The NC Big Macs

Fashion Show

2012-02-12T12:51:00.001-08:00

Anna's Fashion Show.

During our monthly Abbott, Smith, Macdonald Sunday dinner, young and talented fashionista, Anna Abbott decided to put on a fashion show with Addilyn as her model. She raided Addilyn's closet and put together different ensembles complete with hair accessories and shoes. I had no idea Addilyn had such cute clothes (and I'm the one who buys them). Thanks to Anna's fashion sense and the fact that Addilyn adores her, Addilyn looks forward to putting together a cute outfit, where as before she would turn her nose up at anything I would suggest. The power of positive peer pressure. Thanks, Anna, for making my daughter see herself as the beautiful girl she is.

Isaac was thrilled with the fashion show and clapped and cheered to show his approval.

Walt Disney World 2012!

2012-02-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

Finally, the countdown to Disney ended. We left Friday morning to drive to Orlando. We arrived just in time Friday afternoon to pick up Grandma Marilyn who flew in from Utah. Brad and Merecedes and their kids arrived later that evening from Minnesota.

Walt Disney World

Where Dreams Come True!

Let the dreams begin!

Saturday, Day 1: Animal Kingdom

The long walk. The anticipation is building.

It was a jungle in there. Grandma definitely helped keep things under control with 7 kids.

The Animal Safari was the first ride.

The baby elephant was my favorite.

Rhinos always remind me of dad (aka: Duke)

Check out these wild animals. I got to play zoo keeper to these animals while the big kids went on this ride....

The white water rafting.

The Everest Experience.

This was Addilyn, the thrill-seeker's, favorite. We had no idea how intense this ride would be and Maycie came happily with the big kids, being mom, dad, Uncle Brad and Addilyn. Considering I was almost in tears myself after the pitch dark backwards plunge into the mountain, I thought Maycie did quite well. It was still a blast.

This was the last picture my camera took as it plunged into the toilet.

I might as well have flushed it down the toilet because it didn't work after that.

Addilyn was generous enough to let me use her new camera she got for Christmas for the rest of the trip.

Isaac with grandma at the dinosaur excavation play site.

The weather cooperated. In fact, I would have enjoyed about 5 to 10 degrees cooler. It was in the low to mid 80's the whole time we were there. Maycie, of course, found a water source to cool off in.

The happiest place on earth where even the skies smile at you.

Rob said he wants to be the guy that makes pictures in the sky when he grows up.

Sunday, Day 2. After going to church the kids told "m&m stories" with grandma by the pool while the babies napped. Then we headed to these beautiful fresh water springs.

Wekiwa Springs.

Leiden, Machara, Addilyn and Maycie enjoying a snack after a cool dip.

Uncle Brad: spider monkey.

Addilyn: tree hugger.

Maycie: goof.

Day 3 & 5: Magic Kingdom

Isaac's favorite ride was the shuttle from the parking lot to the park.

Getting into the park was quite a feat. First, park the car, unload kids, load baby into the stroller, load all bags onto stroller handles. Next, walk to the shuttle, wait for the shuttle, take baby out of stroller, take bags off stroller, fold up stroller, load kids onto shuttle. Then, ride shuttle to first entrance, unload kids, unload stroller, put baby back into stroller, put bags back onto stroller. Then, walk to either monorail or ferry to transport us to the inside entrance, unload kids, and walk to security gates, unload bags, stand in line to have bags checked. Finally, stand in line to have tickets (and fingers) scanned to enter the park. Whew! What a trip, but it was worth it. Now I know why they can charge so much for food. People don't want to leave and re-enter the park. On the first day we did pack a cooler for a picnic lunch determined not to pay the outrageous price for food, but we got tired of dragging the cooler around so we paid $14 to rent a locker. When the kids were hungry it took over 30 minutes to walk back to the entrance where our locker was to retrieve the food. The kids were so famished I ended up buying about $10 (which wasn't much) worth of snacks to tide them over until dad came with the cooler. In the end we decided that $30 - $40 dollars for lunch was worth it the headaches saved.

The kids were not thrilled about stopping a moment to take a picture, hence the grumpy looks. A good group shot was pretty illusive this trip.

Brad and Mercedes in the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House. I think everyone has wanted to live in that tree house at one time or another.

The kids didn't have much interest in finding the princesses, which I guess is a good thing, but I still made them pose for one.

Alex giving a good pirate "Arrrgg"! on Pirates of the Carribean. I think this is the only ride I remember as a child going to Disneyland.

The kids saved their money for weeks and in addition to some help from grandparents had a good amount to spend on souveniers. Alex's first purchase was a pirate sword, then a pirate hook, then a star wars hat, then a star wars gun. His only regret: he didn't get an Indian Jones whip at Hollywood Studios.

Who knew that "It's a Small World" was such a thriller. It was nastalgic, at least. This was Maycie's favorite in Magic Kingdom.

"It's a small world after all". Is the song running through your head now?

The "Tinkerbell Fireworks Show" was specktacular. Tinkerbell flies out of the castle window followed by an amazing light show.

Maycie and Alex getting their first experience at the wheel.

My favorite part was all the amazing shows everywhere you turned; bands, dancing, theatrical performances, stunts. I soon began to realize that Disney is very little about the rides and more about the entire experience and engaging as many senses as possible. The 3-D shows would actually spray water at you during a visualbig splash and send out a smell of whatever you were viewing. The attention to detail and caliber of talent in everything was truly astounding.

We ended Magic Kingdom by getting a little souvenir. Grandma purchased silhouettes of all the kids. The lady would simply cut away without tracing. Each child only took a few minutes.

Didn't they turn out darling?

After several hours at the park we would come back to the house and the kids would swim in the house pool for as many hours as we would let them while the adults crashed. Oh, to have the endless energy of a child again.

Isaac loved his first pool experience - in the buff, of course.

I think Isaac looks like a toothless, double-chinned version of me in this picture.

Day 6: Epcot Center

For Rob's birthday, Marilyn watched the kids while the adults spend a few childless hours at Epcot. "Mission: Space" was the big ride there. It was a simulated space shuttle trip to mars. Now I know why I never became an astronaut. It was amazing, though. "Soaring" was a another amazing ride which simulated a hang gliding ride.

Ironically, the park was more adult geared, but we saw more disney characters there than at the other parks combined. Those are not my children with Belle, but I had to take a picture since she's my favorite princess.

Happy 35th Birthday, Rob. The kids thought it unfair that dad got to spend his birthday at Disney.

Day 4 & 7.

Hollywood Studios was, overall, our family's favorite park. On the last day, Addilyn decided to return to Magic Kingdom with Grandma to go on her favorite ride, Space Mountain, while Rob and I took the younger kids to Hollywood Studios again.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid: one of the many 3-D shows we saw.

Toy Story Midway Mania was Maycie and my favorite ride. It's like you're in a giant video game. During the whole ride you shoot at digital targets and try to score the highest points. It was a blast.

While standing in line for Toy Story, Rob met some girls who live in the same city he served his mission in; Saporo, Japan. That was the 2nd time on the trip that he surprised some Japanese tourists by suddenly speaking Japanese with them.

Waiting for the Toy Story ride was part of the fun. It was like being inside a giant to box.

The giant talking Mr. Potato head was Isaac's favorite part of the ride.

Maycie with her 3-D glasses and toy gun getting ready to shoot at some digital targets. Seriously, so fun.

Indiana Jones Stunt Show was Alex's favorite show/experience, followed by Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show. Explosions so big your felt like your eyebrows were being singed.

Cars driving on their sides...

...then driving out of 2 story buildings.

Huge explosions!

We ended the day by letting the kids get their face painted.

Alex admiring his storm trooper face in the mirror.

2 face paintings: $30.

2 ice creams: $8

Finding free palm tree souvenirs in the parking lot: priceless (literally).

After 7 days of trying to get everyone together with their Mickey Mouse ears long enough to take a picture, we finally got it on the last night.

What an amazing trip. I can't wait to do it again!

Happy

2012-01-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is

rightfully possible today."

-Charles W. Eliot

I loved this quote. I'm making it my motto!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Upon waking, the first thing the kids did was look out the window for a white Christmas. No white Christmas this year. Instead they discovered this...

...Almost as exciting as a white Christmas.

Here's how it looked before the kids came down.

Tiger was eager to join in the festivities.

All I want for Christmas is my teeth.

Santa surprised Addilyn with her very own digital camera.

Maycie got the fox she asked for.

And Alex got his Power Rangers.

The kids always look forward to our traditional Christmas breakfast of egg casserol, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate with candy canes and egg nog. Of course, the festive presentation adds to it.

I finally got to get my girls American Girl dolls. They both requested dolls that look like them. I must admit, this was a request I was anxious to comply with. I had a lot of fun making matching doll clothes for them and styling the hair. I let them take their dolls to church since they were already dressed for the occasion. And if you're wondering if the increase cost over the imitation dolls is worth it, I can say the quality is definitely superior.

CHRISTMAS NIGHT

Our traditional Christmas night dinner with the Abbotts and Smiths. This year Jen and Jeremy Burgon join us. This has become my favorite part of Christmas day.

This year the kids got to participate in a talent show. They were a little slow to the taking at first, but soon the ball was rolling and they were all jumping up to exhibit anything.

Addilyn did a ballet demonstration.

Maycie played Jingle Bells on the piano.

Josh Abbott did some dancing to Snoopy.

Then all the kids busted a move to Snoopy.

Addilyn and Anna Abbott sang a beautiful duet to "Where Are You Christmas?"

Anna has really taken Addilyn under her wing and is frequently choreographing dances or cheers or writing movies for her and the other kids to act in. Addilyn really looks up to her and I'm glad to have Anna as an example.

The final gift we presented to the kids was the announcement of our family vacation to Disney World in three weeks. Now the Mickey Mouse pajamas make sense.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T20:50:00.001-08:00

T'was the night before Christmas....

For Christmas Eve dinner we did our yummy swiss cheese and chocolate fondue for the 2nd year in a row. Tina and Terrence joined us.

Then it was time to open Christmas jammies.

For the first time ever I made matching jammies for the whole family.

The theme: Mickey Mouse - you'll soon see why.

We ended the night by dad reading from Luke.

Isaac Moments

2011-12-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

The joys of self feeding.

Suddenly food doubles as an alternative adhesive and styling gel.

7 (1/2) months old.

Leaky faucet.

Screwed on wrists.

Favorite toy: kitchen utensils.

More December Moments

2011-12-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

This was my major non-sewing project this season.

I was looking for new advent calendar and came across this idea. I found a bunch of boxes different sizes, mod-podged them all with various papers and stenciled numbers on them. I then put a different scripture relating to the nativity or the true meaning of Christmas with a little treat or trinket in each box. The kids looked forward to opening them each night and I enjoyed focusing a spiritual part of Christmas with them each night. This tradition is a repeater.

Addilyn's Christmas ballet demonstration.

I finally got to attend the girls' holiday parties at school. It's cute how proud they feel to have their mom at school with them.

I always purchase gingerbread houses at the after Christmas clearance sales for $1 or $2 and save them for a year. That way everyone can do their own. The gingerbread is a bit stale but we don't eat that part.

This year Alex exhibited extreme interest in everything Christmas. He was the one who made sure we did our advent calendar. Everyday he asked how many more days until Christmas and inquired what fun Christmas activity we would do that day (many times the answer was not to his satisfaction). He inspected all the wrapped presents to see if he could discover what was in them.

A Visit to Santa, Santa, Santa and Santa

2011-12-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

I think Santa actually wore thin this year.

Here's the run down...

Redneck Santa

Preschool Santa

Church Party Santa (who actually could rival Mall Santa) Isn't he cute?

Finally, Mall Santa.

To get to Mall Santa we journeyed through the enchanted snow globe where magical snow fell and created drifts. The kids loved it, but it's a nightmare for parents trying to keep their children picture ready.

Skating in Dixie

2011-12-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

How do you ice skate outdoors when the temperature is in the mid 60's?

On plastic, of course.

When I saw the sign for ice skating in the parking lot of our local Lowes with such warm temps my curiosity got the better of me and I took the kids to check it out.

Sure enough, it looked just like ice and we put on real ice skates, but it was plastic. However, I can tell you that real ice skating is much easier. The fake stuff was slicker and I found myself hugging the sides to keep myself from falling on my face.

The kids were slightly more graceful or at least less self conscience.

They actually got the hang of it pretty quick.

Alex is not picture here because he freaked out when Chubbby, the ice-skating polar bear, appeared. So dad came to the rescue and whisked him away to another activity. Alex has a major fear large costumed characters. He's going to need serious therapy when we go to Disney World in a month.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving our friends, the Atkins, invited us to cut down Christmas trees in the mountains with them. Since we lent all our artificial trees to the Community Nativity Festival our Stake puts on the first week in December, we though we could use a live one to tide us over. Plus, it's a fun experience. We couldn't have asked for a prettier day to hike around the North Carolina mountains.

Before searching for our tree the kids got to visit with red-neck Santa.

That's what you get in the North Carolina mountains, folks.

We all loaded on covered wagon for a free ride up the mountain side.

The search for the perfect tree begins.

Rolling down the mountain side.

The kids needed a quick nap in the sun after hiking all over the mountains.

Finally. The perfect tree. We decided to go for a small one since we had a couple full sized artificial ones at home.

After cutting down the tree we enjoyed lunch and some pond fun.

The mild weather gave us a different experience than our past Christmas tree hunts in Utah.

Tiffany Atkins and Isaac.

Now to trim the tree. The kids all took turns putting lights on, including Isaac.

Don't tell DCFS my baby stuck a cord in his mouth. Don't worry. I didn't let him chew on it.

How long will it last?

2011-12-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

Tonight as the we're watching a princess movie the girls said, "Mom she's pretty but not as pretty as you are." To which they added, "Mom you sing prettier than she does."

I had to record this moment to remind myself in years to come when they are teenagers and they think I'm ugly and beg me to quit singing to them.

A Very Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T18:38:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. To me it has all the warmth of Christmas without as much stress, expectations and cost. And it never seem to be the same year to year.

This year we decided to host and have over close friends.

Rob really got into Thanksgiving. His words were, "I really want to go all out this year." He actually researched fun crafts and decorations. He came up with these adorable turkeys and chocolate pilgrim hats. He even put them together almost all by himself. To save face in admitting doing a craft, he claimed he used power tools to create them. Totally uncharacteristic of Rob. He's usually the one telling me to keep it simple and not go overboard.

I couldn't have Rob showing me up in the craft department (although I think he did out-do me) so I came up with the turkey napkin rings and the created the cute turkey tablecloth.

The Worths and Abbotts helping put together our "turkey gobbler."

In addition to his craft, Rob also put together a treasure hunt for the kids to do after dinner. He hid clues all over the yard. The kids had to find the all and put all the pieces together to form the picture of where the treasure was buried.

Decoding the puzzle.

Digging up the treasure in the sandbox.

Eating their candy cane treasure.

The tryptophan kicks in. Well all settle in a watch a couple episodes of "Kid History". If you haven't seen it, check it out on youtube. It's hilarious.

Finally, the pie ends the night. They were all sooo yummy!

I'm thankful to have such great friends to spend the holidays with.

A few more precious moments.

2011-11-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

If I could get away with it, Isaac would be naked all the time. His skin is soooo soft and soooo squishy. I just want to nuzzle him.

Leaves, leaves and more leaves!

2011-11-21T19:06:00.001-08:00

It begins with a carpet of leaves.

The Master of Disaster Returns

2011-11-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

This is what our dining room table looks like 90% of the time. Why? Because this what Maycie does with 90% of her free time. Maycie earned the title of Master of Disaster (or MOD) early on when at age 2 she took permanent marker to my new leather couch and several other choice items. Multiple wall murals were also to her credit. She soon learned the appropriate place to express her creativity. After several years of absence, however, MOD returned this week when she took a marker to another wall. As punishment Maycie was banned from the art table and coloring instruments for a whole day. Maycie rarely gets upset, but you would have thought the world was ending based on her reaction. She was lost without her paper and markers.

Maycie, I'm sorry I had to deprive you of your first love. I marvel at and truly love all your creations. Your talent should be encouraged and developed. Just not on uncommissioned walls. Keep creating. I love you!

I'm not necessarily proud of this captured moment, but Rob insisted that it be captured. This is so typical Maycie and Alex. What do you do when wet rain clothes impede jumping? Remove them, of course.

Thanks and Giving Tree

2011-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

We started what is hopefully a new tradition (though the set up might change) with our Thanks and Giving Tree. We've been writing down things we're thankful for and a kind act performed that day thus ushering Thanksgiving.

Some more pictures of trees.

This is our backyard and I LOVE it!

It's mostly Oaks and Dogwoods (my favorite tree). I've collected some acorns from the Oaks and enjoyed the autumn color of the Dogwoods. And I'll look forward to the bold white Dogwood blossoms in spring.

Creatures and Creature Comforts

2011-11-13T09:10:00.001-08:00

Alex and his buddy caught this little guy in our yard. It had a small injury (probably from our cat) and was in shock or I'm sure it wouldn't have allowed them to catch it. Despite my general dislike for the destructive creatures I couldn't help feeling sorry for the little guy.

Here's another creature in a couple homemade costumes of his own creation.

Creature comforts.

Now that the weather is cooler we broke in the fireplace. With our own forest in the back yard, wood is plentiful. It's been years since I've sat in front of a wood burning fire. I never want to go back gas. It's a poor excuse for ambience.

Moms and Bondage

2011-11-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight in our scripture reading we read about how the Nephites were in bondage to the Lamanites. We were trying to explain the concept of bondage to the kids and told them it's like doing things you don't want to do for someone else or not having any freedom like when you're sent to your room. Alex piped in, "Oh, so like we're in bondage to mom?" Right on, bud!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-06T07:51:00.001-08:00

Our Annual Pumpkin Carving Party!

Though this has traditionally been with our neighbors, since we moved recently, we decided to do it with our "North Carolina Family", the Abbotts, Smiths and Worths.

The men thought the occasion appropriate for power tools.

The traditional fare was served:

homemade chili and cornbread, homemade root beer, and homemade donuts.

The donuts burned slightly and though still delicious they didn't qualify for their own picture. The adorable spider cupcakes took their place.

Kristin brought her new baby boy, Declan, to the party.

Halloween night.

Again, a traditional meal of tyropita and tomato soup.

What has eight eyes and says 'moooo'?.....

....three ninjas and a cow.

Trick-or-treating in our new neighborhood was great. In our cul-de-sac all the neighbors get together and put their candy out on one table. A lot of bang for your buck in one stop!

Sorting the haul!

I remember this was my favorite part of the night when I was a kid.

Since mom has no self control when it comes to chocolate I let the kids enjoy their candy for a day then offered them $5 each for it. They took the bait and out went the candy.

Awards and Milestones!

2011-11-06T07:40:00.001-08:00

October 18th.

Isaac turns 6 months old.

21.2 lbs, 26 inches long.

We like 'em short and fat!

Something interesting about Isaac: he always smells good! Even in a poopy diaper or during a longer stretch between baths he still has his sweet baby smell. I just want to breath him in or eat him up. Whichever.

Success with solids. Though I began to feed Isaac solids about 6 weeks earlier, he finally started getting more down than out. Addilyn loves to feed her baby brother and uses the all the appropriate motivating sounds like, "Here comes the airplane."

On the last day of football Alex received a trophy. He was so proud. For a few days he carried it around every where he went then would show any who came to the house.

Addilyn and Maycie were both nominated by their teacher and class to be the Student of the Month. They get to have their picture up on the wall of the school for displaying such great character.

Fall Fun

2011-10-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Fall Fun!

Weeks of Oct. 16th - 28th

Fall wouldn't be fall without jumping in a big pile of leaves.

I just look for excuses to take pictures of that adorable chubby face.

Fall is full of festivals.

This is our neighborhood fall festival.

Our Stake also put on a fantastic fall festival at a farm with cotton candy, caramel apples, face painting, a cake walk, hay rides, barn dancing, horse shoes, and of course, a bon fire.

Alex and I also got to attend a field trip with his preschool to Patterson Farms.

Oh, and Isaac hitched a ride in the backpack and came along, too.

The baby pop belly pigs were my favorite. They were quite playful with each other.

Is that the ugliest mug you've ever seen? And yet, somehow beautiful at the same time. It looks like it's brains and entrails are on the outside of it's head, but those colors.

The kids got to build and stuff a scarecrow and take it back to the school to keep.

A hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin.

Then some old fashion fun on the farm.

Not a sandbox. It's a corn kernel box.

What I Want To Be When I Grow Up and Fall Colors

2011-10-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Week of October 10th - 15th.

Maycie had career day at school where they were suppose to dress up as what they want to be when they grow up. She of course choose to be an artist. Even her kindergarten teacher refers to her as "the resident artist". Maycie dressing up of course spurred Alex to do the same. His career of choice.... a ninja.

Autumn.

My favorite time of year!

I love the smells of decaying leaves and burning wood.

I love the sound of crunchy leaves under foot.

I love how the sky always appears bluer in autumn. Perhaps it's the contrast of the blue against the bright leaves colors or perhaps the sky is breathing a sigh of relief escaping the summer heat. Is there truly a better season?

We took a family day trip to the Linville Falls Caverns and enjoyed some fall colors and fresh air. The kids loved climbing on the rocks and seeing the bats and blind fish in the caves.

Cute kids, Parties and the Not-so-windy City

2011-10-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

Weeks of September 19th - October 9th

Maycie's love of drawing prompted us to sign her up for an art class where she's learning drawing techniques. She loves it and we like knowing we're helping develop talents.

It's raining, it's pouring.

When I went to pick up the girls from the bus stop to save them from the down pour, they requested to walk home in the rain. They then spent the next hour using the rain and gutters as their personal splash pad.

Addilyn was so excited to start her first day of Faith in God Girls.

She thinks she's already a Young Women - and in a way I guess she is.

Isaac turned 5 months on Sept. 18th and cut his 2nd tooth on the same day.

Isaac loves to kick his left leg to bounce himself in his bouncer. Even on stationary surfaces he'll get that leg going to try to bounce.

Family Home Evening with the Southwicks and Worths.

After my friend, Cami Southwick, died her husband and kids made plans to move back to Utah to be near family. We did a farewell Family Home Evening with them. The kids loved playing "Button, button, who's got the button." We'll miss having such a great friends around.

I had great intentions of taking pictures of our General Conference weekend activities. Some of our traditions are playing Conference Bingo and doing puzzles while listening to the talks. As an after thought I took a picture of the puzzle we completed. I love Conference weekend.

Baby, oh baby. It's boy number 5.

My dear friend Kristin is expecting her 5th boy. Though the hope was for a girl, we couldn't let this baby come without a celebration.

A girls night in with fondue and friends.

Here's Kristin with the diaper cake I made her. It's so like her to coordinate with the cake.

Happy Birthday to me.

I hosted a playgroup, potluck style, with my former ward and my new ward to celebrate my birthday. Everyone brought food and enjoyed themselves at "Macdonald Park" (that's what we're calling our awesomely fun, huge backyard).

Sandy and Kristin got me some great fall trends to spice up my wardrobe and Maycie made a birthday crown (which is why I look like I have dog ears in the picture).

As his birthday gift to me Rob granted me his blessing (which is key) and the funds to work on a project I was itching to do. The photo below was my inspiration. The cost of that one ottoman - $1000.

Thanks to Ikea for the square coffee table (above) and some fabric remnants I had on hand, I completed both ottomans for about $150 total.

Here's the finished product.

A quick trip to Chicago.

My sister has made the trip with her children to visit us numerous times. Since my niece, Whitney, was getting baptized we decided it was time for us to step up and return the favor.

Rob couldn't get away from work so the kids (3 of them being sick) and I piled into the car early Thursday morning and made the 13 hour trip to Chicago. Some people thought I was crazy to make the trip with 4 young kids by myself, but amazing (probably thanks to priesthood blessings and prayers) all went well. The children were happy and pleasant, including the baby and except for a wrong turn (thanks to Alex crying about having to go to the bathroom) which got me lost in downtown Louisville, Kentucky during rush hour the trip went nearly perfect. Alex however, did not make it to a bathroom. There was no place for me to turn off in traffic so I gave him the option of peeing in a bottle or peeing in his pants. Despite Rob coaching him on the phone to pee in the bottle, Alex choose the latter. Oh well.

The drive was gorgeous with all the fall colors and beautiful country farms. I will definitely do it again - if the Shurtliffs will have us.

The weather in Chicago couldn't have been milder. An uncharacteristic mid 70's prompted us to take a trip to the ice cream shop.

Liesl and I got a night away from the kids, thanks to her husband Scott, and had dinner at La Madia in downtown Chicago. That pizza fondue was sooo good.

Whitney's baptism was lovely, though Addilyn had brief moment of jealousy about Whitney's gorgeous dress that Liesl made.

Isaac and Topher. City kids!

You don't drive in the City unless you ablsolutely have to. That's the great thing about Hyde Park where Liesl lives. You walk everywhere. School, grocery store, pharmacy, library - everywhere. It took my kids a bit to get used to but they soon took it in stride.

For our last day there we took a walk/bike ride/skate to the beach - Lake Michigan beach, that is.

Addilyn really improved her roller skating, thanks to trying to keep up with Whitney.

There she goes!

Indian Summer and Flag Football

2011-09-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

September 5th - 17th

Alex starts preschool at Playwise Preschool Academy.

Though we loved our previous preschool at Assurance United Methodist Church, this distance was much further due to our move. The new preschool takes me about 5 minutes round trip and I'm all about simplifying where I can.

The kids were enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer day.

Brothers.

My suspicious were confirmed this week when Isaac's unusual fussiness was rewarded by his first tooth. Bottom left. One down and only nineteen to go.

Isaac is such a joy. His good nature, sweet temperament is just what I needed this go around. Though, I've forgotten how much work babies are. They're back breakers. Literally.

Stow-away!

Tiger is usually kept outside. Occasionally he sneaks in and pretends to live the high life.

The moment I've been waiting for since my Bubba was born over 4 years ago.

From the very beginning we imagined this deep voiced, broad shouldered little boy to be a football player. Our joy was enhanced when he showed a natural athletic ability at an early age. Finally we get to put that talent in a setting.

This week Alex started flag football. He looked so cute in his little jersey (which he didn't take off all weekend) running around with the other 4 and 5 years olds looking like deer caught in the head lights while the coaches shouted out things like "offence", "defence", "fumble", and "mouth-guard". Actually I was quite impressed with the organization and instruction. The things those 3 coaches got 30 little boys to do amazed me.

Rob was a pro at being a sideline dad. He had to hold me back and coach me into staying on the sidelines myself. I kept wanting to jump in and correct Alex or help direct him any time he looked confused. Rob wisely informed me that Alex needed to rely on his coaches for instruction. If jumped in every time, then he would look to me to direct him. I tried to control myself. I really don't want my son learning football from me.

Practicing the correct football grip.

Living in Chaos and Back to School

2011-09-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Weeks of August 22nd - September 2nd.

Moving is like childbirth. When you are in the heat of it you swear you will never do it again, but as time passes you quickly forget the pain.

This was definitely the most painful move yet. The stuff kept appearing and just when we thought we were done we discovered more to be done.

The first night in the new house Alex succumbed to the exhaustion before making it to his bed. And, yes, I did a little editing.

From the moment we gave Alex his Nintendo DS for his birthday we have regretted it. It seemed to consume his every thought. If he wasn't playing on it, he was whining about not being able to play on it. The only thing that Alex likes as well as playing video games is Legos - Star Wars Legos, that is. During a moment of of desperation for a new legos set I suggested he purchase a new lego set with his DS. He thought that was a grand idea and we quickly headed to the store before he changed his mind. He choose a pretty elaborate Star Wars Lego spaceship (they are not cheap) and handed his DS over to the cashier for payment. It has been well worth it. He only asked about his DS once since. I now have my little boy back and I am all the wiser. Never again will any sort of video game disgrace our home.

Here Addilyn is relieving me of the duty and taking a turn building the ship with Alex.

In truth, I've found my new career of choice. I LOVE building lego sets. There is something very therapeutic in it. If my budget would allow I would gladly build a new set every day.

Here's the finished product. It had moving parts that opened to reveal the inside of the ship. Very detailed and elaborate and I enjoyed bonding with my little guy. I have to focus on the bonding experience because the next day the ship had a tragedy and was destroyed. Oh well. I guess that's the great things about legos. You can rebuild and re-bond.

Maycie's favorite thing to do is color and crafts.

Along with crafts, her new favorite joy is hauling around her baby brother. She is so sweet and helpful with him. Nap time seems to be too long for her and she tried to patiently wait for him to wake to resume her game of playing mom.

Now you know why she can't resist him

First Day of School

2nd grade with Mrs. Brown

Due to Kindergarten staggered start Maycie's first day of school was the following day.

Kindergarten with Mrs. Fite (and mom forgot to bring the camera to school).

Back to School Feast 2011

"Love one another and serve one another"

This year as I prayed for what we should focus on for our Back to School Feast I kept thinking that the focus should really be on our family but with lessons applicable to school as well. The scripture I chose was Mosiah 4:15. "But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another and to serve one another."

Rob and I discussed that walking in truth and soberness meant that we seek for things that are correct and right and we try to live our life with a clear head and humble heart. We talked about the places and people we can serve and love and how those actions need to start at home and swell to the people and places around us. The children seemed to understand and the spirit was there.

Schultuetes.

A German tradition of giving paper cones filled with goodies and school supplies to children on their first day of school.

The children each received a charm with the theme on it.

The menu:

Filet minon

Garlic mashed potatoes with parsley garnish

Sauteed asparagus with sea salt

Whole wheat baguette

Fresh pineapple, mango and strawberry with a sprig of mint

Blood orange sparkling juice

Chocolate buttermilk cake tier with ganache frosting ala mode.

Complete with unpacked boxes in the background.

Success!

Sad

2011-08-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a friend of mine passed away unexpectedly in her sleep leaving behind her husband and four young children. Cami Southwick was energetic, creative and caring. We used to laugh that her 3rd child, Olivia, was part mine since I passed on my pumped breast milk to feed baby Olivia due to allergies to formula. Her husband would make daily milk runs to collect the milk I had pumped that day. We laughed about the cow themed goody basket she made me for my 4 week milk donations. Her son, Jacob, calls Maycie his girlfriend. My kids know her as the primary singing teacher.

It was a shock to hear of her death. I didn't realize how upset I was until today when I tried to explain it to the children. My heart aches for her children and husband. Her young, needy children who, for the most part, will not remember their mother and for her incredible husband who now has to shoulder the load of parenthood alone.

I wish I could be more poetic about how I feel, but other than the need to express my grief, I'm rather speechless. Cami will be missed.

Life is short and precious. Tell those you love how you feel.

Organized Chaos and Grandparent Fun

2011-08-20T08:24:00.001-07:00

August 14th - 17th

Moving day is upon us and all the chaos that goes with it.

Tomorrow is the big day and thanks to Rob's mom, most of my packing is done.

Every move I've made in the last 9 years I have either been very pregnant or had a new baby. This move is no different. Someday I hope to break that tradition.

Rob and I have bought and sold 4 homes in our marriage and we've lived as many rentals. We've often said that homes have souls or spirits to them. Most have had good souls. A couple...not so good. This home definitely had a good soul. Mostly because we built this home and helped create that soul. We've lived in this home 4 1/2 years. We've had two children in this home and many memories. For the older 3 children this will be the first home they remember. Though our family is ready for a change it is like saying good-bye to and old friend.

So, farewell 12126 Palomar Drive. You've been good to us and we'll cherish the memories created within your walls.

The Garden.

Rob spend many hard hours laboring in our garden and in return it yielded a generous crop each summer. I will especially miss the tomatoes and sugar snap peas.

The Backyard.

My bedroom.

We just completed this room and I love it. At least I get to take the furniture with me.

Alex's Room.

The Girls' Room.

The Kitchen.

This was probably my favorite room in the house. It had plenty of space and whenever we had gatherings everyone congregated in here. Truly the heart of the home.

The Living Room.

The Dining Room.

The Family Room.

And this is the front of the new rental house.

An empty vessel waiting for us to create more memories.

Enjoying a drop in temperature.

Addilyn is my little entrepreneur. She is always scheming up some idea to make a little money. Only 50 cents for a makeover. Grandma is the first to get her bargain makeover.

Isaac enjoying some Grandma time.

Day trip to the mountains and Lake Lure.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch al fresco by the river with Grandma and Grandpa Mann.

Then we spent some time at the Lake.

And finished the day with an ice cream cone.

Isaac turned 4 months old this week.

17 lbs 14 oz. 88%

25 1/4 inches 45%

This guy isn't missing any meals, but isn't he so cute. I love the little curly cue hair on the top of his head and he is such a good baby. He's always smiling and loves to snuggle. I sometimes just have this urge to bite him, he's so scrumptious.

A Fresh Start

2011-08-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

I give up. Well.... not exactly. For the last year or so my blog and updating it has been on the forefront of my mind but on the back burner of my life and with so much to catch up on, the blog often seemed insurmountable, thus discouraging me further. So, a fresh start seems the best way to appease my conscience, at least until we're settled in our new house and the kids are back in the school routine. Then I might take on the task of catching up. I hope to do an update a week. With life so busy and kids changing and going in every which direction, once a week seems like a good goal. So here goes. Wish me luck, for I feel this method is the best way to journal and scrapbook my wonderfully chaotic life.

Week of August 8th - 13th

This past week was mostly about Addilyn, with a few other highlights.

One of the best parts of having a fourth child is to see how the older children respond to the baby. Isaac is doted on by all his siblings. This time, it's Maycie's turn to have and after bath snuggle with Isaac.

Liesl braved the drive from Chicago to be here for Addilyn's baptism. She's trying to catch a few more z's since Topher is such an early riser.

Addilyn's 8th Birthday!

The traditional breakfast in bed. She even shared with cousin Whitney.

For the party we took the girls to a movie followed by lunch at Cici's pizza. After we went back to the house to for manicures, cake and ice cream. It was by far my favorite birthday party yet.

I'm not even going to admit how late I stayed up sculpting this horse out of fondant. The finished product did not do justice to the hours I put into it. Addilyn thought it was great and that's all that counts.

I've got a brand new pair of roller skates. I've got a brand new key. (Can you hear the song?)

This gift was much anticipated. Around and around the house she went getting up each time she fell. Practice makes perfect.

Amalie and Addilyn.

Lauren and Addilyn.

Addilyn, Maycie and Whitney always seem to come up with the most creative sleeping arrangements. All three of them were on the top bunk. Maycie slept in a mesh bin, Addilyn in a plastic bin and Whitney on the over sized bear.

The quinceanera.

In addition to planning Addilyn's birthday party, baptism and having house guests I also committed to altering a dozen dresses for a friend's 15th birthday party. Don't know what a quinceanera is? Look it up. I think this party was fancier than my wedding reception.

This is the birthday girl's little sister. I also ended up making a doll size dress to match this dress. I was in tears by the end of the project. A dozen alterations plus a doll dress. Why do I take on these things? I'm just like my mother. Liesl made me promise to ask her permission before I commit to another project.

Liesl and I at the party. By the look on our happy faces you'd never guess that we had just had a disturbing visit from DCFS. The experience is still a little too raw to discuss the details.

Ty and Maycie really buddied up this trip.

Pure and Precious.

That's how my Addilyn looks to me. I can't believe my oldest is baptized. As a mother I constantly question, did I teach her all she needs to know for this stage in her life. The answer is usually a regretful "no", but I've tried and I will continue to try. I don't think we ever feel like we've adequately prepared our children for life, but we hope and pray we've done enough.

Addilyn, I'm so proud of the choices you've made thus far in your life. You try so hard to be a good example to your younger sister and brothers. You have an incredibly kind heart. You truly love and value all Heavenly Father's creations. Your spirit is older and wiser beyond your years. I pray for you nightly and will continue to pray that you will find joy in life as you strive to live Heavenly Father's commandments. Now that you have the gift of the Holy Ghost he will guide you in your choices. He will give you comfort in times of sadness or need. Trust in Him. Find quiet moments to ponder and pray so that you may recognize that still small voice. Study your scriptures and find in them righteous examples to model you life after. I know Heavenly Father is proud of your choice to be baptized and has great plans for you. I love you dearly and unconditionally and I will always be near to lead and guide you. I look forward to the next time you wear a dress of white as you enter the temple of the Lord to receive further blessings.

Love,

Your Mother.

At the Baptism.

What a week. We ended up being 30 minutes late to our own baptism. I was still trying to recover from all the sewing and had not given this important event the attention I wanted to give it. After realizing we were going to be late and that stressing about it wasn't going help, I had to make a conscience decision to calm down, slow my walk and focus on what was really important, my daughter's ordinance. It turned out to be a beautiful evening and the spirit was there.

She was so excited for her new scriptures.
The Program.

Grandma and Grandpa Mann made it to the baptism.

Emma Worth, Addilyn, Whitney and Kate Worth.

Addilyn had just bonked her mouth on Whitney's head and therefor was a little teary eyed in this picture.

For the grandparent...

2011-06-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

The grandparents have been asking for pictures, but life is a whirl wind. We've put our house up for sale and it needs constant clean-up. The kids are out of school. I've forgotten how much time infants take. I've had no time to update my blog or send pictures, so hopefully these pictures will appease the grandparents for a time until I can officially update the blog.

Enjoy, because I think my children are pretty darn precious.

2 months old

February

2011-05-18T11:51:00.001-07:00

Marmie comes for a visit.

We love and cherish visits from the Grandmas. Though with both grandmas with busy work schedules those visits aren't as frequent as we'd like. This time the travel gods were with us and Marmie was able to schedule a work conference in Charlotte. So with some work and some play we enjoyed her visit and to top it off we got to celebrate her birthday.

As part of the birthday celebration we left the kids at home with a sitter and enjoyed a quick weekend in Colonial Williamsburg. I love early American history. One of our favorites was visiting the artisan shops and watching how they made things back in the day. Among the favorites was the silver smith shop and furniture shop where they were building a harpsichord.

There were no prisons in Williamsburg. Apparently early colonists thought that spending time in jail was cruel and unusual punishment, depriving the criminal from working on the farm and therefore depriving he and his family of a food crop. However, spending a day or two in the pillory stocks was perfectly acceptable.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

The Sunday night before Valentine's Day we had a panic moment. I had forgotten to get Valentines for the kids to take to school the next day. Being Sunday, we couldn't rush to the store. So, we pulled out the craft box and the leftover Christmas candy canes and went to work. Homemade is always better.

Our Valentine's Day feast. Heart shaped calzones and jello jigglers with salad and red punch.

An Early Spring.

I love North Carolina. Just when you think you can't stand the cold anymore, mother nature sends reprieve.

We decided to head to the lake and enjoy the unusually warm late winter weather. The groundhog was right. It will be an early spring.

So long. Farewell. Auf wiedersehen. Adieu.

Our month ended with having to say good-bye to our dear friends, the Bergstoms, who moved back to Ohio. Addilyn was terribly distraught and cried for a couple days. It's rare to find such good friends in the neighborhood with kids the same age as mine. We'll miss you Mark, Alison, Tori, Abby and Drew. Come visit soon.

January

2011-05-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

January's pictures have a theme - Crazy Kids.

Maycie and Alex declared themselves the "Diaper Heads" and thought themselves quite funny.

On a different day, Addilyn and Maycie decided to see how crazy they could dress.

One Saturday morning the kids woke up early. Rob and I could hear them puttering around downstairs while we continued to snooze in bed. Before long, the kids brought us breakfast in bed and told us to stay there. For the next hour we were confined to our room (poor us) while the kids did dishes, cleaned floors and wiped down cabinets as a special surprise. So how does that fit into my theme of "crazy kids"? How many normal kids do you know that do that for fun on a Saturday morning?

Questions and Answers

2011-01-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight as I'm getting Alex ready for bed.
Alex: "Mom, where does pee come from?"
I give the typical mom answer about liquid going through your body and turning to pee.
Alex: "How does it come out?"
Won't go there, but I came up with something to satisfy him.
.
Five minutes later in bed.
Alex: "Mom, sometimes I wish I was a mom."
Mom: "Oh, why is that?"
Alex: "Because then I could tell Addie and Maycie to go to bed. But, mom, can dad tell them to go to bed?"
Mom: "Yes, Alex. Dad can tell them to go to bed, too."
Alex: "Oh. Then I want to be a dad. When will I be a dad, mom?"
Mom: "After you grow up and go on a mission and get married."
Alex: "Boys don't get married, mom. Only girls do."
Mom: "Boys get married to girls and girls get married to boys."
Alex: "Oh. Mom, how do your feet walk?"
...and so it goes.

Merry December

2010-12-30T08:50:00.001-08:00

I know, I know. I should have posted this nearly 4 months ago. I took a bit of a break from blogging. So here's Christmas. It's not exactly in chronological order but, oh well.

We finally got to enjoy temple square with the kids. We tried this a couple years ago when we in Utah for Christmas and they just kept crying about the cold. This year we were more cold weather prepared, temps were milder and we were with the Shurtliff cousins. All which made for a more pleasant experience. The kids loved it and so did I. Hugs from Duke.

Maycie, Whitney and Addilyn in the Tabernacle.

A white Christmas in the Carolinas.

According to the National Weather Service the last time Charlotte had a white Christmas was in 1947. Talk about a Christmas miracle.

Zhu Zhu pets were a big Christmas hit this year. I think mom got just as much of a kick out of them as the kids did.

Our traditional Christmas breakfast cinnamon rolls, unusual fruit, egg casserole, sausage, egg-nog and hot chocolate with candy canes. The kids love it.

Snuggle time.

Between the pillow pets, cuddle budz and webkinz, it was a big year for stuffed animals.

The aftermath.

This was my favorite gift. The kids got a huge bin of art and craft supplies all individually wrapped to make the unwrapping last longer. Markers, glue, pipe cleaners, poster paint, tissue paper, chalk, craft sticks, googly eyes, pom poms, paper rolls, paper bundles, sculpting clay... am I forgetting anything? I had a lot of fun putting it together and the kids had a lot of fun taking it apart - and then creating, of course.

Alex was into Star Wars this year.

Waiting for the big reveal.

I kept this tradition from my childhood. The kids have to wait at the top of the stairs while mom and dad check to make sure Santa came (aka: light fire, make sure gifts are in right spot, and that Santa ate his cookies).

Addilyn wrote the letter to Santa this year.

The jammies.

It's been the tradition that I sew matching jammies for the kids. This year I included myself.

I also made them for all my friends since we were spending Christmas Eve at the Smith's house. Kristin Smith, Wendy Smith, Sandy Abbott, Me (pregnant belly and all).

Alex, Ethan Smith and Josh Abbott. Little buddies.

All the kids listening to Adam Smith tell the Christmas story.

Opening jammies Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve at the Smiths.

We changed up our tradition a little this year. Usually we have our big feast with our North Carolina family (the Abbotts and Smiths) on Christmas night.

Big kids table.

Little kids table.

Gingerbread Chaos.

Last year I bought 10 gingerbread houses on after Christmas clearance for $1 each. So this year the kids got to invite their friends over for a gingerbread house decorating party. Don't worry. I bought fresh candy and the kids didn't eat the houses (they were a little stale from sitting in the attic all year). It was definitely chaos, but a lot of fun.

Maycie's idea of fun is to dress Alex up in leotards and tights and make him dance. Once he came down in a tutu and said, "Mom, will you turn on some princess music?" Should I be concerned? Nah. that kids has plenty of testosterone in him that a few moments in tights won't ruin him.

Addilyn's 1st grade Christmas program-or I meant "Holiday" program. To be politically correct and fare to all religions it is not referred to as a Christmas program and they sing songs from Hanuka, Kwanzaa, Christmas and secular.

Maycie's preschool Christmas program. She's way in the back on the right side.

Alex's preschool Christmas program.

Our "Deck the Halls" party where we drink hot chocolate, eat caramel popcorn, watch Muppets Christmas Carol and decorate the tree.

I love traditions so this year we copied one from my sister. We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner and let the kids pick out any ornament they wanted. I wish I would have started this sooner because my plan is to write their names and the year on the ornaments they choose and then when they get married let them take the ornaments they've choosen over the years.

On the last day of our Utah trip Grandma and Grandpa Mann took us to Leatherby's from lunch and the best ice cream desserts ever. Check out that ice cream sundae.

Another thing that seems to be synonomous with visiting grandparents - the bounce houses.

Helping Grandma Mann decorate her Christmas tree. She was very appreciative.

Waiting to get pictures taken with Santa.

Maycie, Whitney, Addilyn.

The dresses.

Every year I have fun dreaming up what dresses I will create for the girls. I loved dreaming up these dresses but didn't love creating them so much. Every year when I finish them I swear I will never sew Christmas dresses again. I guess it's kind of like childbirth, because every year I forget how painful it was and do it again. Still, I'm happy with the way they turned out and the girls adored them.

Utah had a huge snow fall while we were visiting and the kids begged to go sledding.

Addilyn and Maycie took right to it, but Alex was apprehensive and would only slide down on his tummy at first. When he did finally try the sled, wouldn't you know it, he biffed it and is traumatized forever.

Flat Iron Park is probably one of the most popular sledding hills in the Salt Lake Valley. As a teenager I remember iceblocking down it with friends. Unfortunately, due to high traffic the hill looked pretty sparse of snow only days after the storm despite 2 feet of it everywhere else. Oh well. The kids thought it was awesome.

The drive down to Marmie's house.

Much to be Thankful For - November

2010-12-29T16:54:00.001-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for. Every day with my husband and children is a gift, but to all be happy and healthy with needs and wants met and with loving family and dear friends surrounding us - that is a generous God given blessing that I try never to take for granted.

Here are some November events that I'm thankful for...

I'm thankful for Maycie learning to ride a two wheeler. After mom spent the morning away with girl friends I returned to find Maycie waiting to show me her new skill. Rob said she picked it up in about 5 minutes. I'm grateful for children who have healthy bodies and a husband who is a wonderful father to his children.

I'm thankful for family near and far, for airplanes that take us 2,800 miles in a few hours, and for parents who donated their frequent flier miles so we could come visit Thanksgiving weekend and be there for Caitlin's mission homecoming. At the end of November we got to fly to Utah to visit family for 10 days. It was a great reunion.

What's Caitlin doing in this picture, you might ask. Showing off her "bottle-licker" from the Netherlands. Caitlin brought home several treasures for each of us including
dutch pottery, strop waffles and the "bottle-licker" which can clean the last remaining contents from any bottle.

Once again, I'm thankful for a wonderful husband and three beautiful, healthy children - with one on the way.

Gathering after the mission homecoming talk.

Cuddling with Aunt Caitlin.

I'm thankful we could visit St. George where Rob grew up. Rob enjoyed sharing one of his favorite childhood places, the red cliffs, with the kids.

Over looking St. George.

Climbing the slot canyon.

I'm thankful for temples and that through them my family can be together forever. I'm thankful I could share my testimony of temples with my children when we visited the St. George Temple visitor's center.

Thanks to Marmie's connection to Southern Utah University's gym the kids were able to explore and play on the gymnastics apparatus. They had a blast.

I'm thankful that in early November I was able to fly to Utah alone to greet my sister, Caitlin, at the airport as she returned from her mission to the Netherlands. I'm grateful I could be there with my other brothers and sisters to share in the moment and I'm thankful I have such a wonderful husband to take the kids all weekend for me.

Dutch translation of the poster: "Caitlin, will you marry me?"

My brother-in-law's contribution to the event was this practical joke. He bribed some young guy at the airport to hold this sign up. Caitlin was so overwhelmed with all that was going on she never would have seen it if we hadn't pointed it out to her. The young "chap" was a good sport about it considering he stood there for more than 30 minutes while we all snickered about it.
So, I guess I'm thankful for practical jokes.

Back together again.

Cousins sleeping at Marmie and Pops.

Addilyn, Maycie & Whitney.

October 2010

2010-11-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Fall. Autumn. My favorite time of the year. I love the colors of orange, reds, yellows, deep browns. I love the smells of decomposing leaves and wood burning fires in the crisp air. I love pulling out the sweaters and boots buried in the closet. However, these things did not come soon enough for me this year. So, we traveled to Blowing Rock in the mountains so I could get a quick fall fix before heading back to unusually warm fall weather at home. The kids enjoyed the leaves and ginormous pumpkins.

Maycie enjoying the swings at our favorite park in Blowing Rock.

Don't you just love school fund raisers? Well, I don't, but due to guilt we participate anyways. Many schools have caught on to the boosterthon fun run scheme.Rather than going out and selling stuff people don't really want the kids collect "pledges" from friends and family members for each lap they plan to run. It helps promote fitness and of course, the kids are spurred on by fun incentives like toys and gadgets. But the most important incentive is helping out the school. This was the one Addilyn was most driven by, or so she said. Every evening she would beg to call more people to collect pledges so she could help out the school. After hitting up the grandparents (which is where I draw my limit) she broke down in tears convinced she hadn't helped out her school enough.

Here she is running her little heart out. She ran the full 35 laps.

I found the kids snuggling and reading books to each other one evening before bed.

Five minutes before I took this picture Alex was whining at the bottom of the stairs begging me to carry him up because he was too tired to walk. I refused and got the girls ready for bed figuring he would give up and come up on his own. Well he did give up and apparently he really was too tired to walk up the stairs.

Good Citizens.

One afternoon after school the kids along with some neighborhood friends decided they wanted to do a spontaneous neighborhood cleanup. The grabbed plastic bags and went around the block picking up trash.

Our neighborhood Fall Festival.

Great fun for the kids. We had a magician come and entertain. Addilyn and Maycie got to assist. Addilyn ended up with a toilet plunger on her head and Maycie helped make a table float.

Spontaneous cookie decorating.
All I had on hand was 4th of July and Christmas sprinkles for our Halloween cookies, but that didn't bother the kids.

Maycie got a little carried away with her sprinkles. I think there's a cookie or two under all that.

Preschool costume party.

Spiderman (Alex), Husky (Maycie), Cheerleader (Abby)

Playgroup Halloween Party with a very creepy food.

For our annual pumpkin carving party I decided to try homemade root beer. The kids, not excluding myself, were quite fascinated with the effects of the dry ice.

All the neighbors come over to carve pumpkins.
Then we come in for some good eats. In addition to the root beer we also had homemade chili, cornbread and I attempted my first try at homemade donuts. They were a hit. Especially hot out of the grease and freshly glazed. I think we'll make this a tradition, though next year I'll see if I can find a more halloweenish shape than hearts.

Mmmm. Homemade root beer and donuts.

Another tradition based around FOOD.

For Halloween night before the trick-or-treating begins we always have a personal favorite. Tyropita and tomato soup.

Here they are.

Spiderman (Alex), Husky (Maycie and her favorite animal), Mermaid (Addilyn)

Here the girls are with their good friends Athena, Kate and Emma Worth.

Trick-or-treat.

Here they are in front of the "Halloween House". One home on our block is known throughout the neighborhood as the "Halloween House" for it's dramatic and overboard production of Halloween decor. Every square foot of the yard, porch and garage looks like an elaborate spook alley. Every year they seem to add several more things. It's quite the attraction.

September Update

2010-11-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know it's been a while since I've updated pictures. I'm really lousy at simplifying my life even when feeling gross and pregnant. I seem to be busier than ever. The things that are really important to me somehow seem to be the things neglected. It's my own fault and I'm making strides to simplify and give precious time and effort to that which matters most. I recently read a fantastic general conference talk by Elder Uchtdorf that seems to have been written just for me. He quotes Leonardo da Vinci, "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". I will update later as to my strides for "the ultimate sophistication". In the mean time, here are some pictures from not so simple September.

The kids are enjoying an Indian Summer evening.

Alex at his buddy, Hector's, birthday. He's a pro with the pinata stick.

Alex idolizes Spider-Man but was a little shy when meeting him in person at the party. He warmed up, though.

This month, Maycie lost her first tooth. She was so excited to discover a wiggly one in her mouth. In the end, she was very brave and actually asked me to pull it out for her.

The race I didn't run.

Months ago, a group of crazy women (whom I adore) and I signed up for the Blue Ridge Relay - a 208 mile relay race over 2 days. I trained all summer. Towards the end of training I found out I was pregnant but still continued with training and plans to run. I went to planning meetings, bought new running shoes and accessories. Simultaneously I was training for a marathon in November with a friend. I got up to 13 miles around week 8 of the pregnancy and everything fell apart. Suddenly I had trouble running 2 miles without feeling sick and winded. Just 10 days before the race I made the decision to give my race spot to someone else. Team "Who's your mama" which was suppose to be made of all moms but ended with a couple dads due to last minute cancellations, did great and finished the long race strong. All I have from the race is the shirt - not the memories. We all had our children's names printed on the back. Maybe next year will be my year.

Happy 32nd Birthday to me!

My darling friends, Sandy and Kristin, threw me a little party with yummy Mexican food and gifts. Below I'm modeling the wrap and necklace picked out for me. I"m glad they have such great taste.

Kristin and Sandy.

My North Carolina sister.

Literal Translation

2010-10-22T15:10:00.001-07:00

Tonight the kids watched a Disney documentary on ocean life that Grandpa Duke sent. Among the favorites were the adorable seals playing in the surf and lounging on the beach. With seals on the mind the kids headed up to bed. While Addie was in the bathroom she found a soap dispenser and read the instructions out loud, "To Open, Break Seal". With a horrified look on her face she turned to her dad and said, "You have to break a seal to open this!?!"

They Came. They Cleaned. They Conquered! A visit from the cleaning fairies

2010-09-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more therapeutic than a clean home?

Today was a first for me, but before I continue, let me explain my state of being this morning.

-The Build-up-

For the second weekend in a row I took care of some friends kids (4 in addition to my own= 7 kids) all weekend. The previous week it took nearly a full week to clean up from the havoc wrecked. After watching kids on Sunday morning and leaving my house destroyed in order to make it to church on time (all with Rob out of town, by the way)

I returned home from church with enough energy to turn on a movie for the kids and crash on the couch for a nap, still ignoring the mess. With this pregnancy, I've had less energy than ever. Either you forget a lot after 4 years or being 4 years older and being pregnant is a lot harder. Anyways, I managed to whip up a nutritious dinner of apples and caramel dip (hey, apples are healthy) and turned on another movie-this time I watched with the kids. After putting the kids in bed I actually had enough energy to load the dishes in dishwasher and put a load of laundry in washing machine (the kids wore swim suits under their dresses to church because they were out of clean underwear) before I crashed. I completely ignored the rest of the house which looked like a tornado hit, literally.

-The Meltdown-

When I woke up this morning my attitude about service and motherhood was so bad I purposely continued to ignore the house- my way of rebelling. After taking Maycie to preschool and calling a couple friends to cry over the phone about my horrible weekend and destroyed house, I headed to the gym for some child-free exercise solitude.

-The Miracle-

An hour and a half later I walked into my house to the smell of something foreign-cleanliness. That was my first clue. The fact that I could see my floor was the second clue. Not only was the clutter picked up, but my floors were washed and vacuumed, my bathrooms cleaned and fresh flowers on the table, but my fridge was stocked with pregnant lady treats (caffeine free diet coke and chewy chocolate chip cookies).

The three good cleaning fairies had worked their magic. I can honestly say that was one of the nicest things anyone has done for me and after all my whining I felt so unworthy.

Thank you cleaning fairies! You restored my energy and desire to serve with your selfless act of service.

Back to School 2010

2010-09-17T17:07:00.001-07:00

Back to School Feast, 2010

"Be the Best You That You Can Be"

I love this tradition already, though it's only our 2nd year doing it. We do our "feast" the night before the first day of school. The kids get to pick the menu. This year it was mini pigs in a blanket. The feast really is more about how the food is presented than what is actually being served.

We also have a theme for the year. This year our theme was "be the best you that you can be". We talked about not worrying about what others are doing or not doing but making sure we're doing the best we can.

This year we had an extra guest, Daphne Thomas. Like last year I made crowns for each child.

This year I did something new. I made schultutes, which is a German back-to-school tradition dating back to the late 1800's. A schultute is a cornucopia style cone made of paper then filled with school supplies or other treats. I put in a fancy new water bottle for the kid's lunch boxes as well as some other school things and some treats. The kids loved them. We'll be continuing this tradition next year.

Addie's first day of 1st grade.

Barnette Elementary

1st grade teacher: Ms. Simone Shields

She was such a pro and getting up so early (6:30) to be ready to get on the bus at 6:56.

Williamsburg Family Vacation

2010-09-17T16:52:00.001-07:00

The last week before school started we decided to go on a last minute family vacation to Williamsburg, VA. There was so much to do. We started by spending a day at Busch Gardens theme park.

Addie and Maycie went on the little roller coaster no less than 8 times. Addie would have gone on bigger ones if her height would have allowed her. That girl is a dare devil.

Though the park was fun and the kids enjoyed themselves, I must say it's definitely targeted to the older crowd. The rides were very spread out and between the heat and a new pregnancy, it wasn't my favorite day.

The following day we spent at Water Country USA. The water factor made this park much more tolerable, though I don't have pictures. My favorite was the 45 minutes we spent as a family floating around the lazy river on tubes. It was especially nice after my 10 mile run that morning.

On our final day we went to Colonial Williamsburg. This was, by far, my favorite place to visit. I love early American (or any country) history. I love imagining what life was like then. Here the kids got to water a colonial style vegetable garden and Rob and I got some ideas of how to improve our vegetable garden for next year.

The kids also got to participate in some colonial children's games. I had fun taking a whack at it myself.

Unfortunately, after about an hour the kids were hot and ornery from our previous days adventures. We ended the day much earlier than I would have wish, but Rob and I vowed to return soon sans children and really enjoy the place.

Addie's 7th Birthday

2010-09-17T16:41:00.001-07:00

August 10th, 2010

Addie's 7th Birthday!

The "sugar cereal breakfast in bed" tradition.

Addie, so caring as usual, shares her breakfast with her brother.

Littlest Pet Shop from Grandma Mann.

And a webkinz, too!

A doll from mom and dad. I just love it when they ask for dolls. So much fun!

This year for the birthday day party, we braved a sleepover with a few friends. I must say that an overnighter with 3 friends is easier than a 2 hour party with 6 friends.

Friends: Tori Bergstrom, Kate and Emma Worth.

Still on a horse kick, Addie requested a horse cake.

And of course, the traditional party pinata.

Happy Birthday to my sweet Addie. I can't believe you're seven already.

Girl's Camp

2010-09-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Gastonia Stake Girls Camp 2010

at Camp Wayfayer in Hendersonville, NC.

Theme: Follow the Yellow Brick Road

When my dear friend, Sandy, returned from Girls Camp 2009 as the Stake camp director, I immediately began "campaigning" for Ward Camp Leader. Since only two leaders from each ward get to go (the other being the YW president), I knew that was my only chance. It may sound crazy that I wanted to go to "camp" with 200 teenage girls. Not at this camp. We slept in cabins with bunks, had delicious meals prepared for us by our fantastic kitchen crew, swam in the lake and pool and danced the night away in the huge outdoor covered gym. This was NOT roughing it. You may think that those luxurious defeat the purpose of Girl's Camp. However, all of our girls have a wonderfully uplifting experience while still completing the requirements for camp certification.

With Sandy once again in charge the whole thing was a huge success with every person contributing. All the adult leaders and youth leaders had multiple jobs to keep the camp running smoothly. I was put as the 1st level leader meaning I slept and tried to keep track of nearly thirty 12-13 year old girls. Needless to say there was some drama, but still a blast.

Here we are in the covered gym doing one of our many line dances. I don't remember the last time I danced that much. It was a good thing to considering how much delicious food we were being fed.

For one night we gave the kitchen crew the night off and the girls cooked the dinner with their wards in the great outdoors. Our girls made fajitas, which may not be a traditional camp food, but it turned out fantastic and we actually ended up feeding a couple wards that has less success cooking their dinners than we did.

Victoria Durant, Shaylene Perez and Camille Baldwin looking good while waiting for dinner.

One of the best parts of camp was "the blob". We each took turns jumping off the platform and catapulting the each other into the water. Our fabulous priesthood leaders were always the best at catapulting the girls the highest.

This fun night was entitled "Games in Oz". Lots of different games-this one being about trust- called the tornado drop.

This game was called "Ruby Slipper Hopscotch".

Here's all the first level girls.

Silly version of first level girls.

Listening to the morning announcements while eating our delicious breakfast in the dining hall.

Tri Two

2010-09-17T12:11:00.001-07:00

On July 24th I took part in my second triathlon at YMCA Camp Thunderbird at Lake Wylie. It was my first lake swim and the choppy waves proved to be a challenge. I think I preferred it to the pool swim, however.

Kathryn Hall and Alison Bergstrom.

My fellow triathletes.
Heather Woolley, Kathryn Hall, Cami Slaughter, Alison Bergstrom, Me.

This time around I finished 2nd in my category and my good friend Alison finished 3rd.

Here are the breakdown of the distances and my times.

700 meter swim: 19:41

10 mile bike: 33:42

5K run: 30:16

This course was more difficult than my first triathlon. The run was a total roller coaster of hills. I'm actually surprised it only took me 30 minutes considering I walked a lot of it, but so did most the other racers-the hills were that bad.

Butterfly Menagerie - JULY

2010-09-17T11:58:00.001-07:00

One of the kids favorite summer activities is climbing the fence to reach the butterfly bush in our neighbor's yard. They only have to sit still a moment before one comes within reach. They created a butterfly habitat in their bedroom complete with fresh flowers and sugar water for food. Unfortunately, the kids weren't gentle enough to turn the creatures free unscathed.

Addie created a bracelet from one of the butterfly bush flowers.

Blackberry Picking - JULY

2010-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends, the Abbotts, joined us for an afternoon of blackberry picking at a farm near our home. This was our 4th year partaking of this delectable crop.

After eating the biggest and best of the crop, we make blackberry frezer jam with the rest. What a mess! but it's worth it.

The Shurtliffs Visit

2010-09-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

Liesl and her kids paid a visit the first week in July. This time she decided to brave the drive from Chicago by herself with 3 kids.

Catching critters.

Keeping in tradition from last year the kids took a few swim lessons from Miss. Jessica.

Topher just soaked in some rays.

Alex had no fear of putting his face in the water but was terrified of floating on his back.

Ty was just the opposite. He was a pro at trusting Jessica and floating on his back, but hated putting his face in the water.

Maycie improved quite a lot this year. She even started to do the freestyle stroke.
Addie and Whitney were already pros and were doing too much swimming for us to catch them on camera.

The kids loved the pizza buffet and Cici's pizza.