Pinterest has been my new addiction this school year.  I have found some amazing craft ideas, projects, activities, pretty much everything I do now is found on there.  I LOVE the website.  I am always looking for ways to save money on groceries.  Pinterest has a link to an ebook "2012 Family Guide to Groceries Under $250 a Month".  It would be worth the $3.49 to buy this ebook.  Even if it saves me $20 a month. . .I have to get this book.  

Catching Up

A new school year, a new post. I am not very good at keeping up on my posts. School started and the kids are at Hatikvah Charter School. They love it there. I love the curriculum, the atmosphere, the staff, everything. The kids are learning Hebrew. Ashleigh speaks almost fluently. I am so proud of her. Matt and Ash talk to each other in Hebrew all the time. It is great practice for them, and they have their little secrets they tell each other (great bonding).
I am PTO president at the school (I volunteered last year, and now I can't get away from it). I really enjoy doing it, even though it is stressful at times. I get to be with the kids at school a lot, and the school doesn't mind that I bring Garrett and Desiree. The other day was picture make-ups. I brought the babies and Garrett got away from me at one point. One of the teachers came up and said he had wandered into her room and was sitting with the kids during story time. What school does that for you? Awesome!!! I am also learning a LOT about time management, organization, opening up and talking to people. This is a great experience and I am glad I took the job.
Aaron is still at Merck right now. He loves being scientist. I still get to be home with the kids which has been the biggest blessing for our family.
My biggest struggle right now, I think, is Ben. I love him so much, but he is a tough cookie. He goes to full day kindergarten right now. The first few weeks were tough. I had to drive him because he wanted to be with mommy all the time. We finally got him to get on the bus (so helpful). He has some obedience issues at school (he does at home also). I think part of it is that he never was in preschool. He is still adjusting. I will offer treats to the kids for getting up and helping me clean, Ben will say, "well, I don't want a treat". And he will just sit and watch everyone clean. Or, if I actually get him up to help, he crawls around, grabs 1 or 2 items to put away, and that is all. I am trying really hard to give him more positive attention during the day. I hope this will help. I don't want him getting the negative attention from doing 'bad' things.
Aaron has bought an RC car for Ash, Matt, and Ben. The kids LOVE going to a big parking lot and racing the cars around (they go up to 35mph). Aaron just ordered one online for himself. We even bought a clear cover and painted it pink for Ash. She was really excited about that one. The cars are nice because when something breaks on them, Aaron can fix it (and the kids get to help for the most part). It has been a GREAT bonding activity. We all go together and just let Garrett and Desi run around.

Summer Fun

I don't have pictures because I am terrible at remembering my camera. We are having an exciting summer so far. We have visited Meme and Pops, Uncle Kenzie got engaged, we have visited our favorite splash park, gone peach picking, visited Crystal Springs (our local water park), played video games, had late nights hanging out together, joined our library's reading club, and have been learning about other countries. We are really enjoying this summer.

I am my mother

Over the years, I have noticed things about myself that scream my mom. I am not complaining. . .about everything. As I get older, and my relationship with her has grown, I have been able to learn more about her. In learning more, I am able to recognize more things about me that come from her. Last Sunday, I realized just how much I am really like her. Being 8 months pregnant, I am exhausted all the time. We were sitting in sacrament meeting, and Aaron had to take Garrett out because he was tired. I was left with Ash, Matt and Ben. I pulled out a few notebooks, and pens for each of them to draw. Ashleigh asked if she could draw on my arm. I said, "sure." I figured whatever would keep them happy, would keep me happy. One by one, the three of them started drawing on my arms. By the end of sacrament, my arms were COVERED, but I got some peace and was able to close my eyes.

Later in the week, I desperately needed a nap. I hadn't been sleeping at night due to the pregnancy. I needed to calm the kids down, so I put a movie on the tv, curled up on the couch with Garrett, put Ben in my nest, and handed him a pen. When I woke up, my leg was covered.



This is something we used to do all the time with my mom. We would draw on her at church to keep ourselves busy, we would sit in her nest at home and draw while she took a nap. I have officially become my mother. And, I couldn't be happier (all the negatives included).

An hour of my day. . .

I spent an hour trying to keep the kids busy. . .First, we made forts in the living room. When the kids started fighting, I turned on YouTube and we started dancing. Here are a few pics.

Matt's slice

Matt and Ash were running around as the kids ALWAYS do. But, Matt's pants were a bit long. Ash accidentally stepped on them, and he slipped and fell. He hit just the right spot on the floor and sliced open his chin. It was GROSS. I don't like to deal with hospital emergency rooms or stitches. I prefer the butterfly method. So, I called Virginia over to help with the other kids so I can patch up Matt. Here is the 'battle wound' as we are calling it, and the butterfly.

It's a GIRL!!!

We officially found out today that we are having a GIRL!!! YAY!!!

Ash's New Hair

I was playing with Ashleigh's hair last week, and ended up braiding her entire head. We took it out the next morning and she LOVED the look. She decided that she wanted it for school the following Monday. So, Saturday night, I spent 2 hours braiding her entire head. She left it in all weekend. Then, Monday morning, she decided that she wanted it in longer 'JUST IN CASE'. So, she left it until Tuesday. Here is the braided head, and the finished product.

Halloween

We chose the Wizard of Oz as our theme this year. I was the witch (at the church party, I painted my face, but not for trick-or-treating). Ash was Dorothy with a dress made by grandma Rockwell, Matt and Ben traded between the scarecrow and the tinman, and Garrett was the lion. Aaron was supposed to be the wizard, but it didn't really work out. We were cute anyways.

We went trick-or-treating with Mandy's kids. . .becoming a tradition. We all had a LOT of fun, and enjoye

d pounds of candy. We still haven't finished ours more than a week later. We use it to bribe the kids. hehe.

Pumpkin Picking

We went to a local farmer's market last week and picked pumpkins. The rule was that the kids had to be able to carry their own pumpkin. Little did I know how strong Ashleigh is. Her first pumpkin is in the green barrel.

Luckily, she saw the pumpkin Matt chose, the one next to it, and decided to switch to a smaller one. Thank goodness for siblings. . .although, I guess I am glad Matt didn't try to lift a larger one. He probably could have.




A good time was had by all the kids. And, dadd

y was able to stay at home and get some work done for his project while we went.

Our finished product (We only carved Mat

t and Ash's. Ben and Garrett went to bed,

and didn't know the difference).

Where do babies come from?

A conversation between Matt and my mom last night.

"Meme, how are babies made?"

10 second pause as my mom tries to decide if this was a real question as opposed to a joke.

"Well, daddy's sperm fertilize mommy's egg."

Matthew contemplated this for a few moments.

"Well, will pops berlilize your egg?"

"We have already done that. We made Jason, Lindsay, Ryan, Whitney, Tyler, McKenzie, Graham, and Zachary. We are done now."

"Oh."

Ah, school!!!

The first day of school tears me two ways. It is the realization that summer is actually over. . .no more day trips to the beach. It is also the realization that summer is over. . .kids are out of the house again. I LOVE having my kids home with me. Ash is my helper. She helps clean, loves to babysit Garrett while I cook or clean. She is my mini-me. Matt has grown up this summer tremendously. He has become a big helper too and loves to help clean. But, they are all still brothers and sister. They still bicker. So, having 2 gone every day this year isn't such a terrible thing. Ben and I have been bonding so much. After dropping Matt off at preschool, Ben, Garrett and I come home. Garrett goes down for his morning nap and Ben and I hang out. I have also been able to get some errands done pretty fast in the mornings which helps. I also have time to keep up with my blog. hehe. Then, I have the afternoon to get dinner going, and help Ash with homework.

My Parent's GIGANTUOUS Lawn

I went to visit my parents this weekend for the fourth of July. Aaron decided I needed a break, and kept the 2 boys who are a bit more. . .rambunctious. I took Ash and Garrett with me. We got there, and my dad had to run to an appointment. As he was leaving, he said, "When I get back, Ashleigh, I just have to mow the lawn, then I can spend time with you."

I decided out of the goodness of my heart (and I felt badly that he had to leave) that I would mow the lawn for him. I got the mower out, and started it up. I had Ash all set up with Garrett and snacks, and the bouncer (She is a good babysitter). I got half-way through the front lawn and was sweating really badly. I realized then that my parent's lawn is WAY BIGGER than I ever realized as a kid. And the back is worse than the front. I was going to finish if it killed me. I did NOT want my dad to have to come back and work. I wanted him to play with his granddaughter.

I think it took me at least 2 hours. Could have been more. Ash babysat Garrett the whole time. I told her because she did such a great job, I would buy ice cream sundae makings.


When I finished, I went upstairs to take a shower. My dad came home. He was so happy. He took Ash on a long bike ride, played across the street, they found a hopscotch board. They had a blast. Plus, my mom offered to pay for the ice cream sundae stuff. It was all worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Jessica Simpson Detail

My brother-in-law was on the Jessica Simpson Detail today at the
Tiger Woods Tournament in Bethesda...his friend snapped a quick pic for
my sister. SO COOL!!! Here is the pic. He is the police officer standing behind her.

Sick Kid

You know I have a sick child when I call the doctor at 2am. Benjamin has been coughing since yesterday, but I am not one to worry. Until he is up ALL night long because he can't breathe. I called the doctor and she had me put the phone up to his mouth to listen. She said it sounds like croup and so I will be bringing him to the doctor tomorrow.

Amidst all of this, Benjamin remains cute as ever.

"mommy, I go in da hool?"
"you want to go in the pool?"
"yeah, ash and matt in da hool"
"no, they are sleeping"
"they are poopy?"
"no, they aren't poopy"
"I am poopy?"
"are you poopy?"
"no, just peepee. I go in da hool?"
"no, it's night time. You are peepee? You want me to change your diaper?"
"yeah, take my diaper off? I go in da hool?"
"Go to sleep, sweetie."

I think he was dreaming about the pool.

Our New Mailbox

When we bought our house, we bought everything that comes with a 'new' old house. Old hot water heater, old kitchen appliances, old washer and dryer, and even old mailbox. Since we have painted the house, the 'old' mailbox has been scraping the paint off. Aaron isn't happy with it. So, he decided to go out and purchase some nice smelling cedar and MAKE a new mailbox. I LOVE having a handy husband. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! But, I will let you decide that for yourself. Here is the finished product. :D
















Notice the lovely trim work.

We carved out the numbers. . .yes, I helped. And, even hand painted them. . .with my nailpolish.

Grandparent names

Matthew and Ashleigh were hanging out with Lorri, Danielle, and Taylor tonight. In the car, there was conversation about different grandparent names. Ash and Matt asked why Meme and Pops are called Meme and Pops. Taylor explained that those are the names Meme and Pops chose to be called. When you become a grandma or grandpa, you get to choose what you are called. Lorri told the kids she wants to be called Nana. Danielle said she wanted to be called Momsicle, and her husband will be called Popsicle. Matthew said, "I know what I want to be called when I am a grandma." Lorri corrected him, "You mean grandPA." Danielle said, "What do you want to be called, Matt, when you are a grandpa?" He confidently said, "Batman".

I love my kids. :D

Father's Day Cinnamon Rolls

Every year I have been making cinnamon rolls for father's day as a fundraiser for the young women. This year, however, we made enough money for the girls with an earlier fundraiser. We decided that I would just make 100 rolls to hand one to every father in sacrament.

In doing this, I got a few upset families emailing me. They rely on my rolls for family gettogethers. I decided at that point that I would sell them. I sent out an email and people started placing their orders. In the end I believe I sold about 80 rolls. I am a happy baker. :D

In the past Aaron and I have talked about trying to sell them on a more consistant basis. We dropped that because of food regulations, sanitary purposes, and such. After selling them this year, I decided to go ahead and try to push the sale of my "Big Buns". I will keep you updated.

Shelf Reliance Giveaway

Shelf Reliance is doing a free giveaway. . .Here is what they are doing.

It’s a beautiful thing. The unique first in - first out design will cut down on expired food and, therefore, wasted money. The Harvest means less mess, less hassle, and fewer bruises from cans that fall all over the place if you look at them the wrong way. And the best part of all?

One of you lucky souls will be given a Harvest 72″ on Shelf Reliance’s dime. No cost to you. No strings. No joke.

This giveaway is the first installment of a new feature on their blog. They're calling it “Free on Friday,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like! They’ll be offering new giveaways every two weeks, and the fortunate winners will be announced on Fridays.

I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Here’s how the Harvest giveaway will work:

Anyone who comments on their blog entry will be entered to win the Harvest 72″. Each comment counts as a separate entry. The winner will be chosen at noon (Mountain Time Zone) on Friday, June 26th, so get your comments in before then!

http://www.shelfreliance.com/blog/?p=104&cpage=16#comment-850

Good Luck and happy entering

The Joy of Motherhood (If you have a weak stomach, you may not want to read this : )

I find it interesting that as a kid, just the smell or even the sound of someone throwing up would make me gag. Yet, as a parent, it just seems to not bother me. I was up all night long with three kids throwing up and diarrhea. Ben yelled to me, so I came to his room. His normal routine is to wake up and want a drink of water. I got to his room, and he said, "I spit." So, I naively touched his pillow to see what he meant. Yup, I put my hand right in the throw up. I called to Aaron to come help me. We cleaned Ben up, and I gave him some water. We went up to bed. I fell asleep for about 2 hours, when Ben came upstairs and told me he leaked his diaper. I took him down to fix it, and he hadn't leaked just pee. YAY!!! I cleaned that up, gave him some more water and headed upstairs. 10 minutes later, I heard Ben crying at the bottom of the stairs. I started down the stairs and heard what sounded like a cup of water being dumped on the floor. I carefully stepped around it, cleaned him up, sent him back to bed, and then cleaned the floor. I decided it was time to sleep on the couch just in case. Just as I got comfortable, Matt came running out of his room. He came to me and climed in with me. He said he was scared of the dark and wanted a light on. I cuddled him for a minute, and took him back to bed. He said, "Oh, but I threw up." You know, I though he smelled a little when I was cuddling him, but I figured it was on me from Ben. So, another sheet set to wash. I fixed Matt, and Ash asked if I would change her diaper. I got them both fixed back into bed, and I headed back upstairs. I knew at this point it was Garrett's turn to wake up. Sure enough, he did. I nursed him and put him back to bed. I fell asleep at about 5:30. Ben came up and climed into bed with me at about 5:45. He stayed there for about 15minutes. He got up to go downstairs, so I asked Aaron if he would go with Ben. Just as Aaron started to get out of bed, Ben threw up on our floor. We took him downstairs to Matt and Ash waking up. They all sprawled out in the living room. I gave each of them a bowl, and I went to clean up the mess in our room. I went back to bed, Aaron called out of work, and here I am at 7:30 writing this because my kids won't ask daddy to change a diaper. Oh, the joys of being a mom.