Saturday, May 30, 2009

Olivia's Four Year Old Photos









Savanna's first hair cut!

Today, we got Vannies hair cut.  I really didn't want to cut her beautiful hair.  She has the perfect hair.  Her hair has perfect body, it has curl but is never frizzy, and it hangs perfectly.  So why did I cut it?  She refuses to let me put her hair up, hates having her hair brushed and she chews her hair.  So her perfect hair , usually looks like a rats nest and we have a knock-down-drag-out fight to get it brushed.  I'll grow her hair out again when she is past the terrible two's and on to the wonderful four's.

She had to sit on my lap, because she would not sit in some chair, that some strange person suggest she sit in.  

Laney came with us and she sat on the floor eating a sucker the hairdresser gave her.  She ended up getting a trim, too.

Olivia wanted to cut her hair, too.  But, I just couldn't do it.  She only wanted to do it 'cause her sisters did.


Savanna ate her sucker while she watched Laney get her hair cut.


For some reason, I was more sad to see the red hair on the floor.  Like it's hard to come by or something.  (Savanna hair on the left and Laney hair on the right.)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Olivia turns 4!

My birthday girl asked for pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream.  

For her birthday, she just wanted to have her two friends over and have cupcakes.  So that's what we did.

Olivia's friend Maddie.  They are like two peas in a pod.


Olivia and Isabella.

Her cupcakes.  I bought those flowers pre-made from Micheal's.  I did make the blue frosting.

This was my attempt at a group photo.  Not happening.  They had better things to do at the moment and I don't blame them.


Monday, May 25, 2009

Our Seventh Wedding Anniversary!



Today, Josh and I have been married for seven years.  It has gone by so fast.  Probably because we got pregnant with Laney a couple of months before our one year anniversary and then proceeded to have three more children close in age after that.  I love being married to this man.  Of course our marriage is not always perfect.  Sometimes we disagree.  Sometimes we drive each other crazy.  Sometimes the stress of having four small kids gets to us.  But we go through it all together.  When we have an issue with something, we talk to each other first.  We make a point to be excited to see each other at the end of the day.  And sometimes I don't look so hot at the end of the day taking care of four kids at home.  If I'm mad a my husband, I make sure to talk to him about it before we go to bed.  That way, my madness doesn't continue on into the next day and then get worse.  

Reasons why I love my husband: 1. He respects our marriage and our family.  We are his number one.  2.  He goes to work everyday and works very hard so we can have a good family life at home.  3. He's a wonderful father.  The girls are just as head over heels as I am about him.  4. He has loved me and made me feel beautiful while I was pregnant and huge for 
4 and a half years.  5.  When he comes home and I am in a bad mood because  I have had a long day with the kids,  he gives me and hug and a kiss and lets me know that he understands.  6.  He's so handsome sometimes I can't control myself!  There's more, but I have a lot to do today!

When I was younger, my parents always told me to pray for my future husband and let God know what I wanted in a husband.  This is what I prayed for.  Dark and handsome, loves kids, and loves me.  Not very deep, but I was like 16 and at 16 those are the only things that are important.  But God answered my prayers, had bigger plans for me than I could of expected and I am so blessed.  I love you babe with all my heart.  You make my dreams come true, and I don't ever want to be without you.  Thank you for being so good to me.  Thank you for having the four most beautiful girls with me.  I can't wait for the next seven years.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Raindrops on Roses and whiskers on kittens....

These are a few of my favorite things.....

When the dog bites.....

When the bee stings....

When I'm feeling sad.....

I simply remember my favorite things....

And then I don't feel so bad.

My babies, my husband, and raindrops on roses are a few of my favorite things.

(Lyrics courtesy of SOUND OF MUSIC)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Laney is going to Kindergarten

I registered Laney for Kindergarten this week.  We went to the school office and Laney got to look around a little bit.  She is very excited to start school and wants to go tomorrow!  I on the other hand, am not so sure about all this.  I looked into some private schools, but they are way too expensive.    A part of me knows she is going to love school because she loves to learn, but another part of me feels like I'm handing my newborn Laney over to the wolves.  I'm praying for peace, because I think this is the right decision for right now, but I need some more peace about it.  I've gotten comfortable at home taking care of my kids and this is kind of breaking me out of my comfort zone.  I want to keep her here in the comfort of my arms.  Next year, I have to make her a lunch everyday and get her to and from school.  Right now I only have to worry about taking the girls out every so often and come August we have to be presentable every day.  I remember thinking, when Laney was two, that school was a long way away and I don't have to worry about it.  It has crept up very quickly.  I put school on the back burner and now it's two and a half months away.   I'm sure I will be bawling my eyes out on her first day of school.  

Thursday, May 14, 2009

In other news

We had a busy day today!  The first thing we did was take Addy to her Dermatologist appointment today.  I make her an appointment months ago.  It was actually perfect timing because her skin has been acting up lately.  Anyways.  On the way to her appointment, we pulled onto the on ramp and police were blocking the overpass.  Weird.  We continue onto the interstate and the whole other side of the interstate is deserted.  Then we saw hundreds of police motorcycles and cars.  And then I remember that the president was in town for a speech.  And sure enough.  President Obama's motorcade passed us.  I tried to get a picture, but it was too fast for my camera phone.  It was exciting and the closest I have ever been to a president.  Even though I didn't vote for him, I still think our president deserves respect and was very excited to see see him.  Well his car anyway.  And he was in it.  How cool was that?

The appointment went really well.  The dermatologist gave me some good information.  Addison has very sensitive skin, that I already knew.  But I thought all the all-natural products that we changed to a couple of months ago was good enough.  Just because something says "all-natural"  doesn't mean it's good for you.  Those all-natural products are like smearing a garden all over Addy's skin.  If you have nasal allergies you wouldn't stuff a bunch of flowers up your nose.  
I was using the Method baby shampoo and Dove sensitive skin soap, and know having my new information, I know it has natural irritants and fragrances.  He said Dermatologists DO NOT recommend Dove soap on sensitive skin.  Even Dreft isn't as good as we think it is and has fillers in it.  He said our Kirkland brand eco-friendly laundry detergent is good.  She does have atopic dermatitis or Eczema.  He prescribed her a new skin steroid, like cortisone.  And he recommended I change her soaps, shampoos and lotions to the ones pictured above.  I went out and bought them today.  Not cheap, but worth it.  The bar soap is $2.99 for one bar, the lotion was $11.99, and the shampoo was $6.99.  He said she needs to have a bath every night and needs to be in the water for at least 15 minutes.  (I do give my kids baths, but sometimes it was every other night.)   When she gets out of the bath, I immediately have to put lotion on her while her skin is still damp.   And I am going to give her a bath by herself, so the other girls' soap and shampoo do not get on her. 
 Right now, my biggest problem is trying to find shoes for summer that protect her feet from the grass,  that are not restrictive,  they don't make her feet hot, and are not made of man made materials.  I'm thinking cotton socks with leather bottoms or very comfortable, soft, leather sandals.  Let me know if you have any suggestions on that.  I'm also going to be more choosy about her clothes.  Mostly cotton with no ruff edges or materials.  No wool. 




   
I took Laney, Olivia, and Savanna to the Library today.  My kids have never been to the library.  Surprise, Surprise.   Why wouldn't I take my 5, 3, 2, and 1 year old to the quietest and most organized place on the planet?  Laney loved it, and I'm going to take her back every other week.  She even got her own library card.  I got a book for myself, so don't worry about me.  In case you were worrying.  






My kids planted flowers for me, in our garden.  However, I don't think they are going to be alive tomorrow.  Because they picked them off and stuck them in the ground.  Like no roots or anything.  Oh, I never planted any thing else in our "garden" because I accidentally killed my seedlings.  In case you remembered that I planted seedlings.  




Josh was raking and found a lizard.  My girls just love lizards.  Seriously.  They asked Daddy to catch him.  He tried, but mister lizard got away.

Good night all.  Sweet dreams.  Don't let the bed bugs bite!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I ♥ Faces Week 18-laughter



I was so excited about this week's challenge.  I love laughter pictures.   Here is my entry for this week.  It's a little out of focus, but I had to enter it.  My nephew kept closing his eyes every time I took his picture and he thought it was hilarious.  I ended up paying him $1 to keep his eyes open.  Scroll down to see a picture of him with his eyes closed.  I sure do love that weirdo.







 This is not my entry for the week, but the eyes closed picture.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

To my darling baby girls, thank you so much for making me a mother.  I love you so much.  I try to tell and show you everyday that I love you, and I know someday you will fully understand.  

Before you were born, I used to think of myself so much more.  Thank you for teaching me to be less selfish.  Thank you for teaching me to love with my whole heart and not just the parts I want to share.  You have given me a deeper understanding of God's love by loving me and letting me love you.

You have made me a better person, because I want to be a good example for you.  I'm so much more open and understanding, now that you four are my life.  I have a long way to go and a lot to learn.  Thank you for going through it with me.  I want you to be kind, love with your whole heart, understand who you are and who you are in God and be strong and compassionate women.  Some days, I am not at my best, so I hope you can learn from my mistakes.

Happy Mother's day to everyone in my life who has been such a wonderful example of love and motherhood.  To my Mom, whom I love so much.  Mom, I don't completely understand what you went through with me, because I don't have teenagers yet, but I'm starting to understand the sacrifices you have made.  You are amazing.  Debbie, you raised some amazing kids.  All the blood, sweat and tears paid off.  I know Josh is the amazing father and husband that he is, because of you.  Kristan, I don't know if I would make it, if I didn't have you.  Grandmothers are just as amazing and I can't wait to be one.  Grandma Nadine, GG,  Grandma D, you all mean so much to us.  Sherry, Dawny, Mothers of my childhood friends (It's hard taking care of your children's friends), Mops moms (who listen to my fears, gripes, and my joy's with an open heart and mind),  all my friends who are Moms, and Mom's I don't know or haven't met yet.  Happy Mother's Day!  I am so blessed to have you all in my life.