Dear Graycie...

Dear Graycie, (aka Birdie,Gray Gray, Wompers, Neenie)

DAUGHTER

I am certain the Lord knew what He was doing when He sent me you. He knew I wouldn't have been able to handle a "girlie-girl" which is exactly why we are such match. You definitely have your "girly" side...which is nice. You LOVE make-up and getting your nails painted. You love helping with ANYTHING in the kitchen...cooking, baking, and even cleaning. But if you had the choice between something pink or something blue, you choose blue, everytime. You are the most UNIQUE little girl I have ever known. You are compassionate with every thread of your being. You care about others and love helping wherever you can. Before I had any kids for some reason I was sure that I would have all boys. I don't know why I thought this, I just always did. So after having Easton I thought, "here we go," Then when I was pregnant with you and found out you were a girl, I was not only shocked beyond belief, but relieved that I wouldn't be the ONLY female in the house for the rest of my existence. PHEW!!! I am SO thankful that I have a daughter, and even MORE thankful that that daughter is YOU!!!

ANIMAL AND BABY LOVER

Pretty much from the moment you were walking if there was an animal around, you were never far away. I remember going to Aunt Jay's house and taking you and Easton over to see the horses. You were just barely walking and I figured I would carry you over to get a closer look. Fat chance, you wanted down, marched right over to the ginormous animals and started petting them. I was amazed. You weren't intimidated at all. The first time Easton saw the horses he wouldn't let me put him down, let alone touch them. For the longest time, we called you Lenny, because not only did you love animals and babies, you almost loved them too much. You were stronger than I think you were aware of, so sometimes a simple little hug, became the choke hold of death. There was another time when Aunt Amy and Uncle Jason brought back some little frogs from a camping trip and gave you a couple of them...thanks guys. Some may wonder if you can die from being loved too much...and the answer is yes, yes you can. You have definitely mellowed since then (lucky Carson) and it has been so fun to watch you with your little cousins, they adore you. You still have the love for animals you always did. Your favorite animal right now is Free Willy...that's what you call killer whales.

ARTIST

I don't think I can remember a day that has passed by without you coloring, writing, drawing, or making a craft of some sort. You amaze me with your creativity! I love to watch you making things, but I love it even more when you tell me ALL about it. You are very generous with your art. Whenever you make something you tell me, "I made this for Colton, or Grandma, or whoever.." but it is always for someone. Your creations are always most definitely one of a kind. Your favorite place to find things to craft with is the junk drawer. They weren't lying when they said, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." I also appreciate that you have been very understanding when I explain to you that we can't keep EVERYTHING. I love to watch you learn, because you are so proud of yourself when you've learned something new. You learned how to spell B-A-T-H recently and I never thought I could see that word written in more places...your toy kitchen, the backyard fence, random toys, etc. Although your artwork doesn't always stay were it should, I try to be as supportive as I can, knowing one day, when you become famous for your artwork, I can proudly say..."I never once stifled her creativity."

ATHLETE

You are the roughest and toughest little girl there is. Having three brothers suits you well. It was probably best you didn't have a sister, because if she was girlie or prissy at all, she would have been beaten up on a daily basis...and not by her brothers. You are so competitive...in a good way. You love to work hard and improve upon your skills. You are determined and have a passion for sports that is well beyond your years. It is unbelievable to watch you in a soccer game just laying your heart out there on that field. No one will ever be able to say that you didn't try your hardest. Because practice, game, or even just playing, that is exactly what you do...EVERY TIME. Soccer is your favorite sport right now. Although, I am sure as you become introduced to different sports you will love them all. You played basketball this past winter and even though I had to drag you kicking and screaming, once you realized that you were capable, there was no turning back. You are definitely reserved when it comes to new experiences, but once you try something, you can't get enough. Your work ethic is beyond impressive, not only with sports but doing chores as well. Grandma Lando was so impressed with how much you helped her out in the yard. You could put grown men to shame. I am always proud to say, "that's MY daughter out there."

FRIEND

So thoughtful you are. I love that you care so much about other people. It makes me feel SO good knowing I've at least did something right. I know this because all of my children are SO caring and giving. Children LOVE you, Graycie. I don't think you will ever have a problem making friends. It was so fun picking you up from kindergarten and seeing all of the friends you had made, quite a few boys I might add. You are a very no nonsense, no drama type of girl...which is very rare. Let's just hope it lasts through your teen years. You are an AMAZING friend and I pray that you and I will share a friendship throughout our lives that we can always fall back on. You have no idea how much I need you in this house full of stinky boys. I love that not only can we paint our nails together but we can go out and shoot some hoops. You are most definitely my perfect daughter. You are SO beautiful and I love you SO SO SO much. Happy birthday, my 6 year old girl!!!

LOVE,
MOM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIBBY!!!

Happy Birthday

to my neice who's now two

She loves all the characters

from Winnie the Pooh.

She loves reading and Dora

and of course Tellietubbies
You can definately tell

she's a daughter of Bubby's.

She's long and she's lean

like her father once was

she sucks on her middle fingers

sometimes, just because.

Although sweet and serene

her demenor quite rare

She once had a head

of the craziest hair.

She's ticklish all over

especially her ribby
I love you SO much

Happy Birthday, Dear Libby.

(current picture of Libby...coming soon.)

Coming Soon...

I don't know when...but I promise I will be posting about our amazing and eventful vacation very soon.

...post ya later

Yeah, I really did stop for two seconds to say...

LATE-A HATE-A'S!!!

XOXOXO

Just Trenton this week in a nutshell

Trenton is a funny kid, and for those of you who know him....can totally agree. He says funny things ALL the time, but it's not just what he says, it's how he says them.

Ex: A while back Steve and I had finished putting the kids to bed and were ready for some much needed down time. This is usually done by popping some microwave popcorn and watching our shows...exciting, I know. So we're eating popcorn and watching our show (Smallville, don't judge) and out comes little Trenton. This is what he says,

"What's that may-ell (smell)?" Once he saw what that may-ell was he then says, "I want some pop-a-coe-in (popcorn)" I only wish we had that on video because Steve and I laughed so hard. It's just so freaking cute. So of course the little package gets a handful of popcorn and sent back to bed.

Ex: Steve and I were folding some laundry on our bed the other day and little Trenton ALWAYS has to be right in the middle of it. Anyone with small children can back me up when I say that you don't want your kids anywhere near your already folded piles of laundry. So the mean Mom that I am would not allow Trent on our bed and I told him, "Trenton, you can't be on our bed because you cannot control yourself." So Steve and I had both left the room for some reason, probably to make-out or whatever, and come back to Trenton perched on our bed in the middle of all the laundry. I go to take him off and he says with his arms raised like he was under arrest, "I twolling myself, I twolling myself!"

Ex: My kids have come to find this statement to be true; Grandma Lando always has gum in her purse. Knowing this Trenton was asking Grandma for some gum in her purse. Well Trenton can't really say his R's so I'll leave it to you to figure out how he says purse. So Grandma was trying to get Trenton to say puRRRse. She would say it and then he would well try to say it. She tried about three or four times to help him say the word purse correctly when Trenton finally gave up and said, "My body dis can't do dat."

Ex: Easton and Trenton were having a conversation about superheros and Easton tells Trenton, "you don't know anything about super-hero's." Trenton says, "Uh-huh!" Easton says, "Well then what is Superman's weakness?" Trenton tells him in his most confident and "so there!" voice..."Bee-stings." Booyah!

I know I usually do "My kids this week in a nutshell" but let's face it, Trenton is the funniest one. ;)

AHHHHH

Uh, just wanted to point out my little counter to the right. You see it? Yeah, the one right under my flowers. Yep, you read right. About a week to go, and I couldn't be more excited!!!!!!



Now...picture me on an excerball bouncing with my arms raised while saying this.)





WOO WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear TRENTON...

Dear Trenton, (a.k.a. Noodle, Mr. Noodle, Forshniggity, T, Trenny)

Man, I Love you!!!

You still seem like the baby to me. But already four years old, I can't hardly keep up. I can't even begin to tell you the countless compliments I get about you. From the day you were born up until now, they haven't slowed a bit. People look at you and tell me All the time, how freaking cute they think you are. Or how you could melt a heart by a simple smile. Heartbreaker. And for the people that know you tell me how they think you will be able to get away with anything just be giving a certain look. I have been told that you smile with your whole face, which is most definitely true...I think even your ears smile. Those big blue eyes are your ticket to anywhere. You do have a kind of mischievousness about you. Always thinking and always figuring out ways to be included or getting attention. Nine times out of ten you accomplish what you've set out to do. Effective. I love that you are finally finding your way. It's so fun to see you gaining confidence everyday in the things you do. You work hard at things and are easily motivated. Dad or I could get you to do anything if we start with, "I'll give you a dollar if..." It is so funny because now if we ask you to do anything you ask, "will you give me a dolla?" I usually answer with, "Sure, I'll give you a dolla if when I take you to Grandmas, you'll give me a dolla." You always say okay and then do what you've been asked. Motivated.

I can't believe how much you have grown this past year. You absolutely LOVE preschool! The beginning of the year was a different story though. It used to be quite the scene to drop you off. You would cry and scratch and call names. Oh, I so don't miss that. You have made a complete one-eighty. Now you are always asking me, "Do I have school today?" And if the answer is no, well you aren't too happy about that. Thank you, Mrs. Kristen. I have so much joy watching you go to school. I am impressed with how much you have accomplished in such a short amount of time. Determined. I hope that your love of school stays with you forever.

You are the kindest boy I know. You have a special love for babies and kids who are younger than you. Sweatheart. You always have to hug Sophie when she's around and give her a little rub on her head. Sometimes making Aunt Amy a little upset, considering she had just fixed her hair. When we go to Easton's baseball games, you can always be found running around with all the other little kids. You talk so sweet to your little cousins and always smile when you are around them. Sincere. You have a special bond with Graycie. As soon as she gets home from kindergarten you two are off playing like the best of friends. I love to see that. Loyal. You look up to Easton and are interested in the things that he's interested in. You collect Pokemon cards simply because your big brother does. Adorable. You and Tyson are like two little bear cubs. Wrestling and chasing each other all the live long day. Boy. It's pretty fun to watch you two interact. I pray that you will always be close with your siblings. Heaven knows you can't sleep without them.

You have such a soft side. You still love to be held and cuddled...I love that. I live for the moments when it is just you and I reading a book together. You get as close as you can and smile the whole time. You absolutely love getting your back rubbed. Every time we are around Grandma Lando, you crawl up onto her lap and ask, "Gwama, will you please scwatch my bayack?" Always more than willing Grandma draws picture after picture on your tiny little back. Cuddler. You love going to your Great Grandma and Grandpa Doni's house. Always giving kisses and hugs. And when it's time to leave, you ask to stay. I know they get the biggest kick out of that. You are lucky to be so close with your extended family. They all adore you!

I remember the day you were born like it was four years ago. The first thing Dad said was, "Lis, he's really big!" DUH, as if I couldn't tell! But boy was he right. At 9lbs. 9oz. You were the biggest by far of all your siblings. I will never forget looking at you for the first time and melting over the chubbiest cheeks I had ever seen. The chub didn't last for long though. You started out off the growth charts for weight, and then completely dropped off the other end. I worried for a while but now realize that you are just skinny...count your blessings. I love your little physique. You have always been fast and coordinated. You can climb anything. Dad and I are excited now that you are finally expressing interest in playing sports. For the longest time we would ask you if you wanted to play soccer or baseball, you would always tell us no. Recently you told us that you want to play soccer and we can't wait for your season to start.

I am so proud of the boy that you are. I'm always amused that you don't ask me questions all the time like the typical kid does. Instead you make a statement and end it with, "wight MaMa?" This makes my job this much easier since all I have to do is say, "Right Trenton." You are so confident in the things that you do. Admirable. You have a certain sparkle about you that is so infectious. You make Dad and I laugh all the time. I have been so blessed that you are the person you are. You care about others and have a naturally open heart. The world is a better place with you in it. I know that sounds corny but I believe that with all of my heart. You are a funny little dude, Trenton James, and I'm glad that your mine!!!

I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

MaMa

Just bragging

So no joke...playing city league volleyball on Tuesday night, I get the most amazing set. (Thanks Kate!) I jump into the air and crank it like I was in college again (ah, the glory days.) It felt so good to hit soo hard!!! A much needed stress relief. But wait, it gets better. We were playing against a team who are extremely talented. One guy in particular, can crush the ball so hard that when he hits you pretty much put your hands up in front of your face and plead with the Lord Almighty that you don't get tagged. Justice was served when my hit smacked him right in his chest! THUD!!! His team laughed and our team shouts, "Now you know how we feel!!!" Ahhh, feels good.

Dear EASTON...

Dear Easton, (a.k.a. Bug, Ichiro, Chubba, Eastonian, E)

First off...I Love You!!! Simply and completely.

Friend.
I have never know a more compassionate boy. You genuinely care about others and I have always been impressed with that. You would share anything you had no matter if it was your last cookie or piece of candy, just to make your friend happy. Selfless. You love to trade Pokemon cards. I think more so for the social aspect of it. You would trade a card not necessarily to get a card you want, but to give someone else the card that they want. Thoughtful. You don't put circumstances on your friendships and you never hesitate when one of your friends asks something of you. You stick up for your friends with no fear. Impressive. I am amazed that you grasp the concept of friendship in its entirety. No one would make a better friend than you!

Brother.
Oh, what can I say...you are most definitely a brother. A brother much like your father was/is. You fight with Graycie and Trenton, and laugh when Tyson is doing something naughty. Typical. You've pretty much got the bases covered in terms of basic textbook brothering. You don't like when your siblings mess with your stuff or sometimes even look at you. According to my research this is all within the realm of normalcy as far as brothers are concerned. To this I am thankful or better yet, relieved. But all that aside, you play with your siblings. And it is in these moments I am happiest as your Mother. Your brothers and sisters admire you! Worthy. Graycie wants to do things, just because you do. You are paving the way for them and for this your path is more difficult because it's not yet been traveled. Courageous. I know you were first for a reason, and I know you are capable of dealing with the responsibilities that comes with being the oldest.

Boy.
You love doing all the things boys do. You live for the summertime. If school no longer existed this would be just fine by you. You love your dogs and have a special bond with Jett. Loyal. You have a passion for fishing and proved to be extremely talented. At Rainbow Lake, while everyone else was waiting for a nibble, you were reeling in fish after fish. You cast by yourself and improved tremendously since our last trip. Patient. Hunting is another passion of yours. Although I may have to drag your booty out of bed for school, if you know you're going hunting, you are awake even before Dad. Unbelievable. You love to be out there with Dad and Grandpa Lando. You are lucky to have that, Easton. You love to hear stories and pay attention with great detail. You ask questions about your relatives that have already passed on, but not just ask...you care. Amazing. You have played baseball now for four years. And with each year comes great improvement. Dad has been coaching you for the last two years and I know there is nothing he would rather do. He gets to share his passion with you. I see how much you want to please him, but please know that no matter what you do on the field, it is the time that you spend with him that pleases him most...not the hits. Blessed. Riding your motorcycle at Grandma Lando's house has been a highlight of your days. You are quite skilled in your maneuvers and have expressed wanting to race. Daring. When you grow up you want to be on the Deadliest Catch or in the air force. Fearless. You are such a wonderful grandson, not only to all of your Grandparents, but to your Great-Grandparents too. You have developed amazing relationships with them and have placed a tremendous amount of importance on the ties you've created. Respectful. You are a well rounded boy with many interests and talents. You know how to have fun and you have the best laugh. Your passion for life will serve you well. Don't ever stop believing and dream Big!!!

Son.
My life was never more important until the day you were born. May 16th, 2000. At 3 1/2 weeks early you made your grand appearance at 6lbs. 1oz. You were so tiny. Your tininess quickly turned to not-so-tininess. Your personality grew quicker than you did though. You were talking very early and socialized with anyone who'd pay you any kind of attention. Ham. You smiled all the time! You were the easiest kid and went everywhere with Dad and I. Even if it meant staying out 'til midnight. You never cried or complained. Trooper. Things have changed somewhat since then, and you now have a complaint or two under your belt. My favorite is when you tell me or Dad that you are not our slave. I have to laugh at some of the things you argue with us about. Partly because you are trying to argue fact, but partly because you remind me of me. Stubborn. You ask me questions all the time. I love that as you've gotten older we can talk now. You listen with great intent. I cherish the moments when you and I can conversate uninterrupted. You make me laugh all the time. You teach me how to be a kid again. Priceless. I can't believe that you are already 8!!! To me, you were born just yesterday. I remember people telling me how fast the time goes, and I can't believe that they were right. I miss holding you and rocking you to sleep. But I look forward to the relationship we will continue to build. Hopeful. I am so glad that I get to be your Mom. I could go on and on forever, but I can't possibly tell you in words exactly how much I love you...because Webster won't allow.

Happy Birthday!!!!
Love,
Mom.

Blessed I am...

On Mother's day my oldest son brought me breakfast in bed. A fine plate of Eggo waffles toasted to a golden brown, with the perfect amount of syrup drizzled on top. This was done on his own accord, and took no coaxing from anyone. Later he writes me notes telling me that I am a super-mom and that he loves me!!! (Blessed I am.)

After a long day and a hectic night time routine, I make the rounds tucking each child into bed. Still feeling overwhelmed, just ready to veg, I make my last stop to Graycie's room, give her a quick kiss and hug and jet for the door. Mid step she stops me and says, "Mom, you're the best!!!" Stunned I turn back around give her a huge hug and tell her, "No, you're the best!!! (Blessed I am.)

On any given day you will find me frustrated, tired, annoyed, angry, unmotivated, aggravated, crazed, along with countless other negative emotions. But...on any of those given days, regardless of what the day has laid out for me, I will tell you with not a shimmer of hesitation, Blessed I am.

To my Mom

She's smart and amazing

Mom is her name

she never missed

not one volleyball game.

She's short and petite

with incredible flare

not do to wardrobe

but unbelievable hair.

She's silly and quirky

which now I'm the same

like warming mascara

to my Mother I blame.

Or when grocery shopping

the best box to find

who wants one dented

when perfection's behind?

A googilian questions

I ask her while cooking

always so patient

at least when I'm looking.

She works hard to serve

and give to another

she's a Grandma, a wife

a friend, she's my Mother.

Happy Mothers Day!!!

To my other Mom

By marriage she came

an in law to me

but by friendship she came

so much more to be.

Supportive and full

of stories to share

willing to shoulder

your problems to bear.

Vacation with the family

is the peak of her year

cherished memories

that I hold so dear.

Smoothies and treats

at her home you will find

all of her concoctions

are one of a kind.

Her money is spent

on her grandkids alone

a more selfless person

I've never known.

Mother in law

just won't work for me

for so much more

she's come to be.

My kids this week in a nutshell

We were all over at the Grandparents house roasting hot-dogs and marshmallows. Colton, after leaving his hotdog in the fire a bit too long says, "My hot dog looks really gross" Graycie then informs him, "Yeah, that's how you know it's ready to eat."

Spencer, Graycie, and Trenton playing house at the childrens museum. Spencer exclaims, "I want to be the real Dad!" Graycie says, "Okay, you can be the real Dad" Trenton then chimes in, "Yeah, and I'll be the Step-Dad."

I made Graycie stay home from school on Tuesday because I could tell she was just not feeling well. Much to my surprize she actually wanted to go.*gasp* Aparantly on Monday there was a crack in one of the eggs they have been incubating for a while now and she did not want to miss the chicks hatching...bless her heart. So as I was getting the kids breakfast she was laying her head on the counter and I told her, "Graycie your body is telling you it doesn't feel good, you really need to stay home from school." Easton looks at Graycie, puts his head down on the counter and tells me, in his most pathetic puney voice "Well I really didn't get a good night sleep last night." Nice twy, Easton, nice twy.

Tyson, well just see for yourself:

He obviously didn't want Jett licking his popsicle so in a show of protest threw it down on the ground. Safe to say, he didn't think that one all the way through. Yet another life lesson learned the hard way.

I want one!!!

Oh my gosh, how I want a newborn. Calm down, calm down, not another one, just one of the ones I've already had. How I wish I could rewind time, just to hold each one of my kids as newborns again. To rock them, to smell them, to listen to them breathe as the lay sleeping on my chest. I am the type that obsesses over newborns, can you tell? (Guaranteed, a trait I have inherited from my Mom.) I have been beyond fortunate with the babies that I've had. They were easy, they slept through the night at a really early age, they ate well, traveled well, bathed well, and pretty much put me in a state of constant euphoria. Yes, even with sleep deprivation. I know this is foreign to some of you, and for those people I'm sure your thinking, "Gag me." But relax Amy, as easy as it was for me with newborns, the planets and stars have all aligned again, and in turn those four perfect newborns have grown up. And now...well, let's just say I miss my newborns. I look at my kids' baby pictures and can't help but think, "Dude, those were the days." (Single tear.)

From top to bottom:
Easton 6lbs. 1oz.
Graycie 8lbs.
Trenton 9lbs. 9oz.
Tyson 8lbs. 6oz.

Mall Cop Shmall Cop

So Steve and I took the kids to the mall the other day to do some shopping. We walked all over the ginormous Columbia Center (sarcasm). After we had shopped all we possible could given our unfortunate circumstances...no babysitter, we decide we've had enough. We get all the kids strapped in the car and without skipping a beat trenton says; "I have to go potty." Typical.
We pull all the way out of the parking lot over to some bushes by a vacant lot under construction. Trenton hops out and now Easton has to go. Even more typical. So both boys are out sprinkling in the wind when over pulls mall security, gag .

Steve gets out and the guy says, "You know that's considered lewd behavior." Steve says, "Dude, he's three, what do you want me to do, let him pee his pants?" rent-a-cop says, "...and what about the other boy?" "he's seven! i'm not going to take them all the way back into the mall, why don't you go find someone who's actually doing something!" rentacop; "What?...WHAT?!!!" at this point I tell Steve to shut his mouth as the blowhole was taking down our plates. Can rental cops even do that? I'm so sure.

As we're driving away, Steve said he was having a hard time not getting distracted by the single tooth that was in this guys mouth. This is just another reason why you don't shop on sundays.

Disclaimer: I don't personally know any mall cops and feel no hatred towards any of them. I do not intend to belittle the importance of their jobs whatsoever.

My kids this week in a nutshell

Trenton, Graycie, and Easton were all out sitting on our front lawn watching a boy practice his skateboarding tricks in the street. He lives across from us and must be about 15. He would try the same stunt over and over...with not much luck in landing it. After EVERY attempt Trenton would shout out, "Nice Twy, nice twy, nice twy." I'm sure the kid was enthused with his oh so supportive audience.

Graycie was singing while using the bathroom the other morning (common occurrence) after she finished her song, she shouts; "Thank you, everybody...ROCK ON, OHIO, ROCK ON!!!" I just have to say that although her song was pitchy in parts, she really rocked it out in the end.

Tyson had just woken up and was standing in his crib making kissing noises while pointing. I had no idea what he was doing, until I turned around to look where he was pointing. Hanging on our wall is a picture of Steve and I on our wedding day kissing.

Easton was playing second base in his game on Monday. There was a player running from first to second as he fielded a ball. He comes off his base, gets the ball and then throws it to second. Obviously there was no one there. When his Dad/Coach asked him why he threw it to second when he saw that no one was there he says, "I was trying to hit the runner...like they do in the major leagues." Um, I don't know what major league he's talking about, cause I'm pretty sure in baseball, throwing the ball at another player is frowned upon.

24 Things you could care less about me

1) Four Places I Go Over and Over:
Preschool
Elementary school
church
Costco

2)Four People Who E-Mail Me:
My Mom
Spamantha
Dani R.
Aubrey

3)Four of My Favorite Foods:
Fettuccine Alfredo
Pizza
Taco Bell
Fruit

4) Four Places I would Rather be Right Now:
Oregon Coast
Italy
New York
Hawaii

5) 4 People I Think Will Respond:(tag your it, you have to do this too)
DeAnne
Suzanne
Daniella
Kimmie

6) Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:*
While you Were Sleeping
Juno
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
27 Dresses

Laughter IS the best medicine...for reals

I started off this morning pretty much in a grumpy mood...I hate to admit, but this is pretty much how I start most of my mornings. I don't know if it is because of the simple fact that I have to drag my bootylicious butt out of bed, or because I have told Easton for the twenty sixth time to put his blasted shoes on. Maybe it's because when I am occupied in the bathroom fixing Graycie's hair, I come out to find that Tyson has climbed out of his highchair, onto the counter (AGAIN!!!) made a mess of the left over breakfast and ruined a house plant that I have miraculously kept alive for over four years now. I was pretty upset about the loss of my plant. Although I guess on the bright side, it's just one less thing I have to take care of.

So I finally get Easton and Graycie out of the house and am left here with Trenton, Tyson, and the aftermath of hurricane TyTy. This does absolutely nothing for my already "chipper" mood. I look around, take a deep breathe, and do...nothing. Too overwhelmed. I just don't feel like cleaning the kitchen, making beds, vacuuming whatever...I wanted nothing to do with any of it.

Instead I decide to blast some music and dance with my kids. Responsible, I know. Trenton grabbed a bag of potato chips and we all danced around shoving our faces with greasy pieces of goodness. As we were all rocking out, the kids were smiling and laughing like this was as good as it gets. I couldn't help but think, what the johnny was I so grumpy about...this IS as good as it gets. It was like I got hit smack dab in the middle of my forehead with the realization that my mood is what I make of it. I know you all are thinking..."DUH RALPH!" but seriously I can't believe how I went from Debbie Downer to Tracy Turnblad during the course of one smashing song. I can't believe that I have been so stupid...the cure to a crappy mood is; make your kids laugh. There is nothing like it, and I fear the day when I can't make my kids laugh just by making a silly face, or tickling them. I guess as they get older I always have "trying to be hip" that always seems to get a laugh. But for now, it will be my goal to make all of my children laugh on a daily basis. It is a privilege that I have four healthy amazing children and there is nothing in the world that I love more than to hear them laugh.

I can pretty much guarantee that tomorrow we will start this vicious cycle all over again, but for now...I'm happy.

Our "Spare" room

I am always dreaming of owning a bigger house. I would love a 5 bedroom, that way everyone would have their own room...including Steve and I. Right now we have Easton and Trenton sharing a bunk in one room, Graycie in her own room, and Me, Steve, and our roomie (that's what Steve calls Tyson) in our room. Not near enough space.

Every night we put the kids to bed; Grace in her room, Tyson in our room, and Easton and Trenton in their respectable bunk beds, and pretty much every night this happens...

Ahhh, and even sharing the same pillow. Some nights, Graycie will sneak her way into the boys room too. So here I am thinking we "need" more space, when in all reality by the time the night is over we actually have a spare bedroom. It is pretty sweet that as much as my kids fight and annoy each other during the day, they still find comfort in one another.

So for now, we all co-exist semi-peacefully in our little three bedroom house...just don't get me started on closet space.

My kids this week in a nutshell

TRENTON informed me yesterday that he wants to marry the girl from Monster House.

GRAYCIE'S new favorite word; "apparently" (used in the correct context, 96% of the time)

TYSON can now say his favorite cousin to beat on's name...which when he says it sounds an awful lot like the name of a certain house elf from Harry Potter.

I picked EASTON up for lunch yesterday to meet with some friends at McDonald's playland, when what was supposed to be an hour or two turned into more than three I asked him if he would hate it if I didn't take him back to school, he was more than willing to oblige. When we were in the parking lot leaving he exclaims, "THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!"

Blah!!!

I apologize in advance for I am not usually negative or too complainy...well, except to you Rachael, but whatevs. So I've noticed that a lot of fellow bloggers use their blog as a platform to vent, so today...that's exactly what I'm going to do.

First off, I'm tired. I don't really feel much explanation is needed beyond this simple fact; I have FOUR kids. Dude, that's like alot.

Second, baseball season is off to a swingin start. A-woo-hoo. (sarcasm) Steve being the amazing father he is, coaches Eastons little league team. He does an amazing job, and I couldn't be prouder of him. Okay, now back to me. See Steve coaching leaves me in the bleachers by myself for ALL the games. Wait, what am I saying, bleachers? What are those? I would give anything to be complaining about bleacher butt. Fat chance, I'm back and forth between Trenton and Tyson, and Tyson and Trenton. Graycie does great, but the boys? There are no words. Perfect example: Monday I had Tyson locked down in his stroller and Trenton bundled up next to me. It was pretty freaking cold and Trenton wanted to go to the van. Mind you, Saturday I begged him to sit in the van with me, but instead he decides to run onto the field. The other parents found humor in this, me...not so freaking much. So I tell Trenton we are not going to the van and that I wanted to watch Easton bat. Trenton hops down and headed over to where Graycie was playing. Easton's up so I watch Easton, then watch Trenton. Trenton is now heading towards the parking lot to our van. I look back at Easton. "Hurry up and pitch the bloomin ball!!!" Back to Trenton. "Dang it!!! Too far." I get up and run after him. Just as I'm running I hear the crack of the ball hitting the bat and the crowd going wild (we have quite the crowd of enthusiastic parents.) I grab Trenton drag him back to the game and now Tyson is squirming for dear life to be free from his restraints. I take both kids to the van and lock the doors. Not two seconds after we get in the van Trenton spouts out, "I have to go to the bathroom."

Third, its about that time. So every little thing becomes magnified by my surging hormones. Most of you can relate...to those of you who can't...I hate you. (Sorry, that was the hormones talking.) I don't know if anyone elses kids make annoying noises. But mine do this thing that I can't even begin to describe in words. But I'll try...It's like they will be playing and out of nowhere will become possessed by a current of energy or something that can only be released by the most piercing scream sure to make your ears bleed. I don't know why, but there is something about this certain scream that sends a rush of anger through my entire body. Let me tell you it is all I can do to hold it all in. It's physically exhausting...hey, there's another reason I'm tired.

Fourth and final, I have to go grocery shopping. (stolen from my favorite line of this blog.)

Thanks for the session.

Candid Trenton

I wanted to get Trenton on video speaking because the way he talks is so freaking cute (sometimes.) I asked him this question, "Trenton, could you tell me some things about your family?" Thinking I would get a sweet little answer, instead I got this. (see video.)

I'm sure you are all just as confused as I am. I have no explanation as to what the crap he was talking about. But I must say, that I was very appreciative that after he used all the potty words he could think of (okay, maybe not ALL), but he finally decided to use his manners when he wanted my attention. Now that's a class act, ey?

Happy Birthday Aubs!!!

Happy Birthday

to my niece who is two

who's back-Sass and volume
to her mother is true.
She's not a big eater

and can't be much thinner
I think this would change

if marker tips were for dinner.

She tattles and bosses

on my poor son "ah Ty-Ty"

and blames him for things

that I'm sure is a lie-lie.

Toy Story Two

is her movie of choice

and when shes not yelling

has the most precious voice.

She loves make-up and purses

and she loves her Li
I love you so much

Happy Birthday, Dear Aubrey.

Who says you can't skateboard in the house?

One of the many things we let our kids do in the house that we were never allowed to do.

Fishin'

Rainbow Lake.
Colton trying to touch the fish.
Once they moved...he was gone.

Trenton playing yo-yo with his fish, UP...
DOWN.

Mmm...sushi
Tyson....taking the bait.
I caught one!!!
Spencer with his birthday cupcake.
Where's the food?
Running to tell the world, he finally caught one!!!

Great Grandpa Landoni with a fish.
Get ready for the ride of your life, little fish.
What are you fishing for? You've already got the best catch.
Easton, in his element.
Long day at work.

Who needs a pole?
Cheese.
So sweet...sometimes.
My favorite picture.
Trenton.

Rachael taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.
Taking the bait...again.
Hanging out.
Spencer

Rachael fishing hollywood style.
Aubrey mimicking me, although I don't think I made that face.
Her running form would have been better, had her boots been 7 sizes smaller.
Graycie and Grandpa Landoni.
And no, I did not photoshop that smile on his face...he put that there all by himself.

Fall number one...
number two...
number three...(I quit counting)
Cutey Colton.

Lunch break. Can you really call it that when we never stopped eating?
Pounding the Pringles.
Sophie with a Jason on her back.
Graycie fishing with Gramps.
Aubrey and Tyson...this was one of their "good" days.