Summer is over?

Wow, that was crazy. Summer is gone and September is well on it's way out the door. Just to catch up. We had a great summer at Cherry Hill, Camping in Nephi over the 4th with my parents and sister in law, lots of soccer, a 15th Anniversary that we spent alone but didn't go anywhere, a trip to sigurd for the Bastian Family Reunion, a bout with Kidney Stones for Mindy, a super fun first birthday for Kamden,and a fun trip over Labor Day to Flaming Gorge, and a rafting down the green river with the Hone and Tim's families. Somehow is was crazy busy. Now school has started and all the kids are LOVING it. It is so nice. I now have 14 piano students including my own kids, and watch a friends (actually a young women of mine from years ago, boy does that make me feel old) baby once a week. Dallin is in spectrum at Mt. View, and Zach is at the Jr. High, Ali is in 6th grade and Edyn started Kindergarten. So much worrying about Zach going to Jr. High was for nothing. He loves it. Loves the bus, the lunch, the classes, everything. We are well into soccer with 4 kids playing. Dallin and Zach are also playing Basketball. Both girls are dancing ballet, and Ali just tried out for and got a part in the nutcracker, plus scouts, activity days, and church callings. So, yeah life is FULL, and happy. Kamden is super happy baby and so easy. He is walking now and talking quite a bit. He also has learned to open doors and drawers and is constantly pulling everything out. His first love is still balls. He spends everyday, all day long throwing, hitting or kicking any ball he can get his hands on. He still loves babies and ooohs and aahhhs over them and cats and dogs. He is super fun, and we love to make him laugh. Leaves little time to blog but I will be trying to be better.

Wow!

Well I finally have 5 minutes to sit and write what has been going on. Except it has been to busy to even remember what to write. We have had a very long and fun month of May. We celebrated all the birthdays. Dallin wrote a list of everything he wanted to do (no friend party this year). I tried to stick to it as much as possible, but 27 minutes comes faster than you think. He wrote every detail to the minute, and so then Bob did too, and we tried to stick to them all. Ali had a movie night and that was fun too. We did field day and incentive parties. We got to go to Les Mes, for Bob's and my Birthday (he gave me the tickets). It was awesome.
Fun night out. I did my first ever (but not last) Triathlon. Super fun, even though the water was cold. Zach graduated from 6th grade, crazy!! Dallin got baptized. What a beautiful day. We have played lots of soccer and baseball. The girls had their performance of Disney. Super cute. Ali had her ballet performance of Fairy Tales. It was awesome! She volunteered for both casts and spent everyday last week at Weber State. Zach took a graphic's art class at the U, that he enjoyed. Bob and I both had minor surgery (no more new babies at our house). We had our first tramp accident that resulted in our first real stiches. 6 in the center of Edyn's forhead. Mom had to take her and I actually did great at not passing out. Oh, and Edyn did good too. Was glad to had Kristen there with me as well. We are excited for her to go on her mission but will miss our nanny, adopted daughter around here. Kamden is standing alone, and eating solid food. He ate a whole sloppy joe the other night for dinner, chopped in little pieces of course but wow. Needless to say the last month has been WOW. Looking forward to summer and swimming and relaxing and all. :) Oh, and just so you know I am just getting around to planting the garden today. Hope we get any food out of it this year.
p.s. I bought the plants, went out there today and bob had planted 4 more jalapeno's and 4 habanero's. What? What does he think we will do with all those hot peppers? Well now I get to go finish weeding and planting flowers, so neglected this last month, luckily it has been rainy too since we only just turned the secondary water on.

Easter Pictures

6 cousins. Edyn 5, Ella 3, Paisley 1, Kamden 8 mos, Kennedy 2 mos, Brynna 4 days

Our Family Easter Picture

Kamden 8 mos(Ours), Kennedy 2 mos(Kristie's), Brynna 4 days (Brett's)

Cousins at the zoo, our 5, 3 of Kristie's, Angie's 3, Debbie's Paislee

Zach, Ali, Dallin, Edyn, Kamden in new Easter outfits. (ps, I made them, yeah crocheted the corsets on the girls, thanks for teaching me Millie, and made the boys ties, girls skirts, and Kam's jumper. Really fun)
Kamden with his new shovel and pail the Easter Bunny brought him.
Ali and Edyn, Rabbits at school
Dallin and Edyn
Kam so excited about Eating.

All Lions and no Lambs

So March and April. It's been awhile I know so here is the quick catch up. We have been freezing under rain and yep, SNOW, for two months that I thought would be warm weather. Uggh. Really this has been a long winter. But so far it looks like May may brighten up with some sunshine. Hooray for all of us! Since you know I don't like the grey, cloudy days. Like Edyn says, "Mom, let's go out an join some sun." (she mean enjoy but I like it better this way).
Me
Well, I have been trying to learn to cook again only without food.:) Seriously making wheat free, vegan bread has not yet turned out well. In the meantime, I try to stay away from food, those that I am allergic to anyway, and keep trying to find something yummy to eat that I won't feel guilty about because it will make me miserable later. I am also training for a sprint triathlon. Yep, I needed some motivation to get in shape (and have dragged a few other along on my quest) and running is SO boring to me past about 5 miles plus can't breathe. (say a little exercise induced asthma?) So a Tri sounded great to me. I can swim and ride a bike right? Turns out the swimming is MUCH harder than I thought. Working on it for sure and getting better. Best part totally making my lungs bigger so the running isn't too bad either. Crazy! I am pretty excited about it and think it is a new habit for me. Bob and I get up and go about 5:30 and wake up either Zach or Ali (whoever it's turn is to be first at the piano) and then head to the gym or the pool. Truth is we have actually really enjoyed this time together with each other as well. I am signing Bob up for a Tri at the end of the summer to keep us motivated, but first I probably better tell him that. Other than doing all my Mom stuff and piano lessons, that is all that is really new with me.
Bob is working out a lot. With me and his friends at lunch time. This last weekend he was having a hard time walking because his thighs hurt so bad. Poor guy. He continues to fix every ones computers pro bono (of course), and I have been begging him to start giving plasma (I am too chicken) to earn a few extra bucks to pay the bills. HAHA He is so helpful around the house and with getting the kids off to their various activities. What would I ever do without him. Plus he is really cute. So you could say that I am lucky to have the best husband ever.
Zach has been very busy with soccer lately. He is an awesome keeper and really enjoys it but we do soccer about 6 days a week these days. He has been learning violin all year, but does not love that and will not be taking orchestra next year. After much debate we have him registered at the Jr. High where he is supposed to go, but will be taking mostly honors classes. Everyone thinks he (us) are crazy, but I told him it won't be anymore homework than he has been doing, and we really don't want to waste the year next year. We are so glad they offer Honors classes so we don't have to drive him to Syracuse for Jr. High. His 6th grade Spectrum class along with the 5th graders did a production of Midsummer nights dream. It was awesome. Of course Zach volunteered for stage crew (so not the performer). He got to be in the light box which was cool, and we all thought we have never seen the lights work on a production better.
Ali has been busy with school as well. She also has a solo in her theater class production coming up the beginning of June. She has been taking a community education class, cooking for kids, with her best friend Cassie. And she has really enjoyed it. She loves to cook! She has recently decided that her and Cassie will be going to BYU Idaho for college. We will see if that will really happen. My they grow up so fast. She also volunteered to help out another Ballet class and has been doing double duty for their year end performance. And spends 4 hours a week at Ballet. She really loves it.
Dallin was just accepted to the Spectrum at Mt. View for next year, (so I guess I will still be carpooling). He is VERY excited about it. He is loving playing soccer and looking forward to baseball starting up next week. He keeps us informed of just about everything. It is like having a human encyclopedia in the house :)
Edyn is almost done with preschool and very excited about Kindergarten. She does well at preschool but still must visit me often during church. We keep trying to get her to stay in her seat. She also has a solo in her theatre class production and know all the songs so well. We all know them now too she sings them so often. She is learning to read and is doing a great job. She and her friend Eli informed me this morning that they will be getting married and I will be the babysitter. Couldn't be happier about that, but maybe we should think about that in about 20 years. :)
Kamden is getting so big. He has two teeth now, crawls all over, gets into things, and pulls himself up to the furniture. He is such a happy baby. People say he has a perma grin on his face. He is so much fun and we all just love having him in our life. It is so great to have so many big helpers too (that can actually help). He is an absolute delight! He loves to hang upside down and can often be found spinning circles in his exersaucer and jumper. So funny to watch. He loves to eat and eats a lot. We can't wait for warm weather to put his shorts on and see his chubby legs.
We spent Spring Break in St. George. We hoped to be warm and go hiking but ended up at Rena's parents most of the time watching the rain, and then snow. It was wet and cold. The only good things was spending time with our good friends the Bucads and Morris's. We were lucky Rena was there so we could be in a warm house and play games, and eat yummy food. We slept with the heater on all night in the trailer. The last night we were there the propane ran out about 4am. We stayed warm until we had to get out of the covers and froze to death taking the trailer down in the snow. LOL
Easter we spent at Grandpa and Grandma's. We enjoyed a cold but sunny day at the zoo on Friday. Saturday we went to the Bean museum and had an easter egg hunt, colored eggs, and had fun with cousins. Sunday was the traditional Easter Sunday and it was slightly warm and at least sunny. Really fun Easter weekend.
And now we go into the CRAZY May. Can't wait for the mayhem to begin. But we are going to enjoy it. No friend birthday parties this year so it should be a little easier.

End of February

We had so much fun with Paislee (Debbie's little girl) while they were on a cruise for a week. I was reminded of how much diapers a person can change when you have 2 in diapers. It has been a long time for us. Pretty much all I did was feed babies and change their diapers. The kids had a ball with her as well. We also enjoyed Kristies kids for a couple of days so she could be with her new baby. Edyn has a terrific time playing with Kristen Welker and she is quickly becoming her best friend. She asks me every day if she can play with Kristen.
I had a great 35th Birthday and can't believe I have it that age. But oh well. Ya know it isn't so bad getting older, if you get wiser as well. (we are working on that last part). HaHa. February was just a bang up month with all the family stuff and doing sharing time as well. We are SO ready for spring and hope the snow in the Valley will cease and the tulips will begin to poke their heads up. I love the flowers and warmth of Spring. Bring it on!!!

Zach's birthday, Valentines and more. . .

Wow! We have been so busy and had so much fun this past week. It started on Friday with Zach's Birthday. Bob and I took him to lunch at Chili's. He always wants to go there for his birthday and order ribs. This is the first year I have gone. It was very fun to be with him. Then a couple hours of later my cute niece Kennedy was born. I was going to go to take video and be part of the birth, but missed it by about 5 minutes. I am so disappointed!! I have never been to a birth except my own. I did get to see her just brand new and all though and got some video of that. It was awesome. I love new babies, they are so sweet. She and her mom, my sister Kristie are doing well. She is SO tiny. Kristie's biggest baby at 7lb 8oz, but she is just little, tiny nose, and ears. Course my babies are never that little so she probably seems even smaller to me.
Then I left the hospital to get to Boondock's where Zach was having his 12th Birthday. He wanted to play laser tag. So we met up at the place and had pizza and cake and opened presents. Then the kids were able to play laser tag, another attraction, and a lot of arcade. I think they had a great time. Zach invited, Jaxon, Ella, Gavin, Mitch, Chandler, Jacob, Jake, Keaton, Ernesto, plus Dallin, Edyn and Ali, and Ali's friend Cassie. We had a great time and I think the kids enjoyed themselves. We gave Zach a new set of leather scriptures, and an I-pod touch which he has had in his hands ever since. Great day.
Saturday after Dallin took the Spectrum test, we went to the Quirrah (sp?) Mountain Temple to see Sara (Bob's sister) and Brandon be sealed. It was beautiful, especially when they sealed their 4 month old Ethan to them. So neat. After that we picked up Kamden and Edyn from Karolynn's (who was nice enough to watch them) and then went to dinner at Olive Garden. It was a lovely dinner with Brandon's family and Bob's mom and Dad. Then Grandpa and Grandma came home with us to spend a couple of days.
Sunday we all went to church. After church Zach was ordained to the priesthood as a Deacon. It was awesome. I can't believe he is this big and growing up. Talk about growing pains for mom! (especially after last night's Jr. High orientation. Ugh) So many people were there to support him in this and it was awesome to be surround by our family. We are so blessed to have a wonderful family. Both sets of Grandparents were there along with Mark and Debbie, and Camille, and Sara and Brandon, plus Kristie's kids. We filled the whole Bishop's office plus some, super great. We had a nice lunch at our house afterwards and hung out. So fun to be with family.
Monday was Valentines day. I helped with Edyn's preschool party. That was very fun. We played Chop stick candy heart pick up, heart, heart who has the heart, Heart Bingo, and find the Heart String. So funny to watch these little munchkins play. Then we ate watermelon hearts with arrows from oranges, and adorable valentine cupcakes. Then we came home and prepared our traditional valentines dinner, yum. (Chicken pillows, rice, asparagus, heart finger jello, plus a present for the kids, this year a take out box of white chocolate popcorn and valentine candies). After that we decorated our sugar cookies we made and "kicked" them to a few of our neighbors. Super fun. Bob and his Dad fixed my vacuum and leaky kitchen sink as well. Yeah!
Tuesday Grandpa and Grandma Astle flew home and Zach went to the District Science fair.
Wednesday Zach and I had our pictures taken for the church website. Zach has done it before. You can see his hands portraying Pres. Monson as a kid at the bottom of this page. http://lds.org/family/compassion?lang=eng
Now we are trying to clean up from all the festivities. I can't wait to throw away all the Valentines, had it been long enough yet? The kids go crazy if I throw them away but they keep cluttering up the house. I think it is time to go! Anyway Super fun extended weekend at the Astle home.

I want to be 5!

Sometimes I would really like to be 5 again. You get up in the morning slip on your clip cloppy high heel shoes and your crown. Leave your jammies on but throw a beautiful princess gown on over the top. You eat your valentine candy for breakfast, read a book, demand that everyone in the house give you a kiss and a hug (3 times) before they leave. You take a long hot bath while playing with your barbie and imagining you are somewhere far away and what ever else your imagination comes up with. You sort your valentine candy by color, then eat it while watching a Christmas movie. Cut your Valentine stickers up for a mouth gag and pretend you can't talk! All before lunch! Wow, it would be great to go back to that! lol

January 2011

This January has been filled with warm and extremely cold days. So we have been hibernating in the house fixing our master bathroom. Will post pictures soon. It has taken the whole month but we are about there, just a few more "little" things to finish up.
Kamden is now 6 months old. We can hardly believe it. He can sit up fairly well now. He loves to laugh and smile those big dimples at everyone. He loves playing in his "saucer" and putting everything into his mouth and chewing on it. He has had a nasty cold this month (along with the rest of us) and could not suck his binky and breathe at the same time. Now he won't take the binky anymore. I am so sad, he has been the best taker of the kids so far. I keep trying to get him to take it again but I think we are out of luck. He loves to grab his toes and roll all over the house. We all have a lot of fun with him, and Edyn said in her prayers the other the night, "thank you for Kamden and the cute noises he makes".
Edyn is loving preschool and playing with her best friend Eli. They have grown up so much this year and manage to get "3 treats" nearly every class. (a must if they want to play with each other). So they play a lot and are very cute. She also loves to play with her other friends and wants to play with someone everyday. She is very excited about her "homework" that she started this month for school and often does it on the way home from school. Dallin taught her how to fold paper cups and she with her brother have wasted nearly a ream of paper folding cups. She has learned her songs so well for her theatre class and sings about the fish being happy all the time, it is always stuck in our heads.
This month Dallin was moved to a more accelerated class for language arts at school and is really enjoying Mrs. Kent. He still goes to Mrs. Williams for math in the afternoon. She said she had a hard time giving him up. He is such a doll. Mrs. Kent says he is so great in school and she wished she could have a classroom full of him. He has an assignment due at the end of February for his Animal Report. He has been so excited he has been researching for days, with Ali's help on the Lion. He begs for a poster board everyday, and I have to remind him we have to wait until after Zach's birthday and Valentines day to finish it. Dallin can not stand to have the baby fussing or just sitting by himself. He always picks him up and brings him to me, and I have to gently remind him that Kam is Ok and if I could hold him at the moment I would.
Ali got a special solo to sing for her theatre class and practices it a lot. She has become quite helpful when she wants to be and will mop and sweep and vacuum without being asked. She does a good job practicing the piano as long as mom doesn't sit with her and tell her what to do. She wished she could have her own room. I recently moved the play kitchen into the girls room and she wishes Edyn didn't make such big messes. She has been also sewing doll clothes this month.
Zach had science fair this month. He did his project on stable structures, skyscrapers. He built them with toothpicks and marshmallows, then blasted them with wind to see how they would hold up. He received 3rd place and will go to the district science fair next Tuesday. He was able to attend Youth Conference last weekend. We can't believe how he is growing up, and it was hard for mom to let him go away on his own, but he had a great time, and a new challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 100 days, that his mom will join him on. He has been playing basketball and soccer this month as well as finishing his Faith in God and getting his 1st class scout award.
Bob has worked very hard this month on our bathroom project. He comes home and stays in there from 5 until 10 and though I love my new bathroom, I am ready to have a husband again. He did a great job on it. He has been busy at work as well, training officers on a new computer application that will hopefully make his life run smoother. He frequently lifts weights at the gym, and hopefully he and I can start going and getting a little cardio in as well.
I am lucky if the house gets cleaned and the kids fed and cared for everyday. I have been fighting the winter "greys" and can't wait until we see warmer weather and sunshine. The hives have not been great this month though my extreme effort to not eat what I am allergic to, I haven't had a day yet that I didn't at least eat a bite. Therefore I am now doing the shots in hopes that they will help and maybe in 3 years I can eat yummy stuff again. In the meantime I will keep trying to avoid those foods. I just love holding the baby and watching him grow and am so thankful for him. I love helping my other kids with the projects and just being with them. So while the projects I need to do still sit on the table at least I am enjoying my kids and the floor is vacuumed (most of the time),and you can't ask for much more than that.

Christmas

Well, the holidays have come and gone once again. Wow did they ever go fast! We had the family over for dinner and "Christmas eve" on the Sunday before Christmas. Since, we all have in-laws to spend Christmas Eve with we carry on our Hone traditions the week before. Have to have crab won-tons, dinner and of course reading the Christmas story while the kids all dress up and act it out and singing and banging on instruments around the piano. The kids were off of school for two weeks. It was great we got to be together and make a new cookie each day, and have a wii day with the cousins.
Santa brought Disneyland tickets to us for Christmas. Best present ever. So after opening presents bright and early (try 5am). We packed up our belongings to head on vacation. We stopped at Grandma Hones for the traditional Blueberry waffle breakfast and opened presents with them. Grandma gave us all Disneyland shirts to wear on the big day. Then we headed for Mesquite to spend the night. We traveled the rest of the way to Escondido to the Lawrence Welk Resort. We spent a couple of days at the Resort playing, and one day at California Adventure and one day at Disneyland, as well as going to the Rose parade and seeing Bob's sister Laura in San Diego. We had a fabulous time. The kids loved Disneyland, though it was much colder than we had anticipated. And SO much more busy. But seeing the Haunted Mansion and It's a small World as Christmas was fantastic. We made the kids an autograph book and they loved getting the characters autograph's. We did not get them all and will have to save them for another trip but it was a highlight of the trip. Another highlight was giving the kids their own money for the trip. They had so much fun picking out what they wanted to buy for themselves. And Mom and Dad didn't have to say no. California adventure we did not love as much as Disneyland but had a great time seeing the Aladdin show and the Colors show on the water. They were both spectacular. We wish Santa would bring this gift more often. Best of all we missed the freezing cold temperatures at home and instead laid out by the pool while the kids swam. Too fun. New Years Day we went to the Rose Parade. There was some discussion about not going since we had to get up to early to go, but everything worked out perfect. We drove right up and parked and got to walk past all the line of floats before the parade and see them up close. They even gave all of us girls a rose. They were so beautiful and well worth our time. So much fun, a must do! We drove home all in one day, and everyone did great, even Kamden. I guess we have broken him of hating his car seat! He has started to sit by himself for small moments of time and likes to eat his toes. Monday no-one went to school. We were all to tired and slept in really late. We are so glad we got this for Christmas and the kids were so much fun to watch. Edyn just wanted to see the Castle. "Can we see it yet mom?". She was thrilled to walk underneath it.
We were so glad that most of the Hone family could go. It is so fun to vacation with all the cousins, and my brother and sisters and their families. Can't wait to do it again.

update end of November, beg. December

Haven't had a lot of time to post lately but here is what has been going on.
We went to Gentry's farewell. It was awesome and she gave a wonderful talk. She has been about the only babysitter our kids have ever had, and was one of my young women, plus and most importantly a really great friend. We will miss her on her mission, but I am so excited for the people of Ecuador to get her, she is a true Gem. We love her! Her farewell was fun too. It was at our old church and lots of our friends from the old ward were there. It was great, but made me kind of sad too. We really wish we were all still in the same ward together. Good times.
We then attended Caralee's farewell. Another one of my young women and dear friend. Her talk was fabulous and look out Bulgaria, the best thing that has ever happened to you is coming your way. We love her and miss her as well. Such a beautiful women. It is so fun to see these girls growing up and serving the Father in Heaven.
We had Thanksgiving at the Hone's this year. It was wonderful, all of my family but Angie was there, and Uncle Al, Clinton and his family and Mark and his family. It was fun to be with the cousins. We love them so much and wish we could be with them more often. We all had a great time.
Bob and I of course went to Black Friday, a date tradition we have. Didn't buy much, but didn't need much either and got a lovely breakfast at McD's. Kamden came with us. It has been a while since we had a baby with us on our adventures.
Kamden was looking too skinny and crying a lot. So when the kids went to get their flu boosters, I asked if I could weigh him. He was only twelve pounds. Which means that in 2 months he has only gained a half a pound. So I called the LC's at the hospital, they said take fenugreek and pump after every feeding. So, we have spent the last two weeks nursing, giving a bottle, and pumping. Feeding takes forever! But, when I took Edyn to the Dr. (turns out she had strep and and ear infection that we spent all last week dealing with) I weighed him again and in a week and a half the cute bugger had put on a whole pound. The happy part is that he is SO happy now. We are just loving it. Still doesn't sleep much at night though, and I am feeling SO tired. I keep forgetting things, like I am working on half a brain. Kamden is now rolling from front to back, and blows raspberries. It is cute, he will blow berries at you if you do it to them. And then he screams and tries to giggle. He loves to be entertained and gets a lot of it from all of us.
Edyn and Ali had their performance for the theatre group last week. Ali did a terrific job on her dance solo that she tried out for. We were really amazed. She is a beautiful dancer. Edyn was not feeling too well, but still stole the show! Everyone loved her. Then Wed. performance she was very sick. Trip to the Dr. Thursday confirmed strep throat. Edyn told me this week she knows how the clouds get there. "They take a bunch of cotton and roll it all up and put glue on it. Then they take it outside and throw it up and it sticks." HEHE I also told Edyn she had to take her medicine when she didn't want to. I told her she needed it because the little soldiers in the medicine had to go and fight of the germs (anyone seen the Louis Pasture book?). She then tells me, "yeah, cause they go in and fight all the germs and get them dead and then they come out the hole where my babies will come out." What??? She is hilarious. She told Bob after the Dr. visit (who put the ear thing in her sore ear) she said, "I was really good at the Dr. She put that thing in my ear but it didn't hurt as bad as when they put that sword in my leg for the shot." HAHA.
Even my Zach said something funny lately. We were talking about if you would rather be hot or cold. I told him I would rather be hot cause I can always run through the sprinklers or swim and cool off real fast. He said, "yeah that's true. It is not like there is such a thing a hair dryer wars." I laughed and laughed. That would be his equivalent to water gun wars for the winter. Maybe we should invent it.
We have started doing Christmas things though the tree is up, it is not decorated yet. We spent a wonderful evening with the Burgetts, on Saturday. Karolynn is a wonderful hostess and it is fun to see them again. They have a beautiful house with a movie theater, basketball double shot, ping pong table, and a pool in the backyard. My kids are all convinced now that they should become doctors. LOL Thanks to Doug for the prescription to help me make more milk though and Karolynn for letting me borrow her breast pump.
Bob spent the last couple of days in S. California for the funeral of his Aunt Sandy. She has been battling cancer for sometime now. We will really miss her. She was a wonderful women and Aunt. He just got home this morning and is off to work, but very glad he was able to be there.
Dallin keeps reminding us of how many days left until Christmas. He hollers out "Eighteen days till Christmas!" Just like they do on the Grinch movie. Very funny!
I finally got the allergy testing done, and the results back. Turns out I always have hives cause I am allergic to everything. Sagebrush, Johnson grass, bermuda grass, cat, dust mites, tomatoes, milk, chocolate, wheat, soy, peanut, chicken, corn, eggs. ugh! trying now to figure out what to eat. Any ideas let me know.

"What about Bob"

For those of you wondering if Bob is still in the family, since he doesn't get a lot of paragraph space in the blog spot (something he frequently mentions, and is feeling very validated that someone else noticed as well ((um Roger)). You should know that not only is he still here, he is doing well. Before I give ALL the accolade's that the sweet man deserves, I must mention this first. . .(it wouldn't be the sarcastic me if I didn't:) All men are just children, only in big bodies . "Big boys" want to be in charge. They do not want you to be their mother, UNLESS it means giving them treats, kissing their boo boo's, making their dinner, lunch and breakfast, making their bed, doing their laundry, etc. OR even giving them their own paragraph each week on your blog. So here is to my "sixth" child, and the only one I can't tell what to do.

Let me start from the beginning. January, Feb. and March were really sweet for Bob. Cold weather always brings out the best in him, and with no allergies during this time it is really great. Apr., May and June, though still not hot (especially this year) were not as great as the allergies kick in at this time and he can't breathe so well, (or kiss for that matter). He loved, loved July and August, NOT. Way too hot for him. But with the fall and approaching holidays, he is the happiest he is all year. Cool weather and Christmas to look forward to. (kid again). Hopefully he will have a Merry Christmas this year though. We are giving a Disney Vacation to the kids. Well. . . hopefully if Santa will find it in his heart to bring the Disneyland tickets! But all this time I have been worrying about what the kids will think when there aren't really presents to open Christmas morning. Turns out I should have been worrying about Bob's reaction as well, I am not sure he is too excited about Christmas morning this year. No surprises.

Bob spent the first half of the year trying to deal with his pregnant and cranky wife, and the last half trying to deal with a crying infant in his bed. Poor guy. You might say it has been a rough year for him.

Bob has been going to the gym A LOT this year with his personal trainer, a giant man named Garrett (really just a policeman friend who tells them hat to do). It has paid off though and his bulging biceps are not something you want to go up against. Soon he will be able to move that Volkswagen bug of his, just by lifting it!! It currently has no engine, but who needs one when you have Bob. I think the Flintstones may come back in style. :) Seriously he looks really good.

Bob loves to read as well. One of the things we have in common. It is not a wonder why our children are all book-a-holics. I think he has even read some good ones this year, but you would have to ask him what they are.

Bob loves his job at Layton City. He is very good at it, and they really like him there. It is close to home which I love. Though he doesn't know how to say "no", and spends an hour or too almost every night fixing someone else's computer, (usually for free).

Bob enjoys is new calling in the ward as assistant finance clerk, but spends most Sundays walking the halls trying to calm the baby, so mom can go to Primary and do her calling. He is such a wonderful dad. He also holds him for a few hours each night so mom can try to get some sleep.

I can't really say that Baby number six, or maybe I should say baby #1, is growing, at least in a physical sense, but I suppose that is good at our age since the "up" has stopped and the only way to grow now is "out". So, good job Honey! However, I am sure he continues to "grow up" in many other ways, as we all should be continually be striving to do.

So hopefully this is a long enough paragraph about dear old Bob. But just a couple more words about him before I'm done. I love you, Bob. I have loved you now for nearly seventeen years, and I will be forever grateful to my father in heaven for sending you to me, and preparing you to deal with me as well. You are amazing! To quote the kids "Give it to Dad, he can fix it, He fixes everything." And not just all our toys, appliances, and stuff but also our hearts and spirits. What would we ever do without you?

Who could ask for a better husband or father? We are SO blessed to get him. We ALL love him very, very much. So. . . . "WHAT about Bob?"

Early Out-nov

This week the kids had early out all week for SEP. I love early out week. I wish the kids got home everyday at that time. Everyone gets their piano practiced, homework done, all activities, and we get to play with friends and still get to bed on time. Fabulous! Kamden hasn't felt too good this week, and has cried a lot. He even had a fever the other night, but nothing else. Who knows? He has taken to waking up every two hours again which I could do without but he has an upset tummy or something. The weather has been chilly but mostly sunny. I am sort of dreading the grey days of winter. I love the sun, but Bob refused to move to Hawaii! Ugh! This week Edyn remembered the old swing set that we used to have in the back yard (she was only like 2 or 3 when we had it). She was talking about it and I asked her "How do you remember that?". She said, "I remember everything, just like Debbie. Remember?". So funny. We always tease my sister Debbie about remembering EVERYTHING. Including some things that we do not think every happened. I swear that Edyn has the best memory I have ever seen. She was always the best mimicker when she was a baby too. Unbelievable how smart that little cookie is.

Yesterday Kristie and I had fun making our Thanksgiving aprons, and some T-Day outfits for the girls. It was really fun for a long time but by the end (about midnight) we were sick of it. It truly takes so long to do anything when you have to stop to help kids all the time. Bob was a little frustrated at the duration of our quest as well, but was a trooper and made dinner for us all anyway.

Kamden's Blessing Day

Table Centerpieces
Bob and Kamden
The lot of us (except aunt Kristie who is taking the picture)
Our Family
Kamden on his Big Day
What a beautiful day! Sunday we blessed Kamden. It was a pretty fall day outside but a little chilly. We had church at 1pm, and the time change was a blessing to have an extra hour to get stuff prepared. Bob gave him a beautiful blessing inspired by the Spirit, and family and friends were there to help us celebrate the birth of our son. I am so thankful for a husband who is a worthy priesthood holder and can perform these special blessings for us. For those of you who missed it and wanted to be there. Heavenly Father blessed him to be a strong worthy son of Faith, to search, read, and understand the scriptures. He blessed him with a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, that he would be a good example and have a kind heart. He also blessed him to have compassion for others, and prepare to serve a mission and go to the temple with a worthy companion. Those standing in the circle were Dad, Grandpa Hone, Mark Tims, Grin Pearce, and Brett Hone. Kamden is a little older than the other kids when we blessed him. (We thought Grandpa and Grandma Astle would be able to join us so we waited, but then that didn't work out, and I was doing sharing time in the month of October and didn't want to ask someone to cover for me since I had already missed a lot of church for the baby.) So, during the blessing we could hear him "talking". It was very cute. Bob said that he kept trying to sit up during the blessing as well and then the men would compensate by bringing his legs higher and as this went on by the time the blessing was over, Kamden was about laying in front of their noses. He was very cute when Bob "showed" him to the audience as well. I say "showed" because Bob does not like to lift the kids up and show them off, he gets embarrassed by this, so Kam was just sitting forward and looking at all of us with those raised eyebrows and craning neck. So cute.
Those in attendance were, Grandpa and Grandma Hone, Angie, Damien, Mar'cus, (Holmes), Kristie, Grin, Jaxon, Gavin, Ella (Pearce), Camille Hone, Debbie, Mark, Paislee (Tims), Brett, Paige, Aidyn (Hone), Becky, Eli, Isaac (Anderson), Sara, Brandon, Ethan (Fry) Hollie MaKuakane, Caralee Child, and Kristen Welker. Kamden looked so cute in his silk blessing outfit, complete with silk shoes, white socks, hat (which Bob wouldn't let him wear) and a boutonniere (from Grandma). It was so wonderful to have everyone there, and also see a few friends and some of my young women from several years ago. I am so thankful for family and friends. It is so important to our earthly and eternal happiness. I of course bore my testimony in sacrament meeting (I feel I must thank my Father in Heaven for this beautiful healthy baby boy), however Edyn accompanied me to the podium this time. True to her nature she ran around, kicked the wall in front, and showed the whole audience the artwork she had done. Would have been real cute if it were someone else's kid. Mostly just embarrassing for her parents. She is the cutest thing, but wow she has spirit!
After Sacrament we came back to the house to have dinner, and enjoy each other’s company. We were so grateful for everyone who brought a salad, they were all so yummy. We also had smoked turkey (amazing by Bob), baked carrots (my mom's recipe that I have always loved), rolls, and pumpkin cheesecake (my new found "fun" thing to make).
It was such a wonderful day and we are so glad we have Kamden.

Zach's progect for images of greatness

Zach's class for images of greatness. Zach's project on JRR Tolkien. He did a fabulous job on is board and on his bioriddle. He is dressed as Gandalf!

pictures of Halloween and Edyn's Birthday

Doofinschmirtz and Agent P
Ali as Candace, Mindy as Major Monagram, Kam as Agent P, Edyn as Isabella, Dallin as Phineas, Zach as Ferb, Bob as Dr. Doofinschmirtz
Edyn the fancy Explorer Extraordinaire
The Explorers clubhouse

The fancy cupcakes

Birthday's and Halloween

We celebrated Edyn's Birthday on Friday the 22nd with a Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinare party. It was very fun. We are all in love with the Fancy Nancy Books, but needed a party that boys would enjoy too, since some of her best friends are boys. We had a clubhouse with lots of fancy decorations we borrowed from my mom, and we made binoculars out of toilet paper rolls and read the story to the kids before leaving to go "exploring". I made the kids all a fancy pencil and book that had everything they needed to know to "join the club" with a page on what to look for. We went to the hollow and went exploring. The kids had a ball. I just wish I would have planned more time, they could have stayed there forever. We got back to the house when the parents were supposed to be picking up the kids. Luckily no one cared that they stayed longer for presents and ice cream. Edyn openened her presents with Pizzazz (a fancy word for ripping into them one after another in a crazy fashion). We were going to play a bingo game to settle in for presents but ran out of time. (should have done it anyway). Then we sang Happy Birthday and had cupcakes (made by my friend Becky and were absolutely beautiful) and ice cream where they could sprinkle all sorts of treats on top with whip cream and cherries for a nice effect. We had a ball!
Grandma Astle was able to visit and see our new baby as well as enjoying the birthday festivities. It was fun to play with her for a couple of days and she got to halloween it up with us too. We watched scary movies, carved pumpkins, made lots of treats, watched Zach perform thriller with the sixth grade and sang Halloween songs with the school. We helped out in Ali's class for a party, and trick or treated at Dad's work. We have been canning grape juice, grape jelly, and Applesauce (still more applesauce to do, which I love because it smells so good) We also had breakfast with a witch at my sisters house (I was too busy this year to do it).
Friday we trunk or treated with our ward, and then went trick or treating in the rain for a minute on Saturday. Then we had yummy soups and of course carmel apples dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar that Kristie makes and we all love. The kids went out trick or treating later by themselves after the rain stopped and got way too much candy, and they each got a small flashlight at one house. They were thrilled. They love them to read at night in their beds. Great Halloween and everyone looked so cute, even if we had to explain to a lot of people who Phineas and Ferb were!
I have been doing sharing time this month and did my last one yesterday. We have also been trying to watch the Harry Potter movies, gearing up for the new one, and cause they are fun to watch at Halloween. Needles to say the kids have watched 1 and 2 while Mom and Dad slept. Dallin has started his first year in Basketball. Dallin's coach probably thinks I am a brainless twit. The first practice I got the time and location wrong and by the time we got there, he practiced for 5 minutes. Then I left my purse there and the coach had to call and meet us somewhere to pick it up. The next week (saturday) I forgot the treats and had to go and get some at the store. I also had a very fat lip and jaw from the hives, and by the time I got back my eye had nearly swollen shut and my ear was swollen. He probably thinks someone is beating me up too. What can I say? I make good first impressions for sure. Zach has started indoor soccer. The Weather is really being so nice that they are still practicing twice a week outside as well. Ali got the Dance Solo for their "Showstoppers" performance and is excited about that. Kamden chuckled really cute for me and Grandma Astle last week, but we haven't been able to get him to do it since. He is now 3 months old. I can't believe it! We are ready for him to sleep through the night but still no luck and my neck is killing me from holding him all night, but at least we get a little sleep. He just refuses to stay asleep in his bed (he lasts at most 5 minutes). He "talks" a lot now which is fun. The kids in Ali's class at school just loved seeing him there and Edyn embarrassed Ali when her friends asked her who her boyfriend was and Edyn told them McKay. Kamden has taken to sucking on everything (fist, blankets, burp rags), and between that and the spit up and drool he is "wet" most of the time.
I was suppossed to go get allergy tested this tuesday and next to see what is causing the hives, but you have to stay off the medicine for a week in order to do it, and after the WORST breakout Saturday morning it is determined that I will have to have blood drawn instead of the scratch test. I had to take my pill, but am now doing much better. (tired, but at least they don't have to committ me to the insane asylum).
We have been partying for two weeks and gained back any weight I may have lost but hopefully we can get back on track now. We are looking forward to blessing the baby on Sunday, and then maybe we can take a break for a bit from the craziness. ;) At least until the Christmas Craze begins.

October

Ok, so I can only get around to this blog thing once a month lately. You would think we just had a baby or something. Here is the worst part, I can't even remember what we have done this last month. So, here is little update on all of us.
Me- So, So happy with the weather, it just has to hold beautiful until Edyn's Birthday and Halloween. Edyn is having a Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire birthday so we need to explore outside, and we are going as Phineas and Ferb for halloween (think t-shirts and shorts). BTW just finished sewing our "easy" costumes yesterday. Been way to busy lately and am hoping to get back to the holding, rocking days real soon. Made Halloween aprons with my mom and sisters this week, so fun. Been to Grandma and Grandpa Hone's pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins and the fall decorations are finally up. I love fall.
Kam- Smiling all the time now!! Trying to laugh and roll over. 2 month check he is 11 lb 6 oz, and 24 1/2" long. Long and skinny like the rest of them (except Edyn who at 7 months was only 25 and quarter inches long). Finally on an every three hours feeding schedule Love it but is causing severe pain in my shoulders and neck. Love, love playing with him and getting him to smle. Still a red-head believe it or not, but he now has blue, blue eyes,so cute, and happy they aren't yellow anymore. He loves his swing and will sit in the bouncer for a while, trying to reach the toys in front of him. We all have so much fun with him and he is getting used to the crazy bunch of people he lives with.
Edyn- Loves preschool and her teacher, who is amazing. She has had two field trips, one to Black Island Farms, picking pumpkins and just recently to the Donut shop, fire station, and park. She told me she had four field trips that day, the last being to leave, (as she ticks all four off on her fingers). She tried out for a solo in her theatre group singing "I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause". She is so dramatic and had all the actions and singing real loud and everything for the "judges". She was very excited about it but then (Ali got to watch her tryout) she sang so quiet and hardly moved. I know hard to believe huh?
Dallin- Just finished Soccer. He did awesome this year and quite a stellar player (last year we wondered as he picked grass on the field and fell down cause he thought it was cool). He starts basketball next week. He did his oral book report on "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" and did a great job, then sharing cookies with the class. He loves to touch/hold and talk to the baby and comments on his growth all the time.
Ali- Just finished soccer. She did awesome! My girl who used to be unable to walk through the grocery store without getting in the cart can now run a huge field of soccer and likes it. We are so proud. She is loving ballet trying to get her splits down so she can get a candy bar at class. The other day she found a hair flower at dance. At first she thought herself so lucky and I told her to give it to her teacher to see if they could find out who it belonged to. She did and they found the girl. Her teacher gave her a ballet coin purst for being honest. She thought that was awesome and I am thankful for the reinforcement!! She also tried out at her theatre class but only wanted to try out for the dance solo, no singing. You can she where she is most comfortable.
Zach-Fall soccer is over, and did great. Indoor soccer starts on Saturday. He has also been playing basketball with the ward boys once a week. Zach wanted to do orchestra at school and is learning to play the violin. He is getting ready for his show of is research project on Tolkien.
Bob- Who after editing my Blog felt all upset that he was not on here and is "apparently not part of the family". Bob has been very busy latley doing. . . . . . . .? LOL J/K. He keeps busy with work and helping me with the kids. And I try to keep him from going over the top at the kids sporting events. He really enjoys them. We love him very very much and are so happy he is a part of our lives. We are all looking forward to the upcoming events of birthdays and halloween, and blessing the baby on the 7th of November.

kam video with bob's phone -smile-

September 2010, growing up

Wow, I can't believe it has been a month since I blogged anything. It is amazing how much time a baby (+4 kids)can take. But we love, love it of course. Here is what we have been up to.

Kamden- Oh so sweet and cute. Bob and I both just smell his little head all the time(new babies smell so good) and we all love to watch every little move he makes. He holds his little arms straight out in front of him a lot. Ali says he must be like daddy and loves driving cars. The kids laugh and think it is funny, and now we always talk about him driving his cars and shifting and braking and such. He had his first smile at Dad on August 25th and since then has gotten better and better smiling all the time now. The other night on the 17th he even sort of giggled. We all love to hear him talk, making those oh so sweet baby sounds. In the last month he had his first real road trip to Fort Bridger for the Rendevoux over Labor Day weekend. Surprisingly to us all he did quite well, maybe he will learn to like driving in the car after all. We did not stay the night this year, but had a great time walking around the fort. The night before we went he had his first injury. Bob was holding him and taking some chicken nuggets out of the oven. He was holding him away from the pan but just as he turned little Kam kicked his foot and burned the bottom of his little left toe. It is healing nicely though, but we sure felt bad about it. Kam had his first sickness. He got a cold this last week, that of course turned into two ear infections. We have never had a baby get sick this little and we were quite worried about him. We hope this isn't a premonition of the future. Kamden still refuses to sleep in the bassinet. I put him in there every night when he is sound asleep, within 5 minutes he is crying and spends the rest of the night in our bed. He has had some nights where he has slept for a 4 or 5 hour stretch, but not lately. Probably because of the sickness but he is back to waking up every 2 hours. We went to church with Kam for the first time last week, and have sat through a couple of soccer games this week. We absolutely love having Kam in our house and watching him grow. We just wish he would grow a little slower.

Edyn- Edyn has been busy the last month as well. She started preschool, and his super happy to be back with Ms. Mary and Eli. She continues to beg for someone to play with every day, but now has something to keep her entertained as well. She was really sad when she was sick on Wednesday and couldn't go. Becky has been taking them and I have been picking them up this year. It is so cute when everyday they see the van and they both hold up their 3 fingers, telling me that they got 3 treats and can play together now. (a reward we set up last year for good behavior) They have been so good this year though and always get three treats. She loves going there and sharing with us what she has learned. Edyn also stated a dance/singing/acting class, and loves that she now gets to go to "ballet" like her big sister. She shares her little routines she is learning with anyone who will pay attention. She also continues to "perform" for applause every chance she gets. She plugs the wii microphone into the bookcase and then sings her made up songs with a curtsy at the end. It is really adorable. She is still such a tease and thinks it is so funny to "get" anyone, laughing and laughing. If it wasn't so cute it might be annoying. Recent funny Edyn blurbs include, to Becky, "My mom has a witch in her tummy that comes out when we don't do our jobs, but I don't believe her" This comes from me telling them that if they don't go to bed, the witch comes out after 9:00pm and you don't want to see her. Super funny! Then the other day we were driving home and she said, "Mom, look the Dr. fixed the moon." I had no idea what she was talking about so after questioning her I understood. When we were coming home in the dark from Grandma's last Sunday the moon was beautiful, a perfect crescent and was so yellow. We talked about it, and she must have decided that it was sick (remember Kamden's yellow eyes and skin from the jaundice)and when we saw the moon the other day it was white again and bigger and therefore the Dr. must have fixed it.

Dallin- Dallin is loving 2nd grade and his teacher Mrs. Williams. He also loves looking at his baby book, and commenting on how cute our baby is all the time. Soccer started back up and he is doing really well. He scored 6 goals at the last game and was very proud of himself. They were the only goals his team made. Dallin has also been sick with a cold and yesterday threw up so he is trying to get better as well. He played his soccer game yesterday sick (we didn't know until we got home that he was sick), but still trying hard and again scored the only goal his team got.

Ali- Ali is trying to enjoy 5th grade. She doesn't love her teacher, but is learning a good lesson of getting along with all sorts of different people. She trades bracelets at recess a lot at school (the shaped rubber band kind). She is really enjoying Ballet this year and practicing her splits so she can get a treat. She talks a lot about a new boy at school that sits behind her and talks about and stares at her. Can't believe how we hear about boys already. She also got her first bra this summer, tank top kind, and is wearing deodorant. The other day she asked me what "diapers" for bigger girls was all about. So we had that discussion as well. I can't believe how my kids are growing up. Ali also is taking a dance/singing/acting class and is really enjoying it. She can't wait to perform Mary Poppins in December. Ali decided to play soccer again this year. She is on a fun team with several of her friends and is playing really well. She hasn't even once complained about the running to much and she is tired. She really must be growing up. She also enjoys playing with her friends and wants to play all the time. It works as a good incentive to get her piano practiced so I don't mind. Almost every day she wants to make cookies, and has been helping make dinner lately. She is turning into a good cook as well.

Zach- Zach is very busy with his 6th grade school work in the Spectrum program at Mt. View. He really enjoys it and his friends at school. They are learning things to help prepare them for the SAT's. Crazy! The only thing he doesn't like is the car pool with 4 girls. He just sits and reads his book and ignores all the girly chit chatter that goes on. I think it is funny. He is playing soccer and doing really well, especially at Goalie, but it keeps him pretty busy. He either has practice or a game 5 days a week. They have an orchestra program at school and he wants to be in it and play the violin so we are letting him, since we have a violin, but we had to explain to him that it doesn't mean he gets to quit piano. I think he was a little disappointed. Zach is also enjoying scouts and just earned his tenderfoot, and is almost ready to get his first class. They just went last weekend on a scout trip, and about froze to death. There was ice on the windshield of the car when they got up the next day. They have another one in October. Bob's says he taking the trailer on that one. HAHA

Mindy- Between feeding the baby every two hours, (really trying to get him to go longer without much success)and carting the kids all over to their various activities and getting the fall canning done there isn't much time left. I love holding the baby every day and watching his every move. I have also been busy with trying to put together Halloween costumes, and Edyn's upcoming birthday, and Christmas. I know crazy, but I only get a few minutes each day to do anything else so I figure I better get started if we are going to do any of these holidays. The best part about baby number 5 is that I am so relaxed about everything. I guess by this time you really get how fast they grow and how fast time goes by, so If all I did today was hold the baby, good. It doesn't matter right now that my list of things to do is not getting done, because there will be plenty of time for that latter but he will only be a baby right now. I am also starting to feel like myself again, which is good. It has been a longgggggg time. :) I made cheesecakes this weekend. Random, I know. I have been wanting to try one for a long time. Bob's mom and I went to a RS class in SD a few years back, and I have just never gotten around to doing it. We will see if they taste any good when we have them for dinner tonight.

Bob- Bob is enjoying the little baby, and helping the other kids with soccer and school. He is busy taking care of all of us while mom holds the baby. He is making progress on the Jeep and enjoying working on it. He is still going to the gym and has now been going regularly for a year. He is very "buff" too. He still loves his job but is trying to look for other "jobs" as well to get us through the Christmas season, since Mom is not making any money anymore. She loves it, but it is making finances very tight. We have just had a lot of unexpected and some expected big expenses this year.

As you can see we are busy, but very happy and so thankful for all our bounteous blessings. If we could just freeze time right now, I think we would. We enjoy so much each of the stages are kids are in, and want them to slow down on the getting bigger.

14 years, and back to life

This week was our 14th anniversary. It is so weird to think we have been married for that long, and have 5 kids to boot. Crazy! I am not sure where the time goes. Thankfully we love each other even more now than when we got married. I am very lucky to be married to him. He helps so much with everything around the house and the kids, and he still makes me laugh. He is my best friend, and I so appreciate the man that he his, supporting our family and honoring his Priesthood, he is awesome and can fix anything and everything and it is wonderful. Having a 2 week old baby sort of diminishes the ceremonies but we still enjoyed each other's company even if it was with a kid in tow and was short. Bob brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and then after he got home from work we went to dinner. We had a gift card from Apple bees, so that was where we went. It was fun to celebrate! I love the Chinese chicken salad there but decided to be different this time. Big mistake. The first plate they brought me tasted like dish soap. Sick! The next plate was better than dish soap but only by a little. The kids were so excited they made us snicker doodles, and when we came home from dinner the house was cleaned and not just the usual kid cleaned but actually clean, counters wiped off and everything! It was very sweet.
Edyn said a couple funny things this week. She told me not to let the Dr. put the medicine in me so we don't have any more babies. She thinks we should have MORE. I do not know how she comes up with this stuff. Then when we were sitting at the stoplight and the traffic was heavy on Hill Field road (not a place to be at 3:30pm by the way)she says "Ugh, move people. Mom, honk the horn so they will move". Patient isn't she. So funny!
The kids are very excited to start school tomorrow, and we had to do a little shopping yesterday for some school supplies and backpacks. That was an adventure with 5 kids. Kamden does not like to go shopping we decided and didn't get all our errands done because he just couldn't calm down. Life has started to pick up this last week. Seriously? I was hoping for a least a month off of life. :) Ali had ballet on Tuesday and Friday and Kamden screamed the whole way there and the whole way home. Then I actually had to make dinner of course while nursing the baby. Here comes life huh? The girls also started on Thursday at a new dance / singing / acting place. Edyn was so excited she put her dance clothes on at noon, and it wasn't until 4pm. She loved it. Ali had fun too. Zach played in the Strikers Cup Soccer Tournament and had a game everyday. Thankfully Mary Champlin took him to all the games and then Bob brought him home. We did not do as well as we thought we would and didn't get to play in the finals, ended up taking 4th place. But Zach played amazing and won MVP for the entire tournament! They gave him a world cup soccer ball and all signed it. He was very excited. He is also very excited because Del Taco will give him a free churro after every game all season if he comes in in his jersey. He thinks that is fantastic. So we start back into it all, and the kids are glad but mom wishes there was a few more weeks of summer. (btw it has not been that hot this August and I am getting worried about the fall temperature. I am right now refusing to turn the heat on until Thanksgiving. I think we deserve that much longer of heat, considering it was winter this year until July, right?)
Still loving on the baby everyday. He has been a little fussy this week. Not sure what is going on with him. I think he is trying to buck the system, but he will have to get used to all the running around. Hope he does. Good news though is that last night he only woke up to eat at 2am and 6am. Yeah!! I hope that is what we get to look forward to. I am getting a little exhausted from the every 1 1/2 to 2 hour feedings. We will see.