Jaden sleeping

I have a ton of pictures of my kids sleeping--I just think they sleep in the funniest ways/positions/etc. This is how Jaden sleeps for nearly every nap. He is nearly SITTING up or leaning up on his pillows. There is no LAYING down. I would think this would hurt his little neck! You can see---his pillow is vertical, not tilted. And, doesn't he look like he's thinking while he's sleeping!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2009--I have been a Mother for 6 years! WOW!

After church, we went to a Japanese Steak House -- where they make the food in front of you! We thought the kids would like it! Here we are.

I think this is when there was a big fire in front of us. Paige didn't like the fire, but the boys thought it was cool!!

Paige is almost 3 and she will eat almost anything. She will nearly TRY anything. Here she is eating the onion soup. Tyler tried it and didn't like it and Jaden, Mr. Picky, wouldn't even try it!

Intently watching. Our eating experience was fabulous, because the kids were entertained the whole time. No down time to get in trouble or cause problems.

Paige would get close to Steve whenever there was FIRE!!

Jaden ate his whole meal with the chop-sticks. I thought that was funny! They used a rubber-band to hold the 2 sticks together to allow the kids to be able to use them. Tyler and Paige both tried, but Jaden used them the entire time!!

Ahhh....cute.

Jaden thinks to be "cute" you have to tilt your head and if you tell Paige to "smile" you get some cheesy smile! And, Tyler, he's just a goof-ball.

Happy Mother's Day to ME!!!

new blog

I just posted my blog of Washington DC, but it posted BEFORE my "I've been busy" blog because I started in and saved the draft before I did my "busy" post. So, be sure to check that out.

While I'm writing now though....
Tyler is at his first sleep-over with a friend from school. Noah invited him to spend the night and being the "non-worrying" parent that I am....I'm a bit nervous. Steve ensures me he is fine, but still, there is that wondering in the back of my mind.

THANK GOODNESS Noah is my friend Shelly's god-son so I know Shelly knows the family very well. So, I do not worry about "who" he is with, I just wonder what he is doing. Where is he sleeping. Was he good when they went out the eat. Is he using his manners? What will he do when he wakes up? Did he potty before he went to bed? Did he eat a snack before bed? Did he drink too much water before bed? When will he come home tomorrow? (Steve sent him off today because I was at a b-day party with Paige and Steve forgot to ask when they would bring him home on Monday!

So, I am sure he is having a blast and not thinking of me or any other nonsense--which is good. Oh, what a big boy he is. Am I ready for all this??

I've been busy!

I haven't posted anything in a few weeks because I have been one busy girl! We went to Washington, DC the end of April and wow, May is almost over now. How time flies. Once I got back from DC, it was catch up for a week, then I made a rode-trip with Becky, Latisha, and Monica to KC for a day of shopping---that was FUN!! That was a few days after Mother's Day. We had Mother's Day with both our families so that was fun too. Let' see....what else. Of course, I've been busy with Premier, but the last few weeks I have been working on MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers.)

This past Thursday was our last meeting and it was SO MUCH FUN!! We did a "Favorite things" meeting---taken from Oprah's Favorite Things show. Becky and I have been buying all kinds of things we find on sale to give away, as well as asking EVERYONE and EVERY place for donations. And, then everyone on steering team donated 50 of their "favorite thing" to give away. We gave away: finger-nail polish, cotton squares, sugar cookies, sweet-tart candy, Diet Coke, Crystal light mini packs, decorating items, Bathe Junk supplies, sticky-notes, jewelry, make-up, perfume, candy bars, bottled water, tote bags, free lawn-mowing, ....and LOTS LOTS MORE!! It was so fun. Becky and I were a bit worried the girls wouldn't think it was as cool as we were thinking it was....but I think it was a HUGE success. We worked for weeks on this one meeting, but it all paid off! Then, the icing on the cake was several of our husbands came and they wore aprons (with sunflowers on them, this is all the church had, he he!!) and carried all the items to give away out on silver trays to give to the girls. So fun!!!

So, I have finally figured out (maybe) why God has blessed me with my 3 kids being so close together. For those that don't know----I have a 6 year old, almost 4 and almost 3 year old. At one time, I had 3 kids under the age of 4. It was HARD. I struggled a lot with having such little kids so close together. Not a lot of people know, but I struggled. Mostly personally, it was so hard. But, we have made it out of the worst part. I know there will always be struggles with parenting, but let me tell you how hard it is to go to the grocery store, or anywhere for that matter, with a newborn, 1 year old (who can't walk), and a 3 year old. IMPOSSIBLE!!!! But, I have made it. We have made it!! It just gets easier! We can even go out to eat now!

The other day I told Steve that my kids are really the ONE thing I cannot do alone---I so need God's help. I pray A LOT because of my kids and for my kids. I read my bible the most on those horrible/trying days. My marriage is good, my finances are good, my job is good, I am very blessed. God knew, that having these 3 kids, this close, would MAKE me lean on him. So, that I have done!

SO, I think this is why I love MOPS so much. Becky and I started MOPS at our church last September. We just finished our first year. Parenting is HARD, Marriage is hard, being a wife is hard and even harder to be a Godly wife and mother. So, it is now my mission to help moms. We moms don't get to be pampered. We take care of EVERYONE, but who takes care of us? So, I want to be able to pamper these mom's for 4 hours a month. I was also just asked to be on the Women's Ministry Committee at our church. At first, I thought I do not have time...... But, I went to the first meeting, to check it out, and I am PUMPED!!! I want to get young mom's connected and involved in the church. That's what they need. So, I am on a mission and I am so excited about it.

I saw a new MOPS mom in the hall at church last week and asked her if she was coming to MOPS the next day. She replied, "yes, I am so sad MOPS will be over for the summer, that 2 hours will be the only break I get for the next 3 months." Can you imagine?? This mom also has 2 boys with Autism. So, to think.... our MOPS group is giving this mom a very badly break from her boys----even if it's just 2 hours.

So--to all your moms!! Hang in there! Stick together and lean on God!

Phil 4:13
I can do ALL things through Christ who Strengthens me.

SO---that was a LONG explanation as to why I haven't blogged lately. But, I am going to catch up this holiday weekend. So, stay tuned :)

And, I will leave you with a FUN picture of my blessings!!

YES--they have personalities!!

Washington DC

The end of April, Steve and I were able to go to Washington, D.C for a FREE trip through Premier. This is my 2nd year to win the Designer Leadership trip for FREE!! We are responsible for getting to the location, thus DC, and then we eat and are entertained for free. And, it's not the Motel 6 where we stay. We stayed at the Luxurious Gaylord National. It had just been open about 1 year and it was amazing!!

I have to be honest....I was less than excited when it was first introduced that DC would be our trip this year. But, I knew Steve would LOVE it. He loves history, I do not. So, I worked really hard to earn the trip for us!!

But, I am so glad we went. I actually really enjoyed it and I learned SO MUCH!! I will share just a few of things I learned. When a person (me) knows NOTHING....it's not too hard to learn something...or A LOT!

This is not our bus, but Lana and I had to take our picture with the "Premier" bus! how cool!!

On our way to Georgetown, we ran across these houses! They were so cute and quaint. Just adorable. There was a FOR SALE sign in one yard, so Heather got on her cell phone and called to inquire about the price. She finally learned that the price of the houses in the picture above vary depending on the # bedrooms/baths. They do not figure square footage, but simply list the # bedrooms and baths. Strange, huh?? So, the varying prices were anywhere from $500,000 to $900,000. No, I did not make a typo. $900,000. wow!!! and they are tiny.

The Capital

I learned that D.C. stands for District of Columbia and that DC is not a state or part of a state. I guess that makes since!

Arlington Cemetery

This was amazing, probably one of my favorite things we saw. We saw the changing of the guards--amazing how those men can walk in perfect harmony.

There are approximately 27 funerals a month held here.

General Lee Custer's house was on the top of the hill. They are in the process of renovating it right now. (General Lee was the Commanding General of the Confederate Army--I just learned this right now, as Steve is helping me do this blog!!)

Did you know General Lee married the great-grand-daughter of George Washington's wife? George Washington was Martha Custer Washington's 2nd husband. Interesting, huh?? Her first husband died. I'd say that was a good 2nd marriage!!

My family of jewelers: Lana, Rebecca, me, Heather, Dawn

This is part of Kennedy's Memorial.

I learned these words are part of his famous Inauguration speech.

This is Kennedy's tomb and the eternal flame behind it. Jacqueline Kennedy is buried next to President Kennedy. On each side of them are his children. One daughter died at birth and his infant son died, a couple days old, 3 months prior to Kennedy's assassination. Can you imagine his wife? Jacqueline Kennedy had remarried, but was still buried next to President Kennedy. Interesting!

"Raising of the flag at Iwo Jima"

This was a cool story. Of course, I had never heard of this.

This took place on an island in the Pacific Ocean, when American soldiers defeated the Japanese Army and captured the island. The statue shows these men raising the flag after the victory. This is actually the 2nd flag they raised on the island because the Admiral didn't think the first flag was large enough. They didn't get picture the first time. A reporter took this picture, not knowing it's significance!

Washington Monument.

We didn't get to go to the top of the monument. We just observed it from across the Reflection Pool.

I learned President Washington was the only President NOT to live in the White House.

Steve baby with Washington Monument in the background!

Lincoln's Memorial.
I thought this was the coolest and most impressive monument. The detail in his face was amazing. The statue is over 20 feet tall and 19 feet wide and is carved in granite.

I learned Lincoln was the 16th President. Jefferson was the 3rd and Obama is the 44th. (Yep--I learned all that this weekend!)

World War II Memorial. There are 4000 gold stars here, each star represents a 100 US fatalities. During the war, families would display a blue star in their window to signify they had a family member fighting in the war. That would change to a gold star, should they be killed in battle. Interesting, huh??

The White House

This of course, was cool to see. We stood behind the wrought-iron fence that also had wire between the iron bars. We were not sure why the wire was necessary, it's not like anyone could fit through the bars.

We did not tour the White House because you had to set up your tours weeks to arriving in DC. We did go to the Visitors Bureau or some mini museum and saw tons of current pictures of the White House, saw all the rooms, old and current. It was very interesting. There were family pictures from past Presidents, some of their personal belongings and just interesting facts. Facts like: Barbara Bush bought $200,000 china for the White House with her own money. I don't know if all First Ladies pick out new china, but lots of them had their "own" china and there is now a collection of all the china in the house.

We learned they are putting in a basketball goal at the White House currently, for Obama, he loves to play basketball.

We were surprised the White House is right downtown DC right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Diagonal from the white house is a hot-dog stand and a t-shirt stand---within eyes view. Interesting.

Snipers on the roof of the White House--taking a break, getting a drink of water!

Anthony--or that's the name he gave us. He was a Secret Service agent, hiding in the side trees of the White House lawn. Steve happened to see him and started talking to him. Pretty soon we had a crowd around us as we drilled him with question after question. This quite possibly could have been my favorite part of the trip. I know.... But, it was SO COOL talking to him. This day he was on a 12 hour shift. Our group decided this wasn't very safe. By hour 8 he wasn't going to be as sharp as his first hour of work!!

Anthony told us that at least once a month someone jumps the fence of the White House. It is a misdemeanor, so the agents cannot shoot at them. They do release dogs that run/barking/ready to attack. Anthony says the dogs slow the jumpers down quickly!

The Capital. Steve took this picture from Arlington Cemetery.
We could also see the Pentagon from Arlington Cemetery.

One of the buildings down-town. Steve loved looking at all the architecture of the old buildings. He commented on how buildings are not made the same way today.

More intricate detail in the buildings---never mind that there are NAKED ladies carved in FULL detail. I could not believe this. There were more than one buildings with these naked carvings on top.

Our group: Curt and Lana, Heather and Dawn, Mark and Rebecca, and us!

I have lots more pictures, but I will not put them all in this post. There are just too many. These are my favorites and/or my favorite places we visited!

It was a fun group and a great trip! We would definitely like to take our kids to DC when they are middle school/high school aged. Maybe they can learn what I learned -- a bit earlier!

Tyler's note

My first born is almost done with Kindergarten. I cannot believe the things he has learned in one short year. In 8 more days, he'll be a First Grader. He loves when I say that...he thinks he's so BIG----

and he really is.

Last week, I told him to write a note to someone.

I gave him the paper, he got a pencil and went to writing.

I did not tell him WHO to write or WHAT to write.

I did help him with some spelling.

And, this is what he wrote:

Precious!!!

I am guessing maybe all Kindergartner's love their first teacher. If not, Tyler does love his teacher. It's just so cute. When I was taking a picture of his note, he layed his pencil down and wanted to make sure I got a picture of his pencil too :)

He then put his note in an envelope.

Put Ms. Williams name on the outside and sealed it.

After school he told me, "Ms. Williams liked my note!!" as PROUD as could be. Apparently, she read it during centers and then came to his desk with it and said she "really liked her note!"

Let's hope we like all our teachers like we did this year.

Tyler: I am so very proud of you. You have grown to a sweet young-man this year. You are turning into a good listener (thank goodness), you are getting so smart, and you are so inquisitive. You ask a million questions and you love to figure things out. On every report card this year, you got the highest marks on EVERYTHING! (Well, Ms Williams says all Kindergartners get W---for working on--listening and following directions!) You are a good friend and you are FUN to be around. I enjoy watching you grow-up, even though it is a little sad. Mom and Dad love you dearly!! and we're SO proud of you.

Happy May Day!

May 1st or May Day!! I remember delivering May Baskets as a kid around the neighborhood. We would make the May baskets (very similar to how we made them this year), but we would fill our May baskets with flowers. So, I have carried on the tradition with my kids. They love it!!

We fill our baskets with "stuff", but I wanted to find something to do with flowers this year, since that's what I remembered as a kid. The best place to find cheap gifts....Target dollar bins. And, lucky for me... I found the CUTEST mini (and I mean mini) flower pots, complete with seeds and all....for $1. So, each basket got a mini flower pot, a pencil, activity book, mini nail-polish (girls), crackers/cheese snack pack, a few stretchy insects and some chocolate!! Not bad for maybe $3.50 each basket! It doesn't matter what's in the basket, it's just the idea!!

But, I like buying all the little "stuff"!!

Mary Kate (and her mom, Wendy) were coming over for a play-date on Friday morning, so we made May baskets together and delivered them.

Jaden, MaryKate, and Paige

(We tease Jaden that MaryKate and Leah are his girlfriends!)

Paige is in the phase were you tell her to smile and you get some cheesy looking smile!

Proudly holding their May baskets they had made---on the way to deliver them!
(We did NOT tell Jaden to lay his head on MaryKate. He did that all on his own!!)
As Jaden would say, "we're ready to May someone."

We took 3 May baskets around--the kids took turns ringing the door bell and laying the basket down. You know...we have to keep it fair.

So, cute....not sure what they were waiting for. (Actually, I think we told them to stand there real quick so we could get a picture)....then they took off running.

Making the May baskets was fun, delivering them and running away from the house was fun, but riding in the car all together without being buckled may have been just as much fun!! They thought it was cool to look out the back window of the car. **We only drove around the neighborhood--so it was safe!**

So, cute.

All done. On our way home!

After Tyler got home from school, he made 2 baskets for his friends--Hallie and Megan and delivered them. He didn't want Jaden and Paige to go to the door's with him, because they were too slow!! But, I told him that wasn't nice and they could go!!

Happy May!!