"Socks"

Okay, let me explain. We tried to get rid of one bad habit but yet he has started another. Some how Caleb is unable to STOP sucking his thumb. I thought that if we took away his thermal blankets all together it might help him stop. Well, little did I know that when I put him down for a nap that he has taken to his socks.

Seriously, this kid finds any sock anywhere...the funny part about this ridiculous habit is he sticks his fingers inside the sock and sucks his thumb. Really?

You try and take them away and he hides them or he runs away!

Or he wears them on both hands...Seriously, now I'm counting down the days till we only have flip flops around so there won't be any socks to be found!!! If only he wasn't so dang cute!

This picture is for me to always remember Caleb's favorite spot in the house. This kid loves to hang out behind the couch and sit on the window sill. He has a great view of the entire family room and kitchen, and I have to admit he entertains himself really well back there! At least I know he can't be getting into to much trouble back there!

Happy St. Patricks Day

Seriously, this year the leprechaun did his best visit yet! We just LOVE this holiday around our house.

Oh how we love him

Let's just say that this kid has won all of our hearts. Could it be the fact that he requires SO much extra love and attention? It could be, but overall I find not just myself loving on him, but his sister and brother too!

It could be that he loves to wear a superman cape around the house...I also think his little Sunday shirt is too cute!

Not to mention Gr. S bought all three kids these adorable towels. They are Christmas Elf towels and the kids love them! This is Jake thinking Caleb is a "cool" dude!

Goofy as always. His newest line of the week is..."I funny!" "So funny!"

Update on life...

Here's to Jacob's favorite blanket. His wonderful Aunt Ashley sewed him this darling flannel blanket. She gave it to him as a baby and it quickly became his favorite quilt. He has loved this blanket in more ways than photos can share. He has carried it around, brought it every where with him. And he wouldn't fall asleep with out it. Well, he loved this blanket so much that the entire back fabric wore through and the batting soon became something I was finding all around the house. So needless to say, I tried to save this blanket. I cut around the edges, I tossed the matted batting, and back flannel fabric. I had high hopes to sew on a new back and start from new. Well as I examined the blanket closely I realized the front was not more than months away from falling apart as well. I decided to sew Jake an entirely new flannel blanket. I thought he'd love it. Well, after weeks of me trying to get him to love this new blanket, he wouldn't. I realized that this little dude, and taken out his old blanket from my sewing area. He had been sleeping with it. Even though it is even thinner now than ever, he won't get rid of it. So Ashley, I had to have him take a picture with it to show you how it's one piece of flannel but he won't get rid of it. He loves it too much!

I don't know why I'm smiling, because I really shouldn't be...but this is a picture to remember our little Blakey in the hospital with RSV. He was there for about 4 days, I thought it was great that I got him to sleep, until the machines started to beep and Shan quickly alerted me to the fact his heart rate had dropped dramatically. We quickly woke him up and got him back to normal rates. This was not fun for this sick little guy, but we are so grateful he has recovered so well.

Here are the matching monkies while Shan and Todd were in the hospital with Blake. They INSISTED on wearing the very same clothes...shirt, pants and socks. They would leave them out for me to wash them each night...so by morning they could wear it all over again. Jake would say, "But Mom, Isaac and I want to be matchies because we love to be just like each other!"

Here's to my continued friend. My NEW laptop is SAFE behind this gate. Yes, you heard me correctly I have invested in a new laptop to replace my old yellow one. Nothing fancy, sad to say I didn't buy a Apple. Oh, how I wanted too. I was so close, and then Jared said no. So much for my new years resolution of owning one. He talked some sense into me and I decided to wait a little bit longer. Oh, well there is a time and season for all dreams! But, I just wanted to point out in this picture that Caleb is such a smart little dude. He has become frustrated with the gate that he finds any KEY possible, runs to the gate and tries to unlock it. It's adorable, because he still can't get it! YEAH!!! Yeah, for cameras, laptops, and all electronics staying safe for a few more days! :)

My New Best Friend

Let me introduce you to yet another "Caleb Proofing" measure that has had to take place in our home. Let's just say that a decorative archway to an OPEN office is nice for adults, but for a WiLd little soon to be two year old has NOT been fun. AHHHH After my laptop and hard drive has been YANKED to the ground, Camera's attacked and ALL the books on the bookshelf brought to the ground, I FINALLY convinced Jared that it was no longer an option. I didn't care how much $ it would cost to rip out this archway and build french doors or how unsightly another gate would be in our house, I no longer cared. It was a MUST. So you better believe me that this became Jared's first priority on his day off.

When Caleb woke up from his nap he found this new gate keeping him out of yet another location he once roamed free.

Not a very happy little guy.He has spent several minutes over and over again trying to push every screw, button, plastic piece, the wall mounts, etc. To figure out just exactly how it opens. AHHH, now this is a sigh of relief. I really should post a smiling happy me on here because that's exactly what I am doing, smiling. I no longer will have to worry about him entering a non-kid-friendly room. All the electronics will stay in place, safe and sound....now I think it's time to purchase a new lap top! Let's just say I will feel safer buying a new one now that the old one (thanks to Caleb) has seen better days...and especially knowing it can be kept locked in a cage! YEAH!
(*I think my broken laptop could be the reason I can't get pictures to upload correctly anymore??? Annoying!)

Hello Sunshine...

Well we have returned once again from our favorite trip of the year...Indio, California! We love the sunshine and completly relaxed week of life. We wake up run, eat breakfast, swim, eat lunch, nap time for babies, lay out by the pool, swim, eat dinner, put kids to bed, play games, then sleep. Then the next day is exactly the same...soaking in sunshine!!! Some may think this gets boring, but let me tell you it's a kids heaven and a parents paradise. We loved every second of it!
Caleb loving "motor boat motor boat"

Everyone is ready for nap time!
The kids favorite lunch time games on the grass...red rover red rover...
Happy Birthday to Jared...I got him some sushi for lunch on his birthday!
Our annual trip to Pat & Oscars in Temecula! We love this place...not to mention the great conversations!
A few boy cousins soaking in the sun at the playground.
Happy 32nd Birthday to Jared!
For the first three days of our trip we ALL sleep at my Aunt & Uncles house in Temecula...Let's just say it's a tradition, not matter how many people are there...it's literally every room filled with air mattresses and people! During dinner on our last night this is how we found Jacob while waiting to get is food!! I think it's an indication how loud it must have been!!
So, this picture is hilarious. We were eating dinner at Pat & Oscars...and let's just say that Caleb had been a nightmare all night...he was LOUD, WILD and being naughty! There were not enough hands to hold all the kids, and he was pulling and throwing everything in sight. I think I was on the verge of a breakdown...but that's another story. So after a few minutes I was talking with Shan & Todd across the table from me. And I said, "Oh, dinner really hasn't been that bad!" So come to find out in all of Caleb's ornery frustration he had wheeled himself by kicking and throwing a tantrum to a different location. Let's just say I didn't even realize he was missing...bad parenting I know, but it gave us a few minutes of peace and quiet. He doesn't appear to be to damaged by the experience. He actually was happier!!

Well it was a great trip once again! I can't wait till next year, I think I'm planning on going for two weeks next time! Bring on the sunshine and flip flops!!!

Fellow Food Blog lovers...

As many of you know I have a little secret passion for a few food blogs. Well, one of them I like to get a few practical and yummy recipes from. Several of these recipes have become "family favorites" that we all enjoy!

Well, the fun part about this blog, Taste and Tell is that she does spotlights on people every month I think.

Anyway, she spotlights fellow bloggers and guess who she picked...drum roll please...No one better than Shandra's Deals to Meals blog. It's really cute. She asked her a bunch of questions, showed pictures, etc. Go take a look it's really fun! Way to go Shan we are all proud of you!! :)

This one below is probably my absolute favorite next to Shan's of coarse, but since I know all her recipes, I go To Mel's Kitchen Cafe for new ideas...really love this one!

Sing Song...Sing Song

"Song" ..."Song" ..."Song"...is Caleb's new word. Let's just say that this little guy has developed a love for singing and it makes him so happy. I'm not sure if his love for music started when I got an under the cabinet radio in the kitchen because during "Clean Up Time" I throw on some tunes...normally it is primary songs, hymns, the mo-tab, or my good friend Sarah Sample. My kids love her "birdie" song! It might be also that I sing to him at night. Or maybe it's our new found favorites...soundtracks to movies. Let's just say that Tangled has been playing non-stop for a few weeks now! It has been so cute because if you mention music, or a song, or singing this little guy starts dancing and saying, "song" or "ding - dong"...I will have to put on my blog some video footage I got of him, singing to himself...it's adorable!

This is a picture of the kids dancing at our family party the other night. I have personally enjoyed some tunes around the house lately. I find that the kids are happier and more content. It's been a fun new way to lighten the mood around here. If I haven't mentioned before, I love Scripture Scouts too! If you have young kids like me, you MUST purchase them! I promise you will find yourself not knowing how you have ever lived without them!!

Ouch!

So, as I have mentioned before this little guy has the ability to find trouble every day. Seriously, I am reminded how he requires 100% of adult supervision. So Sunday night we were having a little family get together at my sisters house. The kids were off playing, running, and screaming around the house. The adults were in the front room just talking. Caleb came screaming into the room holding his hand. I thought he had been shut out of the girls room, because they generally don't like him playing in there with him. Well, after several tears and him being very persistent to show me what the matter was. I followed him to where he was playing. I tried to turn the light on, it didn't work. I then noticed he was heading for an iron on the floor. I grabbed it quickly, and realized he had plugged it in...AHHH, yes it was HOT! I then grabbed him and looked at his hand...yes, he got himself! AHHH Again, this little dude has the ability to turn any situation upside down. Instantly I was sick to my stomach realizing how bad it could have been. Thankfully, the inside of his little hand was the only portion of his body that got burned. We emerged his hand in cold water for the rest of the night. It instantly blistered. He was so uncomfortable, we gave him some Tylenol. Anyways, we have to bandage it and put Neosporin on it. He's being a good trooper about it. I am so thankful that he wasn't hurt more than he could have been! The amazing part about this kid is that my sister had her iron in her closet. She found it in there, found a plug that didn't have a kid protector plug in it and turned it on. Seriously! Just to ease all of your minds, our house has plug protectors in all spots! I think requires an extra pair of eyes at all times!!!

Follow Up...

So I so optimistically made it sound like in the previous post that life around here is "totally put together" well, until today...it's yet to actually "be put back together"...Here is my hired help...yup, Jared came home and put on his never worn before apron and said, he's here to help!

This is Calebs reaction to the mess in our front room...

Yes, that would be laundry...Who hasn't been doing the laundry around here? Certainly not me...JUST KIDDING. It's amazing how easy it is to wash a load every day, and then take what you need out of the clean laundry...then shut the door. Then day after day goes by and you end up with this! WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW...If you haven't ever listened to this song about laundry...it's my absolute favorite, honestly if you ever have piles like this, you will come to appreciate this song VERY quickly... Listen to it in the following post...hilarious...tell me I'm totally normal...(totally is my word of them day!)

The kids got a crack up of playing basketball with our laundry...oh, good thing my hired help came just in time today to do ALL my dishes, dinner and laundry...did I mention bed time! Hip Hip hooray...

Life around here...

So, am I the only one that feels like even if I woke up at 6 am (which I don't) it still wouldn't give me enough time in my days to get everything done that is expected of me. Oh, well I say. I realize that this "phase" as older and wiser people call it, will pass. And I will look back on the hand prints on the windows, fridge, oven, walls, and I will miss them. I know that this is true. So until those sad, quiet, and lonely days come I'm going to enjoy the ENERGY and EXCITEMENT that happens EVERY day! Oh, did I mention the joy of serving in all our church callings? Yeah, let's not get started on that one!! :) Oh, speaking of church callings...I just got yet another one...I need HELP with this one...Young Women's Camp Director...suggestions, comments, ideas are VERY welcome!

Here's to teaching children to do jobs...I just can't help but think this isn't the safest way to put dishes away. Either way, I'm glad that we are working in a routine of helping around the house. I have often been noted as the "Aunt that doesn't believe in jobs" but as my children get older I have changed my ways. There is really nothing better than having all the kids (minus Caleb) helping me out around the house. I have found that job charts really don't work for our lifestyle or should I say my personality. We do better with a daily routine. The kids have a laundry basket, if there are clothes in it that need to be put away THEY are responsible to put it away, with out my help! Novel idea I know, but it's taken me about 2 years to figure that one out. Everyday they look, if there are some great, if not they get the day off. Alayna LOVES this idea. Then there's the dishwasher...we take turns every other day...no more fights, no more, options they just have to do it! Then in the morning they have their OWN morning routine...get dressed, brush and make their beds. Other than that I have told them if I need their help they can HELP me. It's not a job, just helping our family work together. Seriously, at their ages it's working...it's the first time...I'm only about 17hundred job charts too late! Ha

Have I introduced you to my little mess maker...maybe it's his personality or his age. I will never know, but let's just say he undoes everything you want done. I think we all need to pray that I don't sprain my ankle with the messes he makes!

I just have to consider this a childhood thing...creative play! He loves to cook all of his crackers, drinks, etc. But then again, I find myself in the kitchen 90% of his life...so he has the option of growing up to cook great food!

Laundry Video

Yet another hilarious video...

Another one...Who knew being a mom is so funny!!

A little bit of this...

Happy New Year...it was once again a mix of different people, but no matter who shows up we have a great time. Personal favorite of the evening...all the great food and our predictions game. For some reason it's so fun to here what people will think will happen. I have to admit it was last year that I bravely wrote down I would run my first half marathon...I remember being nervous to commit and now look at me 12 months later I ran three and I am totally hooked! It's amazing how one choice can totally change your view on life!!!

So long, Farwell....Here's to my cousin Jordan's last night of family before he enters the MTC. We couldn't be more happy for him to be serving the Lord. We are so proud of him and Alayna hasn't said one prayer with out mentioning Jordan in it. Yeah for missionaries!

Caleb, oh Caleb how you wish you lived in a box, a laundry basket or really anything you can fit your little body into. This little guy is "TALKING" like crazy. Last night we had pizza for dinner and he through out the word, 'Pizzza Mom!" I love this stage when they are comprehending and repeating things you say! One of our favorite things he does is call Alayna, Sissy. It's adorable. He's learning early on that she is BIG and can do LOTS of things for him. Especially if I happen to ignore his first request he goes straight to her asking her to help him. I personally am LOVING watching Alayna be a little mommy to him. Loving the kids for the moment!

I was in my bedroom working on my laptop (for my stake calling) and Jake and Isaac were playing for over an hour. I didn't even check on them or talk to them. It wasn't until I needed a drink that I realized that they were even here. (Good parenting I know!) I came out and found them putting EVERY SINGLE TOY on a pillow or something. They pretty much ignored me when I was taking pictures of them and trying to talk to them. They were so engrossed in their "game" that they didn't want to be bothered with. I finally got out of them that they were "bathing" all of their toys because they were dirty. So each pillow or blanket is a bath. It was hilarious! Isaac found himself in the bucket and Jake of coarse picked his blanket to be his bath. Can I just say I love this age of kids. They have such an adorable imagination. Bring on over your 3 or 4 year olds I will adopt them all!!

Hawaii Grandkid Vacation

Ok, because of such a HIGH demand of additional pictures from our oh so fabulous Grandkid Vacation. Here are the kids after doing the fun game of limbo.

Here they are on the airplane. The little kids in front, then the bigger kids, then the bigger kids in the back. I put together a little educational video about flying on an airplane and what they would see in Hawaii. It had darling Hawaiian Music, pictures, etc. It was so dang cute!

Here was our darling Flight Attendant. With our POG (Passion Fruit Orange Guava) Drink. With the darling umbrellas...we also put little cherries on the umbrellas in their drink. The kids loved it!

Here the kids are being so excited about their little treats and refreshments.