Hippos On My Floor

Cole's Baptism

2011-03-08T10:23:00.002-07:00

Cole's Baptism day couldn't have been more perfect! The Spirit was strong, we had a lot of friends and families come to support him, Shauna Brown & Grandma Cederholm gave great talks, and Cole was smiling from ear to ear the whole day. We went to Fogo de Chao afterward and had some really yummy food. Here are some photos from the day!

Slacker Continued...

2011-02-28T20:05:00.004-07:00

Here are more photos of our last year!

Julia's Graduation from Preschool

Paul ready to ride 65 miles for the Tour de Cure

After the ride, coming in to cross the finish line

Dawson turned 12 & received the Priesthood

Cole hay jumping at a farm just before Halloween

Our trip to Cancun

Our view from the room

Chichen Itza

Adelyne's 10th Birthday Party- She had a Girl's Night Out Party

My good friend Shea came and did all of the girl's hair

Cole & football

Cole's Baptism/8 Birthday Picture

Paul took the girls to a Daddy Daughter Dance

Okay, I will stop there!

Aye aye aye! Can you say SLACKER!

2011-02-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have so slacked off in the blog department, I need to get cranking! It's been soooo long since I last blogged on here, I feel horrible about it! So much has happened in oh what, almost a year!? How embarrassing!

We had a fun summer! We played at the pool almost every day, my mom and brother came to visit and we drove all over Colorado to show them all the fun and beautiful things to see here. We took a last minute trip to Utah for the 24th of July for one last little vacation before the kids started school the first week of August. Paul also rode in the Tour de Cure, and loved it! We were all there to cheer him on!

The kids are having a great year so far! Julia started kindergarten, my baby has left the nest (well, for 2 days a week, 3 days every other week). She is on a new schedule the school is trying out with every Monday & Wednesday all day long, and every other week includes a Friday, all day long. She struggled being away from Mommy all day for the first couple of months, but she is doing great now! Dawson is doing fantastic his last year of elementary school as a 6th grader. Adelyne is in an advanced 4th grade class, and is also doing awesome. Cole is in 2nd grade and is loving it, and doing really well in all subjects.

Paul and I took a much needed vacation to Cancun, Mexico in September. WOW! What a blast we had! It was so fun and relaxing at the same time. Cancun is so beautiful! We want to go back so badly, and take the kids with us. We saw so many lizards, turtles, fish and everything else our kids love, we know they will be in heaven there. We are only afraid Cole will want to live there once he visits!

Julia played soccer again this year, and Paul was her coach. She wasn't too into it this year, and mostly wandered around the field, and sat down on the field, picking at her nails, but it was still fun to watch (the few times she actually got up and ran for the ball!).

Cole played flag football again, and he LOVED it! He had so much fun and is ready for tackle next year. We love watching him play football and I think Paul and I look forward to it as much as Cole does!

Adelyne started gymnastics, and is also loving it. We put her in it when she was 5 and she got sick of it really fast, and we are hoping she stays with it this time because she is doing really well. So far she has stuck with it for 4 months now, and is loving it more every day.

And....the night we got back from Cancun we found out we are having baby #5! We are all really excited, feeling a little bit crazy, but still excited! I am due on June 1st (I actually say May 30th, we all know one day to a woman who is 9 months pregnant is like 10 years!), but the doctor says June 1st. So I might as well stick to that date! We found out on January 5th that it's a BOY! We are really excited, and he even has a name already, a record for us! He is going to be Cooper Grant Cederholm (middle name after my father). We all love the name, and I am really excited to honor my father. Paul bought me a really special necklace for my birthday that has a charm on it with an initial for each kids name, and he even put one on for Cooper.

Cole just turned 8 on February 24, and is getting baptized on March 5th. I will post photos of that as soon as it happens, I promise I won't wait a year!

Life is good! We are all healthy and happy and very grateful for how blessed we are.

Here are a bunch of photos from the last 10-12 months...

Our family Christmas card photo for Christmas 2010

Grandma made pillows with the kids, they were in HEAVEN!

A beautiful photo of Colorado, while taking my Mom & Brother all over the state

The girls on the steps of the Denver Temple, I took my mom there to get some photos for her Temple watercolors.

Grant at Garden of the Gods

Beautiful Garden of the Gods

Family shot at the top of The Shrine of the Sun at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Breckenridge at Bubba Gump's

Walking up to Dinosaur Ridge

Golden Colorado

Alpine slide in Golden

The kids had a "Marketplace" that they set up all by themselves. They each had their own station of products Mom & Dad could buy.

Dawson's was all protected under his table

They got the idea from Adelyne, she had a Mann Marketplace at school, she and her friend made bracelets and jewelry to sell at their store.

Adelyne finally conquered her fear and went down the slide at our neighborhood pool!

Dawson played the trumpet in the school band in 5th grade. He has decided to move on to the guitar. He got an electric guitar for his 11th birthday.

Castle Rock's annual Duck Derby! They float down thousands of little rubber duckies, that the people in the town have purchased for charity. They all have their own number, and whichever ones are drawn, win!

Waiting for the ducks!

Julia getting her first haircut!

Halloween!

Okay, I will pause there! It's late now, and I still have so many photos to post, I will finish tomorrow!

Sweet Cole

2010-05-09T13:33:00.005-06:00

"

First off, Happy Mother's Day to all!

I need to talk about Cole for a minute. He is probably the most tender child I have ever met in my life.

He came home from school on Thursday this last week, with a tulip for me. I asked him where he got it, he said "In the office at school." I asked him if he just took it, or if they said he could have it, and he said "No, I gave them 70 cents so I could buy one for you." I almost cried right then and there. He took some of his own money to school, ran into the office after school, almost missed the bus, just to go and buy his mom a flower. It was teacher appreciation day the day before, and as a fundraiser and a way to appreciate the teachers, they were selling flowers for the kids to buy, to give to their teachers. He decided to take his money and buy one for his mom instead of his teacher.

Here is Cole's flower from me, as well as Julia's Mother's Day gift for me that she made in preschool. It has her thumbs on it, made into lady bugs.

Time for catch up!

2010-04-21T11:17:00.004-06:00

I have so much to blog about! We have been quite busy around here, a lot has happened, and I haven't blogged about most of it in so long, so here we go. If you read all of this, you get a cookie. Just go to your pantry and get one okay?

We had a great Christmas and New Year. Paul shaved his head right after Christmas.

Paul's dear sweet Grandma Betty Taggart passed away in January, and we made the trek back out to Utah to be with family & friends for her funeral. We all miss her so much, she was a really amazing woman.

We took a little "mini" vacation for Spring Break in March, down to Colorado Springs.

I launched my new website for my photography business www.annamariephotography.net I am really excited about that!

Cole turned 7 in February.

Dawson finished another awesome season of Basketball

Julia just turned 5 (boo hoo) on April 15th (see earlier post)

I turned 33 in February (double boo hoo to that one!)

I went to Vail for a weekend in March to hang out with some girlfriends

The kids have about 6 weeks left of school, and it's pool time soon! YAY!

Here are pictures from everything so far in 2010

At Grandma's funeral, and Paul's new look...

Grandma's famous strawberry jam & bread

We went to Boulder for my birthday, a family pic up there

Blowing out three candles on each side, to represent "33" Paul doing his best to make me feel better!

Cole's birthday next! He's 7!

He had his big birthday party a few days later at the Denver Aquarium

Some of Julia's art work

Paul and I opened up the fridge after putting the kids to bed, and saw this. We thought it was hilarious that she took the time to write on the milk jug so that no one else would drink out of it since she drank out of it (she asked me permission to since it was almost gone, but then decided she didn't want all of it, so she wrote this and put it back in the fridge)

This is taken from the hotel room we stayed at in Vail, it was pretty, but BURRRRR it was cold!

Our little trip to Colorado Springs, first stop, the Cheyenne Mountain ZOO (such a fun zoo!)

Next stop, The Royal Gorge Railroad

Easter

Basketball

Julia's Birthday

Dancing to The Barbie Song

Julia is Five!

2010-04-19T22:14:00.001-06:00

It's so sad how fast time fly's by! Our baby is five years old! She is our Tax Day baby (yes, planned that way, but only because if I had to be pregnant one more day, I was going to copy my baby's position and crawl into my own fetal position). Here is one picture for now that I took of her on her birthday. Happy Birthday sweet Julia Goolia!

Funny

2010-02-09T21:49:00.003-07:00

Cole is funny. He is also very quiet, but has learned that if he is funny, the girls will like him (those were his words).

He came to me yesterday asking me if he can have his allowance. I told him I needed to go and get more money to pay him (I didn't have $1 bills). He came to me later in the evening, with my wallet and said "Mom, you have lots of monies! See!" I said "I don't have the right kind of monies, Cole, please go and put my wallet away." He looks through my wallet, and discovers my credit card (debit card, the one I always use), and says to Adelyne "Oh, look, there it is, that's what I was talking about, I need one of these! So I can buy things, like a new DSi game!"

He was very serious, like it's something he can just order himself, and all of his problems are solved.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Dad

2010-02-04T21:50:00.002-07:00

Today marks six years since my father passed away. The memory of his death still remains so painful. The fact that he was so sick, and suffering eases in a sense that I am thankful he is no longer suffering, but doesn't make it easier to not hear his voice, know he is around to talk to, listen to, or just be with. I still remember me and my sisters all lined up in a row, after taking our baths, five of us, ready to have our hair combed out, and he was ready with the comb, and patiently released all of the knots from our hair. He clipped our nails, and made sure we were ready for bed. He bought us things like tonka trucks, and remote control cars, all of which we LOVED! I remember when the Nintendo first came out, and he came home with one after work. My mom asked why in the world would he buy that for 5 girls? He just threw up his arms, and said "Why not?" We loved it, and all quickly mastered Super Mario Brothers. He never played it, which only said that he truly bought it for us because he knew we would like it, and we sure did. I remember all the good times with my father, the not so good time, and I think most of all, I learned patience from him. I also remember the night I received the call that he had passed away. I have never felt such a hollowness ever in my life. My heart sank and broke into pieces, and I remember feeling like I was falling into a dark hole. I knew the time was coming soon, he wasn't going to live much longer, but it didn't matter, and it didn't make it easier to get the news that my dad was gone from this earth. I was thinking of my brother, how unfair it is that he was only ten years old, and no longer had a father to guide him, build things with, and show him how to be a man (although little Grant is doing mighty fine despite loosing our father). How must he feel, being such a young child, and not having his father anymore.

I love you Dad, I miss you, and can't wait to be with you again someday.

Going Private

2009-11-30T22:30:00.001-07:00

I am going to be making this blog private soon, if you would like access, please send me an email, or post your email in the comments section.

Not cool to admit this, but Dawson is 11!

2009-10-27T22:40:00.010-06:00

I can't believe Dawson is 11 today, makes me feel so old! But we are so proud of him and the boy he is becoming. Happy Birthday to our son! Here's a trip down memory lane of Dawson.

Tonight, blowing out his 11 candles!

On his Baptism Day

First Day of Kindergarten

2 years old & running from a 5 week old puppy, HILARIOUS!

3 years old

2 years old, in San Diego

4 years old

1st Birthday!

3 years old

6 months

Newborn little baby (not for long!)

I'm a slacker...

2009-10-24T23:36:00.007-06:00

So much has been going on, it is just hard to get everything up here. Here is a small update...

Julia played her first season of soccer, and Paul was her coach. It took a little bit for Julia to warm up to it all, but after the first few games, she was loving it, and did awesome. Paul was a fantastic coach, and it was a really good release for him from work.

Cole played his first season of flag football, and I think we found a sport that he really enjoys! He liked t-ball, but was so bored (Paul and I can't say we don't blame him). He really liked football. Today was his last game for the season, and he did so awesome! He scored 2 touchdowns! Way to go Cole!

Dawson is playing the trumpet, and has already learned so much, and he really enjoys it. He starts basketball in the next couple of weeks, and is really excited for that.

Adelyne is learning how to play the piano, and is anxious to start horseback riding lessons, as well as gymnastics. Mom just needs to find a good gym, and horse ranch, or something of the like to get her going.

We are all ready to kind of slow down, at least for a month or so, until the holidays really slam us.

Here are a few pictures.

Cole, on his way to a touchdown!

The excited look of getting a touchdown, slimy mouth guard and all, I still think he's adorable.

The first full snowfall, and the kids sledding behind our house.

And the poor dog, he loves to be out in the snow, but this is what he gets every time. We could call snow-itis, or ice-itis. Neither of those really work, do they.

She's Nine!

2009-09-06T20:28:00.007-06:00

Our Adelyne is 9 years old! I cannot believe it! She continues to grow up so fast, it's unbelievable. I took these pictures today on her birthday.

Here is a trip down memory lane of Adelyne when she was little. This is very dangerous for me because it only makes me want a baby, not good! (Don't pay attention to the crappy pictures, these were taken "pre-digital" era, and had to be scanned)

I want, no I NEED this bike!

2009-07-30T09:50:00.003-06:00

If I say need, that makes it more legit right? It's a Madsen Cargo Bike, have you ever seen one? Here is their website http://www.madsencycles.com/

I think these are the coolest bikes ever. I can see myself riding around with Julia in the back, and becoming the town bike girl (well, not really, but I would still ride it!). We live in a town that has miles and miles of bike trails, and I could get some exercise, since Julia doesn't fit in a stroller anymore, and I am just not really all that into running, so I got rid of the jogging stroller, so this bike can replace the stroller, and I could get a lot of exercise!

Future Planning

2009-06-08T14:23:00.005-06:00

So, Miss Julia is already thinking about her future. None of my older kids have thought this far ahead, if they did, it was only to tell me that they don't want to be a Dad (Cole) because then he can't have his toys anymore.

Julia today asked me how I found Dad (Paul). I told her that a friend introduced us (thanks Alicia). She seemed to understand that, and then proceeded on to ask me if I held his hand and if I kissed him. I told her yes, and she said "Why do people who like each other do that? Why do they kiss?" I told her that's what you do when you are in love. About an hour later, I was sitting down with her, eating lunch, (me Thai salmon and salad, her just salad), and out of the blue she says "Mom, I am not going to have a husband when I get older." I said "Why?" She said, "It's just too hard to find one! How am I ever going to find one? How did you find Dad?" So I went on to explain to her that we went dancing, and met there, and she burst into giggles.

The kids are out of school for the summer on Wednesday, and it's warming up here. Cole needed a haircut, and I was lazy, so I buzzed it all off, using summer for my excuse. He looks pretty cute I think!

How to get a 4 year old to eat her expensive food...

2009-05-10T21:28:00.006-06:00

We just got back from our trip to California, a much exhausting, but very fun trip. I will post a whole bunch of photos soon, but wanted to share a little sequence of Julia first.

So, those of you who have been to Disneyland, or World, know how not only expensive the tickets to get into the park are, but even more, how dang expensive the food is?! Well, it is. A simple pretzel and drink for our family cost us almost $60, how insane is that? We were eating lunch in the park one day, and Julia got macaroni and cheese (her request). Well, she didn't want to eat it after only a couple of bites, but we were not going to let her waste $15 macaroni & cheese. So I told her she had to eat 5 bites, big bites. She agreed, and it was so dang cute watching her, with her fork in one hand, and her fingers going up with each bite, to make sure she was counting right, and a mouth full of macaroni & cheese. She wanted a sucker.

Counting

"You still have 3 more bites!"

Torture at Disneyland? Isn't that illegal?

So worth it! A Disney sucker. She also got one because she wasn't big enough to go on Indiana Jones (doesn't make sense since she can ride Space Mountain?), and was feeling pretty left out.

Julia is 4! And it's so not fair!

2009-04-15T00:33:00.001-06:00

Our baby is 4! Where has the time gone? It really does make me so dang sad, I can't stand it. It's not just that she is 4, but it's that she acts like she is 16, so what happens when she really is 16? The other day she started rubbing my arms, and said "Mom, you have a lot of pimples on your arm." I looked at her completely stunned, first, because where did she learn the word "pimples", and second, I don't have any pimples on my arm. Come to find out, she was talking about all of the freckles on my arms. That I will admit, I do have a lot of.

Here are some photos from today.

Spring Resolution

2009-04-04T23:05:00.007-06:00

I have been soooo lame about posting on this blog, so I am making a Spring resolution to do a better job with blogging, otherwise, what's the point, right? Even if I have to post gnarly things like my dirty kitchen, or the snow that decided to fall 4 months late, now that it's Spring. Or somehow try to capture the smell that radiates all around the room whenever the dog decides to fluff in our faces (did I just say "fluff" that is so not a word I like to use). Something happened to our little "expensive mutt" and he has decided to torture us with his butt fluff. I thought maybe it was his age, but he's only two, and then I remembered that a 2 year old dog is a lot older in dog years than a 2 year old human, am I right? There is something for me to google. Here are a few updates, silly photos, and you know, stuff.

We just finished up Dawson's basketball season, his first one yet. He played baseball for a couple of years, as well as soccer, and didn't seem to really have much of a passion for either (even though he was good at them both), but we think he finally found a sport that he likes, or maybe even loves, basketball. So it was fun to watch him. Here are a few pictures.

Dawson won 1st place for his Den at the Pinewood Derby! Woo-Hoo Paul & Dawson!
The Kids had "Crazy Hair Day" at school a while back, and I talked Adelyne into letting me give her Pippy Longstalking braids, but that was before she knew who or what Pippy looks like. I loved Pippy Longstalking when I was a kid, so I was uber excited, but as you can see, she wasn't. I thought she would, since Pippy loves horses, and all who know Adelyne, know she is obsessed with horses. She quickly pulled them out.
Our sweet little Cole, who is becoming quite the funny boy. Paul took the boys to a Denver Nuggets basketball game, and after a while of being there, Cole turned to Paul and said "Dad, this is taking a long time, I am going to need a lot of candy."
Julia getting extremely dizzy on the spinning seats at the park. They are like mini tea cups at Disney.

Happy Birthday Cole! (A little late)

2009-03-10T22:45:00.003-06:00

Our little Cole turned 6 on February 24th. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to our sweet little guy. Here he is blowing out his last candle, trying to think of a wish (I think he wished for 10 more Backugons, or that all dinosaurs really aren't dead, and he could have a pet T-Rex).

Cole is doing so well. He started Kindergarten this year, and loves every minute of it. He is already reading, he works so hard, never gives up, and always wants to do better. We are so proud of him. Happy Birthday Cole!

My Dad

2009-02-05T11:28:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was the 5 year mark since my father passed away. I miss him very much. Here is one of my favorite pictures of him. Whenever I look at this photo, I can instantly remember so much about him, his calm demeanor, his voice, the way he said "Hello!" whenever I called home. He was just always sitting back watching and sometimes ignoring all of us girls (sometimes that was the only way to survive a house full of girls, until my little brother came along), but I know he cared, and I know that we were all that mattered to him.

Although I have always been thankful that he no longer had to suffer when he passed away, it still never takes away the pain of loosing your father, but it does help to know that he is no longer suffering. I never knew how hard it was to loose someone you love until he passed away, and he is and always will be missed by everyone who knew him.

WOW

2009-01-28T21:53:00.003-07:00

If this doesn't make you take a step back and think, I don't know what will. I feel the need to share it.

More funnies

2009-01-18T16:10:00.003-07:00

We took the kids out to dinner last night to our favorite Asian restaurant. The kids love it because they can play sword fights with their chop sticks, and Cole can put them in his mouth mimicking a walrus. (Calm down, we don't actually let them have sword fights with the chopsticks)

Here is a small run down of the meal.

Cole, after he gets his menu says "I would like to order some fresh perspective."

Paul and I both looked at ourselves, speechless, wondering where in the heck he got that from.

Once the food comes, all of the kids are determined to figure out how to use chopsticks, and forks are no use here. We look over at Julia, and she has it nailed! She has a piece of sesame chicken pinned between her two chopsticks. Paul and I are pretty impressed, since I myself cannot do that, I don't even try. Yes, I eat sushi with a fork. So what.

We look at her again, and bam, it drops on the floor. We shouldn't have even brought any attention to it. She continues to try to eat with the chopsticks, and decides if she can't do it with the chopsticks, then she will eat like our dog, Oliver, does, just dig her mouth into the plate. Uh, no.

As we are finishing up, Adelyne ate two pieces of Sushi, and Cole tried some. Then Cole yells out "Oh my tenders!" Dawson falls into hysterics, along with the rest of us. Paul and I are eagerly trying to get Julia to finish up so we can get out of there.

Ah, the joy of children in a restaurant.

Pajama Time

2009-01-18T16:08:00.003-07:00

Paul came up with the idea that whoever gets their jammies on first, gets the first hug and a kiss from Daddy for the night. Being the ultra competitive children that are ours, they have started to get their jammies on around noon. Crazy huh?

When we got home from church today, Julia came to me in a rush, all bouncy, asking me to hurry and help her take her dress off. I said "why?" She said "So that I can be first!" So now all but Dawson have their jammies on and it's only 4:10 in the afternoon.

At least we will be all ready early tonight, and we can watch our guilty pleasure shows tonight.

Cauliflower Soup

2009-01-17T00:48:00.003-07:00

Do any of you go to The Pioneer Woman's website?

I do. She's funny.

I made her cauliflower soup the other night. We all liked it. Each child went around the table expressing how they liked the soup. When it was Cole's turn, he said "Yeah, I love this recipe."

He always says it different than the other kids. I think he feels extra smart since he's in Kindergarten now, so maybe he thinks he needs to sound more smart.

Julia has figured out the art of manipulation.

If she has something she needs to put away, she will go up to one of the kids and sit down really fast and say "Dawson, here, will you go and put this away, since you are already standing up?'

I am not good at writing in a journal, so I am going to start putting the silly things they say (or not so silly, sometimes really naughty) in here. So bare with me.

I am Blog Handicapped

2009-01-17T00:45:00.002-07:00

I feel the need to apologize for my messiness on here. See at the top, at our silly picture, how it doesn't go all the way over to the border?

I can't figure it out. I can't get it right. I can't get the numbers correct.

There. I sound like my kids. Can't is a bad word here, but I just said it three times. At least they don't read this.

Does anyone know how I can fix that? I don't feel like going in and changing the numbers over and over again, only to see that I made the sidebar 1 million times bigger than it should be.

The Elf on a Shelf = A Parent's Best Friend

2008-12-17T23:21:00.006-07:00

So, Chris & Courtnie, Paul's brother and his wife, sent us The Elf on a Shelf about a week ago. He is a blessing, a parent's best friend, a little plastic doll with rosy little cheeks, and red pajamas on. Here is a link to see it for yourself http://www.elfontheshelf.com/#/home

So, we opened him, up and read the story to the kids. Here's how it goes. The Elf sits somewhere in your house, and is Santa's little spy, or NPA (North Pole Agent), and watches everything your naughty (or nice, but more the first one in our house), and reports back to Santa every night, and comes back by morning, and is in a different spot every morning. It really is quite amazing how he does that. You aren't allowed to touch him, because it makes him loose his magic, or power, and then he can't go back to report to Santa, and then Santa can't come to your house. But you can talk to him until your heart is content, tell him all your secrets, and express your love of Santa, so he can report it all back to the Big Guy.

Well, little Miss Julia, being only three (yes she still does have some of those three year old qualities, not many though), takes The Elf very seriously. One morning, she was HYSTERICAL, and I thought that she chopped off her finger, or burned her hair off, you know, the kind of cry you hear that makes you jump out of your skin, but then later realize it's time to have "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" talk with your child, because she only has a hang nail. So I go looking for her and here is what I hear:

Julia: "I, I, I, I, I, I, aaaaacccciiiiddddeeennntttllllyyy toouucched (as I am searching for a paper bag, to relieve the abundance of oxygen which has caused hyperventilating) the Elf on a Shelf, and I reeee aaaa lllll yyyyy want Santa to come!" WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA "I really did touch him, and now his magic is gone!" WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Me: " It's okay Julia, I'm sure you only touched him for a minute, so he probably didn't loose very much magic."

Julia: "No, I really touched him for a really long time." More spastic hyperventilating.

Keep in mind, I am on the phone with Paul on the other line, and he is in hysterics, only laughing. He tells me to inform her that he will have a talk with Santa, to ask him to fix our Elf on a Shelf, and he will be okay. This somewhat calms her down, and she is a bit better, but is still taking deep incessant breaths, and trying to relieve her complete panic, while I wipe away her crocodile tears, cuddle her, and muffle my giggles.

So, The Elf on a Shelf works. It really does. Instead of us parents saying every two seconds "You better stop that, or Santa isn't coming this year!" over and over and over again, where the kids don't really care because Santa always shows up anyways, even though the night before, they were all expressing their disdain for each other in not so pleasant ways. We just tell the kids "Uh oh, guess who just saw you hit your sister? The Elf, that's strike one!"

The Elf on a Shelf is awesome. Thank you Chris & Courtnie, our favorite brother and sister.

Cederholm Look-alike Meter

2008-11-12T12:47:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Pedigree charts - Ancestors

Cederholm Look-alike Meter

2008-11-12T12:40:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Cederholm Look-alike Meter

2008-11-12T12:31:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Cederholm Look-alike Meter

2008-11-12T12:01:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Adelyne's Baptism

2008-10-15T17:18:00.007-06:00

I need to get myself back into the swing of things, I am so behind here!

Adelyne was baptized on her birthday, September 6th. It was a perfect day. Her Grandma Cederholm gave a talk on Baptism, and her Uncle Matt gave a talk on The Holy Ghost. We all went outside for photos afterwards, then went home for a bbq, then down to Garden of the Gods. Her birthday party was the day before with her friends and cousins, and The Balloon Lady, Suzaloonz! We had a wonderful weekend.
Here are some photos

Garden of the Gods

First Day of School!

2008-09-11T15:16:00.006-06:00

The kids started school on September 4, at a brand spankin new school. Dawson is still in awe that it is a 3 story building, well, 2 with a basement, kind of. He thinks it should be a middle school, and they should have lockers.

Cole started Kindergarten, and he LOVES it. He has a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Pitman, and she is the perfect teacher for Kindergartners. She is kind, sweet & patient. Cole, our little cuddle bug, when she goes to give him a high five as he is leaving, insists on a hug each time.

Adelyne's teacher is Mrs. Strange, and she is fantastic as well! She is fun, her classroom is equipped with a couch, and millions of cows everywhere. Since Adelyne has never done well with any change, she was a little nervous about having to start all over again, we were safe once we found out Mrs. Strange was her teacher, because she has made the transition so fun for her and the rest of her classmates.

Dawson's teacher is Mr. Deck. He is a young, fun, and I think a no-nonsense teacher, and Dawson is really enjoying him as well. I informed him that I don't think he will put up with all of his talking like his previous teachers have, and we are safe so far!

We started out our morning with Mickey Mouse pancakes.

The kids all ready to go!

Cole & Mrs. PitmanAdelyne and her friend Macayla, they were in the same class last year, and got lucky in the same one this year, even at a new school!

The Principal started a new tradition, where she is going to have all of the parents line up and form a tunnel, for the raising of the flag, and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then had all of the kids walk through the tunnel into the school, and she gave each individual child a "high five." It was pretty fun to watch.

That's all for now! Stay tuned for pictures from Adelyne's birthday party and baptism!

Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, Brand New School, Family, Baptism, Birthday...

2008-09-08T10:40:00.001-06:00

So, now that all of that is all done, I have tons of pictures to post, and updates, but of course, I don't have any time right now. But soon there will be many posts coming up soon.

I am also going to start a new blog for Anna Marie Photography.

Tornado!

2008-08-24T18:26:00.004-06:00

We had a tornado touch down here just east of our house, luckily about ten miles away. Of course, I couldn't resist going outside to take a picture.

I thought it was exciting, while my kids were about to have mini heart attacks.
No one was hurt, and there aren't any reports of any structural damage, what a blessing!

Here is a photo that our neighbor took of our house

More Kid Funnies

2008-08-10T19:40:00.002-06:00

I was down in the basement the other night, getting ready to watch Nim's Island with the kids. Julia has been a little concerned with the meaning of "chubby" lately, since this has been her nickname for so long, since she was such a cute, but very chubby baby. So, she started a conversation about the word chubby.

Here's the dialogue:

Julia: "Mom, is chubby, fat?"
Me: "Well, kind of, it's a little fat, but chubby is more cute. You aren't chubby Julia." (I wanted to reassure her.)
Julia: "Yeah, I know, only Mom's and Dad's are chubby."

All three of the other kids, and I busted out laughing, and our sensitive Julia who thinks if anyone laughs at her, it's a bad thing, (but we all can't help but laugh at her because she is so funny), lost it and burst into tears and buried herself into the couch. I had to reassure her that it's okay, and we were just laughing at what she said because she's so cute and funny. She was so serious, so maybe Paul and I need to really get serious about loosing some weight.

Funny #2:

The kids were sitting at the table the other day, talking about some of their friends in Texas that they miss. Adelyne has a friend named Jessie, that she misses so much, she was reminiscing about her. Cole wasn't really even in the conversation, and just says out of the blue in another serious tone, "Jessie is HOT."

We all lost ourselves to laughter again, and once I composed myself, I asked Cole, "Cole, what does HOT mean?" "It means you are really really pretty."

Ugh, I guess if he knows what HOT means, either he has been watching too much Paris Hilton, or he isn't as naive as I thought he was.

Calling all Obsessed Twilight Fans

2008-08-04T22:41:00.002-06:00

Have you read it yet? I finished, and I must say I loved it!

Those of you who share my obsession, tell me what you all thought! We've been waiting for so long, it was well worth the wait!

I love a happy ending...

Are They Serious?

2008-07-28T00:31:00.003-06:00

Okay, okay, I will be the first to admit that I was IN LOVE with Jordan Night (I think that's his name?) when I was 12 & 13 years old, now I can go and hide in a bush.

But, really, I was in love with New Kids on the Block. My walls were plastered with posters of all of them, everywhere, especially on my ceiling so I could wake up and see them first thing in the morning. I dreamed about marrying Jordan Night, justifying the age difference all day long in my head.

My favorite song was "Please Don't Go Girl" with Joey singing like a girl, always thought that was strange.

I even saved up all my money so I could go to their concert when they came to Seattle, and my mom went with me. I was way up high where my nose could bleed, but I didn't care, because I was in the same room as New Kids on the Block.

So, I am 31 years old now, and I thought we were all done with the boy bands. I thought they all knew that being in a boy band, is DORKY, spelled with a capital D, and the rest of them all capitalized. So I kept hearing all kinds of little tid bits on TV about New Kids on the Block, and I thought, no way! They can't be coming back. Then I thought, well maybe it's just Jordan, Johnathan, Joey and Daniel, isn't that his name? (Don't shoot me, okay, maybe I wasn't as obsessed as I thought I was). Because Donny is a pretty well known, good Actor now, isn't he? Why would he do this to himself? It would be like his brother, Mark Wahlberg, AKA Marky Mark, coming back in his underwear, singing, Good Vibrations, but I think he would rather curl up in the fetal position on the red carpet than do that!

I just kind of ignored the talk. Then I heard their song on the radio, and I was honestly embarrassed for them. How can a group of grown men in their thirties, come back singing about summertime?

Then I found this, and I honestly think they are trying to Punk everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25qiZy7vmqY

What do you think?

Best Buddies

2008-07-21T23:11:00.000-06:00

One of a kind...or two of a kind?

I have never seen a brother and sister who get along so well, play together with wild imaginations, pretending to be everything from flying horses, to mommy & daddy dinosaurs, making Julia be their baby dinosaur. They truly love each other, love being together, making up stories together, and everything in between. Even when he tells her to "Clam it Suzzy" we all know he still loves her unconditionally, and is ready to play "dragons meet the ponies" as soon as she invents the game.

Sometimes I wonder if they were meant to be twins? Anyways, it melts my heart watching them play, and get along so well.

Here is a bonus of Miss. Sassy...telling me she is sick of me taking pictures of her.

"Clam it Suzzy"

2008-06-26T09:05:00.001-06:00

Does anyone know what that means?

Cole was upset with Adelyne this morning, and that was his response to her. He pronounced it like sudsy, without the "d".

I need a dictionary for parents, to help explain what these types of phrases mean. If anyone could help me, I would more than welcome it. Maybe we need a panel of children to help us to understand their lingo better, and then we can make our own dictionary of kid words and phrases.

I think Cole was trying to tell her something along the lines of "shut up" or "zip it" but since I don't let him use those words, he was being creative.

Mr. Grasshopper

2008-06-26T08:56:00.000-06:00

I was on a walk with the two little ones a few weeks ago, and was trying to find some cool bugs to take pictures of, dont' ask why, I just think it's fun to take pictures of 4, 6 or 8 legged creatures up close. I didn't see a whole lot on our walk, but as soon as we walk up to the house, low and behold, this bright green grasshopper was waiting for me on the driveway.

I thought this grasshopper was mighty kind to let me take such a close up picture of him. I think he's pretty cool looking up close. My sister said he looks dissaproving, but I think he was posing for me.

I'm Ready, Here I Go!

2008-06-21T14:07:00.000-06:00

I am finally ready to take photography serious now! I just got a new camera, the Nikon D50 has been nice, but I am excited to move forward with this new Canon 40D. I had a little fun with Adelyne this morning, but I have a lot to learn! I have been studying like crazy, and am going to be taking a few classes soon as well. I love taking pictures, but I have put it on the back burner for a while, since my 4th born child has been a monkey on speed, she is calming down a bit, and I can do some things I have been putting off since her birth. YAY! Wish me luck!

Here are a few pictures I took of Adelyne today.

The Honesty of Children

2008-05-27T20:47:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to let you all know the funny for the day, at my expense.

Julia: "Mom, why is your butt so big."

Carry on.

More kid funnies...

2008-05-23T09:45:00.000-06:00

Cole & Julia have sore throats, and I think they think it's the end of the world. They were laying in bed chillin' out with me, and started asking me if certain words were bad words. Here is how the conversation went.

Julia: "Is saying holy, a bad word?"
Me:"What?"
Julia: with more emphasis on it, "Is, saying Holy a bad word!?"
Me: "No."
Cole: "Is saying Heaven a bad word?"
Me: "No."
Julia: "Is saying Holy Nuts a bad word?"
Me: giggling, "No."

She wasn't laughing with me, this was serious business.

Cole: "Adelyne always says that saying Heaven is a bad word."
Me: "No, it isn't a bad word."

Early Mother's Day Present

2008-05-08T12:34:00.000-06:00

I am going away this weekend with my sisters down to San Diego (yes, not one of us, despite the fact that all of us are mothers, realized we were going away on Mother's Day until after the tickets were bought, duh). So, since I wouldn't be there on Sunday, my sweet Dawson gave me a present from him this morning. It was so sweet, and now one of my favorite presents ever. He made it at school, and was so excited to give it to me, and I was equally excited to get it from him. It has all the birthstones of each child on it.

Hair Cuts

2008-05-03T21:19:00.000-06:00

Adelyne and I had a mommy/daughter day out today, getting our hair cut. She has never had her hair cut at a salon before, and she loved it. I have only cut her hair a few times by myself, and have realized both times that I am not a professional, and she deserves better! And I was way over due for a hair cut as well, and needed a good 6 inches lopped off. So we went and got our hair cut together. She looks adorable, if you ask me, and my head definitely feels lighter!

Here is a before picture of Adelyne

After

Whatever!

2008-05-01T10:07:00.000-06:00

This is my flower bed in the front yard, so long pretty flowers, blanketed with snow.

Welcome to May! Here is what we get for the first day of May, nice huh? NO! It started snowing around 7:30 am, and hasn't stopped, and we already have probably six inches out there, and it's only 10:30 am.

I was so excited for Spring, I planted flowers, my kids have been in shorts, playing outside, and enjoying the nice weather. We already got dumped on a few weeks ago, and I thought that would be the last. Little did I know, Mr. Bad Weather Winter decided to grace us with his presence again.

Note to self: Don't plant flowers until after Mother's Day. Duh

And I have a confession for the day:

My kitchen didn't get cleaned last night, it's disgusting. I made dinner for a friend who had a cute baby, so it's double the mess. I am hiding in my room, with the two little ones, while they watch Land Before Time, and I sit on my lap top and avoid the gross kitchen. I'm tired, can't I take the day off? I know it will drive me crazy in a few minutes, and I will go out there and clean it, but for now, I am staying in my room. And Julia keeps telling me "I like my momma," and smothering me with hugs and kisses, why should I leave? The messy kitchen is worth Julia hugs and kisses.

Funny Things They Say

2008-04-26T23:26:00.000-06:00

They really do know how to make you laugh, kids, right?

So, I thought I would use this blog to start recording the funny, innocent things the kids say, things that an adult could never get away with.

So, the other night, we were going to roast hot dogs outside over the fire pit, since it's finally warm enough, and we made it through a winter of Dawson begging us every night to start a fire, trying to convince us that it's okay if it's cold outside (10 degrees won't hurt anyone), because the fire will keep us warm. Yeah, right.

Anyways...

We were waiting for Daddy to come home to roast our hot dogs over the fire. The kids were all outside as he drove up (not very often that we have to wait for him to get home, since he works at home), and Cole informed him, very seriously, in his own words "Dad, we are going to roast our hot dogs and turn them into wieners!"

We thought it was funny, maybe you won't since we have mom & dad goggles and hearing aids on.

The Beginnings of Spring

2008-04-21T09:43:00.000-06:00

Spring is finally here in Colorado, though it seems like it's a little slow here. I am noticing some buds, colors, and leaves appearing on our trees shrubs & in the flower beds. I had some fun with camera and wanted to share! I love Spring, it's my favorite time of year.

Julia is Three!

2008-04-15T23:01:00.000-06:00

My baby turned three today, and there really is something sad about your baby getting older. She is so big, and will always be my baby, but it is so fun watching her grow up. All though she's only three, I honestly think that she thinks she is 16. She has been a true joy to have in our family, and will continue to make every single one of us laugh every day. Here is a stroll down memory lane with Julia!

28 week ultrasound

April 15th, 2005, ready to come on out and stop making mom miserable, and make her happy with newborn cuddles, instead of producing an endless amount of heartburn!

Watch out world! I know how to SCREAM! (This is where the nurse informed me that her head was extremely big, and she doesn't know how I got her out of me)

Pretty in pink, and ready to go home

All snug, five days old

Two weeks

Almost one month old

Two months

Three months

Four months

Five months

Six months

Seven Months

First Christmas, eight months

Nine months

Ten months

Eleven months

And we made it to a year, and mom is still alive!

2nd Birthday

Still two, with a tattoo, which was all Daddy's mischief in the working!

She's three!!!!!

We love you Julia Grace, thank you for bringing so much joy, exercise, love, silliness, bubbles, messes, and fun to our family! You are the worm in our apples, and the sugar with our spice. We don't know how we lived with out you!

Love,
Mommy

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T21:32:00.001-06:00

We had a nice and relaxing day today. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Here are a few pictures!

He's 5!

2008-02-24T17:54:00.001-07:00

My 3rd twerp is five years old today!

I wanted to share some pictures of him through his five years of life.

Happy Birthday Cole!!!!

We love you!

2 Days Old

2 Months

4 Months

10 months, eating his daily dose of dirt from the plant pot 1st Birthday

13 Months

Almost 2

3 Years 4 years

5 YEARS OLD!

February 4, 2004

2008-02-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

I let the day go by yesterday without remembering that it was the 4 year mark since my father passed away. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him, and he was on my mind a lot yesterday, but I just didn't realize what day it was. Probably because I have figured out a way to not remember that day, it was so sad. The pain I felt when I got the news over the phone was almost unbearable, a pain I try not to think about, because it immediately brings me back to tears. I like to remember his birthday more, as a way to celebrate the life he did have here on earth. I miss him so much, I wish I could call home, and hear him answer with his tradmark "Yello!" He was so kind, humble, GIANT, and spiritual. He did so much for our family, worked so hard, day and night, so that my mother could stay home with us, and make sure we had clothes (can you imagine the incessant need for clothes, in a house with 5 girls and later one boy?), food, and a roof over our heads. The above picture is of my Dad with my son Cole, when he was five months old. It was their first meeting. That day was special, but also sad, because I knew my father would not have much time here on earth with my baby. He died six months later. My fourth baby Julia never met her Papa while on earth, but I know she will another time. I am sure she met him before I met her.

I wonder what he is doing now? I wonder if he watches over my family? Does he see me every day? I wish I could see him. I haven't been able to have any dreams about him, since he passed away, where he wasn't ill. I know he isn't sick anymore, he left his body, and went to Heavenly Father, and was relieved of his pain. I just wish for a dream, where I can see him well, big, and strong again. For this I am grateful for the knowledge I have of my Heavenly Father's plan, and I will be able to see him again.

I love you Dad, and I miss you dearly.

She can take care of herself...

2008-02-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Julia has been sick and miserable, and while I am trying to do everything possible to make her feel better, there are just some things, even as her mother, that I don't know how to fix. For instance, her nose. It hurts. She has been upset about it all morning, telling me that it hurts. I keep comforting her with hugs, and cuddles, but it just isn't working. I have even limited the amoung of snot wiping to as little as possible. It still hurts. She was fed up with it hurting, and Mom not being able to make it better, so she took matters into her own hands.

I had to take a picture, of course. At first she wouldn't let me get a shot of it, hiding behind her hand.

She wasn't going to move it , after much begging, so I had to move on to bribing. I offered her a sucker, afterall, suckers make everything better, right?

Voila!

"Can I have my sucker now?"

Awww, poor baby. Why do the kids have to get sick. Just give it all to me instead.

For the Love of Torture

2008-02-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

I think kids are born with it, the innate ability to torture their parents, on a day to day, hour by hour, and minute by minute basis. I have fully decided that it has become necessary for their survival.

Here is a perfect example.

Yes, that is the filling from inside of the couch cushions. They would like it to be referred to as "clouds." They reached their heaven, as stated earlier, torturing mom.

You Will Be Missed

2008-01-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley passed away tonight, on Sunday, January 28th. He was a spiritual, amazing, loving, funny & inspirational man of God. He could make me smile just by looking at a picture of him, listening to him speak, or simply thinking about him. I always looked forward to any opportunity to listen to him speak. He is with his sweet wife Marjorie, who passed away almost 4 years ago, and although he still lead with all his heart, might, mind & spirit, my heart ached for him, as I could tell he wanted to be with her, a piece of him was missing with her. They were reunited tonight, and he was welcomed with the warm arms of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I will miss hearing your kind words, and seeing your sweet smile. Thank you for all you did for the world. If we all could be like him, the world would be a better place.

Disney World

2008-01-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

We were on a fantastic vacation all last week in Disney World. It was so much fun! We were finally able to convince the older kids (well, I did use a little bit of bribing, and Dawson became $1 richer), to ride the roller coasters, and to their surprise, and my "I told you so's!" they loved them! Dawson's favorite was Expedition Everest, and Adelyne's was Space Mountain. They also loved Aerosmith's Rockin' Roller Coaster (Mine & Paul's favorite from the last time we went). My favorite ride this time around was Soarin! WOW! What a fun experience feeling like you are on a hang glider, flying through the air over breathtaking sights in California.
Julia and Cole were little troopers, and had fun too. Julia's little legs didn't want to walk much, thank heavens we had a stroller!

Julia's first "real' time on an airplane, she was only 3 months old the last time. She was so excited at first...but that quickly changed.

And turned into this, resulting in us having to close the window to get her to calm down, because she kept screaming that it's too high, and she wants to get off!

We also were able to drive a couple of hours towards Tampa, in New Port Richey to see my mother and sister & her family, who live by each other. The kids loved that, and were sad when we left that they weren't able to see Grandma again. Hopefully soon we will! Grandma made the girls some beautiful dresses, and Adelyne is so impressed that she actually made them, and didn't buy them!

Our first picture taken in the park, at Animal Kingdom...Innocence is Bliss came into factor with this one. We were chastised afterwards because apparently there was a line to get your picture taken with these two characters. Who would have known? Oh well, one line we didn't have to wait in.

Waiting for, It's Tough To Be A Bug, we were ready to torture the kids with spitting bugs, cock roaches crawling under their butts, and gigantic black widows falling down into their faces.

Adelyne eating a Mickey Mouse waffle, or shall we say, fighting with it?

Cole flirting with Ariel

The Sword in the Stone

There were little Mickey Mouse confetti everywhere, and Julia insisted on picking them all up, it was serious business.

Daddy's girl

At Minnie's house. Julia insisted on watching Minnie cook her dinner, since she had popcorn popping in her kitchen, she must cook!

Our last day at the park, leaving to go to the airport

The Innocence and Sweetness of Our 7 Year Old

2008-01-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Adelyne

I am so proud of her. Last night, and every night when it's her turn to pray, she always without fail, prays for Hurricane Katrina victims. She prays asking "Please bless the people with the hurricane, that they will get their houses rebuilt, and get their houses back, and that if another hurricane happens, they won't die." I think it is so sweet and impressive that 2 1/2 years later, she is still thinking of them, and wants them to be blessed, and is worried.

Rock Obama

2008-01-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have had my eyes and ears glued to all of this election news, waiting on pins and needles to see who is going to win this obnoxious race.

I have Fox News on and Hillary is talking about Barack Obama and Cole looked at me and said "What does Rock Obama mean?"

I think if he is our president, he is going to create many more silly quotes from kids around the world.

What happens when you simply say "Hold On"

2008-01-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Our lovely and adorable 2 year old, as I have mentioned is determined to be her own self, and do what she wants to do, never mind what Mom and Dad say.

I was busy trying to purchase Dinosaur Live tickets online, you know when they only give you 5 minutes to hold them, and as you are just finishing your registration, it conveniently says "Your tickets are no longer reserved, please try again." Bleepity bleep bleep BLEEP!

Sorry

So Julia comes in with bright red nail polish, demanding that I paint her toe nails, since I had just finished her finger nails with a nice shade of light purple, that you can hardly see.

I tell her to simply hold on, as I am frantically trying to avoid another bleep moment. That just is not acceptable to Miss Julia. I told her to ask her Dad. He is too afraid to paint finger nails, and she decides to give up, or so that's what I have been led to believe.

She comes running in, as I finish finally getting my tickets, and says in her extremely excited squeely voice, "Mommy, I did it all by myself!"

The horror sets in, and I run into the bathroom, expecting to find red nail polish all over the bathroom. It's not all over the bathroom, but all over her feet. She was so proud, I couldn't get upset, and I had to take a picture.

Out of fear that her toes were still wet, and dripping, I asked her to sit down while I ran to grab the camera, and she amazingly enough was still patiently waiting in the same spot I left her.

Lovin' the toes, a masterpiece

Now it's time to show off a little

The Art of Fort Construction

2008-01-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

I think the kids have it all nailed down, and they have gotten pretty good at it, just ask them.

They spent all day on New Years Eve, as well as New Years Day building their multi room building, and I even let them stay in their pj's, but then made them change into clean ones to go to a friends house for a night playing games, and tired children!

Tell me what you think, and add any constructive criticism, and I will pass it on. I'm sure they would love to make it even better.

Since we have moved an abundance of times in our lifetime, we have a huge collection of boxes, boxes the children look at like they struck gold. With puppy dog eyes, they kindly asked to use a few boxes to make an addition to their fort, hence allowing each child their own bedroom.

Take notice of the well constructed "mock" steel beams

...or little wooden chairs.

Good quality sheet rock

They even had nails

A time when they are thankful for big heavy books.

Topped off with a nice roofOliver is sent in to test the stability

He comes out fine, so off they go!

Shhhhh, we won't tell Dawson I posted this picture

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

The kids went to bed leaving Santa his treat, red velvet cake, lucky guy... This is what was left, I think it's safe to say "He liked it!" The kids all waiting, trying their hardest to be patient and not pee their pants in excitement. Then Julia decided to throw one of her trademark fits
Daddy makes it all better

And after Adelyne fixes another fit, in effort to get out to the toys, she makes it better again for Julia, and they are off!

I think Santa liked the cake so much, he spoiled the kids in return, to say thank you!

Then we looked outside, and were blessed with a White Christmas, now we can stop singing "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..."Poor Oliver, he had to relieve himself, but just sat there, and I think he was saying, "Can I just go right here, because I think the snow is going to swallow me whole."

"Don't leave me out here, the Abominable Snow Man is coming!"

I think we have at least 12 inches, and it's still coming down hard!

We thought it would be fun to take the kids to see The Water Horse movie, they have been begging to see, but then saw the snow, and don't really feel like spinning our wheels in the family magic mobile, and making fools of ourselves on our street. Besides, Paul and I might fall asleep, and start snoring in the theater, and embarrass the children, because we were up until 4 am, doing top secret Santa helper stuff. Maybe we will stay home and watch The Christmas Story, over and over and over again on TBS, and get ideas on how to make our kids eat their food by making pig sounds. But I promise we won't teach them what happens if they were to stick their tongues on a frozen flag pole.

Merry Christmas to all!

The Gingerbread House

2007-12-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

I wonder who invented it? There is something new to google about.

We were invited into a friends house on Monday night, to make gingerbread houses. We had a blast, and it was all from scratch, and the kids had fun using their little hands and creativity. Daddy kept insisting he had to try the candy to make sure it worked okay for the house, Julia would just take whatever piece she wanted from it, including the huge gummy spider Dawson was so proud of that he put in the backyard. We had fun, and will make it a tradition every year, to make a gingerbread house with the family!

Here are some pictures...

The final product...

Snow, snow and then more snow...

2007-12-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

I am shocked by how much I am enjoying the snow, that is until I have to drive in it, with my van. The van that doesn't like snow, likes to embarrass me when I try to push on the gas, and it just sits there, and then I create a moment perfect for someone to take a picture of a grown adult throwing a temper tantrum equal to that of my 2 year old.

Anyways, I do like it. It's pretty, it's fun to step in, make snow angels, look at, take pictures of, and marvel at the wonder that snow is. It's interesting to me how each flake has it's own characteristics. Paul taught the kids how to make snowflakes with paper and scissors, and they have been making them non-stop ever since. Adelyne brings me home a new one almost daily. They are all taped up on the windows. Snowflakes are kind of like children, each one is individual, and different, and has their own unique traits that makes us love them so much.

Here are some of our snow pictures from the last 2 or 3 snowfalls.

Doesn't this remind you of the best Christmas movie ever made? The Christmas Story!
Let me refresh your memory, and then go and watch this movie! It's a classic!

You've gotta love the "Triple Dog dare!"

If you watch it, you won't feel like you are as crazy or neurotic as you think you are.

Sliding

2007-12-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Since almost the whole first floor of our home is wood, the kids quickly discovered after moving in, that it is slippery. They are easily entertained by simply sliding back and forth across it. The dog also gets hyper, and runs like a monkey on speed, and slides all the way back and forth because he can't catch his footing, then slams into the stairs or the wall. It's quite funny to watch. He looks like an out of control mop.

Off he goes!

No wait, wrong way.

All worn out

Look at me!

Weeeeeee!

Never mind the vacuum in the way

We never knew wood floors would be so much fun...

The Christmas Card

2007-12-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Every year, we set out to get just one picture of either the 4 kids, or parents included. This year, being in Colorado, where there are mountains, trees, and SNOW, I wanted a nice picture outside.

I set out on my mission to find some outfits, or shirts, or sweaters for the picture. I found sweaters for each child, not even thinking that if I wanted to avoid excessive whining, I would need sweaters in the least, being that it's only 20 degrees outside, I still haven't gotten used to that. We trekked down to the park in our neighborhood, where there is this fun and cool bronze rusted bridge, perfect for our picture. We walked over the river, through the woods, and 10 miles to get to it. Not really. We drove down to the culd-e-sac and walked a few feet in the snow to get to the bridge, life is easy these days.

I set up my tripod, got the kids lined up, took a few of them first, and set up our family to get a good family shot. Julia's sweater was too big, and she was obsessed with her sleeves, as a result, many pictures have her swinging and flailing her arms in an attempt to get a rise out of her mother, and make it as hard as possible. They were freezing, and it got dark as soon as we arrived at our bridge destination. After every picture taken, Dawson wanted to jump over and look at each one, we had to readjust Julia's sleeves, Adelyne smiling and being an angel, with the exception of making sure we knew how cold she was every 2 minutes, Cole making bodily function sounds with his mouth, and Paul and I assuring them every time that we were almost done.

We actually got through it okay, the pictures are dark, but I made them work out, and we managed to get at least one good shot.

Here are some out takes...

Julia and her sleeves, Cole has learned the art of mouth noises, and he has that face in 80% of the pictures.

My baby looks like she could be the lead in Children of The Corn in this one.

Mr. Cole

2007-12-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

He's our 4 year old, and has such an innocent disposition. His curiosity always gets the best of him, he has an imagination that always amazes me. He can turn a piece of string into an animal, and play with it for days.

I took the kids to the dentist yesterday, and had a fantastic experience, to my surprise. The day didn't start out to well because of the snow storm we got. When we bought our minivan, finally caving, we lived in Texas, land of the heat, where we get one snow fall a year, and it's gone withing a couple of hours. We used to have a big ole' Expedition, which we hated with a passion. Kind of ironic that we had a 4x4 vehicle where we didn't need it, and now we do! I couldn't get that dang van off of my street for 20 minutes, it just sat there spinning it's wheels, going nowhere. Now I want my SUV back.

Anyways, we got to the dentist in record time, what should have taken 15 minutes, took 45.

Cole made me smile once we got there. His hygienist came to get him, and greeted him with a "Hi, are you Cole." He looked at her with this confused look for a minute, started shaking his head, and said "No, I'm warm." Then he turned around and proceeded to wonder and awe at the fish tank and the eels and water snakes it contained.

This is my favorite picture of Cole, it captures his innocence, cuteness, and imagination all in one shot.

I am thankful for the cute things kids say that brighten my day and put a smile on my face.

Dr. Laura

2007-12-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

So, I was listening to Dr. Laura today, while running my insane errands, that never ever end. Ever. It always amazes me when people who have been listening to her for years and years, and supposedly LOVE her, and value her opinion, and listen and abide by everything she says, call in and tell her their dilemma. Why does it amaze me? Because I am referring to those people who are what Dr. Laura calls "Shacking Up," or they did something to completely warrant their "dilemma" and are now reaping the consequences of it. I always get a good laugh, especially when the young man called in today because he is upset with the way his father is talking to him, and they haven't spoken for 1 year. He said his dad doesn't respect him and talk to him like an adult. She told him he was being too sensitive, and that she still talks to her son, who is deployed, like a baby (a cute googly eyed one) and to call him up and wish him a Merry Christmas. He then goes on to say that he still lives with his parents, with his girlfriend, and they are getting ready to move out, and why can't he just respect him! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Dr. Laura about spit her coffee out into the phone, I could tell. She then told him that if he were her son, she would talk to him like an infant, and MEAN IT!

Thanks for the laugh Dr. Laura!

I am thankful for Dr. Laura.

I am thankful for medicine

2007-12-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Not just the stuff you pop into your body when you are sick, but modern medicine in general. I went to the dentist today because of a nasty pain and abrasion in my mouth. Turns out I have an abscessed tooth. Lovely huh? Explains the pain. This darn tooth has been causing me pain and problems for a good 20+ years of my life, it's about time to stop.

The Tooth Fairy

2007-12-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Ugh. She forgets. And then forgets more. She knew a little cute 7 year old lost a tooth two nights ago, but must have fallen asleep watching "Notes From The Underbelly" and woke up in the morning to realize she forgot, again. She has to make up for it tonight, and bring something extra special, not just the typical $1 bill. She will have to give the standard "I forgot" apology letter with the gift as well. Please don't forget again tonight Tooth Fairy.

I am thankful for wheat

2007-12-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

What? You say, wheat?

Yes, wheat. I made whole wheat bread today, and my kids are gobbling it up like the Halloween candy I resurfaced from my unsuspecting hiding space (even thought the older ones found it). So what if I made something healthy, but allowed them to eat more candy than I should have, because I was talking to my best friend on the phone, (a much needed conversation)? At least they are loving the bread! When I buy whole wheat bread, they whine, cry and make me want to curl up in the fetal position. But I guess the love I put into the bread changed that. So, I am thankful for WHEAT! Now I'm off to find a new hiding place for the candy.

The Tree is Up!

2007-12-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

We went out and bought a pretty new tree. It's big, and pre-lit, so no fighting with the lights this year. Last year I thought I was going to turn into a 2 year old, start kicking and screaming, and loose all sanity. It's 9 feet tall and really wide, so after fidgeting around with furniture, we made it fit in the family room. We loaded it all up with our fun ornaments, our increasing collection of awesome, adorable hand made ornaments from the kids, my favorites.

Here is a picture!

And here are all of the kids in front of it last night in their pj's.

I think Adelyne is going to be asking for her 2 front teeth for Christmas.

She's Sassy

2007-12-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Julia, my youngest off spring, who has her mother and father completely wrapped around her chubby little fingers, is sassy, stubborn, adorable, and thinks she is 12. But she's only 2. She doesn't like me to take pictures of her anymore, and this is what she does when I do.

She gives me this look of, "Ahh geez Mom, not again, I know I'm cute and all, but leave me alone."

Then she does this:

She acts like she can't see me, but still has to add in her famous semi pouty lip.

Now it's time for the "Oh brother" hair toss

Her "I'm annoyed, going to bite my finger nails" (she has been picking her finger nails the whole time) act to make it even more known that she is ignoring me.

2007-11-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Twilight

Have you read this book, and the two others after it? *Warning* I will tell you, you must read them, but you will be hooked, and feel like a giddy teenager again, begging for more. You won't be able to put it down, your house will fall apart for a few days (yes, that is probably all it will take to read all 3 books & the 400 + pages they all have) because you will be so caught up in Edward & Bella land, you won't know what else to do with yourself until the books are done! They are amazing, and provide a little escape into a fantasy land that a stay at home mom truly appreciates from time to time. To be able to escape is sometimes the true way we cope!

Been a bit caught up!

2007-11-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

I guess I need to be better about keeping up with this blog, or else, what's the point?

Everything is going well! I have decided to write a book, and my husband is buying me a new laptop to help me out with it, and many other things that a laptop will be helpful with, especially with 4 kids! I will be able to be downstairs with them more, and work on more that a computer is needed for.

I want to start putting something on here everyday that I am thankful for. So, the first one is:

I am thankful for my family!

I love them all very much, and feel so blessed to have all of them in my life. My children do so many things every day that make me happy, put a smile on my face, and can turn a potentially sour experience into a sweet one. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily occurrences of life, and forget to smile sometimes, so I am making it a goal to laugh more! Be happy, no matter what life throws at you. This includes my extended family.

A husband who loves me. We have had some challenges in our 11 years of marriage, and we are always working on them. It's hard but also rewarding being married. I love him, he loves me, and I know he would do anything for me.

It feels so good to have a good relationship (or at least better) with my sister, and mother. It has been very strained and difficult for a while, and I didn't know how to make it better, but now it is getting there, and I am happy about it.

I also wanted to type about my baby girl who is now 2 1/2, but will forever be my baby, even though she likes to think and act like she is 12. The things she says blows me away, and I don't know where she gets them from. She looked at the moon the other day, we have never even talked about the moon before, and she looked at it and said "The moon is cut in half!" May not sound too funny, or smart, but as her mother, and knowing she is only 2, it was amazing to me. We have never even talked about cutting things in half, or the moon, and she knew that it was cut in half, that it is supposed to be a full circle or a ball, if it is all the way "done" so to speak (for lack of better words). She's funny, smarter than me some days, and beautiful to boot. She is always hungry, talks really loud in grocery stores, and smiles all the time, with a smile that says "You know you can't resist giving me whatever I want."

It's that time of year, again! Christmas!

We are going to be putting up all of our Christmas decorations this weekend, and I will take pictures and post them. I love Christmas, I hate the hustle and bustle of it, but love the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. We have a fake tree now (have for about 5 or 6 years), and it makes me sad every time we put it up, and I don't smell the amazing smell of pine trees. It's a memory of Washington state, where I grew up. I miss it up there, and would love to live there again some day. I love trees, especially smelly ones, like pine trees. But I also like the artificial trees now too! I like that I can pick out the perfect tree, have it be real big, and enjoy it every year. And now there are all kinds of pine smelly candles, wall flowers, and home oils, so I am happy with that. Last year we bought a live tree, well dead, so I guess the real word is, REAL. We were in the process of selling our house in Texas, and didn't want to bother with getting our fake one out. But it was just some way of justifying a real tree. I loved it. Anyways, enough of my boo-hoeing. I love Christmas! I am thankful that I even have a tree! No more complaining.

Scarecrow

2007-10-24T10:08:00.000-06:00

Our scarecrow really does scare me!

We made one as a family, at the neighborhood fall festival on Saturday. Paul set it up outside before he left out of town, and it sits just right so that when I am walking downstairs, I see it sitting outside of my window, and it scares the crap out of me everytime! It looks like some strange man is outside. I told Paul that last night, and he hasn't laughed that hard in a long time.

Check out the picture...

Now, wouldn't that scare you?

What did I do that for?

2007-10-24T09:10:00.001-06:00

When I got back from the second trip to Utah, I was a befuddled mess. Distracted, sad, disoriented. I was trying to get back into the swing of life. I was getting all unpacked, washing laundry, giving kids a bath, Paul was out of town. I put some items that needed to be soaked, in the laundry room sink, and turned the water on. I wasn't going to walk away, but then I heard my kids screaming at me, telling me that the water was too cold in the bath. I ran in there to fix it, and was startled by this loud obnoxious ringing in my ears. It was all of the smoke detectors! CRAP! Did I leave a stove on, did I turn the iron on, and burn something? What the heck is wrong? I ran out of my bedroom, and into the hallway, and there was water everywhere, but why is it setting off the smoke detectors? I turned that water off, of course, and threw a bunch of towels down, then ran all over the house, like a maniac, trying to figure it out, tears running down my face again. I went into the basement, and opened up the furnace room, and it was raining in there! All of the water in the laundry room had flowed downstairs into the furnace room, soaking everything in it. WHAT DO I DO? I went down to get the wet/dry shop vac, it's a piece of crap, and isn't soaking up anything. I threw a ton of towels down on the water upstairs, to try to stop some of it, and went around the house to unplug all of the screeching smoke detectors, so my kids would at least stop screaming out of fear. I then ran across the street, to grab my neighbor, and see if he has an actual useful shop vac. He did, and it worked beautifully. I called some people from my church, and they all rushed over, and helped me out. Luckily, we have a friend who owns a carpet/duct cleaning business, and he brought over those massive fans, you know the ones that peel skin off? That helped tremendously.

Everything eventually dried up, and it's all fine with the exception of my wood floors upstairs, that are all warped, and bowed. It's a reminder of my stupidity every time I walk in that area, and feel them.

Lesson learned- never ever walk way from running water!

Every time I hear water running, I have heart palpitations.

Life is What Happens, When You Make Other Plans

2007-10-24T08:45:00.000-06:00

I have kind of ignored this blog! Only because life has been a bit insane, and crazy, and busy, and sad, and fun, and everything all into one.

It all started with a trip to Utah, to visit family. We went for Labor Day weekend, and it was a good trip. We had fun visiting with friends and family. The kids love going back and seeing Grandma & Grandpa.

A few days after I got back, I got a phone call from one of my 4 sisters, about our youngest sister, who was in need of our prayers, because she could no longer feel her baby moving, and she was going in for a ultrasound because her midwife could not find a heartbeat. My heart sunk immediately, and I burst into tears, and felt like a river of salt water was rushing down my face. I don't think I have ever prayed, hoped, believed in miracles, more than ever! I had a horrible feeling, but still was hoping that everything would be okay, you know one of those times where you tell yourself "This doesn't happen to OUR family!" Well, it did. I got the dreaded return phone call that they had lost the baby, at 37 weeks along. I felt worse than I did when I got the phone call letting me know that my father had passed away. This is my sister whom I have not spoken to in 2 1/2 years, because of some very harsh e-mails sent to me on her behalf, trying to defend my mother, when it was just a misunderstanding. All of that didn't matter anymore. I packed up my car, my kids, in the still full suit cases from the previous trip to Utah, and drove immediately the next morning back to Utah. What else should I have done? I had to be there for my youngest sister. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain she was feeling, to loose a child, in any circumstance is just not even fathomable to me.

The whole 7 hours and 45 minute drive was spent saying over and over again that "I believe in miracles!" Never hoping more for one than I was now. I just wanted little Sage to be born, and take a miracle of air into her lungs, and scream that sweet newborn first cry. I cried and cried myself, wishing, hoping, wanting my sister to be spared the heartache she was already feeling, as she was in labor.

I got the call with a few hours left to drive, that she delivered the baby after hours and hours of labor. She didn't take that miracle breath, she didn't open her eyes, she had already gone back to her Heavenly Father. I still cannot even begin to understand the feelings she and her husband felt at that moment.

I got to the hospital, to see many tear filled eyes in the waiting room. Someone went and got my mother so she could sit with my kids, while I went back into my sisters room. My little sister whom I haven't seen in almost 4 years, since my father's funeral, was sitting in the corner, rocking her sweet baby, with tears falling down her face. This sweet baby, wrapped in a blanket, wearing the clothes they bought as her coming home outfit, perfect, still, pink, beautiful. She was dreaming, that's what I wanted to believe. She asked me if I wanted to hold her, I hesitated, not knowing if I could handle it, and not wanting to take her away from her mother, who already so dearly missed her. I held her. My heart sank even more, ached, it was unbearable.

I gave her back so they could say their final goodbyes, and went back out to be with my children, and my mother.

My sister is still not well, as expected. The only thing that will help her, is to have her baby.

I hope and pray everyday that my sister and her husband have the strength to continue on, and live a full life, full of love and happiness, with their 2 year old son.

I went back a few week later, again, to spend more time with her family and my mother. It is so hard to know the right words, not to say the wrong ones. I just want her to know that I love her, and want all the love she deserves for them.

Today is my Anniversary

2007-08-23T13:14:00.000-06:00

11 years ago today, I married the man of my dreams. 4 kids later, a few extra pounds, and a dog, we are happy! The road hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't trade my life in for anyone else's! I love him. He does a lot for me and he is always thinking about me and ways he can make me happy. He promised me before we even had kids that he would do everything in his power to make sure I can stay home with them, and he has! He is out of town this week at a mandatory meeting, but just sent me some beautiful flowers. What a sweet man.

How do I do it?

2007-08-23T08:48:00.000-06:00

So, my oldest son, Dawson, is almost 9 years old, and I no longer can avoid telling that the way babies are made, is simply by magic. My fear still stands that some punk kid at his school is going to tell him about the birds and the bees (why in the world is it called that?). He is now in third grade, and has kids starting to say dirty things to him, and use disgusting words, so I am just waiting for the big S word to come up, and he ask me what it means. He thinks it simply means whether you are a boy or a girl. How long can I keep him in the dark, or do we need to have the talk now? Give me some ideas on how to explain it to him, without myself turning bright red? I still remember the day my mother spilled the beans. I did not want to know! She took me to McDonald's, and bought me a cheeseburger, and we sat down. I was nine years old, and completely mortified. As she was explaining it, how a woman becomes a woman, and gets "fertilized" I could no longer eat my cheeseburger. As I sat there staring at the lonely cheeseburger, with only a few bites taken out of it, I wanted to throw up what I had already ingested, and was begging for her to be done! I don't want my son to feel that, and I think where he is at now, he won't yet, at least I like to believe that. I feel like I have some magic capability to keep my children interested in being with me, and will never ever steer away from me! HA! What a funny thing that is isn't it? He has for some reason stopped asking me how babies are made, and it is making me wonder if he has figured it out, or he just got sick of hearing "It's magic!" Any help?

6 HOURS!

2007-08-22T21:04:00.000-06:00

So, my mini-van mom mobile has been needing a cleanin! My husband keeps telling me to just take it into the auto bath or something like that and pay to get it detailed out and all cleaned. But the crazy, analytical side of me, who refuses to pay some supposed "auto spa" over $50 (minimum for what this car needed) when I know I would just come home and do it all over myself, was just not an option. My car doesn't need a massage. So after dropping the two older kids off at school (a feat all in itself, it was picture day), I decided to get right to it, at 8:30 am. Everytime I walked back into the house to get something or switch out the carseat covers that was so covered in juice, soda, milk, gummy bears, and goldfish, had to have the help of the washer, I realized another hour had passed! by the time I was completely done, it had been 6 HOURS! I am still in shock it can actually take that long to clean out a car, 4 kids or not, sheesh! While I was cleaning, the two little ones were adventuring out, and putting their little dirty foot prints onto every spot I just finished cleaning. That probably contributed just a little to the lengthy time I spent cleaning. They had fun crawling under the front porch, and came out covered in little pieces of newspaper and dirt. Hmmmm, I wonder what is under there? Since I grew up with a sister who was obsessed with animals of every kind, and was always finding some weird animal to bring home, she brought home baby rats one day, and my mom let her keep them, little did she realize, she brought home one boy and one girl, and they made babies. I know they love to use newspaper, to shred it into little pieces to make their nests to deliver their little slimy, pink babies in. Yuck. Needless to say, they had a nice soak in the tub.

Does it ever stop

2007-08-21T11:02:00.000-06:00

See what I mean, I turn around for a few minutes, and this is what I find, silence is never GOLDEN! This is the clock on my husband's to-do list, the kids seem to be fascinated with the styrofoam. What a beautiful creation!

Welcome to My Life!

2007-08-21T09:47:00.000-06:00

We are crazy around here. With 4 children, there are wild imaginations, fairy tales being told, games being played, and many many messes to be cleaned up. Life is fun, and full, and always moving! Everyday consists of picking up the Horses, Hippos, & Dinos off of the ground, and into their homes (the toy storage bins). Of course, there are many other items to be picked up, wiped up, and swept up, but those 3 about sum it up for me. Yesterday I enjoyed my day chasing after the 2 little turkeys, then found them in my study dumping out all of my embossing glitter, which now will not come out! HELP! I didn't plan on having my nice tan colored carpet being marked by the 2 & 4 year old with orange, yellow, silver, black & blue now. I did all I can, and headed out for the library. Cole "needed" some dinosaur books. Julia is always just along for the ride, doing her best to act like she cares about the books, but in reality, she still just wants to tear them apart, and then act like she didn't do anything. Then we made a trip to a local pizza restaurant. Yummy!