The Manlupig Family

Filling up a little girls love tank...

2011-08-19T04:14:00.001-07:00

Not an easy task!!!

So, lately our rule following, helpful oldest has been crossing her arms and stomping her feet in protest of our ever growing family. Rightfully so too, a lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of a child who is an easy go to. She is old enough to help and she easily obeys.

She's onto us! Or onto the laziness of her two younger siblings. I've been noticing this protest lately so I started a bedtime routine that included more quality time. But our two charming middles have thrived and she is still standing there with crossed arms and a mad little face, taping her toes at me as if to say, "I've had enough!"

I keep prying for info, and possibly just defending myself, "What's going on? You seem so jealous?"
Again, I get the crossed arms, you don't love me look. She isn't making this easy you know!!

So, in all my nesting lately I've been finishing up projects. I finished up a skirt pattern I wanted to try for Jordyn. As I finished I showed it to Jordyn. She looked at me and said, "no thanks mommy" walking away.
Mckenzee looked at me with those crossed arms, "I'll take it!!!" She snatched it I and squeezed it on complaining that I never make things for her. I defend myself again listing off the things I've made her etc. What do I get? Yep! Crossed arms tapping toe.

At this point I'm racking my brain. What happened to my happy little girl who loves to please, loves to help!!??

The next day I find a tutorial for a T-shirt upcycle. I make hers first, she is on top of the world all day! She has a play date over, happy girl. Well, sort of. I still see a glimmer of those toes tapping back at me. She's only soothed for a moment. I'm still failing as a mom.

Another day and I have yet to figure this kid out, she's working me for sure. I'm glad though, in a large family you have to be able to speak up and at 7 its hard to find the words or understand your own emotions. The girl isn't getting her needs met and it is my job to do so. I would rather her tap those toes at me now, then grow up with a chip on her shoulder later.

Today she went to her cousins house. I get report that she refuse to help at all. My aunt was surprised at the jealously she saw. I wasn't however, but even more hard pressed to figure her out!!

Later today we had to drop off her dog at the groomers. After the groomers she said, "now, let's have a girls day!!" At this point I could hear her insides screaming ,"Here is your chance to show me you love me, take it or forever endure my crossed arms, grumpy face and toes tapping at you!!"
I heard it loud and clear. So we stopped back by the house, picked up some cash and let everyone know we were off. You know what I saw? Those arms came unfolded, she started to smile and skipped out the door. As we finished up our 45 minutes of getting icecream and buying fabric for a dress she wants to make for her stuffed dog, and finding the perfect lunch box we get a call that her dog is ready. "Oh he's ready lets go get him!!" On our two minute ride over I pry for info, "Are you feeling better? Was that a good girls date?" Huge smile, "Yep! You love me! I got to spend time with you all alone!!" Basically she just said, "Mommy, my love tank is full, I'm back to please...don't let it get empty again!!"

I hear that loud and clear McKenzee. I know better then to let that happen again!

Oh and when we got home I was in the middle of cooking and Jordyn had to pee. Mckenzee announced, "I will help you Jordyn." Music to my ears! She is back!!!

I owe much credit to two of my favorite books: The Five Love Languages of Children and Siblings Without Rivalry. They really helped me figure this one out. Now if I can keep it up! That is the key.

Summer Fun

2011-07-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've neglected this blog for a while. Uploading pictures to Facebook is so much easier! For the past few weeks we have been going on mini summer adventures. My goal is to get up, clean the house and then leave by 10 be home by around 2-3ish, depending on the circumstances. Jordyn does need a nap so this is sort of challenging for her, but the big kids want to play and I want them to be able to. Luckily yesterday we left around 11am and Jordyn got a power car nap! We might need to make a few adjustments in our schedule eh? The other thing is though, Daddy gets home around 1o'clock and we like to see him after work. But here in Oregon summer only lasts 3 months and then we are back to being cooped up in a house dreaming of summer days for another 9months; gotta take advantage of the sun while it is here!

Today it is raining, Mckenzee wants to go to the Library! perfect idea! We are also thinking about hitting up the nickle arcade since we have some free passes!

Yesterday we met my brother at Wahkeena Falls. It is a favorite of ours, probably since we spent many summer evenings up there with my dad having a BBQ, running around playing tag, putting pennies on the train track (waiting for the train to smash them), and playing in the water at the bottom of the falls. It is a beautiful place nice and cool from the trees! Love it!

Looking up towards the bridge, above that is the actual falls

Looking down towards the train tracks away from the falls.

My three kiddos doing their thing

McKenzee spent most of her time running
through the water

Leo spent most of his time making dams
& diverting water

Jordyn found this log and climbed it all by herself!

She insisted on staying right there too!

My three crazy kids!

Jordyn was pretty sleepy to begin with but once she woke up she was ready to play! When it was time to go I captured Jordyn and Chase (or as Jordyn puts it, "My Chaser!") throwing rocks and looking extra cute!

A few of them playing... Notice Champ in the background loving the water and the ability to RUN!!!

No Sir, we did not move Rocks!

Love this girl...

This kid would not look up for me!

And, last but not least a few stabs at some portriat type photos. (playing with my new camera)

A Happy Father's Day...

2011-06-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

One of my goals in having a family is to create traditions and hear the kids say, "We Always". I remember things from when I was little they stuck out in my mind. I love the memories from my own childhood's "We Always" moments. Our kids have kind of started their own "We Always" traditions for Mother's Day and Father's Day. They enjoy making cards and serving breakfast in bed to us. This year I helped them with morning coffee and toast. We bought Cinnamon Burst bread from farmer's market, Daddy's favorite. The kids gave daddy his cards and we had coffee and toast together.

Leo's Card is Below

McKenzee wrote for Leo

A Surfer?

Pretty detailed jungle

I need to ask, I'm sure there is a story behind this one.

The night sky

Ahh...the Power of Words.. (My Card)

I used Jordyn's Hand :)

I'll spare you the cheesy words from inside the card!

McKenzee Wrote a Book!

"My Crazy Daddy"

"Daddy can be good, Daddy can be bad,
But the Most he is Funny!"

"And if you wake him up, He is MAD!"
(funny thing, she actually woke him up today
He didn't yell "LEO" it was "MCKENZEE" LOL)

"Daddy works hard but works 12 hours a day"
"Sweaty Daddy, Sweaty Face"

Jordyn made a card too!

I should have taken a picture of her body that is where most
of the markers ended up, all over her belly and arms!

mmmm....Cinnamon Burst from Great Harvest Bread

Jordyn Videos...

2011-06-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

Watermelon Fiasco...

2011-06-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day. End of the year games at school followed by an end of the year picnic incorporating Kindergarten Graduation. Leo is officially a first grader and has been assigned to a teacher, one of which I've heard great things! I am excited for the next three years where he will get to explore and discover life based on his interests with a wonderful teacher there to guide him along the way!

After Graduation we had a picnic and the kids played, danced and ate until their hearts content. Most of the picnic was spent with me trying to figure out which kid went which way. I didn't get my camera out much. However, at the end Leo decided he was going to take a left over watermelon home but as he carried it off he dropped it and it cracked. A friend of his was excited to see it, they looked it over and decided to pry it the rest of the way open. I got out my camera and am excited about the outcome! The expressions on their faces are priceless.

Totally worth the work! :)

Jog-a-thon, rain or shine...

2011-05-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

The kids had a jog-a-thon at school today. It was so fun to watch as all the kids ran their little hearts out. It was also fun to hear the pledges different kids got. One little girl said she was pledged $5 per lap, I thought to myself, that is such a rookie move, they'll never do that again. The number of laps varies but a kindergartner ran 29 laps and I heard some older kids ran 60 laps. Yikes! Those pledges can get expensive. The best part of a jog-a-thon though, is all the money raised goes directly to the school. In our case it is going for our move to a new building. We have to create a playground and hopefully a garden space. Since we are a charter school there is a budget shortfall each year. It is especially important to have fundraisers. I support them because I'm excited that we even have the opportunity to attend a public charter school. Enjoy our photos!! The totals haven't come in for McKenzee and Leo yet, I think they were in it for the bagels and grapes! Jazzy Bagel donated three huge bags of bagels that we were able to cut up for the kids to snack on during their breaks from running. A parent also brought in bananas, grapes and oranges. It was wonderful to see all the parents come and support their children.

Jordyn did a lap w/ Sissy!

sort of!

Lost Keys...

2011-05-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I locked my keys in my car. No worries, it is something I do regularly, at least once a month. I've done it so often I now have a small heart attack every time I close my car door. More like a panic attack. Still despite the heart and panic attacks I have not bought a hide a key, and I continue to carry my spare in the diaper bag (which I never seem to take in the days I do lock my keys inside), and I continue to lock my keys inside my car. Luckily my dearest friend Katelan came and picked Jordyn and I up, and then drove me to pick up my kids then to meet my mom who now lives across town and has my other spare in her purse. She no longer has my spare, Katelan does. It was an eventful day, but really nothing out of the ordinary.

HOWEVER...3am rolls around, Much more eventful. Wait, lets back track. Leo asked me to get his cell phone out of his truck last night after dinner, you see we have these horrendous stairs in our home and after he worked 12 hours he really didn't want to trek up and down them again. I get it, no big deal. I went out got his phone and again as I locked his door had a small panic attack, however I had his keys safely in my pocket. That was also the last time I saw them until a few minutes ago.

This morning at say, 3am he is leaving for work and can't find his keys. Ugh. I had them last. After a quick search and realizing I couldn't find them I gave him the spare I made at Freddy's a few months back. Yep, its me I don't trust myself. I knew we needed a back up. So I shove the key at him and send him out the door. I figure I will find his keys as the day progresses. He starts the car, it dies, he starts it again, it dies, he starts it again, he attempts to back out of the driveway it locks up and again dies. He comes in, I turn the house upside down looking for his keys. You see he is convinced the key is the source of the car not starting. I'm not so convinced. I go out and try to start his car several more times. Finally it wont even turn over. The truck has seized up. I come back in and search every nook and cranny of the house. No keys to be found.

For some reason Leo decides to go out again to try his spare key again and I hear him screaming and yelling. I'm thinking good lord it's 3am please don't wake our neighbors over your anger that I lost your keys. It was anger but it was towards 3 teens breaking into his truck! So, thus far we've managed, I mean I managed, to loose his keys, his truck wont start and now we have guys trying to steal. As he yelled they ran and dropped their gum and his wallet (Thank God). They managed to steal his Axe, (Cologne) (thank god too I hated that stuff) a pocket knife, some quarters and who knows what else. They ran, fast he said. We called the cops they came out and said our spare probably wont work because of an anti theft built into our car. He also advised us to buy older cars, they're easier to fix and figure out. LOL There wasn't really anything they could do but look for the guys in the area.

At this point Leo is late for work and his keys are still no where to be found. We wake up the kids and drill them as to the ware-abouts of the keys, they give us a groggy.. I don't know.

5am McKenzee finally wakes up and hears our talking and announces that Leo and Jordyn had been playing with the keys last night in the garage. I run down search the garage. Found them!

By this point Leo has gotten a ride to work and guess what? The cop was right. The truck started right up.
The spare key is worthless.

Moral of the story. Get your own cell phone out of your car, don't give me keys ever, and if you do make sure you get them right back as soon as I'm done. Apparently, I put them in places kids can find and I can't seem to remember not to loose them or lock them in my car. Ugh.

This little boy named Leo...

2011-05-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Free to a good home: Leo not Leo like you think it sounds either it's "LAY-O" and he will make sure you know this before moving on into any other conversation. He's a sweet lover and even has a nickname; we sometimes like to call him Lovin' Leo. and on his birthday he's "Mr. Valentine" (he was born on Valentines day). And, worst of all he doesn't have a middle name. Well, technically he does, all of our children have the same middle name, its Jumawan. I don't yell Leo Jumawan when he's in trouble though. I say LAY-O!!!! still he usually doesn't respond. Everyone knows in this house which Leo I'm referring to. You see there are two of them. Sr and II. If I'm yelling the name Leo though, it is usually our son. But he likes to pick on me anyhow and say, "oh I thought you meant daddy".

Lately he has been giving me a run for my money. Well, actually every since he turned one, But lets just stick with lately. This morning he decided he wanted Honey on his cereal. I told him no and the fight broke out. He hollered and cried, refused to eat, and even said he wasn't going to school. I stood strong. "Fine, I said, don't eat, don't go to school, but you may go to your room and scream there". He was so upset at me for my response, but what confuses me is I always have the same response. He fought and threatened so I ate his cereal and ignored him. Later he came down and poured new cereal and raved about how good it was and how much it didn't need any honey. But! "I'm still not going to school!" My reply, "fine, sit in your room all day with no toys, and don't plan on going outside after McKenzee gets home either". He was taken back almost like, "uh! how dare you" kind of a look. I just went about my business. "Fine" he says, "But I'm still not going to school". I reply with a sweet, "what ever I already told you what would happened, your choice".
He couldn't get to me. He ended up happily going to school without a conversation.

This afternoon when I brought him a bagel and 1/2 an apple he said, "gross! I don't like those". "Fine" I said, "Go hungry". He quietly ate both without any other complaints.

I was sorting laundry this afternoon and noticed all of his shirts out of his closet onto his floor. I yelled. He looked at me with a glazed over look. I walked away.
He came in and said, "You know, I could have made a mothers day card at school today" "Oh" I replied, "why didn't you". "Oh" he says, "I didn't feel like it" .

I don't know who he's mad at, maybe it's me. He is such a tricky little boy. I might take him up on his offer soon and drop him off at Katelan's house.

Btw, He just whispered in my ear, "I'm making a father's day card for Daddy". Apparently Daddy is the new favorite.

One smart boy...

2011-05-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Leo was in trouble of sorts. He refuses to clean his room and throws fits when I ask him to help clean other parts of the house. He stamps and goofs off while McKenzee ends up doing all of the work. I was exhausted and really didn't want to clean his room. Here is our conversation:
Me: "Leo clean your room"
Leo: "I can't! its too hard!!"
Me: "Clean your room or I'm going to take away all your Legos"
Leo: "hmmm. well, for how long?"
Me: "Forever!"
Leo: "No, that's not fair"
Me: "Well, I'm going come in here with a trash bag and clean up all your toys and you're going to loose them"
Leo: "hmmm, well, I don't really play with any of these toys anyhow, Okay"
Me: "Ugh, just clean your room!"

He's good right? He weighs the cost! Threats for him obviously don't work. So I took his pillow and blanket and put it in the hallway. I "closed" his room. You see he was waiting for me to clean it for him, take all his toys away, he'd eventually "earn" them back and woo-lah he didn't have to clean his room. I'm one smart mommy, I was onto him.

So there he was in the hallway, he was allowed his little corner, no TV, no toys, just a pillow and blanket. He did well, he spent about two hours there playing, with the air, he's creative too!

And then a light must have turned on, he gets up and says, "My tooth is loose!! Pull it out for me!" Smart right, he knows we can't resist a loose tooth, he knows the tooth fairy will come in the morning, He also knows he'll get some much needed attention after spending two hours talking to the walls. (btw, he was allowed to go clean his room at any time, obviously not wanting to he choose to sit and stare at the wall)
So, it worked! He asked daddy to pull his tooth, He did. He cried. He laughed. I took Pictures:

And... back to his little corner he went, eventually he fell asleep and the tooth fairy came sometime in the middle of the night.

The Next Day....
He woke up and tried to go watch morning TV, play etc. I reminded him where he was and where he would stay until he decided to clean his room. He resisted once again for another couple of hours!! This time he had his money to fold and make into shapes, until I took it. Still no movement. I even told him he'd sit by the side of the pool that day and watch the girls swim if his room wasn't clean by the time it was time to go. His reply? "Just drop me off at Katelan's!" My response, "good try buddy, good try, like I said, I'm onto you!"
He still resisted. Ugh. I was running out of threats and patience. I really didn't want to watch him at the side of the pool, I mean imagine trying to watch all three of them. I also knew I had to reach him in a way that made the whole thing his idea. His unique Idea. You see I'm rasing a diplomat here, he can talk and manipulate his way out of pretty much any situation, and always comes up with the best arguments. ie, "how long will I loose my toys?" weighing all his options before doing any unnecessary "work".

Finally a light turned on in my head.
"Leo! I've got it! Will you do me a favor and draw me a plan of how you would clean your room?"
"A Plan?" he says. "Hmm, Yes!"
It worked! he drew a plan and within a few hours said room was clean and he was ready to go swimming!

Baby Eat...

2011-04-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Jordyn has really been taking up doll play lately. I recently got a new camera and was able to capture this moment of her feeding her babies, and herself. Enjoy...

Baby Eat?

Eat?

I totally thought she was going to feed her babies...

She must have decided she was more hungry then her babies...

She asks them again if they want to "eat?"

This time they get a bite!

She decides to eat, but the babies are still near by...

Leo's plate of leftover rice must have looked better than her bowl...

Baby Rice?

She had given the baby rice, but decided to eat it instead...

And, the baby gets more rice...

Her plate was empty...

stuffing her face...

love those cheeks full of rice...

apparently the baby was REALLY hungry...

then again, maybe not...

My happy full baby!

How are you?

2011-04-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

This was baby #4 at 13 weeks. I'm 22 weeks now. Look at that wave! So excited to join this crazy family.

People ask me daily,"How are you feeling?" I stare blankly back at them in confusion, wondering why they've asked me such a silly question. Then I realize, "oh you're asking because I'm pregnant."
You see, this is by far the easiest pregnancy I've ever had. I don't think I feel extra tired, not really that hungry, not really that sick. I'm astonished because my other three pregnancies were brutal. I was miserable, which meant everyone else was too. I was exhausted, sick and achy. I now understand why people say they love being pregnant and why that show, I didn't know I was pregnant exists.
It's in my opinion a sign of a few things; I'm older now and more mature, I can handle things a little better, I know what to expect, so it doesn't really bother me, Or I got pregnant while nursing so my body never got back to normal after Jordyn, I'm just chugging along pretending that this is all normal. Or, It's a BOY! Don't get all excited. We aren't finding out this time. I need something new to spice it up after finding out with the last three I want to add a new element to things. Its all I can figure, I'm having a boy. I know with Leo I wasn't as sick as with the girls, but I was a little sick with him. I could justify it a millions times as to why I'm having a boy, because we are excited for a brother for Leo. If it is a girl we will be just as happy. I'm pretty sure Leo finally got a child who will love sports as much as he does. Jordyn seems to be more interested in sports than Leo2 and McKenzee combined. She is excited to ride a bike and sails down hills with her feet up on her little bike thing, she is excited about balls and hates dresses. There you have it, she's gonna like sports. Clearly I'm pregnant because most of what I just wrote made no sense and has no justification that makes sense. As long as it sounds good to me, then it's all good.
I guess to answer the question, I'm feeling pretty darn good. I'm at 22 weeks or something like that, and I am starting to feel little kicks and movement. My belly is starting to round out and I can feel the lug of carrying it around, but other than that I feel pretty normal. I'm sure come summer I will tell a totally different story. I'm not due until the end of August. I know, stupid time to be pregnant. I guess that's what you get with surprises, its all unplanned and silly timing.
As I go through my day to day tasks as a mother I get worried. I can hardly keep up with the laundry, cooking and dishes that come with three plus a husband, how will I ever keep up with 4. Yikes! having four children is just crazy! I saw some old friends the other day at the store and they said, "wow, you're brave, we got scared at 3 kids and stopped (their plan was to have 4 or 5). I replied with, "well, we were a little scared too, it was also our plan to stop, someone else had other plans". To be honest I am a little scared. I see people every day with four kids, they handle it, don't they? I mean their kids look intact and happy.
Part of keeping up with it all is my procrastination and ability to put things off. Then I get all flustered because it has piled up and start a rampage of cleaning. I want to be organized around cleaning, I do. It just isn't me. I mean I planned each week to put aside a day for dusting and cleaning bathrooms. Too bad those days never actually show up in my week. My goal: Get organized around cleaning and stay organized. There you have it, I'm feeling good feeling wise, feeling a little worried logistically.

Changing things up...

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Is it me or does everyone have horror stories from egg hunts as a kid. I finally got a chance to sit down and go through my google reader and catch up on all my crafty blog followings. I came across this idea on Filth Wizardry, what a wonderful idea.

As a child I only remember egg hunts being stressful and scary. I was a timid little girl, I know hard to believe, maybe its the egg hunts that made me so strong, among other things. I vividly remember only being about 4 years old or younger and being let loose in a field with other kids getting trampled and spilling all my candy out of my basket. I also remember a time where kids actually took candy from my basket. I went crying back to my mom. Not happy memories when it comes to egg hunts.

This weekend all those memories came rushing back as I let my kids loose in our living room. They went crazy running, trampling each other, just to get the most eggs. Jordyn ended up crying, McKenzee turned into a crazed person running about trying to get more than Leo and in the end everyone was upset. Leo (the husband one) looked at me and said, "See Honey, why do we do this each year, remember the tears last year?" I thought, "who knows". But I know they want to, they beg for this torture each year and I have to endure the horrible flashbacks of my own disastrous, stressful egg hunts as a child. Ugh.

We've already tweaked tradition a little by adding money to the eggs. I can't stand having so much candy left over after Easter so the thought of 100 eggs filled with more candy haunts me. We changed it up when the kids first started with egg hunts and decided to put money in the eggs. One year there was a prized egg of $5. Imagine how that went over. Needless to say we didn't do that this year. There is no reason to pit my children against each other. I remind them daily to band together. If they were smart they would team up against mommy and daddy instead of fighting with each other. I don't enjoy the idea of pitting them against each other with silly egg hunts.

Because they are already accustomed to egg hunts I love the idea of hiding eggs with initials on them. Having the egg hunt last that much longer too! If they have to stop hunting and hunt down their sibling to give them an egg with their initial it will make it last. They are then working for each other instead of against each other! I can't wait until next year!! :)

Btw, there is still this lonely egg hiding on our first step. It has been there since our house hunt. I'm leaving it there until it is found. It cracks me up every time I walk by it. I should put $5 in that one, the test to see who will actually pick it up.

Traditions...

2011-04-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were blessed with beautiful sunshine! I found the girls waiting for us on the lawn Saturday morning as we were about to leave. They couldn't resist a quick lounge in the grass under the beautiful sunshine!

Friday, the kids and I went to Katelan's and learned the art of making cake pops. We took champ along and he ran and ran, something he misses living in a town-home. If you haven't tasted the amazing goodness of a cake pop, get your butt to Starbucks and taste what is in my opinion the best of many worlds, cake, frosting and chocolate! The kids had a blast making them and I was happy to find a recipe they could truly help with and get their hands dirty! Katelan and I made this kind with the drizzled candy, but we also left some without drizzle. The next morning I set the kids up with paint brushes, corn syrup and sprinkles! They painted their design on with corn syrup and then sprinkles could stick!

After decorating we went to visit a friend from daddy's work who got hurt on the job. He was home recovering. I wanted to take some cake pops and couldn't figure how. Then it came to me! I have been saving empty milk cartons and I always save tissue paper from birthday parties. I wrapped some tissue into a carton, added some grass and trimmed the cake pop sticks! Woolah! A cute basket filled with cake pop goodness! Later in the day we delivered a couple more baskets to Raga (that's baby mckenzee talk for grandma) and Uncle Nate's family. In those the kids added their decorated pops! I love watching them get excited to share gifts. Mckenzee has been writing poems lately and wrote one to the "Welch" family. It was too sweet.

When we got home I prepared the eggs for coloring. They are just too much fun to color. As the first egg went in, Jordyn ooh'd and awe'd in amazement, then she was off coloring like a pro. All three kids really got into the process. After just A few minutes they had colored all the eggs, so that's when they had to get creative moving the eggs around changing colors, dying longer etc. Leo 2 made lots of brown and kenz and I kept yelling at him. Looking back, really? He was having fun and it doesn't really matter. Poor guy.

It is so much fun to watch them in this new place in life. They've really started to grow up. They're so aware of things now, yet still full of wonder. This is the time when traditions really start to root themselves. I love it!

They wanted to check on their jelly beans they planted a few weeks ago. I added the lollipop sticks I had trimmed off the cake pops earlier.they always start off by accusing me of these magical holiday happenings, I deny it and their wonder kicks back in. They honestly couldn't believe their eyes but they bought it! Blows me away every time.

I contemplated un-wrapping the lollipops as I planted them Easter eve, but I resisted thinking of the mess. I wonder if that will be the give away. We'll see!

The basket on the furthest right is mine from when I was little, my mom made it. I asked her to make some for McKenzee and Leo. Next year she will make two more! They're a wonderful tradition to start.

Until Easter morning...

They totally loved the growth of the lollipops. A child's wonder is amazing.

Easter was a hit, of course.

After baskets and breakfast we got ready for church. A Cousin of ours invited to their church and we gladly accepted. McKenzee got her dress on as quickly as possible. Jordyn on the other hand well,

Jordyn hated the dress I picked out for her and cried trying to rip it off. She got to wear jeans. McKenzee was so happy to wear her new dress. The girl loves dresses more than life itself. And Leo wore his new flip flops even though it was raining. I'd say success!

After Church we did a hunt. sorry no pictures.. They then enjoyed some time with their new bubble wands.

Oh and I took this picture for proof that maybe little Leo was right. He said my belly looked like one of his Easter eggs. The day he said it I was wearing a bright orange shirt. He could be right! :)

Super Mom...

2011-04-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

I looked up the definition. It says, "A mother who performs the traditional duties of housework and childcare while also holding full-time employment." I tried that for about eight months. Failed miserably!! Apparently I'm not a supermom. Oh well. What does that make me? I choose to quit my job and go home. Going back to a strict budget and figuring out how to organize my home so it will run smoothly, be kind to my family, cook, clean, tolerate the dog, run errands and take time to breath. Right before I quit my job a teacher asked me, "What are you going to do all day? aren't you going to be bored?" Seriously? Clearly she isn't a mother of 3 almost 4 children. Clearly she doesn't have a husband who literally works so hard all day and he is exhausted when he comes home each night. Or maybe she does. Maybe she's just more efficient than me.
I admit it, I'm a little ADD I start one task and then start another. Leaving myself with lots of loose ends. I'm always playing catch up with laundry, vacuuming, dishes etc. But I want to be organized, I want to have it all run so efficient that I'm bored. I have yet to sit down and watch any day time TV. Are you kidding me?!

I have started attending a bible study with an amazing group of women. I'm really excited to watch this group grow. We are reading a book called, "How to be the woman God wants me to be". It's beautiful! It is a day by day devotional, but more than that it is a day by day reminder of how to get to the point of being efficient, being a woman that I can be proud of, a woman my husband and children can be proud of.

I'm seriously keeping up with crazy on most days, but I'm excited to be doing that with such wonderful support.

I think I might start a new blog for me, for all the keeping up with crazy things I do. I love to research, cook, and craft. I love to read reviews and make smart choices in our buying decisions. I love to make things amazing for my children and husband. I love this life. It's crazy don't get me wrong. But it's beautiful.

Look how thrilled he is with Crazy. Poor Champy...

A few new words...

2011-04-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

So the cuteness wore off. Jordyn calling everything cheese, apple and rice was confusing for the rest of the world. :) Once I realized she could use the word "beep, beep" every time someone was in her way I realized even the tiniest understand pretty much everything. I mean I could have taught her to say excuse me instead of beep, beep. Except I didn't teach her that, she picked that up from school. None the less it got me thinking of the amazing language ability of little children. Don't get me wrong I probably already knew this, okay I did. I studied it in school. I explain it to people all day long. But she's my kid and I'm rambling. Its different when your tiny little child is being oh so cute and controlling your every move with said cuteness.

Long story short, I'm giving my child more language. She's picking it up like crazy, and its cuter than apple and cheese because now she says the word with confusion and wonder and looks at me with her big brown eyes, probably thinking, "why didn't you tell me it was called that sooner? it sure would have made things easier?"

Apple...

2011-03-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm torn. Should I correct her or let it be? I know the importance of language development. I know she's a sponge right now and can be adding to her vocabulary. However, I'm torn! It's so darn cute!

Jordyn began reffering to her mini cucumbers as an apple. Cute right? She calls it an apple. People laugh, we laugh, its cute. Then I started noticing she's created a little language all her own.

It seems all fruits/veggies are apples. We were having chowmein the other night and she literally spit out an onion or cabbage and said, "yuck! apple!" When I have an orange in my hand she says, "apple!" She loves her fruits and veggies and would take an "apple" any day over a cupcake (true story, she's not too into carbs). I've been letting the apple thing go, so much so that she had everyone in her class at school calling her daily cucumber an apple, even more so that they served them for her going away party so everyone could enjoy Jordyn's "apple".

I've also noticed that "baba" isn't a bottle, but rather that she is thirsty. She doesn't really care about the form the drink comes in just that she gets it. It has become a ritual to have her "baba" at night tucked in with her. Don't worry folks it only has water in it. The downside is she's been waking up frantically at midnight looking for said, "baba". We were at the store and I put a 2 liter of soda in the cart she pointed to it and said, "daddy's baba". Well, trained I might add. Soda is only for daddy in this house.

The other day I asked her if she wanted a cheese burger. Well, I also bought fries and that night began another word added to her vocabulary. "Cheese" She kept asking for cheese reffering to the fries. From that day forward anything that isn't a fruit or veggie is in her language, "cheese".

Mind you, she has a pretty good vocabulary. Several words come out of her mouth. It just seems food items are categorized for some reason.

Although, school is often reffered to as "Abby". I'm not sure if she's excited to see Abby each day or if she has named the whole deal Abby. She definetly picks out Abby's picture and carries it around with her, guarding it with her life.

That would be dry rice she's eating there! Which has it's own name. RICE!

Funny little girl.. :)

The things people say...

2011-01-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

I've had a ton of support these past few weeks. Lots of congratulations and "oh how exciting". But the one that has me so confused is, "You make such beautiful babies". Its a sweet thing to say. And I'm going to be a bit arrogant here, Yes we make beautiful babies. I know this. But really is that a reason to have more?

Don't get me wrong, I love my babies and I'm happy to be having #4. We've started thinking of names as a family; we've had votes put on by the older kids. So far its Charlie for a girl and Maximus (not sure on spelling) for a boy. We've voted on who wants a boy and who wants a girl. Jordyn votes with two hands on each proposition. She's just a go with the flow kind of kid! McKenzee is hoping for a boy and so is Leo. Okay, we all are. It would be the perfect match up right?

Most of all though, we're hoping for another beauty, No not really. We're hoping for a healthy happy baby that sleeps through the night, doesn't cry much and pretty much goes with the flow! :)

Don't get me wrong its a sweet gesture. But it is so shallow, it makes me think that without beauty in this world there isn't another option. I wasn't the most popular in school, by far not the most pretty or slender. Sure I hope my kids get along in school and aren't made fun of based on appearances. And don't get me wrong I love that they're so darn cute! But aren't all of your babies so darn cute? Doesn't everyone look at their babies and think "Man! I've got the cutest baby in the world?" I just hope that life goes beyond their looks and they are able to hear other things about them, like you're so smart, or wow you were able to do that all by yourself. Compliments that go beyond their looks.

Maybe I'm being sensitive. But People have been telling McKenzee she's so beautiful from the minute she was born. I get it. I'm pretty darn sure she gets it too. The girl knows she's got it going on. I hope I'm able to mold her into not being self centered or arrogant. Help me here people... :)

Halloween 2009

Changes Can be good...

2011-01-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

My three beautiful babies...

After the new year started I made a comment that I was excited for all the changes the year would bring. I didn't exactly think that one through. I was thinking about moving into a new home, and vacations with Jordyn being bigger and possibly some exercise and stuff. I didn't think about well, adding to our family.

Over the break I went in for my yearly exam, I joked that Leo and I had made it 18mo flying under the radar no babies. I was there to make sure we made it another 18mo or so. I got my prescription and was on my way. Blindly went to Fred Meyer pharmacy. It was the day before the New Year so they were going to be closed. I told myself no big deal we've made it 18 months we're good. They said it would be ready around the 4th. Happily I skipped off (not really). I didn't work that Monday and felt great. Tuesday however, I woke up feeling very queezy. I panicked. I knew I already had a bout of the stomach flu before the break. I went to work wondering and worrying. I kept trying to remember the date of my last. I couldn't remember. It had to be soon though. Ugh. I stopped at Dollar Tree on my way home got a test. Went to bed. 3am, I couldn't sleep woke up took the test. It said to wait 3 minutes. I added three drops. One, Two, Three...Instantly! no three minutes needed BRIGHT RED line shows up. UGH! now what? Four kids? I always wanted four right? I wanted 100, I wanted 5 remember? Yes, but not now, we're tyring for a house, I just got a job, we're moving, Jordyn's still a baby, not now!

Well, it has sank in by now. We're having a baby! We will truly be the Manlupig Mob... Family of SIX!

So, I'm quitting my job. I can hardly manage being a working mom not pregnant. Can't imagine doing it with a baby on the way. March 11th, will be my last day. Back to being a mom. The job I love most of all.

My new plan? I don't really have one. Find a way to make some money from home. Start marketing my super hero capes again. Teach community classes at night. Teach baby sign classes. Gotta do something!

But first I need to finish what I started. Give my all to the next two months at work. Appreciate all the great women who work around me and thank them for being so supportive. Appreciate my husband and all the support he is giving me right now or I should say us. And Get ready to be a bigger family!

I guess I don't get to get rid of my mini van! Ugh. That may be the biggest disappointment of all. :(

Our Cute Little Witch...

2010-11-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

Jordyn's Halloween Costume!

We've gone from first words to screams that will pierce ears and break glass. One might ask that age old question, "who's in charge the child or the parents?" In our case it might just be the cutest little witch in the world, Jordyn Mae. I can see how birth order really defines children; being the baby in all, she definetly gets a lot of attention for being Oh-so-cute. We seem to laugh at her constantly, even her siblings think she's funny. Jordyn knows she is cute and I think she is using it to her advantage. She is definitely the baby of the family and living up to her "role", soaking up all the attention and giving us great comical shows. Words are forming and she is talking up a storm, we've moved from "on" and "shoes" to "Sissy", "Dada", "Champ", "Mae-Mae", "Uh-Oh", "Moore", "OWIE!", I'm sure there's more. She is also continuing to sign more, eat, please. When she screams and I ask her to use her words so she switches to signing please and then I turn into a monkey jumping through hoops to fulfill her wish, trying to figure out what she is asking for. Usually with her ahh and uhh I can figure it out. It's interesting how quickly children communicate with their own language and seem to get all their needs met, in addition to the wants!

The New Me....

2010-10-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

     As far back as I can remember all I ever wanted to truly be was a mom. I wanted 100 babies and I wanted to stay home with them and simply be a mom. I've been a Working at Home Mom for six years now. I also went to school in those six years. So, now I 'm working out of the home and I'm dividing up my responsibilities and handing them over to people I trust. It may look like I'm happily handing over those responsibilities but in reality it is killing me inside. I'm simply jealous that on my kid's early release days Katrina gets to pick them up and hang out with them for the day. I'm super jealous that Katelan gets to hang out with and adore Jordyn twice a week. I'm even more jealous that my husband gets to pick them all up around 3 o'clock and spend the afternoon with them.

     All the while I'm taking care of other people's kids. All of these people are super excited to be helping me and are building relationships with my kids. Which is great! My kids need more than just me in this world. Although, don't tell that to my ego, it might cry right now. I know that we will all be fine in the end. I know that everyone will have built stronger relationships with Daddy, and Katelan and Katrina. I know this. But my heart aches for the time away. The loss of control and the reality that this is how it is. It isn't however, how it has to be forever and I also know that.

     It might be how it could be forever though, if I make enough eventually. I could keep this gig up. All of these might be and coulds are what stops me from letting go of my persona as a WAHM and finding a new persona as an infant/toddler teacher. I'm still a mom and I'm still a wife. But I'm also a teacher. Letting my heart ache for a while is okay and grieving over the loss of my old persona will just have to be. Finding confidence in my new persona is my goal. Finding a balance and letting go of things that make this too hard is also my goal.

     There are some things that are just too important to let go of, that might be what I have to figure out. My children's diet is super important. I cook from scratch because I don't want any crap in their bodies. I hope to keep that going. I love to be crafty, I also hope to keep that going. I love to read with my kids I will definitely keep that going. Balance....I will find it. Self Confidence in my new persona......I will find that too.

     I appreciate how much my husband has stepped up and taken over for the things that I cannot. He cooks, he cleans, he hangs out with the kids and every once in a while he reads stories. He really wants me to succeed at this. Part of me is resentful for his support, only because if he wasn't so supportive I'd have a reason to quit. I couldn't keep plowing forward. As I do move forward though, I appreciate all he does and love his new spirit.

     I apprecate the women who love my kids when I can't. Letting go and allowing them to do so is hard. They're my kids, the kids I wanted to mother. But I look into the future and see them going to any one of us for advice and appreciate them having those lasting relationships.

     So bear with me while I transition into the new me. I might cry if you ask how things are going. But I'm good. I'm getting there and I'm happy to have such wonderful support. Crying as I write this.

Jordyn and her Shoes...

2010-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Jordyn has a love for shoes. At home she is carrying around shoes asking for help to put them on; trying on everyone's shoes. Now she has figured out a few pairs and doesn't have to ask for help.

I got an email the other day containing pictures of Jordyn "hording" all the dress up shoes in her classroom. They brought them in because when ever she was no where to be found she was found in the cubbie area trying on everyone's shoes and boots. So on Friday she arrived to find a fun stash of sparkly shoes in the dress up area.(can't figure out why they're loading sideways)

"On, On, On"

2010-09-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

she loves to sit on the toilet and practice wiping

Jordyn's first offical word is "On". She has been signing more, please and all done for a while now. She says, Mommy, but not with real direction. She however says, "On" with confidence. Since the girl loves shoes and clothes and sitting on the toilet. She must have had to figure out a way to tell us these things. So everything is, "On". Don't get me wrong she still has an ear piercing screech to get her other things. Which we've been trying to change over to a signed please. But when please doesn't go anywhere why not just screech at the top of your lungs instead. She also comes to me lays in my lap, her little tongue starts sucking and she desperately starts signing please. I think it means she wants to nurse; cracks us up!
Back to the toilet, in the past few days she has started bringing us her potty seat and saying, "On" so I put her on the toilet. She pulls toilet paper off and wipes. She could literally do it all day, it is too funny. The other morning she woke up dry so I put her on the toilet, she began to pee but got all concerned and tried to stop peeing, she wanted off in an instant. As it turns out peeing on the toilet is terrifying, but wiping, now that's the fun part!

I don't know if you can see in this photo, but she also has pig tails, yes! so cute! We took her first Max ride this weekend, it is nice they have made them stairs free so the stroller goes right on. So nice. The kids and I went to check out the consignment sale at the expo center. We took the max to avoid parking fees. They had a blast! I'm thinking we will have to try another max adventure here soon.

First Days of School!

2010-09-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

I started working full time three weeks ago. So much has happened in the last three weeks. Enough to send me into a craze. The kids started their first days of school. Each one day by day, McKenzee first, then Jordyn at my work, then Leo.

Taken at the hood to coast, way better first day of school picture!

Leo's first day, I failed to get a photo of him all by himself! Ugh.

McKenzee and Leo love their new school. They attend a Montessori charter school. Leo said to me, "Mommy, I think you don't really know, I'm not going to school, I just play all day". Which to some might not sound to great but in my understanding of child development that is the exact school I want him in. I'm sorry I just don't approve of him sitting on the "X" all day because he can't sit still. In a Montessori classroom he has the chance to move around, work with things he's interested in and work alongside his classmates. The self control is taught in such an amazing way. I'm very impressed. I'm so proud of him too. He is such a great little boy. Very confident and sure of himself.

McKenzee gets to work on things she's also interested in. It doesn't surprise me she is practicing her drawing and writing skills. She also practices a lot at home. She loves to write and draw pictures of mermaids. I think she secretly wants to swim in the ocean with the dolphins as a mermaid. She is really loving her new school and all her friends. Although I 'm not sure if I should be alarmed that every friend she named off seemed to be a boy. She is also working on being very organized at night so her mornings aren't spent with me yelling at her to get ready. She's done so great at figuring out what needs to get done the night before. I'm so proud of her.

Jordyn is adjusting to not being with me so much. Leo (daddy) says she is more fun now, I think she is just developing her personality. He's right though, she has really become her own person in the last few weeks, she loves shoes and really tells everyone what she wants. We are constantly laughing at how cute she is. I'm sure the older two are sick of it. I really enjoy the stage she is in. He love of shoes really cracks us up. She now says "on" ( her first word). She will bring us shoes and say, "on". She attends Katelan's (my best friend's house/daycare) two days a week, and three days a week she is at the child development center on site where I work. There are two toddler classrooms, she is in one and I'm in the other. It seems to be going okay. On friday she did really well. Of course at Katelan's she's as happy as a clam. I'm sure it will just take some adjusting. In the process of adjusting she is now asking for a binki, but really only at daycare, it is what she needs to feel safe I guess, it makes sense since nursing brings her comfort. Using a binki would also seem to bring comfort.

Saved by Firefighters...

2010-08-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

After going to the Dr's this morning, we stopped at the credit union to meet my cousin Sunnie to get some eggs. She's got free range chickens. :) We were a little early so we all ended up in the front seat together rocking out to music while Leo2 was our DJ. We sat there with the car running and AC on high as it was 95 outside today.

Sunnie arrived and we all piled out of the car. I think just about every door was open while my AC still blew and my car was running. I got the eggs and chatted a little while I put Jordyn back in her seat. I didn't notice my sneaky son going around closing all the other doors as I chatted away. I did however notice something funny as I said goodbye to Sunnie and slid Jordyn's door closed. He instantly did his evil "mo, ah ah ah" laugh and I instantly realized he had locked me out of my running van with my baby locked inside.

I borrowed Sunnie's phone and called 911. Clackamas Fire showed up and graciously opened up my door and saved the day! Luckily the AC was on or they said they would have probably just broken a window.

Jordyn didn't seem phased by it at all. I told Leo to apologize and the Fire man said, "Why? My son would have done the same thing! A boy locked his little sister in the car". So much for teaching my son a lesson. I think he got the point that maybe it wasn't the greatest idea. Hopefully he got the point!

They got in pretty quickly, luckily Leo didn't close the front door all the way

Happy girl, not really phased at all

Thanks guys!

Leo's Diagnosis...

2010-08-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

So, we got up this morning and Leo seemed fine. Yesterday he couldn't walk. You can find out about our hospital trip here. I noticed a tiny limp but nothing like yesterday. He sat in his wheel chair for a couple minutes before he was up and walking around, and then running around. He's back to jumping off my furniture and being my active boy. I decided to take him to see the pediactric orthopedist anyhow just to make sure everything was okay. I told the Dr all about how we thought it happened. He ruled out any break or bruise after looking over the x-ray. Since Leo didn't cry or show any signs of discomfort after jumping off the play structure. The Dr. concluded that he has: Transient Synovitis of the hip. It happens more in boys and causes the hip joint to become painful, even to the point of not being able to walk. It comes on as quickly as it leaves. So there you have it. He's fine and back to his crazy boy self!

A crazy day for sure!

2010-08-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the river and then to Katelan's house for dinner. We had a blast splashing through the river. Leo and McKenzee my amazing risk taking kids rode the tubes down the current & Jordyn sat in the current enjoying the water and sucking rocks!

Later that evening we ended back at Katelan's for dinner and during some point Leo jumped off something high outside and managed to hurt himself; I didn't realize it until this morning though.

He cried on our way home that his leg hurt, cried even more when I brought him in the house and by morning refused to walk on his leg. I really wasn't sure if he was making it up or not but I decided to take him in anyhow.

We went in this morning around 9am. After x-rays and ultra sounds they decided to let us go around 1pm. His diagnosis? fluid around his hip joint. We have an appointment to see an orthopedist in the morning. Hopefully he will give us a better idea of what Leo actually did to his poor hip. In the mean time he's stuck in a stroller. Luckily my mom has a transport chair so my stroller wont be ruined. He begs us to move him around the house, he can't walk.

McKenzee took this photo!

After the hospital we had a casting call. They wanted Leo and Jordyn for an OshKosh catalog. We were super excited. However, When we got there around 4pm we found out they needed Leo to be active so they weren't going to use him this time. BUT! Jordyn landed her first job! She should be going to Timberline this week for her shoot! HOORAY!

She got the job!

Last but not least, I got an email today too! A crazy day for sure. I've been waiting for a response from a job I've really wanted. The pay is great and the center is amazing. Mentor Graphics Child Development Center. They are a reggio based program and I really would love the opportunity to work for them. I received an email today. It read:

"Hi Sarah

We remain interested in your skills and talents as a teacher. We have hit a few bumps and gotten delayed in our final decision making and offers of employment. We are still in the process of making our final hire for the Infant Toddler openings."

This restores the hope in our future. This is really our shot at getting ahead during the next few years. If I get this job Leo can find something that doesn't feel so "dead end". We can afford for him to do something more fulfilling. I also, will be doing something fulfilling. I will be able to put all those amazing skills I learned in school to practice. If all goes well and I do indeed land the job, I will work full time and Leo will have a chance to visit the Philippines (home) for a few weeks hopefully with our two oldest. He hasn't been home in five years. It would be great for him to be able to do that. It would also be great for him to get a taste of a "mom's job". He'll take a shot at being a homemaker for a while. The hope is he will transition into a better job. All of this obviously happens in its own time and to a higher plan. I am grateful for the lessons learned each day while we wait for our path to come more into view.

First Haircut

2010-08-12T17:01:00.001-07:00

Jordyn needed a haircut!

I love her little wispy hair in the back, but the bangs were a bit in the way.

Just a little too long...so off it went!

Not a fan of the process!

It's straight, well kind of...

Who needs a haircut when you have daddy's hat!

Zombie for a day...

2010-08-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

My kids decided they needed to cut up a shirt in order to be zombies. I allowed it and they went to town perfecting their zombie T'shirts.

I told them not to wear them outside while riding bikes.
Leo: "Why mommy?"
McK: (thinking it was a modesty issue) "But I'll wear a tank top under it"
Me: "People will think I'm a bad mom"
Kids: "huh?"
Me: "You'll look like orphans"
Kids: "huh? what is an orphan"
Me: "Kids without parents or a home"
Leo: "Oh that's okay mommy, we have new bikes"
Me: "huh?"
Leo: "Its a give away, they'll know we aren't orphans because we have new bikes"
Me: "Oh, I see, you must have parents if you have new bikes"
Leo: "Yes! see, it's okay we can still wear our zombie T'shirt when we ride bikes!"
McKenzee: "Yeah mommy, don't worry, I'll still wear my tank top under my shirt, Plus they already know where we live, everyone already knows we have parents"

I guess I can't argue with that!!
Enjoy their zombie photos!

Don't forget our littlest Zombie of all, yes folks she's a dirty child playing in dog water...

Those Tiny Little Wispy Curls

2010-08-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

I found this on an old memory card, a 16mb one that came with the camera, you know the ones that only hold three photos? I almost died when i saw it. I'm offically and old person and a parent for sure. I said to myself, all the traditional things, "where did time go? look at her! my baby she's so big now." Then I wonder, why do we miss them as babies? I think it is because the discovery age seems to be over. As I thought about it, I realized she is still, at six, discovering life. However, it just seems annoying; because instead of it coming with this tiny little face and a look of pure amazement, instead she comes with a silly grin, a few rolling eyes, tons of attitude and a hundered questions as to why. Maybe it is because I feel as if I am loosing control, she questions my every move. I can't con her into doing what ever it is I want done. I have to bribe her with allowance, or con her with the guilt of serving others. I say things like, "because it is the right thing to do or you are a part of this family, you need to help out". Ugh! why does it have to be a battle. Why can't she just say, "okay mommy!" and continue to look up at me with those inquisitive eyes and take me for my every word?
I probably really don't want her to, afterall I'm raising a child into an adult. I want her to learn to ask questions and object when she feels there is unjustice going on. I want her to stand up for herself and go for the gold. I just don't want her to do those things to me. It is such a catch 22 being a parent. She can only learn to be the adult I want her to be if I suck it up and take the abuse. She gets to practice on me, where it is safe to mess up. And actually when I think about it, what an amazing gift I've been given. I get to be a safe place where she can mess up and not feel horrible, where she gets to get up and try again with confidence that I'll be there when she falls. I've been looking at it all wrong as I dwel on the sadness of loosing her baby-ness. I forgot that I still have her, just an older version of her. If I change my perspective a little I will always have her and I get to make the choice to embrace it or fight against it. I get to let her grow up and be there every step of the way! I get to be her mom. :)

I must thank you for listening to my ramblings. I love this girl. I miss her tiny little fingers and her wispy little curls.
But I still have her, She'll always be mine, Hopefully if I do this parenting thing right She'll be a wonderful woman whom I can be proud of. A Super Girl for Sure!

I can't believe it has been a year!!

2010-06-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

A Camping First Birthday, fit for a Jordyn Mae!

On Tuesday Jordyn will be 13 months! A year has come and gone since she was born and I don't know why these things continue to surprise me. McKenzee and Leo are now 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 and Jordyn is 13 months. I can't imgaine life without her, she is so much fun, but most babies are at this age. It is the age of discovery, and they're simply just cute as they discover the world. I'm so blessed to have two older siblings for her whom adore her as much as we do. She really is the "baby" of the family. Although, I haven't yet been able to admit that Leo is our "middle" child. I still think of him as my "other baby". He still acts like one at 5 1/2, but I figure he won't forever. Right? Wait, he wont will he?! Okay enough of my rambling about my kids. (it is what I do best).

Her first bite of cake!

On to the fact that Jordyn just turned one! The past six months flew by as I nannied for a family. I didn't take much time to post many updates on Jordyn's progress but through the time she learned to crawl, stand, and eventually walk! She's on her way now, walking all over the place and always asking for shoes.

For her first Birthday I planned a party with the theme of balls. Things didn't pan out since it was memorial weekend guest and weather wise. So we packed up and headed out of town instead. We went to Lake Billy Chinook. We found some much needed sunshine and had a mini party there for her. We forgot candles so we used a match instead. I ran out of time and didn't get a cake made so Hostess cupcakes were her first bite of cake. She enjoyed every moment of it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDYN MAE!

My favorite face!

Loving the dirt, looking stinkin' cute!

We found the sunshine!

ugh...

2010-04-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I've updated this. It makes me sad to know. Jordyn has grown so much. she just said to me the other day, "no,no,no, ma,ma,ma" soo cute right. Then I just realized that the last time I posted she was just starting to crawl. Now she's in charge of the house with her "yeah,yeah,yeah" head nod, and her "no,no,no". She makes the most halarious faces and tells us all what she wants and needs, but mostly what she wants.

She is eating like a horse, she's my most healthy eater. I finally figured out baby food from scratch with my third...go figure...it makes me want another just so I can do it "right" again.ugh.

McKenzee and Leo have become video game heads and I aim to put a stop to it. Probably not until after I'm finished working full time. It really does help me get through the day of taking care of six kids. (No seriously I've cut them down to just two hours most days.) I'm sad I finally gave into the craze. I'm disapointed I let my guard down. But in their defense the games are pretty fun and cool too. ugh.

I'm sick today and that is the only reason I'm home and have time to post this.
But I can't belive how much they've grown in just a few short months of me working.
As I look at McKenzee and Leo and realize I've forgotten most of their babyhood. I strive to remeber each day with Jordyn. I feel like I need to video tape every step as they grow up before my very eyes. ugh.

My goal each day is to make it last, make it memorable, make it amazing. Not sure I make that goal a reality most days. I'm hoping to though!

My three kids are amazing, my husband is even more amazing and I'm happy to have them!

They're so OLD!!

2010-03-08T15:55:00.001-08:00

Mckenzee and Leo have turned 5 & 6. I'm not sure it feels quite right. 4 & 5 didn't bother me a bit, but for some reason 5 & 6 just doesn't feel right. I think now that both of them have reached school age I am feeling like I have to let go. I have to trust other people to influence their lives in a positive way. And I have to begin to trust them as they grow up! They still need me, and want me around so that is good.

This year we celebrated their birthdays Super Hero style, complete with marshmallow guns & capes! Katelan let us borrow her house, which was awesome for its playroom and outside area. I did spend about an hour in clean up, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Mckenzee invited friends from school & we also invited other friends and family. I didn't put pictures of our attendees because, I don't have their permission, but I did add some pics of my kids as they celebrate another year of life!

Awesome cake made by Katelan!

McKenzee Lyn as Super Fast, Super Star!

Leo as Secret Agent, Super L.E.O.E

McKenzee doing what she does best! posing for the camera!

And Leo doing what he does best! scaring the crap out of everyone! such a bully!

BLOW!!...........

Kenz & her favorite cousin JJ...

if you look closely, I still have a smile on my face at the end of the day... :)

it's been five weeks!

2010-02-23T15:25:00.001-08:00

So sad, since I started working I've managed to put off so many things including this blog. Jordyn is now standing all over the place, and starting to walk around the furniture. I turned 30 and Mckenzee turned 6 and Leo turned 5. Time has flown by in the last five weeks. I've taken tons of pictures, but haven't taken the time to post any.

Leo writing his name for the first time in the sand. pay no attention to it being completely backwards! :)

Jordyn confidently standing...

Me and the kids at the beach, on a walk...Daddy got a fever and the chills this particular weekend. He spent the whole time in the hotel bed! :( so sad!

Cousin's taking swim!!

McKenzee and Leo trying on hats! at the beach!

The Big Outdoors!

2010-01-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

The kids went outside and left the back door open... I looked over to see Jordyn ready to explore...I sat back and watched (took photos) as she contemplated going outside...

On the move....

2010-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

So, Jordyn is seven months now and changing each day. She is continuing to practice her standing skills and will rock back and forth while bobbing her head until she falls over. She cries for a while and then she is back at it again.

Yesterday she made her way to this toy and as she stood it began to roll she managed to walk with it making a "UUHHH" noise with each step. I could just her the fear in it each step. It finally stoped at the wall where she began to cry for help!

She isn't quite crawling yet, she has done it a few times but is exercising those legs. She practices each day going up on her knees then to her feet and takes a few crawls forward.

Jordyn also yells and screams to join in on the action of the home. She loves to yell at her friend Cooper as he runs from her with her sippy cup. He cracks up laughing and she screams behind him while chasing him in her walker that she has pretty much mastered. It is very cute to watch and provides me with daily entertainment.

Looking at Cooper with her adoring eyes! soo cute!

Movin' on up....or down....

2010-01-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

I found Jordyn like this the other day! sitting up all by herself!, she did that somehow from army crawl postion. I grabbed the camera and took a progression shot as she pulled to stand and did a little happy dance and then fell over!! enjoy!

Teeth!!

2009-12-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

I have no pictures today but I wanted to get this down before I procrastinate and don't. lol
McKenzee first, she's lost her two front teeth! it is very cute. they are coming it in unison which is pretty amazing. her mouth is doing a fantastic job of growing at the same rate, it is pretty amazing.

Jordyn is not loosing but gaining teeth. She's got her two bottom about a month or so ago. and now up top is exploding with teeth. I thought four but there might actually be six up there. she doesn't let me look. I try, but she screams and squirms and well, closes her mouth! lol but man! six months old. Her body is ready for food. she is such an eater! loves to eat, and is already eating yogurt melts & puffs no problem. her favorite is avacado & bananas. I make squash and purred some pears my grandpa brought that he had canned. She refuses a bottle so she's on a sippy cup and my goal is to get her drinking from it so maybe I can leave her longer than two hours. but I'm not getting my hopes up. She is drinking from it but not like drinking a meal from it.

Dear Santa,

2009-12-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Every Year we visit Santa at Clackamas Mall. He is so cute and has a real beard and real rosy cheeks! The kids always bring a letter to him and I swap it out of the bin. Here are their letters!
I made McKenzee write and spell her own this year so sound it out like a five year old would to read it. Leo dictated his to me, pay close attention to the ending...so cute!

Too Santu,
I wot litl Mi pet shop
I wot dall has
I wot horses
I wot dog dall
I wot cat dall
I wot fulmengo
I wot ball
Mery Christas 20009
McKenzee

2009 - Thank you!
Dear Santa,
I want a really long race track and a hundred cars that comes with it.
and some transformers
and some bakugons
and a bouncy ball, three of them
and sweet candy canes & chocolates
Love, Leo - thanks for not canceling christmas, signed, your the best!
Merry Christmas Santa
One more thing, I like you, you're the best hero ever!

What a week! :)

2009-12-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

So we're off from school. Mckenzee and Leo are and I'm off from driving them there! lol

this week was fun and difficult at the same time. We battled with Leo beginning this weekend but really put our foot down with taking away everything and only allowing him to earn it back by saying, "yes mom, yes dad" and following through on what was asked of him. He also isn't allowed to run off at the stores and must not throw fits when I say no. whew! might be too much to ask of my son who likes to be the orignal thinker and come up with every idea all on his own. I tell you he is going to be an engeneer one day! so my goal is to figure out how to allow him to feel like he is in control.

Leo being "grounded" from just about everything led to some great quality time which he needed from me and some pretty darn creative play with McKenzee. they played marriage one day that was absolutly adorable. They were playing with Jordyn saying she was their child. McKenzee says, "we had her before the marriage". I responded, You're supposed to do that after the marriage" She says, "well, he made me do it!"

Here are some photos of their First kiss as a married couple.. too cute. They gave eachother candy canes, danced and then played with their baby.

Apparently kissing your sibling isn't that fun! haha...

They also played Mother's & Father's day along with many other games. They are so funny. I love that they are so close in age. Don't love the constant fighting but I guess I had that coming since that is all my brother and I did to my mom.

While they played I cleaned. My house is better organized and pretty clean for the time being. I think a couple rooms are already distroyed and I'll have to tackle them again but it doesn't seem so overwelming when I'm home. My goal is to get it done before I start work after the new year!! hopefully it will stay clean cuz we're not gonna be here. Hopefully!

She's almost on the move!!

2009-12-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

Jordyn is getting so big. I'd have to say in the past two weeks (just as she's been rounding the 6mo curve) she's really gotten more vocal about her needs which have changed into "wants." She wants to eat and will let me know if she's had enough or if she "needs" more! She "wants" to nurse all night now, and wants to be held 24-7 although, she might be enticed from time to time by practicing her sitting skills with some toys in front of her.
she is sitting up and has been for a few weeks now but she is much more skilled at it now. Not falling over anymore and for some reason she has decided she needs to crawl (or begin the process) and even try pulling to stand a few times. Her toy box is designed for pulling to stand which she's tried a couple times and failed by falling and hitting her face. Hopefully she'll give that a rest until she can crawl, hopefully! She can stay my baby forever if she likes! lol Last night tho, she started really getting onto her knees and so happily I might add, the pride in her face was priceless! So cute.
(btw, pictures to follow Jordyn is wearing her Pink Nikes and a super cute shirt made by my friend and jeans, so cute right? well, I got tons of flack for her being dressed like a boy today! Who made these rules of colors anyhow? I think she's stylin')

I was sending the kids outside, they were jumping on my furniture, they had to get into a picture with Jordyn! :)

Thanksgiving bliss...

2009-11-29T16:04:00.000-08:00

Jordyn had her first Thanksgiving as we were first to host all by ourselves! :)
The day before my mom came over and helped me prep everything that could be made ahead of time. That was such a huge help and we had fun too! McKenzee made the banana cream pies and Jordyn was our taste tester!
Jordyn is six months old now and begging to eat everything she sees. Obviously she can't chew so we give her a taste of things but for the big day she screamed at me for more! so she ate a big serving of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. I couldn't feed myself because she threw a fit each time her mouth was empty. My aunt tried to get onto me for feeding her so young but I asked her to observe what happened when I refused Jordyn a bite of food. She agreed that Jordyn could eat. McKenzee loves to sneak sweets into Jordyn's mouth. Actually now that I think about it I remember a few months back I overheard McKenzee saying, "oh you like it? want more?" Yeah that was a lollipop. We'll all just blame McKenzee for giving Jordyn the sweet tooth so early! :) Now that Thanksgiving is over we have moved back to plain sweet potatoes and bananas that I make and store in the freezer; she's just as happy with those. Although I'm sure she enjoyed the sweetened sweet potatoes with marshmallows and my embellished mashed potatoes & McKenzee's banana cream pie on Thanksgiving...she'll have to wait another year for those again! Next year I'll get some great pictures of her making a mess of all of it on her Highchair tray! :) This year no pictures of her eating her feast. so sad I wasn't on the ball. I do however have pictures of my prepared feast minus my salad & the salmon (which by the way was a huge hit! who knew!We can't forget my appetizer table with Leo's Rice! lol...So who came? Well, this year my two older brothers seem to be happy enough to come and Jeremy was on time for probably the first time in his life! Leo 2.0 said he was counting on him to bring JJ and Brandon, and that he did! :) Spencer showed up to see Granny and Grandpa whom he hasn't seen in quite a long time... My very faithful Uncle Kevin and his family came, bringing Cynthia who is pregnant and seeming very grown up too! My mom of course...that's all... here is a picture of some of the cousins! They're soo cute!! :)

So many random thoughts!!

2009-11-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

So, we have our tree up! we're hosting thanksgiving this year & I complain that my husband doesn't get into the spirit of the holidays. I assume that is why he brought it in the house early last week. A) he's trying to get into the spirit of the holidays for the kids and I. B) he wants his house to look warm, cozy and festive while we host thanksgiving. C) he misses home, where they start decorating and singing carols nightly around November 12th. I am going to bet it really is all three. I jumped on board because really what is two weeks? it's fun we're all excited and its a fake tree! so it can last as long as we can stand to look at it! :) The music stations have begun the annual holiday music so the kids are singing away. :)I also added new pictures to my wall O' pictures. I came across some really cute ones I have taken a few years ago and never got around to putting up. so cute! I remember back to when they were so tiny and not so grown up like they are now. One that really took me back is of Leo in underwear, socks on his hands and rubber boots on his feet. He was a super hero! but the look on his face is of such innocence. I melted and am melting now as I think about it. It gave me a new perspective on his defiance, it allowed me for a moment to relax and realize he wont be with me forever, I need to embrace him and accept that he is just the way he is, and no amount of me kicking and screaming will change him. I had to take a quick picture of it for you....I also thought of Jordyn headed that way. I now know why people have another baby when their others are 10 years old. I might be that person!

Speaking of growing up, McKenzee lost her third tooth! she is totally grown up now. No more baby kenzee...And Jordyn is sitting up!
Not fair really, I mean as a kid all I wanted was to grow up and be a mommy; I got my wish. I secretly hope my kids aren't wanting the same thing, I want them to stay my babies for ever! I know every parent feels this way but just as my kids are the cutest in the world, I feel like I'm the only one wishing they'd stay my babies forever.

Couldn't wait another day...

2009-11-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Jordyn & I at the start of our day...we both warmed up later as the sun shined on us! :)

When we found out we were having an early snow year at the MT. we were ready to go! So rain or shine we packed up, (well, not really I am horrible with three kids my expert planning and being on top of things has gone out the door!). So, I threw some chips and water and bagels into a bag got everyone dressed and off we went! I forgot hats except, for Leo 2.0, he got one from grandma's house. So it turned out to be a beautiful day!

We got up there just in time to be one of the first ones. We started up front at snow bunny and quickly made our way back to the woods where we could enjoy the day without the crowds and where champ could run like crazy up and down the hill after the kids! :)
The first place we found in the woods was deep and hadn't been used yet, so the kids sort of got stuck at the bottom in waist deep snow (waist to them). I told them I would meet them half way and once I did, they let their tubes go and we had to trek down again to get them! probably happened three times in a row.

So, here is Leo saving the day:He's so handsome here! truly a hero right?!We eventually found ourselves a nice hill with a jump, which Leo 2.0 decided would be fun to jump. I got a video I'll have to upload later. It really was so much fun. As a kid, my mom would take my brothers and I sledding to this same spot and I was always the one who crashed; one time flying into a tree. I was terrified as I went down this day that the same thing would happen. It didn't, I only ended up crashing just a few times and not into any trees! My kids are such dare devils and love to sled which makes me so happy! It is so fun to go on adventures with them. Leo took Leo 2.0 down once and ended up crashing at the bottom, tumbling over each other. Leo 2.0 was not happy as he got snow in the face. But he did not let that stop him! He just decided he needed a sled with armor which at one point no one understood. So, he said it plainly for us "No, ARM and ER makes armor!" ha ha it was hilarious at the time. He always comes up with the funniest things .

Here is my mom holding Jordyn so I could go down for a ride!! :) soo cute!
We always take grandma along, she loves our adventures and the kids enjoy her company. Leo and I also enjoy her company!

We posed for several pictures as well as candid ones too! but this one cracked me up because Mckenzee said, "Oh take one like I did for my soccer pictures, but with a sled" so here is her sledding picture professional like:
McKenzee ate so much snow her tongue was numb, and by the end of the day the kids were freezing. It ended in tears but not for long because in my unthoughtful packing of food I threw in two frozen yogurt tubes! As I offered them up they quickly said, "Yes!" and I quickly realized that was probably not the best idea. Oh well, they loved it and they were able to eat and fall fast asleep for our car ride home! :)

The Kindergarten romance saga continues...

2009-11-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

So last week McKenzee comes home with a white envelope, with two stick people standing side by side on drawn on the front of it. She says, "Takota, gave it to me!" Keep in mind her crush is Collin, however it seems Takota has a crush on McKenzee, soo cute. I open the letter to find her name written on the inside with two more stick people and hearts and stars drawn all around the people. Turn it over and you'll find a HUGE heart with two more stick people drawn inside. Her first "love" letter! how cute! we didn't make a big deal out of it for daddy though, he might not think it is so cute. So, I stuff it away for safe keeping...She instantly takes my words out of my mouth and dreamily says, "Takota has a crush on me, I'm going to make him a present!" At this point I'm thinking saying the word crush wasn't the best choice of words. She hasn't forgotten about Collin yet, but "Takota has a crush on her!" She made him a necklace stocked with blue, black and yes, pink beads (she likes pink! so he must too!), and a card with letters and numbers and his name. A very practical card, the letters and numbers are for him so he can write another letter and see all the options! lol Kindergarten romance is serious stuff!

Kindergarten Romance!

2009-10-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

Let's start off at the beginning of the year when the only person McKenzee would talk about was Deanna her very favorite friend at school. This went on for a couple weeks, I asked her if she played with anyone else? boys? Girls? Her reply, "nope, only girls".
That didn't last long. About three weeks into the year she comes home and tells me she likes a boy, "he's handsome". I ask what his name is and she says, "I don't know but I sat by him on the rug today".
A couple weeks pass by and she tells me his name is Collin but, "I don't think he likes me, I sat by him on the rug and he moved away to sit by someone else".
So, her class book comes home and she shows me a picture of Collin and is very excited to put a name to his face for me. lol
So, Yesterday was her semi full day, she had lunch and second recess at school. She tells me, "I sat next to Collin at lunch yesterday, and I played with him during recess!" I ask what they played and she said, "we played basketball, he shot the hoops and I ran to get the ball for him each time!" She was very proud and excited. lol

Aww.. First Love! :)

And...this too shall pass....

2009-10-17T06:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, So this week was exhausting. It was my week to nanny three days. my kids act like they're too big to go with me so I feel like I'm dragging them along. Although McKenzee does enjoy playing with their baby (he is a riot). So, We start off the week with Leo having a swollen wrist, and eventually going to the Dr. via workman's comp and finding out he has tendonitis, all the while I am juggling selling clothes at the consignment shop, dragging my kids from here to there, nannying, and trying my damnist to keep our house in order!!

So, Leo eventually got suspended due to the fact that he didn't report his injury correctly, so he offered to take the kids off my hands while I nannied. Which was awesome! and he decided he would clean house as well.

So as hectic as the week was it did end nicely with little Leo at hip-hop class, McKenzee at soccer and my house clean... Whew!

Time to Blog...

2009-10-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

Jordyn Mae Our Baby!

Leo Our Lover!

McKenzee Lyn Our Smarty Pants!

I update things frequently on FB but I want to keep more of a dialogue for my kids... I guess this my way of creating memories for them to look back on...I wanted to name it something so our family could grow...which we plan on... Here we are three kids and counting! :)