CALEB: How do you spell "I"?
MOM: Um... it's just a big letter "I"... unless you're talking about the kind of eye that you find on your face and you use to see- in that case it's spelled E-Y-E.
CALEB: C? My name starts with C!
MOM: No Caleb, That's a different kind of "C". Your name starts with the LETTER C, the kind of see that you do with your eyes is spelled with an "S", it's spelled S-E-E.
CALEB: (sounding confused...) So the EYE on my face isn't spelled with an "I" and I SEE, but not with the LETTER C.
MOM: That's right.
CALEB: I think you're teasing me, Mom! "C" doesn't start with "S" and "I" doesn't start with "E"! You're so silly!
sigh...
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cryptic SNORTING...
Kellie is a little bit behind in her speech. This is partly due to the recurring ear infections she has had and also because she is the 3rd child and her brothers tend to talk for her. Although her speech is llimited right now, she understands everything, is very good at pointing and making her wants and wishes known. It is an ongoing struggle to encourage her to talk, although she is making progress and her verbal skills are slowly expanding.
Last night as we were trying to put her to bed she kept saying, "NO!" followed by a shake of her head and then a really loud snort.
After about the 5th or 6th snort we asked her if she wanted to go to bed. Was she ready?
Kellie's response:"Yes."
Matt would try to pick her up.
Kellie's response: Another "NO!" followed by a shake of her head and then a really loud snort.
We offered her her pink piggy bank.
Kellie's response: Yet another "NO!" followed by a shake of her head and then another really loud snort.
Clearly she was trying to tell us something, but we sat there clueless for several moments trying to decipher her emphatic snorting.
Eventually the light bulb came on for Matt and he started laughing. He then asked her if she wanted a piggy back ride up to her bedroom.
Kellie's response: "YES!" followed by enthusiastic clapping.
After a roll of the eyes, and a brief thought of "ARE YOU SERIOUS?", I joined in the laughter, too.
All I can say is this... It's a good thing Matt was home because if I was alone I'd probably still be sitting here trying to decipher Kellie's cryptic snorting. Heaven help me! I guess I've got to teach her to say, "OINK" instead! (please pray that her speech picks up soon- this is literally getting ridiculous!) SNORT! :)
Last night as we were trying to put her to bed she kept saying, "NO!" followed by a shake of her head and then a really loud snort.
After about the 5th or 6th snort we asked her if she wanted to go to bed. Was she ready?
Kellie's response:"Yes."
Matt would try to pick her up.
Kellie's response: Another "NO!" followed by a shake of her head and then a really loud snort.
We offered her her pink piggy bank.
Kellie's response: Yet another "NO!" followed by a shake of her head and then another really loud snort.
Clearly she was trying to tell us something, but we sat there clueless for several moments trying to decipher her emphatic snorting.
Eventually the light bulb came on for Matt and he started laughing. He then asked her if she wanted a piggy back ride up to her bedroom.
Kellie's response: "YES!" followed by enthusiastic clapping.
After a roll of the eyes, and a brief thought of "ARE YOU SERIOUS?", I joined in the laughter, too.
All I can say is this... It's a good thing Matt was home because if I was alone I'd probably still be sitting here trying to decipher Kellie's cryptic snorting. Heaven help me! I guess I've got to teach her to say, "OINK" instead! (please pray that her speech picks up soon- this is literally getting ridiculous!) SNORT! :)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Zebras & Cows & Puppies & Trains!
Halloween was fun! The kids loved dressing up and we had fun at Caleb's Preschool party.
Aaron was a Dalmation.
Caleb was Thomas.
Kellie was a cow.
Levi stole the show as a baby zebra!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Kellie turns 3!
Kellie is 3 today. I know I say this for every birthday for each one of my kids, but I really have to wonder where the time went. Miss Kellie is such a special part of our lives and we are tremendously blessed to be a part of her life.
Kellie is turning into quite the little "girly" girl. She has recently discovered the joys of play jewelery and you can frequently see her all dolled up in her pretty necklaces and bracelets and rings.
Kellie is still so curly. Her hair is actually down to the middle of her back when it is wet, but when the curls dry, they bounce up to her shoulders.
Kellie loves to play with the boys. She loves trains, dump trucks and tractors almost as much as the boys, although she does sometimes play with them a bit differently. (I have caught her wrapping the trains up in a blanket and cuddling them like a baby!)
Kellie is still very much a Daddy's girl .I frequently tell her I love her, just to have her respond with her favorite word: "Dad", as if to remind me that Daddy loves her too!
Kellie is not talking a whole lot yet, which is kind a side effect of being the 3rd child, and also from all the ear infections she has had. However, she is learning to talk a little bit more all the time. She calls sheep, 'SHHHH-Beeps" and they say "BAAAAAAA-B". (ALL our sheep must be named BOB!)
Kellie loves to sing the Snowman and Popcorn songs from Primary, and even knows all of the motions.
I am so blessed to have her. We love you Kellie! Happy Birthday!
Kellie is turning into quite the little "girly" girl. She has recently discovered the joys of play jewelery and you can frequently see her all dolled up in her pretty necklaces and bracelets and rings.
Kellie is still so curly. Her hair is actually down to the middle of her back when it is wet, but when the curls dry, they bounce up to her shoulders.
Kellie loves to play with the boys. She loves trains, dump trucks and tractors almost as much as the boys, although she does sometimes play with them a bit differently. (I have caught her wrapping the trains up in a blanket and cuddling them like a baby!)
Kellie is still very much a Daddy's girl .I frequently tell her I love her, just to have her respond with her favorite word: "Dad", as if to remind me that Daddy loves her too!
Kellie is not talking a whole lot yet, which is kind a side effect of being the 3rd child, and also from all the ear infections she has had. However, she is learning to talk a little bit more all the time. She calls sheep, 'SHHHH-Beeps" and they say "BAAAAAAA-B". (ALL our sheep must be named BOB!)
Kellie loves to sing the Snowman and Popcorn songs from Primary, and even knows all of the motions.
I am so blessed to have her. We love you Kellie! Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Things that Make me Smile...
I love it when I remember to take time to smile at the little things... This weeks little things so far are:
1. Levi has started smiling! He is especially smiley right after he eats and has a full tummy. (Just like a man!) But every time I try to get a picture he furrows his eyebrows as if to say, "I don't think so, Mom!" As soon as I can catch one, I'll post it... beware Lady Babies...He's handsome!
2. Kellie has decided to like Taylor Swift, which is not surprising considering almost every radio station in Greeley plays it... A LOT. Kellie and I spend a good portion of the day in the car transporting kids to school, so she hears it quite a bit. One particular song about a girl who doesn't understand why the boy she likes is dating someone else has a line that goes like this..."...you belong with me-e-e, you belong with me." In true Kellie fashion she hums all the lyrics except the words ME and that one she belts out in her sweet Kellie voice. Cracks me up every time!
3. We have a Darius Rucker CD. Yesterday Aaron kept asking me to play the CAMEL song. Knowing that there is no "CAMEL" song on that CD, I was a bit puzzled. I started asking if he was talking about Christmas CD's, thinking that maybe he was referring to a camel in a nativity scene in one of the songs. (No I have not pulled my holiday music out yet... I wait until November... at least!) Anyways...He insisted it was Darius Rucker. I asked him to sing it. He said, in an exasperated tone, "You know, Mom! The one that he talks about his Grandpa CAMEL..." The song actually mentions a Grandpa CAMPBELL. Mystery solved. And yes I laughed. A LOT.
1. Levi has started smiling! He is especially smiley right after he eats and has a full tummy. (Just like a man!) But every time I try to get a picture he furrows his eyebrows as if to say, "I don't think so, Mom!" As soon as I can catch one, I'll post it... beware Lady Babies...He's handsome!
2. Kellie has decided to like Taylor Swift, which is not surprising considering almost every radio station in Greeley plays it... A LOT. Kellie and I spend a good portion of the day in the car transporting kids to school, so she hears it quite a bit. One particular song about a girl who doesn't understand why the boy she likes is dating someone else has a line that goes like this..."...you belong with me-e-e, you belong with me." In true Kellie fashion she hums all the lyrics except the words ME and that one she belts out in her sweet Kellie voice. Cracks me up every time!
3. We have a Darius Rucker CD. Yesterday Aaron kept asking me to play the CAMEL song. Knowing that there is no "CAMEL" song on that CD, I was a bit puzzled. I started asking if he was talking about Christmas CD's, thinking that maybe he was referring to a camel in a nativity scene in one of the songs. (No I have not pulled my holiday music out yet... I wait until November... at least!) Anyways...He insisted it was Darius Rucker. I asked him to sing it. He said, in an exasperated tone, "You know, Mom! The one that he talks about his Grandpa CAMEL..." The song actually mentions a Grandpa CAMPBELL. Mystery solved. And yes I laughed. A LOT.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Levi's Blessing
Not only did we have Aaron's baptism this weekend, but we blessed our little Levi, too. I loved watching my boys have their special days! Levi is such a blessing to us and we are so grateful to have him in our family. We hope and pray that he will be a good little boy and that we will get to sit at his baptism in about 8 years! Welcome Levi!
Aaron's Baptism
Yesterday was a beautiful day. My "baby" boy (who refuses to stay little), had his baptism. It is such a neat experience to watch one of your kids grow up to be a smart, loving, kind young man. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be his mother and that Heavenly Father blessed me with such a wonderful family to teach and love. I am SO proud of you Aaron!
Thanks to all of you who came to support Aaron on this special day!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Yikes! When Did I Grow Up?
Have you been going about your day and then have something happen that forces you to have a reality check and then realize that you aren't who you thought you were?
My "wake up call" came in the form of a pair of a pants... a haircut.. and a poster of a semi clothed woman.
I have slowly been resurrecting my pre-maternity clothing. It is so nice to get back into normal clothes again. I pulled on a pair of pants from the back of my closet, forgetting that I haven't worn them since 2 pregnancies ago, and remembered suddenly why they were stuffed in the back of my closet. Needless to say... after 4 pregnancies, my body is configured much differently these days and I will probably never be able to pull off that particular pair of pants again. I felt a little bit old.
I also made myself go get a haircut last week. I really like it. My hair is very thick... very fuzzy... somewhat naturally curly... and always a nightmare to deal with. They cut it about chin length, but because of the texture and bounce in my hair, we also added several layers to accentuate the waves, and prevent it from looking too boxy. The next morning as I looked in the mirror I realized I finally have "the MOM cut." I look like a mother. It was quite a shock to realize that I now have an "adult" hair cut. Matt laughed when I told him this... but I swear there comes a point in a woman's life where she realizes she's not the really young newlywed anymore and she's kidding herself if she tries to pull off younger hairstyles. I am also much more conservative with my hair accesories. Brightly colored hairbands and clippies at our house are now just reserved for my daughter. I feel ridiculous even considering using them.
My last epiphany came when I was driving down the street to pick up my mail and I noticed a rather large poster of a mostly naked woman taped to the siding of one of my neighbors houses. Right by their front door! I was shocked! Who in their right mind would hang up a poster... outside mind you... of a mostly naked woman in a neighborhood that has a lot of young families. Who wants their children looking at such an outrageous display? And then it hit me. I AM THE MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN. (I guess I should have realized that fact earlier... but it had never really hit me like it did at that moment...)
I had 3 sons in the backseat. I need to teach them to respect women. Just because the rest of the world sees nothing wrong with exploiting women's bodies doesn't make it okay. AND I have a daughter. She is beautiful and smart, and I don't want her to grow up thinking it is okay to flaunt our bodies in front of men. Being modest and clean is so much more appealing and attractive.
Acting in my full mother bear protective mode...I had my husband call and report it to the city to have the poster removed. I was shocked and angry to talk to the police officer only to learn that the poster in question was NOT considered a code violation, and that it was not considered "in bad taste." It was merely an advertisement for the wife's business, who sells lingerie. I was told that although the neighbor agreed to remove it since one of their neighbors (namely us) finds it offensive, they had every right to post it if they wanted to. I suppose I should be grateful they took the poster down. I am just so annoyed that a pornographic poster posted in plain sight of the entire neighborhood is considered acceptable.
(grrrrrrr... I'm still a bit miffed at that one...)
My realization: Yikes, I'm a mother! I wear "mom" pants, have a "mom" 'do, and I get "mother bearish" when something threatens to attack the morality of my kids. It has been a long, revealing week for me. I guess I've been "growing up" for quite some time... I just didn't fully realize it.
My "wake up call" came in the form of a pair of a pants... a haircut.. and a poster of a semi clothed woman.
I have slowly been resurrecting my pre-maternity clothing. It is so nice to get back into normal clothes again. I pulled on a pair of pants from the back of my closet, forgetting that I haven't worn them since 2 pregnancies ago, and remembered suddenly why they were stuffed in the back of my closet. Needless to say... after 4 pregnancies, my body is configured much differently these days and I will probably never be able to pull off that particular pair of pants again. I felt a little bit old.
I also made myself go get a haircut last week. I really like it. My hair is very thick... very fuzzy... somewhat naturally curly... and always a nightmare to deal with. They cut it about chin length, but because of the texture and bounce in my hair, we also added several layers to accentuate the waves, and prevent it from looking too boxy. The next morning as I looked in the mirror I realized I finally have "the MOM cut." I look like a mother. It was quite a shock to realize that I now have an "adult" hair cut. Matt laughed when I told him this... but I swear there comes a point in a woman's life where she realizes she's not the really young newlywed anymore and she's kidding herself if she tries to pull off younger hairstyles. I am also much more conservative with my hair accesories. Brightly colored hairbands and clippies at our house are now just reserved for my daughter. I feel ridiculous even considering using them.
My last epiphany came when I was driving down the street to pick up my mail and I noticed a rather large poster of a mostly naked woman taped to the siding of one of my neighbors houses. Right by their front door! I was shocked! Who in their right mind would hang up a poster... outside mind you... of a mostly naked woman in a neighborhood that has a lot of young families. Who wants their children looking at such an outrageous display? And then it hit me. I AM THE MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN. (I guess I should have realized that fact earlier... but it had never really hit me like it did at that moment...)
I had 3 sons in the backseat. I need to teach them to respect women. Just because the rest of the world sees nothing wrong with exploiting women's bodies doesn't make it okay. AND I have a daughter. She is beautiful and smart, and I don't want her to grow up thinking it is okay to flaunt our bodies in front of men. Being modest and clean is so much more appealing and attractive.
Acting in my full mother bear protective mode...I had my husband call and report it to the city to have the poster removed. I was shocked and angry to talk to the police officer only to learn that the poster in question was NOT considered a code violation, and that it was not considered "in bad taste." It was merely an advertisement for the wife's business, who sells lingerie. I was told that although the neighbor agreed to remove it since one of their neighbors (namely us) finds it offensive, they had every right to post it if they wanted to. I suppose I should be grateful they took the poster down. I am just so annoyed that a pornographic poster posted in plain sight of the entire neighborhood is considered acceptable.
(grrrrrrr... I'm still a bit miffed at that one...)
My realization: Yikes, I'm a mother! I wear "mom" pants, have a "mom" 'do, and I get "mother bearish" when something threatens to attack the morality of my kids. It has been a long, revealing week for me. I guess I've been "growing up" for quite some time... I just didn't fully realize it.
Monday, October 5, 2009
How Quickly a Month Flies By...
The kids have discovered that Levi can hold onto their finger...
Kellie and Levi
Aaron and Levi
First Bath... (I'm not sure he liked it...)They say time flies, and that is never more true than when a new baby joins the family. I have always found it amazing that by the end of my pregnancies the days seem to pass so slowly and I feel like the baby is never going to arrive, and yet the first few weeks seem to fly by so quickly.
I can't believe it has been a month already. Levi is doing well. He is finally starting to gain some weight, although he tends to be a leisurely eater and it takes a lot of effort to keep him awake long enough to eat as much as he needs to. The kids love to come and hold his little finger and kiss his forehead. He is much loved by his siblings!
We are so blessed to have him join this crazy crew!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Aaron is 8!
Today is Aaron's birthday. It doesn't seem like I should be old enough to have an 8 year old. Time is turning too fast. It is also the 1st day of Fall, and appropriately enough, our weather has started to turn, too. (We woke up to rain and didn't get much above 50 degrees.)
In honor of the birthday boy, I dedicate this post to"all things Aaron". Here goes...
Aaron is my tenderhearted worrier. He tends to worry about just about everything and everybody. Sometimes I don't think it is healthy for a little guy to take the weight of the world on his shoulders, but his sensitivity is also what makes him so compassionate and loving towards others, so I guess it's really a blessing, too.
Aaron is doing very well in 2nd grade. He is above grade level in his reading, and can frequently be found cuddled up with a book.
Aaron still loves Thomas the Tank Engine. I have heard other moms say that their kids have already outgrown it, but Aaron still really loves his trains.
Aaron does not like to watch any scary movies. As a young child we used to watch Monsters Inc. about a dozen times a day, but now poor Mike Wazowski and Sulley scare the eeebeegeebees out of him.
Aaron loves his dog Sally, and every time he feeds her he gently places a dog biscuit on the top of her food. He does this so Sally will know that he loves her and thinks she is a good dog. (so sweet!)
Aaron loves to try sports, but sometimes gets frustrated with his... um... lack of coordination. We have been so proud of him though, because he rarely gives up and he keeps on trying, even after other members of his team have thrown in the towel.
Aaron loves his 16 cousins and frequently wants to know when we can go see them again. (I think maybe... just maybe it doesn't hurt that his 2 aunts in Utah always have A LOT of yummy goodies and fun projects to work on...) (not that they'd encourage affection with cookies or anything..) :)
Aaron loves spaghetti the most, but is branching out to other foods too. This summer he discovered the joys of eating steak. He seemed genuinely shocked that he liked it and even said in a bewildered tone, "You were right Mom... I should try new foods because I might find out that I actually like them! This steak is great!" (I know... it's just SHOCKING that I might actually know something!)
Aaron is a such sweet son and a great big brother. I am so honored to be his mother, and am so glad to have him in my life. I Love You, Aaron!
In honor of the birthday boy, I dedicate this post to"all things Aaron". Here goes...
Aaron is my tenderhearted worrier. He tends to worry about just about everything and everybody. Sometimes I don't think it is healthy for a little guy to take the weight of the world on his shoulders, but his sensitivity is also what makes him so compassionate and loving towards others, so I guess it's really a blessing, too.
Aaron is doing very well in 2nd grade. He is above grade level in his reading, and can frequently be found cuddled up with a book.
Aaron still loves Thomas the Tank Engine. I have heard other moms say that their kids have already outgrown it, but Aaron still really loves his trains.
Aaron does not like to watch any scary movies. As a young child we used to watch Monsters Inc. about a dozen times a day, but now poor Mike Wazowski and Sulley scare the eeebeegeebees out of him.
Aaron loves his dog Sally, and every time he feeds her he gently places a dog biscuit on the top of her food. He does this so Sally will know that he loves her and thinks she is a good dog. (so sweet!)
Aaron loves to try sports, but sometimes gets frustrated with his... um... lack of coordination. We have been so proud of him though, because he rarely gives up and he keeps on trying, even after other members of his team have thrown in the towel.
Aaron loves his 16 cousins and frequently wants to know when we can go see them again. (I think maybe... just maybe it doesn't hurt that his 2 aunts in Utah always have A LOT of yummy goodies and fun projects to work on...) (not that they'd encourage affection with cookies or anything..) :)
Aaron loves spaghetti the most, but is branching out to other foods too. This summer he discovered the joys of eating steak. He seemed genuinely shocked that he liked it and even said in a bewildered tone, "You were right Mom... I should try new foods because I might find out that I actually like them! This steak is great!" (I know... it's just SHOCKING that I might actually know something!)
Aaron is a such sweet son and a great big brother. I am so honored to be his mother, and am so glad to have him in my life. I Love You, Aaron!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Adjusting...
It seems like every time I figure out a routine for our family or I finally feel like our household is starting to run smoothly, something BIG comes up in our lives and I have to start over again and adjust to the new "normal". In this case, our BIG adjustment is actually pretty small... just over 8 lbs to be exact.
Levi is such a blessing to us. I am so grateful to the Lord for sending me all my children, and Levi fits right into that mix. I have had a lot of time to sit and reflect as I have sat and fed and cuddled the newest little man in my life. I vaguely remember life before kids... and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I truly am very blessed to have the husband and children I have. Not to say that it is not exhausting taking care of all of them- it is! We just all compliment each others strengths and faults and we really do complete each other.
Someone recently asked me if "we were through." I had to laugh. There is absolutely no way I can answer that right now. My focus for the time being is on taking care of the family I currently have and it is WAY too soon to start contemplating more additions. I love our kids and can't imagine life without any of them, and yet the more kids I have the more I realize that there IS a limit to what I can do, both physically and emotionally. In time we'll see.
Levi is adjusting fairly well. He needs to learn to be a bit more demanding at meal times... but I can't really complain. He is such a good sleeper! I say that he needs to be more demanding because he is not gaining weight like the doctors say he should. We think the problem has been that he is TOO content. He nurses frequently, but eats just enough to be content and sustain himself, but not enough to gain. He likes to drift off to sleep while eating and it takes A LOT of effort to wake him up enough to get him to keep on eating.
I take him back in this afternoon for another weight check. Hopefully he is gaining. If not, the doctor wants to run more lab work, and check his thyroid, just to make sure that is okay. Needless to say... it will probably be another busy week.
The other 3 are adjusting well too. They love their little brother and have been so gentle with him. I am amazed at how loving and concerned they are for him. They are so sweet. I truly am very blessed...
Levi is such a blessing to us. I am so grateful to the Lord for sending me all my children, and Levi fits right into that mix. I have had a lot of time to sit and reflect as I have sat and fed and cuddled the newest little man in my life. I vaguely remember life before kids... and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I truly am very blessed to have the husband and children I have. Not to say that it is not exhausting taking care of all of them- it is! We just all compliment each others strengths and faults and we really do complete each other.
Someone recently asked me if "we were through." I had to laugh. There is absolutely no way I can answer that right now. My focus for the time being is on taking care of the family I currently have and it is WAY too soon to start contemplating more additions. I love our kids and can't imagine life without any of them, and yet the more kids I have the more I realize that there IS a limit to what I can do, both physically and emotionally. In time we'll see.
Levi is adjusting fairly well. He needs to learn to be a bit more demanding at meal times... but I can't really complain. He is such a good sleeper! I say that he needs to be more demanding because he is not gaining weight like the doctors say he should. We think the problem has been that he is TOO content. He nurses frequently, but eats just enough to be content and sustain himself, but not enough to gain. He likes to drift off to sleep while eating and it takes A LOT of effort to wake him up enough to get him to keep on eating.
I take him back in this afternoon for another weight check. Hopefully he is gaining. If not, the doctor wants to run more lab work, and check his thyroid, just to make sure that is okay. Needless to say... it will probably be another busy week.
The other 3 are adjusting well too. They love their little brother and have been so gentle with him. I am amazed at how loving and concerned they are for him. They are so sweet. I truly am very blessed...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First Week of LEVI
Pictures say it best...
Here's the 1st week of Levi in photos...
Here's the 1st week of Levi in photos...
Levi one week old today!
Snoozing at the hospital.
Getting ready to go home!
Aaron and Levi
Kellie's a BIG sister!
Caleb and Levi
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