Our Growing Kids

The most up-to-date photos of our oldest 4.  

It is amazing how fast they all grow! Time really does go fast when you are getting old.

8 yrs

6 3/4yrs  

5 yrs

3 yrs

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

There's nothing like being pregnant with sore muscles, swollen legs, and pinched nerves to really get you off your game and make you never want to leave the comfort of your couch.  When #5 arrived, my body has been quickly feeling much better!  Things aren't perfect, I tire pretty easily, and walking too much stresses out my body, but it is nice to be able to get out and about.  The 3 youngest and I took flat Stanley around to a few sites in San Antonio.  He came to us from our Cousins school in Minnesota. He stayed with us for a few weeks because like I said, pinched nerve and walking doesn't go together.  

I absolutely love this picture. This girl is a riot! 

Number 3 turned 5! What a big girl she has become. She is such a joy to have in our family! She is currently obsessing over Hello Kitty.  It is really fun!

Johnny 5 is Alive!

Whenever I think of being the mother of 5 crazy kids, I can't help but shout "Johnny 5 is Alive!"  If you were born in the 80s you can probably guess what movie that quote is from.  If I remember, I'll put the answer at the end of the post.  One of my favorite kid movies!  

#5 joined our family in October 2014. She was born at 39 weeks and weighed only 6lb 7 oz. She dipped down to 5lb 10 oz, but has steadily gained it all back. She loves to eat, sleep, and poop.  The kids don't understand why that is all she likes doing, and it makes me laugh. B keeps telling me that he will teach the baby Ninjago.  What a considerate brother! 

I have 4 kids who want to be babysitters all of the time.  The oldest would hold her nonstop if I let her, and the youngest too love having their turns, but quickly say "She's too heavy."  Just give her a month or so then you'll know what heavy is.

It is amazing how when a newborn comes you are reminded of the smells that you have loved in the past and not had for a few years.  I had to put my nose in a clean diaper and inhale. I told daddy that I had forgotten how much I loved the baby powder smell of clean diapers.  I wont complain when we are out of them again though.

A2 loves holding her little sister.  She was so excited that we had a baby girl.

I love baby fingers.  It is awesome when they finally realize that you are someone that they just want to hang on to with all they have.  Annie has found her sister and her mommy.

Although B really wanted a little brother, he has taken to his baby sister! He LOVES her.  He wants to teach her all kinds of things.  I told him that she'll love playing his boy things too and he was very pleased.

And the answer: Johnny 5 is Alive comes from Short Circuit.

Camping Fiasco!

We joined some friends for a family camping trip over Columbus Day weekend.  We arrived on the beach at night when it was dark, and we realized that the wind was much stronger than the weather channel had stated.  We attempted to pitch a tent only to have it immediately invert in.  We had driven 2 hours to get to Padre Island and we really didn't want to sleep in the car. Being 38 weeks pregnant that wasn't the first choice. Luckily we still had some hotel points so we went back to Corpus Christi and found some hotel rooms.  We cooked our hotdogs the non camping way. . . boiled and ate our camping food. Unfortunately we had to eat raw marshmallows instead of roasted, but the kids didn't seem to mind too much. 

The next morning, we headed back to the beach. Luckily. the storm that was supposed to head our way stayed off and we had a great day at the beach. The water was amazing!! Charlie even enjoyed being out on the outing!

Our first family baptism

In May 1986, I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our faith, we are baptized at 8 years of age.  At that age, we are considered to be accountable for knowing right from wrong and we are able to make our first covenant (promise) with God.  We promise to take upon us the name of Christ, Always Remember Him, and to keep the commandments, and Our Heavenly Father promises us that we can have his spirit (The Holy Ghost) with us.  

On September 21, 2015 A1 chose to be baptized by her dad and make that same promise.  She was so happy!  

(I modified my baptism dress to make hers. I took off the ruffly neckline and sleeves.  I also took about 6" of length off the bottom and used that to make new sleeves.  She looks so beautiful!)

  Grandma Renee and Great Grandma Brenda and Great Grandpa Bill came down for the baptism. We took them downtown to see some of the sights. Of course, things didn't always work out the way that we had planned. We arrived just as the Alamo was closing so we were only able to get pictures on the outside.  

We took everyone to the riverwalk and had a good time walking around and then riding the tour boat.  We may have overdone it a little bit.

Family Pictures at the House

Back to School Again

 The two oldest were so excited to start school again. A1 is in 3rd grade and J is now in 1st grade. Their teachers enjoy having them in their classes and say they are great helpers.

A2 is now in preschool at the Elementary School. She LOVES it!  She is such a smartie pants and is often telling the teacher what she missed or what needs to happen next. I hear she has already completed the requirements for the end of the year in preschool and the end of the year in Kindergarten.

Since A2 is in half day preschool, she and B get to spend their afternoons together. They are best buddies most of the time, and they sure do crazy things. This time they were playing in a rain storm.  Luckily it isn't too cold when it rains so they were able to have a blast!

My crazies in downtown San Antonio.  This was one of those awesome days when they were all great friends. Yeah for those days!!!

Someone turned 3!  He wanted a car cake for the 3rd time in a row.

 Picture Day!

School pictures can't capture my kids. I am not a professional photographer by any means, but I get more of their character and true smiles!

Rain in Texas is such a rarity so we have to enjoy it anyway we can. As soon as it starts dribbling the kids are throwing on their swimsuits and running outside!  A1 was getting some serious air in this photo.