Let's play catch up

Well, to be totally honest, we have been busy. However, nothing new and exciting (almost). School is going well for the kids, no fights or anything. Mike is working on speaking in complete sentences, such as, "The boy is in the boat." instead of "Boy in boat". He is getting better. On my Birthday my family came over for our traditional "Pizza Birthday Dinner" and Mike announced to everyone walking through the door, "Is Mommy's Birthday!!" Really, I big step. We keep encouraging "is" because this is most often left out, now it is in everything. "Is, watch TV", "Is my lunch". BTW, not questions, just statements. Still pretty good. I swear the kid has grown 6 in this year! We will see next month when he goes in for his annual though. He helps me pack his lunch every day and is not so happy that he doesn't get pizza everyday. I did let him buy his lunch one day when they were having Dominos Pizza. His teacher said He told everyone that day that he was buying lunch with his own money and he is going to have Pizza! She did also said that he was so excited though that after he got through the line and got his tray, it was kinda like, "now what?"

Lily has made it very clear that she is both my perfect angel and little devil. Right when I think things are going well and we have no complaints, BAM! Here comes Hyde. She is really great with everything, helping, loving, playing nice, sharing, getting everyday routines done. But she flips the switch when it comes to cleaning up and eating dinner. I love her, but these grays are really showing. She loves school and has no problem making friends. I love that. Her hair is looking more and more like Rapunzel. It has passed the middle of her back now.

Liam has 2 chipped teeth out of the 7 in his mouth. And that little skin that connects your lip to your gums on the top is now split. He hits his mouth at least once a week. We went to the dentist and they asked if he had ever been before, "Really?! He is 15 months old" (this was 2 months ago) The dentist said that as soon as they start getting teeth, it is never too early. Puh-lease!! Well we have been, so I guess it isn't to early. I stand corrected, however I would not have been there if it hadn't been an emergency. He is talking more though and understands so much it is crazy. I do compare Lily and Liam a lot though. Lily at this age would scream "NO!! I want to stay with Michael!" as we would leave preschool at this age. Liam just screams. The teacher Lily has is the same that Mike did and recalls the same stories.

Quick funny side story though. A few weeks ago I got a speeding ticket. We were in T.O. for a kiddo Dr. appt. and it had been a looong day. On our way home, Liam cried the whole time, Lily and Mike argued about video games and were hitting each other and then crying about it. I had had enough!! I was just driving, nothing more.
I went to change lanes to exit onto Yosemite and looked in my rear view mirror to see flashing lights. I couldn't even hear him tell me to exit the freeway and park till I screamed and the kids went silent for a moment.
Lily asked why we are stopping here and not going home. I said I didn't know.
When I rolled down my window, the officer didn't even ask, all he said was "you were going to fast" and asked for my papers.
Again Lily "what does he want?"
I respond "I was going to fast and now I am in trouble."
Officer came back and said I was going 82 mph and asked it I had looked at my speedometer.
I responded "no, The kids were screaming and I wanted to get home" The were dead silent.... REALLY NOW!!
He was kind and I got a little ticket and he said it looks like I have my hands full. As I started to pull away
Lily asks "Are you speeding now, mommy?"

My birthday weekend my Uncle and his family were here, but not for me. Their kids are growing like weeds!! Chrisma and Lily get along really well and had some fun, but not enough. She and Rajan are so good with my kids, so helpful and keep them occupied so well! It was awesome to shop!

I drove to my sister Samantha's the weekend before Thanksgiving, for my niece's first birthday. It was great. The kids really do a great job in the car, despite the previous story. They had a great time visiting Aunt Samantha, Uncle Mitchell and MaeLynn.

My cousin Taylor was with my grandparents for a couple of days and she came over for 2 of them to hang out and play with the kids. I think it was a good break for them and for her.
(in preping for Thanksgiving, Lily said "Wow, do I have a lot of cousins." She doesn't, only 4, but I have a lot of younger cousins that are my kids age
Then for Thanksgiving we were at Darren's parents with his Aunt, Uncle and cousin, as well as his bother's family. It was a lot of fun for everyone. The kids got along so well!! I can't even begin to tell you what a relief it is when 6 kids can play with minimal squabbling. Then at midnight, my mom-in-law and I were at Kohls, waiting to get in. We were in and out in a half hour with everything we needed!! It was her first "Black Friday" experience and hopefully not her last.

Aside from these little things, we're just hanging out....

Take 3

2 Weeks ago I stepped on Mike's glasses ($290) in the van after he threw them. Not my fault, but I will take the blame since I knew he threw them and still got in the van without looking first. I bent them in the wrong place of course, so off to Costco we go. He got a new pair and I even sprung for the transitions. ($136) They looked super cool as both the regular glasses and the sunglasses. The only problem was that I didn't get them to tight around his ears, so they slipped all the time for the whole week and a half. Friday I couldn't find them before school, so he went without them. Friday afternoon, they were recovered. Friday, late afternoon, they were broken. That's right. Mike snapped them and tried to hide them under one of our big lounge chairs. Smart, but Dad saw the whole thing, not so smart. Yesterday, we went to Costco to order a new frame (same ones, just snap the lens in was my thought) I explained to the girl what happened and she said that they are only covered if it is a manufactures defect, but the super sweet other girl said to give it to us anyway!!!! Can you believe it!? 2 weeks and he will have new glasses again. Love Costco.

First Day of School

Sorry I am a little late with this, but it is still September, so not that late and it is only Lily's second week. ;)

Mike began 1st grade and is loving it. I have to admit that as we head into the later afternoon, I do miss him around and look forward to going to get him. What I do not look forward to, is the ridiculous line of cars parked on the street. If I get there a half hour before school gets out I may get a spot close to the pick up area, but then I get blocked in by all of the people parked on the street. If I get there 15 minutes before school gets out then I have to park almost on the next block and we walk 1/4 of a mile (literally). If I get there right when school gets out (and mike has been waiting 5 min because the SDC's walk to the front of the school 5 min before hand to get on the buses without all of the chaos) and then I have to wait another 10 before I can get a parking spot or drive through the parking lot like a mad women and get yelled at by both parents and parking aids. I do pay attention to the cars that wait an hour in the "parking line". There is a friend that Mike made in the Kindergarten class whose mom is always 3rd or 4th in the line, that I see as I walk with my 2 kids in tote to get Mike and then still parked waiting for her kids on my way back to the car with 3 kids now. And the 3 or 4 cars in front of her haven't moved either. Can you tell this cheeses me off a little.
Any way... Mike is loving 1st grade. In the afternoon, it is one on one in the class and so he gets a lot of undivided attention and really worked. He is quite tired when he gets home and for the first week and a half he was taking naps again or going to bed super early (6:30). He is making lots of new friends and I thought is was super cute when he saw a pic of one of the aids in the class and got excited "Mr. Ryan, Mr. Ryan, in my class!" I do love that there is a male aid in the class, it changes the dynamics of things and I really appreciate how awesome he is with the kids. He is another boys "one on one", but is helpful with everyone.


Lily finally got to start school... Really it was just having to wait till after Labor Day, but for her it felt like months after Mike. She is back in the Peer Partner Program and so glad to be. All of her friends from last year moved on, but she is making new friends. One of the peers in the other class we have known for a while we will call her A. Her sister and Mike were there together and we would always wait together to pick them up. So the girls have gotten to know each other over the years. Last year her friend went there as well, but on different days, this year they get to see each other every Thursday. Lily was thrilled. You really would have no idea they even liked one another because when we see A out in public neither of them will say hi or hardly even look at the other one. It is so goofy, but both teachers said the girls were so excited on the playground when they saw each other. Lily is with all boys, so I do hope they get to play together often.

Groopdealz.com

If you haven't seen this site, you should. Every day the feature a different seller with an amazing deal. Lots of the time it is a craft thing, but most of the time just a unique item great for a gift, decorating or just to keep for yourself.

Here is my link:(i get $5 for every 3 people i get to buy something, and trust me, this goes a long way!!)
http://www.groopdealz.com/index/index/deal/331/ref/51554

I will take a pic of lily wearing our latest purchase!! Too cute!!

Almost to an end!!

I know that most people don't look forward to waking up early and going back to school, so maybe I am a terrible mother, but I can't wait!! It has been a good long summer and the kids are ready (I am ready) to get back some normal routines. We are very much a routine family and need some of that structure back in our lives.

I do feel bad that I didn't do more with the kids this break and Mike did only attend 2 of the 4 weeks of summer school, but the days went by so quick and I am realizing more every day how much more difficult it is for me to do things with all 3 kids, mainly cuz Liam can't do much.

We did start the summer with a bang though. We went to the zoo and hurricane harbor. Hit the park a couple of times (one year old and parks are not a whole lot of fun) and then recently went to chuck e cheese's. The kids did "Grandma's Camp" and attended their first baptism (my nephew Gregory, the first on Darren's side of the cousins to be).

Next year, we are going to hit summer with a PLAN! I see all of these people making "summer bucket list" s and I am going to do the same (just not call it that, I don't like the title) I also think I am going to hold a 6 week craft camp for a little structure in our lives, and some time to interact with their friends and possibly make some new ones.

Now for the funnest part of our summer. Darren has off for the next 3 weeks and we will be going to San Diego for Sea World and the Zoo and then camping with a group of friends. Disneyland will be next week (blackout dates SUCK) then school starts. The only bummer is, school starts, which for me means lots of people wanting haircuts, and me being out of town/time.

Happy Birthday to the Princess!!!

Holy Crow, time flies!! Lily is 4 August 1. That's tomorrow for anyone reading tonight and today for anyone reading tomorrow!! It has been a very emotional year for our little Lily. She has become quite the "drama queen" that needs lots of time to think and cry and wipe her tears on her comforter. She really is a terrific little person that I am so much in awe over. She is so smart and mature. She has the best sense of humor and the most infectious laugh ever. Everyone comments on her beautiful long hair, but what catches my eye every time is her precious face. She is to tiny and delicate, yet so fierce!

Our new foster kids.

Phineas and Isabella. They are Boxer puppies. So cute! We had to get a boy and a girl. Phineas is a little bummed though do to an injured leg. He is getting to the vet tomorrow for a look see. So far the kids are ok. It will be an adjustment for sure though. Liam kicks and swats every time they come near him and then cries if they don't go away. Mike makes a funny face every time Isabella jumps and then freezes saying "down, down, down". We told him that in this case it is ok to push. Lily is the boss of everyone now though. Super cute, but did tell us we shouldn't have gotten the broken one and that "the girl needs to be exchanged for one that doesn't jump". We have them for a week to foster before they can be in the rescue, "Change of Heart". They are located in Teresa's on Erringer. Our friends are the new owners and take awesome care of each paw friend. So we will see how our week goes.

Happy Birthday Big Boy(s)!

Sorry it is a little belated. Darren and Liam both celebrated a birthday on Tuesday the 5th. Liam is a whopping 1 and Darren, according to Lily, is now a whopping 21!! Milestone birthdays for both of them I guess. We had a party for Liam on Saturday with family and a couple of friends that was really nice in spite of the heat. Then on the day of, Darren and I went to dinner at Howie's (great food, everyone go, but don't forget to visit Restaurants.com first to get your cheap gift card) and then to the movies to see Green Lantern (yes we are a little behind on our movies). Great days for both of them!!

Happy Independence Day!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th and a happy birthday to friends with birthdays today as well. Simi's fireworks were pretty awesome this year. The kids had a great time, so much in fact, that they were asking to go home before the finale and during the finale were asking if it was done yet. They really did enjoy it though. Lily even asked at the end if they would do more... really kid. They were all out cold before we left the parking lot of the church building. Great day!!

Flu, Flu and oh yeah food poisoning....

So, our family gets sick a lot. We have 2 people with really weak immune systems that catch everything. Just as the boogers go away then we all got the 24 hour flu. Now, last night we got pizza from this pizza place in the Carl's Jr. parking lot and my brother and I have been throwing up since. It could just seem to be a case of food poisoning, but also rare that we both got sick around the same time. It has been 24 hours now and I am feeling much better, I even had a tootsie roll.

How old am I?.... REALLY?!

Stephanie (my sis) and I go to the movies often. We always go late at night on the weekend after the kids are in bed. It is my time to get away and I love movies, so it is always an enjoyable experience. Now, I know what I am about to reveal, but lets face it I am not perfect... we saw "Bad Teacher", yes an "R" rated movie. Most of the time I do not bring my wallet in. I only bring the essentials; tickets, Regal card (gotta get those free movie tickets) and a couple of dollars for some cocoa. Like I said "R" rated.
As we were purchasing our tickets the guy asked if we both had our id's in case we got carded on our way into the movie. I said "no" and stephanie said "yes". Then he looked at me funny and Stephanie said, "it's ok, I am 25 so I can vouch for your ticket" The guy said, "oh that's good".
How old do I look. I was 17, 10 years ago and could buy my own ticket then!! How old do I look now! Some think of it as a compliment, and most of the time I do, but in this case I laughed. I come late at night, leaving my husband and 3 kids at home to have a relaxing time away, I better not be told I, at 27 can't see the movie.
I text Darren when I got inside and he said "Wow"
I started thinking over all of the times I have been told how young I look or gotten funny looks for being out with even one of my kids. As the years go on it happens less, but still more often than most people I am sure.
When I am 40 I will appreciate the younger look more I am sure. And I do have to look at the bright side, I am not a 27 year old who looks like they are 40.

Summer time

Ok sorry about not being able to read our blog. I forget that I have to change the font when I am done writing.

So summer has begun... and with that so has the exhaustion, sleep deprivation, aching back, sore feet and really a great beginning to our summer. We went to the zoo, the movies 2 times and have began making our art/craft projects. It has been busy. I like it that way though, and so do the kids. We are getting into a rhythm and it feels good. I just need to figure out how to get the kids to bed before 9 and to sleep till after 7 and I will be having the best summer.

Mike starts summer school next week and so things will go back to "normal" for 4 weeks, but then we can get back to the best summer ever. His teacher this summer is the wife to his first summer school teacher. I am looking forward to meeting her.

I need to find a different summer program for lily. Maybe karate or cheer or ice skating... I don't know though. She says she is shy at dance every time I ask or suggest it, so I guess that is out. And gymnastics seems like she is not as interested in anymore.

I was thinking about scouting out some bakery's to try a different one each week as a special treat and a fun adventure. (anyone have any bakery's in mind, give me a heads up)

Have a great summer everyone.

Screaming Baby!!!

Liam is popping 3 teeth and is not very happy about it. At night he crawls around crying (screaming really high pitched) and not happy with anyone or anything. He hates orajel and wants nothing to do with the teething tablets, so he settles for some baby ibuprofen. Still this takes an hour or just shy of it to kick in so that he can be soothed enough to fall asleep. And fall asleep still doesn't come that easy, he makes me work for it. I rock and sing and bottle and then lay him in my bed so close to me, and finally can slower than a snail, lower him into his bed that is still in our room at 10 months cuz he will be waking up at least once during the night. Ahh bliss....

Wow... it's been a while

Well I hate to write about nothing and really we have a ton that has happened in the past 5 months so for now I will just let you all know that while Darren is sick the rest of us are now all over it. Yay!!! And today was Lily's first trip to the dentist and she did a great job. A little laughing gas, 3 fillings and a mini root canal and she is great.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!!!

Michael is 6!!!
Can't really believe it, but it is true.