The Russell Rascals

Already?

2012-01-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today was Colten's one month check-up. I can't hardly believe he is a month old already! Last Friday was his due date and Sunday he was a month old. My how time flies! He now weighs 7 lbs 12 oz and is 20 1\2 inches tall! He has grown 2 1/2 inches and has gained 2 lbs 10 oz since he was born.

I had a Dr appt last week and my blood pressure has gone down by 10 percent. My Dr cut my meds in half and hopefully in the next month I will be off of my blood pressure medication. It is now 133 over 88. Sooooo much better than it was! I am feeling better each day, my family is enjoying that I am making dinner,starting to clean and can participate in our family again. Derek deserves the husband and father of the year award. He has endured a lot! Our little man was worth it, but it wasn't easy!;-)

Colten is very sweet content little baby. He however, is sooooo noisy! He grunts all of the time! Kenny (my brother) has started calling him goat boy because that is what he sounds like. He is very loved by all of his siblings. Once they get home from school Derek and I have to fight to get a turn holding him. Lucky for me, I am his only food source.:-) It will be fun to see how long Colten will allow them to smother him.

It has been fun starting over, I feel blessed to have 4 wonderful children. I wish I could just stop time and enjoy them all before they grow up even bigger than they already are.

I think I'll keep 'em! (all of 'em:)

2012-01-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

finally!

2012-01-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Colten Derek Russell arrived December 29, 2011 at 2:07 P.M. 2 days short of one month early. He weighed in at a whopping 5 pounds 2 ounces and 18 inches long. He is healthy and doing well. We came home on January 2,2012. Its been quite an ordeal for me with my high blood pressure and all, but well worth it for him! I will blog more about it later. Just wanted to let you know that he's here! Thank goodness I am not pregnant anymore!

Pretty Please!

2011-12-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Baby,

Get out of my belly!

Love, Mom:-)

12 year old Humor....

2011-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

As my pregnancy is winding down, (not soon enough I might add), I have the pregnant waddle down pact, I am not quick on my feet, I have raging heart burn at any given moment, nausea and vomiting at the drop of a hat, elephantitis of my feet and legs (and several other areas I might add), and have now developed in the past few weeks pregnancy induced carpal tunnel in both of my hands, if that isn't enough, I now have Chandler calling me names....

Last week we were grocery shopping at my most favorite place...Wal-Mart! (jk) Anyhow I stopped to look at something and Derek ditched me. Nothing new.... But he was so far ahead of me I knew I would never catch up. Lucky for me I had Chandler walking with me, so he so nicely sent Derek a text. Here is what it said..... "Dad, hold up for the Wide Load!"

Lucky for him, I have a good sense of humor.....that darn boy!;-)

We're having a boy!

2011-09-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

The kids came prepared with signs to let everybody know what we're having... There was a "boy" sign, a "girl" sign, and on the back of one of them there was a "puppy" sign... just in case. Addie's idea.

Russellsprout #4!

2011-07-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Exciting news to report here at the Russell house! We are pregnant again! This little one is due to arrive in January sometime! Since I always come early, I'm thinking the 1st week in January sometime! We are all super excited especially the kids! They have been trying very hard to keep it a secret for as long as possible. I think the wait is over! Now hopefully I'll stop throwing up and get to feeling back to my old self soon!

Look What I Can Do!

2011-05-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Brinley insisted on having the training wheels taken off her little bike... so we let her have her way (no surprise there) and she took right off! There's the proof!

Mario

2011-05-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

My kids thought they were so funny one evening as we were out and about. I obviously need to clean my car out more often! They found these pipe cleaners and made what they called "Mario mustaches." They chanted for most of the ride....Mario, Mario, Mario. Where do they come up with these things?

Beans

2011-05-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Another funny conversation with Brinley.

Me, being the lazy mom I am decided to get Taco Bell for dinner a few weeks ago. (In my defense there isn't much to choose from here in Johnstown it's either Taco Bell or McDonalds since they are the ones with drive thrus!)

Me: Brinley, what do you want to eat at Taco Bell?
Brinley: I think I want some beans.
Me: Ok, I'll get you the pintos and cheese
Brinley: I don't want pintos and cheese.
Me: Brinley pintos and cheese are beans, and you like beans.
Brinley: No I don't
Me: Yes you do, they are the beans that you like. They are called pintos and cheese here.
Brinley: Mom, are they sharp?

Get it? Pin-tos? Made me laugh right there in the drive thru! Too funny!

Another year bites the dust!

2011-05-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we are once again done with another school year! This whole year has been so bittersweet for me with Chandler finishing elementary school and this being Brinley's last year home with me! I cried a lot this morning when I watched Chandler getting on the bus for his last time heading to Pioneer Ridge! He's on to bigger and better stuff and he is very excited about it.

I AM excited for summer! I have signed Chandler and Addie up again for swim team. That kept is very busy last summer. We also had a lot of fun doing it! I am hoping to get Addie into a pottery class camp for a week and Chandler in a babysitting class. It just all depends on those darn finances! I am sure we will have many, many lemonade stands and lots of time out at our pool. I love the lazy days of summer and I'm looking forward to it. Now if we could just see the sun? It's been raining for a week now and it doesn't look like it's planning on stopping anytime soon!

Then and Now

2011-05-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

2011
This is the MAN driving home from Nana and Papa's this spring. Don't you love the blue teeth?

Doesn't he look like he just woke up? He's getting out all of his trains to build a new track.

This is his science fair project, thank goodness that is done!!

2005

This is on his first day of kindergarten.

His first year of soccer

I think this the morning of his 6th birthday. I loved that toothless smile he had for so long!
And his first lost tooth thanks to the dentist who had to pull it! I see this little face and just want to grab him and kiss him!!!

His first father's and son's campout.

His 1st soccer game and yes he loved to play defense way back then. I think it runs in the genes!

I've been feeling so emotional with my Chandler finishing elementary school and my sweet Brinley starting. When Chandler started kindergarten I was just barely pregnant with Brinley. I was very, very sick with her. I remember being so emtional when he started school. I also remember crying every Monday when he had to go back to school. I missed my little guy! Now he teases me constantly! He is such an amazing little man who is right even with me in the height department and isn't afraid to give me grief about it! Too bad Chandler, EVERYONE is taller than me! I am excited for this new journey that middle school brings and sad too! I just can't believe how quickly times flies! Love ya Chan-man, Chief, Bubba Jones and of course Georgie!!

Hi Peoples:) The End of my Last Year at Pioneer Ridge Elementary School

2011-05-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

Brinley is always asking when she is going to get glasses. Mom found these for her and she has loved them!

If you look between the two boys in front it's me! Addie and I participated in an after school choir. It was called Gotta be Jazz. I had a lot of fun with it!

Here's Addie she's right in the middle.

Here is Brinley wrestling me. She gets me laughing so hard that she pins me!

I'm not used to typing on my mom's blog (by the way it's me, Chandler). I've been up to a lot of stuff lately. All my tests are done except a math and shurly english test. Other than that, I'm done. I've also been driving my parents nuts. I keep bothering them about what I want for my birthday. It's quite funny. There always saying, "I don't need to know!" but I tell them anyways. After I tell them, they always say, "I bet you're going to change your mind tomorrow!" but I never do. I usually add on something or two somethings and a tell them again. It's hilarious. I also did a play last yesterday. It was on the American Revolution. It was very fun. I'm so excited for 6th grade, too. The middle school is getting a new pricipal because the old one, Mr. Long, is moving to the high school. The new principal's name is, Mr. Ruby, and he seems very nice. On Easter, the Easter Bunny brought presents for everybody (except mom and dad). Addie got silly bands, gomu, and a bunny care game. Brinley got a princess game set. I got lego Harry Potter- Years 1-4, and a lego City Police- Canine Unit. Well that is what is happening right now.

Funny Things

2011-02-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

I know it's been forever since I posted, but here are two different funny things Brinley said to me last week that I don't want to forget.

Last week I was driving carpool for something and it was just Brinley and I on our way to pick up kids and she said to me, "Mom, which dude am I going to marry?" I replied I don't know. She then said " I think it might be Noah." (Noah is our neighbor he's in the pirate post pictures)

Then on Saturday we had a couple of neighbor kids over and the boys were in Chandler's room and the girls were in Addie's room. I looked in Brinley's room and she was sitting on her bed with a very sad face listening to Michael Jackson all alone. I asked her why she wasn't playing with the kids and she burst into tears and said "I wish I was a teenager!"

Turkey or MMMMmmmm Ham

2010-11-29T10:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a Turkey story Chandler had to write for school. November 2010

Ham, ham, ham, humans love ham. Ham is delicious. Aww fine, I'm a turkey who HATES ham, but people LOVE ham. Oh, you think I'm tasty, well, I'M NOT! I'm absolutely disgusting. You would NOT want to eat me. You know Wilbur, from Charlottes' Web? Well, he was meant to be Thanksgiving dinner!

Ham is delicious, Ham is delicious, turkey is disgusting, but ham is delicious. Sorry, I felt like singing. Ham is good with stufing and potatoes, so is beef. They taste better than me. Most of the turkey meat comes from my BEHIND!! Look at that delicious slab of ham. Now look at that disgusting, salty, and runny turkey. Disgusting aren't I right? Surely you would like ham for Thanksgiving or you'll soon be in the emergency room.

Too late for us! We had turkey...although I do LOVE ham! Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm a workin'!

2010-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today I started my new job. It has brought back a lot of sweet memories....and makes me miss those wee baby stages. I am babysitting for a family who lives on my street. A sweet little 2 month old baby boy. I got to change a diaper today......been a VERY long time since I did that. I got to rock and feed him. Get him dressed....and then try to juggle a very curious 4 year old, who I might add is used to being the queen bee. I could tell she was a little frustrated when I was warming a bottle for baby and she REALLY wanted scissors, glue and paper. She of course was forced to wait....not very happily I might add! It should be a fun adventure for all of us!

Pirates.....(I went a little crazy with posts today.....keep on goin!)

2010-09-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

She knows the drill for the pictures, but it kept making my laugh because she kept saying, "Cheese" and you can't even see her face except her one little eye. She of course decorated this all by herself. If you look closely you can see all of her little "Peace" signs she drew herself.

Today was pirate story time at the library. I let Brinley pick out a bandana at JoAnn's a couple of weeks ago and she chose the "peace" one. So, I coined her the "Peaceful Pirate." (Thanks to Addie I have my 4 year old decorating everything with peace signs) We went with my favorite neighbor and partner in crime and her cute little kids. Brinley's best bud is her son, Noah!

(This is a side story, but last week I caught both of them peeing outside together under a tree......Gross!!)

Brinley's First Day of School!!

2010-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here's her little preschool group. She is the only one who is pre-k the others are only 3!

I am pretty sure that I bought happy meals for each of my kids after their 1st day of preschool....so I HAD to carry on the tradition for Brinley...plus I really needed a diet coke after all those kids running through my house!! :)

I've postponed as long as I can preschool for Brinley because I just can't stand the idea of being home alone! I'm not quite sure what to do with myself!! I am doing a co-op preschool with a couple of friends from church and in our neighborhood. I taught last week, their first week...so we'll see what this week brings for Brinley. Hopefully she'll still be as happy as she is at home. She sure has some issues with being away from me!! I guess I know who to blame for that one.....ME!!

Soccer

2010-09-13T15:10:00.001-07:00

Here's some pictures I've taken of Chandler this season playing soccer for the middle school team that Derek is coaching! I am not much of a photographer....but you get the idea....Chandler is number 4 on the maroon team. They are called the KQA Trailblazers.

Labor Day

2010-09-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

We spent Labor Day with some good friends of ours...the Parks Family! We've been friends for I think almost 9 years now....They moved 2 years ago to Kansas City, KS and recently moved back to Ft. Collins, CO. We've missed them!! We decided to take our families up Poudre Canyon. It was a beautiful view, although we didn't last too long because it was sooooo windy and cold! I thought if we all wore jeans and sweatshirts we would be plenty warm considering the day before it was 97.....I thought wrong.....:)

11 Already??

2010-09-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

He is now a boy scout!! We are officially done with cubs after this months pack meeting! Chandler will be receiving his arrow of light. I think that is the highest rank they can earn in cub scouts. He's worked very hard to get that!!

There's 11 there I promise you!!

Birthday Boy!!

Well, Chandler is officially 11. I can't believe how quickly time flies! He started the day off with pumpkin pancakes. Had a delicious school lunch....and brought pumpkin muffins to share with his class. Brinley and I whipped him up a pumpkin cake with creamcheese icing. (Are you all sensing a theme here??? HE LOVES PUMPKIN!!) He had a great day at school and at soccer practice. We took him to Cici's for dinner and he ate 11 plates of food. We got a little creative at the end and counted his cup, fork and spoon. That's a lot of food for ANYBODY!! On Sunday the 5th he got his beloved pumpkin pie...whipped up by Grandma!! She made him turkey, irish potatoes and bisquits. All his requests.....He is such a funny kid. We love you Chandler! Happy 11th Birthday!! XOXO

Twinkies

2010-08-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Addie and our neighbor, Avery, have driven her mom and me crazy over their obsession with everything "peace." This is what they had all planned out to wear on their 2nd day of school. Addie had this written on her white board in her room.

1. Guitar earrings

2. Blank caprees (that is how she spelled it)

3. Cool purple "Peace" shirts

4. Twinkle toes (her shoes)

5. 2 pig tails with bangs hanging in front.....

6. Peace bracelets

My aren't they adorable? Crazy little "Peace BFF's!!"

Woohoo!!

2010-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

Addie and her "Peace BFF" Avery and then Chandler right behind them.

Chandler, Avery, Addie and Sydnee

My big 5th grader and 3rd grader!!

Take notice of his shoes. He's very proud of his DC's he's BEGGED for!! I don't know where he gets his shoe fetish?? :)

All ready for 3rd grade!

Well, we officially survived the first week of school. Our lives our now crazier than ever! I can tell I'm going to miss those lazy days of summer. Although my house is looking a little cleaner......:) The kids are involved in way too many things it seems now! I've been picking them up from school so Chandler can make it to soccer practice. He is playing on the middle school soccer team for my favorite coach....Derek! So....let's see we are busy with soccer, music, did I say soccer?, cub scouts, soccer, piano, soccer, after school band, soccer, hopefully student council for both Chandler and Addie (they still need to be elected), and finally did I already mention soccer? Chandler and Addie both loved being back in school. I can't believe that Chandler had his last 1st day of elementary school. I kept my emotions in check until I realized that his next 1st day of school would be middle school! I know I say this all the time, but they sure grow up quickly! I will have a deacon on my hands about this time next year! Ahhh!! Oh, and I guess I should also mention that I'm officially out of Primary! I think there have only been about 8 months since Derek and I got married that I haven't served in Primary. I will be teaching RS instead (so super scary for me!!!) I am so sad to not teach my little class but very relieved to be done with cubs!! :) Derek also got called to serve in YM as a deacon's advisor. As if he wasn't busy enough?!! The best part about that is that a year from now he'll have Chandler in there with him. There are a LOT of deacons coming up starting in January. 13 to be exact. Oh...the fun he will have!!

Finally!

2010-08-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sister in law Shay, I finally have some pictures of my kiddos in the sunflowers! I have wanted to do this for YEARS because we have so many beautiful sunflower fields near us. They only bloom in early August so their timing to come visit us was perfect! We had so much fun! Thanks Shay!!

It's time!!

2010-08-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

School will start on August 18th for Chandler and Addie. To be honest, I have dreaded having to send them back because I miss them! However after the past week, it will be nice to have them gone for a nice chunk of the day! I am sooooo tired of all of the fighting, whining, drama, feeding, cleaning and constantly trying to find things to entertain them!! I think they are both looking forward to more structure and being busy. Our lazy days of summer, I think we've all had our fill!! We met both of their teachers yesterday. I think their teachers will be great again. We got our shoe shopping done. The kids each have a couple of new shirts, some new jeans, new back packs and of course all of their school supplies. We are ready to go! Here's to a fabulous new school year!! Wahoo!!!! :)

Funny things

2010-07-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a conversation I had this morning with Chandler and Addie on our way to swim team practice. (Note: We had watched the weather forecast this morning while eating breakfast)

Chandler: Mom, can we go swimming today later?
Me: Sure
Addie: Mom, I think there are going to be storms later.
Me: Where?
Addie: Denver
Me: Addie, the closest part of Denver is over an hour away from us. Even if there are storms there they probably won't affect us.
Addie: Mom, the storms were by the "e" and the "r" how close is that to us? (Get it? The "er" part of Denver on those weather maps)

Made me laugh.

Happy Birthday Derek!

2010-06-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Derek's 36th birthday. I hope he had a happy day. I did try to keep the "nagging" to a minimum! He started his birthday off throwing papers. When he came home he got Chandler and Addie and took them fishing up at Johnstown's reservoir. (It's the lake in our neighborhood). Addie caught a nasty catfish and Derek and Chandler were snubbed. :) Derek came home to freshly made raisin squares (ewwww!) that his mom would make for him when he was growing up. I only make them once a year on his birthday usually! You have to LOVE raisins to like these. He then took Chandler and a friend to Ft. Collins to watch the USA vs Ghana game. Sadly the US lost......When he returned home I talked him into a drive to Milliken to see Steam Engine 844 which was stopping there on its way to Cheyenne. It was the last steam engine manufactured in 1964 I think it was....Chandler has always told me that steam engines were is favorite so I thought it might be a fun, cheap family outing! Upon returning home, Derek said that he was exhausted and went to bed. I feel bad, we didn't sing, I didn't make him a fancy dinner or anything. He bought his birthday presents a few weeks ago for himself....a fancy soccer jersey and a t-shirt. I think we're getting old! Happy Birthday Derek! Thank you for all that you do for our family! We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for sacrificing all your sleep to throw papers way to early in the morning....we sure appreciate all the nice things we have! Thank you for taking us fishing, on bike rides, helping with homework, and all of the many, many other things you do! We Love you!! Love, Jill, Chandler, Addie & Brinley

I quit!

2010-06-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

I sure get a kick out of some of the things my kids say. On Sunday during the closing song, Brinley starts to cry. (This is typical of most Sunday's for her). So I pull her onto my lap and ask her why she is crying. Her response is, " Mom, I want to quit Primary." Too funny! Especially since she is only a Sunbeam. She still has a lot of years until she can techinically "quit Primary!"

PS. This is a picture Brinley took of herself. I still don't know when she got a hold of the camera but I have about 40 pictures of random things and a few of her....here's one that I loved! :)

Happy Father's Day! CHEESE!

2010-06-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Lemondade Anyone?

2010-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

We are definately into summer mode over here! Our mornings aren't lazy because Chandler and Addie are doing swim team, but our afternoons are another story! We've been spending them, playing games, watching movies, swimming, playing with friends....typical summer activities.

This week Addie decided she wanted to make some money so she roped her friend and our neighbor, Avery, into starting a business. The two of them have been setting up a lemonade/koolaid stand and have been quite profitable if you ask me. Yesterday they made about six dollars and some change. They split the money and begged to be taken to Target to spend their hard earned cash. With this money, they each purchased a lip gloss, a candy bar, and a whoopie cushion. Then on the way home they enjoyed making all of the noise they could and laughing hysterically. Silly, silly girls!!

Then today they set up once again. I think because my house sits on the corner of the street and down the main road leading into our neighborhood they have a pretty good advantage. I also think their sweet toothless grins and standing on the corner with HUGE signs makes people feel guilty to pass them by, because you CAN NOT not see them! Today they made $13 dollars in 2 hours. Not bad for a hard days work.

Today Chandler and his friends decided to give them some competition, so they set up their lemonade stand over by the swimming pool. They only made seven dollars. :)

I do have to say that I am impressed with the people who live in my neighborhood. Who have turned around and come back just to buy a slightly warm, watery paper cup full of lemonade. I also have to say that a large majority of their "customers" have been teenagers. And lastly I have to say Thank You to all of their customers who took pity on two little girls by stopping for a drink....you have all made them very happy, wealthy 7 and 8 year olds!!

(The dark haired girl with glasses is friend of mine, who I was watching today so she helped Addie and Avery with their stand. She told me she didn't think it would be worth it, but ended up walking away with 4 dollars and some change!)

P.S. If you happen to be in the area, stop by for a cup of lemonade it's only twenty five cents!

Salt anyone? (2 posts again today!)

2010-06-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Chandler loves to play video games. In fact he would do them all day and all night if I would let him! A lot of his friends have been out of town with the long weekend and school just getting out, so I've been trying to find things for him to do that don't involve driving something, jumping over or on something, or shooting something. So, yesterday I decided he needed to cook something. He's made a few things, like PB&J sandwiches, microwave popcorn, cheese quesadillas, a cake mix. Nothing too difficult and usually with assistance. I got really brave and decided to have him make cookies.

I remember making cookies a lot at his age, so I figured he could handle it. I had him read the recipe. Get out all of the ingredients and showed him how my mixer worked. He did really good until he got to salt. He got the amount of flour and salt mixed up. So....we had 2 cups of salt and only a teaspon of flour. Luckily I caught it before the chocolate chips went in! Wahoo...talk about a heart attack!! He started over and the end result was pretty good! I even had him bake them, take them out of the oven all of that all by himself. The girls and Daddy are gobbling up his cookies like crazy! I think I might like having an extra "chef" even if he spills a lot, drops eggs on the floor, and adds a "tad" too much salt.

Today he made banana bread.....so far so good.....!

Summer

2010-06-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

School's out! My kids have been out of school now for a week and a half. It has been a nice change to our routine. Chandler and Addie both have taken advantage of being able to sleep in. Brinley usually gets up and comes running into my room and the first thing she asks is if Addie has to go to school. My reply of course has been no then she asks if Chandler has school, and then she says, "Yes!" Then runs down the hall to jump on Addie to tell her she doesn't have school. She definately misses them both when they are gone. It makes me laugh.

Things changed drastically for Chandler and Addie this morning. They both had to wake up at 6. They both had swim team practice at 7:30AM. Today was their swim assessment. I wasn't sure how well they would do, but they both did awesome! They then had to swim laps with the rest of the team afterwards. I forgot what a workout swim team can be....remembering back to YEARS of swim team when I lived in California. They probably did roughly 25 or so laps this morning. I thought for sure after they saw what swim team was like they'd both be begging to quit, but they both got out and said how much fun it was. I am glad that they enjoyed it as much as I always did. It's definately hard work, but well worth it in the end!

He's a winner!

2010-05-15T18:51:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update on the science project. Chandler came in 1st place for a physical science project for the 4th grade. He came home with a gift card for $10 to the Shops at Promenade (outdoor mall by us). He has already spent the $ and all of his lawn mowing money on a new video game, Mario Galaxy. Somethings never change!! I suppose at least this time it wasn't a driving game....those have ALWAYS been his favorite!!

The sad part was that the school had an assembly to announce all of the winners and present them with their awards. That morning Chandler woke up and said he wasn't feeling good. This is a regular morning ritual I go through daily with Addie.....so it was a little unusual for him. I tried to be the mean, ol mom and told him that if he really felt like he needed to stay home, that he would be taking a nap, laying down, and taking it easy ALL day. I took Addie to the bus stop and when I arrived home he was throwing up. Luckily I let him stay home or that would have ended up all over the bus!! Yuck!! He's all better and busy playing his new game!

It's Only Fair! (2 posts in one day too!!)

2010-05-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

I posted a story that Chandler wrote a couple of weeks ago, so it's only fair that I post one of Addie's. Addie amazes me with her ability to use her imagination. She is CONSTANTLY reading, drawing or writing her own books. Here is a story that I enjoyed.

I was on my bed reading one of my favorite books, "The Wizard of Oz." I was so interested in it I got sucked into it. I went outisde of Dorothy's house. But guess what... A tornado started! It didn't hurt me, but a message flew out of it. The note said, To find the next place to go, you need to play a 1 on 1 soccer game against a really famous soccer player. I've played lots of my friends before and I've beat them. So I pretended he was my friend. He was hard, but I beat him
20-19. It was a close game. He pointed toward a tree. There was a door to a room in the tree. It wanted me to go inside. I went in there. I saw a clue to get out because the door shut and I was locked in the tree. The note said to write 1 fact about each planet including the sun and Pluto. There was a microscope that let me see into space. I had all the supplies I needed. I got all the facts written down about each planet. I turned it in and a rainbow carpet took me home and I got a million books. It was the best thing ever!! By: Addie Age: 8 2nd grade

I love how her little mind works! A little insight into Addie. I love it and her! :)

Almost Done!

2010-05-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe another school year is nearly behind us! Chandler and Addie only have 9 1/2 more days left of school!! Then I'll have a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. What to do? I cannot believe that Chandler is in his last year of Elementary school. That scares me! AHH!! We just finished Chandler's science fair project and he is in the top 8. I guess we'll find out next week where he places.

Our soccer season is almost done too! Tomorrow is Chandler's last game and Addie has 1 more after tomorrow! It has been a fun busy season. I think Derek is ready to relax a bit more than he has been! He certainly deserves a little R&R!!

We also recently returned home from a wonderful visit to Arizona. Derek's sister had Trey sealed to their family. He is a sweet little guy that they have been able to adopt! I sat outside with all of the kids during the sealing. I enjoyed the quietness that even the temple grounds brings. It was a special day. Almost all of Derek's siblings were able to make it (we missed you Colin & Cori!). I loved the warmth of Arizona and the kids and I were very sad to leave. I am still constantly getting asked, "When can we move to Arizona?" I don't think my children realize that we wouldn't live at a hotel next to all of Derek's family....It was a lot of fun...and a much needed get a way for me!! Thanks Nana & Papa!!

While on the road home from Arizona, Derek and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. Not especially romantic spending the night in Albuquerque, NM with 3 children. Or stopping every couple of hours at some nasty gas station to use the bathroom....but I guess that is us. Life is always an adventure! It's been a happy 13 years! Here's to many more!!

I can't think of anything else....we're just plugging along. Wishing Derek's job would give him a raise so he could quit the paper route....Or that we would win the lottery that we don't play.....that the laundry would magically wash, fold and put itself away....that we had self cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.....:) Like I said, our life is always an adventure!

Onomatopoeia

2010-04-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

(I totally had to google what that word means: Onomatopoeia (as an uncountable noun) refers to the property of such words. Common occurrences of onomatopoeias include animal noises, such as "oink" or "meow" or "roar". Onomatopoeias are not universally the same across all languages; they conform to some extent to the broader linguistic system they are part of; hence the sound of a clock may be tick tock in English and tik tak in Dutch or tic-tac in French.) I hope this definition cleared things up...:)

This was the assignment Chandler was given recently. Write a one page scary story. Use onomatopoeia to include spooky sounds. (I love reading my kids stories!)

George had just got home from school. "Ding, dong," rang the doorbell. When his mom opened the door, he charged upstairs. Tonight was Halloween. He put on his costume and ran back downstairs. His mom handed him his bag and he was off. He stopped at every house saying, "Trick-ortreat." then he heard an "OOOOOOoooo."
"What was that?", George asked. At the next house, " Knock if you dare," was writen in blood on the garage door. George screamed and ran home.
Back home hea heard the "OOOOoooo," again, but this time it was even louder. Then he heard a "AHHHH, SLAM," and saw his sister scrambling down the stairs. He went to investigatge. He opened the closet door...., and there was a ghost! "AHHHHH," went George while turning white and passing out. Then he heard a "Beep,beep, beep," he sat up in bed. His alarm was going off. He then sighed because he knew it was all a dream. By: Chandler age 10 4th grade

I don't alway look forward to the piles of paper my kids bring home every week from school. I do always look for their stories and get a chuckle out of how creative their little minds are. This was one that I thought was funny. Most of his artwork and stories are about dogs. I think my kids are trying to send me a signal that they want a puppy. I'm trying really hard to ignore it! :)

No more Pinewood Derby...

2010-03-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

A little bitter sweet, but Chandler participated in his final pinewood derby this week! In many ways I am glad to not have to "nag" Derek to get it done, but sad that my little boy is growing up far to fast! He didn't do quite as well as last year. He did take 1st in a couple of heats, but did not place in the end. He had fun and that is all that matters! He thinks he'll make a car next year for the open races at the end. We'll see....maybe if I'm still in scouts he can make a car for me to race. Oh, his car was arrow shaped and painted it yellow. He named it the "Funky Chicken." Boys and their silly sense of humor...I don't get it!

And so it begins....AGAIN!

2010-03-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

I don't think I realized when I married Derek how MUCH soccer would consume my life! I often feel like I eat, sleep and breathe soccer. Our soccer season has started again. Derek is once again coaching both Chandler and Addie's teams. He tried last fall to only coach one team, but I ended up in crap holes of tiny towns in Colorado while Derek stayed in Johnstown with Addie coaching her team. I did enjoy the time Chandler, Brinley and I had together, but it's always more fun when everyone is there. So....Chandler's practices started 2 weeks ago and Addie's will start up this next week. Chandler's first game is this Saturday. We are off and running. I do enjoy watching my children play sports! I am not much of the screamer mom on the sidelines, but I will on occasion scream hysterically..."SHOOT THE BALL!!!" We have practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday's. Derek will be busy! I sure appreciate his willingness to sacrifice some sleep to make our children's soccer experience a good one! Here's to another great season! Thanks, Dad!!

That's MY diet coke!!

2010-02-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

My little Brinley loves soda. She watches Derek and I until we put a soda down and then she pushes a chair over to wherever it is and starts drinking it as fast as she possibly can when we're not looking. Today I walked away to check my emails and here's what I found when I came back. My little girl drinking MY diet coke and watching nick jr. She's breaking 2 rules. 1. don't drink my diet coke 2. under no circumstances is she to have food or drinks in the family room. Little stinker!

our latest

2010-02-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Let's see.....It's been a while since I posted something on my blog. We've had a lot going on. We had a wonderful Christmas. Our most special event was that Addie was baptized on January 2nd. We had all of Derek's family come out for her special day and a nice sized chunk of my family (there's too many and we're all spread out these days :). I always enjoy visiting with Derek's family and to see all my cute little neices and nephews. It was a really fun visit, so thanks to all of you who came out for Addie's baptism!

We also finished basketball for Chandler. What a joke! He hated every minute it, but Derek and I felt he needed to finish up what he started, so we took him kicking and screaming (not really) to his practices and games. The last couple of games we bribed him with money if he'd actually try to make a basket. We are all quite relieved to be done with it. Now we have soccer signups next week. That is what really keeps us busy!

I have two calling in our ward now. I was released in November as Primary President. I didn't even get a week off, and was immediately called back to serve as a primary teacher. I teach the CTR 4 class. It is a large very young, busy group of little 4 year olds. I enjoy being able to interact more one on one with the children. I also am a Bear Leader in our scouting program. That one keeps me busy too. I am looking forward to a few of these boys turning 10!! Derek is still teaching gospel doctrine. I hear from many people he's a great teacher and they enjoy his lessons. I have yet to hear any of them:).

Brinley started Sunbeams this January too. She isn't quite sure what to think. I know she enjoys class time, but sitting in Sharing/Singing time, she often ends up on my lap crying. She's a little attached! She's always been a little weepy when it comes to things like this.

Chandler and Addie have another new piano teacher. Our last one I think quit without letting us know. I'm still waiting for her to call me back. That's ok, our new teacher is a lady in our ward who Chandler and Addie are thinking is pretty cool. She bribes them with candy to practice. I probably would have practiced more if I knew I was getting candy too!

Well, nothing to exciting to report on. We're all healthy and doing well!

Why??

2009-12-29T13:44:00.001-08:00

We all use and love them....but sometimes you just wish you didn't have them....About a week ago, Brinley had the scissors and she was happily cutting up a piece of paper into itsy bitsy pieces. I was watching her, and glad that finally she found something to entertain her with minimal screaming and fighting with her sister. She had been cutting for probably 30 minutes very contently!! I turned my back for just a minute and then she came running up to me all proud of herself. In her hand she held a big wad of her hair! She cut about 5 inches of hair on one side of her head. I of course freaked out, which in turn made her cry. Wanting to make the most of the moment in hopes that it will never happen again began to scold her about not cutting her beautiful hair! After surveying the situation, I realized it could have been a lot worse. She could have cut her hair all the way to the scalp and not been able to take her to get her hair fixed at all. Lucky for me I just had it cut into a cute little bob (again). (Last time it was because of fruit stripes gum)At least it will grow, and she does look quite adorable with shorter hair! I can't help but think, why did I let her play with scissors?

Merry Christmas Peoples!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Cristmas Peoples!!!!! Thanks for the Happy Birthday. I had a really happy birthday last wednesday Dec. 16,2009. At my birthday party I got alot of stuff I wanted.Hope you get really wierd presents on Christmas!

Love, Addie

P.S. I'm kidding about you guys
getting wierd presents. It was
just a joke I wanted to do on
you Peoples!!!! So don't get mad.

Happy Birthday Addie!

2009-12-16T10:09:00.001-08:00

I had this whole other thing typed out yesterday, but of course it didn't save/post. Addie has been driving us all near crazy over her birthday! She has been sooo excited for weeks! She woke up at 5 AM and could hardly contain herself until Derek got home from his paper route so she could FINALLY open all of her presents. Her teacher called me 2 weeks ago to make sure that in fact I was bringing a treat to her class on Addie's birthday. We love Addie's enthusiasm. There certainly are no dull moments when she is around. I honestly can not believe how quickly each of my children are growing up! I can't believe that Addie is 8 already. She'll be baptized next month! She started going to Activity Days this month, which she thinks is about the coolest thing ever! I am a mean mom and don't have friend birthday parties for my children. I do however let them have one when they turn 8. Addie so excited for that. I am doing that Friday after school. I am not a very creative party planner, so we are doing some crafty things (donated by grandma) and making gingerbread houses. I was trying to keep things simple and not very expensive, but I just don't think you can do a birthday party under $75 dollars. I'm avoiding mopping my floor, and doing much cleaning until after her party. I know my kitchen will soon be covered with powdered sugar, sticky candies, and who knows what else! It should be an adventure! Anyhow...Happy Birthday my big 8 year old Addie! We love you!

Here's a few pictures of her birthday party. (I barely made it....)

addie

2009-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

10-31-09 Halloween By:Addie
Today is Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m going to get lots of candy!!!
I hope I get the candy I like best witch are kit-kats crunches and
reese’s peanut butter cups. This type of candy makes my mouth
water because they are so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Addie loves to write stories. This morning she discovered we had microsoft word on our computer and this is the story that she wrote. She makes us laugh..)

halloween parties...

2009-10-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

One of my friends had a halloween party on October 24th....it was a lot of fun, I just can't believe these pictures were taken less than a week ago. No coats...leaves still on trees....grass is green...now it's all white.....! Trick or treating ought to be fun............yeah right!

Snow Day Times Two!

2009-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

We are having some huge snowfalls here in Colorado! We've got about 18 or so inches of snow as of right now and it's still snowing! The kids have been out of school for 2 days. Yesterday we made cookies, soup & bread. We stayed all cozy and warm and watched movies too. Today I just couldn't convince them to stay inside!

Chandler turned 10!

2009-09-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe I have a 10 year old! This summer we did the summer reading program and got free kids meals at CiCi's. For those of you who don't know it's an all you can eat pizza/pasta/salad buffet. If you know me, I HATE buffets. Just thinking about who touched what, or the last time people washed their hands....gross....ward potlucks....yuck, yuck....I have to stop thinking about it. Anyhow we took the kids earlier in the summer to use their coupons and they thought this place was "IT". Chandler and Addie both decided right then and there this is where they wanted to eat on their birthday's. So, I put on a brave face and we took them again for Chander's birthday dinner. Chandler was determined to eat 10 plateful's of food. I was getting worried he would make himself sick, so we counted his fork and cup to total 10! He surprises me on how much food he can eat! And then 5 minutes later being hungry again. I don't get it!! So...here's a few pictures of the kids at CiCi's.

Our Latest

2009-09-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

This was taken a couple of days after school started. If you look closely at Brinley's nose it's all skinned up. She fell and "rug burned" the end of her nose. It looked so awful!!

Proof that sometimes he will practice his piano!

Addie after her 1st day of 2nd grade. She did great! AND had a great day! Thank goodness!

I can't believe I have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader.....

Brinley on her way to try to find someway to stow away on the bus too!

Chandler at the end of his first day of 4th grade.

Chandler, Addie & Sydnee (girl I watch) at the end of their 1st day of school!

If you look closely you can see Addie lined up ready to get off of the bus on her 1st day of 2nd grade!

Lined up ready to get on the bus for their 1st of school! Addie was very nervous! Chandler thinking he's so grown up!

Brinley, Addie & Chandler ready for their 1st day of school. (Not Brinley yet, she just wants to grow up way too fast!)

Let's see, where to begin.....well school started for Chandler and Addie. They are both thrilled to be back to school! Addie loves her teacher this year and is FINALLY excited to go to school each day. Thank goodness... I don't think I could put up with another year of tears everyday!

Piano lessons started again with a new teacher. Our previous teacher moved to Oklahoma and now her daughter has taken over for her. She is a college age girl and so far is doing great! The kids seem to like her and the treats she hands out at the end of her lessons.....

Soccer season has also started. I think we are officially an over the top soccer family. Derek plays, Chandler and Addie play, Derek coaches and he referees. It is keeping our evenings and Saturdays very, very busy! Brinley wants to play too, so when the kids put on their soccer gear she insists on having her cleats on as well. I just couldn't bring myself to add one more game to our Saturdays just yet. Derek is coaching Addie's team this year. He has a team of nearly all girls with only 2 boys. A couple of the girls are in our ward so it makes it fun for Addie. The nice thing about Addie's age group is the games are usually around the same time and always at the same place. She's a good little player and not afraid to get her petite little self in the thick of it all. Derek is proud that she can knock over other players twice her size....Chandler is on the traveling team now. So I will be taking him to most of his games by myself. I get to venture further into eastern Colorado to teeny tiny towns and hopefully won't get myself too lost. I figure as long as I have cell phone coverage we'll be in good shape! Chandler is a great player, not nearly as aggressive as Addie, but he can run fast and is great at passing. Derek is playing on and adult men's indoor league in Ft. Collins. His games are usually Monday nights around 8:30, so we haven't been to any yet this season. Now that school has started the kids are usually wiped out by 7:30ish. I am assuming he's doing great. He comes home happy and tired.

Chandler is involved this year in some new activites. He decided to run for student council and was elected. He has student council meetings every Monday before school. Luckily a bunch of other kids in our ward and neighborhood were elected as well. So we have quite the carpool going. I think I'll only have to drive every other month. Another new thing he is starting is band. In 4th grade the kids can start playing instruments. They are bused to another elementary school in our area after school and get to do that. He has been excited about this all summer. Last week we went and tried out some instruments and he has decided to play the trumpet. I smiled and secretly thought ohh...I am going to need some serious ear plugs! I keep teasing him he's going to have to practice in the garage.....although that may become reality once we get the instrument later this week. He also celebrated his 10th birthday on the 1st. I can't believe I have a 10 year old kid. My how time flies! He's turning into quite the young man. I am amazed daily by what he knows and how well he can handle himself. He's very patient and mild mannered. He's a great kid and I feel blessed to be his mom!

Brinley is home with me. She is lonely without Addie and Chandler. She asks everyday about them and then asks "Where we going, Mom?" and usually follows up with "What friends are coming?" She then is very disappointed to find it is usually just me.

Derek also started working from home. Most days it's nice to have him home, but I miss having my own space. We are adjusting to being around eachother so much. I am trying to not get in his way or give him a hard time about all the soccer games that he watches while he works. Overall things are going well. We've certainly kicked up our schedules. Some days I feel like all I do is run up and down Highway 60, but I suppose this is what life is all about....:)

2 days until school starts.....

2009-08-17T16:13:00.001-07:00

I can't believe school starts in 2 days! It is so bittersweet for me. I hate the thought of them being another grade older officially and just growing up so stinking fast! However, it will be nice to go the grocery store with only 1 child instead of 3. It sure makes things simplier that way. I think in some ways I do crave "routine." I always look forward to having no set schedule but, then having routine helps me structure my time better. I tend to procrastinate way too much.
Addie had a rough year last year with her 1st grade teacher. She was a great teacher, but not always very nice. So she has had anxiety all summer long about having to return to school. We met her teacher (which I already knew since Chandler had her for 2nd grade too) and I did explain the issues we had last year. She is such a great teacher--she said she would go out of her way to help relieve Addie of her fears. Hopefully it will all work out and Addie will have a better year this time around! Chandler's teacher seems awesome too. I think he will have another great year!

What we've been doing since I last posted is lots of swimming, Nana, Papa & Uncle Zak came for a visit, riding bikes, swimming, playing with friends and visiting Grandma.

I talked Derek into taking today off of work so we could do some fun things with the kids as a "so long to summer" type thing. He's been busy, busy with work so we haven't done a whole lot with him. One of Addie's favorite places to eat is at Qdoba for breakfast....so we got up early and took the kids to breakfast. The best thing about that is I didn't have a dirty kitchen to clean up! Then we went to Fort Collins to use our free miniture golf passes we got for completing the summer reading programs. We went to Fort Fun. We let the kids minature golf, even Brinley. She made us laugh because she kept getting into the water and stealing everyone's balls. Watchout if you were near her when she was hitting. Whoa!! Derek took Addie on the go-carts and Chandler is finally old enough that he got to try them out all by himself today. He was soooo proud! He went super slow around the track and kept getting hit by all of the older kids out on the track, but he loved it. He can't wait to go back and do it again! That boy loves cars and has since he was 6 months old. I hope that never changes! Derek also took Brinley down one of those super high 20 foot slides. The first time she had a look of fear on her face and then she broke into a huge grin and said Again, Daddy, again! So he took her one more time she screamed in laughter the whole way down. Chandler and Addie did it too and they said it was "Totally Awesome!!"

It was a fun day. I know I'll miss the laziness of summer...hopefully this year is a great one for us all!

summer...........

2009-07-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we have less than a month left of summer break. The kids start back to school on August 19th. Doesn't that seem early? I think it gets earlier and earlier each year. I really enjoy summertime. Having the kids home, sleeping in, having no schedule, going to bed late...it's been such a nice break in our usual routine. I'm not looking forward to them going back to school at all. I did have such high hopes to do all of these fun things with the kids each day. I bought them workbooks to work in to keep up all that they learned this past year, but I can't remember the last time I had them work in them. I wanted to plan "field trips" but, never quite got around to it. We've been swimming a lot, but that doesn't cost us anything as we're trying to stick to a strict budget. I just don't feel like we've accomplished enough I guess? Maybe I read too many books, or watch too much TV that makes you think you need to do all of these "things" in order to have that perfect summer. I hope my kids feel like we've created some memories together...that we've accomplished all the things that they had in mind...but most of all that they're important to me and that they're loved. So, here's to enjoying the last couple of weeks of freedom before the craziness of "routine" starts again......

Derek Turns 35!

2009-07-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

The cake says: Rush Moving Pictures (a name of an album).

I am behind on getting things posted, but here are a few pictures from Derek's birthday. A few days before Derek's birthday, Chandler says to me, I know what kind of cake to make dad. I said oh, what kind, a spice cake? Chocolate? What do you think, and he says Nooooo! We've got to make dad a Rush cake. Derek is a huge music fanatic especially of the band Rush. He has all of their CD's, some vinyl records, cassette tapes and DVD's of them. So, Chandler actually made this cake all by himself for Derek for his birthday. All I did was turn on the oven for him and help set the timer. He did the rest! I also made Derek raisin squares for him and I think he ate the whole pan that same day.

Chandler's Earned His Bear

2009-07-19T17:42:00.001-07:00

Here's Derek, Brother Sigmon (scoutmaster), Chandler, me & Brinley when he was receiving his award.
Here's Chandler pinning on the mother's pin.

A couple of boys from the Bear den, Chandler is in the middle and Sister Child his den leader behind them.

Here are a few more boys that are in his den. For Chandler's age group in our ward there are 14 boys and only 2 girls.

Chandler (and me!) have been working hard over the past year but, mostly this summer to earn his Bear in Cub Scouts. I think the scouting program is awesome. I love what they teach the boys. Chandler has had so much fun in the scouting program. In another month and a half he is going to be Webelo.....I think I'll let Derek help him earn that one!! (June 2009 Pack Meeting)

Primary Temple Trip

2009-07-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

I found myself at the end of second quarter, primary president, and needing an activity that wouldn't be too much work, so we thought let's visit the Denver Temple. The temple staff do a wonderful job showing the kids pictures, and pointing out interesting things about the building not to mention the beautiful flowers all over the temple grounds. It was a lot of fun for (I hope) the kids to be at the temple with their families. There seem to be a lot of pictures of Brinley...do you think Derek had the both the camera and Brinley duty? Yep! It was a fun day and we had a pretty decent turnout even considering everyone had to travel about an hour and half to get there! Now.....what to do for 3rd quarter's activity.....?

Hiking up Poudre Canyon

2009-07-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

all done!

Off we go!

This is a little old, but when I had my pictures uploaded I discovered these pictures of mine and Brooke's kids together. We decided that while they were here we'd take a hike up Poudre Canyon. The hike was approximately 2 or so miles. It was a lot of fun. We took pictures at the beginning and the end of the hike. (There were some in the middle as well, but this is what I'm posting.)

I took the lead chasing Chandler and Jayce up the trail and occasionally Addie and Joey would try to beat the boys. Derek was packing Brinley on his back. Brooke & Adrian took turns helping Jett along the trail (he's tall, but only 3 and a half). I had so much fun pointing things out the kids and climbing up on rocks and jumping out and scaring Derek and the others when they caught up. I had forgotten how much I enjoy hiking! It's been years since I think I've hiked. I'm sure before Brinley was born at least! The kids had fun trying to see if they could get in front of me, but when I was tired I exercised my mother voice and said, nobody can pass me just so we can all stay safe! By the end of the hike, we were all tired an thirsty (yes we packed snacks and water!).

2009-06-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

All sunscreened up and ready to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, we are officially a month into our summer vacation. I think my kids are beginning to feel the affects of our super long spring! My goodness! We've had so many rainy and cold days that we've been couped up forever! Addie has asked me numerous times when does summer start? We'll I think it has officially landed. We hit 90 degrees for the first time this year this week. So, of course my first thoughts are lets go to the pool! I think everyone is tired, burnt and thank goodness sleeping!!

Brinley has just taken right off swimming all around our pool this year! She has amazed both Derek and I. I put those arm floaties on her and stick her in an intertube, and she is off kicking all over the pool trying to keep up with Chandler and Addie. Chandler loves to dive into the pool and also dive under to pick up our diving sticks. Addie loves to count how many somersaults she can do in the water....I think at last count it was like 32. I am grateful we pay our HOA's so we can have access to our neighborhood pool. I don't know that my kids would frequent swimming pools nearly as often without it!

Laughlin Cousins

2009-06-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

One morning I went in to check on Addie & Joey and here is what I found. I had set up a bed on the floor for Addie to sleep in, but apparantly they had other ideas. Too Cute!
Addie and Joey on their way back to my house after swimming at my pool. Cute little toothless grins don't you think?

Jett and Brinley and my feet!

Jett

Jayce (blue) and Chandler at our swimming pool.

(Left to right) Chandler, Jayce & Jett hanging out at the temple waiting for pictures to finally be done with!

Joey & Brinley playing in the fountain at the Denver Temple.

Jayce playing video games first thing in the morning! Boys!

Addie & Jett hanging out at the fountain.

One of the perks to Kenny getting married is that Brooke, Adrian and their family came for a visit. (My sister from Seattle for those of you who don't know:) My mom had a full house with my brothers families staying with them in addition to those that are still living at home, so Brooke and Adrian stayed at our house. Derek and I are the oldest in our families, we started having kids first. Brooke and Adrian's children are the closest in age as far as cousins go for our children on both sides of our family. Our kids had so much fun together! We both commented on how alike our kids are in many ways and wished we lived closer so that our children could play more often. Not to mention we could hang out as well! Jayce(boy) and Chandler are about a year apart and they did the boy things. Mostly video games.... Addie and Joey(girl) were all over the place. They did makeup, hair, tortured their younger and older siblings and listened to Taylor Swift and sang at the tops of their lungs. Those two are so much alike it's hilarious. Not to mention that Addie looks just like me as a little girl and Joey looks just like Brooke. For only seeing each other probably 5 times total (if that) in their entire lives it's crazy how similar they are. Brinley and Jett (boy) are the same age and they were constantly running after each other. I found them often playing dolls (sorry Adrian:) in Brinley's room or dressups in the basement. It was a fun week of memories for our families. My kids are still asking when we'll make a trip to Seattle to visit them. Maybe someday.....We miss you guys!!

Kenny & Andrea

2009-06-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

On June 12th, my youngest biological brother got married! It was a fun day filled lots of crazy, tons of family, and of course way too much food! All of my siblings but one (we missed you Tyler & Amy!!) were able to make it out for the special day. They were married in the Denver Colorado temple. The best part about their wedding is that we didn't have to travel this time to participate in all of the festivities. :) I loved that I was able to go to Andrea's bridal shower, her endowment session and do all of the fun stuff that I have missed out on with us not living where the others live. I look forward to spending more time with them both since they are living in an apartment about 10 minutes away from me. Congratulations you two!

Johnstown Days

2009-06-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here fishy, fishy....

Here's the little guy....

Got it!!

She's trying soooo hard.....come on Papa...where are you????

On the first Saturday in June our family gets woke up around 4:30 AM by our local fire department. They come around the neighborhood and up and down every street with their sirens on. It is their signal to meet at the fire station for a pancake breakfast. This is the official start to "Johnstown Days." The day is followed by many events one of which is the fishing derby (pictures of kids above). The local businesses set up booths at Parish park and have bounce houses, a 5k run and of course a parade. We would have had more pictures of the day, however our camera had a mishap this year at the fishing derby. Our family has yet to make it to the pancake breakfast nor will we ever. The idea of getting up super early, standing in lines, eating pancakes with lots of people who may or may not have washed their hands...people touching all of our food (I dunno...I guess I am easily grossed out) and the 6 bucks a plate seems to keep us from making it over there.

Chandler and Addie were very excited to participate in the fishing derby this year. Brinley and I decided to stay home -plus she was still sleeping. Addie especially was excited. She kept saying to me maybe today will be my day to catch my very first fish. Unfortunately it didn't happen for her. (Papa...I think this is your chance to help her get her first one!!) Chandler caught 4 fish and in addition to that, cast our camera out into the Johnstown Reservoir. Derek luckily was able to recover it, however it will never work again. It was a great camera...sniff.....

The kids enjoyed fishing and the parade. We laughed at all of the silly floats and people who made it into the parade this year. The best were the senior citizens who rode the similar style Vespa scooters (but they were old, classic versions) who rode up and down the streets. I loved all of the older ladies "pull on jeans." I told Derek when we get old that is what we'll have to do. Buy us a scooter, some pull on jeans and ride in the Johnstown Days parade. He just looked at me and said, "Wow, you have some high ambitions for our golden years."

(PS: I finally posted pictures of the kids on the last day of school on a previous post called "School's out for Summer!)

Memory Lane

2009-06-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a walk on memory lane....here are a few pictures that I looked at.
This is Brinley this past Halloween in 2008. She was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I think she was sneaking candy while we were at our ward Halloween Trunk or Treat party.

These were taking shortly after Brinley was born. Early April 2006. I would guess Brinley is about a week old here.

These are more of my 3 beautiful kiddos! April 2006 as well.

This is Chandler and Addie in the fall of 2004. Chandler 5 Addie almost 3.

Chandler would ride this little red bike up and down the sidewalk in front of our town home we lived in in Ft. Collins. He would get his little legs moving sooo fast it would make us laugh. Summer 2004

Addie getting ready to go to dance in 2005 sometime. Look at how long her hair is!!

Addie in 2005 I think. My girls don't look a thing a like do they?

Chandler and Addie 2005 sometime too. I think Addie is having a bad day?

I can't believe how big they are now. My how time flies. I wish they'd stop growing up so fast!!

comments

2009-06-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Some comments I heard this past week that made me laugh.

Me: Chandler please go comb your hair it's sticking up everywhere!
Chandler: I can't.
Me: (giving him that mom look) And why can't you?
Chandler: Mom, it's too long it won't comb anymore.
(Derek gave him a haircut 2 days ago...thank goodness! The pointy sideburns gross me out!)

Brinley: Mom (looking up at me)
Me: What Brinley?
Brinley: You have hair in your nose.
Me: Great.....thanks, yes I do:)

I love the library

2009-06-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love visiting the library. The summer reading programs they have going on out here in our area are really well done. Even for our tiny town of 3000 people. On Wednesday night this week they had a girl from the Butterfly Pavillion (bug zoo type thing out here). She talked to the kids in the "tween" program. (I can't believe Chandler is considered a tween already??) Anyhow, she thoroughly grossed me out by talking about how the FDA allows so many bugs to be in our food source. Basically everything we eat..has some bugs in it somewhere. Ketchup was the grossest though. Maggots anyone? That is what we are putting on our hotdogs and hamburgers....You should have seen these kids (3rd through 5th graders) their eyes all huge and looking a little green. To top off the evening they had the kids sample real bugs. They had three choices sour cream & onion crickets, cheese flavored meal worms or chocolate covered worms. Chandler was all over it. He lined up selected a chocolate covered worm and snarfed it up. I was trying to not gag just watching him! He later told me it tasted like chocolate popcorn. Eww!

Also this week at our library they had a tumbling storytime which Brinley loved all of the movement and stories. Addie told me afterwards that it was for babies and she didn't want to go to storytime anymore. (Sniff...they grow up too fast) . It was cute to see Brinley dancing around with 3 of her little friends while their older siblings rolled their eyes and tried to look as bored as possible. :)

The other thing they did this week was a presentation by a meteorologist at UNC about our wacky Weld County weather. He specifically talked a lot about the Windsor, CO tornado last year. Addie has been extremely fearful of clouds, stoms, wind etc ever since that tornado missed Johnstown by about 5 miles. She has nearly driven me crazy with how panicky she is over the slightest breeze or drop of rain. I finally had to ban the word "tornado", "storm" and "clouds" from our house because I just couldn't take her talking CONSTANTLY about it anymore. It was a very real and scary experience for the kids last year. Especially since where the tornado hit in Windsor is part of our ward boundaries. It caused a lot of damage to the majority of the members homes in our ward. 3 of which were completely demolished. Very scary! I hoped that by Addie learning a little more about weather and storms that she would not be so fearful. I told her when the presentation was done to go and ask the guy all the questions she's been pestering me with that I haven't got a clue about. Of course she was too chicken, but at least I tried. The one thing that I think has helped her a teensy bit is he said that someone is ALWAYS watching the clouds and the weather. He explained that because they are doing their job we'll be safe because they let us know any changes that could harm us.

As you can see, I rely heavily on our library. With student loans coming due next month I'm looking for free things for us to do to keep the kids busy. Having such an age variance with my kids can be challenge to keep my almost 10 year old happy while entertaining the 3 year old....the library seems to keep them all happy!

School's out for Summer!!

2009-05-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

My kids had a picnic out front on the last day of school.

Chandler and Addie on their way home from the bus stop. (Last day)

Here's Brinley and I meeting the kids at the bus...we didn't quite make it on the last day.

Addie and Sydnee on the 1st day of 1st grade. August 2008

Here's my crazy growing little ones...on the 1st day of school Aug. 2008

Friday was Chandler and Addie's last day of school! I can't believe I now have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader. This past school year has been different for us all. Addie transistioned from half day kindergarten to all day 1st grade. Chandler was challenged in different areas than he had been in the past.

For Addie this year has been really hard for her not academically but emotionally. She had a very different teacher than what she's been used to. Her teacher this year is an older one, she will be retiring after next school year. She is also very strict and has a very "prickly" type personality. Because of this, Addie would cry and cry that she did not want to school. It confused me at first because she always told me she had a great day and learned a lot, but finally after MONTHS of dealing with her hysterics I came to the conclusion that it must be her teacher. Her teacher was GREAT at challenging her, which she needed, but I also think she expected A LOT from Addie. In return, I think it caused some anxiety on Addie's part that she was going to get yelled at, or in trouble, or whatever. So...I am VERY glad that this year is over. I am also happy to report that her teacher for 2nd grade will be a very nice change. She has the same 2nd grade teacher Chandler had. I am hoping that school will not be as emotional for Addie in the fall....I guess we'll see come mid August when school starts up again. :)

Chandler, I think, had a great year. His teacher was a little different too. My big thing with her was that I don't think she knows how to speak to adults. When I would conference with her I kept feeling like she was talking to me like one of her students. I wasn't sure if it was just me (since I am only as tall as most 3rd graders....) or if it was just her! She was nice enough and Chandler seemed to really like her, but by no means did I think she was fantastic like some of the other teacher's they've had at Pioneer Ridge. Chandler was able to participate in the science fair this year. His class voted his project to the finals, but it did not make the final cut. I would try to explain his project...but unfortunately it was too smart for me! I handed that homework project off on Derek.....I did help with the final touches on gluing things on his project board ( my scrapbooking stuff came in real handy).....but that is about it.

I am glad that summer is finally here. Our pool is finally open. However the high for today is like 62 or something....so it's too cold for me to hang out in swimwear at our pool just yet. (Ideally I'd like to drop 20 lbs but......) So, my job is now to find things to help entertain my crazy children. Today we went to the library and signed up for the summer reading program. Addie is participating in a basketball camp this week for a couple of hours a day. Now, my biggest problem is limiting the amount of computer & video games from Chandler. So....I make him ride his bike around the block 10 times every so often to just make me feel better that he's not wasting away playing Star Wars or racing games! I've also printed off some math drills for them both to do. Technically today is only day 1 of summer vacation....so here's to keeping them happy, healthy, entertained and alive! (just kidding about the last one:)

We did it!

2009-05-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Brinley has been asking me for probably a year now to get her ears pierced. Using that to my advantage I kept telling her once she was potty trained I would take her to get them pierced. Well, I would have to say she has done it! We havent' had an accident in a very long time with the exception of last week when she was with Daddy. :) Even though I told her it would hurt, I don't think she realized it would until she had one side done. Isn't this such a sad little face?

My sister Kayla, who turned 18 this past week, has been too chicken to get her ears pierced. We finally convinced her to take the plunge with Brinley. I kept telling her that if her 3 year old neice is brave enough to do it, she should be too. Nothing like a little peer pressure right?

Chandler's Paragraph

2009-05-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love the most about the kids being in school, are the stories that they write. It gives me some insight into what they think about and what is important to them because they aren't always so forthcoming when I ask them! Here is a paragraph Chandler wrote sometime this past school year ( I try to date the things I save, but of course I forgot!) The topic is: describe a Thanksgiving gathering you attended or what this year's gathering will be like.

Here's what he wrote:

This year's Thanksgiving gathering is going to be fun, and maybe it will be a sad gathering. First, we are going to get in the care and drive about 500 miles. then, when we get to my nana & papa's house I'm going to give a hug to everybody. I'll play for a few minutes or about an hour. It is usually around dinner time and we usually have pizza. Then my papa sets up sleeping bags in my nana's quilt room. In the morning I usually get up first. Then I go upstairs and watch TV until a grown up comes upstairs. Then I eat my breakfast. On the day of Thanksgiving at dinner time we go to the kitchen and have Thanksgiving dinner. We always have turkey and mashed potatoes, but my nana is a surprise when it comes to Thanksgiving because I think I've only had Thanksgiving once at her house. The sad part about this Thanksgiving is that my great grandpa might die sometime before Thanksgiving. In conclusion, this is a Thanksgiving I will never forget. ----By: Chandler age 9 3rd grade Mrs Peasley's class

I am assuming he wrote this in November 2008 sometime shortly before we left for Utah to celebrate Thanksgiving and Lily's (Brandon and Shay's baby girl) baby blessing with Derek's family. With Derek working retail for the past 10 years, we've never really traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday because of his job.

He always makes me wonder what is going through his head sometimes. I enjoyed the little insight he gave me here.

Pilgrim Times

2009-05-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Addie makes me laugh. She is a very inquisitive little girl. She is always asking me questions. Usually our conversation ends with," I don't know Addie! Go ask Dad." Last week during dinner is one of our conversations:

Addie: "Mom, what year was I born in...19 what?"
Me: "You were born in 2001."
Addie: "No....what year was I born in 19 what?"
Me: "Addie you weren't born in 19 anything you were born in 2001. Chandler was born in 1999. Brinley and you were born in the 2000's."
Addie: "When were you and dad born?"
Me: "1974."
Addie: "Oh, well when were Grandma and Grandpa born?"
Me: "Grandma was born in 1953 and Grandpa in 1950."
Addie: "When were Nana and Papa born?"
Me: " I think they were born in 1952."
Addie: "Were they born in Pilgrim times?"

You just have to laugh...:)

PS: To the grandparents...sorry for the full disclosure! :)

I hate pink eye

2009-05-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

As I rushed around this morning getting Chandler and Addie ready for school this morning I discovered that Brinley has pink eye. Oh, do I absolutely hate this stuff. I honestly would take any number of illnesses over pink eye. (Several years back we got pink eye and it took me about a month to get rid of it. I think everyone had it except Derek ,of course, twice -me included. I just couldn't figure what else I could possibly clorox to rid my house of this unwanted infection. ) So, I just want this on the record......I hate pink eye!

Brinley Singing!

2009-05-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here's Us!

2009-05-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here's our little family. Derek and I have been married now for 12 years! My how time does fly! We have 3 children. Derek works for HP and I stay at home with our kiddos. We love to watch movies, play games, go for walks and hang out.
Chandler is 9 and is completing 3rd grade this week. He is involved with cub scouts at church and is currently working on his Bear badge. He loves video games, playing soccer and goofing around. He is a great big brother to his two sisters! I couldn't have asked for a better son than him. He is such a great help to me and loves to tease us all!

Addie is our little wild woman. She says the funniest things. She makes us laugh a lot. She loves to READ, READ, READ anything she can possibly get her hands on. The end of her bed has piles of books on it. She is a smart, stubborn little girl She is 7 years old and is almost finished with the 1st grade! She loves to be the center of attention! She is also very creative and loves to play soccer too. Life just wouldn't be the same without her!

Brinley is our baby! I can't believe she is already 3 years old. She is into tantrums, anything princess or pink, loves to color and try to do everything her older brother and sister can do. She also loves to sing. Her latest songs are the theme song to Wonder Pets, Because of You (by Kelly Clarkson) and I Am A Builder (from Primary). Her latest accomplishments are giving up her binkies and potty training....the later is still in the works. She is constantly into everything and busy, busy, busy! She keeps me running all day long. She is so silly and I love watching her do new things everyday!

I got the bug

2009-05-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

I guess from reading my sister-in-laws blogs and many friends and catching up on their daily life I finally got the bug to create a blog of my very own. Now, don't get me wrong, I've been trying to avoid this at all costs, but have finally decided that since I don't scrapbook anymore, or have time to journal that this combines both of those in hopes that I am preserving something for my kids down the road to look at and smile at the silly little things that they do! So here's to blogging....!
PS...I still won't do facebook!!:)