Playing Catch Up

It seems like forever since I actually posted anything about what has been going on here. The last two weeks have been pretty busy, it seems like there has been something at least everyday and night. So here is a ton ten of what we've been up to:

1) Madie had her last soccer practice and game. The weather was nice for her last game, she scored two goals and all the girls recieved trophies after. Madie loves her trophie and had a great time playing soccer. We will for sure be signing her up again.






2) I hosted preschool two weeks ago, we also had our preschool fieldtrip that same week. Ethan and I had fun spending time together. It was crazy having six four year old boys here, but we survived know I just need to start planning for my next turn.

3) We went to the pumpkin patch as a family and it was a little bit of an adventure finding some pumpkins we liked this year. We went for ice cream after which just might have been the kids favorite part of our "Family Fun Night".

4) We had our ward Trunk or treat this last weekend. We all enjoyed potluck chili and soups. The kids had fun at the fishing pond, cake walk, and the costume parade. We then headed out to the parking lot for "Trunk or treating". The kids walked away with some good candy and we all had fun.

5) I had enjoyed taking some pictures of some really great families. It was great practice and I learned alot.

6) The weather has been beautiful for the last two weeks so we have had fun going to parks, for walks, for bikerides, and watching the leaves change colors. We even attempted to take our own family picture (I bought a tripod and a remote), let's just say it didn't go exactly like planned.

7) Landon is phasing out of morning naps I'm afraid. It's been days since he's taken one (not for a lack of trying on my part). I have mixed feelings about this. Is he really old enough for just one? I am going to miss that morning time to myself while Ethan is at preschool and Landon used to nap. On the positive side it will be easier to run errands while Ethan is at school, and I guess we will have to start going to the library again.

8) Jeff continues to play soccer every week, I have Young Womens every week, and I continue to go into Madie's class every other week. I have a babysitting swap so either I am helping out in the class or babysitting kids. It seems to be working out well and Madie really looks forward to when I come in, so do I.

9) Landon is as busy as ever and is sporting some nice new molars in his mouth. One of his new favorite foods is grapes. He has also started waving his hand in the air and making monkey type sounds when he wants something (when is this kid going to start talking already). Jeff and I are counting down only about a month left until nursery.

10) Madie is officially on her third chapter book. Jeff and I take turns reading with her everynight after the other kids are in bed. She loves the special time and she is really a great little reader. Ethan is obsessed with Spiderman and loves wearing his costume. Both Madie and Ethan are super excited for Halloween.

Top Ten

This week has been a busy one so here is just a little of what's been happening.

1) Madie had her school openhouse on Friday. We were able to go and tour the new school (just finished getting built, in fact there was still things being done while we were there) and meet her teacher. Madie seemed excited and nervous about going to a new place, but I know she will do great.

2) I am feeling totally frustrated with our old computer. The pictures my new camera takes take more room than our other camera and my pictures literally don't fit on this old thing, I keep having to move them to the external hard drive just to download (hence the super late post of our time with Jen). The search for a replacement has offically started and I am thinking laptop this time.

3) Landon has been napping horrible all week and driving me up the wall. He also has decided to cry at every nap and bedtime. He has never done this and I just can't figure out why now? I just hope it stops soon, it breaks my heart to hear him cry.

4) Madie had her first official soccer practice and she was too cute. She looked so grown up wearing her shin guards, and cleats. At one point during the practice the coach broke the girls into two teams to play againist one another, unfortunately the three biggest and most experienced girls were on one team and the other four smaller girls (including Madie) were the other team. One of the girls on the bigger team kept making goals. You could see Madie getting frustrated and Madie was working hard running after that ball and trying to get in on the action. At one point while waiting for the kick off you could see Madie talking to her teammate and pointing to the goal she was obviously strategizing on what they should do to get a goal. Madie even proceded to keep kicking the ball towards the goal even after the coach blew the whistle to stop. I am proud of how well she did and had to laugh at how competitive she was.

5) Jeff and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the olympics. I have to admit it's probably good that it is going to be over tomorrow, because we have been staying up waaaayy to late watching them. I just love watching the world come together and seeing those remarkable athletes recieve the credit they deserve.

6) Our new couch finally came this week. It is going to take a little getting used to, we all like it, but our old couch was so soft from so many years of wear and tear this one feels so stiff compared. I also finally finished my wall canvases and love them. The room is coming together if we could just find an accent chair we like the room would be complete.

7) This didn't happen this week, but I thought I should mention that our little birds finally left the nest. I took my flower basket down to water one day and was surprised to see no little birds in the nest anymore. I have to admit it saddened me a little and I almost felt I didn't get to say goodbye. It was such a neat experience and I welcome any bird who would like to build a nest in any of my future hanging flower baskets.

8) I finally got the rest of Madie's school supplies for school today. All I can say is all the things that we are required to bring is a joke, so much for public education and free schooling. I never remember lists like that growing up, but don't get me started on how bugged I am by it.

9) It was super fun having Jen, Wendy, and the kids up to our house we love having company and the kids love playing with their cousins.

10) I can't believe this was our last week of summer, it was busy, it was fun, and I will miss it.

Top Ten July 13th-20th

1) The kids enjoy their second and final week of swim lessons. Madie is brave and on the last day actually went down the slide into the deep water. She did it two times and was sooo proud of herself. Ethan on the other hand was very afraid and didn't do it. I am proud of him non the less for doing so well for his first time with swim lessons.

2) Friends invited us back to the pool later on Friday night for swimming and a sno cone. It was fun to go as a family, Jeff and I cannot remember the last time we (him and myself) actually went swimming. It was Landon's first time I don't think he hated it, but he seemed scared it he wasn't right next to Mom or Dad. Madie and Ethan loved it and had fun splashing around.

3) We went to the zoo as a family Saturday morning. Ethan and Landon hadn't been since last year (Madie went as a field trip at the end of the school year), so they were all excited about going. The zoo is fairly small so it only takes about two hours to do the whole thing. Madie and Ethan had fun looking at the animals and going on the merry go round at the end and it felt so great to be together as a family.

4) Jeff and I actually went on a date Saturday night (it was a busy day). We haven't gone on a date for so long. We went downtown to do some furniture shopping and ate at PF Chang's. The food was good and it was nice to have some alone time with out the kids.

5) We enjoyed a neighborhood meet and greet this evening. It was fun to get to know some of the neighbors better and socialize with friends. There is something about nice weather and good food that just bonds people together. We are lucky to live in a neighborhood full of nice people and children.

6) I attended my free photography class that came with my camera on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I had a friend go with me, it was good to hear what they said and I defintely took away some good knowledge and a huge desire for another lense. Too bad the ones I want are spendy, it might be a while a long while before I get one.

7) "Our Nest" is doing well, Jeff thinks the eggs will probably hatch sometime at the end of this coming week. No more eggs have been layed so there is just the four. It will be fun to see what happens this week.

8) We are officially in search of a new couch. I am so excited, we have had our current couch for about seven years now. Let's just say that seven years and three kids later the couch has defintely seen better days. It has served it's purpose and the thought of new furniture makes me so excited.

9) I am feeling a little relief knowing that a lof my planning (crafts and activities) for girls camp is done. I leave at the end of this next week for two and half days at girls camp. The kids keep asking me when I am leaving. There is still things to get done, but I'm not feeling as overwhelmed.

10) It was a busy fun week and as much as the kids had fun with swimming I am glad it is over and we don't have to be doing baths and showers everynight. This next week will be busy too, but I am glad we had some fun family activities. The summer seems to be slipping away and the thought that school will be here before we know it is to much to think about. The summer has gone by way to fast.

Top Ten (Catch up Edition)

1) Ethan is totally and officially potty trained. He is doing so awesome he is wearing underwear all the time (except at night), not having accidents and is over his fear of going number two in the potty. We are sooooooo proud of him and it feels so great to not have him in diapers anymore. Way to go Ethan!!!

2) We had a great time seeing family for some special occasions the Fourth of July, our neice Brookie's Baptism, and my sister Tracey and her husband Adrian blessed their first baby. I am so glad we live closer now so that we can share in these special times.

3) Madie and Ethan started swim lessons last week and they are loving it. I was worried about how Ethan would do, but he is doing well. He gets a little distracted, but isn't afraid at all. They are both liking their teacher and she plays cute learning games with them.

4) Landon is getting to be quite the little pro with his walking. He is all over the place and loves to carry things around. He looks so proud of himself as he walks around and he is enjoying the freedom, he also tries really hard to keep up with his brother and sister.

5) I discovered some birds building a nest in my hanging flower basket. It was neat to see them fly in and out bringing twigs and other supplies to build the nest. There are currently two eggs in the nest. Jeff looked up the birds and they are House Finches. The male has beautiful red on the head and on the breast. We showed the kids the nest and eggs and they were excited.

6) Madie enjoyed going to a friends Birthday party over the weekend, it was a water party so she was excited to wear her swimsuit, be with friends, and play in the water.

7) While we were gone on our trip I enjoyed a nice afternoon away from the kids with my mom and Jeff was able to enjoy an evening fishing with his dad.

8) We have had quite a few nice cooler days here, which had been nice for the kids since they play out so much.

9) Ethan is either going through a growth spurt or is just plain tuckered lately out from swimming and playing all day because it hasn't been un common the last few days for him to sleep until 9:00.

10) Madie, Ethan, and Landon seem to be growing up so quickly. It has been so fun to spend time with them this summer and to see them enjoying playing with friends and nieghbors; something they didn't have last year. I can't believe how time flies and that Landon is getting so big. I just love them all so much and feel so blessed to have them.

Top Ten (Last Week)

1) Landon is officially on the go, he is walking for some pretty good distances. He is the earliest walker of all the kids at 13 months. Madie and Ethan were both around 14 or 15 months before walking. Madie and Ethan both get so excited when he walks and Madie is often heard saying "Good walking Landon". Landon loves all the attention.

2) Madie gets a weird rash we think it was Foliculitus from the hot tub (other members of Jeff's family also got it).

3) Ethan finally goes number two in the potty and is doing great with it. I have to look at it everytime and act totally excited about it, but hey we want him to keep up the good work and to feel great about his recent potty advances.

4) We had some friends over for a fun BBQ. The kids love to have friends come over and play and having dinner and dessert with them is an extra fun time.

5) I did tons of laundry last week. What is it about coming home from a trip that just produces tons of laundry? I even did some up a the cabin before we came home.

6) A wonderful couple stopped by last week from our old ward on their way to visit their daughter. It was so fun to see them, chat, and to have them see where we live now. It made me miss people from our old ward so much. Thank goodness for friendships that last and the amazing abilities we have now to stay in touch with people.

7) The kids continue to love playing outside and I enjoy talking to my neighbor and getting to know her better.

8) Landon's 7th tooth finally comes through and the 8th is on it's way. Maybe that explains some of the grouchiness?

9) Temperatures finally got hot here. I have been sending the kids out in the morning to play and calling them in for a rest period in the afternoon when it's the hottest.

10) Jeff finally mows the back lawn for the first time. You aren't supposed to mow sod for about two weeks after you lay it, then we went on our Yellowstone trip, so needless to say it was ready for a trim when we got home.

Top Ten Yellowstone Edition

1) We saw beautiful waterfalls, geysers, stink pots, valleys, canyons, and beautiful forests.

2) We saw amazing animals and the kids loved crossing them off their lists. Here are some of the animals we saw: Buffalos, Antelope, Grizzly and Black bears, wolves, coyote, deer, birds, and a moose.

3) Landon got stung by a wasp. In the cabin of all places he was trying to grab it and actually had it in his hand and got stung. He handled it amazingly well, but did a bit of crying.

4) Madie and Ethan had so much fun playing with their cousins. The older three isolated themselves on a top bunk to play games where the little boys couldn’t get them. The little boys played with rocks outside, and played around the cabin together. All the kids had fun being outside together.

5) Landon took his first steps; about four or five and he felt pretty proud of himself when we all clapped for him.

6) We all floated down the Henry’s fork river and had a good time eating lunch, seeing wild life, pushing off the sand bars a few times, and racing for the finish line.

7) We all got eaten alive by mosquitos and couldn’t use enough insect repellant.

8) The adults enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub and one of the nights all the kids climbed in for some water fun. (Sorry Amy I know this will not count as a memorable part of the trip for you :)

9) We spent a lot of time in the cars, the kids all took a turn in Grandpa and Papa’s truck for some special alone time. We also swapped kids around in the other cars so the kids could spend time with their cousins.

10) All and all we had a super fun vacation with the family and can’t wait until we plan the next one.

Weekly Top Ten (June 9th-15th)

1) Ethan and Madie have fun riding our neighbors electric tractor and jeep. Ethan even drove the tractor all by himself. We won’t mention that he got stuck in the front planter, nearly ran into one of my flower pots two times, and practically ran over me and my neighbor at least three times. They had a good time and I am glad that someone by us has some of these little cars, so I never have to buy one.

2) Madie trips in the garage and knocks her face on the floor cutting open her lip and causing a very huge fat lip. She looked like a duck for the rest of the day. I wanted to take a picture but she was too upset. Poor thing I felt really bad for her, she kept saying it was the worst day of her whole life.

3) Landon’s latest craze is to open the kitchen drawer with all the placemats and bibs and pull everything out and he also loves to pull the towels off the towel racks in the bathrooms, and pull things out of any garbage can he can find.

4) Madie finally lost her second tooth up front after I decided it was time to help it out. I was a little forceful with the toothbrush (a suggestion from the dentist) the other night while brushing. After I brushed her teeth she looked in the mirror and her gum was bleeding, she started to cry, Jeff took a look at it and got the tooth out. She was pretty upset about the whole thing. I just was relieved that the tooth was finally out.

5) Madie starting feeling yucky on Friday night, and is still not feeling very well. I hope she gets feeling better soon, it is so hard to see my kids sick especially when there isn’t much you can do.

6) Jeff had an alright Father’s day, he went to Sacrament meeting alone and then came back and took Ethan to primary, why I stayed home with Madie and Landon. It was a pretty lazy day we barbequed for dinner and just spent time as a family. We sure love and appreciate all that he does for our family.

7) Ethan has been doing awesome with the potty. He hasn’t really had that many wet accidents, but the going number two in the potty is going to be a challenge. I am proud of him for going when he needs to and not needing to be reminded everytime.

8)Landon is officially weined. I didn’t nurse him at all yesterday.

9) The kids played outside so much last week, it was nice to finally be seeing some summer type weather. It has been fun to spend time outside with them, and get to know my neighbor better.

10) Landon falls down three stairs (I knew it would happen sooner or later) he got a nice bruise on his forehead and then he fell head first into the corner of a little chair and now has a nice little gash in his forehead (thank goodnees it wasn't all on the same day). Landon is also starting to show off a little angry streak he has and is already throwing fits when he doesn’t get what he wants.

Weekly Top Ten

1) Madie has her last day of Kindergarten. The year went to fast, but she loved it and had a great experience.

2) Landon loves cars. Already at this age he knows to push cars around to drive them. He pushed a toy truck we have all over the kitchen and dining area while I did dishes. It is amazing to see what is hard wired in boys and girls.

3) Ethan goes to the potty four times in one day. I am proud of him, but it only lasted for one day. I am going to scream he is never going to be potty trained.

4) We got our curbing put in (they came at 6:30 in morning to do it) it looks really nice and I can’t wait to get some new bark dust or rocks and plants for my new planter beds.

5) Landon realizes that he has the power to go upstairs even if no one else is up there. Jeff and I were both scared more than once when after searching the downstairs we couldn’t find Landon; Low and behold he worked his way upstairs alone and was playing with toys at the top of the stairs.

6) We finally have grass. Yes the sod was delivered on Friday and by late Saturday morning we had a back yard. I keep looking out the window at the green and just smiling, the kids are so excited they can hardly contain themselves. Finally another place to send them to play.

7) Landon’s favorite place to crawl to is under the dining table. He gets stuck just about every time he crawls under there, but for some reason he loves it.

8) Madie was invited to the birthday party of our back neighbor at Chuck E. Cheese and had a lot of fun. I went with her, we had a good time playing the games together just her and I. She loves it when we have Mommy Madie time (as she calls it) together.

9) The weather here hardly feels like it is June. I have been putting sweat shirts on the kids in the morning and leaving the heat on at night just in case. While I hate the hot hot weather I would like to at least wear capris and short sleeves without being cold.

10) The weather was warmer today and we took the kids to a fun park here in town. It was nice to get out and enjoy some time together as a family.

Last Weeks Top Ten

1) Landon celebrated his first birthday, much to the disbelief of his mother

2) Grandma and Grandpa come for a visit and brought along a great surprise (Brookie, Madie & Ethan’s cousin).

3) Grandpa and Dad spent all day in the yard spreading dirt and leveling it.

4) Saturday our house turns into the neighbor play place I think we had 9 kids playing out there at once.

5) Madie and Ethan both do the “Symphony Challenge” at church ( if you sing one verse of I am a Child of God or If The Savior Stood Beside Me in sharing time; by yourself you get a big Symphony chocolate bar). They were eating chocolate all day yesterday.

6) We had a little party for Landon on Saturday. Madie, Ethan, and Brookie helped Landon open his presents and then we ate cake and ice cream.

7) Madie and Ethan got scooters from Grandma. Madie mastered the scooter after about three falls and Ethan was going so slow that I think a snail actually passed him. (Thank you everyone for all the great gifts)

8) Jeff and I were totally sick last week with some stomach bug I don’t wish upon anyone.

9) I went up to Madie’s school for our final “Art Mom” lesson. We talked about colors and made a color wheel.

10) My sister Tracey and her husband Adrian welcomed their first little baby Alexis May to their family. Congratulations !!!

Top Ten From a Very Busy Week

1) Madie and Ethan participated in our Primary talent show last saturday. Madie displayed a picture she drew of The Salt Lake Temple and Ethan got up on stage (all alone I might add) and sang "Love is Spoken Here". He looked too cute he walked out on stage, grabbed the mike, sang the song (with no music) and then walked off when everyone clapped. It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

2) Madie and Dad had some special daddy daughter time on Wednesday when Madie's class took a field trip to The Zoo and The Discovery Center. The two had fun together and I am glad that Jeff got to spend some one on one time with Madie (if you don't count the other three children he was in charge of that day).

3) Landon has stayed standing all alone without holding onto anything a few times this week. Sometimes I know he is thinking of how he can get from one place to another without crawling, the wheels are turning.

4) Jeff bought some trees for the backyard and with the help of a nice and willing brother from the ward he was able to get the patio extension done.

5) Landon has started shaking his head to say no. It’s no surprise seeing how Jeff and I are often heard saying “No Landon” and shaking our heads when he starts getting into stuff.

5) Madie had her kindergarten performance on Thursday night. It was fun to see the kids all dressed up and singing. Madie comes home singing songs that she has learned in Music, but it was fun to hear some that I haven't heard her sing. Funny side note the music teacher asked Madie to be a dancer (some of the kids danced during one of the songs) Madie told the teacher she didn't want to be a dancer and was a little upset about the whole thing when she came home. She is so true to herself if she doesn't want to do something she is not afraid to say no.

6) On Friday night we went over to a family from our wards house for dinner and dessert and of course socializing. It was really fun and the kids played so well together.

7) We had a neat nature experience this week. Over at the park by our house we discovered a bird's nest, a Killdeer, to be specific. There were four beautiful black and white speckled eggs in the nest. The nest was on the ground in a planter bed full of black rocks. The eggs were actually hard to spot unless you where looking for them. The mother bird didn't like us being so close to the nest and started hopping around weird. Jeff explained that this type of bird acts like they have a broken wing to entice prey away from the nest to come after her. It was so neat to see that not only humans have maternal insticts. Unfortunately all this has a sad ending. Jeff and the kids walked over by the park the other day and found that some kids had found the eggs and three where broken. When we went by today the nest was gone too. I have to admit I am pretty sad about the whole thing. I wish those little birds would have been able to hatch and my heart goes out to mother bird.

8) Ethan and Landon both took turns throwing up last week. Ethan kept saying his stomach hurt, and then right after getting tucked in bed he threw up all other the place and I mean all over I had to wash everything on his bed. Landon threw up in bed too, so needless to say I was really busy with laundry.

9) The dishwasher broke for the third time in one year (of course our warranty just expired. So we are using a lot of paper dishes until it get fixed. Anyone know a good plumber?

10) It was a super strange weather week with rain, hail, thunder, and bits of sun. It was nice today, but I think we are in for more rain. Hope everyone is enjoying their memorial weekend.

Weekly Top Ten (in no particular order)

1. Ethan decides to name his hands his "Finger Team". I grabbed his hand to walk him somewhere and he got mad at me and told me I hurt the "Finger Team". Where does he come up with some of this stuff I will never know.

2. I had to take Madie to the doctor for a urine sample (I thought she had a UTI or a bladder infection, turned out to be neither). I also had Landon, and Ethan with Madie and I. Let's just say that taking three kids and one mom into a tiny bathroom to collect a urine sample is an adventure I don't wish upon any mother. We left the bathroom without a sample to give the doctor and with one angry mom and three upset kids. When I came out of the bathroom the nurse said she should have given me a "hat" to put in the toilet to collect the sample. Yeah that would have been helpful thanks alot. We took a "hat" home and came back the next day sample in hand.

3. Madie prepares to be a first grader by practicing eating lunch at school. She came home very excited that she ate chicken nuggets, chocolate milk, carrots and a cinnamon breadstick for lunch. I told her that she will mostly take her lunch to school next year. She then informed me that she will be in need of a lunch box. I am glad she had a good experience eating at school, but I'm still not even ready to think about her not being home for lunch :( !!!

4. Landon makes it up the first flight of stairs alone. He also takes a spill or two off the steps at various times this week. He is now sporting some nice bruises on his forehead.

5. Jeff let me take a nice Mother's day nap on Sunday. Madie made me a beautiful Mother's Day sign which she hung up on the back of my bedroom door while I was sleeping. It was the first thing I saw when I woke up; she is so thoughtful.

6. Landon is already learning to defend himself even at this young age. If you take away the toy he wants or is playing with he lungs at you, attempts to bite you, or throws himself back (which has resulted in numurous injuries). The kid loves to bite on anything and everything. I don't know if it's a third child thing, but watch out this boy isn't afraid to stand up for himself.

7. Ethan refuses to eat his dinner, so he got to eat it for breakfast the next day. This kid has always been picky, but lately it's bad.

8. The weather has warmed up this week so the kids have been sporting sandals, short sleeves, and capris. It got up to the 80's yesterday and is supposed to be warmer today.

9. Landon is enjoying taking baths with the other kids and likes to stand up in the tub and drink the water.

10. Madie and Ethan enjoy playing with the neighborhoold kids.