My Four Boys

SERIOUSLY??!!

2012-01-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's a big birthday month for us. Papa turned 49 (is that the number you gave me Daddy?) this year. Happy Birthday Papa!!

The triplets all turned 7 this month. So thankful for our besties.

Nana is fortunate enough to share a birthday with the twins too. Happy Birthday Nana!!

Really in complete denial that these little babies are 7. Why does everything happen to me? Super duper thankful for them though!!

I'VE FALLEN

2012-01-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well yes, I AM posting a picture of my big knees. Mostly because I wanted to show you what a twelve year old girl I am, and also because I wanted to tell you that I keep falling. I must have some pride that Jesus wants to work out of me. I've fallen twice in the last two months; the second being more brutal than the first. Almost broke my jaw. It's unbelievable right?! Walk much?? Anyone know where I could get me one of them fancy scooter things? I'm 85 now.

WE'RE BAAAAAACK

2012-01-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Dreams really do come true!!

BEACH TRIPPIN'

2012-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Love birds!!

The weather was beyond amazing. Could not believe how perfect it was.

I'm the king of WORLD!!! He kinda really thinks that.

Mini-golf was super.

Momma got her chill-axin' on.

They found this strange, maybe also a little grody, dragon on the beach. Whatever keeps them happy, right?

Jaydie tried with all his might to dig to China, but we had to go.

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE RANDOM THINGS

2011-12-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

Nolie sporting a visor. Grammie's training him up in the way he should go.

That little white spot is the twins' "little friend". Takes me back to the days of Jaydie's "hm hm." And below we have planking. It's all the rage in our house.

Rob watching a football game. Who knew?

A family game where Jaydie slayed us.

You probably couldn't tell, but angry birds are what it's all about right now.

Rob thought these looked like reindeer turds. He didn't have any.

Yet another artery-clogging recipe from pinterest. Donuts made from biscuits. No really, they're good!!

Yenner's drawing for the day. "This is Barfy. All he does is just eats." Hey, bulimia is a serious thing.
Well, that was more like ALOT of my favorite things, but you get the picture.

SUPER DUPER BLESSED!!

2011-12-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

OVERACHIEVER

2011-12-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

As you can see Nolie was super excited about participating in the children's choir program recently. Overachiever of the Year Award right here.

YENNER AKA BRENNAN

2011-12-03T14:26:00.001-08:00

Yenner is one of the goofiest kids you'll ever meet. Although when he meets new people he seems kind of mute. Don't be fooled.

We got ourselves a hillbilly now. Bummer this didn't happen before Halloween.
Here's a little something he got himself into. Not sure what look he was going for here, but I'm not gonna judge.

One of his many faces. In conclusion, embrace Yenner's goofiness.

AT LAST

2011-11-26T20:47:00.001-08:00

My computer has returned from the grave. Thanks for all your prayers for me. I couldn't have got through this time without you. Well, kinda. Here are the pictures my Dad has been waiting for. We have been busy; try to keep up.

Went to a mission in Ventura. Let the festivities begin.

Had our annual pumpkin carving festivities.

Halloween festivities.

Played with a rather large stick festivities.

Had some little buddies come visit festivities. Are you tired of me saying festivities yet?

Thankgiving festivites with more buddies.

If I wear that headband for too long I can feel my pulse. How big IS my head? Thankful festivities.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

2011-11-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

My computer is in the shop so I thought I'd pull some pics from this other computer. Our tv is in the shop too. What is Jesus trying to tell us?? You don't have to answer that.

Rob was buff, Jaydie was heaty. This explains why he wears a tank top and shorts throughout winter.

If only I could achieve that kind of flippage now. Youth sure is fleeting.

Couldn't you just eat Jaydie's face right here?

Don't you just love a big fat baby face?

NOLIE CANNOLI

2011-10-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Aunt Hallie, being the trailblazer that she is, made Nolie his first cannoli. He was so pumped!! I think it may have been Nana and Papa that started calling him that when he was a baby.

All the boys rejoice when there's sugary goodness to be eaten.

So glad our Nolie cannoli finally got to experience his namesake.

FROM THE APPLE FARM TO THE ER IN 12 HOURS TIME

2011-10-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

You just never know how any given day is gonna turn out. This one for sure was off the charts and quite a memory maker. Soooo many things to be thankful for along the way, but a shocker nonetheless.

Started off pretty innocently. Once we found the apple orchard, it was two enthusiastic thumbs up.

Rob's adoring fans brace themselves for the speedy goodness.

Well of course he recorded the whole thing. What adrenaline junkie wouldn't?

Right before the crash. He crashed right where I was standing. He says now that it was my glorious beauty that drove him into the barrier. That's flat out blame-shifting for ya folks.

We broke the boys in a couple times. They were starting to forget what Daddy looked like.

My big, strong husband was reduced to a hospital gown, oxygen tube, and epidural (at least one of us has experienced that). Who knew a go-kart could cause so much damage? I'm an 8 again!!

After 7 days we welcomed Daddy home with open (very gentle) arms and some signs. We're super thankful for Jesus' provision and protection. Also, our family and friends are the BOMB!! Truly could not have managed without them.

THIS BABY TURNED 10 TODAY

2011-10-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Jesus was smiling down on us the day our Jaydie was born. Cannot believe he's 10!!! Hurts my heart just a tad. Why do I feel like crying right now?

This morning he says, "goodbye 9, hello 10!!" He's a little too excited about it for my liking.

Our Jaydie is...kind, loving, loyal, goofy, memorizer of many Bible verses, super duper builder of things, and my sweet baby. The end

LEARNIN' STUFF

2011-09-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is where Daisy spends her homeschool days. I swear she gets stepped on 12 times a day, and yet here she lays. I guess she's not learnin' too much stuff.

I'm learnin' how to juggle stuff as we are typically faced with one boy finishing before the other on a daily basis.

You just sit there and look pretty Yenner. Good job!

OH JAYDIE!!

2011-09-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

Blogger has been so kind as to let me make my pictures big, I feel like posting everyday. I'll try not to be all up in your grill like that though. Here are some things that my almost 10 (how can I have a 10 year old when I'm only 22?) has been up to.

Designs By Jaydie will be coming to an etsy shop near you soon. Both of these get-ups were lovingly made by our Jaydie. He has a gift!!

This is how our Jaydie loaded the dishwasher. Pretty orderly even for my freakish standards. I only made a couple minor adjustments so I could sleep that night. Jaydie is such a blessin'!! We are soooo thankful for him.

"HOMESCHOOL"

2011-09-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

This was our homeschool lesson on how caged animals sometimes behave(okay, not really). The boys were completely overcome with laughter during this photo shoot. Yenner has a special knack for it, I think. Caged animals indeed.

PINTEREST STRIKES AGAIN

2011-09-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs adapted from Everyday with Rachael Ray and Cassie Craves

Printer Friendly Version

3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
pinch of salt (my addition, optional)
pinch of red pepper flakes (my addition, optional)
3/4 cup whole milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cubed pepperoni
1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt and red pepper flakes (if using) ; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through. Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce for dipping.
NOTE: All my batter did not fit into the 24-mini muffin pan. So I made a full size muffin with the leftover batter. Some pans are larger than others so you may not have have an issue.

This is the easiest most crowd pleasing thing I've made in awhile. Who wouldn't like pizza bites, I mean really?? You could shake things up and add other pizza toppings you like. Get on it!! It came from this gal.

RANDOM, I KNOW

2011-09-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

The boys have played with this toy more than any other and for the longest time. Who knew?
These probably don't look so appetizing but they were; and healthy too!! A big thanks to Pinterest for giving me more ideas than I could ever begin to try and thanks to my family for being my guinea pigs.
Ummm, yes please!!!
This is all part of training them up in the way they should go. See those color groups? I've never been so proud.
One of the many fun things the cousins taught us...arm farts. Such a blessin'!! I suppose it was in my boys' nature anyway and it would have come out eventually. Sorry to all the innocent bystanders that have had to endure hearing this.

DENIAL

2011-08-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

I don't really want summer to end. I'm kinda in denial about it. One huge indicator that I should probably start school though, is that the boys have been bored to tears the last few days. Not sure how they can be bored considering all the amazing things we did this summer. And this is just the tip of the iceberg here.

Had a backyard spend the night with Daddy. There was fire involved, it was a complete success.
Went to Drytown with the cousins. Have I mentioned that place is a real stand up joint?
Did some slippin' and slidin' with some of our cute buddies.
Went to the beach several times. I could still fit a few more under my belt.

Did some boating where we actually got Nolie on the inner tube for the first time.

Had some pre-Halloween festivities.
Went to Lego land with the cousins where Rob was a little too excited about squirting the girl with the camera. That would be me.
I suppose I should just be thankful our summer was packed full of fun stuff. I just wanna be lazy a couple weeks more. They're smart enough, they don't need school, right?

WATER PARK-ING IT UP

2011-08-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

The water park in Santa Clarita ain't as amazing as the Palmdale one, but it also doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It's a give and take situation folks.
I love this picture of little Nolie waiting in line with all the big kids for the high dive.
Yenner, living on the edge once again, decided to dive from the high one. No fear here.
It was a little heat-y and bright. I think that's why Rob's eyes look like slits.

S'MORES COOKIES

2011-08-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

I can't remember where I found this recipe, but it wasn't from the link on here. Hers look much more official than mine did. Doesn't really matter though when you're stuffing your face with them. I will definitely make them again. It's not often Rob says, "I think I have a new favorite."

S'mores Cookies
Source: Ice Cream Before Dinner

11 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 ½ cups flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
3 regular sized Hershey’s bars, broken into pieces
1-2 packages graham crackers, broken into squares

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking pans with parchment paper. I used one 11x17 pan and one 9x13 pan but you can really use any sized pans you want.

Lay out graham crackers side by side on the pans as close as possible (they should be touching). I used 16 graham cracker squares on one pan and 10 squares on another. You may have to add or remove graham crackers according to how much dough you have. If you want your cookies thicker you will use more dough and less graham crackers.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon to combine. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixer and combine on low speed.

Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight (I did one batch right away and another after chilling overnight and found there was no difference.)

Place tablespoons of dough on graham crackers about 1 – 1 ½ inches apart. I averaged about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per graham cracker square as seen in the picture above. Press down slightly with fingertips.

Bake for 5 minutes then remove from oven to press Hershey’s bar pieces on to the top. You can place as many pieces or as little as you want depending how much chocolate flavor you want.

Bake for 5 – 7 more minutes or until dough is beginning to turn golden brown at the edges. Remove to a wire rack to cool. For clean cutting make sure cookies are completely cool and cut with a sharp knife.

I CANNOT THINK OF A TITLE

2011-08-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

I wore this little beauty in 10th grade. What was I, a size zero? It's amazing what 30 years and a few carbs will do to ya. You will be happy to know that I am no longer hoarding this. I donated it to a good cause. Is this growth...I think so!!
TV time with the besties.
Went "hiking" out at The Oaks one day. I am NOT a hiker. And of course, there's always got to be one child holding himself. Ahhhh, life with four boys.
These here are s'mores cookies and they are little bites of heaven if you ask me (or my boys).
Here's a little goodie Hal gave me. It's the most wonderful thing I never knew I always wanted. Vanity, I know, but it just really speaks to me.

MAKE THIS

2011-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

It is NICE, and it's from this gal.

Creamy Taco Mac

Posted in Main Dish, Pasta, Quick/Weeknight Meals

Creamy Taco Mac
Printer-Friendly Version

Ingredients:
1¼ lbs. ground turkey
8 oz. dry pasta shapes
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
4 tbsp. taco seasoning
3 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until no longer pink. A few minutes before the turkey is cooked through, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Once the turkey is cooked through, mix in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Mix in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream and reserved pasta water, and continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce a bit. Remove from the heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Source: adapted from Delish

SUMMER STUFF

2011-07-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Jaydie was inspired by VBS and their Mr. Roboto character. As soon as he got home he went to work and actually made suits for the brothers too. Now, Mr. Roboto was actually the bad guy. Should I be concerned?
Jaydie also fell on his death board, I mean rip stick, and sprained his wrist we think. So he walks around with his hand in the air (and waves it around like he just don't care. Sorry, there are always lyrics in my head).
Here's our pitiful excuse for water play. The boys are officially saving up for a pool, and also a two story house. Our single story just isn't cutting it for them.
Turns out it's fun to grow stuff. Here's our tallest sunflower which is actually taller than me.

LOST WAGES PART 2

2011-07-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

I found it odd how as I walked through this store I thought, "maybe I do need an mnm slot machine."

Next stop, the Diet Coke store. We tasted 16 different sodas from around the world. I'm fairly certain the vomity feeling I had later that day came from Italy's.
Elvis IS alive. I saw him, or them.
Spent a good amount of time at Bass Pro. That place is neat-o and free!!

HOLIDAY IN SIN CITY

2011-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Rob's workout during vacay was a consistent regimen of throwing the boys. That's almost 200 lbs of pure fun people.

If you're gonna be in Sin City in July then you're gonna have to be in the water ALOT!! The boys were beyond happy to stay there all day.

FATHERS RULE

2011-06-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

This Grandpa comes to our stuff, let's us ride go karts, and always buys us airplanes.
This Papa lets us shoot things, breaks his back trying to get the go kart to work, and buys us ice cream and toys.
And this Daddy went wee, wee, wee all the way home. No, just kiddin'. This Daddy works super hard for us, provides like 15 motorized vehicles for us, studies the Bible with us, and makes pannicakes every Saturday morning. We LOVE him!!! How blessed can three little boys be??!!

SLIP SLIDIN' AWAY

2011-06-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

How ripped can one six year old be? Yenner is BUFF!!

Okay, now THAT was fun!! And no one sustained any injuries...BONUS!!

FEAR NOT

2011-06-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

So Nolie, who is typically my most fearful child, has shocked us to our very core by sporting some roller blades that are too big for him and jumping off of curbs and stuff. Who knew??

Good Job Nonan!!

AN ATTEMPT TO SUMMARIZE

2011-06-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I know, it's ALOT. Try to be thankful I didn't post all 150 of them. There were just so many moments. It's hard!! Also, the pics are in order from the bottom up. If you would start down there, it would help me sleep at night.

Christer-wist (that's his actual name) and Momma.

Jaydie got to ride motorized things, so the trip was a complete success for him. It got a little scary when he rode to within about 30 ft of the major highway. After dodging that landmine, it was all good.

Shot about one million little bb things. Why are they so drawn to this? I better sleep with one eye open.
Started off seeing my bestie in Sacramento. I cropped the picture to my liking. Not selfish, just plain good sense.

SHENANIGINS WITH MY HOOLIGANS

2011-05-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

Yenner had a run in with the hair clippers...AGAIN!! I thought, having boys, that I would be immune to this. I thought wrong. Remember this and this?
This here is a mystery. How is it that just 4 days before my car was spotless? They are mess masters for sure.
The twins made these birds with Aunt Hallie and this is how I found it. Safety first boys, safety first!!

Last on the list of shenanigans is their latest bust-a-rhyme, and it goes like this...

Sammy ate a booger and it tastes like sugar.
Put it in a pot, and it tastes like snot.
He went to the store to buy some more,
How many pieces do you wish?

My carefully crafted homeschool bubble was for sure "determinated" with the whole middle finger incident, but still, I had high hopes for the future. I don't need to send my kids to school to learn this stuff, I've got neighbors. That is all I have for you.

RANDOMNESS

2011-05-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

We're growing sunflowers, or trying to, but something is eating the leaves to shreds. What is it? This pic was taken before the leaf was gone, but you can see where it's starting. Is it that rat Rob saw?

The one on the left is from this year. I love the progression here.
Also, my back tires seem to be magnets for the boys' things. I have run over multiple items now, including but not limited to, hot wheels, scooters, bikes, skateboards, helmets etc. Apparently it's my responsibility to make sure there's nothing there and buy new things when I ruin the old ones. The boys didn't get the memo saying that's not gonna happen. Bummer.

GOD IS FAITHFUL

2011-05-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

I figure what better a time to talk to you about God's faithfulness and how He made me a mom than Mother's Day. I gave my testify not too long ago at Women's Retreat and I thought that you three readers who weren't there might want to read it too. I know it's a might lengthy; you might want to take it in chunks.

I am glad to talk to you today about God’s faithfulness and being fertally challenged. Maybe you haven’t struggled with infertility in particular but, of course, God’s faithfulness spans all difficulties so this can be applicable to all. Let’s travel back in time and see how it all began. You know how we all make plans? Well, we sure did! Picture Rob and me at our favorite chinese restaurant (which strangely, had only gotten a B, but that didn’t stop us from going once a week), having our beef and broccoli (it was delicious), talking about how many kids we would have (2.5), what they would hopefully look like (Rob’s eyes, my arms(I don‘t know)), and where we would live (on a large lot with a custom home sitting in the middle of it). Fast forward about a year. We had decided that it would be fine with us if we got pregnant, so we buckled up and braced ourselves (in a good way). No hurry, just whenever it happened. A year went by with nothing to show for it except a whole lot of used pregnancy tests and less money (those things are expensive). I had heard that it could take up to a year, so I hadn’t boarded the bitterness bus yet.
After that year we thought, we’ll just go to the Dr and see if things are okay. No big deal, just checking things out. After some not so fun and not so glamorous testing the doctors came to the conclusion that there was nothing wrong with us. Here is where I start to go down that very dark road. How was it that there was nothing wrong but still I was not able to get pregnant? Everyone else in the world had no problem with it. Over the next five years or so I was completely enveloped in fertility treatments, all to no avail. Meanwhile everyone I knew and even some I didn’t know were having their babies with what seemed like perfect ease (I understand that labor is not such a party, but you see what I’m saying). Are you ready to board the bitterness bus with me? Brace yourselves, it’s not pretty. During this time I remember that I had actually made a list of every pregnant person I knew and some random people I didn’t know too, just to make sure I had ample reason to feel sorry for myself. Going to the mall was like poking myself in the eye with a sharp stick (or something less violent), and baby showers were the thorn in my flesh. Every time the phone rang I got nervous that someone else was calling with their happy news. I was so far gone, it’s a wonder I even got out of bed every morning. I cried buckets of tears. I could not understand why God had abandoned me, or so it seemed. Were there some sort of spiritual requirements I needed to fulfill before I became a mother? Was I far too sinful to be a mother? No line of reasoning was giving me any answers. Needless to say, I was not dwelling on what was true about our God.
We eventually came to a fork in the road. We either try ivf ( a very pricey, not guaranteed procedure), or take the adoption route (a not as pricey, guaranteed method of building your family). To Rob, the answer was clear. Adoption made the most sense to him, but I was still clinging to genetics. So, after mourning the loss of a biological child (harder than it sounds), we started our adoption journey. We were approved in early Sept. 2001, and I’ll tell you what, that two month wait seemed like my whole life. I actually called the agency after a couple weeks and she said “oh honey, you’re gonna need to give it some time.” I may have been a little anxious. Then, after a very short 3 month wait, I got the call; we had been chosen! I had to sit down, I could not believe it was happening. Five days after getting the call we brought our 2 month old, 15 lb bundle of love home. It’s hard to explain to you the joy I felt. It was like all those years of bitterness magically melted away. I instantly loved this child so much, I was completely attached to him; he was mine!! And I thought, there’s no way I could love him more if he was genetically related to me. Two years later we wanted to add to our family so we got approved in Jan 2004. The wait this time was a little longer (still not incredibly long as far as adoptions go), but I was slipping back into my old familiar thought patterns. You know, the “poor me” patterns. I remember saying over and over Phil. 4:6 “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” I must have said it at least a hundred times; no exaggeration. And you know, it turns out God’s Word affects your thoughts. It honestly helped me to dwell on what was true instead of how I wasn’t getting my way yet again...go figure. Lo and behold in Nov. we got the call of a lifetime....it was TWINS!! Are you serious, twins?? Who adopts twins? The little dudes came in Jan 2005 and totally rocked our world. There was God, completely faithful again. He had changed all my plans for the best. And now here I am with three adopted kids, who don’t have Rob’s eyes or my arms, living in a tract home and it’s amazing!!
I had a theme verse throughout those years, although I failed to apply it most times, but it was 1 Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, AND GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” God WAS faithful. Even in the middle of the dark ages. Now that I look back I can see so many instances of God’s grace and now I’m actually thankful for infertility. I got these three beautiful babies that the Lord handpicked for me, and now I feel like I have this clear picture of what God does with us as his children. Because, if I love these boys as much as I do, how much more so does God love us as he adopts us as His own? It’s hard to fathom right? Also, I learned (albeit the hard way) that I need to make plans with flexibility. Like it says in James “instead you ought to say, if it is the Lord’s will we will live and do this or that.” I expected to get pregnant. We all expect things whether we realize it or not. Well, what happens when we don’t get what we expect? I already told you how I reacted, but you should try and do it differently. With any tough circumstance it would be fabulous if we could say, “God, what are you teaching me in this? How can I grow closer to you in this?” How much more God could have taught me had I learned this flexibility early on. I’m not gonna lie to you and say that the infertility monster never rears its ugly head now that I‘m a mom. I still, from time to time have twinges of it, but God is quick to bring me back around to dwelling on what is true. The Lord filled my house to overflowing and blessed us “beyond all we could have asked or imagined.” Of course He did!! In conclusion, make plans with flexibility knowing that God‘s plans are WAY better than ours, get some Bible verses in your head, and know that He is super faithful in any and every circumstance. Thank you

Happy Mother's Day to YOU!! You're the bomb, and you know it.

FLOWER BALLS

2011-05-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

Made these delightful little flower balls. You should too. You've got nothin' but time on your hands, right? Here's the tute (it's a word).

TRADITION

2011-04-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Can we say not gonna happen? I think they were 2 and 5.
The goofiness just never ends. I think they were 4 and 7.

What would Easter be without gale force winds?

Why do they have to grow up??

Wow!! That's all I can say about this picture. Hope your Resurrection Day was fabulous and super blessed!!

NOLIE-ISMS

2011-04-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Words that Nolie says, that I want to remember. He's starting to say them the right way and it breaks my heart. Can't he have a speech impediment his whole life?

Hosipal= hospital

Instirring= interesting

Yember= you remember

Annagina= Angelina

Agabail= Abagail

Nom= Mom

Frankensteins= Fritos

skebetti= spaghetti

Mommy-ah= Mommy

Flitball= football

Do you remember (yember) any that I'm leaving out?

TIME FOR A CHANGE

2011-04-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened. After 15 years of eating the same plain, dry ham sandwich, Rob has turned over a new leaf. It's ham with butter and Fritos, oh, and a Diet Coke to balance things out. I don't even know him anymore.

CRAZY

2011-04-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

You know what's crazy? Swimming in a freezing pool in March. Granted it was like 90 degrees outside, but still...you couldn't pay me enough to get in there.

You know what else is crazy? Grammie riding a scooter. To each his own, I suppose.

CUPPICAKES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS

2011-04-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Wanted to try out some fancy cuppicakes (we were having some friends over) from a store in town that actually won Cupcake Wars on TLC. Rob didn't know till they were all boxed up that it would be 30 bucks for 12 of these bad boys. But it's okay that we spent that much because they actually come with diamonds inside them, AND they wash windows too. Sheeesh!! The three I have left will be carefully preserved and set up in my cupcake hall of fame. You can come view them if you want.

SUCKER

2011-03-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

I tell you what, I am a sucker for a little boy in a uniform. Well, mostly just my little boys. Otherwise that might be kinda creepy. Also, I love how Yenner's ear is almost bent in half by his hat.
Let's see, trying to decipher their intense body language here. Is Yenner smacking his thigh, and does Jaydie have to go potty?
Seriously, pure deliciousness!!

COUPLA THINGS

2011-03-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Jaydie made this sign so he could use it on Nolan. It has also come in handy on himself at times. You want one? Jaydie would be happy to make you one.
Here's a craft I found somewhere online. Cute, right??
Here's another craft from somewhere online. You don't want to know. I almost lost it with these two "crafts for kids." Number one, kids can't make these. Number two, me and contact paper DO NOT get along. And third, never attempt to make anything like this...ever!! I think the moral of the story is, quit making crafts found on blogs. Or maybe it's, quit looking at blogs. Nah, that can't be it.

IS IT SUMMER YET

2011-03-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Not complaining, I promise!! I'm just saying, a break right about now wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

OUR ENTERTAINER...

2011-03-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

in more ways than one.

INTENSIFICATION

2011-03-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Our Yenner Goo is kind of intense. He does everything with a little more gumption than the other boys. So his accidents are more exaggerated as well. His most recent road rash is courtesy of his scooter and the outside of the bathroom wall at Rawley Duntley Park. It started off looking fairly harmless.
But then it morphed into a more crusty version, as scrapes tend to do.

And then he ripped his shirt to shreds somehow on the swing. Impressive, right??
Even his stance is intense. We love our little Goo!!

BREAKAGE

2011-03-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

I keep breaking stuff. Sad to see this bowl go.

Dropped Hallie's bowl too. And she had just made me dinner. (You can't have her; She's MINE!!) I died a little on the inside when this food fell to the floor. You know how food is a hobby of mine, right? I think Jesus may be telling me to stop doing dishes of any kind. What do you think?

SPRINKLES, PRESIDENTS, AND A RECIPE

2011-02-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Is putting sprinkles on applesauce a little over the top? In my defense, it's no sugar added applesauce.
Valentine's cuppicakes.
Good thing I've got 5000 sprinkles. Turns out we use lots of them here. Is there such a thing as a sprinkle hoarder?
Here are the twins' version of George Washington. Pretty good, hey?? A giant step up from the alien drawings earlier in the year.

Also, I got this recipe from Pioneer Woman and, I have to say, it was so nice!! I didn't get a picture of it because I was too busy stuffing my face. Her pictures are better anyway. Go and make it right now if you can.

ROB AND CARI 4-EVER

2011-02-18T15:41:00.001-08:00

Here it is, in all its glory.
Well yes this IS my airbrushed sweatshirt from 1993!! And yes it IS one of the MANY items I've saved over the years. I'm thinking of having this bad boy framed and hanging it up in the Rob and Cari hall of LOVE. You know you wish your boyfriend would have had one of these made for you too.

LAUNDRY BLESS-ED LAUNDRY

2011-02-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

Surely you are more diligent with your laundry than I am. It's really remarkable!! Just when you think there's not one more place to leave a pile, I find one. So what if we can't actually sleep in our bed because of the piles. I think Rob finds it endearing really.

As an interesting side note, in the corner you can see my beloved blankie. (Rocky, this is for you). It's pink with bunnies on it. My nickname as a child was bunny. Isn't that sweet??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAL PALS

2011-02-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

These two girls have had birthdays this month and these two girls are reeeeaaaal special to me. And not just cause they're my best friends, but also because we're all headed to the geriatric unit together. How old are we??? Both of these gals...
1. Love Jesus
2. are smart and gorgeous
3. have 3 boys
4. are fabulous chefs
5. live to serve me (well, maybe only in my dreams)
6. understand that gifts are my love language
7. are funnier than all get out.

I love you girls TONS!!! Sorry you had to share a post. That's what you get for having your birthday in the same month.

THE WORD ON THE STREET

2011-02-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

Let's see, something to blog about. Ummm well, I've been sick for what seems like my whole entire life and this cough is just not so glamorous anymore (you don't want to know). The boys have had to entertain themselves even more than normal so here is what they've been up to.
I found Jaydie outside like this a couple times. He says, "it's just so nice out." He's got ALOT to contemplate.

The twins wanted to take a stroll down memory lane and have a room time "with the baby gate." And since my philosophy tends to be, whatever my babies want, I indulged them. (indulged? not sure if that's good English)
Lastly, they have been playing FAR too many video games for my liking. All in the name of, whatever it takes to get through the day. Donkey Kong is educational, right??

P.S. Hallie and Momma have been indispensable during my time of need. Thank you girls sooo much. And Sweetie slept on the couch so I could cough all over the whole bed. You all are such a blessin'!!

GOODBYE DADDY

2011-01-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

Daddy had the privilege of going to the Philippines for a short missions trip. Not sure who was more blessed by it, the team or the people there.
While Daddy was away working with the poorest of the poor, Yenner was here stealing newspapers from our neighbors' houses...go figure. No worries, I made him put them back. Not sure they went back to the correct houses, but it's always fun to shake things up a little, right?? Sooooo good to have our Daddy back!!!

A SWEET LITTLE CHANT

2011-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Dead man,

dead man,
come alive,

Come alive,

on the count of five. Sweet!!

THE SB

2011-01-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

Went to the SB (you know, Santa Barbara, only I'm trying to be all cool and say it like the OC. I guess you had to be there) for a couple days as a little family vacay. Now THAT was a hoot!! It's nice there.
There's Yenner with his typical face plant. Despite the fact that it was -12 degrees my boys were like, "a heated pool?? Yep, sign us up."
Doesn't this little contraption look cute and innocent? It's NOT!! After 10 min Rob's legs fell off, but we had to make it last an hour. I promise I was doing my part.

Some might say Rob looks creepy here, I say it's ADORABLE!! That's a framer.

This park was totally cool and large and free. We spent alot of time here.
I thought this was pretty clever. There were lots of these by the pier.

SNOW!!!!!

2011-01-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

If I promise to only do one snow picture post will you look at the one million pics I'm putting up now? Sorry about the quantity.

Yenner is completely INSANE with the face plants. No really, he likes it!!
Can't resist my camouflage/onesie wearing Sweetie. Ruggedly Handsome!!
Right after the face plant if you couldn't tell.

His 153rd time going down the hill.

Well yes I DID save my snowboarding ensemble from 1992. See, it pays to save stuff (or everything).
Noel was kind enough to take Momma on her one and only sled ride down the hill. Mommy's heart almost stopped.

Now if this doesn't make your day a little brighter, I don't know what will. Thank you Grandpa sooooo much for hanging on to the blue snow suit all these years for the world to see.

LET'S WRAP IT UP!!

2010-12-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

One of his new favorites, plus it counts for PE time. They're jumping all over the place with this game. It makes me tired just watching them.
I've got silly bands coming out of my ears. Here are just some of Jaydie's beloved collection along with Toothless and Hiccup.
Does this give you any idea how spoiled the children are/were?
They all three got a razor spark scooters. Now they can ride AND start fires. Anything for my little pyro's.
This is as good as it gets for a family picture on Christmas morn. At least I didn't have to figure out how to use my camera timer.
All in all, a totally blessed Christmas!!! Hope yours was too. See you next year!!

CHRISTmas!!!

2010-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

I suppose the feet post was a little anti-Christmas, so here's some of what we've been up to. This lavender wrap represents me growing up. Typically I'm a little particular (and by particular I mean a control freak) about the type of wrap that goes under the tree. See, I'm a big girl now!!

Here's what my tree looks like. I know, you wish yours could look as awesome.
Sweetie, being as particular as I am, puts my favorite kind of lights up with a staple on EACH side of EACH light. That's commitment folks!!
Here's Jayden's "get out of my picture" face.
These were super fun!! We each got to do one of our own.
Oh Disneyland, how we will miss you. Unless one of you wants to buy us season passes.
Can you see all the ornaments on the bottom? It's like, have I taught them nothing about the proper placement of ornaments? You know I didn't even move them. Is this growth...I think so!! Hope you have such a great CHRISTmas. Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

SPEAKING OF FEET...

2010-12-21T18:33:00.000-08:00

As seen on tv strikes again!! You remember this fabulous product, don't you? Well, I've struck gold again. I'm telling you, my feet are not near as cracky as they were before this ginormous lip balm for feet came along. (There's a sentence I never thought I'd say.) I thought I would spare you the proof. (Besides, I forgot to take a before picture.) You're welcome!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL...

2010-12-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

I've lost my mind. I've actually lost it. I went to three different stores today wearing these and didn't realize till I got to the last one that this was my get-up. I did think a couple times that I was walking a little weird, but didn't look down. Always look down, Cari, ALWAYS. That's gonna be my new rule.

ALL BOXED UP

2010-12-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

"Uh, could I get a little help getting out of here please?"
Ahhhh, freedom. Just another fun-filled day in a box. You, of course, remember this. I think we have a slight box fetish here.

2010-11-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

MOVING VEHICLES

2010-11-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

You know how families have their thing?? Well our thing apparently, is go-karts and we have like 12 of them (okay, 3 or 4. I've lost count). The boys love this activity more than I can really describe, as you might imagine. And praise Jesus, there have been no broken necks as of yet!! Would you like to join with me in praying that NEVER happens? That would be fabulous.
Hard core, official go-karters here. They'll teach you everything you need to know about go-karts.
Even with no engine in it, they are still entertained by these things. Push Yenner, Push!!
Can you see the giddiness on their faces? They have so much fun with this, you almost completely forget to be overcome by worry that they're going to injure themselves in some way. Soooo, you want a ride?? Come on over!! For reals!!

MY LITTLE TURKEYS

2010-11-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

It's seems as though these are our annual turkey craft. Quick and painless...except when you poke yourself with the toothpick. There may have been some snacking before, during, and after. Isn't that what all good crafts are made of??

NEW BROOCH ON THE BLOCK

2010-11-07T09:52:00.001-08:00

Remember New Kids on the Block?? It was a simpler time then. That's besides the point though. Dena gave me the link for these little numbers, and I couldn't be more thankful. You want one?

FALL FESTIVITIES

2010-11-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Turns out those warty pumpkins require a jig saw to carve. That was all they had left at Vons.

You know, I didn't get a good picture on Halloween, but this is accurate except for the fact that Yenner was actually Zorro. He was playing musical costumes this year.

HOMESCHOOL HAPPENINGS

2010-10-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Homeschool pure happiness. (thank you soooo much Hallie)
Homeschool PE.
Homeschool crafting.
Homeschool picnic lunch in my bedroom.
Homeschool costume day...who knew?? If I would have got the memo I would have dressed up too.

FINANCIAL GAIN

2010-10-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for our neighbors and the fun stuff they involve my kids in. And I get to just sit there and be a curious onlooker (no, it's not laziness, it's curiousness). This day they decided to have a lemonade stand/ yard sale. The lemonade cost 50 cents and the toys varied in price. Jaydie, seeing his chance for financial gain, got into his toy box and pulled out all kinds of junk, I mean finely crafted items, to sell. And while our neighbor was raising money for a missionary, our Jaydie was raising money for his first car (that he will need in ten to fifteen years). If that isn't an entrepreneur in the making I don't know what is. It wasn't very widely advertised so I think Jaydie ended up coming home with all his junk plus a quarter. Not bad for his first day of business.
I'm just now seeing that I was totally ripped off for the 12 glasses of lemonade I bought. They were charging me 50 not 25. Can't get much past me. Tarp as a shack!!

RESOURCEFUL

2010-10-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BABY!!

2010-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

I asked him if he would be willing to start going backwards now and turn 7 instead of 9. He didn't think that was a good idea.
Here he is with his new beloved Gameboy. He's gonna have to fight me for it. I love playing Miss Pacman!!
It seems like just yesterday we were bringing our sweet baby home. We love you so much Bub!!

FASHIONING

2010-09-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've been fashioning again. I don't know why. Sometimes I just have this urge to fashion stuff. Otherwise I am so NOT a crafter. Here is my no-sew fall wreath. Isn't it so nice??
It took like five hundred hours(or like 5), but it was totally worth it.
It came at a price though. That nasty glue gun gave me what I think is a third degree burn. Also, it looks a little like ring worm to me. I know what you're thinking, I totally missed my calling as a hand model, but you gotta have priorities people. If you want one, go ahead and place your orders now and give me 500 dollars. Time is money.

I DON'T KNOW...

2010-09-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Maybe because Rob thought they didn't have enough ways to beat each other up. No wonder they like Daddy the best...he fashions weapons for them. That and he's super great!!
P.S. The length of the sword may have gotten a little out of hand. I mean, the sheer volume of it!!

Anyone want to come play swords with us? I bet ours are bigger than yours.

PSEUDO SCHOOL

2010-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Oh where, oh where have my babies gone, (everybody) oh where, oh where can they be? This is going so stinking fast!!
When Jaydie went to Kindergarten I "had to" have the Pottery Barn back pack with essential embroidery. Don't worry, as of today he has a full size back pack. Poor little muffin.

The boys were very excited about going to their pseudo school. While the real magic (and by magic I mean actual lessons) happens at home, they are really enjoying being in class with their buddies and doing fun stuff.

SELF PORTRAITS

2010-09-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my twin alien sons. It's kind of ironic that they would draw themselves this way considering they act like aliens on a semi regular basis.
And the other twin alien with a frown of course. That's his frown on his neck and those two little lines on the sides are his arms, in case you didn't get that.
Jaydie looks a little more human with his blue nose and green shirt. He always has to have a green shirt. Must analyze that Grammie.

In conclusion, I may have overestimated the twins' ability to make a self portrait, but these little goodies are keepers for sure. Even if they are alien-like.

YOU MAKE THIS

2010-08-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

I don't ever post recipes on here because well, I don't cook. But this little goodie came to me from somewhere online and it is going to be one of my top five now. And by top five I mean one of the five things I make every single week. It's super delicious and even my pickiest eater (who shall remain nameless) eats it. So you go make it.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I put them in frozen)
1 packet taco seasoning sprinkled over
1 can cream of mushroom soup
salsa

Just dump all the stuff in the crockpot and about 6 hours later you'll have a party in your mouth. Oh, and at the end I put in some corn and then served it over rice. You're Welcome!!

P.S. Sorry if the picture looks a little like vomit. It really doesn't taste that way, I promise.

THIS IS MY TOWN

2010-08-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Fair has come to town and I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty proud of my town. No really, beneath it's dirty, stinky, and downright disgusting exterior, it's actually quite glamorous and, dare I say, AWESOME!!
What is that Carney doing in the background? You never know with those Carnies. I just love that word...Carney.
This is an outrage. Set the birds free!!
Nolie kept saying..."it smells super disgusting in here." And Jaydie couldn't stop plugging his nose. Homeschool field trip at it's finest boys.
The Star Wars displays are typically a cause of giddiness (aka peeing in the pants) at the fair.
And here we have the main attraction!! The figure eight trailer races. No really, it's super cool.

Try not to be too jealous, kay?

RECENT POTD'S

2010-08-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is super important stuff, folks. So try to keep up.
You might say that Jaydie thoroughly enjoys his slushes.
Well yes this IS part of a Darth Vader helmet and an afro. How did you know?
It's official, Yenner drinks pickle juice. Pretty soon he'll be pouring garlic salt into his hand and licking it up, just like I did as a youngster.

SHHHHHH...

2010-08-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

This is our new baby Chase!! Isn't he so cute? But don't tell the Gardners, kay? We're still planning our escape with him. Does anyone have a crib we could borrow?

BEACH BUMS

2010-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Met Grandma and Grandpa in Ventura. It's super nice there.

Went to Will Rogers with our Newport buddies. It's nice there too, although the sand almost burned our feet off...almost.

Can you see the sweet sentiment Bethani is giving us behind Yenner?

We've been to the beach a couple times this summer. Not near enough for my liking, but summer's not over yet. You wanna go with us? It's really fun!!

OREGON INSTALLMENT #3

2010-07-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's Grammie and Grampie's turn for the spotlight. Are you tired of Oregon pics yet? Well too bad, you're gonna have to look at them cause I think they're nice. We got to stay in two fabulous places when we were up yonder, and phase two of our stay was at hotel Grammie and Grampie.
Went to see tide pools but saw a dead sea lion and threw rocks instead. Isn't that just the same?
I am totally crunching (it's what all the cool kids are saying nowadays) on this photo of Daddy and Nonie!! LOVE it!!
Went to the beach and it was a might foggy and chilly. Didn't stop my boys though.
I'm not sure, but do you think Nolie had to go potty here? There are one million lovely walking trails where they live.

Doesn't everyone have the ocean in their backyard? That's totally normal right?

Cutest family ever award.

OREGON INSTALLMENT #2

2010-07-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Daddy learned how to fish on his iphone and quickly taught the boys. Ahhh, just like the fishermen of yesteryear. So much fun I tell you.
Jaydie was an instant pro, of course, at casting the line. He had tons of fun with it.
Nana baked with the boys which happens to be one of their love languages; go figure. They had such fun with this.
Truly, there is not one single bad place or time of day to take a picture in Oregon. There is always greenery or a river or a large body of water in your background and it's always overcast. So much fun!!
Here are the middle name twins...Edward. I think they have a special bond because of that. Did I mention how much fun we had up in Oregon? Thanks Nana and Papa for everything!!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN OREGON OFF A PRIVATE ROAD WHEN...

2010-07-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

...you get to pet a 1000 lb pig and then it gets up and you say "okay boys, come out of the pen" fairly forcefully.
...you say things like "please don't shoot your brothers with that gun."
...you also say things like, "try not to get electrocuted by the fence boys. It would not be fun for you."
....and lastly, you take a nature walk only to find later that the bottom of your pant leg and shoes are covered in deer poo. That's when you know you're in Oregon off a private road.

No seriously, we had SOOOO much fun on our annual Oregon trip!! It seems we were constantly busy doing super cool things that homeschool dreams are made of. You better bet I am counting ALL of it for the 2010-11 school year and you also better bet that you're gonna be seeing MANY, MANY more Oregon pics before this summer is over.

BASEBALL IS OVER

2010-06-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Chasers Wasers rooting for his favorite team. Isn't he a baby doll??
I've always known this, but Zachy is much tidier than my kids and this set of pics proves that.

I think Nolie thoroughly enjoyed his cupcake.
Nolie, just like his hat, barely hung on till the end of the season. He really could take it or leave it. Whereas Yenner put his all even into his stride.
It occurred to me that I had not posted these of their last game and they were too cute not to post. I did however forget to take pics of Jaydie's last game. I know, he'll be scarred for life. But I included this picture of him pondering stuff just for you.

BOAT SHOW

2010-06-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

This was just before they got thrown off I think. Those are Yenner's feet flailing about.
So thankful for our Daddy!!
A little action shot for ya. Do your kids get giddy in hotels like mine do?

Nolie and Jaydie have the boat afro going on here. Yenner's hair is short enough for him to be immune to it.
Sorry for posting this twice. The delete button was not my friend this evening.
For Father's Day we got to go to Laughlin and play on the boat for a couple days. It was a hoot!!

SUMMER

2010-06-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Summer is passing by a wee bit too fast for my liking. How do I slow it down? We're having loads of fun though with friends, cousins, and popsicles. I see a lake trip, an Oregon trip, a beach trip and whatever else I want to do in my future.

FUNGUS

2010-06-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the dental twins after we both had our cavities filled. Jaydie had one and I had my first three of NINE filled (it may have been quite a few years since my last dental visit)!! I've been having alot of issues like cavities, moles, a sty, a cough, and a couple canker sores. So, it hasn't been a real good week fungus-wise for me. You might wanna steer clear until I can get some disinfectant spray or somethin!!

NORMAL

2010-06-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Does this look as normal to you as it does to me?

NURTURE vs NATURE

2010-06-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

It turns out Jaydie may have more of my genetic make up than one would think. See, he put this (my) silly putty in his shorts and forgot about it until he put them on again the other day, and I have actually done that very same thing. Are you sensing the irony here? (or is it foreshadowing? I was NOT an english major) So what if I was like 28 when I did it and he's only 8; it's like we're MFEO or something!!

CALL ME A SUCKER...

2010-05-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

...but I love a good infomercial. And for some reason that, "as seen on tv" sticker just calls out to me. So, of course I bought the Neckline Slimmer 3000 (I just added the 3000 for drama). I don't know if it's made any difference, but the picture on the box is like a miracle. You know you're gonna want to borrow it if you see my neck looking all buff and stuff. I promise not to say, I told you so.

SUMMER FOR A DAY

2010-05-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

It was summer for a day here. You know we will never miss an opportunity to slap on some swim trunks and sunscreen. So here we are in mid-may livin' it up. It was winter again the day after this, I think. The weather has been kind of manic, hey?

Also, we are having a renewed sense of excitement about Toy Story at our house. Are you? The toys that I thought were forgotten forever have been brought back to life. Yenner even pretends he's Andy. I guess they've got a pretty serious advertising thing going on over there at Disney.

VANITY

2010-05-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Surely you are not near as vain as I am about photos of myself. I like the top one better of myself but I think the bottom one is better of the boys. The boys got me photo shop for mother's day. Can I photo shop that hole in my hair in the bottom photo? Only time will tell.

A RIGHT OF PASSAGE AND LIES

2010-05-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

Doesn't every child have to experience cutting a patch of hair off their heads, or is it just mine? I would have thought that Yenner had lost enough stuff the last couple weeks (teeth), but he thought different I guess.

Our Jaydie is quite deep. He wrote this note to direct the tooth fairy to the tooth he lost in the car. Here are some things he's pondered regarding the tooth fairy... Can she see through things, what does she do with the teeth when she takes them, tooth fairy flight patterns and so on and so on. The question is, how big will this lie get before we burst his tooth fairy bubble? We'll see. I'll let you know.

AWANA DREAMS COME TRUE

2010-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you can tell the difference between these two pictures but to me they are like night and day. One says, this is the best day of my life and the other says this totally stinks. Jaydie wears his emotions on his face apparently.
The Awana ribbon scandal of 2009. I think all our wounds have healed now.
It looks like Jaydie's car is eye-ing Pearson's Dodger car.
We have arrived as far as Awana races go. We brought home the 1st place trophy!! Finally we can sleep at night. I don't know what Rob did to make that car win, but Jaydie was in heaven.

VISITOR INFORMATION

2010-05-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Just so you know what to expect when we come stay at your house, here are some of the services we offer....
1. Dig up the soil you just recently put down.

2. Send a very large castle toy sailing down the stairs in order to land violently against your tv cabinet.

3. Plug up your toilet.

4. And last but not least, leave your house in utter ruins and your bathroom with a strange smell.

Sorry Pischke's for wreaking havoc, but it sure was good to see you all and we totally appreciate your hospitality!! So when do YOU want us to come visit?

PUPPIES REVISITED

2010-04-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ever since the "puppy" horror (click on puppy to see photographic evidence) of 2008, we hadn't felt brave enough to go see the poppies. See, Nolan was convinced that we were going to see actual puppies. Much to his surprise there were just a bunch of orange flowers and weeds that got stuck in his flip flops (because I wanted to see how hard I could make it on myself). He did not hide his disappointment/bitterness well and you can see it on his face. This year was our year though, and they did not disappoint (although my pictures kind of did). All three boys were very happy with the puppies this year and we didn't see any snakes. So that's a praise!!

MY TOOF IS OUT!!

2010-04-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yenner and his dentist for the day. Jaydie....the tooth yanker.

Yenner has lost his first tooth, thanks mostly to being hit in the mouth with a hard baseball a couple times. Rob and I actually had nothing to do with the whole process. I hear Jayden and Yenner in the bathroom saying things like, "wait, I almost got it. Open your mouth bigger. Just one more time." And at last I hear shouts of joy. Jaydie managed to yank that bad boy out like it was nothing. So if you ever need a toof pulled just call our Jaydie. There may be a small fee involved. A service like this doesn't come cheap.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

2010-04-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Baby Chase made his first appearance at the game. He's getting huge!!
Nolie is going for MVP in t-ball this year. I think he's gonna get it.
Seriously!!??
Baseball = chewing gum and blowing bubbles.
I LOVE the way their ears stick out of the hat. Can we permanently attach that to his head?

CONFESSION

2010-04-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

I watch the Duggers. There, I said it and I think admitting it is key. Confession number two...I'm also reading their book. I think I might be a Dugger stalker. Anyhow, I got this idea from their book. Because honestly, I need all the practical parenting advice I can get. All they have to do is say "okay Momma" when I tell them to do something and they get a sticker. At the end of the month they will get a penny for every sticker earned. The "okay Mommas" are suddenly coming out of the woodwork; they're even saying it when they don't really need to. Who knew pennies could be such a motivator.

P.S. I think Jaydie may have passed on his finger issue to Nolie. We're gonna need a whole other chart for that.

PHOTO CREDIT....ROB

2010-04-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ever since Grammie read an airplane book (that I think Nana got for Jaydie years ago) to Yenner he has been OB-SESSED with different kinds of planes. He informed me today that he's going to fly the space shuttle when he grows up. Way to shoot for the stars little buddy!!
Rob, being the photog that he is, was trying to have the boys point for this photo opportunity. And Jaydie, being the pointing police officer that he is, is trying to "help" his brother do that.
Here they are sitting on a bomb, I think. That's just plain good sense boys. Don't let anyone tell you different.
Do the smiles get any cheesier than this?
Rob took the boys on a little field trip to that airplane place in Palmdale the other day. I don't remember why I couldn't go or what I was doing, but I'm sure it was something fun.Thanks Sweetie for the little break and for taking such fantastic pictures!! You're the bomb and you let your boys sit on one!!

EASTER GOODNESS

2010-04-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Easter eggs and Bionicles totally go together, right??

Who has ever seen such goofiness?

Easter was super good!! Thanks to G-unit for the fabulous food, fellowship, and sour gummies. We are so thankful for you, but mostly Jesus!!

BUG BOYS

2010-03-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Can you see the ladybug? I tried to focus on it, but was too lazy to actually change the settings. You get the idea though.
Yenner and a roly poly. Oh the joys of boys!! As long as these little critters don't make it in the house, Mommy thinks it's just adorable how they like to hold crawling things.

HERE HE IS

2010-03-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Chase is finally here weighing in at a whopping 3lbs 12oz. In no time he will join the ranks of his brothers and be huge.

Isn't he just a nugget muffin? My sweet, nice, creative, cool friend Hallie had this little bundle a couple weeks ago and we are all soooooo thankful!! Jaydie thinks we are going to be adopting him. You better keep a close eye on the cuteness Gardners. You never can tell when Jaydie will adopt another baby.