I feel so stupid...

The last few weeks I have been so caught up in things that I don't have that I have totally lost sight of the things that I do have...sitting right in front of me.
I hate that I have allowed myself to fall into the "materialistic" trap that much of society has set.
A while back I came across a story of a woman who lost her baby. Since reading this I think of this family often. He mother has used her faith to reach out and use her daughters death as a tool to minister to others. Here I sit, with three healthy, beautiful and vibrant children and the only thing I can think about is when I'll be able to afford a bigger house or buy that shiny new car. The fact is, I have a beautiful house, small...but non the less it is my home. It's full of love and life and for that I am so very thankful.
I have to re situate myself...I have to keep my faith that I am where God has intended me to be. Through all of life's ups and downs I know God is with me, guiding me and helping me through.

Alyssa's award

This is the only picture I was able to get of Alyssa and her award last week. I charged my camera the night before but for some reason it still showed a dead battery the next day. Thankfully I was able to get this picture.

PS. Keep your fingers crossed for her, she should find out this week if she made the cut for the school newspaper and as a "anchor woman" for the schools morning announcements that are broadcast over TVs in each classroom. (it never ends...)

Gabriella makes me smile....

Memory Tag

I got this off my friends blog and thought it might be fun, plus it gives me a chance to find out how many people actually read my blog :)

1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Cleaning...

Today was a beautiful day...the sun was shining the sky was a beautiful blue and I was done with work at noon.
I arrived home with visions of a relaxing afternoon, maybe even a nap...instead I spent the day cleaning.

I must admit, it feels good to have it done. I organized the kids rooms and weeded through toys that they no longer play with. It was nuts..they have so many toys (I counted 51 webkinz between Alyssa and Brandon!) Tomorrow it's yard work, carpet shampooing, laundry and Sunday school...

so much for my relaxing weekend...

Random...

Who thought of this stupid idea?! I was taking the kids to the doctors today and had to maneuver one of these genius wonders...
if you ask me it causes more of a traffic headache than a regular ole' stop light...

Brandon and Gabriella both had Dr's appts today. I'm happy to report that both are doing great. Gabriella weighs 17 pounds now, I can't believe how fast the last 9 months have gone. I'm also happy to report that my son still has sand crammed in his ears from our beach vacation....2 weeks ago! Yes, my kids do take baths...

I hurt my ankle about....ohhhh...a month ago and it still hurts...wonder if I should make a Dr's appt?! Hmmmmm...who has time for that?!

Alyssa is getting an award at school on Thursday. I'll take pictures and post them after the big day.
She is very excited to be starting 5th grade next month...however her "BF" Conner will not be in the same class...and Jack will be moving into Jr. High...just what will she do? I'm a bit worried to be having these traumas so early...

Well, it's about that time to kick the hubby outta bed and off to work. See ya all later.

Random

The kids go back to school tomorrow, they only have 3 weeks left and then they will be off for a few weeks before going into 5th and 1st grade. The good thing about it is I started the bedtime routine early and everyone was sleeping by 8pm....it's so nice to have a clean and silent house.

I spent my weekend catching up on cleaning and laundry...and watching TV. Jeff took Alyssa and Brandon for haircuts and the grocery store for me today and I just set up camp on the couch watching TV and doing the laundry. I wish I would have been more productive...

I guess my life is pretty boring....

Brandon

Today is Brandon's 6th birthday, It's hard for me to imagine that my little guy is already 6!

In honor of him I will share a few of my favorite things about him.

He's a little guy...only about 35 pounds. I kinda like that about him though, it makes him seem younger to me...and let's face it no mom likes to see their kids grow up so fast.

He's a tough guy...always has been. If he cries you better check on him and quick.

He still likes to cuddle with me

His imagination is wild

He just has a way about him that just makes your heart melt...his smile is so sweet.

At one point I thought we would never be blessed with a second child, now I know God was just holding back...preparing me for a life with Brandon. He's filled every single day of his life with new adventures for Jeff and I...we love you buddy...more than the world!

Happy birthday monkey!

On Sunday afternoon we celebrated Brandon's 6th birthday with a party at the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. We had 34 of our closest friends and family help us celebrate, even Aunt Jill, Lexie and Ryan got to come.
Brandon got a lot of cool new toys including a Nintendo DS!
Happy birthday Monkey...mommy and daddy love you bunches!

Happy 9 months

Gabriella is 9 months old today! She is blossoming into her own little person...but still remains as laid back as ever.
We have started her on little bits of "big girl" food, she loves it! She is still not crawling...everyday she gets a little closer to doing it but she is smart and realizes she can either roll to her destination or someone will take her there.
She is a talker too...ma-ma,da-da and a high pitch squeal of EEEEEEEE makes up her vocabulary.
We thank God for her everyday...she is such a great part of this family!

Sisters

So...most of you know that I have two older sisters...and most of you know I am close with both of them.

My sister Jill and I are the closest in age...13 months between the two of us. Growing up I really could do without her. We shared a room for awhile and then...when it was too much for her to handle, she moved out and Julie moved in. Jill was always the tattle tale...ALWAYS!
In high school we started to do things on the weekends...and lo and behold we had fun.
Now...we are incredibly close. We have lived apart for the last 10 years or so but that has never changed our relationship.
We said good bye tonight, she goes home to Ohio tomorrow. It just doesn't seem fair...
We had a great time and shared soo many laughs that nobody else would never even begin to understand. I love you Jill...I'll miss you!

Our Cali Trip...

Since it's 2 am...I'll make this quick.

We just got back from vacation today...it was great!
We were supposed to come back yesterday..in fact we were packed and ready to go when we decided...what the heck...let's stay another night.
We spent two days at the beach and one day at Legoland...
the kids had a blast and we did too.
One of the traditions we do when we all get together is play Scattergories. It's always a lot of fun. I tell you...we can all laugh at the stupidest things!
Thanks mom...the kids and I had a blast!

Random Pictures

They clean up pretty nice

Three of the four loves of my life

Grandmas crew!! We love you Grandma...THANKS for an amazing trip with MANY memories!

I had to post this just because Jill woke me up at 3am to take the picture!

Holy cow...they boys aren't fighting!

Movie on the lawn

The hotel we stayed at was beautiful. It was right across from the beach and we had wonderful ocean views. Jill and I shared a suite (since we had 5 kids) and Julie and my mom had a room. Don't worry...they were adjoining rooms so we were still able to share the "joys" with them as well.
Anyways, last night they did a movie on the lawn. It was pretty cool. The movie was Aladdin. They had blankets for everyone as well as cookies, snow cones and popcorn. The kids thought it was so fun and even Jill and I enjoyed ourselves! ; )

Playing around

Beach Bums

Beach bums

Legoland

We went to Legoland this past Wednesday...and we had a BLAST!
The weather was perfect, the kids got along, Brandon was tall enough to ride everything (and he did), Gabriella was good as gold...it was great.
I have to admit I was impressed. It was a lot better than I had anticipated...I just wish we had two days to enjoy the park. We missed out on the shows and the water park (minus the one water ride we rode at the end and got SOAKED on)
The Lego sculptures were amazing...
So, here are a few pictures...trust me I took a ton so this really is just a few!

Legoland

If you look close you can see everyone (minus Lexie and I) on one of the rollercoasters!

I am aware that Gabriella is not looking at the camera, she was much to busy trying to get the seat belt in her mouth...however...this is her FIRST ride. A train that Aunt Jill took her on.

Legoland

Jill had a bad case of "boat rage!"