Sun Bathing

2 of 3 finished

I just have to brag about my husband and tell the world that he has completed 2 out of the 3 projects that he has been working on. Yep, last night he got the washing machine hooked up and now I can finally do Laundry!!! He also got the fence completed on J.T.'s birthday, now all that he has left to do is finish wiring the lights in the Front room. I just have to say that I love it when his family comes to town, it's like he gets a swift kick in the pants to get everything done before they get here. Hopefully I can squeeze in 2 more projects and get Addie's and J.T.'s rooms finished before everyone gets here the end of May. No seriously, what else can I say other than that Dave is amazing!!

I want to go diving too...

First off I should start out by saying that my kids are just like their daddy and love, I mean LOVE the water and anything that has to do with it, while I on the other hand do not float I sink. Now that I have shared that info. let me explain the adorable pictures. Dave and I are taking a dive class. I have been reassured that it is much easier than swimming alone and that I will not die. So, after spending a small fortune on equipment I am happy to report that the class is this Saturday. Yep, scaredie pants me is getting into the pool at 10:00 am. Addison and JT are quiet sad that they don't have any equipment small enough for them. I don't think that they understand that the tank itself weighs more than both of them combined. So, until that day when they are old enough to go diving with us they will have to settle for snorkeling and playing with Daddy's old gear. On second thought maybe we will just get them some of their own so when they ruin it their daddy won't cry. I almost forgot, notice how the mouth piece is barely fitting into Addie's mouth and just a small piece of it is in J.T.'s, they both tried so hard to get it to fit it in.

Why Auntie Gina is my favorite

Today McKinley came to play with her favorite Auntie Gina. We had so much fun just the two of us playing outside and eating a Dum Dum sucker. Warning to all be careful, because she loves to share her treats and then proceed to eat the wrong end of the sucker. By the time she was finished she was covered in blue and all sticky. Even with the mess it sure was worth it.

Addison wants to be a hair dresser

Yes I have decided to post my daughters latest stunt. Addison has once AGAIN cut her hair. Now for any of you who are counting this is the third time yes count with me, 1st time was days before our trip to California for Kim and Ethan's sealing, 2nd time was right after it was long enough for baby pig tails, cut one from the front and the other from the back, and the 3rd time over at my mom's neighbors house. I am hoping to say that this is the last time this will happen but as you can see I wasted my breath the last two times that I said it. I guess I should look on the bright side of things at least she now has a bob and not a punk rock doo <-(I happened to really like this look she had the attitude to pull it off, only the older generations hated it) or even worse a shaved head. Just a note for all of you moms who are now feeling just a little bit of my pain or laughing at my misfortune she told her Grams that it was because she thought her hair was getting a bit to long. She seems to think this every time one of my brothers get their hair cut.

JT is 2

All day on Friday JT had been walking around singing, "Appy Bird Day to me" and when asked who's birthday it was he'd respond, "ME" and how old are you "2", as he held up five little fingers. My how my little boy has grown. He is definitely all boy between his five concussions, love for dirt and chaos, and love for balls, yes his first word was ball. Needless to say for his birthday he received all things that involved balls, and one skateboard that I am sure will result in another concussion and him wearing a helmet. Almost all of the family came to celebrate his birthday eating Sour cream Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Cake and Ice Cream. Addison and JT especially enjoyed the balloons on the cake made out of icing. We love our little boy and can't wait to see what this new year will bring.

A day with Leslie and Bailey

As you can all tell my kids loved playing and had an amazing time with their Auntie Lele and Bailey. Addison, JT, and Payslei all had a blast hanging out while Dave and I went to work. I thought that it was very brave of them to take all 3 but I guess Leslie wanted the practice and Bailey just wanted to play with the kids. She is going to be an amazing Auntie. We love you guys!!!

Why things happen in 3

Microwave on the skits, Fridge freezes everything and freezer doesn't cut it, oven range only 2 burners work and one is temperamental. Today Dave, the kids, and I all went appliance window shopping just to see what the damage will be when they all completely give up and die. I guess that it is a good thing that summer is almost here and we can cook outside in dutch ovens and on the grill. I'm sure that replacing the fridge will come first and then the microwave and stove. Now don't get me wrong I am sad that all of these things are breaking especially at once but, I can't wait to pick out the new stuff and know that it will work. I just thought of another 3 that is happening in our lives right now....Dave has 3 projects happening; Lights in the Front Room, Washing area needs to be completed, and lastly the fence. (fence should be done by tomorrow)

Why I love being a mom....

As I am sitting here looking up info on the computer I hear my children banging their feet on the picture window which causes me to chuckle and reflect on the past couple of days. Since today is the most fresh on my mind I will start there. This morning my beautiful baby girl launched spit up onto the top of my forehead, down into my hair, and onto my glasses, the best part of this is that the spit up not only covered my glasses but ran down my forehead into my eyes and from there down past my chin. Now, lets all say this together YUCK!! The next adventures came right after, Auntie Lele and Uncle Pill showed up and I was not dressed yet due to the previous incident with the baby, I was not allowed to get up until Dave came and shut the bedroom door. The kids thought that it was an awesome treat to have their Auntie and Uncle over to play and eat pancakes with us. After playing for awhile it was nap time and Phill tried to get JT and Addison to lay down with him, no such luck instead JT ran into the bathroom. <-This is where it gets good...He decided to change his own diaper and sit on the toilet. Needless to say when I went into the bathroom Addison was trying to help him clean off the toilet seat. His bottom half was covered in yuck, smelly; well you get the point. I quickly cleaned him up and placed him into the tub to really get clean and made Addie wash her hands and leave the bathroom. Next it was Leslie turn and she amazingly got the kids to sleep. ( I wish that they would listen to me the way they listen to her but that's another story) Phill fell asleep holding Payslei on the couch while Leslie and I talked and looked at fonts. As they were getting ready to leave JT woke up and wanted to play, luckily they left before he woke up all they way or else drama would've occured. I made lunch and JT spilled his Orange juice all over my new vanity needless to say I was thrilled with excitement, no seriously I cleaned it up with a little help from JT. Addison woke up next and she also needed lunch but..."I dont want broccoli, carrots, or this stuff, I don't like broccoli until Sunday." Now onto yesterday, my poor children did not fall asleep until 10:30/11:30 last night, they were in bed multiple times but no sleeping had occurred until that hour. Earlier the new vanity was turned into a car and off the two of them went to Costco, Gramms, etc... Oh and yes milk was spilled all over the vanity yet again while I was taking care of Payslei, Addie opened the fridge and you know what happened next. Quick side note the kids just picked up the phone and are saying hello and dialing numbers. AAAHHHH! All in all the kids weren't that bad yesterday the true drama happened Monday night. It was of course bedtime, JT and Payslei were both asleep and Addison was in full diva mode. I had to help my best friend unload a trundle bed frame and put it in the house before she left. Addison had a fit and yelled at the top of her lungs telling me that she did not want it to come into our house. Now here is the funniest part. I was trying to explain why we need the trundle to use for company and for when Payslei got older. Addison screamed, "I don't want it under my bed EVER! Payslei can't share my room with me EVER, EVER! (and my favorite) I never going to let Payslei sleep in my room EVER, FOREVER!!! This all was happening as she was running into her room. Earlier in the day we had played at my mom's house, drama usually happens when we head for home and also traveled up to Midway and just below the dam on two separate occasions all for Dave's work. Dave did make a stop at the Dock of the Bay to let the kids get out some of their wiggles. So why some of you might not relate to why I have to post "I love being a mom" just wait until you are a parent and are having some of these things happening you will also find yourself needing to remind you and others that you really do love being a mom. I mean what other job could you honestly wear mismatched pajamas, toe socks, and glasses as your work attire. I really do love my kids they truly are the excitement in my life.

Addison and her helping hands

I have been meaning to write about this event ever since I was told on Monday. Over Easter weekend we were over at Gram's and Gramp's house playing and trying to get things ready for the BBQ at Uncle Kevin's house. In all of our excitement Addison didn't quite make it to the toilet and had a very small accident. She took it upon herself to clean herself up and put her clothing into the washer. Addison wanted to start the machine but Grams told her that it wasn't full yet and to have me get her new clothes to wear. She did as she was told but, when no one was around she took it upon herself to fill the compartment with laundry soap. When I say fill I actually mean stuffed, it was completely full, bleach, fabric softener, and soap area crammed in tight. It was so tight that when Grams tried to pull out the compartment drawer it was stuck. Grams said that she had to take the compartment completely out, salvage what soap she could and rinse out the rest. Also in Grams discovery was a towel with a nice pile of laundry detergent. Needless to say that when my washing machine gets installed I will probably have to place the soap up high or teach Addison how to correctly do the laundry.

Finally Fencing

I just wanted to let everyone see how hot my two boys are. Today we started the process of installing a new back fence. Needless to say neither Dave or I wanted to dig holes by hand so we rented a Dingo and Auger and away we went. It only took 1 hour to complete all of the holes. 1 1/2 hours if you count the playing/work that JT did while he was out there. Fingers crossed we will have the fence completely installed by the end of the week. I can barely contain my excitement, I will now have a back yard that the kids can play in!!! It only took 1 1/2 years to get it to this point. Hopefully this weekend before Dave leaves to work we will have the back yard tilled up and ready to either plant grass seeds or lay down sod. This is going to be the best summer ever!!!!

I am Shera!!!

This is just a quick little post to let everyone know that I caught a mouse in my house yesterday. YUCK!!! Anyways, it all of a sudden appeared in the hall so I stomped on it and when it wasn't moving I lifted up my foot and it started to run so, I stomped on it again and Dave came and put it in the dumpster. The worst part of it was that I could feel it moving while I stood on it. Dave was so impressed that he wanted to take a picture but he was informed that he couldn't and to get rid of it quickly. I guess this is what happens when you grow up with your mom terrified of mice you learn to take matters into your own hands or feet. Happy Stomping!!!

I saw this and just had to try!

I happened upon this and now I want to take so many new pictures. It makes me so happy that I don't have to narrow my pictures I post to just one. After all I happen to think that my kids are so adorable and hot. JT's latest saying is, "Tetie Beast" aka Sexy Beast. He says that after he put on his new swimming suit and now every time he flexes or gets dressed. Addison is also doing her part in helping JT to talk better, she carefully enunciates every syllable which is also improving her own talking.

Make-up Artists

Yesterday Addison and JT took it upon themselves to help make mommy beautiful. JT had gotten out my make-up brushes to paint the wall with. Addison decided that it would be a better idea if they did my make-up for me. I'll I have to say at this point is thank goodness for their vivid imaginations. My pillow case and duvet cover served as the perfect make-up pallet with its variety of color. Every time that I would ask if my make-up was done I'd get a response of, "No, your not beautiful yet." Addison was very delicate as she placed the "black" eye shadow on my eyelids and then the "green" cheeks, chin and "burgundy" lips. JT just loved the idea of shoving one of my blush brushes hard onto my nose and then cheeks, the more mommy wiggled the better. When I was finally finished Addison pipped in and said, "Mommy your beautiful now." Silly me I thought that meant that I was done, instead Addison ran in and opened my pink eyeshadow, drowning the brush, and went to paint my eyes. I quickly explained that it only took a little bit and offered to let her wear it instead. So, Addison got to wear pink eyeshadow and bronzer yesterday. I had to stop her though when she wanted the charcoal gray and explain that little girls didn't wear that color yet. JT also thought that he needed to follow in his sisters footsteps but he got no make-up. I think that these are the things that help to brighten my days and give me hope.

Sad News

So, I have some sad news to share with everyone, I broke the digital camera the other day and so all of my really cute ideas are now put on hold. I know that many of your are probably wondering, How if not Why I would do something like this. Let me share the tragic story. I put it up on a cabinet and totally forgot that there were pixie stix's up there and it fell smack dab onto my nicely clean floor. BAM! It broke and I found myself laughing because I put it up to keep it out of the reach of the children so they wouldn't break it. Thank goodness for an understanding husband who smiled at me when he found out and said, "That's okay, I'll buy you a new one." Other sad news is that everyone but Dave has some type of a cold. Addison started in with a cough last Tuesday, JT followed the next day and it moved into his eyes, Payslei was next to follow suit and now it is my turn. Talk about bad luck all the kids are sick and so is the mommy. Just in! Dave is reading over my shoulder and says, "That's good for me!"

JT

I just thought that everyone would like to see just how cute JT has become lately. I was going through the family pictures and found a really cute one of JT and his daddy both posing for the camera. As you can tell JT won and daddy got cropped out. I thought that since I was posting this way hot picture of JT I would fill everyone in on some of the latest adventures, mishaps, as well as one misjevious act. He has now had his 4th concussion all before the age of two, he has received his first summer/spring mishap of scraping his elbow today (Addison took this to be a great photo opportunity). "OH MAN!, and "Dude" are his latest new phrases to say, Biting is now a last resort (Hallelujah!), the phone rings and automatically its Grandpa calling for JT and its time to go no matter what. Payslei is now one of his favorite people and he loves to hold her, kiss her, and call her name. Dumping out all of the detanglar in the front room was his happy playtime yesterday until he slipped and fell, bumping his head and getting his shirt all dirty. Happy news for JT is that he is getting his last two teeth on the top right now; lets all say together, how sad for mommy. He is all boy and a running trophy for all of his accomplishments and mishaps. We are all so grateful to have JT as a part of our family and we love him beyond words!

Tornados and Hurricanes

Have you ever wondered the power of 2 toddlers and an 8 week old?.....It's a tornado of messes, a hurricane of excitement, and all the noises that are associated with them. I am quiet sure that the reason why tornado's and hurricanes have names is due to the simple fact that a mother or father is in the office where it is first reported. So, announcing and might I add be on the look out for....Hurricane Addison, Tornado JT and Hurricane Payslei.

Here are some examples of damages already done and occurring daily:

• Folded laundry already in drawers, not any more, its dress up time!
• Happy Baby in swing....Not now JT just climbed in on top or decided to swing it with all his muscles as fast and hard as possible
• Satisfied with drink, WRONG it's on the floor
• Lunch time includes screaming, fighting, tears and occasionally some hitting, scratching, and biting
• Nap times, never long enough
• Freshly cleaned rooms disappear in a millisecond, Literally
• Tantrums a daily occurrence
• Causing more than one mess at once
• Exhausting the storm chasers
• Sleeping baby not anymore someone has rocked the bassinet a little to hard
• Toilet training, I hope that it is just spilled water....

While many of you I am sure think that they are cute and such well mannered children let me reassure you that yes from afar they seem cute and innocent but, up close and personal you may find yourself within the danger zone and experience the damage and devastation first hand. Just like most storm chasers I find myself quiet intrigued, loving them, and admiring the devastation that occurs in their presence. I also find myself trying to figure out how they all begin and what may posses them, almost drive them at times.

Payslei at Six Weeks

Adventures of Payslei's Blessing Day

This is just a small glimpse into how tired we all were by 7:30 that night. Dave and I woke up, after having hardlee any sleep the night before, at 7:30. Payslei had been restless most of the night, I think that she must have known that the day would be all about her. Dave and I got ready and quickly got the older two ready, as quick as one can mind you they are toddlers. Unfortunately, JT's shoes were at his Papa's and Gram's house and we couldn't mind a mate to one of the other pairs. Addison got ready pretty much without a hitch she was excited to be saying the opening prayer in Primary. I then proceeded to get Payslei ready. PANIC!, where is her slip!!! Luckily I finally found it and put it and the dress on and we all ran out the door. We arrived at the church during the opening hymn. Dave preformed the blessing and it went well. My favorite part was when she started screaming during the middle of it and wouldn't stop. We stayed for all of church and then proceeded over to my parent's house for the party. All I have to say is thank goodness for a best friend like Melissa who put the Lasagna into the oven and baked the two cakes for the celebration. I do not know what I would've done without her. The party was a blast everyone had a great time. Infact Kameryn and I played for a couple of hours game after game and one coloring book after another. I tried to see if she wanted anyone else to play with us but the answer was, "No, dust Auntie Dina." After everyone had pretty much left JT tripped and fell receiving a concussion. It was a battle to keep him awake and convince his Daddy that he couldn't sleep, even though he had not had a nap. Pictures were taken not long after that and we headed home at 7:30 exhausted. Unknown to Dave and I that we would be kept up all night with a baby who had an upset stomach. No more Lasagna for me for a while.

California or Bust!!

The weekend of 15th-21st of February found us traveling to California for a Surprise 50th Anniversary for Grandma Mere and Grandpa Milton. We left Thursday on our way to meet up with the caravan of cars, that left ahead of us, in Winnemucca. We should have known that we would be doomed when the vehicle started having a hard time climbing a hill after Windover but, we pressed on. The next morning before we all left Dad, Steve, and Dave found themselves looking under the hood and even running the computer to see what would cause the engine light to come on and off, but to no avel nothing appeared that would cause the problem so off we went again. We had not been on the road long when Addison exclaimed I need to go to the bathroom, we pulled off the next exit that had a bathroom and in we ran. With the bathroom crisis solved we were ready to go again and try to catch up to everyone. Not long after getting onto the freeway we started in with problems again while climbing a hill. We told everyone of the problem and that we would meet them in Boomtown needless to say we didn't make it that far into Reno before are fate was sealed....stuck in Reno. We tried to make it on surface streets but nothing seemed to work. Steve, Alyssa, Mckinley and Dad all turned around to come to our aide. All I can say is we are truly lucky that Dad, Steve, and Dave know things about cars and more importantly that Steve brought his tools with him. We love having a mechanic in the family! After many phone calls back and forth to James (Steve's boss) he said head to NAPA I have a friend who is a mechanic there and they will let you use whatever tool you need. After stopping at NAPA and thinking that it might be the fuel pump and NAPA needing to order the tester we drove to a mechanic shop and they were not only kind enough to test it but to also replace it. In the meantime the Bowen's and the rest of the family was still sitting in Boomtown waiting. After the shop had ordered the part we contacted mom and told her the good news. We also decided to go to Circus Circus, eat and watch the show. Mom got lost coming to where we were and by the time they got there they were lowering the vehicle back to the ground we were fixed! So needless to say we never made it to Circus Circus but drove through and stopped to eat in Auburn. I should clarify that Dave and I both told them many times to go on with out us, that eventually we would follow but that was in vain, Mom and Dad would not go on without us.
Needless to say the trip to California was full of adventure and learning experiences. Dave's comments over the two-way radios, Steve's Garmin and slow driving, Bowen's lack of sleep, and finally arriving sometime around midnight to waiting open arms. Great news is that we all had a wonderful time creating memories and all made it home without a problem, might I add in 10 hours including stops.