WILKINSTORY

Our family...according to Elizabeth

2012-02-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2011…

Our family is wrapping up another busy and full year. As the years fly by we realize how important and life-giving our friends and family are. We are grateful to God for you, we pray you experience the love and joy of Christmas this year.

I’m enjoying being a full-time stay at home mom. I swing from feeling very overwhelmed to being completely content with the crazy chaos of my everyday life. I enjoyed running two half-marathons this year in Fresno. I love cooking and baking, catching up with friends over coffee, and the occasional trip out of town just Joshua and I (Napa Valley & Avila Beach this year). I hate doing laundry and if you come by unannounced you can tell.

Between family and work, Joshua doesn’t find much idle time these days. He loves spending time with the kids, cheering for Audrey and Elizabeth (very loudly, I might add) at their cross country meets, and helping them with their homework. In July, Joshua transferred to Lyles Mechanical Co. and was promoted to Vice President. He is enjoying getting to know his new colleagues, and the challenges of learning a new sector of the construction industry. When he does find a few spare minutes, Joshua spends it hanging out with friends, helping at the church, and working on projects around the house. He is certain that 2012 will be the year that he finds a hobby…(tune-in next year to see if he does).

Audrey is 10 and in the 5^th grade. She continues to enjoy school even though her homework and projects keep her very busy. She is a driven, achievement-oriented, and helpful first-born child. She has some fun field trips this year, including a trip to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley and an overnight “ship trip” in the San Francisco Bay. She enjoys playing volleyball, running cross country, cooking and baking, holding babies, playing/walking our dogs, writing stories, playing teacher, and reading.

Elizabeth is 8 and in 3^rd grade. She is shy, but has made some great friends this year despite her quiet demeanor. She also ran cross country and made it to the district finals. She hates being late and isn’t too fond of change. She loves playing outside, whistling, doing ballet, and reading (her favorite book this year was Soul Surfer). She dreams of going to Hawaii, learning to surf, and meeting Bethany Hamilton.

Olivia is 6 and in the first grade. She loves her teacher. She has an outgoing, magnetic personality but she also is very compassionate and empathetic. She loves anything collectable (rocks, Pokeémon cards, stickers, erasers, junk). She loves to jump rope, race against her big sisters to see who’s faster, climb trees, wear pajamas, and play house.

Grace is 4. She is a sweet, loving little girl. She and Joel are great playmates while the big kids are at school. She decided to cut her own hair a few months back, she told me, “Don’t be mad mommy, it looks pretty!” She loves to wake up early, dress herself, sing, and help mommy cook. Joshua was telling her the other day that he would like her to stay little forever, she very matter-of-factly told him, “Daddy, I can’t because Jesus is growing me up!”

Joel is 2. He is active, loves all things boy, like balls, trucks, monsters, swords, guns, masks, cars, destroying things, and dirt. He loves to sit on the couch with daddy and watch “ball games.” This summer he got his first haircut. He is adored by his sisters, but he can annoy them very easily by pulling their hair, kicking, or running off with whatever they are playing with. He loves playing outside, feeding the ducks, watching the trash truck, coloring, and reading books with mommy.

We are blessed;; we have so much to be grateful for this holiday season. Thankful for the hope, grace, and joy we find in Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,

Joshua, Laura, Audrey, Elizabeth, Olivia, Grace, and Joel

Summer

2011-08-17T11:31:00.001-07:00

These little people have been keeping me very busy this summer. In the coming weeks I hope to be updating the blog. We have been very busy and having lots of fun this summer!

encouraging words...

2011-08-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ode to my mom....Happy Birthday!

2011-03-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

me, my mom, and my sis, Lesley

Today is my mom's 68th birthday! I am sure she will love that I posted her age on my blog :) Don't worry mom, there are only a few faithful readers since I never blog anymore.

I knew being a mom couldn't be easy, but after I had kids I realized I appreciate my mom a whole lot more than ever before.

Things I love about my mom:

Her patience (she has attempted to teach my older girls how to knit without cussing at them once)
Her love of snail mail
She is always up for an adventure
She is slow to anger (I'm not sure this is accurate, but I don't remember her getting mad very often growing up, she never seems to lose her cool)
She is very good about giving people the benefit of the doubt (full of grace)
Her ability to burrito wrap (or swaddle) a newborn baby in 2 seconds flat (she was a labor & delivery nurse for 40+ years)
Her love for a cheap glass of white wine
She loves ANYTHING orange

I could write hundreds more, but frankly I don't have the time. Love you mom!

Our 14th wedding anniversary

2011-03-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

14 years ago today Josh and I got married. The years have flown by. We have much to be thankful for. God has been good to us... all of us, November in Prescott, Arizona

in August on a trip to Portland, Oregon

a night out at Daily Grill

Olivia turns SIX!

2011-01-27T14:52:00.001-08:00

She has taught me an enourmous amount about joy...she's fun...makes friends easily...gets her feelings hurt, but forgives quickly...she is a great BIG sister...she is a great LITTLE sister...she is a joy to have in our family! Happy Birthday Liv!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Friends & Family,

Another year has flown by and I’m trying to find a few minutes to scribble out what we’ve been up to…

Joel is 18 months old. He has confirmed for us what having a boy is all about. He is active, rambunctious, and into everything. His favorite words are gog (dog), go, and uh-oh. As soon as he wakes up each morning he hits the ground running. He can climb onto the kitchen table, spill dog food everywhere, or smash a bottle of nail polish on the tile floor faster than any girl we’ve raised.

Grace celebrated her 3rd birthday in October. She made history in our family this summer by breaking the FIRST bone (her right arm). She broke it climbing out of her crib. She sported a pink then purple cast just as summer was debuting and all the other kids were swimming. Grace loves to play in her kitchen, take baths, and being big sis to Joel.

Olivia started kindergarten this fall and continues to amaze us with her love of life. She is fun, makes friends easily, and can make a mismatched outfit look so cute we dare not make her change. She loves school, reading, riding her big wheel, wearing her pajamas, singing, and touching and her toes to her nose.

Ellie is in 2nd grade. She is quiet, shy, observant, super helpful, and very reliable. She loves to read, write stories about her family, play uno, and ride her scooter/bike. She is tall and has the longest legs, I have a feeling she’ll be taller than her big sis soon.

Audrey is in 4th grade. She is a driven, achievement-oriented, and helpful first born child. At the end of last year, Audrey decided to take advantage of a great opportunity and attend Manchester GATE school for 4th grade. The new school requires her to ride a bus to/from school. She enjoys school, training and walking Gabbie (our dog), running cross country, doing plays at school, helping cook in the kitchen, and playing with her younger siblings.

I’m continuing to keep very busy even without working outside the home. Taxiing the girls to/from school, helping with homework/school projects, helping in their classrooms, going on field trips… some days that seems like a full-time job. In my time off, I enjoy exercising, cooking, hanging out with friends, drinking coffee, and facebook. I ran two half-marathons this year (Disneyland and Fresno), and hope to run more in 2011.

Joshua remains busy at work. Kaweah recently began a merger with their sister company W.M. Lyles Co., whom Joshua now works for. The transition is keeping him hopping, but he continues to enjoy what he does and is especially grateful for the wonderful group of people that he works with. In his free time, he loves hanging out with the kids, extended family, and friends. He also enjoys spending time helping with different ministries at the church and taking the occasional trip out of town.

We pray this letter finds you and your family well. We hope you experience love, joy, and peace this holiday season. We are blessed to have you in our lives, Merry Christmas!

Aspiring Actresses (and a boy with a sword)

2010-11-23T18:03:00.000-08:00

My oldest sister, Cheryl is amazing! She offered to babysit so we could go out to dinner in downtown Prescott. We were away for a few hours, came home to a production put on by a box of dress-up clothes, 4 sassy girls, and one amazingly patient woman. Cheryl claimed she was only the costume director and Audrey really produced and directed the play. The play had something to do with 2 princesses, one bunny fairy, and a sassy bumble bee.

watch out Hollywood...

Joel trying to get his place in the limelight, of course he is holding a sword (his favorite toy)

Cheryl with the actresses :)

Dinner Out in Prescott, AZ

2010-11-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

A night out without the kiddos, lots of childhood memories, we laughed so much our faces hurt by the end of the night. This was also the night of Carlos' FIRST chinese fire drill, Lesley was driving and Josh and I took it upon ourselves to teach Carlos :) Great night!

all of us (Josh, me, Jennifer, Eric, Peggy, Kevin, Lesley, and Carlos) at dinner

Jennifer & Eric (my nephew and his wife...our hosts for the week, brave souls)

Peggy and Kevin

where we ate

Lesley, me

Prescott fun

2010-11-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

Our Prescott vacation over Thanksgiving was awesome. We did a lot of relaxing, lots of catching up with family, lots of eating, and lots of card playing. The favorite games were uno, war, and go fish. The girls are learning how to strategize, win, and lose....gracefully! Josh, Grace, and mean game of war

uno madness

look how focused Eric is, the girls named him "Fish Face"....maybe this picture is why

My dad and Joel

Prescott, Arizona OR BUST

2010-11-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Fresno, California to Prescott, Arizona

600+/- miles

10+/- hours in the car (with no stops)

which means 12 hours in the car with an 18 mo old, 3, 5, 7, and 9 year old, oh boy! in pajamas, breakfast in hand, ready to go

this is our rig... before you laugh at our trailer please remember we have FIVE children, TWO adults, a playpen, a stroller, and a week's worth of luggage that must go with us :)

Grace watching a movie (and yes I should brush her hair, but it was 7 a.m.)

Disneyland 2010

2010-11-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year we got FREE Disneyland tickets thru the 'Give a Day, Get a Day' promotion Disneyland was running. We volunteered at the Community Food Bank here in Fresno, awesome experience, we will definitely do it again, even if we don't get Disneyland tickets :)

We had a great time at Disneyland, we went on a Monday in a true effort to stay away from huge crowds, and we were successful....most rides were a 20 min wait. This year was especially fun because the girls were old enough to really ride most everything.

I loved getting to know each girl's rollar coaster personality. Audrey HATES rollar coasters, we went on the Matterhorn and she sat with her head buried into me yelling that she hates rollar coasters and she was going to die. As soon as the ride was over she smiled, she went on to try Thunder Mountain, but hated that one too, she could not be coaxed to even try Space Mountain. Ellie and Olivia loved the fast rides, they wanted to go on Space Mountain over and over. They loved Splash Mountain! Grace was not big enough to do any BIG coasters but she would have. She loved dumbo, autopia, and pirates. It was an amazing, magical day!

I think we loved Disneyland just as much as the kids.

all of us Disneyland goers....me, Josh, Carlos, Lesley, Audrey, Ellie, Liv, and Grace...first ride Pirates of the Carribean

family shot (minus Joel, who was with Grandma)

Liv, Audrey, Ellie

My birthday....the big 35!

2010-11-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

I turned 35, wow, that's halfway to 70! My birthday was perfect. My family brought me panera pastries and coffee in bed, I had lunch with sweet friends, and I had dinner at my favorite place in the whole world...in-n-out. I got new pajamas, a crock pot, and laser hair removal (that may be too much information). My pjs are warm and flannel, my crock pot is still in the box but I'm excited about the huge amount of roast, soup, and pulled pork I can make in that thing, but my hairless armpits are really the most exciting gift of all! Josh wrapped up an empty razor box and Liv gave it to me and screamed, "You'll never have to shave again!" Here's to 35 and hairless armpits :)

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

Kendall and Audrey, at the Sutton's Halloween party

the trick-or-treating gang (Kyllos, Halls, Wilkinsons), that folks equals 14 children...when our neighbors opened their front doors more than one jaw dropped

Audrey: in-n-out employee

Ellie: go go girl

Olivia: cheerleader

Grace: mouse

Joel: superman

Pure Joy

2010-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Joy came to visit from Thailand! It's been almost 5 years since we saw her last. Joy lived with my family for 3 years while we were in high school. She was in the United States for 3 weeks, she came to Fresno and experienced Halloween with us. Joel was superman so we dubbed Joy "Lois Lane"....she really wanted to watch the kids trick-or-treat. My kids loved having her here, it went too fast! Olivia, Joy, Ellie

Joy, me, Liv (those eyes)

Grace turns THREE!

2010-10-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Grace is THREE... We celebrated with homemade mac and cheese for dinner and homemade cupcakes with vanilla frosting and pink sprinkles for dessert. This a picture of Grace and her most favorite friend, Drew. He came over and enjoyed dinner and dessert with us! Grace is fun, easy going (most of the time), absolutely loves Caillou, and never too far from her blankey and pacifier.

Cross City Race 2010

2010-10-10T20:31:00.001-07:00

Cross City Race....10k...6.2 miles....59.03 minutes

we did it!

Running slowly while a stranger snaps a pic of us (between mile 3 or 4 I think)

Gina and me before the race started

so happy it's done

Flexing and running, goofing around

At the park

2010-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

September 2010

Disneyland half-marathon update (better late than never)

2010-10-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

Kathy, Brianne, me, and Gina (still smiling...this pic was probably taken around mile 3)

I did it...I survived...I was tired and hungry after completing the Disneyland half-marathon but mostly just happy I finished! I ran the 13.1 miles in 2 hrs 34 min. Pretty sure I could have run faster and improved my time a bit by not stopping to go to the bathroom and running faster thru all the Disney sites, but I ran a pace that felt good and I took it all in. Disneyland and California Adventure at 6 a.m. with no people just runners, surreal. Running thru Angel Stadium while listening to Five for Fighting's "100 years" surreal. Running with my best childhood friend, Kathy, surreal. So happy I did it! This weekend I'll run a 10k here in Fresno with another friend, then I'm not sure what's next. The romantic running with Josh isn't happening....maybe in the spring we will run a race togather, we will see.

2 days til the Disneyland Half-Marathon

2010-09-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's almost here....Sunday I'm running the Disneyland half-marathon. I promise lots of pictures and a summary of my experience. I ran a half-marathon in San Francisco in 2000. I had no babies and was working full-time. A lot has changed in the last ten years....but I actually think I'm in better shape now than I was back then. We will see. Wonder what my next adventure will be? I think I'm going to try to convince Josh to run a 10k with me in October, running together seems romantic :)

Friends, Bridal Shower, and Swimming

2010-08-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got the chance to go to southern CA for a bridal shower for one of my closest childhood friends. Carrie moved in across the street from me and my family in 6th grade. She was in 6th, her sister was in 4th grade...me and my sis became instant friends with her and her sister. Carrie spent hours at our home and really became like a sister to me. After high school, she went to USC, I went to Biola (then Fresno State) but we remained friends. Eventually her parents moved away from the house across the street from my parents house. We went to college (and I got married), then I became a teacher, and she went to graduate school, then I got pregnant and she went to medical school. Now I have been married for 13 years and have 5 kiddos, Carrie is an ob/gyn with a practice in Texas. Our lives have gone very different directions, but her friendship is still a treasure to me. I am thrilled to get to be a bridesmaid in her August wedding. Josh and I will travel to Oregon to be part of this awesome celebration. It was so fun to reconnect with my childhood friends, I could spend hours talking about the fun we had and laughing at the stupid things we did. I am grateful today for lifelong friends!

Kathy, Carie, Carrie, and me....high school cronies
me and the bride to be, Carrie

My mom, me, and Lesley (my sis) at the shower

While I was reminiscing with old friends at the shower, Josh took the kiddos to my brother's. Kevin, Josh, and the kiddos swam. Madison and Joel are a couple weeks apart, Madison was born May 18th, Joel was born June 9th. They are so cute playing together!

Olivia and her BIG smile

pouty faces

Madison and Kevin (I tried to get a picture of Harrison but he didn't want anything to do with that)

Joel and Madison...cousins

Joel....such a trooper on the long 4 hr drive home

Our Week in Pictures

2010-07-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

Kristen took Audrey for lunch, manicure/pedicure for her birthday.

Grace decided to color her legs with a black marker, she colored Joel too, I just didn't get his picture.

We made 9 jars of homemade dill pickles.

Grace cleaning the kitchen counter, it's a full body workout.

Haircut day...cuts for all the girls. Getting ready for school to start August 16th.

since the last time I posted...

2010-07-20T08:45:00.001-07:00

I got away for the weekend with my girlfriends to Walnut Creek.
Lisa and Audrey...Lisa (my older sis), Hannah (my niece) and mom came to visit for a week. We occupied ourselves with a trip to the zoo, playing with the cricut, eating Fresno State farm corn, and a trip to Bass Lake.

Audrey in her swimsuit she bought with her b-day money.

Joel and me.

My mom, Lisa, and me took the kids to the zoo.

Grace got her cast off!

I took the girls and Joel to the beach for a couple days.

We celebrated Father's Day.

Papa made Joel this amazing motorcycle for his 1st b-day.

Olivia finished pre-school, she is headed to kindergarten in the fall.

Audrey finished 3rd grade and will start 4th grade at Manchester Gate in the fall.

Ellie finished 1st grade and is ready for 2nd grade.

we celebrated Audrey's 9th b-day with breakfast at ihop

Joel turned one!!!

It's June already...

2010-06-01T12:45:00.001-07:00

I rarely write a post without pictures, but today I will just write....In Fresno, it's getting warmer and the weather is starting to look more like summer than spring. Audrey, Ellie, and Olivia have 2 weeks left of school then summer vacation will officially be here. I'm not so good with sentences, but I'm okay with bullets so this is what's going on around here:

Grace broke her arm last week. She broke 2 bones in her forearm, she's in a splint, and should be getting a cast this week.
I'm desperately trying to lose the rest of my "baby weight." It's been a long, slow road, but I'm getting there. Every time I'm at the gym I wonder why I let myself eat everything I did when I was pregnant. I'm not known for self-control when it comes to food, so that makes putting weight on incredibly easy and taking it off incredibly difficult.
Joel will be ONE next week!!!
This really should be a post in and of itself, but I have solved my laundry problem, I am no longer complaining about the loads and piles all over the house on here and facebook. I found someone (thru some moms at school) who washes and folds ALL of it. If you want details, e-mail me. This has seriously changed my life (for the last 2 weeks).
Ellie turned 7 a couple weeks ago and got a retainer. She is growing up!
We had a pair of doves nest on our front porch. They had 2 eggs and they hatched. They have since flown the coop, but we enjoyed every second of them being here. Wondering if mom and dad will be back or if they'll find a better place to set up their next nest.
I'm going to be in a friend's wedding in August in Oregon. I'm thrilled and motivated to keep going to the gym, but it does feel a little weird to be a bridesmaid again. I'm excited about our trip to Oregon, we've heard Portland is awesome!
I signed up for the Disney half-marathon in September with my friend Kathy. I signed up and there is no turning back. I haven't really started training yet, and I'm not sure how that's going to work with all the kids home this summer, but I do believe my body is strong and I'll endure.
I didn't get to plant a garden for the second year in a row and I'm a little sad about that. Not sure why, but before I knew it it was June and there are no tomatoes or zucchinis in the ground. I will definitely make this a goal for next year.
Summer is going to be pretty uneventful. The girls are signed up for vbs one week, and I hope to make a trip or two to the beach with the kiddos, but other than that we are going to sleep in, play in the sprinklers, eat outside, BBQ, take walks, stay up late, and swim as much as we can.

That's it for now....happy June!

YouTube - Jason Gray - More like falling in love

2010-05-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

I love this song...the words speak to me. Life can be so busy and noisy, many times I think God uses music to speak to me. This song did that....

YouTube - Jason Gray - More like falling in love

Mother's Day and other May happenings...

2010-05-11T10:04:00.001-07:00

May is always a busy month for us. This month I have been to women's retreat, Josh and I went to a wedding in Carmel, and we celebrated Mother's Day. There are lots of birthdays coming up, and we're excited it's springtime. The longer days and nicer weather make playing outside one of the girls favorite things to do. We are counting down to summer and looking forward to lots of fun family times. Here are a few pics of what we've been up to, forgot my camera at women's retreat and the wedding. Got a pic of my kiddos on Mother's Day, but none with me and the kids, oh well...

My 5 favorite kids.

Our Mother's Day dessert (compliments of Whole Foods)...cheesecake

silly girls...

My 2 favorite guys.

Joel taking a bath in the kitchen sink and watching his sisters outside.

Audrey's Flying Machine

2010-04-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

Audrey's 3rd grade class project (for open house) was to make a flying machine. It doesn't really have to fly (thank goodness!). Josh encouraged her to draw a picture of what her machine would look like, Grandma let us rummage thru her recycling, and then they got to work creating. Can you see the lego girl inside the cockpit? Good work Audrey (and Daddy)!

Easter 2010

2010-04-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

Not sure where March went, but it's April now. Easter has come and gone. Blogging has taken a back burner to life, children, facebook, laundry, and everything else I'm doing...

I think everyone is sorta smiling :)

Grace posing in front of her playhouse at Nana & Papa's

Family pic, not such a good one, but show's how diificult it is to get everyone happy for a shot.

Papa and Joel swinging

Olivia

Josh, Joel, Pops, Papa (4 generations of Wilkinsons)

Josh, Joel, Papa (not sure what that look on Josh's face means)

Valentine's Day

2010-02-24T14:24:00.001-08:00

The days leading up to Valentine's Day are always kinda crazy....this year (and last) Grandma was here to experience the chaos (and fun). Not sure what I would've done without her (Josh was in Iowa for work). She patiently helped the girls write their names and friends' names on each card and she quietly assisted in our endeavor to bake homemade sugar cookies with glace frosting. I had found a recipe and had been wanting to try it. We had a lot of fun, but made a HUGE mess decorating cookies for each girls' class. My sister, Lisa, made each girls' valentines. This has become a tradition my kids look forward to every year. At Christmastime, Lisa asks each girl what kind of valentines they would like. Then she spends the next few months designing and working on the beautiful cards. She's awesome and we all appreciated her hard work!

Audrey's kitty valentines

Olivia's monkey valentines

Ellie and her froggy valentines

Look at those pretty cookies

A closer look

I'm messy in the kitchen, who spills that much flour on the counter? :) Wish I had my own clean-up crew like on food network, wait....I have 5 kids, I do have my own clean-up crew!

Ellie and Joel (not sure why it's underlining)

January happenings

2010-02-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

January brought Olivia's 5th birthday. We celebrated at Red Robin with 6 little girls, Joel, mommy and daddy. Here are some pictures of our January...

partytime

Olivia and her monkey pet pillow

Olivia put on her Kaweah sweatshirt and hard hat to surprise daddy one night after he got home.

This one is a classic....Josh painting nails (he's good too)

Meal Planning in 2010

2010-01-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010! In an attempt to be more organized and strategic I have been spending more time this year (I know it's only January) MEAL PLANNING. The links below have some great information on the topic of meal planning. I am trying to do my BIG grocery shopping twice a month, and I am trying to stay within a budget. I plan 4-5 meals each week, and I plan 2 weeks of meals at a time. I grocery shop in the evening without any kids, makes the trip actually halfway enjoyable(I usually grab Starbucks on the way) and I think I buy less crap cuz no one is trying to convince me they have to have pop tarts or gogurts. I've also found some really fun food blogs that have great, easy recipes that taste great! If you have some other great meal planning/food blog ideas can you share them with me?

My Kitchen Cafe: Kitchen Tip: Menu Planning 101

http://www.plantoeat.com/

http://www.ourbestbites.com/

http://picky-palate.com/

http://www.eatatallies.com/

http://mykitchencafe.blogspot.com/

http://www.health-full.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T19:53:00.001-08:00

Grace, Audrey, Ellie, and Olivia in their Christmas Eve jammies

Nana, Joel, and Grace

Olivia

Ellie

The tree and all the presents after Santa had come

Christmas morning

Olivia and the HUGE bear Grace gave her

Audrey and Joel

Joel in his new tonka truck

Christmas day play time

the little elf and Nana

Olivia in Papa's Santa beard

singing Christmas carols as Papa strums his guitar

Cookie Decorating

2009-12-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Kyllos and us go way back. We knew each other before we had any children, now they have 6, we have 5. They recently moved back to the area, and we have had a chance to catch up and enjoy their company. The kids are 10, 8, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4, 2, 2, 6 mo, and 2 mo. Our kids are very close in age and get along great. Thanks Melinda for inviting us to decorate cookies, we had a great time!

The Wilkinson and Kyllo clans

Look at those beautiful cookies

Ellie showing off her candy cane

Sarah and Audrey

Grace with a BIG smile

Olivia, Ellie, and Clara

Cookie decorating in action.

Josh's birthday

2009-12-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

Josh turned 34 this week. We celebrated at breakfast, lunch, and dinner....breakfast was at home: eggs, bacon, toast, Starbucks coffee. Lunch was teppan yaki, this was our girls first time and they really enjoyed watching the chef and eating all that yummy food. Dinner was just a few friends at Daily Grill. My favorite part of Josh's birthday was when he told me, "Man, I'm the luckiest man alive!"

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-24T13:53:00.001-08:00

I thought about not writing a letter this year, as nice and easy as that sounded I just couldn’t do it. I know you would probably give me enough credit (having 5 kids seems to give me a free pass on almost anything) for just getting the picture out but the over achiever that I am (NOT!) couldn’t do it. I’ve come to love the process of thinking over the year and its’ highlights.

In June, we welcomed Joel Robert into our family. Having a little boy around has been so much fun. He is definitely outnumbered but seems to fit right in. There is never a lack of arms to hold him. Audrey and I had bets he would be crawling by Christmas but as it gets closer I don’t think that will happen. He is a chubby, happy little boy, he rolls all over the place, drools like crazy (no teeth yet), smiles and giggles.

I am enjoying my life as a full time mommy. Managing the household and kids keeps me plenty busy. I sometimes get to end of the day and wonder what I have accomplished, but I’m constantly reminded that the kids grow up fast and before we know it, the house will be clean and quiet, the laundry won’t be so daunting, and I will miss it ALL. In my free time I do enjoy hanging out with friends & family, helping in the girls’ classrooms, hosting life group in our home, going to the gym, reading a good book, trying a new recipe, blogging, and facebook.

Josh still works for Kaweah Construction Company as a District Manager and Vice President. Old Pops (Josh’s grandpa) lives just a few miles from us so we enjoy frequent visits and dinners at San Joaquin Gardens.

Audrey started 3rd grade this year. She turned 8 in July. This summer she cut her hair and donated it to Locks of Love. She continues to really enjoy school. This fall she decided to go out for the cross country team. She successfully ran in several meets and made it to the City Finals. She loves reading and writing, playing teacher, cooking with mom in the kitchen, and playing with our 2 dogs, Gabby and Scout (we call her our dog whisperer).

Ellie turned 6 this year and started 1st grade. She enjoys school too, and really loves her teacher. She is almost as tall as Audrey and gets lots of attention for her height. She is anticipating the loss of her two front teeth sometime in the near future. She is sweet, sensitive and loves routine. She is a good listener and such a good helper. She loves to do her homework next to Joel in his bouncy seat. She is an early bird, always the first one up and ready for the day.

Olivia is almost 5. She started pre-school this fall. As excited as she was to go to school like her sisters, she would really rather stay home and play with mommy. She writes her name beautifully. She loves anything her big sisters are doing, but has a very independent spirit about her. I really have to keep tabs on her because she would change her clothes 6 times a day if I let her. She is very loving; her big brown eyes have a way of sparkling when she talks. She was acting goofy the other night and I told her I wanted her to calm down, and she quickly responded, “Mom, don’t you want happy kids?”

Grace just turned 2. Last year when I wrote our Christmas letter she wasn’t walking. At 17 months she FINALLY started walking. She started talking right around her b-day this year and she hasn’t stopped. She is learning new words and expressions everyday. She was doing something the other day and I heard her say, “Oh man!” She loves: her baby brother, trying to keep up with her big sisters, wearing any pair of shoes she can find, swinging, singing, and praying (especially the “amen” part).

We rejoice often for incredible family and friends, God’s amazing grace, and the hope, peace, and joy only He can bring. We pray this letter finds you and your family well, Merry Christmas!

Love,
The Wilkinson Family

My birthday

2009-11-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

Audrey
Olivia

Ellie, grrrr!

Grace

The girls and all my presents

Ellie and Addie acting silly in the double stroller.

I had a birthday last week. I turned 34 and spent the weeks leading up to my birthday in and out of the chiropractor and vein doctor offices. 34 felt significant because my body is proving it's not as strong as it once was. Oh well, we all get old, I'm feeling better and have vowed to try my best to take care of myself not just because I hate going to the doctor but because I have 5 small people who really need me (and one big person). I had a good birthday, Josh and Addie cooked me a fabulous dinner (filet and shrimp) and we had a quiet (not really) evening at home. The girls bought me new gym clothes, Josh framed some new family photos for me. It was a good day!

Halloween and Grace's b-day

2009-11-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

As we got ready for Halloween this year, my sister, Lesley came to visit and eagerly volunteered to do the pumpkin craving with my kids. Geeezzzz she's awesome! She helped each girl carve the perfect pumpkin, the only problem was there was still a week til Halloween. The jack-o-lanterns took center stage on the front porch but unfortunately had to be tossed before Halloween because they were ozzing weird liquids :) Grace's birthday was October 25th, so after pumpkin carving we celebrated with Famous Dave's take out and an ice cream cake. Our friends, the Clarksons, also happened to be in town for the festivities, so Ian, Joanna, and their 3 children helped us celebrate. This weekend was so much fun... Grace is so happy to be 2!

Her yummy ice cream cake.

The Wilkinsons and The Clarksons (visiting all the way from England)

All the kids and their jack-o-lantern creations.

Sam and Joel

My sis, Joel, and me

Grace digging into her lil pumpkin, she wasn't afraid of the goo.

Lesley and Olivia

Audrey cleaning out the seeds, we roasted them afterwards, yum!

Ellie is happy as she finds more and more seeds.

Fall decorating

2009-11-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not all that good at decorating, but here are a couple projects I did this last month to get ready for fall... a berry wreath hanging from a mirror

not a fall decoration but a crafty little way to dress up a kid's present, we rarely buy cards anymore

Grace's b-day sign I made for her on a friend's cricut machine. I will use this for all my girls b-days, I hang it over the fireplace and when they wake up and see it they get so excited!

I did this using scrapbook paper and huge letters made on the cricut and 3 old frames that were just lying around my house. I loved the way it turned out.

BOO

Ellie's field trip to Scout Island

2009-11-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Ellie's first grade class went to Scout Island last week on a field trip. The weather was beautiful and the kids had lots of fun activities. Ellie's favorite had to be the leaf rubbings. She loves first grade!

Family Pictures

2009-11-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

Anjie, Josh's sis, took some family pictures for us in September, here's a few, I didn't want to include them all since that would spoil our Christmas card.

September Happenings

2009-09-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

September finally brought us some cooler weather. The cool temps waited til the very end of the month to arrive, but they have arrived and that's all that matters.

We spent September getting back into the school + one more baby routine. It has gone pretty good.

This month 2 friends had babies and holding their babies I realized how big Joel is getting. He is cooing, smiling, and giggling. He has settled into his own routine and started sleeping thru the night months ago. He is an easy baby for the most part, it's just juggling one more plus keeping up with all the girls that leaves me frazzeled some days.

The laundry overload is a constant, I even included a picture.

I've enjoyed getting back to the gym, and I've found exercising really seems to help with my stress, productivity, and my patience.

The big girls ran their jog-a-thon this month. Ellie was so excited to call our family and get pledges, she is really good at asking for money. In the end, Ellie ran 7 laps, and Addie ran 9. Ellie earned $129, Ad earned $132 for the school. Audrey's class was the top class (in donations) in the school so they won a Bounce U party for the class in Oct. Exciting stuff! Here are a few pics I took this month:

Joel at 16 weeks. Today he rolled over for the first time (back to tummy).

Laundry, laundry, laundry all over my bed

Grace taking a quick bath in the sink.

Audrey

Haley and Audrey

Ellie getting ready to run with her class

Ellie

Sidetracked

2009-09-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like forever since I last updated. I have to admit I have been a little sidetracked. I finally gave into the peer pressure and got on facebook so now I spend all my blogging time on there. I'm having a lot of fun, but for somebody like me who has a difficult time setting limits it can be very addicting. I'm enjoying getting reacquainted with all sorts of "friends" but I'm afraid my blog has been left behind. I'm hear to let you all know I will be posting pictures and an update very soon. Here goes the update, the pictures will have to wait for now... Joel is already 15 weeks old, he is smiling and giggling and pure joy. Grace is starting to say more and more words, her fav this week is "STOP IT!" She is so much fun. Olivia started pre-school and is getting used to "school." She writes her name beautifully and adores her teachers but would probably love to just stay home with me. Ellie and Addie are in school and loving it. They are both growing up so fast, I can almost see the time drifting away. I'm loving being a stay-at-home mom although I can never seem to get a handle on the laundry or messes around here. I better run, til next time....and by the way, if you're on FB look me up.

weekend trip

2009-09-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in southern CA visiting my parents and my brother and sister. We had fun, although it was super hot. Here are some pics from the weekend...

Swimming at Uncle Stan's

Isn't she patriotic?

My sis and Goose

My sis, Lesley

My bro, Kevin

Ellie is happy to be visiting Grandma & Grandpa

Ready to go to the Angels game.

A quick pic before the game (the girls stayed w

Our rally monkey

Ellie showing off the scarf my mom made for her.

Grace and me hanging on the couch

The aftermath of a popsicle.

Audrey and Lesley

Joel, he is getting so big

Driving to southern CA (yes, we took Scout with us)

Big smiles from Liv in the back seat

Olivia starts pre-school

2009-08-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Olivia started pre-school this morning. She was so excited and couldn't wait to get into her classroom. Here are some pictures of her big day.What a big girl.
A family pic (minus the 2 big girls who were already at school)

She signed herself in.....look at that name...beautiful!

Olivia and Miss Becky

First Day of School

2009-08-17T13:10:00.001-07:00

Audrey and Ellie are back to school. Olivia starts tomorrow. It was a pretty smooth morning, Ellie shed some tears as Josh and I tried to leave. Audrey is in the third grade, Ellie is starting first. This event also officially marks the anniversary of my blog, I started it last year on the first day of school. Wow, time flies when you're having fun...

Olivia's haircut

2009-08-13T10:22:00.001-07:00

Olivia also got her hair cut. Here are a few before/after pictures... Olivia before she gets her hair cut.

Eryn and Olivia

Locks of Love

2009-08-12T16:25:00.001-07:00

Since Christmastime, Audrey has been talking about growing her hair so she could donate it to Locks of Love. Well she did it! 12 inches and a cute haircut, here are a few pics...

Before shot #1
Before shot #2

All smiles while she gets her hair washed.

Before the first cut.

Envelope addressed to Locks of Love ready to go to the post office.

Audrey, her new haircut, and the donated locks.

My Good Luck Charm

2009-08-10T19:03:00.001-07:00

Audrey took this pic of us this afternoon.

Joel accompanied me to the Fresno County court house this afternoon to fight a ticket I received in March. He must be my lucky charm because the officer didn't show and my case was dismissed (which means I will get my $302 back, yippeee). After our adventures at traffic court, we headed to the pediatrician for Joel's 2 month appointment. He weighs 11 pounds, 11 oz, and he is now 23 1/2 inches. It's been a good day, yeah for dismissed tickets and growing little boys!

What will August bring?

2009-08-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Some goals I'm working towards or things I'd like to see accomplished this month:

Joel sleeping thru the night.
More routine as the girls head back to school (August 17) and Olivia starts pre-school 2 days/week.
Eating healthy and trying to seriously shed my baby weight (I have 25 pounds to lose).
Getting myself back to the gym, trying to get back into the kickbox circuit class I was doing, and maybe trying a spin class.
Getting a 5 or 10k on the calendar to run in Sept or Oct to motivate me and keep me that way (anybody interested in running with me???)
Get my household routines back into order (housecleaning, running errands, making dinner, etc)
Implement daily chores AGAIN for each of the girls (A, E, and O)
Make an effort to simplify my life by decluttering (the kids toys and my closet will be my goal for August)
Getting a photo album together for Joel's pictures thus far.
Getting up early enough to take a shower, pray, and read my Bible before any of the kiddos are awake (this one is hard for me).

That's probably enough stuff for August. What do you want to work on in August? Do you look forward to a new school year or despise the fact that summer is over? I'd love to hear your comments.

Mommy's little helper

2009-07-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Joel's birth story (or what I remember anyway)

2009-07-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

A picture of us during labor.

Warning the next 3 pictures are a little gross, but show the knots in Joel's cord...

Knot pic #1

Knot pic #2

Knot pic #3

Joel in all his glory.

Me and the wonderful labor & delivery nurse who spent the entire day with me.

Joel and Dr. Steinke ...he has delivered all 5 of my children

Me, Joel, and Josh the first time I'm holding him.

My mom, I couldn't have done labor without her. She was amazing, helpful, calm, and reassuring ( or those of you who don't know my mom is a labor & delivery nurse in southern CA)

My mother-in-law adoring her first grandson. I couldn't have done labor without her either, she even gave me a foot massage that day.

I wanted to write the details of my labor and delivery, I intended to write this post soon after he was born but time flies, and here I am 7 weeks later finally sitting down to do this. I write this mostly so I will remember the details, they quickly fade and I will forget...I want to remember. I was a scheduled induction, my dr told me to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. so we could get things rolling. The time line went something like this, this is what Josh kept track for me...

6:20 a.m. Arrived at St. Agnes

7:49 a.m. Dr. Steinke broke my water

8:21 a.m. Started the pitocin

8:30 a.m. Having some contractions, but they are irregular

10:33 a.m. Contractions getting stronger and more regular

10:40 a.m. I received my epidural

2:16 p.m. Dr. Steinke checks me, I'm 2-3

2:54 p.m. I'm 3-4, 70% effaced

3:03 p.m. I'm a good 4, internal monitor is placed so they keep a better eye on the baby.

3:30 p.m. Pitocin is shut off because baby is showing some signs of stress.

4:30 p.m. I'm still 4, 80% effaced, -1 station

4:53 p.m. Dr. Steinke checks me again, I'm 5-6 and 90% effaced, -1 station

The notes that Josh kept stop there, Joel wasn't born until 7:40 p.m. I really believed this labor would go much faster than it did, I mean Joel is my 5th baby and all (I thought when you have this many babies they just fall out), but stopping the pitocin really slowed everything down, but necessary because his heart rate was dropping. Eventually they started the pitocin again and Joel seemed to tolerate it. Before they checked me the last time I got sick to my stomach and threw up a few times. Once I threw up, I felt pressure (Not really any pain because the epidural I got was crazy strong). As I got closer to complete, Joel's heart rate started to show he was in distress , so when I started to push there was a few scary moments. My doctor seemed worried about what was happening which scared me (nad I could hear the internal monitor beeping and as I pushed the beeps got much slower) and my mom and mother-in-law were asked to stand outside. I looked and Josh and he remained calm and my rock, I wanted to cry and freak out, I thought maybe the baby was dying, but I knew if I cried I wouldn't be able to push, so I put my all in 3 good pushes and out came Joel. Once he was delivered we discovered he had an amazingly long umbilical cord (my dr guessed it was about 5 feet long, he says average cords are 2-3 feet long), it was wrapped around his neck and had 2 true knots in it. My doctor told me Joel was very lucky to be alive, he thinks if I had waited for my due date Joel would have wrapped that cord around himself and been stillbron. Dr. Steinke told us Joel's name should be lucky. I'm so grateful things turned out well. I was hesitant to write this, maybe a little afraid to say how lucky we were, but I do believe God works and does miracles, and this is one! I went to see my doctor this week and he reminded me of how "lucky" we are, he said he has thought about Joel several times since delivering him. He said he thinks I had about 3 days and Joel would've been stillborn. I'm not going to be reluctant to share what God has done!

What's Going on Around Here

2009-07-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Grace swimming at Anjie's house on the 4th of July.

Celebrating Audrey's 8th b-day

She got a laptop for her birthday, she was thrilled!

All the sisters on Ad's b-day

Josh and "Joel Bear" (that's what we like to call him) taking in an Angels game on t.v.

Olivia sacked out on the couch one afternoon.

Ellie playing with flubber.

The living room after a fun fort building game.

Audrey and Joel

Can't believe July is almost over. We've been keeping busy around here...Audrey, Ellie, and Olivia went to VBS last week so that gave us something to do and they enjoyed it...I can't get those songs out of my head.

This week, no big happenings, just trying to stay cool in this Fresno heat. Joel is growing and it's most noticeable in his cheeks, they are getting chubby. He has started to smile but really makes you work for those smiles, and we haven't been able to capture it on camera, maybe soon. He's sleeping well, the other night I got 6 hours of sleep in a row! I think it's been months since I have gotten that much sleep!

Part of me is excited to see school start (August 17th) and get back into a routine, but I have been enjoying the down time....I have spent a lot of time with the kids and I think it's been good for me and them. I'm learning to practice patience and a little more about what makes each one of them tick.

Audrey loves being home this summer, she can be a bit of a homebody. She would hold Joel non-stop if I let her. She loves to boss her sisters around and this drives them crazy and causes quite a few fights. In spite of that, I'm not sure what I would do without her, she is always ready to help.

Ellie has matured so much this last year. She is so sweet and loves Goose (Grace) and Joel so much, she is so tender and loving with them. She is learning how to be a little less emotional about everything. She is a thinker and loves to ask questions. She loves to do her own hair, and she does a good job.

Olivia is a free spirit. She isn't a very good listener (we're working on this), but she is so loving. She has a way of saying the funniest things and making everybody feel special. She is very good at expressing her feelings. She is right smack in the middle, and I can't think of a kid with a better personality to make it thru as a middle child.

Grace is the baby girl, and still seems so much like a baby to me, until I put Joel next to her, then she looks like a monster. She speaks her own little language, but "mine" and "no" are her fav clear words, She says no to everything even if she means yes. She loves Joel and will touch him and say "baby" but she's pretty oblivious that he's here. She's too busy pushing the baby stroller and making messes to notice her baby brother most of the time.

An update

2009-07-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since my last post. Addie, Ellie, and Liv made it home from Oregon (Josh's parents survived even with Ellie and Nana getting the flu on the second day), Josh and I (and Joel) got away for a night while they were gone (some dear friends watched Grace for 2 nights), Audrey turned 8 on July 5th, and today Joel is one month old. Lots going on....my mom was here for a week and went home yesterday so life is getting back to the new "normal". Joel is a good baby, and he sleeps great, usually waking only once or twice during the night and then going right back to sleep. He fusses in the evening and it takes a little while to get him settled for bedtime, but I don't think I can complain too much. He doesn't pee on everything like he did the first few weeks he was home. I feel like I'm getting adequate rest, I just need more patience with the older girls....I think they are bored already and looking forward to going back to school. It's difficult to keep them entertained and tend to a newborn, this is my biggest challenge. Here are a couple pics we took this week...

Oregon or BUST!

2009-06-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Josh's parents (a.k.a. Nana & Papa) left today with Audrey, Ellie, and Liv for a week long trip to Oregon. I'm sure I've told you all before how awesome Nana & Papa are. Their destination is Grants Pass, OR where they will attend a family reunion this weekend. The first stop is Sacramento. The girls were beyond excited about this trip. I'm so excited they get to go somewhere and have some fun making summertime memories. Josh's grandparents did vacations with him like this when he was a kid, he has some hilarious stories about the trips they took and things that happened on the way.

The girls have all been amazing troopers the last couple weeks with getting used to having a new baby around. I think I will miss all of Audrey's help, but it might be good for me to realize how much she helps me around here. It will be a little strange only having Grace and Joel around. So if you think about it pray for Nana and Papa, I'm sure they'd appreciate it.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T22:03:00.001-07:00

Wilkinson boys: Josh's dad, Josh's grandpa, Joel, and Josh

My dad, Joel, and me

Josh, Joel, and Josh's dad

Josh and the kids.

Ellie lost her second tooth today.

My Father's Day present to Josh.

Swimming in the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's hotel.

More swimming.

We had a nice relaxing Father's Day. My mom and dad were in town, and Josh's parents came to visit so we both got to spend the day with our dads. Here are some pictures of the highlights...

A couple of my fav hospital pictures...

2009-06-17T20:01:00.001-07:00

Baby Boys = Laundry

2009-06-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be a mommy to a boy. It's so fun and different to put all those blue clothes on him, but geeeezzzzz he pees on every outfit each time I change him, doesn't he know I'm on laundry overload already? By the end of the day, there are about 8-10 dirty onesies, ahhhhhh! I couldn't keep up with the laundry before Joel, so I'm pretty sure things won't be changing. My dreams of being on top of all the washing, folding, and putting away are quickly fading, but then again who really cares if the the laundry is done....as long as everybody has underwear to wear right? As little boys get bigger do they pee less when you change them? I'd love to hear your thoughts.....better get back to the laundry room.

He decided to get cranky

2009-06-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

Joel woke up last night around 2 a.m. and spent the next 3 hours crying off and on. I hope tonight is better. Some things I pondered during the wee hours of the morning were, how the heck Michelle Dugger (18 kids and counting) does this, do Mylicon gas drops work, and should I be swaddling my newborn? Do you have some great advice for me?

First Night, First Day at Home

2009-06-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

We are adjusting to our life with 5 children. We arrived home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and Joel is settling in. Our first night was relatively painless with a few diaper changes, a couple feedings, and almost no crying. Addie and Ellie can't get enough of him, constantly asking for the next turn at holding him. I'm feeling good, Josh has been a huge help, he, Addie, and Ellie brought me eggs, toast, and coffee in bed this morning, so sweet! Life with a new baby is so sweet, I hope I remember this when Joel decides to get cranky. The overwhelming love and support from so many friends and our family has reminded me of God's great love for us. Thank you to everyone who has called, prayed, texted, e-mailed, sent goodies, brought us food, offered to babysit, etc. We are so grateful to be surrounded and supported by you!

He's Here!

2009-06-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

A family photo (minus Grace, she was already in bed).

Proudly holding brother.

The big girls checking in on Joel.

Sorry I didn't update sooner, Josh brought me his laptop this a.m. so I can tell my blogger friends about our new baby.

Joel Robert was born Tuesday, June 9th at 7:40 p.m. He weighs 7 lbs, 0 oz. and is 20 inches long. He is doing well, and we plan to go home today. I will tell you my labor and delivery details soon (when I have the energy).

The day before

2009-06-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today has been a busy day, the endless loose ends to tie up before going to the hospital in the a.m. Today I have:

Made cinnamon rolls for breakfast (not homemade, but still required turning on the oven).
Prayed that I would have a wonderful nurse tomorrow.
Dropped Josh's shirts at the cleaners.
Took the girls to school and walked them in, in case I can't do this again before Thursday, their last day of school.
Made a house key for Josh's grandpa so he can be here when the girls get dropped off from school tomorrow.
Called my mom to make sure she was on her way, she's coming this afternoon, and staying til Friday.
Called my mother-in-law and asked if I could borrow a robe for the hospital.
Wondered why I'm not more anxious and nervous (must be all the prayers).
Went to the fruit stand, so there's something healthy to snack on while I'm away.
Went to Costco to buy a few odds and ends.
Prayed for a wonderful nurse again.
Made peanut butter and jelly for lunch with a big glass of milk.
Took the trash cans out
Balanced the checkbook
Paid a couple bills
Checked my e-mail and blogged this post

Well I feel like I've accomplished a lot (it's not even 2 o'clock yet), but I still need to take my car to get washed. My mom should be here soon, and possibly I can run that errand all by myself. I will be sure to take a nap and try to savor one more day as a mom to 4, and no screaming newborn keeping me up all hours. Going to chick-fil-a for dinner, no cooking for me.

I'll keep you posted...my induction is scheduled at 6:30 a.m. I think my doctor will break my water about 7 a.m. and we'll see what happens, I'm sure pitocin and an epidural are in the lineup. I'm hoping we have a baby by afternoon, Josh thinks it'll be evening, we'll see...

His Room

2009-06-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

Changing table

More road signs to come, my dad is sending them up with my mom.

Josh's dresser from when he was a baby, and some of his old toys (the hook and ladder firetruck, and other trucks on the shelf), can't believe we still had these in a box in the shed, an awesome find!

Baby's crib (thanks Jolinda for passing on the bedding to me).

And an entire closet filled with 0-9 months clothing, thanks Peggy, Jolinda, and everybody that has spoiled us! I haven't bought one item of clothing!

Loving this weather

2009-06-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Fresno in June is usually nothing exciting, it's hot and miserable. But the last few days have been incredible, today was in the 70's, breezy, and last night we had another amazing thunder/lightning storm. I just want everybody to know how grateful I am for the break in hot weather, my very pregnant body is so happy. I've lived in Fresno for 14 years (wow!), and I do think I have acclimated to the warm weather, but some days I just long for those cool Santa Ana breezes and cool evenings I grew up with in Hacienda Heights. Here's to hopefully another week of mild temperatures and a happy pregnant lady (4 more days!).

One week to go...

2009-06-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well I have a week til baby #5 makes his arrival. I still need to buy a car seat, wash his clothes, and get some things put away in his room, but I think I'm almost ready. Not really feeling too anxious (that might still happen) about the labor and delivery....it seems like with each baby I got a little more anxious about the pain and what was to come, but today I feel pretty relaxed. I'm looking forward to being able to walk upstairs without feeling completely winded, my bladder holding more than an ounce, and having a "normal" body. I've gained more than I'd like to admit with this pregnancy ( could have been the in-n-out, cupcakes, its its, or red vines), so I have lots of hard work ahead of me to get back into shape and rehab my diet. I'm enjoying feeling the baby move, he kicks and punches, and even had the hiccups the other night. The girls are out of school next Thursday, so along with having a newborn, we will be adjusting to summer life. I don't have too many expectations as I think most of the time those lead to disappointment, I just want to enjoy the season I'm in, chaos and all.

Ellie turns 6!

2009-05-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

Decorating cupcakes after school today.

Taking all her phone calls (I think she got 5 phone calls today).

The new bike in action.

Today was Ellie's birthday. Her kindergarten class went to the zoo today, and tonight we opened presents, celebrated over dinner at Red Robin, and came home for cupcakes and ice cream. Ellie is sweet, a good listener (I can't say this about all my children), and very reliable but probably our most emotional child. She has a quiet confidence about her, she loves playing outside, riding her scooter and bike. I've spent a lot of one on one time with her this year and I've enjoyed watching her grow and mature into the little girl she is. Happy Birthday Elle Belle, we love you!

Happy Birthday Lesley and Madison!

2009-05-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Harrison and new baby sister, Madison
My brother and his family

Madison, so tiny

Me and Lesley in mom's kitchen at Christmas time.

My sister celebrated her 31st birthday yesterday, AND my brother and his wife had a brand new baby, Madison....what an exciting day! Madison was born at 8:01 a.m., she weighed 7 lbs 0 oz, and measured 18 inches. Congratulations Kevin, Peggy, and Harrison! Happy Birthday Lesley, a niece being born on your birthday, what a great present!

Day trip to Yosemite

2009-05-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

We spent the day in Yosemite, some highlights of the trip were:

Nobody got carsick
It was significantly cooler there than in Fresno (quite of bit of snow on the ground still), it even rained (with some thunder and lightning)
Half Dome and all the falls were even more amazing than the last time I saw them
Realizing Half Dome isn't THAT big compared to my pregnant body
We saw a deer
Realizing I'm extremely paranoid (I'm blaming it on raging pregnancy hormones and very steep cliffs)
My soul feels refreshed after taking in His amazing creation

Olivia's favorite thing to say on this trip: "Can we go home now?"
Ellie's....."I really want to climb that mountain." (as she pointed to Half Dome)
Audrey's....."I don't ever want to leave."
Grace....."Hi." (she talks to any stranger that will look at her)

Dear Tooth Fairy,

2009-05-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

This froggy has a tooth pocket so the tooth fairy won't have any problems locating the goods.

This is the letter she wrote (with mom's help) to the tooth fairy...it took her 3 nights to write this.

Look at that BIG smile!

Ellie lost her first tooth on Saturday afternoon. Daddy really wanted to be the one to pull it out, but after chomping on skittles she pulled it all by herself. She is thrilled to have lost a tooth before the school year ends. Addie told Ellie this week, "Tooth fairies are very smart fairies, they have to take lots of classes to become a tooth fairy."

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T22:06:00.001-07:00

The girls bringing me coffee and donuts in bed. What more could a mother ask for?

A picture before church.

Grace loves BIG glasses.

Me and Ellie

Josh and his mom.

Nana and Grace in the "swing bed"

This is the little house Josh's dad built the girls, it's looking more and more like a secret garden as the vines grow.

Josh BBQing steak for the family.

Some Mother's Day encouragement and inspiration from Erma Bombeck....

A young mother writes: "I know you've written before about the empty nest syndrome, that lonely period after the children are grown and gone. Right now I'm up to my eyeballs in laundry and muddy boots. The baby is teething; the boys are fighting. My husband just called and said to eat without him, and I fell off my diet. Lay it on me again, will you?"

OK. One of these days, you'll shout, "Why don't you kids grow up and act your age?" And they will. Or, "You guys get outside and find yourselves something to do... and don't slam the door!" And they won't.

You'll straighten up the boys' bedroom neat and tidy: bumper stickers discarded, bedspread tucked and smooth, toys displayed on the shelves. Hangers in the closet. Animals caged. And you'll say out loud, "Now I want it to stay this way." And it will.

You'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death and a cake with no finger traces on the icing, and you'll say, "Now, there's a meal for company." And you'll eat it alone.

You'll say, "I want complete privacy on the phone. No dancing around. No demolition crews. Silence! Do you hear me?" And you'll have it.

No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti. No more bedspreads to protect the sofa from damp bottoms. No more gates to stumble over at the top of the basement steps. No more clothespins under the sofa. No more playpens to arrange a room around.

No more anxious nights under a vaporizer tent. No more sand on the sheets or Popeye movies in the bathroom. No more iron-on patches, rubber bands for ponytails, tight boots or wet knotted shoestrings.

Imagine. A lipstick with a point on it. No baby-sitter for New Year's Eve. Washing only once a week. Seeing a steak that isn't ground. Having your teeth cleaned without a baby on your lap.
No PTA meetings. No more car pools. No blaring radios. No one washing her hair at 11 o'clock at night. Having your own roll of Scotch tape.

Think about it. No more Christmas presents out of toothpicks and library paste. No more sloppy oatmeal kisses. No more tooth fairy. No giggles in the dark. No knees to heal, no responsibility.
Only a voice crying, "Why don't you grow up?" and the silence echoing, "I did."

June 9th...

2009-05-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

sounds like a good day to have a baby. I went to the doctor this morning and we decided Tuesday, June 9th will be my induction date. Addie and Ellie's last day of school is June 11th, so it'll be a busy week. I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will post some pictures of my enormous belly soon.

Quick Post

2009-04-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

It's been over a week since my last post...
Ellie was sick one day last week, she threw up once (all over the couch and it's cushions, yuck!) and felt punky the next day too.
I kept Audrey home from school today, she had a slight fever and complanied of a headache.
Grace has a fever this evening, gave her dinner, a bath, and some ibuprofen and put her to bed.
Olivia, so far so good.
Josh is having dinner with a friend and probably drinking some tasty wine, good for him!
I'm good, 32 weeks and counting, my belly is sticking out of all my clothes and my arm fat is driving me crazy, but what can I say? I'm still sleeping well and my back isn't hurting...I have a million (make that 2 million) things to do before this baby arrives, but my energy level is waining. I'm sure it'll all get done right? Never underestimate the power of a nesting mother.

Ladybug Report

2009-04-19T19:47:00.001-07:00

The work in progress.

Writing, writing, and more writing.

The finished product, Audrey is so proud!

Audrey has completed her first animal report. Her project is due tomorrow, we've been working on it for weeks, but it is done. We know more about ladybugs than ever. We also bought live ladybugs at OSH today so they can be part of the display. Open House is Thursday and all the projects will be set up in her classroom.

Dream Dinners and Cupcakes

2009-04-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

I have to brag about two of my favorite places....

This morning I went to Dream Dinners....have you been? If you haven't, you have to try this... I won't go into too much detail but you can check it out at www.dreamdinners.com. I assembled 12 main dishes in about an hour and a half, while chatting and laughing with Heather and Natalie. Got home, stuffed my garage freezer with all my meals and now I feel some serious freedom from my mundane meal planning. Are you sick of trying to think of stuff for dinner or trying to prepare a meal with children hanging from your legs? This is a wonderful solution!

After Dream Dinners we headed to Cupcakes (Herndon/Cedar) to try one of their yummy cupcakes. I choose vanilla with sprinkles (must be the kid in me), it was so good! If you live in Fresno you have to try this place.

Life Group, Family Night

2009-04-08T12:02:00.001-07:00

The resurrection eggs, a kid-friendly Easter activity.

Grace wasn't interested in the fun, she just wanted to feed Scout.

Audrey couldn't get enough of the baby.

Ellie liked holding the baby, but promptly gave up when she started to cry.

Kiara and Ellie smiling next to our masterpieces made out of crescent rolls, butter, cinnamon sugar, and jumbo marshmallows.

Ready to go into the oven.

The finished product, resembling the empty tomb.

Last night we had Family Night for our Life Group and instead of our entire group meeting in one place we split it up...3 different families hosted, the Hales came to our house. Jacinda, the amazing planner of awesome Family Nights (check out her blog if you want ideas), brought the ingredients for a fun Easter recipe to make with the kids, and then we used the Resurrection eggs to tell the Easter story. We had a good time, but I think my girls favorite part was holding baby Vienna. Jacinda thank you for letting them hold and adore your newest daughter, it was good practice! We enjoyed hanging out with Brian, Jacinda and the girls, Brian and Josh were certainly outnumbered.

Spring Parties

2009-04-03T15:29:00.001-07:00

Showing off her bonnet.

Ellie and me at her party in k-1.

In the pot of gold, I would like to find... "jewelry and candy."

Alexis, Audrey, and Haley

Ellie, me, and Audrey at Audrey's party.

What a BIG smile!

Today was the day of parties....Ellie's class celebrated with a parade thru all the classrooms (showing off their spring bonnets/hats), an egg hunt, and a party this morning. Audrey's class played games outside, then a party, and then an egg hunt this afternoon. It was fun, but Audrey did have a meltdown during the egg hunt, I'll spare you the details, but egg hunts DO NOT bring out the best in my oldest child. Looking forward to spring break and the rest it will bring.

The Endless To Do's...

2009-04-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well today I really started thinking about how much time is left before this baby comes...I think there are 82 days til my due date, but my doc has already made it clear I will most likely be induced at 37-38 weeks (I tend to give birth to HUGE babies), so that leaves me approximately 68 days of pregnancy, ahhhhhhhh! That means I have A LOT to do in the next 68 days. In hopes of getting myself motivated and keeping you all on the up and up, I'm going to post some to-do lists.

Getting ready for baby:
Clean out office/playroom
Move Grace into her new room
Paint nursery
Wash and iron bedding
Put crib together
Wash clothes

Stuff to go through:
All baby girl stuff 18 months and younger

Stuff to buy:
paint
newborn diapers
car seat
good nursing bra
highchair (can be done later)

Stuff to pack for hospital:
camera
clothes
magazines
baby outfit
good music

What a week it has been (so far anyway)

2009-04-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday on my way to get a much needed cup of caffeine from Starbucks I got pulled over. The officer said I was going 42 mph in a school zone (the speed limit is 25 mph), oops, I guess I was just so excited about that cup of coffee I wasn't paying any attention to my speed. Could I have really been going 42 in front of Bullard High at 8:30 a.m.??? Could his radar have been malfunctioning? I don't know, maybe I was doing 42... Dang it I was just bragging about being ticket-free for the last couple of years. That's what you get for bragging.

Then.... this morning after visiting the chiropractor I was involved in a car accident. Two cars ran into each other after one ran a red light and as a result one of the cars hit mine as I sat at the signal. My van's frontend is damaged just a bit, but thankfully I'm okay. Nothing like a car accident to shake you up. I was mostly concerned and overly emotional because the lady who hit me had injuries and was unable to get out of her car. I think she will be okay too, she was talking and responsive but very shaken up. What good can come from something like this? I think my hope in mankind is restored...so many people came to help, I cried on a stranger's shoulder til Josh got there. There were so many amazing, concerned people, everyone just wanted to know how they could help. I had to visit my doctor just to make sure baby was okay and really just to say I did, but we're good.

Tomorrow I should stay home, don't you think?

Sweet notes from Audrey

2009-03-31T13:26:00.001-07:00

Audrey loves to write letters, she gave us these yesterday.

Pismo Beach

2009-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Josh smiling big at lunch (I love those blue eyes).

The trick I can do with my big belly and a soda, I'm ready for the circus.

Liege & Chad

"Kiteboarding"

The asparagus salad Josh ordered....yum!

Josh and I got away this weekend for our anniversary. We dropped off the girls in Visalia with Nana and Papa and headed to Pismo. Our friends, Chad & Liege, were also celebrating their anniversary and so we decided we'd all meet up in Pismo and hang out for the weekend.

Here are some highlights of our trip:

The most peaceful two and a half hour drive to Pismo, no kids screaming in the backseat, no emergency stops for a potty break, just me and Josh.
The jacuzzi that graced our balcony and where I probably spent 90% of my time.
The hour long massage I got (heavenly).
Eating king crab legs with lots of butter at a table with a view of the sunset.
Eating dessert two nights in a row and not even trying to justify it.
Walking along the beach and listening to the ocean.
Watching tons of guys "kiteboard" along the beach.
Talking to Josh for hours and hours, and loving every minute of it.
Eating a clam chowder bread bowl at the Splash Cafe.
Getting to know Chad & Liege more.
Spending two blissful nights away and realizing I do miss my children when I'm away.
Breathing that ocean air.
Reading magazine after magazine with no interruptions.
Dreaming together about our future.
Wondering why we don't do this more.

Well we are back now, and you'd think after the great weekend I had I would be more than ready to step back into reality but....My girls missed me and need lots of attention, I need to make them dinner, I have lots of bags to unpack, my house is a mess (just the way I left it), they are so noisy and I think I'm getting a headache.

A Day in the Snow

2009-03-23T17:21:00.001-07:00

Anjie (Josh's sis) picked up our girls (the oldest 3) after church and took them to the snow. This was a great anniversary present, she took them all day, then came home and watched all four of them so we could go out to dinner for our anniversary. What a sister! The pictures she took show the great time they had, they went to Shaver and it was SNOWING! Thanks Anjie, the girls had a blast....Addie did say, "This was the best day of my whole life."

12-year anniversary

2009-03-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

Josh's present to me.

My present to Josh.

Us.

We celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary this weekend. We went to our favorite place for dinner, Max's. I had salmon, Josh had pasta, it was delicious. Josh gave me a great gift...huge pictures of each of our daughters. I've been wanting a BIG picture like this of each of them for our bedroom wall....yeah! I bought Josh cologne and an hour long massage...my present to him wasn't spectacular but I was proud of my wrapping job.

Good friends, Good times

2009-03-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

Chad and Liege had us over last night. Liege thank you for the kind words on your blog, Josh and I feel the same way about you and Chad. Thank you for being brave enough to have us over, our girls adore you! Dinner was wonderful and so was dessert. I'm reminded of God's faithfulness over and over as He has blessed us with real, true friendships.

Nice Afternoon

2009-03-12T19:35:00.001-07:00

Addie's favorite place to do her homework, in the crate myrtle in our front yard.

Ellie jump roping with a dog leash.

Gabby sniffing around.....she's such a good dog!

Grace looking her best....this is how she looks most of the time (hair in her eyes, dirty face, etc).

Olivia pretending to be a dog, Audrey is walking her with a jump rope.

Well I suffered a "pregnant moment" this morning at Fresno State....as Addie performed her poem I quickly snapped picture after picture, only to discover a few minutes later I had left the memory card for my camera in my computer, so unfortunately I have no pictures of the performance.......Josh did video tape it though, that's the only thing that makes me feel a little better about my brain mush!

Anyway, we had a nice afternoon, the weather has been great! Here are some pictures of the girls' adventures outside.

Old Pops

2009-03-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Going to the dining room on the tram.....this is always a highlight of our visit.

Sitting on the bench in front of the dining room.

Olivia's little hand against Old Pop's hand.

Grace & Old Pops taking a stroll.

Grace pointing something out to Old Pops.

Josh and Old Pops

"Old Pops" is the endearing name my children came up with for Josh's grandpa. He is an amazing grandpa and great-grandpa, and lucky for us he moved to Fresno last year from Bakersfield. He lives about 3 miles from us, and we have enjoyed hanging out with him alot this last year. One of our favorite things is to go to dinner with him at the dining room at San Joaquin Gardens...the girls are treated like super stars and love all the attention. It also gives us a chance to practice our manners for eating out. I also have to say the chance to ditch my own kitchen and not have to think about preparing dinner is a serious positive for me. Thanks Old Pops for putting up with us and continuing to invite us.....you have created an awesome legacy for us to follow.

Peach Blossom Dress Rehearsal

2009-03-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

All the sisters in the audience anxiously awaiting Audrey's performance.

Audrey and her friend, Amanda.

Audrey's dress rehearsal was this afternoon for Peach Blossom. Tomorrow morning she will perform at Fresno State for the annual oral interpretation festival. Her group (1st & 2nd graders) are reciting the poem "I'm Squealing, I'm Screeching, My Mom's Gone Antiquing." She did a great job today and I'm looking forward to tomorrow also. Last year I was working so I didn't get to see her perform at Fresno State. Yeah for being a stay-at-home mom this time around, makes me so happy not to miss this kind of stuff!

Random Pictures

2009-03-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Belly pic, 25 weeks and counting.

Close up belly pic.

Addie figuring out her math on the driveway.

Big smiles from Ad.

Liv finding new uses for sidewalk chalk (can you tell she's wearing her pajamas?). This kid is something else.

My recently planted Hibiscus tree is blooming.

I found this tree at Lowe's for $8, which I figured was a good price since I would probably kill it, but look.....it's thriving! Amazing!

Prego Party

2009-03-08T22:36:00.001-07:00

Jacinda graciously invited Natalie, Andrea, and me to a "Prego Party" this afternoon. I had never heard of a party exclusivley for pregnant women, but it was a good time. Thanks Jacinda for thinking of me!

Grace is walking!!!

2009-03-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Grace and her walking legs.

Trying to "help" by putting dish soap in the dishwasher.

When I ask her to smile, this is what she does.

Last week Grace turned 16 months old, and I'm happy to report she is finally walking. She is walking more than she is crawling and I think she finally convinced herself this newfound freedom is nice. It's a little strange to see her little upright body taking steps across the kitchen floor. She is talking more and more too, usually the same words over and over: uh-oh, no no, bye bye, hi, mama, dada, night night. Her favorite things are unrolling all the toilet paper off the roll then saying uh-oh, playing in the play kitchen opening and closing the cabinets, stacking and putting stuff from one container into another, pulling her clips out of her hair, waving to anyone who looks at her, and of course her blankie and pacifier. I'm learning she may be a little stubborn and has a bit of a temper, but she is sweet and we all adore her.

Back Pain

2009-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

The last two days my lower back has been killing me. I resigned myself to go see the chiropractor yesterday. I remember experiencing this same pain when I was pregnant with Grace; dull, constant throbbing across my lower back. It hurts to sit and I experience some relief when I lay down or stand but I can still feel the pain. Any suggestions???? Boy, it's going to be a long 17 weeks...

Looking for something to do????

2009-02-22T19:41:00.001-08:00

Monday, February 23rd Starr Elementary is having a fundraising night at Chick-fil-A in Riverpark......5-8 p.m. It's always nice to have an excuse not to cook. All proceeds 5-8 p.m. will go yo Starr. Maybe we'll see you there!

Weekend Recap

2009-02-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

Josh went to Big Lots Sunday afternoon....this has to be one of his favorite stores, and after 12 years of marriage I'm still trying to find out why. Look all the crap he bought....I didn't know they still made fiddle faddle. Eating some of this stuff scares me, but Josh is delighted in getting a deal.

Ellie pushing Grace around the house in a baby doll stroller.

Grace loves being pushed around....too bad a few hours later the wheel fell off the stroller, I guess we over did the weight limit.

Look at that stance.

Me in a mean training session on the wii that ultimately told me my wii fitness age is 53. Boy, I have a lot of work to do.

Liv smiling big in her jammies after a bath on Sunday night.

My kitchen Monday morning....I bet yours never looks like this. Is there any significance between the empty martini glass, empty Del Taco cup, and empty gallon of milk?

More kitchen aftermath...this is what it looks like after I cook, hence I hate to cook.

The waffle maker, I hate cleaning as I go.

So we had a fabulous long weekend, I'm so sad it had to come to an end. After the father/daughter dance on Friday night, the older 3 girls went to Nana and Papa's to spend 2 whole nights!

Josh and I were so excited to be at home in our QUIET house with one child. What a nice change of pace for us! We slept in Saturday morning and then went to Mimi's for breakfast with Josh's grandpa. Got home from breakfast and took a nap while Grace napped. Woke up and hung out with each other, cleaned the house, and then got ready for dinner. I made reservations at Max's (and got a sitter for Grace). Dinner was delicious and so much fun with Matt & Heather (I'll post pics soon). Then we headed to the movies to see Grand Torino.....I loved it and at some point I will write a post about the striking similarities between my dad and Clint Eastwood's character in this movie.

Sunday morning we dedicated Olivia and Grace at church. Nana and Papa met us at church with our 3 children dressed, hair done, and smiles on their faces, and I didn't have to do any of it, what a treat! The dedication was great and very personal (I'll post pictures soon). After church we headed to San Joaquin Gardens (where Josh's grandpa lives) for a yummy brunch with Josh's family.

Monday morning I made waffles, ham and eggs for breakfast. We all enjoyed having Josh home from work that morning. We spent Monday hanging out as a family and playing a few rounds of bowling and tennis on wii. I love weekends like this!

Father/Daughter Dance

2009-02-13T20:15:00.001-08:00

Tonight was the annual Father/Daughter dance at Starr. Audrey and Ellie have been looking forward to this night for weeks. This year is Ellie's first year going and she couldn't wait. Papa came up to go with them....each girls needs a dancing partner right? I'm sure they will have a great time!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

Audrey had Belle valentines this year.

Liv had monkey valentines.

Ellie had Tinkerbell valentines.

My older sister, Lisa, made my girls the most amazing custom valentines I have ever seen......she's been making the girls their valentines as long as I can remember, but each year she makes them more elaborate. She made these on the Cricut machine. The girls had so much fun writing their names and their classmates' names. Thanks Lisa for the endless hours you spent making these, your hard work is truly appreciated!

Tuesday Tag

2009-02-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

5 Things I was doing 5 years ago:

Job sharing
Attending Mountain View Community Church
Buying a used mini van
Getting used to having two children
Living in Clovis

5 Things on my to-do list today

Laundry
Take Josh's shirts to the cleaners
Call to make an appointment to have my carpets cleaned
Help in Ellie's classroom
Make dinner

5 Things I would do with a million dollars

Save some
Give some away
Spend some on a dreamy vacation

5 Places I have lived

Hacienda heights, California
La Mirada, California
Clovis, California
Fresno, California

5 jobs I have held

Mimi's Cafe
Blockbuster Video
CNA
teacher
mommy

5 things I want to be doing in 5 years

run a half marathon
blogging
helping with a ministry to young mom's

5 people I tag

Teri
Heather
Nicole
Natalie
Liege

It's raining, it's pouring....

2009-02-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

It's been raining in Fresno. The girls are so excited. Tonight we are going to drink hot chocolate, sit by the fire, and play wii. I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night.

One of those afternoons....

2009-02-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhh! It's been one of those afternoons....I feel like ripping out my hair, putting in some earplugs, taking a hot bath, running away, locking myself in my room, do you catch my drift? One of my children in particular has been driving me CRAZY (I won't name any names), but four isn't so fabulous today. She is not listening, has changed her clothes at least 5 times, is fighting with her sisters, and just being a pain! She went outside to jump on the trampoline with her sisters and after some screaming and fighting I walked outside to see what was going on.....this is what I found....

Do you ever have days like this? I know everybody does. What do you do? I feel like pouring myself a stiff drink and turning on an episode of House Hunters. I'm pregnant so I won't indulge in the drink, but I will turn on the tv, or maybe I should take off my clothes and go jump on the trampoline, Olivia might be on to something...

Grace the daredevil

2009-02-03T10:08:00.001-08:00

Grace wandered into the laundry room and found the step stool, she was a little timid at first, just climbling up one step, but she eventually found the courage to climb to the top. She was really proud of herself.

Chairperson

2009-01-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ellie is Chairperson this week in k-1. She has lots of responsibilities (line leader, lead the Flag Salute, in charge of the calendar and weather, etc), but she also gets to do lots of fun things, like bring pictures, toys or books for sharing. Yesterday morning I watched her bring the class to order behind the podium with her gavel, she did a great job! Her favorite part of being chairperson is bringing baby pictures of herself for sharing.

It's a....

2009-01-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to tell you we are expecting a baby boy. We are all thrilled and just can't wait to meet him.