D-dawg

Oh Just Some More Pictures of my Beefy Baby

2012-01-24T20:02:00.003-08:00

Morning time is my favorite. Not to be rude to my other children, who I love very much, but when they leave for school and it's just me and Mack we have some fun. I like to take him up into his room and let him play around naked for awhile. He's obsessed with opening and closing his baby magic lotion lid. I love watching his little hands... he is so sweet.

BUT he is also crazy.

Lately he won't let me dress him, change his diaper, or do anything to him that requires him to hold still. My biceps burn at night when I finally get him into bed. He is one very active boy (he even enjoys eating dirt- another boyish trait). I'm afraid he's going to run the family eventually- he cries and everyone gives him whatever he wants. I know we shouldn't but it's hard to say no.

I purchased a groupon last year for a little gymnastics class for him... he is WAY too young but I thought he and I would have a fun little activity once a week. Well, it turns out that the only classes they have are at night! I do not need one more thing to go to on school nights so we're only going to be doing the 4 weeks I purchased. Tonight was his first time and he really loved it. The teacher even had him hold onto rings above his head and stand- he did it and it was hilarious. The three big kids begged me to come with us and they all stood at the window the whole time watching- it was sweet- they love him to death.

Baby Race featuring Mack and Miles

2012-01-17T16:18:00.003-08:00

I realize that I totally sabotaged Macky. He was about to get it, I wanted the race to go longer so I made him start over and then Miles took the win. So yeah, I'm feeling a little bad.

Ahhh Love...

2012-01-16T11:33:00.003-08:00

The week after Christmas I shot two weddings... of course I was a bit zonked and not super excited when the time came. But this first couple was so cute together and I had a great time doing their pictures! You could tell they were really in love and made a great pair. And nothing beats the scenery at the Oakland temple. Gorgeous weather and just a very nice day overall. More pictures here on my photoblog!

I Love Free Saturdays

2012-01-14T22:09:00.003-08:00

Today we had a completely free day... which is something that seems to be rare. So we decided to take advantage of it and do something fun. Friday night I gave my kids a talk about how in the old days people got up with the sun, milked the cow, fed the chickens, gathered eggs, threw the horses some hay and then had the rest of the day free because they had gotten their work done early! I totally made all of it up on the spot- really I know nothing about farming or farm chores and I'm sure farmers did not have the rest of the day free but whatevs they totally believed it.

I told them if they got up and worked first, we could spend the whole day having fun. The talk totally worked and they all got up and did jobs. Dave and I even got a run in. Then we headed into the city for the day. We knew the big 49ers game was going on but decided to risk it anyway... and lucky us we didn't hit any traffic!

We went to Golden Gate park, hiked around for awhile, enjoyed the goooorgeous weather and rented paddle boats at Stow Lake. I am always in awe of beautiful parks in big cities. You're in the middle of this bustling city and you don't even know it because you're surrounded by lovely nature- it is awesome. The paddle boats were kind of hilarious because the guy let our entire family go on one and the kids took turns steering (and they were all horrible at it) and pedaling (which really meant Dave did the whole thing). But we saw some wildlife, waterfalls and also a really creepy duck which I did not get a picture of... still don't know if it was even a duck.

We were going to stop at North Beach Pizza on the way out of town but as we drove down Union Street on our way, we saw every restaurant filled with screaming and jumping fans and we knew the game was ending (in a good way for SF!) so we booked it out of there and missed all the after game traffic- it was awesome. Then we stopped at Mary's Pizza in WC which is just as good anyway.

Very fun Saturday. Love living here so much. Love my family. Done complaining about being busy- it's just life and I have a really good one. Days like this remind me of how blessed I am in every way. Now for a few pictures:

A Random One...

2012-01-11T16:10:00.006-08:00

My home feels like heaven when the whole thing is clean all at the same time, dinner is in the oven (planned earlier in the day), and the laundry is done. Yesterday this almost happened. Everything but the laundry being all the way done. It was close though. I was a more patient after school mom, I willingly and patiently found craft items for Macey's crafty snowman that is due on Friday, I helped with math problems and cheerfully listened to everything everyone had to say to me at the same time.

Why can't everyday be like that?

I sometimes feel like I'm drowning in a sea of children needing me. Yes, it's only for about 6 hours a day total that they're all here but it feels like forever because it is so dang hard. I can handle the physical part of motherhood so well. I'll change a diaper, feed a face, scratch backs, carry people around all you want. But it's the emotional stuff that is hard. The stuff that requires the brain power. Trying to solve problems that they throw at me every 10 minutes, listening to explanations and long stories, answering hard (and even not hard questions), remembering flash cards and supporting them in designing projects and doing research, and resolving their conflicts- these are the things that almost do me in.

What's funny is I use to think that I would be good at that part. Then they grew up, went to school, started having their own lives, and it turns out balancing that many lives is really hard!! I am good at it when it's just one kid at a time. But when the three big kids get home from school everyday and it's all of them all at once I just can't seem to handle it. I mean, I do handle it. We have dinner almost every night together, they get their stuff done and their problems resolved but the issue is, I'm not as patient during all of it as I want to be. And I feel lost and overwhelmed through a good portion of the afternoon. I can't remember what I'm supposed to be doing and yet I'm doing 5 things all at the same time. Homework is trying to ruin my life...

They just started back at school this week so I'm sure once they're settled it will get better. And I'm sure that I'm feeling this way partly because I've been caring for sick Macky all week and it was exhausting. The good news is that being sick made him want to snuggle with me and now he's a total snuggler (please let it last)! He's feeling better but he still lays his head down on my shoulder and he's let me rock him to sleep too- it is so wonderful.

The conclusion from two doctors is that he is allergic to amoxycillan AND cooincidentally he had a virus at the same time (thus the 103 temp). So his hives are now gone but he has a viral rash on his belly. He's still fussy and not eating as much (please don't get too skinny Macky!) but he's on the mend. This picture makes me sad- I was so so worried about him.

And now a few more random thoughts and then I'm done:

I normally hate January with a passion but the weather this month has made me so happy- sunny everyday, warm afternoons, no fog, it is heaven. I hear we're supposed to get rain this next week, and I know we need it but I'm hoping it doesn't last!

I finally came up with a few more specific resolutions for the year. My main resolution is simply "have more self-discipline" but the specifics are- meal plan on Saturday and grocery shop only once a week, run or do exercise video 4 times a week, no clothes buying for me or the kids (except Mack) until March 19th (a challenge my sister in law came up with), try to avoid treats until after dinner (I know this one is lame and the "try" is not a good sign... but if I can do it it will be better than indulging all day long), eat out only one time a week. I also took facebook off of my phone. No more facebook everyday ( I will check a couple of times a week maybe but it is a time waster and no offense to anyone but I don't really care to know what everyone is doing every second- although if there's a pic with it like on instagram then I'm all over that!) Obviously my list is not all the way done but these are some good ones to start off with. Also, fyi I don't hold myself to the resolutions all year round. I make them in the beginning of the year and do them for awhile to see what works but I have no problem with dropping them after awhile or changing/adjusting when necessary. I'm so easy on myself.

Blogging- I've been pondering it a lot lately. Part of me wants to go private because I'm reading a book about teaching your kids internet smarts, and how can I tell my kids not to be too personal online when I've got this blog thing out in the open?!? Seriously. Plus I sort of have a "deer in the headlights" feeling with this blog these days. There is so much I want to say but I hesitate. I'm not as open as I used to be and when I go to write things down I find myself holding back. Which is probably a good thing. Anyway, believe it or not I'm losing a little blogging steam... I'll keep you posted.

Lastly, Santa Dave surprised me with an ipad for Christmas. Sometimes it just feels like a big phone that I can't even call on. I have a good workout app, I read emails and blogs on it, I facetime, I have a news and weather app, netflix, kindle, scriptures, etc. but for those of you that have one- please tell me your favorite thing to do with it. My kids don't have time to play on it so nothing for them! I don't like them looking at screens anyway. It's fun but so far not that much better than my phone was/is. Thanks in advance peeps!

Signing off,

The D-dawg

Miss Lexi Turns 11 (heaven help me)

2012-01-10T11:10:00.004-08:00

Lexi turned 11 this month. Can it be possible? I've been a mom for 11 years, and my first little sweet baby girl that I died over every second is now closer to teen years than toddler years?? It blows me away.

She got a new bike for her birthday.

She also got accessorized! She loves dressing up, wearing jewlery, feeling cute so she got a ring, watch, earrings, headbands, necklaces and clothes. She also got a gift card to Subway because it's her favorite. We had two mini family parties because my parents came up to give her a gift, and Dave's mom came up to give her a gift on seperate days. She was definitley not complaining about the two cakes. And she and I had a special shopping date too where she looked around for things to buy with her money and gift cards, and found nothing. She wants to wear the big kid clothes (at Hollister, American Eagle etc) but she is still too small.

I keep telling her not to wish to be old because she has her whole life to be old and she should enjoy being a little girl still... but she's not buying it.

My dad and I had a laugh over how Macey is RIGHT next to her in the birthday pictures. She would have sat on her lap if she could have! Obviously she was trying to feel like it was her birthday too! And she just worships the ground Lexi walks on. They have been playing so well lately and it makes me so glad.

Last night Lexi and I narrowed her list of six!!!! things (you know band, dance, piano, drama etc. etc.) she's involved in, down to 4 and we are feeling good. She's always been a kid who's excited about life and wants to try EVERYTHING and I usually support her because she's so excited and she can handle it. BUT my rule is only 2 things. So I pick piano, and she picks dance. But then all these other things sneak in, like an opportunity to do an after school math class (how can you say no to that?) then she makes the drama club (well, she tried out and gave it her all so I have to let her), then all of her friends are trying volleyball so I give in to that too and it goes on and on. Before I know it- she's over booked. So we narrowed things down and cut out half of the dance classes and we're feeling good. She's going to have a LOT more free time which is how it should be... and I know that... and I want that for her.... so why do I always get trapped and things add up so fast? I'm determined to be better at saying no (not only to her, but to her teachers, friends etc.) She has an insane amount of homework this year so I'm glad for the free days she will have now.

Anyway, I don't know if it's like this for other mothers, but my oldest child is my hardest to parent. Not because she's hard, but because I'm terrified of messing things up! Everything with her is new and not something I've done before so I worry about doing it all wrong. So far, everything has turned out fine so I really should relax and trust myself but it's easier said than done. I bet if I looked back at her birthday posts in past years they would all say the same thing.

Anyway, I love you Lexi my little eleven year old!!!

Now Mack is awake in his bed so I must run and get him. Until next time...

Welcome to my Friday Night

2012-01-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Family Bike Ride Yeaterday.

2012-01-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

My Main Squeeze

2012-01-03T22:28:00.003-08:00

I am not in a good emotional state tonight so I probably shouldn't write this long over due post about how much I love my baby but here goes anyway. Mack is almost 9 months old and I missed blogging about him at 8 months. All I really have to say is he is the cutest, most delicious human being on the planet. I want to hold him, squeeze him and kiss him all day long. When I have to leave him I feel sad and I think about hugging him the whole time I'm away. He makes my heart burst with happiness.

2011 was the best year for me because I finally got him. I promised God I wouldn't ask for anything else if he would just send me a baby and he did. How can it get any better? I'm not ready for 2012 because that means my baby is getting bigger and time is going by way too fast. I can't imagine a better year than I just had so why even move on. Is it weird that I don't want to look to the future because I'm just loving the present? I'm thankful for this time and I will always remember it. I know there will come a day when I want something else, or things are hard again but right now I am so content and glad.

Mack is an independent child and I have to fight him for snuggles. He would rather die then lay his head down on me and miss one second of the action (even when there isn't anything going on!) He is alway afraid he's going to miss something and cries so hard when we walk into his bedroom to go to bed. It is so funny! Once he's in bed, of course he just goes to sleep. He's been the best sleeper. Twelve hours straight at night since 8 weeks old, two 2-3 hour naps a day. Plus he's so content and happy all of the time.

Although I have to fight for snuggles I still get them somehow. Lately with him crawling all over the place and standing up a lot he's also getting hurt more and then he cries and crawls pathetically over to me and I baby him to death. I love that he's a little bit wimpy and needs me sometimes.

He loves to eat. He laughs the hardest at Macey (and she totally plays with him all of the time- something I never would have predicted because they're 7 years apart!) He loves cars, loves the kitty (and has said "meow" a couple of times). He can say ma ma, da da, and claps his hands (his chubby hands slapping together is to die for). He can pull himself up and he loves to dance. When he's excited he dances, when he hears any music he dances and we all cheer him on. The kid gets so much positive reinforcement it is crazy.

He loves his piano and baby bongo drums. He loves american cheese. He totally takes toys away from his little cousins.... seems too young to be grabbing but he deliberately does it over and over. He loves his big brother and sisters so much. He looks all over the house for them when they're gone. He weighs about 19 pounds. He's had two ear infections already (praying he's not going to follow Lexi's lead with the ear issues!).

He has the softest inner chubby thighs ever.

That's him at 9 months! I love my little man.

Some Holiday Highlights 2011

2012-01-01T20:19:00.006-08:00

Very good movie that I saw this year:

The holidays are always very crazy around here trying to squeeze in time with both Dave's family and mine, plus celebrate two birthdays, I shot two weddings, went through the temple with my sis, and tried to squeeze in all the holiday activties we want to do etc. etc. This year was wild. Of course, now that it's over I'm sad and can't wait for next year already!

Some highlights include:

Oh wait, this is not a highlight- Mack learned how to climb the stairs at my parents. Scary.

Logan got to play the piano during his school's drama show.

The drama show was very cute.

MY SISTER GOT HER MISSION CALL!!!!

SO EXCITING! It came in the mail and we had to wait a couple of hours for everyone to be there and on the phone etc.... it was hard to wait.

She got called to the Madrid Spain mission which I think is AWESOME and the perfect mission call for her. She leaves in May and although I am going to miss her SO much I can't wait for her to have this adventure. Oh and I'm so proud of her for doing it.

Since she's going on a mission we got to go through the temple with her for her first time. Aaaaah there's nothing like being in the temple with your family. We missed those that weren't there but it was a great day.

We got to take a little Christmas to our foster babies. Last time we were there their mom had mentioned that she needed a couch. A very generous family from church had one and we drove it down with a few other gifts. It was a HUGE highlight for me to see them and get to give them stuff. They are as cute as ever.

A sleepover in Hollister for Christmas! Cousins Drew and Reagen and Aunt Sophie were visiting too so it was a lot of fun. Gingerbread house decorating, cow feeding, present exchanging etc.

(how cute are the boys and their bongo drums!!??!)

The Christmas Eve program was very nice. My nephew Wyatt sang a cute song, Logan and Macey played the piano and Lexi played the flute, we read our traditional "Davey" book, did the nativity and sang songs. Loved it.

Mack was too big and mobile to be Baby Jesus so he was Macey the Shepard's sheep.

Love how Wyatt's hand is over his heart here: (and Mary is a friends' little girl- they had Christmas Eve with us)

But then I had to wrap him up for a quick baby Jesus picture at the end!

Christmas PJ's!

Christmas morning.. the kids totally obeyed and didn't wake us up till 7.

All of their wildest dreams came true I think. It was fun to see them so excited. And yeah, Santa surprised me with an Ipad which I'm loving so far. Especially the kindle app where I can download books and read them. Oh and face timing is better too. Then we went to church.

3 baby boys... missing their other cousin Miles.

So glad we had cousins come to visit too!

I must admit this year I'm a teense depressed the holidays are over. I hate January- it's my least favorite month and I'm just not ready to start a new year- 2011 was so great. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel ready. We'll see. In the meantime hope you're all having a happy new year! Cannot believe it's 2012.

Better Late than Never

2011-12-25T17:42:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Harlows!!

2011-12-20T11:09:00.004-08:00

Macey turned seven last week. We had a little family dinner and celebration that night. She got a tent (that turned out to be waaay bigger than Dave and I thought it was!), a nano, a mermaid tail (my dream come true) and some other things and she was thrilled. The child has been talking about her birthday for months so we were all glad it finally came.

On the weekend we went ice skating for her birthday activity! That is definitely a perk to having a December birthday. Her uncles and aunts and grandma and grandpa came and it was a lot of fun. Please excuse the out of order pictures. It's Christmas and I shouldn't even be blogging right now.

Last year I didn't skate because I was pregnant. This year I didn't skate because I was taking care of Mack. Next year I am skating FO SHO!

Macey is a wonderful girl and I'm glad she's mine. She has endless amounts of energy and a go getter personality. She has a soft spot in her heart for others and likes to do nice things for people. Her teacher told me that she knows Macey will make the right choice even if no one else is... that made me glad. Parenting Macey is different than parenting my first two. She will be more challenging and she makes me have to come at things from another angle... but it's a good thing and I know we will learn and grow from eachother as the years go by. Happy Birthday Miss Mace!

Christmas in the City

2011-12-19T11:33:00.005-08:00

Last weekend we went into SF to see the Christmas lights. The kids love riding the bart and it was Mack's first time so that was fun. We walked around, watched street performance (sometimes the best part of the city!), visited the Macy's santa, watched the ice skating in Union Square, ate crepes for dinner and headed home. It was a very fun night. The weather was incredible and I, of course, always wish we could make it there more often.

waiting for bart...

macey was cracking me up listening to her new b-day ipod- she looked like a teen.

this guy was good playing chestnuts roasting and totally getting us in the mood.

double jointed dancing- ouch.

the cable cars are all decked out!

the tree...

mack is at that age where he's smiling non-stop. more on him soon.

one man band...

Last thing, did you check out the poll on my sidebar?? I was blown-away the whole time by the $100 level winning. $100 or less on each kid at Christmas is amazing and I applaud all of you who are able to do that!! I was shocked though I must admit. We spend a lot more--- but we also don't buy our kids much during the year. Birthdays and Christmas are all they've got so we go on the bigger side. Anyway- I was hoping the poll would make me feel better about the amount I spent! It didn't but it was fun to see anyway- thanks for playing!

Happy Birthday to my Girl Macey

2011-12-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

She's 7 today!!

Another Post About Bangs

2011-12-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

So Lexi has been wanting bangs and I've spent her whole life avoiding bags for her. She's asked a lot in the last couple of years. One time I let her get side bangs but then we grew them out. Anyway, when she heard I was going to get bangs she reminded me that she has been wanting them forever. I said "oh yeah" and then realized I couldn't get them before her because she's been waiting so patiently! So she went for it! I kindof begged her not to do it (bangs are high maintenance especially on kids!) but I'm glad I let her because she looks cute! Her hair seems so much darker because her light hair is underneath. And they might end up being a pain but so far she loooves them!

Christmas House 2010 and 2011- My New Room!

2011-12-11T16:28:00.005-08:00

I took some pictures of my decorated house to post here and I thought it would be fun to look at pictures from years past. My family room has changed a lot. After I had the baby I became obsessed with how dark my room felt and I became obsessed with changing that as soon as possible! It is a small room and I felt crowded.

So, I saved my money and we bought a light colored sectional which made a dramatic difference. We also had to move the big dark armoire out of there (It now lives in a room with higher ceilings). I painted an old black dresser white and put the tv on it. Then we got a bigger, cozier rug because the purpose of the room is for laying around and that wasn't possible with the rug we had (not soft, sheds).

We also got rid of the flower chair (sometimes I'm a little sad about that one but it went to a good home), and we went with blinds instead of dark curtains hanging against the wall. The blinds made it feel bigger for sure and lightened things up a lot! I changed a few things on the wall and we got two mustard/gold chairs to go on either side of the dresser. Oh and I refinished the top of my coffee table. I had painted it white but it showed too many nicks and scratches. So I stripped just the top and stained it.

I like it so much better now. I don't know if I'm totally done with it, but for now I am.

Sometimes I miss the armoire because I'm a believer in hiding the tv- I hate that it's kindof the focus of the room because we rarely watch it. Someday maybe I'll get a cute cupboard or something for it? But for now, I'm happy with my lighter more airy room- it feels like we have more space, room to lay around (and for Mack to crawl), and even more seating which is fun! Our whole family can sit on the couch! Plus we have two new chairs for even more seating. Obviously it looks a little different right now because of the tree and the mantle decor. I'll post a photo without the Christmas stuff later.

BEFORE (2010):

AFTER (2011):

Putting up the Christmas Tree

2011-12-09T23:14:00.004-08:00

We put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving but of course I'm just now getting to the pictures. We had the traditional music on, large bowls of caramel popcorn (Mack had to have a small fit that he didn't get any), ornament hanging, and dancing. It's a favorite tradition for all of us- that first night that starts off the season! I can't believe how fast it's going by already- every year it flies by quicker. This year everything feels a little more special because of Mack being here. I love the way he looks up at the tree. I wasn't able to keep him from crawling until after Christmas like I had hoped, but he's not trying to pull it down on himself so that's good. He just crawls around it and touches it but he's gentle. And can I just say that a crawling baby is the cutest thing ever?! I want to pick him up and squish him constantly but he has an agenda and doesn't like to be interrupted. And that's all I have to say tonight. Follow me on twitter or instagram (ddawg05) for more frequent updates- they are just easier and faster than blogger these days. Oh, and take my survey on the sidebar because I need to know.

Me With Bangs

2011-12-08T11:45:00.005-08:00

Ok, so I haven't gotten them yet, but thanks to all of your comments I'm going to go for it! My friend Mindy sent me these "makeover" photos of what I could possibly look like with bangs. They are hilarious and so fun. Please go to this website and try it yourself! www. taaz.com

I definitely like number 1 the best.

Thanks for your help and encouragement. As many of you said, it's only hair. It grows back. I used to be more daring with my hair but after a few huge hair mistakes (I was basically a boy in 1999 right after my wedding) I stopped taking risks. But I'm ready to take a leap again! I'll let you know when it happens. Now back to Christmas.

The Bangs Dilema

2011-12-05T22:56:00.006-08:00

I want to get bangs.

But I'm VERY, VERY nervous about it.

I am worried that my head is too small for them. Like, I don't have enough head to have bangs and regular hair and still room for my face... does that make sense?

I'm also worried that my hair is too thin. Like if I get thick bangs, which is what I want, that it will take all of my hair and there will be just a few long strands left. I lost A LOT of hair after Macky came.

I'm also worried they will drive me crazy and I won't know how to do them and make them look right.

I'm also worried that I will look like I'm 12 with them.

BUT I need something new with my hair. It is thin and growing new hair up top AND it lost its

body after childbirth. So I really, really need something new.

I've always thought dark haired people should not have bangs because it's just this big chunk of dark covering half their face. Then I see cute pictures like this (see below) and I imagine I could pull it off (even though I rarely wear my hair back and I don't have that cute shirt?)

I also like these (see below). A little more "momish" but definitely more styled than what I have right now (aka long and wavy and not really a style).

And these. Except my friend who has bangs says you're not supposed to cut the side hair and this looks like her side hair is cut. But I don't want my side hair cut, because, like I said, I'm worried all of my hair will be a bang and no long stuff left.

This is keeping me up at night.

Plus my friend and hair dresser is moving and I'm so sad about it.

Please advise. If you have experience with bangs I want to hear it.

Magic of Christmas 2011

2011-12-04T21:49:00.004-08:00

Last week was Lexi's annual Magic of Christmas Dance show up at the temple. Every year it gets cuter and this year was a lot of fun. Lexi literally beams from ear to ear the whole time she is dancing and with her friends during rehearsal. She loves it so much. Every year I swear I'll remember my flash and zoom lens and get some good pictures and in the hectic-ness I forget and we end up with the church as backdrop and far away pictures. Next year for sure people! I love that our family comes to watch her. It is a parking nightmare and a hectic time but I'm thankful they come and support her- she is so excited about it.

I just love my "tween" Lex although I must admit I am not handling her growing up as well as I always imagined I would. It's just worrisome and crazy to me to have a child growing so quickly, close to my size, into big girl things and hanging out with big kids etc. etc. I totally thought it would be no big deal but it. is. a. big. deal. and I hope I don't freak out and mess it all up! She is so sweet and cute and excited about everything. Plus such a good big sister and student. I just need to calm down and remember everyone grows up and she's going to be ok. Dave and I look at eachother and say "she's so big!" probably a few times a week.

There's my tangent for the night! Good night!

Breakfast Didn't Go Too Well

2011-12-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

He wants the spoon, I want the spoon, then we both have a spoon, almost no food actually gets down the throat, and he needs a shower after. Wow. Solids are hard!

Thoughts on My Faux Fur

2011-11-28T22:21:00.003-08:00

About a month ago I purchased myself some faux fur in the form of a vest. I was just really attracted to it and thought it would be fun!

Then it sat in my closet for a few weeks because I just wasn't sure.

Then, last week, I walked into Target and there at the very front of the little girls section was my faux-fur vest! DARN! I knew at that point I had to take it back or risk being matchy's with every ten year-old girl in the world including, perhaps, my daughter and her friends.

So the plan was to take it back... until I had my weekly "what to wear to church" Sunday morning crisis moment last Sunday and threw the vest on. Now, I am obviously keeping it because I wore it to church.

But here are the reasons why I may never wear it again:

1. The fur is frighteningly similar to my cat Buster's fur in color and texture. I kindof felt like I was wearing Buster around my neck and THAT was not a good feeling.

2. It sheds a bit. At one point I looked down at my lap and thought Buster had somehow gotten on my skirt and left his mark. Also, I think I inhaled a piece of fur because it was so close to my mouth and I was choking after sacrament meeting and felt something fuzzy down my throat.

3. Mack doesn't totally love it. He felt a little weird and kept looking at me strangely. But Lexi loves it... in fact I think she petted me three times in one hour, and later on at church I felt someone petting me from behind. Startled I turned around, and luckily it was just Lexi again.

4. Faux-fur vests don't go with long hair because it all mixes together and you just look really hairy.

So there you have it. The reason why you may never see me in faux-fur again. If I list it on e-bay I'll let you know!

Also, if you haven't been persuaded by me and joined instagram yet, please do. You will not regret.

I'm ddawg05 - follow me- it is fun.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

2011-11-27T21:14:00.004-08:00

We had the BEST Thanksgiving. I always love this holiday but for some reason this year was extra cozy, delicious, and fun. I hosted, and everyone helped. We has such yummy food, good conversation and relaxing afterward. The night before my kids got to spend the night at my parents. That morning they went geocaching in the hills and my kids loved it. And Dave and I loved it because we had a peaceful morning with just Mack getting the house and food ready.

Here is the table. My friend Lorie gave me the idea for a bit of purple to add some color and I love how it turned out. I wanted a very simple centerpiece so there would be room for the food of course!

I got the placecards idea on Oh Happy Day (I think, I was looking around a lot that day but I'm pretty sure that's where the idea was). We bought alphabet pasta and glued it on- fun and easy.

The attendees:

Denny (Dad)

Jill (Mom)

Susie (Mom in law)

Kaley (Sis)

Adam (bro in law)

Landon (bro)

Drew (niece)

Reagan (neice)

Zach (family friend)

Dave

Denae

Lexi

Logan

Macey

Mack (his first Thanksgiving!)

OH! And I can't forget the pilgrims that showed up! (Their idea- so cute)

The only picture I have of my dad that day (photobombing!!)

Mace was in heaven with her cousins.

Look at the food! It was to die for. My favorites are the turkey (obviously), this broccoli dish that my mom makes and I die over, and the pretzel jello dish I make and could eat for days. But really I love everything. Those are just my top three.

Now onto Christmas!

My Thankful List 2011

2011-11-24T08:08:00.005-08:00

I am thankful for this little tiny turkey hand at the end of our family turkey line. Our family is so blessed to have Mack and we all know it. We are forever thankful that his little spirit came to join our family. Nothing compares to watching my kids love him- it makes me so happy I almost burst.

I am thankful for the three other turkeys that call me Mom. Motherhood is exhausting and hard but the good moments are worth all of the mundane and tiring. I am thankful for the kids I got. They are just good and I love them so much.

And of course I am thankful for Dave who is next to me in everything (we're actually probably next to eachother a little too much sometimes... seriously I have separation issues). He is my perfect match and I can't imagine life without him.

And I'm thankful for the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. It gives me direction for life, helps me make plans for my family, guides me in making good choices, guides my children in making good choices, and gives me peace during hard times. And of course I'm thankful for my family, extended family, friends and life in general. I have a really good one. A really, really good one, and I know that everyday.

Have a great Thanksgiving Blog Land!!

Love,

D-dawg

Thankful Week Part 2

2011-11-23T07:57:00.006-08:00

I'm thankful for my little photo business. It has been a lot of fun for me. At first, it was a great distraction and something to get excited about when I was struggling through infertility/miscarriages. Dave surprised me with my first nice camera in 2006 and I pretty much didn't set it down for a year. I still love taking pictures and right now I feel like I have the perfect amount of sessions per month where it's still fun, I'm bringing in some cash, and I enjoy it. I like to meet new people and use my skills with little kids (when it works!) The bonus is getting to have great pictures of my kids too. I don't know why 2 of the only 3 action shots are when I was largely pregnant.

I'm thankful for my kids friends. They have really good ones and I think it's awesome that they pick them on their own, and they have picked good kids who have similar families, standards etc.

I'm thankful for my bed. I think it's the coziest bed ever. I don't get to spend enough time in it lately and I really need to work on that.

Thankful Week

2011-11-22T07:24:00.006-08:00

I'm a little sad I haven't had much time to blog these days (yes I know I just posted four days ago but, as you know, that is a long break for me).

Reasons why I'm not blogging:

-taking pictures instead

-any small amount of free time must be spent editing photos... I may have taken on a few too many sessions this fall.

-I don't want to be on the computer when Mack is awake which leaves me only his naptimes and nighttimes (which are then spent editing if we don't h

ave something else we have to do - and we always do).

-I'm having family here at my house for Thanksgiving!

-etc. etc. who cares?

Anyway, I wanted to blog about things I'm thankful for this week so I'm going to start, and I'm really going to try to finish... but who knows.

TODAY I am thankful for my teeth.

Very random, yes. But one of my biggest fears has always been to lose my teeth. How awful would that be? I once had a horrible experience with a dentist when I was away at school. He unnecessarily drilled out a few of my teeth and because of that I ended up with a cap on one tooth. Yesterday I had to get that cap re-done and it was not fun. I'm so glad the rest of my teeth are ok. I hate going to the dentist so much. It is the most painful awful experience for me for a few reasons: my mouth is small, my gag reflex is strong, and I don't like pain or strangers really close to my face. So I'm thankful for my teeth. That they are decently healthy and they allow me to eat comfortably.

I am thankful for garbage service.

How great is it that someone drives by your house once a week and takes your garbage? Lately our family seems to produce a lot of trash- papers from school, diapers, whatever. I'm just so glad I can stick it outside and it's gone a few days later! The best!

I'm thankful for the heat dish.

You knew that one was coming. If I wasn't lazy I could post a link to probably at least 8 past posts about me being cold and my love for the heat dish. The other night we were at Costco and my whole family at one point was gathered around the heat dish ooohing and aaaahing at how good it felt.

What are you thankful for?

More thankfuls to come...

Friday Night at Costco!

2011-11-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Mack testing out potential Christmas gifts and the kids trying to buy Grandpa his dream gift!

We have entered the theater!!!

2011-11-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

Breaking Dawn!

2011-11-17T20:40:00.001-08:00

I'm sure the movie will disappoint but at least it's a good excuse to pretend to be 14 again!

Two Things

2011-11-15T20:44:00.003-08:00

One thing I love about Mack (besides this photo) is that he rarely cries. But when he does cry it is usually from getting hurt and he is soooo dramatic about it. He's been getting hurt a lot lately because of the new crawling thing and plants his face straight down into the floor and just sobs. Then when I pick him up he throws his face down right into my shoulder and cries harder and totally drags it out. I love it.

My sister in law posted this video on her blog and it is so funny. The two boys at the end are super adorable.

Coming up... my Christmas wish list... just for fun.

My Beaba

2011-11-14T15:04:00.003-08:00

I got a Beaba Babycook and I love it. It makes making baby food so easy.

Now, I don't think that I'm the type that would normally make her own babyfood but a few friends pointed out how much healthier it is and how much money you save so I decided to give it a try! Plus I love trying new appliances. And remember I've had crazy energy for crafting/building/painting/rearranging/doing since the baby was born? Weird I know.

Anyway, this machine makes it so simple and FUN! And I have to say that I was sampling all of the baby food and it was so good- perfect consistency, still warm and just delicious. I froze the babyfood in ice cube trays and then popped them out and stored them in plastic freezer bags. Now when it's time to eat I just reheat it really quick and it's ready to go.

So far I've made sweet potatoes, pears, green beans and squash and bananas. I'm going to do carrots and apples this week. It is amazing how cheap it is to do it this way. Baby food in the store is close to a dollar for 2 servings. I made 14+ servings with 4 sweet potatoes that probably cost me $2 (don't remember exactly).

The best part: I feel like my crawling baby is eating better. Yes I said crawling. He's crawling at 7 months. Waaa.

The Love/Hate Relationship I have with Sports

2011-11-12T22:43:00.003-08:00

Where to begin... Logan has been on the same soccer team for 4-5 years and it is the best. Great kids, great coaches, he loves it. This is the second year that his team has been #1 in the league games but lost the championship... to the same team... the Stingrays.

This week was the playoffs and today was the championship game. Logan was so excited and nervous. Grandparents came. It was a big deal. And a big bummer that we lost.

Here's the thing. I don't know if I can handle my kids in sports. I sat on the sidelines today with a heartache and a nauseated stomach. I'm not exaggerating. It is HARD to watch your kid care so much about something and see them be let down or disappointed. Logan didn't play in the game today as much as he normally plays, or thought he should play, or should have played (in my opinion). He still got some time but not as much as every other game this year and he was surprised and disappointed. I know that happens as kids grow up. It goes from equal play time to the coach putting in and playing whoever he wants, whenever. I wish I had warned Logan that it could happen, but he has always started and played most of the game so we didn't know. We love his coach and today was just a tough game so who knows why it happened but I sat there thinking that being a mom is rough! There's that quote about how Motherhood is like allowing your heart to walk around outside of your body... and I have felt that. Life is life and kids have to learn to live through it, but can I just curl up in a ball with a blanket over my head and not watch them go through it? Please? Can I make them not care so much? Can I just keep them home with me all sheltered and protected and thinking life is happy always? I really wish I could because it is just exhausting feeling all these feelings! I swear I went through every emotion sitting in that chair today and I can see it's going to take a lot of patience and self control to sit back and let my kids live life. I think I need a set of cheap plates on hand to throw after events like this. Or maybe I should just voluteer to be the coach (yeah right).

To end on a good note, Logan survived, he played amazingly awesome when he was in, going up against kids much larger than he is and being so aggressive. I love it- that's when I feel the emotion to bound out of my seat and run in crazy circles doing leaps and screaming cheers. I still love his team and his coach and he still loves soccer. It has been really fun and there are lots of life lessons to be learned in a good way through playing sports so I'm glad for that. But seriously, the kid is 9, I don't know what I'm going to do watching teenage sports. Heaven help me. Now for some pics of his fans:

Mack sleeping at the playoff game this week.

Grandpa B drove up for the playoffs!

GO Wizards!

Macey really wanted a picture with her brother

Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Landon!

Grandpa Tom and Grandma Sue

Edible Baby.

Love this kid to pieces.

2011-11-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

Didn't win the championship today but played his heart out.

Constipation is a Stressful Thing

2011-11-08T23:24:00.004-08:00

We are going to attempt to take family photos again for two reasons:

1. Mack has changed so much since September when we had them done (by my brother with my camera).

and

2. The pants that I chose to wear were too bright. I want a giant family photo for my wall and I think my pants stand out too much to be on the wall.

So we will try again.

Now I must tell you the details of my afternoon:

I found out some sad/surprising news that consumed my mind the whole night.

So while thinking only of that, I had to make sure the kids were doing their homework and piano, figure out something for dinner, drive Logan to soccer, make a mad dash to Target with everyone else to pick up a pediatric suppository. THEN administer the pediatric suppository to my poor sweet baby who is so constipated. I have tried everything. He is apparently immune to prunes and large amounts of water. He is so uncomfortable. So finally, with encouragement from a friend, I went for the suppository. He managed to go just a teense during dinner and then fell asleep from exhaustion. I'm hoping he goes in the night or first thing in the morning (but please not during the presentation we are doing for Macey's class) and if not, we are going to the dr. The poor baby needs to get it out. The whole thing was not fun...

I'm so excited that I am finally getting my Beaba. Thursday night I will pick it up from the Craiglist lady that has been so hard to meet up with. I think it will help in the constipation situation.

Anyway, after serving dinner, trying for some poopies, worrying about that one thing, and getting everyone settled into bed, I sat down and did some calendaring. The holidays are coming like a freight train and I am a teense stressed. More on that later.

This post is random and now I'm going to bed.

(bright pants)

Before the Bath

2011-11-06T19:23:00.003-08:00

Mack is seven months tomorrow.

Love when he rotates and wiggles his feet in excitement.

Love that he's a bottomless pit for baby food.

Love when he rocks on his hands and knees.

Love his dry smiley cheeks after a nap.

Love his ba ba ba sounds.

Love that he wants me all of the time.

Love that he loves his bath.

Love that he loves the piano so much.

Love sneaking in at night to look at him.

Love his arm flapping.

Love his non stop slapping of tables, the ground, his belly, everything.

Love how he kicks wildly when I put him in bed.

Love that he's the easiest baby ever to put to sleep (at home only of course).

Love when he blows raspberry's.

Love his little waves.

Love his soft, chubby thighs.

Love, love, love everything about him.

7 months= 18 pounds (and a few ounces), size 12 months (in most clothes!), no teeth yet!

Halloween Friends

2011-11-02T20:56:00.008-07:00

These are the cell phone pictures from Dave. Mace and Lex invited friends to the church Halloween party and were so thrilled they could come. They had so much fun that night having their buddies there with them.

They also got to trick or treat with friends this year. Macey and her little friend Ellie were so adorable, literally running from house to house and laughing together- it was super cute.

I'm happy my kids have good, fun friends.

This is Macky's little buddy Zach. They can't really play yet (they just stare at eachother) but someday....

Macey's bff is extremely tall but they get along so well and play non stop when they're together- I love it!

The Halloween Festivities 2011

2011-11-01T21:31:00.004-07:00

The Halloween 2011 rundown:

We carved our pumpkins outside this year because it was a perfect 80 degrees. I was in heaven.

We made the kids dig their own gunk/seeds out of their own pumpkins this year. They're big enough and although they complained, they did it and were proud afterward.

Macky wanted to eat his pumpkin.

The kids had to carve their own faces this year too- with no help. They did a good job!

This photo is funny because I have no idea why Logan is about to fly onto my baby:

This photo is funny because I feel like Dave is totally trying to play the cowboy part back there in the background leaning agains the stairwell:

We were THE MOST random family ever in terms of costumes! Next year I really hope we can figure out some sort of theme.

My wittle wobster was adorable and I wanted to eat him up.

Dave was a pirate one day and a cowboy the next. This is on the way out the door to school. I LOVE how into Halloween the kids' school is. Every single kid wears a costume and the principal goes all out with a big surprise costume and every year all the kids are dying to figure out what she is going to be.

Waiting for the parade to begin:

Ms. James was Jack Sparrow this year and even had the Black Pearl. In years past she has been Avatar, Wall-E, Lightning Mcqueen, a Wild Thing etc. She always goes with a popular movie from the year. The kids love it and it is so exciting.

Our Halloween evening traditions include: Soup and bread, candles all over the house, pumpkin seeds, and of course trick-or-treating.

This year we also did dry ice in the punch and that was fun! My highlight of the night was trick or treating in flip flops and a tee shirt. In my world it can not get better than that. The weather was amazing.

I spray painted my pumpkins this year with a high gloss and I love how they turned out. Too bad I thought the sign said that the pumpkins were $.50 cents each and so I bought a bunch only to discover they were $.50 cents a pound! I need to read the fine print better. But still, my porch and tables looked good.

And that's it folks. It was a fun year. I always say we're not going to go crazy with Halloween every year but then we do. We really like the holiday I guess.

Now, onto another fave- Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T11:45:00.002-07:00

2011- Flapper Girl, Afro Basketball Player, Vampire, Lobster.

More pics to come... stay tuned.

Getting it Done

2011-10-29T22:15:00.004-07:00

At this point in my life I'm blogging just to get it done.

We went to the pumpkin patch last weekend.

Afterward we went to Bremily's and the baby boys wore matching jammies and we had to get some photos. They were hilarious- Mack trying to roll over Parker and Parker looking at everyone like "what are you all staring at?" Who doesn't die over matchy clothes on baby's?

Now here is the quick pumpkin patch post. We went to one we'd never been to before in Livermore. It had a corn maze, corn box, and cow train. The kids had a great time. I was dying of heat exhaustion as were the other adults I think (but who complains about heat in October? Not me). The corn box was the favorite of everyone. My first instinct is to be grossed out by it but as time went on I had to admit it looked fun- the kids loved it and even Mack got to sit in it for a second.

The End.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

2011-10-29T13:54:00.001-07:00

We are getting a new chapel in Brentwood! So exciting.

Happy Birthday Musie!

2011-10-27T14:00:00.004-07:00

Musie is a fun little nickname we have given to my mother in law... it is a mix of of Mom and Susie = Musie.

Friday is her birthday!

In honor of her big day here are some things we love about her:

She is happy and always has a big smile

She laughs easily

She likes to teach the kids

She is very knowledgeable and takes time to explain everything to them

She loves her grandkids

She has a beautiful singing voice

She has an amazing collection of rocks and gems

She gets us into the Monterey Bay Aquarium free! (She is a volunteer there)

She always remembers our birthdays and gives great cards and thoughtful gifts

She lets the kids come down every year for a grandma adventure

She'll drive up to see us at the drop of a hat (she came to see Mack right when he got out of the hospital even though she could only stay a few hours)

She loves to take pictures

She loves goodies and always has yummy desserts for us

She has a fun collection of turtle figurines

She joined the church when she was in her 20's and raised her kids in the gospel

She loves her family and always thinks about each of us

She is kind, generous, fun and a good example

I'm glad my kids got some of her great genes!

Thanks for being a wonderful person Musie - we love you and

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

More Than Anyone Cares to Know

2011-10-25T22:59:00.004-07:00

(Little mom #3 reading a book to baby Mack. He is tough to read to because he still just wants to eat the book. He's getting better though and Macey is determined)

A few random thoughts:

Dave has been out of town and I've noticed that I am nicer to my children and I eat more healthy/less junk when he is gone. Why? I really need to figure it out.

I miss Dave for lots of reasons but two important ones are: he helps wash out bottles and I'm sick of washing all of them everyday. He clips Macks nails for me because I'm not strong enough to hold the crazy baby's hand still. Macky really needs his nails clipped right now. He has two scratches on his face and he scratched my face.

I just finished "Battle Hymn of the Chinese Mother" book and I liked it. I though it was super interesting and surprising and good. Her conclusions at the end made me think, and some of her behavior was hilarious (although most of it was disturbing).

Buster picked the nights that Dave was gone to get in cat fights with his enemy cats. How annoying is it to have to go outside at 2am to separate two wailing cats? Very annoying.

I saw Footloose and despite the dirty dancing and a few other disturbing scenes I liked it. No on can compare to Kevin Bacon in my mind though and this new guys attempt at a solo dance was weak. But it did motivate me to get my footloose album out and dance with my kids sot that's good.

Some days I randomly cry over my baby. Today was one of them. He leaned his head down on my shoulder and because we were outside he just stayed there for awhile and I cried because I love him so much and can't believe I have him.

Speaking of Macky he is completely obsessed with the piano to the point where we can't even walk by that room without him fussing, and then when I let him play it, and time is up and we have to go do something, he throws a crying sad fit. Isn't that just crazy for a 6 month old? He has his own little piano but it is good not enough, apparently.

Last week Dave challenged me to go "cold turkey" trying to wean myself from my sleep mask. I am embarrassed to say it has been really hard. If there is one shred of light I can't sleep. Also, my eyes no longer stay closed on their own and I have to consciously think about them staying closed. Sometimes I just hold my mask while I sleep. That's how addicted I am to it. But it's been a week and I think I'm good.

I always tell my kids that I hate buying Halloween costumes and that we're going to "pull together" things that we already have. This is impossible. We never have the things they need and although I rarely buy a full costume, buying all the little things to make our own ends up costing probably just as much.

Every Monday and Tuesday my big kids are at school until 4 because of after school classes. On Tuesday Lexi also goes to school at 7:30am for band. Every other Monday Macey is also gone until 4 because I switch off with a friend to avoid going up and back to the school too many times. Don't you think it's ridiculous for 9 and 10 yr. olds to be gone that much? I do. But it turns out I'm not doing anything about it. I complain about being too busy but I don't want to make the changes necessary. Sad.

A few weeks ago I got a ticket for talking on my cell while driving. I think it's a lame law. Talking and driving is no different than eating and driving, handing your child a tissue and driving, putting your baby's binky in and driving etc. We all do those things. I think texting and driving is horrible and dangerous, but holding a phone up to your ear and driving, in my opinion, is fine. Anyway, I wasn't too upset about the ticket because I knew I had it comin'. But the worst part is that I can't get my bluetooth situation to work and so I'm still doing it.

This has turned into a confession post and I'm not liking that so I'm going to go to bed before I tell too much.

One last thing: I accidentally ordered 4 swimsuits the other night. With Dave being out of town I had too much computer time. I plan to try them all on and send them back but I still feel bad. But the truth is I've needed a new suit for a long time now so it's really a good thing.

GOOD NIGHT!

Instagram Love

2011-10-22T22:19:00.008-07:00

I'm still loving my instagram app and even more now that I've gotten most of my family to join. It is FUN. Here are my recents:

Soccer Evening

Chocolates

About to get Shots

Ready for the 1st grade drive-in

Stripe Love

Cookie Dough

Late-night Costco Trip

More Stripes

This week has been busy, thus the lack of blogging time. School started up again, lots of projects and homework, piano, soccer, dance, halloween costume gathering, and photo-editing for me. We are in love with the fall weather we're having... it is borderline too hot but I'll take it! The evenings have been that perfect weather where you can't even feel anything- not hot, not cold, no wind, just perfect. I love that weather. Today we did a pumpkin patch trip and bbq at Bremilys. I'm looking forward to a lazy Sunday with some yummy pork salad (trying to copy cafe rio) and game playing with the kids... I promised Macey. I also want to read my book and lay on the floor with Mackalicious.

Goodnight!

Hair

2011-10-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have been having fun trying out some new hair do's. I have obviously found the ideas on Pinterest and beauty blogs. Who knew I could actually do special hair-do's? I've always wanted to, but never knew they were actually kindof easy! I must admit it is fun to have girls to play around with in the beauty department.

Poor Logan's hair is another story....

It's a good thing he wears hats and hoods a lot. Love you buddy!

October Break

2011-10-16T21:13:00.006-07:00

My kids get 2 weeks off every October. This time we had bad weather the first week and we were all going a little stir crazy. We did some playdates, and a trip or two to Grandma's house but we really needed to get out of the house. So the second week Dave was able to take a few days off and we got to go down south for a little bit of sun and much needed time at the beach (Mack was so little this summer so we didn't even go once).

It just so happened that our friends the Ashcrofts were there at the same time as us and my kids thought that was super awesome. It was. It made me want to plan some friend vacations and get a big old group together. We got a a great rate at a place in Newport Beach (I think it was Newport Beach but south of the city on the coast...). The weather was great. My college friend hooked us up with a day at her parents private beach (called Three Arches I think?) and it was gorgeous (thank you Summer!)! We also rode bikes along the beach in Newport and took the Ferry over to Balboa Island. There's something about riding bikes with my little family- I just love it.

We ate at some yummy spots, saw old friends, swam in the pool and relaxed. I love a little get away. Real life is busy, and when we get to leave town I get to forget about all of my "life duties" for a few days and just spend time with my favorite people.

School is back in session tomorrow!

Happy 4th Birthday to Buster the Cat

2011-10-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

May the ever changing years change your personality to be one of love and gratitude.

Best Beach Baby

2011-10-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Two days in a row of the beach and Mack hasn't made a peep. So happy and easy. Love him.

A Recent Favorite Purchase

2011-10-09T21:52:00.003-07:00

I wish I had a better picture of it but this is all I've got. I recently purchased this water proof blanket. It is amazing. I've been wanting one for a long time but couldn't find the one I wanted. I found this at Target in the baby aisle. I have used it almost everyday since I got it (we sit outside a lot).

It is soft, totally water proof, easily folds up, and has a strap/ folds into a bag. I LOVE.

No longer will I be limited by wet grass. I can sit wherever I want, whenever I want. It is small and easy to throw in the bottom of my stroller or over my shoulder to have with me wherever I go. It is awesome! It is big enough for my whole (smallish) family but I'm going to be purchasing another one for those days when I need a little more breathing room. Go buy yourself one, you will not regret it.

HERE

(just looked on the website and it got great reviews- I guess others love it as much as I do)

My Six Month Old

2011-10-08T22:35:00.004-07:00

Mr. Mack is six months old! I keep thinking I will write down all of the stuff I want to remember about him... like in his non-existent baby book or something- but then I don't have time. I'm sure all of your children number 4 don't have baby books right? Right?

The blog is going to have to do for documentation.

I love my little man so much. My favorite time of the day is 10:15am. This is right after his morning nap and bottle snack. We sit on the couch where he has a good view of the trees that he loves to look at so much. It is so quiet in the house, just me and him, and I hold him on my lap and just watch him watch the trees. Sometimes stupid Buster the cat will pop up to the window right by us and Macky gets so excited. He flaps his arms wildly and I let him stand up to get a better view. He loves trees and the darn cat.

The reason that time of day is my favorite is because he lets me hold him and smooch all over him. The minute the kids get home from school I completely lose him. He won't make eye contact with me or even let me hold him facing inward. I swear the kid is going to get whiplash from trying to watch Macey run around. He is completely obsessed with his siblings and wants nothing to do with me when they're around. I am sad about it but what can I do?

Mack also loves music. I can't even go in the room that has the piano in it without him waving his arms up and down and kicking his legs and trying to jump out of my arms until I let him bang on it. When I get up from the piano he arches his back and cries. It is sad and hilarious. He also loves his toys that play music the best. When the kids practice piano he gets excited.

Believe it or not, Mr. Big Mack does not love solid food. He is the first of my children to gag and close his mouth and push it away. I am shocked. I've tried a few different times and he is just not into it. Sometimes he's not that into his milk and I'm worried he will lose his chubby chubbiness that I love to squish.

A few more things:

He is kindof drama with some stuff- like the second I turn his noise machine on to put him to bed he starts up a little fake cry.

He fell out of his swing because he thinks he's a stunt man and should be able to climb out or something.

He can scoot across the floor like an inch worm. Thank heavens it takes him a long time to get anywhere.

He had his first ear infections this week and I was sad about that. I'm really crossing my fingers he doesn't get them forever like Lexi.

He loves to be outside and go on walks in his stroller with one leg propped up on the tray.

Dave and I, this time around, have definitely taken baby talk to a whole new level. We pretty much talk baby talk 24/7, even to each other. It is super annoying but so funny too. Our baby talk has totally evolved as well and it is awesome. The other day Macey was talking to Macky and we were walking out of the school. She saw a boy from her class and, in baby talk, told him she would see him tomorrow. Then she looked at me with horror on her face, "I just talked baby talk to Geffin!" It made me LOL and I knew at that point the baby talk really needed to calm down a bit. I'm trying.

And lastly I have to say that having a husband who loves your baby as much as you do is the best ever. I definitely could not go on and on about how cute he is to anyone else (they would want to kill me after awhile). But I get to tell Dave everything and he totally agrees and tells me his own stuff. We are ridiculous and I love it. We feel so lucky, blessed and thankful that Mack finally decided to join our family.

Happy 6 months little man!

A Little Adventure

2011-10-07T11:32:00.004-07:00

Last weekend we went on a little adventure out to our friend's boat house. It was very fun. The kids loved playing in the dirt, water, catching fish, tubing, and running around. There little house is in a quiet spot- very peaceful there- a great little weekend getaway for their family yet not too far from home- isn't that a great idea. We need to get us a place like that. Thanks Websters!

We Got More Bounce in California

2011-10-04T09:32:00.006-07:00

On Friday we were thrilled to celebrate the arrival of Bremily to California. We finally have a sibling and cousin living near us! This day has been long awaited (especially by me).

We wanted to have a big celebration party since my siblings in Utah had a going away party for them when they left. I wanted it to be fantastic (said in a nacho voice) and wild and insanely delicious and fun! Basically I wanted to out-do the Utahns! But then I realized we are such a smaller group and then my Dad was going to be out of town, and Landon was at cross country, and Dave was at work. So it turned into a very small party. Dave ended up coming and my mom was there for a bit. We played the song, "We Got More Bounce In California" when they walked in and we ate cake.

I've been obsessed with cakes lately. This one was really yummy but not very pretty. The Ganache was too runny and slid down the sides and made a puddle at the bottom. It was really chocolately and GOOD though so who cares what it looks like right?

General Conference Breakfast

2011-10-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

Miss Mace

2011-09-29T20:51:00.007-07:00

I've been wanting to write about Macey now for a few weeks. She is in one of those stages that make you just love your kid so much.

She has had a very difficult last couple of months since she started 1st grade. She was put in a class with almost no one she knew from Kindergarten, and without going into too much detail, she is a very friendly girl and has tried her hardest to make new friends and things have not been easy. For whatever reason she got in a class with some difficult kids, one in particular!

Anyway, we have had nightly and daily talks about everything that is going on and I've had to teach her how to deal with all of these different situations without being there myself and seeing exactly how it's all going. She has had to learn to deal with life and people on her own. I can't be there at recess to remind her what we talked about. I can't be there to help her when a surpise scenerio (one we didn't role play) comes up and she's not sure how to react. I can't be there to protect her and hug her whenher feelings are hurt. She's had to grow up.

I have to say I am SO proud of her and how she has handled it all. She has learned how to be aware of the friends she is choosing. She's learned that she doesn't have to be friends with everyone, especially if they bring her down, but that she needs to be kind to everyone, even if they're mean. She has learned to stand up for herself in a good way and

not treat others the way they treat her, if it isn't the right way to treat someone. She's learned what a real friend is and why it's important to surround yourself with real friends... friends that are consistent, truthful, and nice every day. She's learned so much.

Who knew 1st grade could be so hard?? I've learned a few of my own lessons too and I'm so glad. I feel like things have finally calmed down, she is stable again and much stronger now. I just had a conference with her teacher yesterday and she is doing great. The old, happy Macey is back and I'm so thrilled.

In the meantime, at home, she is just so cute. She's been working so hard to earn money for a barbie wedding set she's been wanting. The thing costs $40 and I really didn't want her to spend all of her hard earned cash on it. But she was determined. She earned $40 including paying tithing and putting 1/3 in savings. That is a lot of jobs around the house! Somedays I couldn't even think of any more for her. It took about 6-8 weeks. I'm proud of her. Yesterday was the long-awaited day and she got the barbie set of her dreams and didn't hesistate for a second to hand that $40 over! That worries me just a tad... but oh well.

She is also super into writing letters to people. These letters are the sweetest things. She spends hours doing the artwork and messages. Sadly, I've sent a few off without taking a pictures of them but here are a few recent ones:

Translation- this note is to her new piano teacher (she just started lessons): "Thank you Sherrie for teaching me how to play the piano and also teaching Lexi and Logan because it takes up a lot of time and also it gives me something to do. I really enjoy it and you have taught me a bunch of my favorite songs and I also think you're the best teacher ever." How sweet?

To her aunt Kaley away at college: "To Kaley I miss you I hope I can visit you soon and if or when I do we should play cards or something do your roommates play them?"

To our friends who moved: "Goodbye I hope I get to visit you soon. I will miss you the most I have missed somebody before from Macey to the Willits."

I love how she sounds out every letter to spell the word and I love her drawings.

Last thing- if the kids make their bed in the morning they get a very small candy put on their pillow while they're at school. Macey thinks it's the greatest thing and every morning she makes her bed really well, including arranging all babies and stuffed animals. If I forget her bed treat she reminds me right away after school!

There is just something about a 6 year old girl.

They can be so exhausting but so wonderful all at the same time.

I love you Macey!

The Next Beethoven and His Adoring Fans

2011-09-28T17:32:00.001-07:00

A Restaurant Review

2011-09-27T20:50:00.007-07:00

**If you're looking for a really professional review of BJ's this is not it**

Last night for Family Home Evening activity we went to BJ's restaurant- a new place to eat in Brentwood. We are always so excited when a new place opens. I know BJ's is a chain but we had never been there.

Excuse the bad photos- I forgot my camera.

Lexi got chicken tenders, a side salad, and a root beer. She gave all three two thumbs up.

Logan got mini corn dogs, potato smiles, and a root beer- he also gave his meal two thumbs up.

Macey also got mini corndogs, potato smiles, and root beer. Again, two thumbs up. My kids liked the place, obviously! The kids menu was pretty basic but came with a good side dish which was nice.

Dave and I failed to take any pics of eachother but we got the avacado egg rolls appetizer which was very good, but extremely spicy for me!

Dave got the BBQ pork sandwich and I got the parmesan chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Both meals were yummy. We shared a Pazookie and besides that fact that it was a teense burned, and I could make the same thing at home, it was good. Next time I want the flatbread Margarita pizza appetizer... that looked delish.

Overall we were happy with the food. The atmosphere, not so much. The music was blasting so loud we could not have a non-shouting conversation. We all ended up just looking at eachother or the tv's. Poor sweet Mack was getting way overstimulated so I took him outside for a break from the noise- this did not help as the music was also blasting around the entire perimeter of the restaurant! I was annoyed. The staff was friendly but very slow - and that is probably our fault for going on the first night it was open! Things were a bit chaotic and it was, of course, very crowded.

For sure I'm planning to go back- there are lots of things I want to try- but we will probably go without the kids next time- not the most baby-friendly place in my opinion.

This is Macky's feeling about the place:

Poor baby.

And that is our review of BJ's. Thank you for tuning in!

Owl PJ's and a Beautiful Wedding

2011-09-26T08:51:00.005-07:00

I bought these owl pajamas the other day and I love him in them. He's been sleeping in just a onesie almost since birth so it's fun that it's getting a little cooler at night now and he can wear cozy pj's.

This weekend I shot a wedding at the grand island mansion- wow it is so pretty there! A beautiful couple, beautiful location, some old friends- it was a good time. Although I couldn't move my arms and legs the next day. I get ridiculously sore after holding a big old lens and doing squats. I could never be a full time wedding photographer. But it is so fun when I do one!

This week my kids have minumum days all week long and then next week begins their two week break! I'm looking forward to some down time and a break from homework.

Also, Bremily is moving here this weekend and I can't wait.

Now it's Monday morning and I'm off to do my jobs: clean the house, laundry, return library books, go to the bank, and plan some meals and treats for the week.

I'm out!

It's Been A Long Time

2011-09-21T20:44:00.004-07:00

We got to see our foster babies last weekend. It was so nice - we've missed them! They've gotten so big and look a lot different from our last visit (in December).

It was CC's 3rd birthday (we first got her when she was 8 months- can't believe she's 3) and we took her some My Little Pony dolls. She loved them and I almost wish I had given them to her at the end of the visit because she played with them so much I hardly got to play with her.

AJ was a typical little brother who kept grabbing the pony's apples just to make his sister mad.

Of course things aren't perfect and that can be hard for me to see. But I feel like they're doing as good as they can be doing... and there is a bright side to everything if you look for it!

It seems like so long ago when they lived with us. I think about them everyday and I know things turned out the way they were supposed to, but they will always have a place in my heart. I love them and they are a part of our family memories forever. The kids love to reminisce about things we did with them and especially the funny things CC did. Dave and laugh at how we tend to remember the good and forget the bad... but we can't forget how difficult it was. So hard and yet so rewarding.

I wish we could be more a part of their lives now but it's not meant to be and it really makes more sense for us not to be. Sometimes when I think about them I think about how I can't wait to someday see "the big picture." I wonder why we felt so strongly and excited about doing foster care. I wonder about how the timing worked out the way it did. How when CC left the first time we just didn't get another call until they called us to take her again... and her baby brother coming. I wonder about how we wanted to adopt them so badly but just a few months after they left I got pregnant with Mack. I know God is in the details of our lives and someday I can't wait to see what his plan was and why it all went the way it did.

I will never forget the many experiences I had when those babies were here that showed me how much God loves them. There were thoughts that came to mind, and answered prayers, and whisperings from the spirit regarding these kids and I know to this day that, although their lives are not perfect, and may be very difficult, God is aware of them and loves them so much.

I don't know why some spirits are sent to such difficult situations and why others seem to have it so easy. I wish life could be more gentle and comforting and loving for everyone. But that is not how it is meant to me. Our difficult experiences make us who we are and I hope these babies will be able to rise above the difficulties they have and will continue to experience. I hope that the love they have felt, and hopefully still feel, will be a force for good in their lives and that they will grow up knowing, deep inside, that they are worth something, and have a Heavenly Father that cares about them.

I didn't mean for this post to be a long one, but when I look at these pictures I can't help but have these thoughts. That's all.

Another Delish Cake

2011-09-20T10:02:00.006-07:00

For our friends going away party I made a layer cake. Ever since I made that chocolate one for my birthday I've been looking for another one to try. This one is called Raspberry Cream and it was super yummy. Next time I make it I will put white chocolate flakes all over the whole top and not just in the little raspberry circle. You can never have too much white chocolate.

I didn't get a photo of the table after all the food arrived, but here it is with just my stuff. I made these bacon wrap things that weren't that great, and I made a mozzarella/tomato cracker thing that was really good- just the cheese, a cracker, tomato, garlic, basil and sea salt- I could have eaten... oh maybe 15 and kept going. I love tomatoes lately.

I had a little burlap left over from a project and I used it on the table- I liked how it looked. But it got dirty. Can you wash burlap? I hope so.

Of course I didn't get any pictures of people- completely forgot even though I left my camera out on purpose! Oh well. I'm sad that our friends are moving but it was good to have a little get-together for them. They are not going far so I know we will see them... but it's not quite the same!

HERE is the cake recipe if you want it!

Yay for the Weekend.

2011-09-16T09:52:00.003-07:00

I'm so glad it's Friday. All I want to do is lay on my couch and watch a movie eating M&M's and popcorn mixed together. This will not be happening, however, because I maybe, accidentally, overscheduled our weekend a bit. We have the missionaries for dinner, a photo session, a temple trip, soccer, a visit to our foster babies (yay!) and a goodbye party for our good friends (boo!).

Plus I promised Macey we could have a one on one date watching "soul surfer" because she's the only one of my kids who wants to see it (she confessed she doesn't mind blood and when people get hurt- I told her to become a doctor). So I have to squeeze that little date in with her.

Also, in case you were wondering, Lexi did not make VP but we celebrated her trying by eating some donuts and she was ok with it. AND both she and Logan did make the drama club together so they are thrilled about that!

Happy Weekend everyone!!

A Better Day

2011-09-15T09:53:00.005-07:00

Yesterday was much better then the day before and included playdates and homemade popcicles! Although I know kids need to learn to work hard, having fun is so much more fun! And days when we have it all balanced- hard work and free fun time- are the best of the best.

I've been loving my new popcicle maker. I want more recipes though- anyone have any good ones? I tried fudgecicles yesterday and they weren't super yummy.

Today I am waiting on pins and needles for a call from Lexi to find out if she won 5th grade VP. There were a lot of kids running so I just don't know, although she did a great job on her speech and I think she would make a great VP!

Also if you want to see a super chubby and deliciously cute newborn hop on over to my photoblog here!

Yesterday was a Doozy. And this post is very long and may bore you...

2011-09-14T09:03:00.005-07:00

Yesterday the kids got home from school at 3 and we started on homework. We worked pretty much straight through until 6. I was upset. For one thing, I never imagined the multi-tasking and chaos of having three children in school at the same time. When they were three little babies it was so much fun to have them close together but now that they're in school (specifically 4th and 5th) it is very hard! Don't get me wrong, I still love that they're close in age, I just have to step up my game a bit to make sure everyone is getting everything done that they need to get done.

My kids are actually really good at homework. I read John Rosemond's Homework Hassle book and liked it. We do a lot of things he recommends like: making sure they have a space in their room where they do it (alone), setting a time limit so it doesn't last all night, doing it right after school, losing privileges if it's not done (including missing their activities that I pay for!) etc.

Overall I think my kids are good at getting their homework done and they can mostly do it on their own. It's the big stuff, the weekly or monthly projects and the studying for tests that is killing me. Yesterday I had to help with the following:

research Jackie Robinson facts

help formulate thoughts/help write Jackie Robinson Essay

Proofread another essay

help research news report article

print pictures for a news report

proofread speech

test spelling words

test sight words

check math problems

test blending lines

Some of this I probably bring on myself because I don't give the kids free reign on the computer. I'm not going to just let them sit down and type things into google for information- that is way too dangerous in my opinion. So anything that's on the computer I have to be there helping. AND I could probably skip checking their problems but I like to make sure they're getting them right. The rest was pretty much necessary.

It was exhausting and I was mad because on top of all of that, my kids are required to do at least one family job a day and practice piano. And I'm required to make dinner, play with baby, drive them to their activities and keep the house in order (kindof).

Anyway, it was a rough night. The hardest part I've decided is not physically being there and doing the tasks, it is mentally dividing my brain into 5 sections and keeping everyone in their section in my brain. Does that even make sense?

So like in Lexi's section I have to keep the following:

Wednesday she finds out if she made drama club

Thursday she finds out if she was elected vp

she needs running shoes for p.e.

what time is her dance class today? (it's different each of the 3 days a week)

when is her book report due

has she started her news report?

get her to activity day on time

print pictures that she requested

remind her to wear her retainer

sit at the piano with her and go over songs

talk to her- make sure she's feeling ok about her speech

eye contact

take her to the library- she needs more books

find the book she lost

spend time doing something fun together

Logan's section:

Talk to him about drama tryouts

help him research jackie robinson

buy posterboard

help him write his presentation

get him to soccer on time

make sure he opens his books when practicing piano

talk to him about recess

make him clean his desk off so he can find his paper

remind him to turn conference note and progress report in!

brainstorm fattening food he will eat and make sure he eats enough

remind him to swish with salt water at night and help put wax on braces

organize the playdates his wants

haircut asap

rsvp to the party he keeps bugging me about

work on scouts

Macey:

talk to her about friend situation at school

remind her of things we're working on

bath/hair

figure out how much money I owe her and help her pay tithing/savings

spend time with her

make her clean all of her messes in each corner of the house

read with her before bed

blending lines

sight words

schedule dentist appt.

find bike lock so she can ride her bike to school and the begging will stop

call the mom she wants me to call that I don't know to get her daughter over asap

make sure she gets attention because she's been on the back burner

Mack:

(he's the easiest)

feed

kiss

diaper

bath

lotion

kiss

practice sitting up

find his missing bottle (I know it's somewhere with rotting milk inside!)

Dave:

who knows... but I love you!

Anyway, you get the point. And I know you've all been there. I'm just getting it out today and it feels good. I've actually never written each kids list out like this before and I think it's a good idea! I've always tried to keep them sorted in my brain and that's what has made me so tired. So from now on they will each have a list in my phone. And I'll keep preparing for that swing shift. It really is only 5 hours (3-8 or 9). I can manage the crazy for 5 hours right?

What do you guys do to stay sane?

And last thought: I love being a mom. I am in no way complaining. I feel stressed at times and yesterday was rough but today we have a lighter load and I plan to enjoy some relaxing with these guys. And maybe more homemade popsicles. I love that I get to stay home all day and I am thankful forever that Dave provides for me to do that. There's nothing like the end of the night when I crash on the couch for five minutes and everything is peaceful. Then we go upstairs and peak at them and say how cute (and how big) they are... that's the best part.

Labor Day in UT

2011-09-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

We went on a super quick weekend (12 hour drive both ways) trip to UT for my nephew's blessing. My brother and his wife had boy #2 (I am not using their names because Dev (woops!) does not like to be featured on the blog!)

How cute is their family?

It was so fun now that all 4 baby boy cousins are here to see them together although Coop did not love the photoshoot!

(birth order)

My kids of course had so much fun with their cousins and were devastated that the weekend had to end, although I had warned them it was going to go by quick!

My sis Kaley is so cute wouldn't you agree?- plus she is so good with Mack (and all of the kids) and we're a little mad she left us to go back to college!

Brett who is in his mid 20's wanted me to photograph him going down the slide! LOL GO BRETT! No, really, I wanted the picture too... until my camera got showered and then I ran away and dried it back to health in the shade never to go near the water again.

Macey was embarrased and mad that the pool made her wear a lifevest (because she is an awesome swimmer and does not need one!). So uncle Chad talked to them and they said if she could pass a swim test she would be allowed to not wear a vest and go down the slide! She had to swim 2 laps in the pool and then tread water for a full minute. It was tough but she passed and was so glad! Go Mace!

I wish I had a picture of Ang and her new bird Gracie but I don't.

And that's all I've got. It was a great trip. My kids think Utah is Disneyland because so many of their cousins are there, but the great news is we are getting some family here! Bremily is moving back to the bay in October and we could not be more thrilled!!

My Instagrams

2011-09-11T17:07:00.001-07:00

I pretty much love instagram. It's a blast.

Big Mack in his walker:

Lexi rockin the roadtrip:

A new light fixture I got for 50% off:

The moon in the desert of Nevada:

Baby buddies:

My fave lunch:

Awkward photo moment:

Who else would I take photos of:

With my friend Amy at our fave dinner spot:

Outside in a thunderstorm:

If you want to follow me I'm ddawg05 (obviously).

Somebody Started Sitting Up

2011-09-10T17:03:00.003-07:00

Still a bit wobbly but I think having an extra padded bum helps. He totally wants to be upright always now, and fusses when I lay him under his toys. I guess I can't stop it.

Temple Square

2011-09-08T13:15:00.005-07:00

Whenever we go to Utah we don't have a time to see the sights because there is so much family there and we are running around the whole time.

I REALLY wanted to take the kids to temple square this time because they have only been there maybe once when they were tiny. So we stopped by on the way out of town.

It was a little rushed but still amazing. It is so beautiful and peaceful there. I love the temple and there is such a feeling of reverence/awe when you're standing right under it. Plus the running water, the church office bldg., the conference center, the flowers (the flowers are amazing!), the statues, everything. I wish we had had more time but the kids thought it was great. We all took a photo with the temple in the background and then the kids each wanted a photo of them and Mack... he is definitely the most popular person in our house right now! I hope they will still be able to hold him in a few months... at the rate he's going I just don't know! He's going to pass them all up.

More about Temples here and here.

Ah Life...

2011-09-06T13:44:00.005-07:00

We just got back from a very quick road trip to go to my nephews baby blessing. We also tried to squeeze in our family pictures while we were there. As you all know, taking family pictures is not easy, but I would say this time was the easiest yet. Maybe because I don't really care how they turn out. I care, but not enough to get stressed over it you know? I did just realize, though, that Mack will be a much bigger and older baby by Christmas and maybe we should take pictures closer to when we will want to send them out. Oh well.

Our trip was fun... except for the part where we sat in a parking lot on

80 outside of Reno. Totally worth it though- I do really love to be with family.

The morning after a road trip is rough- especially when everyone has to get up for school. This morning I got mr. mack out of bed and attempted to feed him while he had boxing practice with his bottle and my face... and ate almost nothing for 25 minutes. I'm really hoping this is just a phase- he's so excited about touching everything that he can't eat.

Then I raced upstairs to get Lexi to take a shower before band practice,

fed people breakfast, made lunches, and tried to get dressed and dress the baby. Next I had to force Logan to swish with salt water and apply some wax to his braces- we are trying to heal a giant (seriously huge, I hate braces!) braces-induced mouth sore. After that I did hair, searched for Macey's workbook, had a quick scripture and prayer, and we were out the door. Life is hectic and crazy at times... sometimes I feel so frustrated that it can't just roll more smoothly but I know that that rarely happens, and the key is to stay calm inside while things are whirling around outside.

Maybe tomorrow I'll do better. Now I'm off to school pick up, and a pretty calm-ish afternoon so that will be nice. Photos of our weekend to come soon!

In the meantime: Mack and his Uncle Dustin

Another Reason Why I Love Lexi

2011-09-01T13:55:00.004-07:00

This week I came down with a random 24 hour bug... it may have actually been food poisoning... I'm not sure but it was not fun. Those 24 hours are pretty much a blur of me trying to drive Logan to soccer and then laying (lying? never sure about that one) on the couch, laying on the floor next to Mack, and then going to bed at 8. Dave had to work late so I was on my own.

The best part of the "blur" was hearing the sink running and seeing Lexi in the kitchen doing the dishes, including hand washing a few pots and pans, and wiping down the counter tops. I hadn't asked her to do this. She also got dinner for the kids, helped Macey with her homework, brought a fan downstairs and set it up to blow on me when I was moaning that I was hot, and fed Mack his bottle. She is awesome and so sweet and I just love her to pieces!

A Few Recent Projects

2011-08-31T11:29:00.003-07:00

I've been working on fixing up our tv room. It was so dark in there with too much big furniture. And we just have so many walls to fill!

I've always loved my kids silhouettes (idea from Nie Nie of course, years ago) and I wanted to put them back up (had taken them down for awhile). Plus I did Macks silhouette and it was to die for. They needed some color so I painted messy striped on the mats. I like how it turned out and it was fun to do. Ever since my pregnancy I've been craving projects to do and apparently painting is so fulfilling/therapeutic for me even if it's just some stripes on a mat! I will probably update their profiles one of these days but for now I love seeing their little profiles from a few years ago.

We still had a pretty big wall to fill so I did this wood paint project that I saw on the blog Me oh My! Basically you just stain a piece of wood and paint words on it. I chose to do the words to one of our family's favorite hymns. Since I just free-handed it, it is definitely not perfect but that might make it more fun? At least that's what I'm telling myself. I like how it turned out and the process of making it was even more fun now I want to do a bunch more.

(excuse the crooked picture- I'll take a better one one of these days)

The Haps

2011-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Brett, Emily and baby Parker came out so that Parker could be blessed here. It was a fun occasion. He is such a cute little guy and I love seeing Bremily as parents!

Then Brett went back to work and I got to hang with Emily... and Parker and Mack got to bond. They bonded over shopping and sleeping through lunch. And then they bonded as they were both fed in the car in the parking garage.

They had a special moment on the grass when Mack reached over to touch Parkers mouth and Parker stuck his tongue out and licked him. Mack liked it.

My big kids love their little cousin

Sweet baby Parker

Lastly, another attempted family picture, this time photo-bombed by Logan.

Like father like son:

But for reals, he got in a little trouble when I uploaded this pic and discovered his "hilarious" photo-bomb because it was the only decent pic of the rest of us and what if I had really needed a good family picture and he had ruined it? I told him he must ask permission before pulling faces in future family photos.

Have a great weekend!

Matchy Matchy

2011-08-25T21:09:00.001-07:00

Isn't it the best when you show up to an event and without even planning it you are twins with your friend? I love it!

Another Reason Why My Kids Should Appreciate Me More

2011-08-24T21:10:00.012-07:00

I think I'm pretty much the bomb at making school lunches. In my opinion, my kids do not appreciate my lunches as much as they should.

First of all, there are homemade cookies 95% of the time.

Second of all, I pretty much buy anything they mention they would like to have in their lunches. And I surprise them with it.

Third, I mix it up. Most days of the week it is something different than the day before.... rarely the same thing twice in a row.

How lucky can these children be?

Each lunch includes a drink (or money for milk), a sandwich (pb&j, deli, or uncrustable), fruit item (strawberries, grapes, apples or bananas), one dessert (homemade cookies or other homemade baked goods depending on what I was craving the day before), crackers or chips (for snack recess).

Some of our recent favorite lunch time items include:

*my homemade cookies (of course)

*squeezable applesauce:

*Fruit leather:

*chocolate milk (occasional treat)

*JIF peanut butter to go with apple slices:

*Frozen Gogurt

*Pirates Booty

*Occasional mini candybar for a little surprise treat!

I really should start making myself a lunch at the same time because usually around 12:30 everyday I'm in the kitchen digging for something to eat and this week it has been chips and salsa or hunks of sour dough bread. My kids have it real good.

More posts to come about my awesomeness.

This Baby

2011-08-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

... is so fun.

So fun.

Like, I miss him when he's asleep fun.

I would never wake him up, (of course) but I like to go in and look at him because it's hard to go too long without seeing his cuteness. He is all smiles and the happiest guy all of the time. I could handle 100 babies if they were all like Macky.

I am slightly worried though that he has Macey's "risky/walk the line" personality. He does something that she used to do and it disturbs me immensely. He loves to put a blanket over his head. It gives him a thrill because it makes him catch his breath a bit and then he takes these little gasps and kicks his legs wildly. When I pull the blanket off he has a huge smile. And then he tries to get it back on his face.

So he will be playing with toys on the floor, and I'll leave the room, come back, and he has a burp rag, or a blanket or a toy (whatever he can get!) over his face and he's gasping a little bit... and loving it! Mace used to do it too and as it turns out she liked the thrill of not being able to breathe perfectly... and that is so her personality- to take risks. Anyway, if he is going to be like that, I'm a little nervous. Macey had two serious head injuries before age two!

What else about Mack:

he wants to grab everything in sight. When we grocery shop and he's in the bjorn he is reaching for everything on the shelves. If I'm holding a paper or my phone he's swatting at it until he grabs it.

He likes to hold onto my neck and I love it. There is nothing sweeter than a mini baby hug and tiny hands on your neck.

He watches me eat. He still has a good two months before he's getting any real food but he's totally interested already, and tonight he stuck his hand in my spaghetti sauce (but luckily did not get it to his mouth!)

Everytime he poops, it explodes out of his diaper. I thought it was the diapers so we tried different ones... now I'm thinking it's just him- tell me he's not the only one?

He's been sick this week- a congested nose and it is so cute because he snorts a little and breathes out of his mouth so I can hear his cute little panting breath.

The sickness has not disturbed his happiness at all- which is amazing and I love him so much for being so fun and happy.

Sidenote: I love Dave's smile when he's looking down at Mack in these photos. Also, Mack has started smiling when I hold up the camera, like he knows he supposed to! - crazy but awesome.

Bday Wrap Up

2011-08-20T21:45:00.004-07:00

So, I used to be really concerned about people who only take photos on their cell phone... because someday they would try to print them and they would look horrible and then that person would have no decent pictures of their life. Anyway, that is kindof me lately. The phone is just always there and it's so easy!

So, on my bday I only have one real picture and it is of my cake. Isn't is beautiful? It was so fun to make and so delicious to eat.

And these are my cell phone pics from the rest of the day:

This is my bday breakfast from Dave... isn't it yummy?

For my birthday present Mack fell asleep on me and let me rock him for awhile.

He also let me take pics of his nakey bum and it was adorable of course. I love how he's checking himself out in the mirror too.

I ate some great Mexican food.

My family gave me a 2 lb. box of Sees... at 8 am so I could eat it all day. It was all I had dreamed it would be. Too bad Lexi was at band (7:30am) so I don't have a photo of her.

I bought myself this fun pillow on clearance.

And that's all I have! We went to dinner with my parents and Kaley and Landon and then we came home and had delicious cake and presents. It was a great day and next year, for sure, I will take some real pictures with my real camera.

Thanks for the bday comments too, you know it made my day!

De-Lurk for the Ddawg?

2011-08-16T21:25:00.004-07:00

Me, 33.

Is de-lurking even something that happens anymore in blog land? Remember when de-lurking was so exciting? Like back in 2006 or something? I think I'm kindof an "old school" blogger. Blogging seems to be dying a little bit- I mean there are the design blogs, the fashion blogs, and the photography blogs, but there seem to be not as many "this is my life" blogs and I'm a little sad about that. But I'm probably never quitting... just so you know.

Anyway, since it's my birthday I thought I would ask you to pretty please leave me a comment (I know commenting can be a pain now days when we're all reading blogs on our phone) if you're a reader, and tell me that you're still here with me- I would love to know!

So, it's my 33rd birthday. I don't feel 33. I wonder if you ever really feel your age? I feel like I've come a long way and have done lots of things but not 33 years worth. Recently I was talking with friends about making a "to-do list" of things we want to do in our 40th year. Or any year really. I love the idea. Sometimes life slips by and you don't remember to experience and try new things. So I'm working on my list and it's fun to think of all I want to do- and they're simple things too, which is good. Like, the first one is "lay outside with my kids and watch the stars come out." See? Simple but good. I'm excited about it. When the list is done I'll start on it. I think you're supposed to complete it in a year. I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm off now to go make my birthday cake and then wake up in the morning and indulge myself all day because it's the one day a year that I can.

Love,

Ddawgiedawg

Our Weekend and Instagrams

2011-08-14T21:11:00.009-07:00

today was a good day as Sundays usually are. this morning we went on a family walk... early... because one of dave's sunday morning church meetings was cancelled and we had an extra hour. i love walking when it's early and still a little bit cold... but not too cold. macey has been so into her bike lately and she just takes off way ahead and it's fun to watch her and logan talking and riding together. lexi walked with us because her bike has a flat. she and dave were chatting together and mack and I were just a little bit ahead of them, listening. big mack loves his stroller. he sticks his little foot up on the side of it sometimes, just lounging. i was running a little late this morning getting ready for church and the kids were so good to get themselves all ready and get in the car. on the pew they usually fight to sit by mack but today they switched off a little bit and everyone was satisfied. when we sat down i realized macks pants were extremely too tight and i had to unbutton his top button. there were some good talks. one especially about missionaries and missions... it made me think about preparing my kids to one day go on a mission for our church. and to prepare myself to go someday if it is something we decide to do. mack was sleepy at church and I wandered the halls holding him... he doesn't sleep in my arms as much anymore and it was nice. i gave a little 2 minute thought in class on charity... something that has been on my mind lately... I was glad to have the chance to read more about it this week. after church we had quesdillas for lunch because I didn't plan a meal ahead of time. growing up we always had a big dinner after church and it is something I want to do but planning ahead just doesn't always happen. we had a visit and chat with some good friends that stopped by, and then we just relaxed. the kids built a fort and played pioneers (?). i know the days of them all playing make believe together will come to end in the next few years- i will miss it. dave read his book (that he is obsessed with!) and i was bored for the first time in months. i never get bored. i always have something i want to do. it was weird and i felt lost. then my brother texted me... "do you want to webcam?" and i was relieved to have something to do! i love summer evenings when the weather cools a bit and we can sit outside on the lawn. the kids rode their bikes. i smooched macky on the blanket, dave made friends with a random kid that stopped to use our bike pump and get some water (his bike ride must have been tough!) and it turns out he knows logan from school so he chilled with us for awhile as the sun went down. we had shakes and cookies before bed... yes, i know it was not a healthy dinner but the kids loved it. tomorrow is another week of trying to make good food choices and exercising... weekends are my favorite and i'm always sad to see them go. between a wedding reception, seeing family members, soccer, date night, a great movie and dinner, it was a nice weekend. that's all.

Family Lego Party

2011-08-14T09:52:00.002-07:00

My Birthday Wish List

2011-08-11T21:57:00.008-07:00

Well, my blog is getting ridiculous and almost needs to be re-named "The Mack Blog." He's all I talk about anymore. In an effort to document something else I am posting my bday wish list.

My birthday is next week and as much as I think I'm old and don't care, I really do. This list is actually just a wish list in general- I definitely do not need all of it for my bday (no pressure Dave, seriously.... just check back for Christmas ideas).

The list:

The movie, "The Wilderness Family." Only I want part 1 and this picture is of part 2. The movie was an all time favorite of mine as a child and I'm dying to show my kids. Plus, lately I've been obsessed with bear attacks... remember when "3 toes" attacks them at the end? I've gotta see that scene again.

Sees. I haven't had them since Mack was born and I've been waiting for my birthday to indulge.

A chalkboard. I need a large space to write messages to my children.

Tickets to see Taylor Swift. Because I'm a pre-teen. This is so not going to happen. I want to take my whole family. The problem is, the tickets are now expensive and she's in town when we are going out of town. I'm sad. My sister is going so I can live vicariously through her I guess.

This Popsicle maker. I've been wanting it all summer and I just need to get it so I can stop thinking about it. And before winter comes.

and... this lens. ha ha ha.

I also want new beach towels, my car cleaned out and vacuumed (by my children), to be able to get in touch with our foster babies mom for a visit, the garage organized, nice family photos taken, a beach house, and... ok I'll stop.

Also, if you want your mouth to water, go and look at this cake made by Sheena. I'm going to make it for myself next week for sure.

Good night!

Weekend Instagrams

2011-08-09T22:05:00.001-07:00

Aunt Kaley, new sectional, Lexi begging for ice cream at the soccer game, homemade wheat bread, and my current project.

4 Months

2011-08-07T21:39:00.004-07:00

Is is to possible to take too many pictures of a baby? If so, I have done it. Oh well. Mr. Mack is four months old today. It is flying by at record speed and he is so big. I love his roley poley body and his big drooly smiles. I love that he is so content all of the time. I love how much fun he brings into our family.

4 month stats:

15.5 (or so) pounds

rolls over

laughs easily

smiles big

drools a bucket a day

still loves to suck his fingers

spits and blows bubbles all of the time

tries to eat us whenever he can grab us

kicks his legs so fast when he's excited

takes 3 naps a day- 2 longs and a short

loves to be outside

makes extremely loud talking/babbling/grunting noises when he's tired...

or obsessed with a toy

wants to be held a lot

hums when he's falling asleep

loves his stroller

is learning control of his feet and uses them to touch things!

so, so cute all of the time.

we love you macky

Besties

2011-08-04T20:49:00.003-07:00

Mack is almost never without a buddy doting on him, kissing him, holding him, or trying to make him laugh. It has been quiet this week with his friends back in school. I think he's a little bored with me but I'm doing my best to keep him entertained. I'm not as good at it as his brother and sisters are though!

P.S. The flower chair in these photos is for sale for $20 on craigslist- anyone want it? We got a sectional and no longer have room for it. The kids (and I think Dave) are sad to lose it but it had its glory day in the sun and I am now changing things up.

Let me know! I know you want it!

Double Chin

2011-08-03T20:32:00.001-07:00