Under Control

This is how I keep things under control.

She is that cool

There are no words to express just how cool she really is.  The best part is how much fun she ALWAYS has living life.  She got all accessorized and wanted Kaylee to take pictures of her.  These shots were all Emily's ideas.  What a crack-up!

Announcing some new additions

So for all of you who know us, you probably thought this day would never come.  To be honest, neither did I. 

Ethan took these pictures.  They are his fish and frog.  He had 2 frogs but 1 died.  He's buried in our backyard.  We had a touching memorial and talk about him often.  Oh, but this is not all....

These guys are soooo fun!  We love them.  They stay downstairs most of the time because of Randy's allergies, but there are times they wander upstairs.  The one on the left is Bouncer (boy) and the other one is Patches (girl).  Don't worry, we got them at the Humane Society and they are both fixed...guaranteed!

So now you are thinking our hands are full, right?  We wouldn't possibly do anymore, right?  Well, you are totally wrong!

Yep, we got a puppy.  Oh, but not just ANY puppy.  We got a Great Dane.  Why?  Because that is the only dog Randy has ever wanted.  Besides a boxer, but we can't do one of those right now - too much energy for our CALM family!

This is the face that keeps me up at night.  Literally. 

POST EDIT: How lame that I didn't tell you the name of the dog.  The kids named him THUNDER because his bark will be as loud as thunder.  Boy, ain't that the truth!

Random thoughts about my kids

Here are some things my kids have been saying lately that make me smile.

On July 3rd, we were getting ready for Kyson's baptism and I couldn't find my makeup case.  Now, this isn't normally a big deal because I don't usually wear makeup, but when I go out I like to wear a little.  Anyway, I was getting agitated and Ethan grabbed my face, patted my head and said, "Mommy, don't worry, you don't need makeup.  Your face looks so beautiful without makeup.  You are soooo pretty!!"  Ahhh, sorry son, I still want my makeup!

Emily is funny because she always says things are awesome.  She also says "Oh my GOSH" all the time.  Kaylee was telling her something this morning (I didn't hear that part) and Emily said, "Oh my GOSH, Kaylee that's so funny!"  What a hoot!   Also, we were at the doctor for her on July 7th (ear infection) and they wanted to put the pulse-ox thing on her finger (you know, the thing with the light and it looks like a chip bag clip).  Well, Emily was very nervous but the nurse and I finally convinced her it wouldn't hurt.  She timidly put the clip on her finger with eyes closed.  "Oh, that doesn't hurt at all.  hee hee!"  Then, when we were waiting in the room, she looked at the sharps container and said, "Look at all those owies.  I don't want one of those.  They hurt."  Smart kid.  She is also funny because when people say she has pretty hair she brushes it back with her hand and says, "mmm, yeah, I have pretty hair."

Kaylee and Justin are just getting smarter and smarter and I really can't keep up with it all.  I love that Kaylee talks to me and can discuss things now.  If she throws a fit she will come back later and explain why she was acting that way and then apologize.  Man, I hope that habit continues!

Justin is wonderful and super sensitive.  He is ultra protective of the family and will do anything to protect us.

Carter is wonderful because he is learning new things all the time.  He vocalizes a lot and you can almost tell what he is thinking now. 

My kids rock.  I love them and really do enjoy having them in my life!

Easter eggs

So we finally were on the ball enough to get our Easter eggs dyed before Easter. We didn't think to take pictures during the activity. Here are my sweet kids enjoying the magic of Easter eggs. Ethan wondered if we could keep any of them white. I told him we have to do that everyday anyway so no way!

Carter Eats

Carter has started eating solid foods. It's going pretty good. He seems to like all the food he has tried. Here he is trying rice cereal for the first time. He likes cereal. The only problem is when he eats rice cereal or oatmeal he breaks out. I'm going to give him a break from that stuff for a few weeks.

Here he is with sweet potatoes. Loved them! Matter of fact, he loved them so much that he kept eating them and over ate and then spit everything back up. What a joy!

He reminds me so much of Emily when he pulls this face. I'll have to find some pictures of her this age so you can compare.

More sweet potatoes. Yummy!!

So happy to be eating real food!!

A Tale of Two Pigs

We have a tradition in our family that whenever a baby is born, all the kids receive a new stuffed animal. When Emily was born, she received her prized pink pig. As anyone who knows us has witnessed, Pig goes EVERYWHERE with our family. This pig could not be more loved even if it were a real live pig. Being so loved has led to many, many hours in a hot washing machine. I know it doesn't look like it, but it's true. It is truly loved.

Randy and I decided we should get a new pig so that we can retire old pig to a shelf. When New Pig came in the mail, I couldn't wait to give it to her. She was so excited and loved them both.
Here she is so happy because now she has 2 pigs. How lucky could she be?

Here she is after I told her that now Old Pig can take a bath and she can hold onto New Pig.

And here are the 2 pigs. They will be best friends for sure!