The Hubs

Lately I have been thinking a lot about how very very lucky I am to have such a great husband. Stop reading now, if you don't want to join the gag fest...it's gonna get real mushy here!

In August, it will be our 10 year anniversary. To top that off we have known each other for 16 years. In fact he and I were walking out of our English's classes in 1993 and ran into each other. We had both known of each other, but had never really formally met. The first thing he said to me was, "Today is my birthday. I'm Andy and your Terica, right?" Who knew that 16 years down the line I would be happier than ever being married to that young boy. WOW. I cannot believe how long it has been.

Andy and I totally compliment each other. For instance, he loves to "pick up" I love to deep clean. He loves to unload the dishwasher, I love to load. We both love yard work, we have the same taste in cars, home decor, tv shows, and so on. We love the same exact foods, although he loves grapefruit and I don't and I like onions and he doesn't. Other than that, we love all the same foods. That is really convenient. He tolerates my movie choices and I his. All in all it is really nice being married to someone that has the same views and opinions as you. He is always telling me to go out for girls nights or nights to myself. He tells me to get pedicures or get my hair done. He has no problems being with the kids by himself, he likes it, he recognises I need breaks once in a while and it so willing to let me get those breaks. I am so grateful for that!

Another thing I love about our relationship is he and I could talk all day everyday every minute of the day. We never run out of things to say. I can honestly say that even though we did not meet till 16 years old, we feel like we grew up with each other with as many stories as we have shared and heard. We never get bored with each other. He calls me when he gets a lunch and we talk and when he leaves from work we talk all the way till he gets home, most of the time. Sounds crazy I am sure, but I cannot get enough of him.

He is so great to me. Just today when he was making a snack for him and Bennett I heard him say, give that one to mommy because it is the most perfect one. He always chooses the best for me, he always puts me first. I am such a lucky gal. I know that. He is such a great husband. He is an amazing father, but as far as husband goes, he could not be better. I love that I have four boys that can learn from him and one day be such great husbands to their wives and I also love that Jadeyn will learn that she should not settle for anything less than the type of husband her daddy is.

Andy really really wants to go to Hawaii this year for our 10 year anniversary. When we got married we really wanted to go their, but the funds were not there, obviously. So we said that when we had been married for 10 years we would go. Well that time has come, and I cannot believe it. Where has the time gone? I would obviously love to go too, but I am having a VERY hard time leaving the kids. I can't I don't think. I am sure once I was there I would be fine and really enjoy the time with him and no other responsibilities, but what if I am not ok? What if I am sad the whole time? The other huge problem is what do we do with the kids? I think my mom will watch the baby for us. Michelle, Andy's sister is willing to watch one of the kids and maybe Bennett, so that leaves me with Cortland and Maddox, who are very good, but what do I do with them? I feel so reserved about leaving them and especially without family or someone that knows them well. I wish one of his sisters were home and they could watch them, but they are not. I have no idea what to do.

I know it is such a problem to have. I am so lucky to have this opportunity, but I am starting to think it would be so much easier, even if we do need a little get-a-way, to not go, I just don't want to disappoint Andy. We'll see I suppose. August 6th is coming soon...we shall see.

Just a little side note that I think is funny. I ran into an old friends parents at the store the other day and they asked what we were doing for our anniversary and I told them we are hoping to go to Hawaii, and then I mentioned that it would be nice to get some time to ourselves and without missing a beat, she said, well with five kids it sounds like you are finding plenty of time by yourselves! HA! I thought that was pretty funny!

Shopping Spree

{Sorry if I have offended any one or grossed anyone out with this photo including peas, I know a lot of people hate them, our family on the other hand does not like another veggie better.}

Well not really, but I really had a great time at The Home Goods store. Bennett, Cortland and I headed out to South County to check this store out. I have been wanting to go for years. I saw an ad on tv and the lady had chair in her cart that I have really wanted for my craft room, so we went.


I was like a kid in a candy store. Seriously I have to say it is one of my all time fave spots. I got a picture to hang over our paino finally, it only took 2 years to find, a bunch a fun serving dishes, a cool gas tank thing for the boys room, and a linen spray that smells so good! Everything was so cheap! It was so fun!

The next day I made Sunday dinner of Parmesan chicken with pasta, peas, and Brushetta. Topped off with a very yummy double chocolate peanut butter pie. Everyone loved it. I have to admit it was all so good, and looked so pretty to boot! Since I am nice I will add the recipe, from non other than the good ole pioneer lady! With a special added touch of my own!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Crust:25 Oreos

4 tablespoons butter, melted
Crush the Oreos until they’re fine crumbs. Pour melted butter over the top and stir with a fork to combine. Press into pie pan and bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes, or until set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Filling:
1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 8-ounce package softened cream cheese

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1 8-ounce package Cool Whip, thawed
Beat the peanut butter with the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add in the thawed Cool Whip and beat mixture until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
Pour filling into crust, evening

Summertime...

I love summer. Mainly because there are so many fun things to do and Bennett is home. I love having all my kids in our home all day. It is the only thing that really makes me consider homeschooling.

This summer we kicked off late Spring by going to Disney and have a few get-a-ways planned. We are thinking about going to the lake this weekend and a possible trip to Chi town at some point. We really want to visit Nauvoo this summer too. The kids have such a great time there.

We spend our days in the sprinklers, pool and splash parks. We eat lunch outside, we ride our bikes more and go exploring more. Just a lot of fun times.

I have a little schedule we do with the kids too each day. After breakfast, the four older kids have 20 minutes of lesson time. Bennett works out of a work book and I do little preschool lessons with the kids. They love every minute of it. After that is done, we do 20 minutes of zone time. Each child gets their own zone to clean. Bennett gets things like unloading the dishwasher, making his bed, picking up toys, helping in the garden, bathrooms, stuff like that. The little kids get things like wiping down the doors with Clorox wipes, swiffing the floors, wiping the table, and other things like that. Pretty easy, but still teaching the work ethic. For the rest of the day we do some music/dance time, play outside, almost always have a picnic lunch topped off with a Popsicle, and clean up time before naps. After we put the kids down for nap time, which it has been so nice having Bennett here helping with that, Bennett gets his one on one time with me after Paxton goes down. We play with Paxton till then. I have to say that is one of my favorite parts of my day. I love that little guy and getting on the floor and playing with him. So fun! After he is down, Bennett has been learning a new life skill each day. Like I previously mentioned, dishes. He can know rinse off, load and unload and knows how to start it and where everything goes to put it away. We had a laundry lesson. How to sort and start the washer and dryer. I taught him the best way to clean a bathroom. Gardening, Making beds, changing diapers, making quick easy and safe meals...you know that sort of thing. HE LOVES THIS! I love that he loves it. I love that he is learning how to work hard and what needs to be done in a house to make it run smoothly. Hopefully I will raise all the boys I have to be so helpful in the home like their dad is...that is a big hope of mine! I start on dinner around 5 so it is done when Andy gets home and the kids wake from their naps.

So all in all, we have been having just a really fun summer. I have so many things I really hope we get to do with the kids this summer. With baseball, t-ball and gymnastics it has kept our evenings and Saturday mornings pretty busy, but other than that, it has been pretty relaxing. I only wish Dentists got off for the summer too...not that would be awesome!

Here are some pictures from my moms work picnic. We have been going with her ever since Bennett was born. I think we have only missed 2. She loves having the kids there. Unfortunately I was late with Maddox, Jadeyn and Paxton because we were in urgent care for three hours, so they missed all the games, but we still had fun. We look forward to doing that every year!

Today...

There has been lots of this used lately!

I LOVE this shot!

What cute boys!

Monkey see, Monkey Do!


Today was a sunscreen wearing, running in the sprinklers then going to the pool kind of day. Man we have had a hot three days. Luckily it is only supposed to last a week or so then we should be back to normal meaning 80's to 90. I actually do not mind the heat, only if there are ways to cool down, and luckily we have ways. The pool {which we have loved so much}, sprinklers, any kind of ice cream/Popsicles, and AC manage to do that for us.

This morning we decided to head out and run in the sprinkler. I want to get a big fun one, but this one seems to do the job. They had so much fun running in it! I loved just watching them. Unfortunately we had to end for lunch. Nothing like a PB and J with some carrots and apple wedges. They were all ready for naps and Bennett and I got some one on one time in. Love that boy! We will have to see what the rest of the week holds for us. I am sure much more time playing in water and many many many more Popsicles to be had!

Preview

This is a preview as to what you are going to get to see concerning our vacation. I don't care who you are, you will think think this is cute. So cute. So cute I cannot stand it so cute. So cute I want to go drag this boy out of his bed and kiss him like crazy cute. So cute I just can't believe I am so lucky he is mine cute. I love everything about this video and every thing about this little boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Buzz Lightgear and Woooody!"




*my favorite part is when I ask if it is Buzz Lightyear and he replies with "yes". There is something about the way he says yes that makes me want to smother him with hugs and kisses. Infact, I think I may just go and do that right now. Yep, I will.

The Lodge

Arriving at The Animal Kingdom Lodge!

The Lobby.

Cool exhibit!

The Concierge.

One of the many fire pits!

The pool!

Restaurants!

When Andy and I decided to go ahead and make the trip to Disney World, I was on the phone a lot. Last year when we were there we dreamed of what it would be like to actually stay on the resort with all the conveniences that go along with that, so this year I called to check out the prices and they were actually very reasonable we felt.

The first time I called I got a bunch of different quotes for all the different resorts. We had decided to stay in a moderate resort being the middle tier of their hotels. The first time I called I found out that due to our large number of guests (7) there were only a few options. Of course the cheaper ones were out, because we needed two rooms. Oh well, it was still a great deal. I had always wanted to stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge, but it was a little pricier than what we wanted to spend. When Andy got home that night we looked at all the options and decided to stay either at the Caribbean or the Port Orleans.

Well when I called back the next day she had to look it all up for me again and The Animal Kingdom lodge was actually 64 dollars cheaper than the cheaper hotels for some odd reason. So I jumped on. Although we would not have a Savannah room, we would have two standard rooms, I was ok with that. How much would we really be in our rooms anyway and the resort had all kinds of things to walk around and look at. So I reserved that along with 6 day park passes and the dining plan which included a snack a day, a sit down service and a quick service meal. It was so much food! Then as I was about to get off the phone I happened to casually ask about air fair since I knew 2 hours sounded a lot better than 15 and to my surprise and excitement they were only 654 more! That is a lot of money, but for 7 of us to fly...no brainer! TOTALLY WORTH IT! I loved that the price I paid that day included everything. We would not have to pay for another thing other than souvenir's.

I called Andy right away and told him we were staying at The Animal Kingdom lodge and he was so excited since that was the place we really wanted to stay, but did not think it was possible. Disney sent us itineraries and fun little things for the kids, coupons to the game room and other places, free miniature golf, luggage tags and a video to get every one excited. I tell ya, I love working with Disney. Everything is so organized and went so well and smoothly. It is the perfect vacation for our gang. I don't know where they find their "castmates" but seriously from the lady I talked to book the vacation to the guy changing the trash bags, they are ALL SO DARN NICE! They must do something, maybe some sort of incentive or something, Andy and I would love to figure that out.

So after we arrived at our resort after being in our lovely bus ride with an awesome bus with our own personal tv's and such, the Kids and Andy went to the big five story window to look out to see if they could see any animals. When we pulled up I knew it was nice. It was going to be the nicest place we have ever stayed with out a doubt! I went to check us in. She asked my name and follows with you are going to love this to celebrate your family we upgraded you to our nicest room the two bedroom suite! I was going to love that and actually did love that very much. She gave me a fun little folder with everything we would need our "keys to the world"(cards that got us into our rooms, our meals and park tickets...see how nice and convenient they make everything?) and pointed the way. So we walked. And walked. And walked. The only problem with these suites is they are at the end of the hall. It seemed to take forever to walk there especially at 10 at night with five very tired little ones. Once you got there though, it was all worth it.

We walked in and could not believe our eyes. It was nice. I mean NICE. Like when celebrities visit Disney World they stay here kind of nice. We walked into the huge living area that was so awesomely decorated with an African Flair. The room had it all including huge french doors that opened up to our suite. The bed was huge, the room was amazing the bathroom is indescribable. The shower itself was bigger than our entire bathroom. There were phones and tvs everywhere, nice big plush robes. Chocolates on the bed with Mickey Mouse made out of towels. It was all so nice. We could not believe it. The kids room was off the living area and had two queen beds again with chocolates on the pillows huge flat screen tvs, and huge lovely bathroom and big closets. It was SO nice. We had three balcony's looking off to the Savannah. Here we thought we would not even have a Savannah view and we probably had the best view of the resort now. There were always zebras and giraffes right out our balcony's almost looking close enough to touch. The kids could not get enough of it. The zoo will never be the same again! It was amazing. We sat on the balcony for a long time just admiring the view in amazement of how lucky we got.

After all the excited of the rooms our luggage was delivered and off to the 15,000 square foot pool we went. The kids loved it. Bennett, Jadeyn and Maddox could seriously live in the water. Cortland loves it, but his body temperature must not be able to take it because he always gets so cold and just shivers the whole time. Maddox's does a little too, but this kid does not let it stop him. We stayed at the pool for a while, then went to get a meal right at the restaurant right by the pool. Our resort had three restaurants, a gift shop and a little market. The food was great and had something for everyone, of course my kids are not picky at all, so it wasn't hard, but it was nice that they had a variety of things everywhere we went for the kids to chose from.

After dinner we went back up to our rooms, put the kids to bed and then Bennett, Andy and I all sat on the balcony for a while. It was just so neat. We felt so grateful for it all.

It was such a lovely place. We have said that there were a few other places we would like to try and stay at, but we are afraid to now after having such a nice place there and liking it so much! It was so great to come back to our rooms being all made up back to beautiful, fresh linens and vacuumed floors and more chocolates on the pillows every day. The kids loved that! They came by around 8 every night and did a turn down service. Normally we weren't there, but one time we were and the sweet lady just could not get over our family and had such a fun time talking with us. She kept saying are you sure they are all yours...pretty sure sweet thing and I have all the extra poundage to prove it!

Every morning we walked to the front of the resort and waited for the bus. There was a different bus that went to each park and came by about every ten minutes. It was awesome. They dropped us off right at the gates of the parks. With so many small children it was really all about convenience and they sure know how to do it. They had activities for the family to do every time of day and fun little nature walks to see the animals and learn more about them. It was so cool!

Although we did not spend enough time in our rooms, we loved every minute we did. I wish we could go back right now and stay forever. Seriously I do. Kudos to Mr. Walt Disney. You were a genius. We are happy we got to benefit from that!

PS...if you are wondering why I am up blogging at 3:52 am it is because this lovely month of June not only gave me a sweet ear infection going on for 2 weeks now, but now she has blessed me with a raging sore throat, or what some like to call strep throat...why? Tell me why? I just pray with all I got no one else gets it. I have only had a sore throat and an ear infection one other time in my life, what makes June so special to give me both of them right now?????

PSS...I love having a baby in the house...there is nothing better than that!

PSSS...why will blogger only let you upload five photos at a time?!?

PSSSS...{now it is getting ridiculous!} These pictures do not do the room or the animals justice. I did not do a very good job catching great shots.

Ready to go

In our packed car!!!

Going through the airport!
In the plane!

Paxton being perfect as always.

On the bus going to the resort!

These boys were so excited.

She was too!

Relaxin!

The Monday before our big trip I had all the laundry done and everything packed. We used our guest bedroom downstairs for the staging. By the time Wednesday night rolled around, I had many more things that had collected on the bed that needed to make it in our bags. Traveling can be a little crazy and preparing for it is even harder I think. Especially because we were traveling with a baby and four other kiddos. So Wednesday night Andy and I headed downstairs and finished the final details.

Since we found out we had to pay for each bag, we decided for everyone to take a carry on. Something I did not want to do, but I didn't want to pay for them even more. We had so many bags. I had a whole suitcase full of food, snacks, baby food, formula and drinks. I had one huge suitcase with Andy and my clothes along with a huge Cinderella dress that HAD to go. We had a suitcase for each child and a bag for the baby. We also had a bag of shoes and diapers. Then we had a diaper bag and bag full of electronics like laptops, video cameras and portable dvd players.

We packed the car the night before. It was a tight fit. My dad drove us over in our car and Andy sat smashed in the middle while I sat with several things at my feet in the front. Luckily it ended working out.

By the time morning came I had been up several times fearing we missed our flight. Finally it was late enough to just get up. We let the kids sleep as late as possible. We got everyone ready and off we were.

We got to the airport with not a minute to spare due to major traffic and horrible storm and several accidents. We checked our bags with sky cap (ended up checking more than I thought originally,but lets face it is was worth the 15 dollars to not have every person pull a check on bag with us!) got our tickets and off to the gate.

Security was bar far the hardest part of our whole trip. It wasn't bad and nothing horrible happened, but when you have 7 people going through, 10, bags and a stroller and car seat, it seriously takes FOREVER. The kids did great. I was wondering how that part would go with everyone having to take off their shoes, holding the baby, putting all the bags up, having the bottles tested, and on and on. Finally we g0t through. They were so patient with us and I was so proud of our little travelers listening so well! It could have been really really bad. We walked up to our gate and right on to the plane. The kids loved it. They we so excited. I think Cortland and Bennett were a little concerned, but the smile did not leave their face the entire two hours. We had a had snacks. movies to watch, colors and games and did not use any of them! They just had such a great time. Luckily we did not bother anyone around us either, because I was most worried about that. By the time we got our drinks and finished them up we were ready to land!

Everything went so smoothly. We arrived in Orlando and were shuttled right over to our resort. Totally the way to go. Andy and I could not stop talking about how nice and convenient everything was and went. So happy it all went well!

{Stay tuned for much more Disney trip.

I have to break it up or it would be the worlds longest entry ever! }

End of year party!

Bennett had a fun day the last week of school. I just love his teacher. His class along with another class were the only ones that did this party. It was so fun for the kids. They had a geography bee in the morning and then had a little field day outside with a picnic lunch and then an awards ceremony. It was a super LONG day. Paxton and I were there from 9-2! Bennett loved having us there. Bennett became a celebrity since Paxton was there. Every child and adult could not get enough of him. He for sure was the highlight of the day for everyone! I am so happy I got to spend that time with Bennett that day. I cannot the school year is over!!!

My first haircut

My mom decided that since I am already eight months old and boys don't wear bows, that I should have my haircut. I think everyone was ready for it, but her. She loves the long pieces and curls. What can I say...she just loves everything about me! I did a great job and sat still. She really only had to make four cuts. One on top, one on each side and one in the back. I had some really long hair back there!

Shh, I think my mom maybe cried a little bit, something about her babies growing up? I don't know...

Is this curl cute or what?!?!

The finished product!

Am I cute or what? I think I look like a big boy with my haircut

and I bet that was why my mommy shed some tears!

You are looking at...

...the world's greatest grandma!!!

She has held the title now for over eight years!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Mother's with four boys...

...eat this stuff up!!!

Seriously could it get any cuter than this?

I have dreamed about my little girl taking dance classes before I even had a little girl. I loved dance. I took so many classes for so many years and I remember like yesterday getting our recital costumes and then wearing them for weeks after just for fun! She loves this costume and I am surprised she let me take it off her!

Grandma and Grandpa came and great grandma and grandpa W. came along with her brothers and mom and dad. We all loved it. She did so well and I look forward to many more dance recitals in her future.

Getting ready for her recital!

I am seriously very surprised she got up there with out me up there with her.

Thank goodness, because that was not gonna happen.

She really loves ballet.

This girl is really good on the beam. Running around!

She has no fear when it comes to these uneven bars.
I am shocked as to what she will do!

Her favorite teacher Miss Chelsey.
Waiting for their medals.She was so happy!

The Little Gym

I have so much fun with the kiddos during our winter semester at The Little Gym. The kids really enjoy it as well. My mom loves it too. You found her at The Little Gym every Saturday right along beside her grandkids. Love that!

I love that Maddox is still in a parent class. I really loved going with him and being with him for 45 minutes straight, just the two of us. He is SO fun and I really cherish the time I get to have with that little one. He and I would leave together first. After his class Andy would meet me there and I would give him Maddox and he would leave me miss Jadie. She had her dance/gym class. She was always so excited to go to this class and all week would show me her "moves", but at the actual class she was so shy and would just stay by my side for the first 15 minutes. It seemed like clock work after that 15 minutes she would get up enough nerve to actually stand on her "dot" and dance. I am really proud with her though, because as tough as it was at first, she really got brave towards the end. She is a mama's girl and does not like me out of her sight, so this was a good thing for her. After that Andy brought me Cortland. He did such a great job right from the very first time. I was so proud of him. We do not get out much and we don't do preschool so this type of environment is different for him and he did great. I loved watching him run around and have a great time. Every Saturday we were there, I thought several times about how fortunate we are to be able to experience this type of thing for our kids.

Our semester ended right before we left for our vacation. It was perfect timing. I am thinking about having Maddox take a class this summer. I want to get all the mommy and me classes I can before he turns three and is off like a big boy too!

Circle time! Can you see that darling look on his face?

Who doesn't like to run? He loves this part!

Jumping on the blow up track.

He loves the beam because you get to jump off at the end!

This thumbs up is his trademark and it just about brings tears to my eyes it is so stinkin' cute!

He was rather excited about his gold medal, if you couldn't tell!

Sweet Maddox! He loves swinging like a monkey!

This was by far the coveted station. Everyone loved the rings!

The jumping track. Always fun!

This is Mr. John and we love him. He is amazing with the kids.

Bubbles and balls were always the highlight of the class!
So sweet.


Maddox decided to stay on the mat's for the song. This was so cute. He loves singing the bye bye big beasts song. I love watching and hearing him do it.

PS my mom cried during this very moment!:) "It's just so sweet, I can't help it!"

Jadie thinking about joining in on the fun!

Ok, now we are in business!
She loves to do scissor kicks!

The beam. Her personal favorite.
Well actually maybe the bars are???

Sitting pretty. Gosh I am in love!

It's a Mac and Cheese kind of night

What a day. Well what a last couple of days. Since returning from our wonderful vacation, I have been totally and completely wrapped up in this horrible ear infection. Tonight after days of antibiotics and pain medicine, I decided to go to urgent care.

As soon as Andy got home I jumped in the car and left. As I pulled up to the urgent care place, which happens to be the same office my OB is in, it looked like it was closed. There were only three cars in the lot. I thought either it is closed and I was really bummed because I did not want to go to the ER, or there was hardly anyone there and I would be lucky to not have to wait. Lucky I was, there were only three people in there and I was called right up and seen right away. After explaining to the young doctor I was still in so much pain and it really wasn't getting much better, he looked in my ear and said he could not get the scope in far enough to see the ear drum, but he confirmed the outer ear infection again. Yes, I know that, but why are the meds not working is what I wanted to know. Well apparently I needed some drops that I didn't have, so he gave them to me and sent me on my way.

Well before I left, I decided to not take my pain meds, because I was driving and what if they switched the meds, I didn't want it to be a problem. Well that was a big mistake! By the time I left the clinic, I had tears in my eyes and by the time I got to Target, they were rolling down my face!

I make my way back to the pharmacy and I give them the two sheets of paper and he slowly walks over to double check he had the drops. I seriously think I would have fell over and landed in the fetal position had he come back and say he didn't have them, but luckily they had them. Tender mercies I tell ya, tender mercies. Then he tells me it will be 15 minutes and I can walk around. It was then when he looked up at me saw how much pain I was in and said sit right there and it will take me two minutes. I was so thankful for this man to be able to see the obvious pain I was in.

I was sitting on the bench and broke out in a sweat and was worried and anxious so I got up and walked down the bandaid isle. Good thing I did. I was gone for less than 20 seconds and a young boy probably 6 years old threw up all the way down the isle in front of the pharmacy counter and into the family bathroom. I missed it coming out, but unfortunately I did not miss the stinch or watching the pharmacist poor saw dust over it and get on her hands and knees and sweep it up. {now that is dedication!} So this little event pushed my meds from waiting 15 minutes down to two minutes and then back up to 20 minutes!

When they finally called my name it was as if my name had just been read for an academy award. I was SO excited to get those meds in my system. I walked to the front bought a bottle of water and bandaids and was still, even through all the pain was able to make a comment on how that was the first time in the history of mankind I managed to get out of target under 50 bucks! To crack a smile hurt, but I was pretty proud of my self, so I took one for the team!

Andy and my mom had called several times while I was gone and finally I was able to make a phone call home and Andy asked what I wanted for dinner. Ah, nothing hun, I want my bed and to be pain free for the first time in 5 days! I walked in the door to the aroma of macaroni and cheese. The kids were pleased and the hubs went a long with it as well. I ran to my room and buried myself into my pillow till just recently when all the kiddos came in to say nite nite. Love those kids. I will be able to love them even more when the throbbing goes away.

Best part of the night was when I pulled up to my parking spot in the lot of the clinic/OB and even though I was there because I was in pain at least I wasn't pregnant! That was awesome.

Looking

We had such a wonderful vacation. Every single minute was so fun with our kiddos. I tell ya, that is the place to be with so many small children. It totally keeps them entertained and wears them out by the time you get back to your resort they are wiped out! Andy and I had just as much fun as them. I am very eager to document the whole trip.

The night before we left my right ear started hurting a little bit. I wasn't too concerned, but couldn't help remembering the great ear ache of 2004. I ended up being in the hospital because of it, so I was a little nervous when it started. By the morning it was a little irritated, but getting ready to leave and make sure we had everything was kind of getting my mind off it. By the time we boarded the bus I could feel it. It wasn't exactly the best plane ride, due to the pops going off in my ear, but none the less it could have been worse.

By the time we got home, it was a full blown ear infection. I have had three now. Once in college, once in Chicago and now this one. Luckily it is in only one ear, but my goodness, the pain is unbearable. I am on serious meds, and it still hurts like no bodies business. The whole right side of my face hurts, I can't hear, my head kills, I have not slept or ate in two days now. I am barely there enough to update my blog. And let me tell you if I have to yawn or cough, you might as well pronounce me dead. It hurts so bad.

Tomorrow is one of my dearest friends wedding. All the girls are flying in for it and it is going to be a big reunion we have been excited for over a year now, so this thing has got to get better. I am just praying so hard that it will just somehow go away. In an hour it will be 24 hours on the antibiotic, and I am hoping magically that will fix this stupid outer ear infection. Seriously folks, I am in my thirties, what on earth am I getting ear infections for!

I am looking on the bright side of things though, as I am laying here in pain and agony I can fondly recall our most recent trip to sunny Florida and think about all the fun we had there!

Eight months

How is this even possible? How can I my little baby be eight months old?

Really?

Please tell me?

I love this baby with everything I got.

Mothers Day

Mother's Day was such a fun day. We had a great time at church and at my Grandma's house. I love these five for lots of reasons, but I really love that they made me a mom. What I have always wanted to be.

Birthday party #3

Tried something new with the candles this year.

They all loved the candles! Can you tell?


Everyone adores Cami around here.

A new fun toy!

Bennett had three parties this year, like most years. We had all the E's over the Monday after his birthday. He got some cool bakugans, a flying heli, and a new quarter book. He loved it all! We were all caked out, so we opted for brownies!

Bennett's Birthday Party

Since I have STILL not posted about our Disney World trip last year, I am going to be sure to be caught up before we leave this time, so when we get back I can jump right into it.

This year for Bennett's birthday we just did a little party here at our house. We did a day at the theatre, only here at home. When they got in they were given "money" and got to go to the consession stand. They chose their treats got popcorn and some juice and we watched bolt. They all sat pretty well through the whole thing.

Then we went outside for some games and presents and cupcakes. They all had such a great time. All 20 of them!

Random thoughts

I have so many crafts in my head I need to do. I need to make bows for Jadeyn's recital on Saturday. They should be easy. I want to make a diaper holder for the diaper bag and maybe snaze up a wipes holder even though I like to keep mine in a baggie. I also want to make three bags for the three middle kids to take with us on our trip. The airlines will let each person take on a bag and a personal item. So their personal item holding snacks, games and things will be these bags. I have some darling fabric that I hope works. I need to get on that. Like soon. I am making up the pattern in my head, so it should be interesting. I also need to come up with some awesome teacher gift for the end of the year. My Christmas gift was just too awesome if I do say so myself, so I feel like I need to step it up a notch, which is going to be hard.

Last night while laying in bed I told Andy I was feeling a little anxious about our vacation next week. A week from today we will go. I am really excited, it is just the unknown. With all of our small children I just hope they all do well. We will soon see I guess.

Thursday is milk day and the kids love Thursdays because of it. We have milk man. It is so fun. The milk is delish and is delivered in glass bottles, the only way I will drink milk, it is organic and only a few cents more than if I had to go to the store for it. We have loved it so far.

Yesterday I spent the whole day at Bennett's school. From 9-2 to be exact. It was a long day. Paxton did much better than I did. They had a geography B then a bunch of games outside and then we ate lunch with them and then an awards ceremony. It was pretty fun, but made for a very long day. Bennett loved every minute of us being there. EVERYONE loved Paxton. He was such a spectacle. It was pretty cute, how much the kids and teachers loved him!

Yesterday was the first day our new babysitter started. Through the summer she is going to watch the kids every Wednesday for me for a couple of hours. I will be able to run to the store and get some things done that I need to and will not have to do it when Andy gets home or later at night. I am really excited about that. SHE IS AWESOME! The kids have not stopped asking about her and for her, even Jadeyn who is perfectly happy when mommy is home, but when I leave she gets SO sad. She loved Sarah and did so well. They all love her and that makes me so happy.

Well that is about all. My allergies are kicking my bootie. I hate them so much! Hooray for Kris! What an awesome guy. Him hugging his wife at the end was SO sweet. That came out of no where for me. I didn't think he would make it very far, but at the end he proved to deserve to be there. He is very talented. I am so happy for him. I just remembered I am in charge of treats tonight for baseball, oh boy! Gotta run!

Ok seriously...

Someone tell me how it has been EIGHT years now since I had my first child and my tail bone STILL hurts?!? Seriously.

Plus side, I cannot sit down for longer than a half hour because of it. I guess it keeps me movin'.

A heating pad

A heating pad is what we need after our day yesterday. We FINALLY have a garden. It is beautiful and after we were all done Andy yelled, "we are officially adults!" I guess a marriage for almost ten years, a home, two cars and five children didn't quite do it!

I am so excited. We spend a majority of our food budget on produce and spices so this will be so nice. Here is what we have...
*cucumbers
* pickling cucumbers
*jalapenos
*pumpkins
*melons
*tomatoes
*grape tomatoes
*bell peppers
*Zucchini
*squash
*dill, oregano, cilantro, basil
*strawberries
*blueberries
*raspberry's
*a surprise ( the tag came off one pot so it looks like it will be a surprise, but Andy and I think it is kind of fun and will maybe do this every year.)

Man that sounds like a lot of things, it doesn't look like it, but then again the plants aren't in full bloom. This is our first garden so I am not expecting much, but anything will be nice.

We also kind of elevated it a little and put stones around it. It looks really nice, but became a little pricier than we first thought. We love it though. Now we have two more things of landscaping we want to do and plant a tree in the back and we are done! I will be sure to grab some great photos!

We are so exhausted from our day. Luckily we had a sitter lined up and we able to go out last night. It was so fun after a long day. We made it an early night though and quickly came home to sleep! So hopefully this week along with a field trip, a school party, baseball practice, base ball game, scouts, guitar lessons, a birthday party, the little gym and a recital, we will be able to get back in our yard and finish. I am now officially tired, just from typing that out! I am off to bed!

High as a kite

Hearing all the things in the media about airlines kind of goes in one ear and out the other because with our little brood I knew that we would not be flying anywhere for a long time.

Well cut to a few weeks ago when it would only cost a small amount more to fly to Disney World well, now the good old airlines are in our new future. I called today with a few questions and it is a good thing I did. They had the baby and I sitting as far away as possible from Andy and the four other children. Luckily there was one more seat available in their row with them so that was a major problem averted. I did find out, however, that each bag the 6 of us takes is $15! PER BAG! Weird. She did say well each person is allowed a carry on and a personal item. Umm, considering that 5 of the seven people going are little kids if not toddlers or babies, doesn't sound too appealing. I think it will be too hard to cram diapers, food, clothes and everything else the seven of us need into a few suitcases. Luckily one we hit the airport, we do not have to deal with the bags until back at our resort. So I guess it could be worse.

I guess when I hear a story on the airlines again, maybe this time I will be a little bit more attentive:)!

Mother's Day

On this mother's day I am full of gratitude to not only be a mother, but to have such a wonderful mother and other women in my life who have been shining examples of just what a good mother looks like.

I am grateful this mother's day for my five beautiful children. I awoke today to five laughing children running into my bedroom all to early in the morning, showering me with cards and gifts they had made. I felt honored to be there mother.

At church it was such a great Sunday. Jadeyn and Cortland sang in church today for their first time since being in primary. It was SO cute. I loved the speakers today and the Young Women taught the Primary classes so we all got a break from teaching our classes. We had a great lesson and at the end they had a little home video presentation. Andy ordered one and I hope to put it up on the website at some point. SO cute. I cried from the very first person. Husbands and children gloated on their beloved mothers and wives. It was darling. I could watch it again and again. Each child's personality just shown so bright. There was not a dry eye in the room. Such a great feeling it was in there. I am not sure I can even do it justice by trying to describe it. When it was done, I was met at the door with darling homemade flowers and treats by my kids. So fun.

I have to say something about my mom as well this day. She has really taught me a lot while growing up. She has always been supportive and caring. I have to say though what I really appreciate at this point in my life is how she is a mom to me still even though I am grown and have a family of my own, she still shows she cares by doing such great selfless acts as my mother. Her help and love she shows my family goes beyond measure. I am so thankful for that. I feel so fortunate to have her in my life and live so close to her. Thanks mom for everything you do for us.

I am also so grateful for other great woman in my life, like dear friends, my mother in law and my amazing sister in laws, grandmothers, cousins and aunts. I have sure been blessed by so many great woman in my life.

Today in church one of the girls gave a talk on Motherhood and I heard a story that I have heard before and had been searching for ever since. I loved it and finally have a reference. I hope you enjoy the message as much as I do!

Kristen was finishing a graduate degree and had recently given birth to her second child. She felt the other graduates had accomplished so much more and was reluctant to attend the graduation dinner. Her fears were confirmed when, at the dinner, the students were asked to list their professional accomplishments. Kristen recalled: “I suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed. I had nothing to call myself, no lofty position, no impressive job title.” To make matters worse, the professor read the lists as he presented a diploma to each student. The woman ahead of Kristen had many accomplishments: she already had a PhD, was receiving a second master’s degree, and she’d even been a mayor! The woman received grand applause.
Then it was Kristen’s turn. She handed the professor her blank sheet, trying to hold back the tears. The professor had been one of her teachers and had praised her performance. He looked at her blank paper. Without missing a beat he announced, “Kristen holds the most critical role in all of society.” He was quiet for a few seconds, then declared in a powerful voice, “She is the mother of her children.” Instead of a few courteous claps, people rose to their feet. There was just one standing ovation that night; it was for the mother in the room. Bonnie Parkin

I do believe that mothers do hold the most critical role in all society. We may not receive awards or accolades that we know of, but the things we do as mothers provide so much more than any awards could possibly do. I am so grateful for this knowledge.

So HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you wonderful mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends and women out there! There is a lot to celebrate this day!

Cortland

Yesterday I took the kids to The Little Gym for a make up class all by myself. We took Bennett to school by 8:30 then off we went. They did pretty good. Cortland had his class first then we all got back in the car and had a snack and drove around for a little bit then Maddox had his class and the twins sat on the side and Paxton in his car seat and did not make a peep. By the end the twins wanted to get up and run with the other kids, but they did so good. Then we all got back in the car had lunch and waited for Jadeyn's dance class. Then we all went in for Jadies class. By then end of her class it had felt like I pulled something in my back or as some would say my back "went out" whatever that means. At the end of class I had to buckle 3/4 back in and lift the baby's seat up and reach over the middle seat again. Being short this is not as easy as it sounds. Actually I am pretty sure it doesn't sound easy. Anyway, so by 1:00 pm I have put the kids in and out 8 times. I probably shouldn't wonder how my back "went out". So that being said, on the way home after all this Cortland tells me, "Oops, I just ate my money!" Yep, he sure did! He ate a penny or maybe a dime or a nickel or for all I know a quarter although I doubt that.



After talking with him about it and realizing he really did just eat his money and it was indeed in his tummy, I called the doc. No one was there. she said that obviously it got down so that is a good sign. To call back if he gets a fever or if he starts to throw up. Ok. So now we play the wait game. You know to see if it comes out on it's own. Honestly though, I will have no idea because
I haven't even been looking for it. I am guessing, and let's hope, he will be fine.

Cut to this morning and he is walking up the stairs with his little scissors and says,
"mom, I will cut my hair for you!" after hearing me tell Bennett for days he is over due for a haircut and I am just not interested in doing it. Here little Cortie, thinks he is helping me out. He did quite a great job. He cut up right to the scalp and right in the front. Nice work my friend. Luckily the messy sticking up or any which way look is in. He will be sporting that for a good while.

Well Cortland, thanks for an eventful last couple of days. You are sweet and funny and 100% boy, but what I like most about you is that your mine. All mine.

*picture coming soon

Maddox

I saw Maddox sitting on the floor today with a sad look on his face, a little bit like his sick face, and he said, "Mom, I need a pancake!" "I am bleeding", as he was pointing to his toe.

I gave him and confused look and he gave me one back like how on earth does she not know what I am talking about. It his me. Bandaid. Pancake, Bandaids...same dif, right? If he thinks what he puts on his ouies is a pancake what on earth does he think we are eating Saturday mornings?