She begged and pleaded...

So I hope you all enjoy this as much as Kelly and I did--you may think we are mean parents, but some lessons have to be learned the hard way!

Crazy, crazy...

I can't believe that the month of December is nearly over...tonight is Christmas Eve--and you guessed it, I'm too excited to sleep! Actually, I just finished up on stockings and have become somewhat of a night-owl lately. Tonight was so fun! We ate way too much food (amazing cheeseball if I do say so myself)--and had fun with the kids!
We read the Christmas Story in the Bible and talked to the kids about what gifts we could each give to Jesus for Christmas--something like having a good attitude when we practice the piano--yeah, Kenna didn't take that hint--but she and Carter both wrote down that they would try to not fight with each other. That would be a Christmas miracle for sure! Since school has been out (only 4 days!!) it has felt like the WWF Smackdown at our house every day! Anyways--back to Christmas Eve...
We wrote them down on paper (Kenna is always excited when I let her use a Sharpie)--and put them in a special place to look at next year. I hope the kids will think about it--I'll probably chat with them about it again once the excitement of presents has died down a bit! They were excited for new PJ's--and LOVED opening their name gifts. Kenna was thrilled with her own little "Build a Bear" kit that Carter got her--Tessa loved her new rattle (I think...she doesn't say much!)--Carter seemed ok with his BEN10 watch--Dad loved his plier set--I got a pretty new snowglobe--and Christopher went nuts over his little remote controlled airplane. He had few near misses with Tessa's head, but I guess she'll learn to be tough~
Tomorrow morning should be fun--Christmas always is with kids around~as for me, this year I felt more of a closeness with my Savior. His birth has felt more personal to me than ever before and I wonder if it is because I am facing some personal challenges that have forced me to draw closer to Him. I am ever grateful that He was willing to come to earth in such humility so that I can keep trying...
Yes, life is crazy, crazy with all its ups, downs, curves (which I'm hoping some of them will disappear in January when I start P90X!), and surprises, but I wouldn't change any of it--not for the world!

It's good to know someone loves you...

So--Christopher has always really loved his uncle Darin. I think it all started when Darin and Spencer lived with us so they could work that summer--but Darin has been a hero to Chris since he was tiny.

During Family Home Evening this past Monday, Kelly was teaching the lesson. He was explaining to the kids where the Bible and Book of Mormon came from. He was asking questions to help them understand who wrote the Bible and who it was about. He asked, "Who was the most important person to ever live on the earth?" Now up to that point, Christopher had been wriggling around not paying attention--but when Kelly asked that question, he whipped his head around and said, "Darin!". It made me smile and also appreciate that he has someone to look up to that he loves so much. And Darin is by the way--amazing with all the grandkids! Anyways Darin--just thought you should know how much one little boy loves you!!

True Happiness...

Ya--so this is a little addicting! I was going to head off to bed awhile ago--but can't stop posting pics of my family. It's too much fun and they are so cute! I just have to say though, there is nothing like a new baby. There is just something about the way Tessa looks at me and smiles and the way she turns toward the sound of my voice that reminds me what true happiness is all about--it isn't anything to do with where I live or what I have--it's all about the people in my life--and what I can do for them. I am so much happier when I am thinking about others instead of things or worse--instead of myself. Thank heaven for new babies that remind us what happiness is all about!

And after five years...

Okay, so I am really embarrassed to admit it--it really has been five years since we have had a family picture done. And after the stress it caused--I now remember why we've waited for so long. It really wasn't all that bad...well, except that I was worried Christopher would dive into the pond where we took the pictures.

I guess I should catch up--our family trip was so fun! My kids LOVED being with their cousins and we tried not to rush around so much this time. My sis Janie and her hubby let us invade their home for the week and besides the wierd Korean barley tea that Janie made me try, our visit was awesome! They were kind enough to open their home to our family and friends so we could bless Tessa. Kelly gave her a wonderful blessing and I was of course, overly emotional. I can't help it--when it comes to my kids, I am a baby :) !

I spent one whole day with Janie, Amy, and Darin and it was so fun to just visit and let the kids run wild. Carter and Chris took a special interest in the drum set at Amy's house--and by my veto it is not on the Christmas list!

Thanksgiving was so fun, too! The food was yummy--we played games--and I bugged everyone into letting me take pictures--I have really been enjoying that lately!

Laurie's wedding was so fun--just being with my family was so much fun for me! We don't all get together that often and I LOVED it! Laurie looked beautiful and it was so neat to be in the temple with all of my siblings and my parents. It was a little embarrassing when I needed help with my shoes--my back was having issues that day, but Amos saved the day when it came to my black boots. We were in a hurry after the temple--to get back for a family picture--so of course, Carter spilled a huge soda all over Grandma Karen's kitchen during lunch. Life would be so dull withou kids...so, other than my feet and back killing me at the end of the day--it turned out awesome. Laurie seems really happy and Dan seems cool...hopefully we can spend more time with them (hint, hint--come for a visit!).

It was good to get home though--except I know this is weird, but our house still smells like the people that lived here before us...that sounds gross--but seriously! When I've been gone for a long time I can smell them when I walk in--I'm not sure what to do about that but would appreciate some ideas!

Oh--and of course, to welcome us home--we had to catch another lizard in our living room the other day! Kelly had to pull out the entire couch (a huge sectional)--and we finally found it stuck--not smashed--just stuck to the bottom of the couch. Oh it grossed me out so bad!!! Kelly had to flip it in a box and let it go outside...wow--I am such a dork but I just can't touch one! Anyways--it is way too late to be up--but I needed to get caught up!

I can't believe it's already so close to Christmas--the shopping is mostly done--just a few more things to do--like make some serious toffee!! We had a great trip and want to let our family know how much we love you all!!!

So much for Santa...

So this is my beautiful daughter Mackenna. She is too smart for her own good!! We just got back from a trip to visit family for Thanksgiving and attend my sister's wedding (which was beautiful, by the way)--and this will just be a quickie because I wanted to post this before I forget it...

We were busily packing up the van for the long ride home and of course, everyone loaded us up with Christmas gifts in order to get them to us on time and save on shipping. I didn't really think anything of it, but as we were driving home, Mackenna got this look on her face--you all know the look--like a light bulb turned on in her head. She says to me, "Hey Mom--I guess it doesn't matter if we are good anymore because we already have Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa. Santa doesn't even need to come."

Yes--we have used that as a threat at our house--and now I guess it is no longer useful...oh well....merry Christmas :)

A little one on one time...

So Kelly and I decided that maybe we could help our kids adjust to the changes in our family by spending some "one on one" time with each one. It was my turn with Carter--and it was such a blast! When I asked him if he wanted to go on a "date" with me--he asked why--and I'm not sure he got it until we were out and it was just the two of us.
You have to understand that of all my kids, Carter is BY FAR the most easy going--and will happily entertain himself with the T.V., computer, or toys if I ask him to. So needless to say--he gets the shaft ALOT!
For our date he wanted to play catch with the football at the park that's just around the corner from our home. It was so fun--he talked to me about school and friends and coached me on how to throw and catch--he was pretty happy to just let me watch him, too! We headed to the bookstore after that and he picked out some fun books to help him practice reading--and then of course, we were off to Coldstone! It was such a fun night--and I really enjoyed being with him. He is such a good boy and is such a great helper. I hope he knows how much I love him. Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face.
Kelly took Kenna out last Saturday--she was thrilled!! And then it was Christopher's turn with Dad tonight. He seemed happy to bring home a shake from In-N-Out and his books. Good times!
Kelly walked in tonight and found me and the boys around the table watching a lizard that had found it's way inside our house. I did not want to touch it and I didn't want the boys chasing it--I had visions of it getting lost in our house and crawling on us while we slept--but of course, it was Kelly to the rescue! I didn't want to hurt it--it was so cute--but only from a distance--I can't bring myself to touch one...yuck! Kelly got it outside unharmed so I can sleep peacefully tonight--well, unless Christopher wakes up at 3 a.m. AGAIN!
Off to bed now I think--it's hard to be a pleasant mother on just a little sleep--but I think if we can keep trying to spend alone time with each kid, things will get better and better...at least that's the purpose-letting each one know they are loved and that Mom and Dad think they are pretty awesome--because (and I know I'm biased) they are!

November Already???

Well--Happy Halloween!!! I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like only yesterday I was wearing maternity clothes...oh wait, it was. Oh well--I started on the treadmill today and am anxious to get back in shape. I played tag with the kids on the way home from the park Saturday--and could tell I was more than a little rusty.

As you can see, we are all about the Power Rangers at our house--and Mackenna wanted to be "Gabriella" from High School Musical--Tessa went along in the stroller dressed as our"Bundle of Joy". I think the kids had fun--even though it was hot and the boys only stayed out for about an hour. Kenna is definitely understanding the whole candy deal--she wanted to stay out as long as she could. I probably had the most fun of anyone...the minute they were out the door I did the dishes all by myself and just listened to how quiet my house was...except for the occasional trick or treaters. It's amazing how good a quiet house can make me feel!

November should be a fun month--even though I can't believe it's here! I'm a little nervous for Election Day tomorrow...I don't think it's going the way we had hoped... and that scares me a little. However, at our Stake Conference on Sunday, Boyd K. Packer (via satellite from Utah) reminded us that no matter what--we follow the Brethren. I find so much comfort in that. I guess we'll see how it all goes. My sister Laurie is getting married on my birthday (the 28th)--and we are going to be in Utah for a whole week...I can't wait!! I am so excited for the family to meet Tessa--and I'm hoping my kids will get to see some snow--even though they are already complaining of the cold--and we're just starting to enjoy 70 degree weather.

Like I said, time flies....and I'm sure before I can blink, Tessa will be asking for the car keys on her way out the door. I guess the important thing right now is to do what Thomas S. Monson encouraged us to do this past conference--learn what is important and what is not--and then spend time on that which is important. So--before this night is over, I'm going to enjoy listening to Tessa "coo" at me before she goes to bed--and will hit tomorrow at full speed...trying to enjoy it before it is gone...

Figuring it out...maybe...

So, Kelly spent some time with me tonight--working on my blog and can you tell I'm having fun? I have been going through all my pictures to see what to post and I've been thinking of songs to add to my playlist--wow--it's alot to handle for one night! But it does make me want to go back to the beginning and post pics of my kiddos since they were babies just to show how cute they all were (ahem--and are, of course). I had an experience tonight that reminded me of what's most important--isn't it so easy to get side tracked? Anyways, at least I'm lucky enough to have a great husband to remind me and keep me on track. He helped me to remember that it's all about our family--and what a great thing that is! So I guess when I say I'm figuring it out, it could mean alot of things--my blog, life with 4 kids, who I am (again--it seems to change as our family grows), and... what is most important-my family.

Trying something new!

Well--here I go! So, I'll follow my sister-in-law's lead and try something new by starting a blog about our crazy life...I have been wanting to start for awhile but with my 4 little ones literally on top of me (Christopher is, even as I am typing) I use "no time" as my excuse! My hubby came home from work today and has pretty much forced me to get started--and I'll admit, I am glad. I'm not much into scrap booking but figure I should document as much of the daily chaos and insanity as I can so that one day my kids will know why they have turned out the way they have. Even as I type I can hear my two sons-turned saber-toothed tigers for the moment-leaping around the upstairs; my oldest, Mackenna, just returned from a play date and has already informed me that she hates what we're having for dinner; and our newest, Tessa, is wondering what I ate earlier today and why it has to upset her tummy. Life--each day goes by so fast and I'm not sure I'm treasuring these times when my kids are still small enough. Hopefully I can slow things down and take more time to enjoy laughing with them, making messes with them, and listening to their little thoughts--I think I can, if I take it one day at a time. Wish me luck--trying something new!