"Because I said so..."

My girls!

2010-02-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Kayli bear is getting big...

2009-12-01T17:19:00.001-08:00

Kayli is growing so fast. It kind of makes me sad that my little baby is no longer a "newborn", but every stage is fun and I love LOVE that she smiles at us now. So sweet.

The first snow....

2009-12-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Oh I love the first snowfall! The kids wake up and pretty soon the shout goes up throughout the house..."SNOW....SNOW...IT SNOWED!!" Then it is boots, hats, scarfs, swishy sounding snowpants, and gloves all over the house. The door slams and I dont see the kids for the next two hours as they mess up every bit of the fresh fallen snow! Then it is rosy cheeks and hot cocoa...wet socks from melted ice on the kitchen floor.

P.S. Isn't Martie just gorgeous? I just want to squish her to bits she is so pretty!

Trav's Birthday

2009-12-01T16:52:00.001-08:00

Travis turned 5 years old a couple weeks ago! I can't believe it. He wanted an army birthday with a tank cake. It was really fun to make. Here are some pics of the fun. My mom and I made him a little army fort that he can put over the kitchen table and hide in...it even has windows so he can see the enemy coming!

Halloween

2009-11-02T18:40:00.001-08:00

Halloween FHE, Dinner, and Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

For this weeks FHE, Jeff and I planned a spooky dinner and then did that fun story about the dead man's remains. The kids loved it! They were so grossed out if was really funny! We played scary halloween sounds in the background and turned out all the lights too. Later, we carved pumpkins and had some dessert. It was a great night.

Baby Pics

2009-10-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when Grandpa comes...when Grandpa Comes!

2009-10-11T10:53:00.001-07:00

Week One with Four Kids!

2009-10-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

So this was an exciting week for us...4 kids in the car, 4 kids to feed, 4 kids to bath, 4 kids to get to sleep, 4 kids to play with...you get the idea. Luckily, my mom was able to come visit this whole week and help me. Everytime I have a new baby, I am reminded of how great my mother is...there is NOTHING she won't do for me. She sewed, swept, cooked dinner, made cookies with my kids, did the laudry, grocery shopped and BEST of ALL...she is the most fun to be with, to visit with, to share a good laugh with. She listens to all my worries and reassures me. She hears me gush over my babies one minute and snap at them the next--and never judges me--just knows me. I love her! So THANK YOU MOM! I look at my little ones and I love them so much it almost hurts....and then I think to myself "that is how she felt about us...how she still feels about us" and I am so grateful! So here are some pics of our first week as a family of 6!

Kayli Bear so CUTE!

Napping in the window!

Can you IMAGINE---I said to Jeff what if they were all real?

He didn't like that thought! Martie likes him to take care of her

babies when he is taking care of Kayli. haha

Eveybody has had "baby" on the brain lately. Martie

is constantly asking the boys to play house with her.

Trav doesn't look too pleased. I love it!

SHE'S HERE!

2009-10-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Kayli Elizabeth was born on Thursday morning. She was an itty-bitty thing weighing only 6lbs 9oz. She is super sweet and we are so blessed to have her. The kids just love her lots and were so excited. Here are some pics.

I'm Mad!

2009-09-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm Mad! Yes, that is right, and legitimatley so I might add. So at the beginning of my pregnancy during my first Dr.'s appointment, I let it be known (very loudly and clearly) that I did not want to know my weight. That I would take part in their little weigh-in humiliation sessions at each visit, but that I in NOOOO WAY wanted to know the results! So each appointment, I step on the dreaded scale (you know the noisy Dr.s office kind--hate em) backwards and listen as the nurse clunks the scales around. WELL, today I officially reached my ninth month of pregnancy and went to my appointment. Like a dutiful patient I walked backwards to the scale, stepped on the scale backwards, and waited silently for her to finish the torture...As I stepped off...I hear the NUMBER roll off her lips..."NOOOOOOOOOO" I screamed in slow motion movie type fashion...............

but it was too late...

the worst part---Jeff brought me a chocolate cream pie home yesterday and I was planning on eating it for lunch. I stepped on BACKWARDS for a reason...come on'

Superheroes?

2009-08-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

On a typical Wednesday you can find Trav, Marite, and I at the library, picking out books and enjoying storytime. Today, as we were driving to the library Travis was telling me all the superhero names that he has assigned to the family. They are as follows...

Jeff--Strongman
Caleb-Stretchman
Martie--Firegirl

He then notified me that he was Fastboy...

I was patient while I waited for him to assign me my totally AWESOME superhero name...
after a moment of pondering he said...

"well, mom, i guess you could be like cookgirl."

So EVERYONE else in the family gets a really cool superhero name and after racking his brain all Trav can come up with for me is cookgirl? You always no where you stand with Trav...I'm not fast, flexible, or cool in anyway...to him my value is in cooking. Does this please me? I do not know, but what do you think of my disguise?

Back to School Dinner!

2009-08-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

So in honor of school year 2009-2010 (which starts tomorrow WOOHOO!!!) I decided to throw a "Back to School" dinner complete with cafeteria trays, pop quizzes, and crayons! The kids seemed really excited. The kids pretend punched in their lunch codes, grabbed their trays, and were served up "lunch lady"style (minues the hair net)! We all sat down to eat, blessed the food which Caleb said isn't like real school, and dug in.

The decorations.....

the centerpiece....

the pop quiz...we all scored 100%

the whole family...

my serving counter...

& on the menu....spaghetti, garlic bread, applesauce, carrots/dip, & a brownie!

After all was said and done....I said to the kids "How was that for a fun surprise?"

and Trav answered..."It wasn't bad."

I will take that as a thank you and well done!

ZOO

2009-08-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Friday we went to the Idaho Falls Zoo, and although it is small, it was still alot of fun! Here are some pics...

Camping Trip

2009-08-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

The kids spent hours and hours catching these little frogs on the beach!

...bucket of water in the face....

...the culprit...

Every year we try to go on a camping trip with Jeff's dad. After days and days of packing (Grandpa Mike's gift/curse), we left Nampa and headed up through Idaho City, Lowman, etc. and into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. PRETTY!! The drive was a little rough for a family with notorious carsickness and a very pregnant woman, but we made it--with only one melt down from Trav---who refused to buckle in his car seat and then after being forced in, sent me seething glares from the backseat for the remainder of the trip. You don't force Trav into doing anything unless you want to make an enemy for life.

Summer Stuff

2009-08-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

This summer Jeff was really busy...he spent about 11 weeks out of the summer gone from home...so the kids and I have pretty much been on our own. We did find ways to entertain ourselves though. Our first visit was to Nampa to stay at Grandma and Grandpa Petersen's house for a few days. The kids had a blast playing with the dogs and we went to a nice kid oriented swimming pool that isn't far from their house. Then at the end of June we traveled to Bonners Ferry for a visit to Grandma & Grandpa Carey's house. It was so fun. We went swimming alot, floated the river, played at the 59 property, and had a great 4th of July. I think the highlight for my kids was a big ol' slip n' slide that my dad made up at his property---it was a hit and is still the first thing the kids mention about what they liked this summer. Caleb and I both had a first this summer...I shot a 45. handgun for the 1st time and Caleb got to shoot a 22 and a 17 rifle for the first time. Good times. Jeff joined us in BF for a few days to play and then we drove home and he left for a few weekds again! Our last big hurrah of the summer was for our camping trip up in the Sawtooth Mountains. We stayed at Stanley Lake Campground and it was really nice. With Caleb's constant whistling, Trav's constant farting, and Martie's constant "squalking" after 4 days I was ready to come home---and i think the rest of the campers were ready for us to leave. It was so much fun though. School starts on Monday and I am super glad! I will get to hear a little less about Star Wars and force fields, and get to spend a little more time getting ready for our new baby (which is due in about 8 wks.)!!!!!!!

I'm back!

2009-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while since I blogged, mostly because I've been lazy and also because sometimes everyday just seems the same, but you know what they say..."No news is good news."

Here are some fun pictures I took of the kids during the one "non-rainy" day we've had this month.

2009-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Baby # 4 is a due October 15th and is a...................................................................................................

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

All birds in the choir...Are you sure?

2009-04-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

So Travis has been sick for the last few days...it is quite an interesting illness though because although he has been a close personal friend of what we call the "barf bowl" he is also still able to jump on the trampoline, participate in a waterfight, ride his bike and kill aliens with his jedi force. I have been trying to find the trigger for this random throwing up with no luck UNTIL last night...read on...

After I have tucked the kids into bed, retrieved water bottles, accompanied them to the potty, sorted out blankets, flashlights, and so forth...I am always called back in for one more bedtime request---SONGS! My kids love to sing bedtime songs. I snuggled Travis up in his blankets, knelt by his bed and began my concert (which included "To Be With You" by Mr. Big, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Stand By Me) well I had just broken into my rendition of "Lean on Me" when Travis leans over the bed and clutches for his "barf bowl".

Me to Trav: Are you sick Trav?

Trav: a blank look

Me: Where does it hurt?

Trav: blank

Me: What is wrong?

Trav: YOUR SINGING....IT IS MAKING ME SICK.

Me: MY SINGING is making you ill.

Trav: head nod

Well case closed. Apparently, I am so awful at singing that it has the power to physically make my child throw-up. See this is why I lip sync the hymns in church.

Martie's Birthday!

2009-03-31T07:46:00.001-07:00

Time goes so fast! Martie is now my little 3 year old girl intead of my baby!
She wanted a Hello Kitty cake so I did my best and think it turned out pretty o.k.
She kept saying that it was her "cat cake"!

To my surprise, one of the candles we had was a gag one where it won't blow out. Jeff and I both had no idea and watching Marite try to blow it out was pretty funny.

Her birthday presents included...Grandma Carey (0utfit, hopscotch, dress), Us (doll carrier, clothes, dollhouse stuff, coloring books, magnet princess thingy). I don't know what to call it. She was pretty happy with everthing. As you can tell!

Martie has finally learned how to stay still for pictures...it's cute though because she does this smile all the time. And if you don't catch it right at the beginning she smiles so big that you can't see her eyes!!

My cousin Tiffany, (Kev's wife) came over last week & made this super sweet tutu for Martie's birthday. She also got her a little purse and headband. Martie absolutely LOVES LOVES her tutu! Thanks Tif

NOTE: Martie's BEST Birthday present was the dollhouse her Grandpa Carey made. She has had it for about a month already and plays with it all the time. My computer is being silly about uploading the pictures though.

Class Picture...

2009-03-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

It is Friday...
and not just Friday, but the Friday before Spring Break. As I lay in bed this morning listening to the birds chirp with sunlight streaming through the window I thought "Why not start spring break early?" As this idea took root in my head, I began rationalizing all the reasons why I should lay in bed and enjoy the morning...
The little devil on my shoulder was telling me...
1. Caleb never misses school... so what does one day matter?
2. He has never even been tardy.
3. Waffles sound delicious and if he goes to school there won't be time.
4. It's going to a gorgeous spring day and it will be fun to do some things together.

The little angel on my shoulder was telling me...
1. A good mom would set an example for her children and make them go to school
2. He has all next week off...
3. There might be something fun at school he will miss out on

So who did I listen to?

I love waffles...
I laid in bed for a bit longer than got up to make breakfast not only did we have waffles, but homemade hashbrowns too. After I got breakfast cleaned up I was putting something away in the closet and it was then that a little envelope laying on the piano caught my eye...
CLASS PICTURES TODAY!!!!
Crapola---"Caleb get pants on" I shouted! "and get pants for Martie and Travis too" I barked! ok yes we are ready to go...we made our mad dash to school only 40 minutes late with Travis wearing only pants & a ketchup goatee, Martie wearing jeans from last year (high waters) & a rats nest of hair, Caleb holie jeans and lame hand-me-down shirt, no hair combing & possibly no teeth brushing. Me--bleach stained sweats, no bra, crazy bed hair, and smears of sticky maple syrup on my ratty old sweatshirt. hahahaha

I HAD to get him there for his class picture---i couldn't let one small indulgence---one random time I decided to listen to the little devil ruin the meticulous image I've created of myself as a responsible, dedicated mother!!! ONLY MY CHILDREN WILL KNOW THE TRUTH!! and who would believe them?

Needless to say, I'm very curious to see what his class picture will look like...he will probably be teh stinky kid today...oh well. The waffles were delicious!

Numbers

2009-03-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

1-- The number of times I had to tell Caleb to get out of bed this morning (he was good today),
2--the number of times I asked him if he brushed his teeth.
3--the number of times i walked into the kitchen this morning to get something and then forgot what I was there for.
4--the number of clothes that Jeff had hung on the bed post (which he KNOWS annoys me!)
5-- the number of times I was walked in on in the bathroom today by children who know how to unlock the door. (yep, that was everytime i went)
7--the number of lysol wipes I used to clean the bathroom.
8--the age of Caleb who is growing up too fast.
14- the number of shoes I'v picked up and put in the closet (so far today)
3--the number of times I was told today "I love you"
25-- the number of clothes I put in my first load of laundry for today.
4--the number of times I found paper cut up and left on the floor, table, etc. (Martie has an addiction to using her little kid blunt scissors to cut up everything in sight) I know I should take the scissors away but she cuts something, then hides the scissors, so I never know where they are.
50--the number of times I wished I lived closer to my parents.
10-the number of times I thought about exercising (and didn't)
6- the number of raisins I picked up off the floor after my kids ate raisin bread.
1,000,000-- the number of times today that I thought I wouldn't change my life for the world.

Caleb's Baptism

2009-03-02T09:12:00.001-08:00

Caleb was baptized on February 28th, this past Saturday. He was really excited about it. Grandma & Grandpa Carey, Grandpa Mike, Aunt Kathy, Kevin & Tiffany, Kim, and Sommers came. It was so special to see him take this step in his life. I asked him afterwards if he felt any different and he said..."Not much." Funny kid. Jeff baptized & confirmed him and the Grandpas' were the witnesses. Grandpa Carey also gave a talk on baptism and Grandma Carey said the opening prayer. It was a great day. After the baptism, we all went to Caleb's basketball game (it wasn't the best game)...then came home for some yummy food. I am so grateful to be Caleb's mom...he is such a good example to me. One thing I especially admire about Caleb is how much he cares about other people. When he hurts someones feelings or does something that isn't right---you can see how sorry he is--its written all over his face. He tries really hard to be good and he is so helpful at home. I love Caleb!

2009-02-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Us...on a typical day...except I'm not in pajamas and I showered.

2009-02-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

Travis and I had been fighting yesterday...so I sent him to his room for like the billionth time...when I went back to check, this is what I found.

Then I celebrated! but quietly....

And this from the girl who never even combed her own hair...

2009-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

When it comes to doing hair I am a complete amateur---I don't think I even combed my hair till I was like 12! I love the internet though...because then I don't have to be creative and still Martie can look cute. There is a great blog out there called "She does Hair"---this mom comes up with the cutest hair-do's for little girls and I copied this one for Valentines Day...yes, I was pretty proud of myself.

It's a heart...in case you can't tell!

McFly not feeling well!

2009-02-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

Martie Jo was sick and not feeling too well all last week. She was really sad and pathetic, and as bad as this sounds, she was also a little funny. I was her best friend all day, her healer, the one who brings her drinks and holds her...but at 9:00pm--when Jeff gets home---I am chopped from the top of the totem pole! She would lay on the couch and if I even asked her "how she was" or "if she needed anything" she would glare at me and say..."NO...I WANT DADDY!"

I tried not to take it personal...but COME ON...Mom's just get NO credit! When she grows up she will look back and appreciate me---right? hopefully? please!!!

P.E.

2009-02-18T13:46:00.001-08:00

It was 2:37 time for school to get out, so I headed for the "corner", the spot where I meet my smiling Caleb at the end of each school day. He comes running down the road to me, loud and out of breath, he shouts..."Hi Mom!" It's wonderful. Like every other day, the first thing I ask Caleb is "How was school" and he replies..."Fine."

Me: "What did you do at school today?"

Caleb: "We went to the library and had P.E."

Me: "P.E. now that is fun....What did you play?"

Caleb: "Speed Stacking"

WHAT? This is weird, I have never in my life heard of "speed stacking", is this some new sport I don't know about.

Me: What is speed stacking?

Caleb: Stacking like paper or plastic cups fast.

I laughed really loud & long then blurted out "That is the stupidest frackin' thing I have ever heard"

I'm not great at sensitivity. How ridiculous! What about crab soccer, dodgeball, sit-ups, walking the track, tag, jump rope, heck even badminton, at least you get to stand up... Apparently they sit and they stack cups (but REALLY REALLY FAST) Hahahahaha

People are so worried about funding for programs at school and there is always talk of having to cut programs like P.E., but really if this is the kind of stuff they are doing during P.E. (for one hour every two weeks)---I don't see the big deal. Maybe I shouldn't be so sarcastic---I mean this could be as big as bowling or 4 square. Maybe someday if Caleb works really really hard at his stacking...he could win a medal.

P.S. Incidentally, I also had P.E. today---I did the dishes and put the cups away.

To my friend Becky: forget about going to the gym tonight---stay home and work on your "speed stacking", then later you can do some "speed showering" followed by some "speed sleeping". Sounds like a work out to me.

Physical Education-----hahahaha---I am going to be laughing about this everytime I look in my cupboard at my neat stacks of cups.

2009-02-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

The sun was shining....

the air was warm, I could smell something green (grass, leaves, something), and I could hear the birds chirping....

My kids laughter bouncing to my ears from the backyard

No piles of snow suits and boots by my front door

We rode bikes

We played baseball

We painted the town red (literally with sidewalk chalk)

We blew bubbles

We climber all over the jungle gym and made ourselves dizzy on the merry-go-round

We were joyous!

AND NOW....

SNOW and more SNOW and more SNOW...

I feel like a character in one of those historical novels.... I'm living on the prarie in a sod house and getting so stir crazy I start talking to the animals, and myself, and the furniture. CABIN FEVER!

I've made a serious attempt this year to avoid sitting the kids in front of the TV watching cartoons....but I AM OUT OF OPTIONS!!

We've....

colored, painted, went swimming, sledding, snowman, snowballs, crafts, preschool, movies, games, basketball, huckle-buckle bean stock, made cookies, and so on....I am completely out ideas.

So we will sit.

We will watch Spongebob.

We will wait for spring.

And if you don't hear from us...then I wandered away from my little sod house out into the snow.

Seriously though, I'm not crazy just really really tired of winter! I'd never make it in Alaska.

It's cruel to tempt me with spring...to give me a week of it and then take it away. I'm not a glass half-full type of girl....I want it all the way full!

Caleb reaches the age of accoutability...oh snap...

2009-02-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little baby boy is eight years old. I remember when they first put him in my arms...how new and wonderful it felt...and now he is such a part of me, I don't have a thought that doesn't include him. We didn't do anything to fancy for his birthday. We went bowling and Caleb got to invite a couple of friends (Joey and Annie), then we came home ate cake and opened presents. The picture of him with his mouth gaping open in excitement cracks me up because the present he is opening is SCRIPTURES! He is so righteous. hahahha

Caleb's presents were scriptures, star wars action figures (the force is with us... constantly...ugh), an art set, cubscout shirt & book, money, hat, PS2 game.

He is so spoiled. Thank you everyone for Caleb's gifts--you are way too good to us & we are blessed.

The moments I live for...

2009-02-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

Jeff is gone on drill so it's just me and the kiddies again. We have a tradition on these weekends of waking up on Sunday mornings and one by one the kids will climb into bed with me. I was warm and toasty in the middle of a Travis, Martie, and Caleb sandwhich, and there was no place in the world that I would rather be. On top of that, my youngest son decided to be extra sweet this morning----which is extra special because he isn't, how do I say this in a nice way, "The most openly loving" little person (whoops he doesn't like to be called "little"---he is medium!" Anyway here our a few tidbits from our conversation that made me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Travis to me: "Mom, I love you."

Me: "I love you too."

Travis: "Mom, I love you forever."

Me: "I will love you forever too." "yes...Martie and Caleb also."

Travis: Mom, you're beautiful!"

Wow! i thought, this kid must want something....

Me: Thank you Travis!

Travis: Mom, you have beautiful hair...

Me: You are very sweet today Trav

Travis: Mom, you have beautiful eyes.

Me: Thank you Trav

Martie: Mom, I like all your eyes.

To which I think I had an overdose of affection after having gone so long without, that I said..."Why don't we go make breakfast"

Now, I in no way belive I am beautiful but.... I think it is sweet that my kids do.

this is gonna be a great day...

p.s I love them... I will forever.... they are beautiful (eyes, hair, etc)...

Our dog....aka "The Money Pit"

2009-02-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

So last year around Christmas time our black lab BJ got sick and stopped eating or drinking. After a few days we decided to be responsible and take her to the vet (my dad would call this a waste of money). It turned out that she had some sort of bacterial infection and needed antibiotics, which apparently are alot of money. I don't know about your houses, but our kids always start talking about what they want for Christmas really early & with our sick dog----we really felt like telling them "For Christmas this year, your dog can live." Anway BJ got better and here we are a year later AND she started acting all sick again.
Syptoms as follows: no eating (this from the dog I saw eat a wiffle bat), no drinking, no pooing, etc....
AND OF COURSE she was looking at me with her big sad brown eyes and being unreasonably cute. I tell you if she had gotten sick in the summer when I caught her chewing up my patio chairs, I would have said "good riddance!"
Anyway, off she went to the vet clinic where the doctors are so nice and after them doing an xray for free since, we are too cheap---they discovered that my "brain cell deficient" dog had swallowed a big (golf ball size) rock & it was lodged in her intestines. They then informed us that the surgery would cost $800.00 and that was only if their were no complications (knowing OUR DOG there would be complications). So we go to the vet this morning to have her put down and they tell us that she PASSED (a nice way of putting it) the rock!!! All I could think about was Travis saying..."This one's gonna hurt." Well, I guess we got lucky, the vets were all pretty amazed. Interesting how a dog can do something so stupid (eat a rock) and then be called miraculous all because she pooped! Anway, her new name is officially the "Money Pit"

Cheeto can sing...

2009-02-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

We heard Trav singing this song and I was very impressed that he remembered the words (well most of them). I guess they do get something out of church.

and yes, you heard right..."this is my secret booty."

I Love it...I love it not....

2009-02-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

Laundry and I have a love/hate relationship.

I hate when it piles up over the baskets and onto the floor.

I can't stand when I've started a load only to find halfway through the cycle that I didn't yet have all the dirty clothes from the bedrooms (i.e the ones hiding under the bed, in the toy closet, in the pillowcase).

I hate when my jeans go through the dryer and end up smaller (it happens---I know it)

I detest when my fabric softener drips onto my shelf.

I abhore when my downy ball is tangled up in clothes and I can't find it.

I despise putting clothes away in dressers only to find they've crawled back into my dirty clothes basket not an hour later.

I loathe matching socks.

I get angry when I find a butter rum lifesaver melted to shirts in my dryer.

I HATE LAUNDRY.....

I love warm towels from the dryer.

I adore fresh clean sheets after a relaxing bubble bath.

I worship (not in the blasphemous way) comfly clean socks.

I like the hum of the dryer...it soothes me.

I smile when I see my favorite pair of sweats folded neatly in my drawer ( just waiting for me to put them on.)

I feel pride when I see my cute children all turned out in clean, bright clothes with smiling faces.

I'm the mommy and....

I LOVE LAUNDRY!

Out of the mouth of Travis...

2009-01-31T13:48:00.001-08:00

So we took the kids to the swimming pool in Blackfoot the other day for a little family time. Martie and I went to change into our swimsuits in the women's locker room and apparently we missed some funny conversations. Jeff is always complaining about how loud the boys are in the bathroom (they don't know how to whisper or why someone might want to whisper). Anyway Travis tells Jeff that he has to go poo. So Jeff helps him on the toilet (sorry if this is a little gross) and is getting changed when he hears some grunting and groaning coming from Travis's stall. He peeks his head in and asks Trav if he his o.k.----Travis looks up at him, sighs, and says..."This one is gonna hurt."
I asked Travis later why it was so difficult and his response was..."some poop's hurt." FUNNY KID! Just says what's on his mind.

SAME DAY.....SAME LOCKER ROOM...DIFFERENT KID

After swimming, Jeff and the boys, head off to the lockeroom again. Jeff leaves the boys in their towels while he gets changed and as he is standing there "nakie" Caleb says..."that is the biggest weener I've ever seen." Hahaha (did I mention that Jeff wanted me to tell this story on my blog) anyway then Cheeto pipes up really loud..."Me and Caleb have little weeners."

Have I mentioned how glad I am that Jeff came with us to the pool & how glad I am that Martie is a girl!!

Apology to my Mother (better late than never)....

2009-01-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

So many years ago when my mom was taking care of a little girl who never combed her hair and who's room was sooo messy that mice lived in her dresser (that's another story) when I'm sure she said..."I hope someday you have kids just like you!" I don't know if that was a threat or the words of a loving mother who hoped I would experience the same heights of joy that I brought into her life (sarcasm), but whatever the reason those words left her lips-----she can rest assured----THAT DAY IS HERE!

and I will explain why....

When I was a girl I loved loved Cabbage Patches. I never had one of my own, but on one particular day my Mom told me that a favorite Aunt of hers would be arriving and she had a gift for me and my sister--Cabbage Patch dolls--she said. Oh, and I was overjoyed, whoever this "Aunt" was, she was now my favorite too. With anticipation I recieved this "cabbage patch doll" and I will forever remember that day as a day of severe dissapointment. This was in my Mom's words..."A homemade cabbage patch doll" which is really code for NOT a cabbage patch doll at all. Anyway, it wasn't just that this doll didn't come in a package, but that my sister (who I envied) got the prettier doll.

Jenny's doll: pretty blond hair
Mine: orange brown
Jennys' doll: Big blue eyes
Mine: Brown (wha-wha)
Jennys' doll: pink dress
Mine: Orange brown (again)

So as any well adjusted kid I learned a great deal about life's dissapointments, picked up the pieces and made do with my doll AND after awhile I even started to like her.
One day I was in the bathroom playing with my doll (i don't know why in the bathroom ) when I spied my mom's make-up sitting out on the counter. Well, maybe I could make my doll a little prettier. Granted she would never be as lovely as Jenny's but with a few improvements she could pass. I added a dab (tons) of blush to her cheeks, a smidgeon (globs) of mascara to her eyes, and so on. When I was done she didn't look pretty at all...so I tried to wash it off (did I mention my doll was made of fabric) anyway it ended up with big black eyes and brown smears all over it's face and the worst part was-- I KNEW when Mom found out I WAS IN FOR IT!
I managed to hide my dolly from her for a few days, but eventually the truth came out. She was so upset and I remember how I kept thinking..."What do you care--it's my doll."

FAST FORWARD 20 YEARS: Martie loves dollies and for Christmas this year I scowered store after store, picking up and putting back (where they don't belong) doll after doll until I found the perfect ones. As I came home with my treasure, I giggled to myself about how much she would love them and would from time to time sneak into my toy hiding place to pick them up and look at them. Christmas came and......SHE LOVED THEM!

FAST FORWARD TO TODAY:

So Mom, I just want to say...I"M SORRY! I get it now!

by the way "magic eraser" won't take it off.

2009-01-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

Martie Jo being a goofy girl. She played with this box for almost an hour!

2009!

2009-01-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't really have anything that exciting to blog about, but I am tired of seeing our Christmas tree on our blog page! Caleb's school break was over last week, so he was back to the routine----Jeff's semester starts this week so that means the rest of us will be back to normal. As nice as it is to have Jeff around, I am kind of anxious to get my house back to regular (not just the kids make messes!) The kids have been enjoying their Christmas toys; Martie and I play dollies everyday---it's so fun. I made some diapers, a pillow, and a blanket for her babies and she just loves them. Jeff thinks I partly did it for me since I enjoying playing so much! Well, I kind of set my clock by semesters; everytime a new one starts I make my little plans of things I need to accomplish (kind of my own version of a syllabus haha!) These are some of the little goals I want to get done before summer. Wish me luck!
1. Teach Travis all his letters and his numbers to 10. He already knows his shapes and colors (that was last fall's semester :) You know with Caleb I was really anxious that he learn everything early--thought it proved how smart he was, but I've noticed that Travis learns alot differently--He doesn't seem as willing to share what he knows.
2. Catch up on my scrapbooking! This might sound silly, but I am like 3 years behind and with 3 kids that's like 9 years! Yes, I can still do simple math.
3. Paint the kitchen wall and paint all baseboards and doors! Are kids are really rough on anything at their level. Doors are dinged, baseboards are nicked, and kitchen walls (right behind Martie's seat) are really really in need of a paint job.

These might sound like pretty easy goals, but finding time to do this on top of everything else can sometimes be overwhelming. I love being a Mom though and wouldn't change a thing (well, maybe a few things), but not my little ones (even their sticky fingers and muddy shoes)!

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Travis got a Tonka Bounce Back Racer (G&G Carey), dinosaurs, Guess Who?, some Super Hero action toys, and books! It was kind of funny, because I had used a big box of famous Amos cookies to wrap one of his gifts so when he ripped the paper off he said "I GOT COOKIES!"

Travis got Moon Sand from Santa Claus. I think if Santa had known that Moon Sand makes a big mess and had thought about all the sweeping Mom would have to do---he might not have brought it! hehe

Caleb is very excited about his ipod. I know, I know he is only 7....but he loves music and is always singing and so I figured what the heck...an ipod is really just the same as the walkman I begged my Mom for growing up. Haha

Caleb got an RC truck from Santa. He also got walkie talkies (from G& G Carey), Mega-rig Space Shuttle, ipod, light saber (A. Kathy), and some other things I can't remember. Too much stuff!!

Can't waste anytime-- Martie set up a tea party for her new babies on her new table. She's so sweet! Although at first she wasn't too fond of the boy baby doll. She kept saying "Mom I don't want the boy one, yours is the boy one."
Martie Jo with her Christmas gift. When she came out into the living room she was so excited--she squealed, pointed at the tree and said "ooooh Santa brought me babies!" She also got a baby playset to go with her dollies, barbie clothes & case, teaset, table & chairs (from Grandma & Grandpa), and a Little Petshop Playhouse, clothes (A. Kathy), & Hat/gloves (Grandma & Grandpa Pete). She loved it all!

Blessed!

2008-12-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

One night, a few days before Christmas, I was sitting in my living room (all snuggled up and warm) with the kids tucked into their beds. As I watched the clear bright lights of the Christmas tree twinkle, I had a feeling of such thankfulness overcome me. My life is blessed---I am deeply indebt to my Heavenly Father who has given me so much. These are just a few of the things that ran through my head that night...
1. My children (crazy, happy, feisty, and oh so sweet!)
2. My husband (loving, kind, funny, and faithful in the gospel)
3. My extended family (parents, in-laws, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts & uncles)
4. My Grandmothers (no one could have been given better role models)
5. My Savior (with Christmas fast approaching, my thoughts were more in tune with the great debt I owe to him, with the wonder of His life and His love for me.)
6. For a home warm and safe from the snow.
7. For food to feed my family.
8. For presents under the tree.
9. For the little things everyday (clean water, a van that runs, ...)
10. For health (I am so grateful to have a healthy body and healthy children)

So, as I watched those little lights sparkle and shine, I determined that maybe this Christmas I could make a determination to shine a little brighter. Too work a little harder at showing how grateful I am for my blessed life.

Sledding Fun!

2008-12-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Getting so excited for Christmas!

2008-12-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's hard to believe Christmas is almost here already. It seems like I was just planning out all the fun things to do this month and now its almost over. The kids have done suprisingly well at leaving the presents alone (after a few warnings)! Martie has been having lots of fun lately and it seems like in the span of two weeks she's gone from being my baby to my little girl. She always gets into the closet and puts my shoes on and then goes and plays with her baby doll. Today I caught her putting her baby in time-out and telling her "No you sit in time-out and be nice." Sounded kind of familiar! Haha. It's funny when you see your parenting techniques acted out by your own children. Jeff is done with this semester of school and it is really nice to have one more out of the way. He has had some extra time to spend with us and that is always fun--no one is funner than Daddy. We took the kids sledding the other day and it cracked me up because little Miss Martie just hopped right on and went on down the hill. Travis is a little more cautious and of course, Caleb has been doing this for years--so he is a pro. Well, that's about all we've been up to lately. Caleb's Christmas break starts tomorrow and so this will be great to have some family time.

2008-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

My sister Jenny took some family pictures of us the other day, and they turned out really good so I thought I would post a preview. For the others you will have to wait until you get your Christmas cards!! Hope everyone is doing well. I love the holiday season!

Crafts and Baking!

2008-11-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know about other Mom's, but for me the longest hours of the day are from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Everyone is hungry, tired, and "bored". So, I like to entertain the kids with little crafts to make. Fall is the perfect time because every month there is a new theme. We made these turkeys using our footprints and handprints. I think they are pretty cute and they make my home look so festive hanging on the fridge.

I attend this recipe club once a month and this month was holiday breads. I tried this new recipe for a Danish Kringle (added some marashino cherries and almonds) and it turned out so pretty--and Delicious!!

Trav's Birthday

2008-11-14T12:23:00.001-08:00

So Travis is turning 4 years old and it is so weird because I feel like we have had him forever, but its only been 4 years. He is just the best kid in the world and so funny. He makes me laugh all day long and he always tells me..."you crack me up Mom!" So cute! One day we were watching a cooking show and saw this really awesome volcano cake and so Travis picked this for his birthday and I was more than happy to make it because it was so fun.

Trav's vtech laptop (which he hasn't played with even once) when you scroll down you'll know why!

The making of the cake. I used two box cake mixes (one red velvet--one chocolate) and made 4 round cakes and then cut them down to size. I crumbled the leftover red velvet pieces for my lava rocks. The rest was just frosting and icing! Oh and of course, I cut a whole out of the top and inserted a votive candle holder with some dry ice in it-so it looked like the volcano was erupting. The kids loved it and thought I was magic! It's always fun when you can impress your kids.

Travis asked me if it was "really exploding?"

My cousin Kevin made this "super homemade" card for Trav's birthday! If you look close you can see it says..."more chips" --Trav's favorite phrase.

This is why Travis hasn't touched his laptop toy. He loves LOVES his Batcave!

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-02T16:42:00.001-08:00

Trick or treat smell my feet...and so on... This is the night of our ward party! The kids had so much fun getting dressed up and this year was perfect because I didn't have to fight anybody about wearing their costume (except Jeff)! On Halloween, Jeff's parents came over to spend the holiday with us and take the kids trick-or-treating. We enjoyed having them here and it made our Halloween even more fun than usual.

Travis the Pirate! Aaargh Matey!

Caleb the Skeleton!

Martie is Super Girl!

The whole gang!

2008-10-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

2008-10-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's our Halloween tradition that we carve pumkins every year, so on Sunday we made donuts and jack-o-lanterns. For some reason my jack-o-lantern every year seems to end up looking kind of goofy and a little slow. Travis saw mine and said "Oh, is it sad?" That pretty much said it all. Martie's is suppose to be Scooby Doo, but it's hard to tell. Travis' is the most scary, Caleb's is the one with the little nose, and Jeff did the skull. I think they turned out pretty good! I've also been having lots of fun making fun foods for the kids to eat. My mom always sends me little cookbooks with fun recipes in them, so this year we've Monster Mouths with Ghostly Mashed potatoes, Cheesy Bat Biscuits, Yummy Mummy Calzones, and R.I.P. Brownies. The kids love it! Well, i hope everyone is enjoying Halloween as much as we are.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch and got to do all sorts of things...face painting, feed the horse, corn maze, and pick a pumpkin. The kids has tons of fun running through the maze and of course, Caleb kept running ahead of us and I was worried we would lose Martie. The kids also got to feed corn stalks to a horse and they thought that was pretty cool. We searched all over the pumpkin patch for the perfect one for Caleb. (who know he would be so picky about a pumpkin)!

I offered to carry it for her but, Martie insisted on carrying her own pumpkin and only dropped it like 3 times!

Travis is getting a bat painted on his face. Martie got a frankestein kind of thing and Caleb got a pumpkin on his hand.

Trav showing off his BAT!

Caleb looks good in corn--I think he was meant to be a farm kid!

Kiddos

2008-10-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Caleb is humoring me. I discovered that as he was getting older, I was taking less pictures of him and I together. So recently I've been making him take pictures with me. What a good sport!

So I also noticed going through family pictures that Jeff isn't in very many of them. I asked him why he thought that was..."because I'm never around." Exactly. So I decided to make him take pictures with me too!

Sometimes you have to make your own FUN!

2008-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today we had a rain storm and of course the kids got excited because they like to ride their bikes through the ditch. I know, GROSS, right? But, hey I figure it's rain water and it's moving pretty fast, and it's not like I let them drink it! Travis was really mischievious because he would ride his bike to where Caleb or Martie were and then purposely spray them with his back tire. Anyway, on boring Saturday's you have to make your own fun.

Same old, same old...

2008-09-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't updated in awhile because now that school has started every day pretty much has the same routine. I've been doing my own little preschool thing with Martie and Travis and it has really been fun. Travis is learning his letters and numbers and Martie is learning to copy everything Travis does. Caleb is really enjoying his school, but I wonder sometimes what they are learning because everyday I ask him what they did and he says..."Watched a movie." He's pretty tight-lipped about school. He did tell me that he plays basketball during recess and of course that makes me happy!! Travis was trying to get an extra cookie from me today and he said something kind of funny..."But Mom, if you give me one, then I won't take one." The kid sure needs to work on his bargaining. I have great kids, GOOFY, but great!

Cute Kids!

2008-09-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Martie and Travis looked so cute on Sunday! And so grown-up!

Fair and other Fun!

2008-09-03T14:32:00.001-07:00

On Friday we went took the kiddo's to the State Fair. They had a blast. We got to see lots of animals and the kids were really excited to get a balloon each. Trav and Caleb got swords and Martie got a heart wand. It amazes me that they get excited over such silly little things. We had lots of goodies at the fair too, like cotton candy, tiger ears, corn dogs, etc. I love the Fair!

Travis wanted to go on this car ride, so we put him and Martie in the cars. Well, Travis decided at the last minute that he didn't want to, but Martie was already in the car. It was so funny when she started going around by herself and she kept glaring at us. I guess she was pretty upset that Trav ditched her on the ride. She ended up liking the ride by the end! It was pretty funny.

Caleb made us pretty nervous on some of the rides, because he gets motion sick. Luckily, we had no mishaps though! Travis really wanted to go on the helicopter ride, so Caleb was a nice brother and went with him. He does better on roller coasters than he does on "spinny" rides.

Back to School!

2008-08-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Caleb started the 2nd grade today. His teacher is so nice and Caleb is really excited that alot of his friends are in his class. Today was only a half day, so it didn't really feel like school had totally started, but tomorrow is a full day. Yeah! I'm looking forward to just being home with Martie and Travis, although I miss Caleb when he's gone.

2008-08-15T08:17:00.001-07:00

Camping Trip

2008-08-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got back from our last bit of fun before school starts. Jeff has been gone for 2 weeks doing his summer AT, so I decided I better get the kids out of the house before I go crazy. I took them up camping at a place near Preston, ID called Willow Flat campground. It is really pretty up there and the kids love to play in the river and ride their bikes around. My sister Jenny and her two kids came with us too! The river seems more like a creek to me, but especially because it is super COLD water. To get to our campsite you have to drive through part of the crick and my kiddos' just loved that. Anyway, Jeff gets back tomorrow and then school starts next week for Caleb.

2008-08-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

The pie eating contest lasted for about 20 seconds, then it turned into a pie fight!!

Kevin doing some damage and my cousin Keith looks pretty upset
(it must be the whole peach in his nose)!

My cousins Jess and Meri Beth (you got pie on your face)!

Martie Jo, so pretty!

Travis decided since Grandpa left the next best thing was Uncle Steve!!

2008-08-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

More Pictures from the reunion!!

Family Reunion FUN!!

2008-08-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

So, after the temple sealing on Wednesday, we all headed up to Island Park to spend a few days as a family. We had a great time with lots of swimming, eating, a pie-eating contest, a greased watermelon contest (which I am proud to say I won the first race) and lots of remembering when...
I love my cousins and aunts and uncles so much and I know I'm biased buy I think they are the best ones in the world. The only bummer of the reunion was that not everyone could make it. Mom, Dad, Jenny, and Seth had to leave early and Kenny, Missy, Michele, Rob and James couldn't make it. I also really missed my cousin Kim who was always my partner in crime at family functions!! All in all, it was a great time and anytime we get to be with our loved ones we leave feeling so blessed!

Idaho Falls Temple

2008-08-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

My side of the family had a reunion this last week and it was super fun. On Wednesday, we met at the Idaho Falls Temple where we had our wonderful Grandma Evie sealed to her husband and children. It was such a special day and so important to our family! To see my dad and his siblings together and feel their deep love for one another was such a blessing. These are a few pictures I took at the temple.

2008-07-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

My kids had lots of fun playing at the AF reservoir. Travis could sit on the beach and play in the sand forever!! I forgot the lifejackets and Martie kept trying to go further and further out in the water, she got in up to her chin-the little daredevil! Caleb got to use his snorkel stuff---he looked pretty funny!

2008-07-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

We've been working so hard to get rid of the weeds in the front yard--
now there is finally a solid patch of grass and I am so proud!

Relaxin' with Dad!

2008-07-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

I get a kick out of how dark Martie is compared to Sadie!

Martie likes giving kisses to Sadie--Sadie not so much!!

I love Trav--he cracks me up!

Caleb loves to swim--his most exciting moment this summer was
passing the swim test at the pool in Bonners. Now he gets to swim
in the deep end all by himself. He thinks he is the greatest swimmer now
though-I have to watch him like a hawk!!

Martie is also a water dog!!

2008-07-09T16:23:00.001-07:00

2008-07-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Copper Falls in Boundary County, Idaho

Maggie, Travis, Ty, Ethan, Kadi, Caleb, Becky (always has to be in the picture) Martie & Thomas in front. The kids had fun hiking up to the falls (short hike).

Becky assisting Caleb across the creek or maybe Caleb assisting Becky!!

2008-07-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

We went over to Nampa to visit Grandpa and Grandma Petersen. They took us all to the zoo! Boise zoo isn't the biggest but the kids still had lots of fun. My kids are with their cousins Anthony and Hailey. So cute!

Caleb, Hailey, Anthony, and Travis

Hailey, Travis & Martie on the toy elephant!

Martie, Travis and Aunt Kelli on the carousel.

Martie Jo got a new bike. She thinks she is the coolest kid in town. Travis also got a bike and although I don't like characters on things he insisted on a Spider-man bike.

2008-07-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Jacob came to our house for a sleepover! They are all watching Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark). Maybe not quite age appropriate with all the snakes and such... Oh well

2008-07-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Our dog BJ was so FAT after winter this year--probably a combination of lazy days and a misunderstanding with Caleb on how much to feed her. She has trimmed down some now.

Summer Fun!

2008-07-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Travis spent almost and hour sliding down the slide into the little swimming pool. He loved it. Caleb and Travis playing at the American Falls Reservoir. The water was too cold to get in that day--but they still had fun digging in the sand.

The Petersen's

2008-07-09T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody!