. hahaha

Dear Joey, maybe we need to make you a new bed spread and get you some new bed stuff - all your own.  I'll try anything to stop taking you back to your bed 2-3 times a night.

Kayla's 7

Dear Kayla, you are now 7!!!  Your birthday party was so much fun, and you got to do an awesome scavenger hunt created by dad.  Then you went on a GeoCache. You got a dinosaur cake with a purple bow - just like you wanted and you ran around screaming about some of the gifts you received - you never disappoint! :)  We love you and hope you have a GREAT year!

Ya Little Poop!

Dear Kylan, last night in the tub you stood up and said, "poop".  I said, "Did you pee?" And you point down and say, "No."  I come over and look - nope, it's not pee, it's poop.  GROSS!  Later I came into the kitchen and you were up on my computer desk.  You POOPED on my desk and PEED on my keyboard.  ULG!!

p.s. Dad loves to hear you say, punch.  Your facial expression is pretty funny when you say it. :)

Kid Talk

Mom: Joey, would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish?
Joey: Swim like a fish
Mom: Why
Joey: Because I like to throw balls through the nets

Kayla: Today, I had pizza and I ate the whole thing.  I ate all the cheese so I ate the whole thing but I didn't eat it all.

Scavenger Hunt

Dear Kayla, when we went to the scavenger hunt I had no idea you would come so prepared.  Not only did you have a sword and your purse but you had an extra hat and gloves!  You saved me from freezing!

Dear Jaida, you were right out in front the entire time and knew exactly where to go for the next clue.  You also wrote down all the answers and helped Joey in a few tight spots.

Dear Joey you had a blast following Jaida and Kayla around. I'm not sure you knew what we were doing but the next day you asked if we could go back.

Dear Kylan, you wanted to run and climb with the other kids so bad but every time I let you, you would fall down and cry - you know how I hate to let you cry.  So I carried you 90% of the time.  Now my left tricep is bigger than my right!

Black Spider Infection

Found a photo of Kylan running with his arms behind him.

Dear Kayla, today when you got off the bus you said, "Where in the world is Jaida?" I told you that she was at home because she had a bladder infection.  After walking for a bit you said, "I can't wait to get home and see what Jaida looks like." I turn and look at you funny and say, "Why?" And you said, "Because you said she had a black spider infection or something."  Hahaha!

Dear Kylan, you ran all the way to Kayla's bus stop with me today.  When you run, you run as fast as you can with both arms flying out behind you.  It is the funniest thing... One of these days I'll have to record that! :)

This Red Ball Is A Verb

Dear Kayla, last night you came up to me and Misty and said, "See this red ball?  This is a verb..." And then explained why it was a verb.  At one point you said. "It's a very complicated red ball."  You are awesome and I'm glad we videoed your red ball verb explanation!

Nigh Night Banket

Dear Joey, yesterday you were struggling to get your coat off so I helped you.  You then threw a huge tantrum and I had to put your coat back on you so that you could take it off yourself.

Dear Kylan, last night I was trying to put you to bed. You all of a sudden sat up and said, "nigh-night banket". I love all the words you are starting to say!
This morning you and Joey started to fight over a toy and you head butted Joey - in the head!  You cried harder than Joey - I hope you learned your lesson.

Dear Kayla, yesterday you were fully dressed from 7:30am to 8:00pm.  I was shocked!  Must be the cold weather.

Dear Jaida, I'm so glad you will still get out and dance with everyone. After Kayla became a little freer (haha) she put in the Shark Tale soundtrack and you all started dancing.  It was great!  Wish I would have brought out my camera. :)

It's Muh Birthday

 I had a great "36" birthday!  Misty made this most awesome cake!!  She worked on it all day long and cleaned the house!

Present Time!

We're Goin' To The Zoo

 After a great day at the Park, the next day we went to the zoo. Kylan was terrified of this monkey, unless I was holding him.

The hit was this non-animal. This giant elephant would sneeze, blowing water out of it's trunk, and just make funny noises.  Kayla kept running back to it.  The zoo was great for everyone, just bring your own food!

Another Reunion

 September 10 we went to This Is The Place State Park for the Pratt Family Reunion.

 My Mom, Dad and I helped register hundreds and hundreds of people (Mom was in charge of registration)!

As part of the reunion we were given free entrance to the park - the horse rides were one of the kids favorite part.

 They also had a big petting zoo with pigs, goats, cows, chickens, sheep and even a donkey.

 We had a great day!

 Oh, forgot how much the kids loved the train too!

 Even the HUGE downpour at the end was fun. :)

So Cuddly

Dear Ling Ling you are so cuddly - you HAVE to snuggle up when you sleep. However, when you are awake you far from cuddly... today you peed on my leg today because you were so excited when we got home, yuck!

One Day...

Dear Joey, keep practicing and you will be a great photographer one day.

Good Day

Dear Jaida, you proved this morning that you can be ready for school in less than 20 minutes.  I'm not sure what motivated you, but this morning the alarm woke you up. You came up stairs and got dressed - with shoes, brushed your hair, got your backpack on, jacket and violin.  All I had to do was feed you and you wanted to get to the bus stop 20 minutes early. You are awesome!

Dear Kylan, today is the happiest you've been in about a week.  You hardly cried, today must be a good day for everyone! (now I'm jinxed)

Pumpkin Dragon

Dear Joey, I just had the funniest conversation with you. This is how part of it went.
Mom: Joey, what do you want to dress up as for Halloween?
Joey: I want to be a pumpkin dragon.
Mom: How 'bout a Ninja?
Joey: No, that is for girls, I want to be a pumpkin dragon.

hahaha!

Apartment Forts

Yesterday the kids wanted to create forts so we rearranged the furniture and made "apartment forts". Jaida of course got the suite and Kylan and Joey just wanted to sit on the top of theirs and make it cave in - over and over and over.

Mom, this is SO cool!

Dear Joey, I think that it's hilarious that you found a fascination with nail clippers. You carried this one all around the store today and when we got home you found the straight edged "knife".  You kept saying, "Mom. This is SO cool!" and "Look at this one!"  I guess it's not a fascination with nail clippers as much as it is with knives - like father like son.

Wash Your Mouth Out With Soap

Dear Kayla...
Last night Misty treated us all to Sonny Boys BBQ and then McDonald's for ice cream. At McDonald's you were playing the air hockey game and then the basketball shoot game and you kept saying, "Damn," when you would miss a shot.  All of us kept saying, "Kayla, don't say that anymore." You would just giggle, or shrug your shoulders.  Then I told you that when we got home you were going to get your mouth washed out with soap - you still said it at least two or three more times!!  When we got home, Dad got the bar of soap all wet and you had to put it in your mouth for 7 seconds. Afterwards you pinky promised never to say it again.  I'm sorry to do something so drastic but you weren't taking us serious.  If it makes you feel any better we had to do the same thing with Jaida.  ~ Love you Miss K!