The Anderson's

Birthdays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

This is a bit late, but we have been busy. On March 5th we celebrate half of our families birthdays on 1 day. I was born March 5th, 1974, thanks Mom, I owe you one for having to endure that long process. On March 5th, 2004 I gave birth to Joey and Kimy. I am very lucky to get to have such a wonderful gift.

Here I am on 3/5/2005 just before I had Joey and Kimy.

This is the biggest I have ever been and I was ready to have them.

This is also me in the early stages of labor.

Joey and Kimy 1 day after they were born

Joey was 6lbs. 10oz.

Kimy was 6lbs. 12oz.

Not to bad for being a bit early.

Joey and Kimy on their birthday this year. I swear she wore that crown for 2 days.

They have grown so much and are enjoying 1st grade. They are both reading and love to write stories. They are a huge joy to us and I can't wait to see what is in store for them.

Happy Birthday Meghan

2011-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

15 years ago today I was walking into the hospital to have my first baby. We did not know if it was a boy or girl, what to expect, or how long it would all take. I had been dilated for weeks, and was happy to be in labor. Finally ready to meet the new person truly making us a family. After about 10 hours of labor and 30 minutes of pushing Meghan Elizabeth was born. She was beautiful, a little swollen in the face, but absolutely beautiful. All 8lbs. 15oz. of her.

Here she is at 3 months.

It has been a joy to watch her grow over the years. She has always been a kind and caring person towards everyone. She has a huge love for animals and of course her family and friends. She amazes me everyday with her drive to work hard at school, volunteer to help others and willingness to be there when someone needs help. I am so proud to call her my daughter.

Beginning of Freshman year

My hope for her is that she dreams big and accomplish all her goals in life.

Which for her is something I know she can and will do. I am a lucky Mom to be blessed with four kids, but even luckier to have a wonderful teenage daughter like her.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Yes, I know.....I know!

2010-07-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

I know that I have not updated my blog in like forever. Thing have been busy. I was volunteering a lot at the school in the beginning of the year, I went straight from doing that to doing day care and then summer came. I feel like I have no time for me. By the end of the day, I just want to crawl into bed. This year has been great, but why go into details, because then I would have to find pictures to match and that is way to much work. School has ended about a month ago and the kids were sad to say good bye to their teachers.

Kimy and Joey had the same teacher this year. They loved Mrs. Theford and learned so much from her. They loved kindy, but are looking forward to 1st grade in the fall and going to school for the whole day. I really think they are looking forward to having lunch at school.

Meghan had a great 8th grade year and had to say good bye to her favorite teacher Mrs. Schrader......she is moving on to High School in the fall. Yes you heard me right, I have a kid in High School. Where has the time gone......Meghan made great friends at Rachel Carson and some are going to Westview with her. She is looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.

Kassidy was lucky enough to get Meghan's 5th grade teacher this year in 4th grade. Mrs. Towell is so awesome and loves all her kids like they are her own. Kassidy has grown so much this year and has become a wonderful and hard working student. Kassidy is looking forward to the challenges that 5th grade may bring. I am so lucky my kids had such awesome teachers. I will post again soon, as we continue our summer adventure.

I am a so proud

2010-01-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Meghan has been working since October on her Science Fair project, it has been a lot of time hours and work. Including bringing it home on her winter break to work on it. Today she had to present it to the panel. Including her teachers and other invited guest. She was nervous this morning when I dropped her off at school, but I knew she would be fine. This evening we went to the school to see her project and find out how she did.

Here are the teachers getting ready to announce. Mr Quinn in the blue shirt is her Science teacher. Mrs. Schrader with the guide puppy is her Math teacher. The other teacher are Mrs. Hall with the mic, Mrs. Hurley, and Mrs. Cleavenger. A huge thank you to all of them for all the hard work the put into their jobs for the kids.

Mr. Gibson, carrying his boys out to the car. It was past their bed time.

All the kids going to the District Science Fair. Yep that is my Meghan in there. Next to the tall boy in the white shirt. I am so darn proud of her! She amazes me every time I turn around. She is 1 of 10 kids. She is one awesome kid.

Meghan with her good friend Ace. They both did a great job.

Meghan's project. She also got an award for Outstanding Use of Graphs.

She amazes me!

Meghan with her project.

Good Job Sweetie!

Where has the time gone

2010-01-22T19:25:00.001-08:00

I find it hard to believe that January is almost over. And we have our first birthday for the year coming up. Meghan will be 14 in 11 days, she made sure to let me know today. Because you know I would forget....not really. I will never forget. Four days before that my niece MacKenzie will be 14. I find it hard to comprehend that I have an almost high schooler. I am not old enough for that. I am going into this next chapter of her life not to sure about any of it. Oh the joys of being Mom.

Since I did not post any Christmas pictures to date, yes I have been busy. Raising 4 kids is a lot of work. I have also been volunteering at the kids' schools lately........a lot. I am loving every minute of it and I am glad I can do something to help out where it is needed. Anyways I am posting a couple of pictures now.

All the kids on Christmas day. We spent the day at Colleen and Jason's. So left to right on top row is Jayden, Kassidy, MacKenzie and Meghan. Then left to right on bottom row is Hunter, Joey, Kimy and Adyson. They are all so cute.
Here is my bunch Christmas Eve in their new jammies. I love how close they were. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with Chris' family at their house. We also went to church with Grandpa before dinner. All in all it was a wonderful holiday.

Even for Daddy who got the best present from his Dad. This beautiful table with a glass top. Ass you can see it has the emblem from his favorite football team The Saint's. Yes, Chris is a happy man as the are ever so close to going to the Super Bowl. It has been a season filled with a lot of games this year.

As you can see Joey is also in the football spirit. We start them young in this house. He has been a fan since the day he was born.

I know, I know.....

2009-12-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

I have yet to blog about Christmas, but there is something way more exciting happening in this neck of the woods right now. IT IS SNOWING! The kids are so excited and after we safely retrieved Meghan from her friends house, the ran in got dressed and playing in the snow.

Kimy made it outside first......and dug right in. She has been wanting it to snow for weeks now.

Next Kassidy made it out and started chasing her sister around.

Then Joey....Meghan did not want to come out. She started throwing snowballs at the girls. He has to get his payback in some how.

Te tree in front of our house. I like how the snow builds up on it.

Oreo and Captain watching the snow.

The big tree behind our house. I looks like a Christmas tree to me.

Our First Day

2009-12-14T20:26:00.001-08:00

Of our Christmas celebration we went and hunted for the perfect tree. On Sunday we all loaded into the van and headed up to Loch Lolly tree farm. We have been going here since Meghan was born. We have missed a couple of years to try new places, but this is our favorite. It was the perfect weather to get a tree. Nice, a little cold, but not wet or raining.

Here is Meghan ready to start finding the perfect tree.
Kassidy sizing up the trees. She wanted to make sure we got the right size.

Meghan and Alison posing for me. I think Alison had a good time, at least I hope she did.

There is a lot of discussion that goes into getting the right tree.

Found the right one, now to cut it down. Meghan got to hold the tree, while Joey told Dad what to do. Joey loved bossing Daddy around.

Kimy, Joey and Daddy carrying the tree back to the Van.

Now to get the tree on top of the van....this is where I have to put the camera down to help.

Meghan sitting on Santa's lap.

Joey with Santa....he wished for the Saint's to go to the Superbowl.

Kimy with Santa. Kassidy will not sit on Santa's lap. She has not for a while now, so there is no picture of her on Santa's lap. We all had a blast and got to drink hot chocolate by the fire. Then we headed hope to put the tree up. Pictures of that tomorrow.

Meghan's Adventures

2009-12-13T21:12:00.000-08:00

Aunt Alison came for a visit this weekend, for 1 purpose and 1 purpose only.....to go snowboarding on Mt. Hood. She took Meghan with her, maybe out of guilt. Probably not, she is teaching Meghan to snowboard and Saturday was lesson number 2. I was so nice of her to fly from Las Vegas to teach her. The last time she came was in March or April. They had a blast this time, and even got snowed on to boot.

Meghan heading down the slope. Alison says that Meghan is a natural, hopefully that is true and she is not just saying that because we let her stay with us.....lol.
All smiles, but I am sure her butt is hurting her. She says it is now.

Meghan really getting the hang of it. During this trip she tried some blue and green runs. I am not to sure what that means, but Alison says that it is good.

She also said Meghan is really good at falling. I think she is taking tips from Alison on how to get some really cool bruises.

Alison's proof that she is there and teaching her......wait is that Meghan falling in the background?

All in all they had a great time and returned home tired and in one piece. That is all this proud Mom can ask for. We are looking forward to Alison's next trip, We all love it when she come to visit.

Just so you know.......

2009-12-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming. I am so excited you know. I love this time of year. Especially here in Oregon it is cold out today, I mean really cold. Like 12 degrees this morning when I took Meghan to school. See I told you it was cold.

Also just so you know, my good friend Alison is coming to town. She is only coming so she and Meghan can go snowboarding on Mt. Hood. Meghan is super excited and really looking forward to spending some time with her Aunt.

One last thing you should know, we are getting our tree this weekend. I am very excited about that. I am going with some wonderful friends and we are going to have a fabulous time traipsing through the woods finding the perfect tree. Okay, not the woods but a tree farm. It is like being in the woods. This will also start our 12 days of Christmas. Everyday starting Sunday, with our getting a tree and trimming it, we are going to be doing some Christmas related activity. I am looking forward to spending time with the kids and some wonderful friends.

So my promise is to post every night after said activity, so you can see what we did.

One Big Update

2009-12-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have updated my blog. There is always something to keep me busy, and it usually happens just as I have time to blog. I have also been doing a lot of volunteering at the younger kids school, so there is the little kid free time I have gone. So here is what we have been up to the past 3 months.

We have had to say farewell to some wonderful friends as they moved back to California. Jason, Leah, Thomas and Jack.......we all miss you very much. I hope things are going well. Love you all.

Kimy and Joey went on their first field trip. Their Kindergarten class went to the pumpkin patch in October. Here is a picture of their class at the pumpkin patch. All the kids had a wonderful time. The best part was that we did not get rained on.

I took the kids to their Costume dance at the school. Dylan got to go with us also. The kids had a great time and danced until it was time to go home.

We went trick or treating on Halloween with Vanessa and her boys. It was cold, but the kids hauled in a bunch of candy. It is a good thing Daddy helped them eat it all. Meghan went out with some of her friends.

More recently Kimy fell playing on the ladder of her bunk bed and broke her foot. It landed her in a splint for a week. We also got to spend most of the evening in the ER. She is doing much better now, and on the mend.

The twins class did a little Thanksgiving sing along and got to have a feast afterwords. It was nice to hear all the songs they have been learning. They got to preform with all the other kindergartners.

Meghan and MacKenzie......we spend Thanksgiving with my family at the Kearney's house. It was nice to sit and talk with family, watch football, play with the kids, and eat yummy food.

Kimy on her crutches......she is too dang cute, and man could she really move on them.

Papa, Nana, and Aunt Molly loading up their plates.

Grandpa and Joey playing football. We are teaching Joey not to let go of the ball. No matter what.

Daddy is a huge, and I mean huge Saints fan. He has been since I have know him, all the way back in 19992. He has supported him in good time and bad times, mostly bad. We have to be honest about that. But they are doing great this year, and we are darn proud of that. We are looking forward to them playing in the Superbowl.

Last night we went to free night at the Children's Museum. It was nice for the kids to be able to run and play inside. It has been pretty cold here, so we are stuck indoors more often. The kids really like playing in the restaurant.

Jack and Kimy cooking for the customers.

Not a sound

2009-09-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

There is not a single sound in my house right now except for the clicking of my keyboard as I type this. Today I sent all my kids off to school. Yep all of them, even the twins. I am all alone at home. No one is calling me, fighting with a sibling or watching TV. Had to believe that I am alone for a couple of hours. The twins get picked up at 11. What am I going to do with my time......laundry, cleaning, reading, scrap booking......who knows for sure, but something will get accomplished today.

Meghan ready to walk out the door. She is a WEB leader and had to wear the shirt so the new kids can go to her for help. Chris took her to school today, she had to be there early. I can't believe that she is in the 8th grade!

Kimy all ready for her first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited that she woke up at 6a.m.

Joey ready to head out the door for Kindergarten also. He told me as we were walking in that he might be a little shy today.

Kassidy all ready to start 4th grade with Mrs. Towell. She is very very excited to be in Mrs. Towell's class. Meghan had her for the 5th and loved her. She is excited Kassidy got her also.

So today being the first day I walked them to their classrooms. They three youngest seem so big now. It was hard to watch them go off into their classrooms with out a worry.

Kassidy picking a spot. She was ready to get some work done.

Kimy and Joey hanging up their backpacks.

Reading a book and waiting for the bell to ring.

Joey was also reading a book.

That is how I left them.......reading at a table. No tears (from any of us), just a hug and kiss goodbye. I am sitting here wondering how they grew up so fast.

It is done!!!!!!

2009-08-05T11:04:00.001-07:00

Meghan's room that is. It took a couple of weeks, but it is all done. She loves it and so do her friends that have seen it. She has been back in her room since Saturday and happy as a clam about it. She is enjoying writing on the walls and being able to escape from her siblings when needed.

Her friend Ace that stayed Saturday night had fun also. They left messages on the walls.

All over....they even played hangman on them.

Her new bedding that Grandpa bought her fun such good grades.

Her study area, She got the desk from Mandie and repainted it.

Her curtains.....we decided not to do blinds. There is a sheer purple behind the zebra stripes.

We still have a couple of little things to do and buy, but she is very happy with how it all turned out. No one to one of the little kids rooms. Just not sure which one yet.

Man it is HOT........

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

And I mean HOT.......it has been 106 here in good old Oregon. We never get this hot. Never.....usually the hottest we get is maybe 100. So we have been inside enjoying what little bit of AC we have. So I don't have to much to talk about. I am almost done with Meghan's room and will post pictures when it is all done. Until there here are some picture I took at Blue Lake on Sunday. The kids really wanted to go, so Grandpa and I took the kids along with Alexis for some fun in the sun. This was my first time to Blue Lake and I am looking forward to going back.

Kimy and Joey heading into the lake. The couldn't get in fast enough.

Meghan, Alexis and Kassidy all wet and enjoying it.

Kimy and Joey being brave and going in deeper.

Meghan and Kassidy heading out to play with the twins.

Kimy Swimming.....at least that is what she calls it.

Joey playing....there were not many opportunities to take his picture. He puts his head in the and swims.

Kimy and Joey playing.

Along with the lake there is a splash pad for the kids to play in. The are different water features for them to get with and run around. Here is Kimy enjoying herself.

Joey having a good time.

Kimy heading into the water again.

Joey flying though the water.

This is one of the many play structures they had at the park. It was nice to have different activities for the twins to do, they like to move and play and not rest, especially Kimy. Nana says she has two speeds.....on and off. She is hardly ever off.

Kimy driving.....thank goodness she is to young to really drive.

Joey climbing up the ladder....Grandpa was chasing him around.

Joey posing for me.

Back to the water. Kassidy and Alexis giving Joey and Kimy piggy back rides.

Meghan watching all the kids play.

Cats..........

2009-07-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am a cat person, a dog person also, but I have always grown up with cats. We always had cats around at least 2, sometimes more. We had a couple of litters also. My Dad always had fun names for them, Halflip(his lip was half black, half white), BK(Black Kat), Charlie(a girl), Bootsie(she was black, except for white paws). So I in general love cats. As I have said before, we have Oreo, he is black and white and a love. He loves Meghan the most. A bit ago we added Captain. He is also a sweetie and love to Chase Oreo around. The get a long great.

This is not one of our cats, but beautiful all the same. I love Tigers, they are so pretty. Also so much like a house cat. This is one of the rare time I have seen the Tigers at the Zoo awake, they are usually sleeping.
See Oreo and Captain taking a nap together under my craft table.

Kimy Did this to Captain the other day. He also lets her push him around in her baby stroller.

He is willing to let her wrap him up like a baby and make him a bed.

Okay may not to much, but he did fall asleep like this for a while.

What a weekend!

2009-07-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

We have had an eventful weekend. It all started on Friday with hanging out with Sheila and her kids. We went to the park to play in the water and have lunch. It was the perfect weather for such fun. All the kids had a great time and enjoyed a Slurpee on the way home.

Kassidy and Nichole playing in the water fountain.

Saturday was Adyson's (my niece) birthday party. Another hot day, so a great day for a pool party. All the kids had a blast. Including Meghan. Being 13 she thought she was to old to bring her swimsuit. Soon MacKenzie (my other niece) had her talked into do getting wet in her clothes. The kids enjoyed the pool with slide and doing the slip a sled. A first for my kids, who all soon mastered it. Especially Joey.
Kimy on the slip and slide.

Joey finishing up.

The Birthday girl Adyson

Meghan's turn on the slip and slide.

Meghan and MacKenzie helping Lala stay cool

Nana, Molly and Ryan watching the kids play.

So it being Adyson's birthday, I made her pool party cupcakes. This little bear is diving under the water. Complete with diver's mask and tube for breathing. There are also balls to play with and tubes for hanging out in. Everything is edible.

More cupcakes. Some have mats to lounge on and noodle to play with.

More cupcakes. I made a ton and Jason took the leftover to the fire station for their enjoyment.

The kids really liked them also. Some are even wearing arm floaties.

Adyson pretending to blow out the candles. She didn't like them being lit.

Piper enjoying her cupcake.

Adyson, after she was done eating hers. She said they were Yummy.

Nana and Lala.

We all had a good time, Thanks for the invite Lala, Jason, Hunter and Adyson.

painting.....

2009-07-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

So I have not blogged lately because we have been busy painting Meghan's room. She has decided that she wanted to redo her room. She found the her perfect bed set at Target. I will post pictures of it soon. Until then her are some pictures of her room in progress. Along with the painting we are going to do a chair rail to separate the color.

The bottom part of the walls are hot pink. It matches the bedding.

The top part is Grape Fizz chalkboard paint. She wants to be able to write on her walls.

Joey all ready to help out. He insisted on my taking the picture with his hard hat on. He told me he was a worker guy.

Dylan's Birthday Cake

2009-07-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

So today was Dylan's birthday party. He told me he wanted Lego cupcakes. Something I have never done before. But, hey. I will try anything once. So a baked a cake and cut it into different size squares and such. Then I covered them with fondant. Something I have not used before, but it went okay for my first try. Dylan Loved the cakes, so that is a plus.

The finished cakes. I can see my mistakes, but not to bad for the first try. I also used Lego men to decorate the cakes. I think Dylan liked theses the best.
Dylan liked this guy best.....he has brown hair and sunglasses.

Another part of the cake.

Dylan playing with the people off of the cake.

He loves his Lego's

They Lego's we got Dylan for his birthday.

Checking out the new bike he got from Mom and Dad.

"Hey.....that is not a Hot Wheels bike!"

Running to Dad in tears, he really wanted the Hot Wheels bike.

Enjoying the new bike. He realized that Transformers is better.

Cowboy Boots and Cupcakes

2009-07-05T23:12:00.001-07:00

So for the 4th of July, we had everyone over to our house. I lost count of how many people were here. We all had a great time and laughed a lot. Of course I had to make cupcakes. What is a get together with out cupcakes. This one is from my Hello Cupcake book. That is what started my whole cupcake thing.

I think it turned out pretty well.

Joey wearing his favorite pair of shoes right now. His Cowboy boots. Given to him by his good friend Cameron. He has been wearing then all the time, unless under duress I make him wear something else. See, as he sees it they go with every thing. Yes, even shorts.

They can be worn on any foot, even the wrong ones.

They are great for stomping on poppers.

And are comfortable anytime of day or night. Thank you Cameron and Sheila for sharing these boots with us. Joey loves them to death.

Music

2009-07-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

I personally love music. All types. I have favorites, but for the most part I listen to everything. My friend Mandie has her brothers visiting for a bit this summer. Will and Tyler, or Wawa and Ty as they are called by Dylan, are very sweet teenager. I have gotten to spend some time with them over the past two days. I can tell they they also both like music. I also learned that Will can play the guitar.....He is good, no great. I have never heard such beautiful music before. As we were enjoying the beautiful weather at the park, he played for us. I also snapped some pictures. I wonder if he noticed.

Will playing.....he looks so deep in thought, but natural at the same time.

Watching his finger move was amazing, like they knew where to go with out him thinking about it.

Dylan enjoying the music.

Will still playing.....Meghan is hoping to learn a bit before he leaves. She has been wanting to learn to play for a while now.

Mck Linky

2009-06-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

There’s a great new “linky” service available and I wanted to let you know about it. It’s called MckLinky – www.mcklinky.com. After realizing the need for a new, reliable linky capability, Brent Riggs and MckMama got together to create a free, easy to use linky service for all their blog friends.

MckLinky is a free link list feature that allows you to do include lists of other blog links like MckMama does on Not Me! Monday. You can use MckLinky any time you want your blog readers to leave a list of links on your blog. It’s simple, reliable, free...and loads of MckFun!

Spinning

2009-06-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

I remember being a kid and getting on a tire swing and spinning. Feeling free, and letting my hair out.......also the little bit queasiness you get from it also. When I took the kids to the park on Saturday, they had these little chair things they can sit in and it spins around with their body weight. They LOVED it. They had so much fun spinning.

Kassidy went first......she kept wanting to go faster and faster. She is so much like her Dad.

Joey was there to cheer her on, only so he could have her turn.

Joey was ready to go, he also wanted to go faster. A little daredevil he is.

Kimy was last and I think the most fun to watch. She put her head back and let her hair down.She was giggling the whole time.

She was happy going fast.

And smiled the whole time, this big huge grin.

P.S. My Kidney stone procedure went well and it is gone. Yeah! All that worry for nothing.

Not me Monday!

2009-06-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I am not typing this Sunday evening, and posting it then, because that would mean it is not Monday. Nope not me! I am not doing this Sunday because I am going in to have a kidney stone removed. Nope. I am not doing tis because my life has not been inconvienced enough by said stone, and I am not tired of waiting for it to pass. Nope not I. I am also not a little scared of said procedure, why? Because I am a big girl, and nothing scares me. Nope not me!

I also did not take the kids to the park with a friend on Saturday and forget to put sunscreen on. Nope not me. Because if I had done that, then I would be looking like a lobster. Also it would me that I acutally did something for myself also and was not busy taking care of the the kids. Nope not I, I would never do anything like that.

I also did not allow my teenage daughter to sleep in on Saturday until 11am. Nope, I did not pack up the little kids and leave the house at 9am and not even wake said teenager. I would never do anything like that. I am never that nice. Nope not me! I am a mean Mom.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monay and I will post some pictures on Tuesday. If I am out of bed and moving around.

My little Spiderman

2009-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to spent the day with my good friend Sheila and her kids. We spent part of the afternoon at a park by here house. The kids played in the water and sand, then we made our way over to the playground. Much to Joey's delight they had a rope climbing structure. He jumped right on telling me he was Spider-Man. I have caught him holding spider in the hopes of turning into Spider-Man.

Concentrating hard on the task at hand.

So many ways to go!

Making sure that I am watching him.

working his way through the maze of ropes.

Looking to see how far up he was.

"Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man"

So close......just a little bit more to go.

" Finally made it to the top!"

Joey at the top of the structure. He was very proud.

True Love?????????

2009-06-25T18:32:00.001-07:00

This is Kimy....my youngest. Look at her so sweet and innocent and cute. I love this little munchkin. She is my snuggle bug. Today we went to the park with my wonderful friend Vanessa. Vanessa and I met online and her son Will is 6 days younger than the twins. Kimy is always saying she is going to marry Will and have lots of babies. It also happens that Will says the same thing. Today they played together for a long time. Happy as could be.

Kimy ready to go on the monkey bars. Will is right behind her.

Will and Kimy hanging out!

Will and Kimy. I must say that they make a cute couple. Another plus is Vanessa and I are great friends so having them as in laws would not be bad at all.

Joey's tooth is missing......

2009-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today, just a few minutes ago in fact, Joey lost his first tooth. It is hard to believe that he is growing up so fast. He also finally did something before Kimy did.

Joey proudly showing off his missing tooth.

Another beautiful day!

2009-06-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today has been another beautiful day here in Oregon. The sun is shining and there is no rain in sight. So we spent the day at the park of course. What else are you to do on a day like this. We meet up with my friends Mandie and Leah and their kids. Everyone had a good time playing and running in the fountain.

Kassidy enjoying the sun.

Mandie and her daycare girl Tayla, she was waving hi to everyone.

Kimy trying to give Dylan a wet hug......he was not going to let that happen.

Dylan trying to hide from me. I think the pole is to thin.

Joey enjoying the water.

Kimy making a run through it.

My nephew Thomas, enjoying the water. He was so excited to tell me about it.

My other nephew Jack.......I just love those squishy cheeks.

Me getting in my baby snuggles. He feel asleep in my arms. I love being able to hold a baby, but I also love not having to change diapers.

Happy Father's Day.....

2009-06-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

A Happy Father" Day to My Husband Chris. Also to My Dad and his Dad. We spent the day out and about. We had breakfast at IHOP, then off to OMSI fun lots of Science fun. We stopped by my parents house for a bit of a visit and then off to his parents for a BBQ.

Joey, Meghan, and Daddy at Breakfast.

Burger cupcakes made for Father's Day. I borrowed the idea from Bakerella. I love her stuff.

I made some for my parents and some for his family.

Summer!!!!

2009-06-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

We are all so glad that summer is here. Time to play at the park! On Tuesday we went to the "Water Park" as the kids call in for some fun in the some. We played, ran in the water fountain and then went to the Library for some books for our summer reading.

Kimy has mastered the monkey bars. She may be part monkey.
Joey going down the twisty pole. There is great concentration that goes into the whole process.

I love the concentration in her face. She works so hard to get all the way across.

There was swinging also.....lots of swinging. They always ask me to push them higher. I guess the higher they go the more fun it is.

Meghan is pushing Kimy and Dylan. At least I was able to rope her into doing it. My back was killing me due to a wonderful Kidney stone. I can't wait for it to pass.

Kassidy and Kimy enjoying the water after lunch. I never got as warm as it was suppose to. They had a blast either way.

Joey running through the water. They all love being in the water.

Kimy running though the fountain.

Joey showing me his ninja poses.......he always makes me laugh. We are looking forward to many more days like this. Also going to more parks, and being with our friends.

potluck

2009-06-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is just a potluck of pictures....taken around the house as the kids are cleaning their rooms. Joey was first.....he is the first room I came to.

Just watching Oreo look at the window. Oreo loves this window.
Kassidy and Kimy working on their disaster area. This was taken minutes before a fight broke out where Kassidy said Kimy was not helping.

All the while said teenager was putting her clothes away. She saw me and the camera and ran to the closet.

Closed the doors and this was all I could see of her.........by the way I love the orange nail polish.

Until I went to the other side and snapped this picture......she was trying not to laugh.

After about 5 minutes of me begging and I mean begging, she allowed me to take this shot. I am not to sure why this beautiful girl will not let me take her picture. I love them all and am glad they are all mine.

A Day at the Zoo!

2009-06-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

So Chris and I decided to take the kids to the Zoo today. What a fun day we had and the weather was perfect. We had some clouds in the morning, but the sun finally came out. Chris and I had gone grocery shopping before, so we got lunchables for lunch. It was easy and yummy.

Chris, Kimy, Kassidy, Meghan and Joey checking out the goats when we first walked in.
While at the Zoo we ran into our wonderful friends Leah, Thomas (Check out his new backpack)

Jason and Jack. Don't you just want to squeeze those chubby cheeks.

Joey had to see the bats.....we got there right at feeding time. He loved watching them eat.

He also loved seeing the crocodiles....he said they are made of stone, all because they wouldn't move.

Got to love the hippos.

Meghan enjoying, as much as a teenager does the Zoo train ride.

This is her lifeline to the "real" world.

Joey enjoying the train ride. He spent 95% of the ride like this.

Kassidy snuggling with Daddy on the train.

Kimy loved waving at everyone she went by.

We all had a blast, but were very tired when we got home today. We are all looking forward to many more days like this as summer progresses. Maybe the next time we will go to OMSI.

A Big Thank You goes to.......

2009-06-02T21:50:00.001-07:00

the wonderful Dr. Lashley. He has fixed our baby girl. She should no long have any more UTI's.Her Kidneys are not refluxing anymore. Today was her last test. We went up to the hospital for an ultrasound....they off to see him for the results. He said that "Everything looks wonderful, and she can go off her meds." Can I tell you how happy I am to hear that. The best part is he gave Kimy a hug and said "Thanks you for letting me take care of your little girl." What a wonderful Doctor.

Kimy all smiles that she does not need her meds anymore.

Showing off her scar. Not to bad and she loves to show it off. She has been a very brave girl through this whole process.

It is so hard to say Goodbye.....

2009-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

On May 22nd 2008, my Mother in law lost her 13 month battle to Cancer. She went into the Lord's arms peacefully, I know because I was lucky to be with her when she took her last breath on our Earth. I held her hand and felt her pulse slip away. It was one of the most sad and amazing things I have ever been a part of.

This was outside the chapel where we said our last Goodbye's.

Kassidy wait patiently waiting for the tire to be changed. Yes we got a flat tire on the way to the cemetery. Talk about not having a good day.
Chris and Pat, the wonderful ODOT employee who helped us change said tire on the side of the freeway. We are so grateful to him.
Chris and Dennis taking Ann the her final resting place. We are all sad to have lost her. She fought a tough fight and is now in a much better place.
Kimy and Joey playing outside of the Church. They still don't understand that Grandma is not her anymore. I know that will get it at some point.

I helped make some of the prayer cards for the service and family members. One of the poems I found really hit hard, so I thought I would share it with you.

We thought of you today.

But that is nothing new.

We thought of you yesterday

And will tomorrow, too.

We think of you in silence

And make no outward show.

For what it meant to loose you

Only those who love you know.

Remembering you is easy.

We do it everyday.

It's the heartache of losing you

That will never go away.

Author unknown

Not Me Monday............

2009-05-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So this is a first for me, but I thought I would give it a try.....maybe it will become

a regular thing, we shall see. So here goes.......

I being a great Mom would never ever not blog about my wonderful middle daughter's

9th birthday. Nope not me! I would never ever forget to do that.

I would also never have my husband take me to the E.R. in the middle of the night and

not tell our oldest daughter that we were leaving. I would never be in that much pain,

that I remember in a drug induced stupor to text her in the wee hours of the morning.

Nope! Not I! Never, Ever.

I also would never give into my kids and let them have another kitten to add to the house.

Nope, I am a Mom and never give into them. I also didn't melt when I saw said sweet little

kitten and not fall instantly in love. I would never do that.

I also would never be so busy enjoying the wonderful weather this weekend that I did not take one single picture of said weather. Or enjoy me kids so much that I would rather lay on the

couch watching cartoons with them than cleaning house. I am also not looking forward to

sending the twins to Kindy in the fall, because I will not have as much time with them.

Nope not me!

GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?!?

2009-04-28T15:59:00.001-07:00

This little girl is so happy because we are home now. The Doctor said she could go home as long as she keeps up with her fluids. As I type this she is resting and watching a movie.

Today is a new day.....

2009-04-28T11:30:00.001-07:00

So today has been a much better day. We were up at 4am for vitals, we were still up when Dr. Lashley came by at 5am. He said all looks well. As long things continue to go well, we should be heading home at about 4pm. She was up when Dr. Lashley came by and then the nurse came by a bit after that. We were trying to get her to eat some, so she got to have a Popsicle.

Enjoying a Popsicle at 5:45 am.......what a great day to start the day.
Enjoying her breakfast. After breakfast, the nurses came by and took out her cath. After that we got to go for a walk.

Daddy fixing her pants so we could walk.

Then we walked down to play in the playroom and played with Joey for a while.

She loved being able to ride the bike and play. Then it was back to the room for a bit of a rest. She is now enjoying lunch and feeling better.

coloring before lunch.

Another update.......

2009-04-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

So this afternoon has not gone to well. Things have started to go downhill after this loving moment. Daddy and Joey gave hugs and kisses and had to leave. She started crying off and on a bit after that. She wanted to go home and be with them at home. It is so hard watching her cry and knowing that I can't make it better right now for her.

Daddy and Joey saying goodbye.

Coloring for a bit after they left. It is a little hard to color with your left hand when you are right handed. I love the look of great concentration on her face.

Shortly after this is me laying in her bed for snuggles, she had started crying that she wanted to go home and see her Dad. She also did not want to have surgery (to bad it was already done)

Enjoying a Popsicle.....this made her stop crying for a bit. It also turned her mouth purple.

But purple is her favorite color.

He is where things got even worse for her.....She had thrown up shortly before this. She didn't want to change her clothes, or her sheets. She was in more pain and just overall not happy. She is back on clear liquids......she was up to applesauce and toast before. Tomorrow Dr. Lashley will be in at 5am to see her and let us know if we can go home tomorrow. Continued prayers are appreciated. Thanks a ton. I am off to try to get some sleep as she is now sleeping. But they come in every couple of hours to do vitals so we shall see.

quick update

2009-04-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

Kimy is awaked and has been for about an hour. She is doing great. Eating crackers and

drinking water......a little bit of Sprite also. She has also been coloring. She was able to wake

up before Daddy had to leave. So she got hugs and kisses before he and Joey had to head

home to get the older girls picked up from school. I will post some pictures soon, but I have to

jet......Kimy is crying that she wants to go home.

Kimy's surgery

2009-04-27T11:26:00.001-07:00

So today was Kimy's big day for her bilateral re implantation to solve her kidney reflux issues. We got to the hospital @ 5:45 this morning to get checked in and get ready. After changing into the lovely jammies they provide, we got some vital and then got to play for a while. At about 7am she got some Tylenol and the other meds to make her loopy and then it was off to pre op.

In pre op she found a book that had lots of sparkles and started reading. With in a few minutes Dr. Lashley was in to take her back. She did just great, thought I got a little weepy. But overall everything went off with out a hitch. At about 10:20 Dr Lashley came out to let us know that Kimy did great and all went well. We are so glad that all went well. After being in recovery for a while, it was off to our room for our stay.
Joey had to make sure Kimy knew he was here and that he loved her. He was very worried about her.

Kimy resting

As I type this Kimy is still sleeping off the meds. She is comfortable and not in any pain. I hope she sleeps tonight also. I am so tired from not sleeping last night. I will blog updates as more happens. Thanks for all the prayers.

Our mini vacation!

2009-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got back from out mini vacation.....we took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge up in Washington. We all had a blast and were very tired when we got home. We have spent the day today unpacking and doing laundry. I am also repacking for Kimy's surgery and overnight stay in the hospital. If you could keep her, me and the surgeon in your prayers that would be appreciated. She has surgery Monday morning at 7:30 am our time. I will post more from our trip when things settle down.

Twins

2009-04-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Having twins is an amazing event.....the pregnancy, birth and raising has been a learning process from the get go. It has been nothing like the older girls, there is so much more to having twins. I am not just talking about having 2 , or doing 2 of everything. Their relationship is amazing, they are so close. There is so much love there for each other. The past couple of nights they have been sleeping on out floor.

The other night I found them like this, close together and Joey with his hand on her. Kind of like he is protecting her, or making sure she does not go to far away.
It was so cute, I had to take a picture, look at how connected they are.

Little Boy.........

2009-04-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

There is one little boy is our house. He is just to darn cute, but at times I feel sorry for him. He is surrounded by girls. The poor kid has 3 sisters.......at least he is 20 minutes older than Kimy. I never realized how different boys are.

To him life is all about superheros. Batman, Iron man, Superman......I see comic books in our future.
Yesterday while we were outside enjoying the wonderful sunshine, Joey fell off the scooter and scraped up his face. Kimy seeing blood started screaming for me, in turn causing Joey to get upset.

I got him all cleaned up and stopped the bloody nose. He chewed up the inside of his lip pretty bad, but just has a scrape below his nose. Thank God he was wearing his helmet. A must in this house.

10 minutes later he was back to riding the scooter and bike. There is no fear when you are a little boy. You can do it all, as far as he is concerned. I will tell you one thing. He can also be the sweetest most loving out of all the kids.

Oh to be a Teenager............

2009-04-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

I officially have a teenager now, Meghan turned 13 in February. When she got her own room a few years back, it has always been her space. She can do with it what she likes. All I ask is the she keeps it picked up. Her idea of picked up is totally different than mine.

This is her room picked up......not horrible, but is that basket of clothes clean or dirty?

By the way this turned into a fun game for me. See one thing she does not like me to do is take her picture. I snuck this one. Then she caught on.

I was able to catch this one because she was not looking. At least she was starting to pick up.

Then I went to take this one......What is the thing in her hand and she better not throw it at me!

GOOD!!!!!!! At least she only used it to cover her face. I wish I knew why she did not want me to take her picture. With as many pictures as I take you would thinks she would be use to it by now. She use to be a ham in front of the camera.

Then I got this as I was trying to take a picture. SHE CLOSED THE DOOR ON ME!

What a SNOT!

So then I tried calling her. She was to smart. If you look carefully she has the door cracked a bit and is answering me. At this point I got bored with her and moved on to more willing subjects.

The tour......

2009-04-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

So today was they day I took Kimy to her pre-registration and tour of the hospital where she will have surgery next Monday. I took Joey along also so he would know also. We left here took Kassidy to school and then headed downtown. The kids love going over the bridges. As we are heading to the freeway, I realize that I forgot my camera a home. I was so bummed. I wanted to take pictures so Kimy and I could look over them later.

We arrived at the hospital on time, with a little side track through construction. Got all checked in then we got our tour. Kimy and Joey loved looking at everything and wanted to play in all the playrooms. We got to see the rooms and meet some nurses, and also so to see where the fish are and play in the big playroom. They twins had a blast as I jotted down notes and tried to listen. Question, How many times can one Mom say..."Please stop _________"

The nurse was great and even told us some of the things Kimy will see in the operating room. I am sure all of this will help Kimy out next Monday. They both got to bring home a little kit of Doctor stuff (as they call it) and and working on their dolls right now.

Why I love my Dad............

2009-04-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

First of all what is not to lave about this man......look at him all relaxed sitting there. Note that there are 8 grand kids running around the house loudly and jumping on his lap from time to time. He is just amazing, he knows how to do everything and I mean everything. I have yet to find on thing that he can't do. the plus side to that, he taught all three of us girls some of these things. What you may ask.

Well he taught me how to.......

-Change a flat tire

-Rotate my tires

-Change the oil in my car

-Mow the lawn

-How to be on time (amazing with 3 teenage daughters)

-How to love life

I could go on forever. But I realized today how much he taught me, and the biggest thing he taught me......Independence.

It is a beautiful sunny day here in Oregon and by backyard, small as it may be is starting to look like a jungle. So today I broke out the mower and took car of it. All while Chris was playing WoW. yet more proof that I am a WoW widow. Thanks Dad for making sure I knew how to do the important thing in life......I love you.

Preparing for Easter.......

2009-04-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

I think one of the best parts about being a kid during Easter is coloring eggs, and of course all the candy you can get. What is there not to love about making eggs any color, or colors you want. You get to be creative and get messy, within reason. Now as a parent I get the joy of watching my kids color eggs. They all have a different way of going about and seeing the results.

Meghan is pretty precise about what she want and how it turns out. She used the wax crayon to write on hers. She had to make sure to get the Fall Out Boys in there somewhere.

Kimy was just so excited, this was the first year that they didn't need assistance from me.
She loved all the colors and had to use each one at least once.

Kassidy was deep in thought, but very free and creative in what she did. She used multiple colors and designs.

Joey loved dropping the eggs in and looking at the colors. Then using his hands to get them out. His hands were more colorful than the eggs I think.

Hunter's Birthday Party

2009-04-06T15:49:00.001-07:00

Saturday was Hunter's birthday party, and he wanted Transformers cupcakes. Who am I to turn him down. I found a template and make the decals out of chocolate. Everyone thought that they turned out great and the kids loved eating them.

Hunter enjoying his cupcake and ice cream

Adyson enjoying hers under the table. I guess she didn't want to share with anyone.

The cupcakes. I colored them red, yellow, green and black.

April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Happy April Fool's day. A day for pranks and picking on each other. It is also my nephew Hunter's 6th birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNTER! It is hard to believe that he is 6 already. I remember the day he was born.

Here are the cupcakes I made for him today, or is that dinner.

I promise they are cupcakes.
They were fun to make so I made some for the kids tonight,

Here is the latest picture I have of Hunter, he is in the middle. Always a ham for the camera. He is sitting with Kimy on the left and his sister Adyson on the right. Jason his Dad is next to Adyson. Another BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you had a wonderful day and can't wait till your party on Saturday. I better get back to the kitchen to make those cupcakes.

What A Day!

2009-03-14T00:43:00.001-07:00

So I spent the better part of the day making cupcakes. Tomorrow is the Joey and Kimy's birthday party and Jack and Will's birthday party. I made cupcakes for both. I total I baked and decorated 8 dozen cupcakes. I am tired and ready for bed, but I wanted to post before time got the best of me. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. We are have the twins party at Out of this World. A fun indoor play place. A big plus as we get a ton of rain. Everything is an outer space theme so I made these for the party........

I also made pink space aliens for the girls. Kimy insisted on it.
I did stars also.....some are random some are actual constellations.

For Jack I did Diego......one of his favorite things right now.

Will wanted Panda Bears.

All in all I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. Not to bad for someone who has taught herself and had a class. I am thinking I may start taking classes.

A little behind

2009-03-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

So I meant to do this last week, but time got away from me. On Our shared birthday The twins and I meet Chris at McDonald's for lunch. This was such a treat and not something they get to do. They were so excited. Eating out and with Daddy what more can a 5 year old ask for. Afterwards we returned home so I could finish birthday cupcakes. Got to have cake on your birthday.

Kimy and Joey waiting in the car for Daddy to show up.
Enjoying their favorite place to eat.

These are the cupcakes that Kimy wanted. Sunflowers. I think that they turned out okay. I was not 100% in love with them and know what to different next time.

Joey wanted bugs. I went a little different route this time and bought a tip to make grass. I like how they turned out. Joey loved them also.

Kimy and Joey enjoying their cupcakes after dinner. Joey was more worried about eating it, then letting me take his picture. This week is going to be so busy. The twins are having their birthday party on Saturday, so I have to make cupcakes for that. I will make sure to post pictures to share.

TODAY!!!!!!

2009-03-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day in the Anderson household. Today is the day that half of our family celebrates their birthday. 35 years ago today I was born. My Mom will tell all that it was a very hard labor and delivery. My Mom is 5' 1" and I was born at a whopping 8lbs. 10oz. My poor Mom. So Happy BIRTH day Mom and thanks for all you do for us.

Here I am 5 years ago on my birthday. Man was I big and in labor. 5 years ago today, I gave birth to Joey and Kimy. I share my birthday with them, a wonderful thing if you ask me. I didn't mind one bit being in labor and having them on my birthday.
Here Is Joey and Kimy a couple of days after they were born. This is the bear that Great Aunt Janna got them to take their pictures with every year. They are so little here. Joey was born weighting 6lbs. 10oz. Kimy was born weighing 6lbs. 12oz. They seemed so little to be and the loved to be held and snuggled.

Here they are ready to celebrate their 1st birthday. I had a hard time believing that they were 1! They are the youngest after all. It was also a very rough year. that 1st year is the hardest.

They were running everywhere and into everything. They caused a lot of trouble together.

Here they are on their 2nd birthday. Joey always had his thumb in his mouth. They were talking a ton. Kimy more so then Joey. With all the girls in the house Joey could not get a word in edge wise.

Here they are on their 3rd birthday. No bear picture this year, I guess I forgot. They celebrated their 3rd birthday with their best friend Will he was born a week after the twins. A good time was had by all.

Here is Joey on his 4th birthday. No thumb, but he still sucks it from time to time. He is growing a ton and all boy. He loves cars and bugs, but what little boy doesn't.

Here is Kimy on her 4th birthday, she is such a sweetie. She loves everyone, but also loves to boss them around also. She is such a cutie, especially when she smiles.

Here they are today at 5 years old. They are so big, I can't believe that they are 5, where has the time gone. They have learned to ride 2 wheelers, and are getting ready for school in September. Kimy was a little upset she couldn't go today......She is 5 after all. They have changed so much in the last 5 years, to bad they can't stay little forever.

Here we all are today, my neighbor took this picture for us. They now understand more that we share a birthday and were very quick to wish me a Happy Birthday this morning after I said it to them. We are spending the day together as we have done from the get go. What more can I ask for. I am a very lucky Mom to be able to have such a wonderful day to share with my youngest two kiddos.

Kimy's big day

2009-02-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Kimy had an appointment for a recheck on her Kidney reflux. She had an ultrasound and a VCUG. Not a totally fun process, but it had to be done. She was diagnosed with grade 3 kidney reflux on the left side last year. So the retest was because we were hoping she would outgrow it. I being the scrapbooker had to take pictures to record the whole event. Only because I may not actually get it into a scrapbook for at least 5 years. I am so far behind.

Kimy in the car ready to go.
Hanging out in our room.

In her jammies.....she loved them they had Lions, and Tigers and Bears

Oh my!

She also loved having her own TV to watch.

Getting her ultrasound done. She was not to sure about this at first but decided she enjoyed it. The guy that did the ultrasound was wonderful and talked to Kimy. She loved him.

She did so well that we had time to kill, so we got to go to the playroom. Kimy enjoying playing and all the stuff to do. It was nice to have some time to play before they drugged her for the next part.

Back in our room. To make this a better experience she got to be the princess. Complete with Crown and wand, boy did Kimy love that. All day yesterday she told everyone she was the princess.

All drugged up.......she was a happy little camper.

Getting ready for the contrast x-ray. Not the fun part for a bit, but she did okay. She also got to watch a movie. Everyone that was there, nurses, and x-ray techs were wonderful. They did such a great job at keeping her calm and happy.

When all was said and done Kimy got to have a Popsicle. I personally think this was her favorite part. She picked purple of course, I happens to be her favorite color.

Here she is watching TV with her purple lips. She is still loopy and out of it.

All in all she did great, much better than I thought it would go. On the down side she still has the grade 3 on the left side and now grade 2 on the right side. After she was released from the outpatient we went over to see Dr. Lashley, who we love....he is the BEST. After talking with him and going over our options, it looks like Kimy will be having surgery to have the reflux fix. The nice thing is that the surgery will fix it for good and it won't be a problem anymore. Some prayers would be appreciated, we need to make sure that Kimy gets no infections before her surgery. We should have a surgery date next week.

Cupcakes!!!!

2009-02-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

So by this point, I am always being asked to help make cupcakes. If there is a birthday for a family member or friend, they want cupcakes now. To be honest, I am loving it. I love to bake it makes me happy. So my friend Mandie has a birthday for one of her daycare kids. A little boy, so we made bug cupcakes for afternoon snack tomorrow.

This is all of them. I tried to make the green look like grass. I did okay, but I am thinking that I am going to have to stat buying supplies for real decorating. The Ziploc bag is not going to cut it anymore.
Close up of a spider.

I think this centipede looks pretty cool

These are little fleas. All of these came from my Hello Cupcake book. I love that book. It has made me discover something I love to do. And Rachel, I am super sorry that I can't come down and make cupcakes for the girls birthday's you know I would love to. I miss you all a ton. Keep stopping by, I have many, many more birthdays to come next month.

Welcome to the world

2009-02-14T07:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday At 12:58 p.m. my wonderful friends Jason, Leah and their son Thomas welcomed another son Jack Michael into their family. He was born via C-section weighing 7lbs. 14oz. and crying. When I got to visit them yesterday Jack was nursing like a champ and rooming in with Mom.

Jack Michael.....what a beautiful baby.

Mommy and Jack getting some love in.

Daddy helping Thomas give Mommy kisses before he goes home to bed.

Big Brother Thomas giving Jack kisses before he leaves.

I just love little baby hands.......

and little baby toes.

Congrats Jason, Leah and Thomas! I am so happy for all of you and can't wait to get some more cuddles in with this beautiful little one.

Meghan's birthday and party!

2009-02-08T11:11:00.001-08:00

So Meghan had a slumber party Saturday. Since she is now 13 I am allowing her to wear make up, I had my friend and Mary Kay consultant Jessica come over and show the girls how to take care of their skin and apply make up. All the girls had a great time and learned lots. The other plus is now she know how to apply make up and not put to much on.

Meghan cleaning her face.
Close up of her cupcakes.

Another close up.

All the cupcakes together. The butterflies are made from chocolate. So everything is edible

Kassidy got a new hair cut recently and wanted to show it off.

13 years ago today..............

2009-02-02T16:04:00.001-08:00

I gave birth to this beautiful girl...all 8lbs 15oz of her. She was beautiful and still is. I can't believe she is 13 already. I have loved watching her grow and change all these years. She is turing into a wonderful young lady. She is smart(sometimes to much for her own good), funny and kind. She is a passion for animals that I know will stay with her forever.

Meghan the day after she was born.

She hsd blonde hair and blue eyes.

Okay she didn't have a lot of hair but there was some there.

Meghan at a year old. Her hair is starting to grow.

Meghan at 5 years old.

Meghan today....She is beautiful. I got to sign Happy Birthday to her first today.
I love her with all my heart......she is a joy to have around and loves her brother
and sister and is always willing to lend a hand.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGHAN!
We Love you!

13 years ago....

2009-01-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

13 years ago, my niece MacKenzie Vaugh was born. She had brownish, blond hair and blue eyes. Actually her hair looked like she had highlights done. She was beautiful, and sweet. I loved watching her grow up, she has always mad be smile and laugh.

Today she is smart, funny, caring and an awesome soccer player. She loves soccer and is a natural, at least I think so. Molly and Ryan have really helped her developed her talent,

and have done a lot of driving to make sure she is doing what she loves.
This picture was taken just after he team won State in 2007

I took this one this morning. As she was getting ready for school I stopped by to deliver some balloons and cupcakes to her. I love the quirky look she has. She knows how to make me laugh. I can't believe that 13 years ago I was holding her in my arms snuggling her.

It is hard to look at this beautiful teenager and not get teary eyed.

She has grown so much.

Happy 13th Birthday Mac!

These are the cupcakes I made for her. Soccer balls of course.

She loved them.

I left a dozen for her and Her family to have tonight after dinner.

Has it been that long....

2009-01-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

It has been two weeks since I have been able to update this. Man it has been busy around here. The girls are back in school, thank goodness for that. They both love going to school and I think the 3 weeks off was to much for them. Meghan is finishing up her science fair project for Fridays fair and Kassidy is back into the same routine. The twins are doing well and I am working on letters and numbers with them.

I have been getting up and showered and dressed everyday. The makeup thing has been a little bit harder, I think it is just something I have to get use to. I have also been working on the weight loss. I have lost 5 pounds and have been using the wii fit. So I am starting to workout some. I still have a long way to go. One thing I have done is cut out soda. I had been drinking way to much. I am down to less than a can a day. I am drinking mostly water and crystal light.

Yesterday I helped my neighbor Mandie make cupcakes for her boyfriend's birthday. We decided to go with Pacman. Pretty easy. We made Pacman and the ghost with Chocoloate. Next I will be making cupckaes for Meghan's 13th birthday. I can't belive she is going to be a teenager. Where has the time gone.

The cupckaes all finished.

Back to School

2009-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Today the kids go back to school......YEAH!!!!

I am so excited, they have spent the past 3 weeks, yes 3 at home.

The first week was due to snow and the last 2 for winter break.

I am so glad that they are going back, but last night at

about 4:30 it started to snow. I had a bit of a freak out.

I thought "They better be going to school tomorrow."

I didn't know I I could spend another day at home with them.

I love my kids dearly, but after 3 weeks we are all getting on each

others nerves.

I love the start of a new year. We had a quite New Year's Eve

at home. We just hung out, the girls and I were the only one to make

it to midnight. Chris and joey were out my 9 p.m.

One of my resolutions for the new year is to not look like I spend all

day at home being at stay at home Mom.

I get up and Shower, Dress, and do my hair. I also put

make up on. I am going to keep up with this one.

What are your New Year Resolutions?

Please share.

Kimy's new hair

2008-12-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

So as you can see in the pictures below this post Kimy has had very long hair.

She use to have bangs, but I got tired of keeping up with the trims, and she would never sit still for me. So after our last battle over having her hair brushed, I told her it was time for a cut. She was not to happy about that. She loves having long hair, but hated to have it brushed. So this past Sunday I took her in and we cut it. It was not enough to donate, but she looks so cute with her new hair cut.

By the way.......She loves it. I watched her toss her hair around all the way home.
She is just the cutest little peanut.

Christmas

2008-12-29T09:49:00.001-08:00

Christmas this year was a fun as ever......the kids all had a blast and loved all of their gifts. This year to keep it simple the kids each got something to wear, something to share, something they need, something to read, and something they want. It worked out really well and is something we will continue to do.

Kimy on her way down the stairs.

The kids opening gifts from Santa.....stockings first.

Still opening stockings.....Meghan was on her way

Kimy and Joey happy that Santa got them what they asked for.

They were so happy.

Kassidy loved the American Girl game that Santa got her.

Meghan loved the Guitar Hero....She was so happy.

The kids opening their gifts from us....utter mayhem.

Meghan opening Animal Crossing from us....She has wanted it for a long time.

Kimy and Joey got Leapsters from us...They wanted their own games like the big girls.

Opening the Leapsters.

This is them opening their something to share.

They got Mario Kart for our Wii.

Oreo enjoying all the boxes and wrapping paper.

We were stuck in the house.....and not able to get to my sisters to be with my family.

So we were able to have Chevy's delivered for dinner.

All in all we had a wonderful time as a family.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

So as of Christmas Eve we still had a lot of snow. It was still cold and icy. We did make it to Chris' parents house for Christmas Eve......it was no easy task. We all had a nice time visiting and I was very happy to be out of the house after almost 2 weeks of not being out. As of today the snow is mostly gone....We are all happy about that.

This picture was taken on the 22nd of December. It is an empty propane tank covered in snow in our backyard. This is the most snow I have seen in Beaverton for a long time.
Kimy and Kassidy opening presents at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They loved all of their gifts and loved playing with their presents and the new puppy that Grandma got for Christmas.

Joey and Meghan playing with the puppy. She is a Australian Shepard/Lab mix. She is very sweet and loved playing with the kids.

Aunt Amy helping Joey and Alexis open their gifts. The Batman Cave was one of Joey's favorite gifts. He kept asking to go home so he could open it. When he went home he opened his p.j.'s and went to bed so Santa would come.

Grandpa and Grandma Anderson with Casey the puppy.

The kids in their Christmas p.j.'s.

I made the bottoms with some help from my friend Shelia this year.

The kids all loved them.
Tomorrow I will post about Christmas Day......

Still snowing......

2008-12-21T08:27:00.001-08:00

So we still have snow, and freezing rain. The do not want anyone on the roads without chains on their tires. The kids had no school all week last week, so we have a three week winter break. We are all going a little crazy. I have been baking up a storm, and trying to keep the kids as busy as possible. Today we may take a nice long walk to enjoy the beauty of the snow.

This was taken last night at 10 p.m. My van did not move all day. We took Chris' car out early to get the last of the Christmas shopping done.
Joey enjoying the snow. He absolutely loves playing in the snow. He is always asking to go out to play in it and never wants to go in.

Kimy posing for me. She enjoys playing in the snow and kept dancing like Happy Feet.

Kassidy taking it all in.

This was taken at about 1 p.m. It sticks out of the ground and is the plug for my lights.

The same plug taken at 10 p.m. It is almost covered.

Meghan went out with me at 10 p.m. She actually let me take this picture.

She is beautiful and getting so grown up.

This is the neighbors dog Einstein...he is a corgi and has little legs.

He loves playing in the snow, but it looks like he is swimming.

Meghan making a snow angle.

This was the hood of my car. As I said before it did not move all day.

We had a little over 7 inches of snow yesterday.

Still snow

2008-12-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

Still snowing here in Oregon. The kids have been out of school all week so far. I am pretty sure they are not going back until after winter break. Who doesn't love a 3 week winter break. We have been playing in the snow, watching movies, and baking. I am glad to have this time with them. Chris has been working hard, not only is her busy with it being the Christmas Season, but the snow makes everything move slower. Here are some more pictures of the kids playing.

Joey digging under the snow to find a patch of ice.
Kimy catching snow flakes on her tongue.
An all time favorite of any kid.

Me with Kassidy, Kimy and Joey.

Meghan is going through a no picture phase.

Here is one I took of her with out her knowing.
Don't tell her.

The tree behind our house.

It just looks pretty.

The tree in front of out house.

A street by our house. It usually

has a lot of traffic.

The front of our house.

I love this type of weather. The snow makes everything look wonderful and different, like nothing is wrong in the world. If only it were true. My wonderful Aunt Janna could use some prayers, she was just diagnosed with breast cancer. As we speak she is with my other wonderful aunts Kimmie and Linnie in Texas getting radiation treatment. She will them return home on the 22nd for further treatment. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She is strong and I know all will be well. Thanks from all of us.

Lights

2008-12-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

So I skipped ahead due to us getting snow. That is big news for us. The kids were home today and will be home tomorrow also. Anyways back on track. This past Friday we were going to go to zoo lights, but it was cold and rainy. So my friend Mandie and I packed the kids in the car and drove around looking at all the decorated houses. This is another one of my favorite this to do.

The kids all had a blast. We took the out to dinner and the enjoyed frosty's in the warm car. We saw some great houses and had a good time.

Dylan enjoying his treat.
Joey, Persephone, and Kimy enjoying their treats.

This was one of the kids favorites.....it looked great. They even had music playing. We let the kids get out here and take it all in.

Mandie and I loved this tree it was so pretty. We are wondering if the keep the lights on there year round or have someone put them on.

We also like this simple and pretty. I look foward to checking out some more house if the roads get better around here.

WE HAVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

So they have been predicting snow all weekend....it has been cold but no snow until today. We have snow and it is sticking. The kids are so excited. They had to get dressed and get in it. Then after a bit we came in for hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Oreo need to investigate the snow....we think he was trying to find a way to get it. It was moving so he must get it.
I love how wonderful things look covered in snow.

A snow angel made my Kimy or Kassidy.

Fresh snow call for running. Nichole (who was staying the night), Kimy and Kassidy.

Kimy after a snowball to the face. That's what sisters are for.

Decorating our tree

2008-12-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

So after we got the tree home and in the stand I put on the lights and let the kids go. I always put white lights on my tree. All of our ornaments have a story behind them, belong to the kids, or are home made. I think the white lights showcase them better. I was really fun to watch the twins this year. They liked picking out their ornaments and telling me all about them.

The kids decorating the tree. Also a close up of the tree. I need to get some more pictures of the tree. I didn't get as many as I thought.
Oreo was trying to help. He thought the paper was in the way I guess. I have caught him several times trying to carry paper in his mouth.

Kimy showing me one the her ornaments that grandpa got her.

The kids working on the tree.

Getting the Perfect Tree......

2008-12-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

Also on Saturday we decided to go get a tree, we went later in the afternoon, and it was perfect timing. In true Oregon fashion it rained the next day. Once again we went to Loch Lolly in North Plains to pick out the perfect tree.

There was much discussing and bickering about what the perfect tree looked like and of course how tall it should be.
Kimy enjoyed romping through the trees finding one her size. Everyone but Joey thought that was to small. The did try to talk us into two trees so they could put one in their room.

Here it is the Perfect tree for us this year. A 7 foot Nobel Fir. Meghan got the job of helping Dad cut it down this year. By the way Meghan did say it was okay to cut it down.....she is quite the environmentalist you know.

Of Course Santa was there to see the kids. Kimy and Joey were the only ones to sit on his lap. Meghan this it is not cool and for some reason Kassidy has never been one to talk to Santa.

Joey showing us he is all Boy and super Strong.
Tomorrow I will post pictures of the tree all done.

Festival Of Trees...

2008-12-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

As I said before we had a pretty busy weekend. On Saturday we went to the festival of trees at the convention center. We went with some friends of our and rode the MAX downtown. I think that was the kids favorite part. It was nice to walk around and check out all of the different trees. There was also lots for the kids to do. Crafts and fixing their bears. They each got a bear and then got to fix it all up. I enjoyed checking out all of the trees.

Kimy, Joey, Kassidy and Dylan posing for a picture in Santa's sleigh
The kids Checking out all the cool things for the bears. They got bandages, shots,diapers and stitches. Along with an Xray taken to make sure all was well.

Kimy and Will walking hand in hand.

A couple of our favorite trees. They are auctioned off and the money goes to charity. All in all we had a wonderful time. A great way to get in the holiday mood.

New pictures of the kids

2008-12-09T16:00:00.001-08:00

This weekend was a busy one for us. We had a lot to do and tons of fun doing it. Saturday being the busiest day, more about that in my next post. On Sunday I took the kids in for their yearly picture together. I do this every year around Christmas time. I like to see how they have grown. It amazes me they changes they have made this year. Meghan has gotten taller and is looking more like a young woman. Kassidy's hair has gotten curlier and she has also gotten taller. Kimy looks more like a kid and less like a baby, we also grew out her bangs. Joey has gotten bigger still a little crooked, but not as noticeable.

This was my favorite shot, they look like they enjoy being together and don't want to hit each other.......that is some what the case part of the time. They are all smiling and looking at the camera. Who knew taking 4 kids in to have pictures done could be so hard.

Another Elf Dance

2008-12-07T20:10:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

More Elf Dancing

2008-12-06T09:27:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Elf Dance

2008-12-06T09:24:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Lights

2008-12-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend I put up the Christmas lights. I always enjoy lighting up the house and seeing other peoples lights. I plan on driving around a couple of nights to check out other peoples decorations. We will also go see the Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo. My kids now enjoy the lights also and are on the lookout for house when we are driving around. It have become fun for all of us. Here are some pictures of us setting up and our house at night.

This is Kimy and I, it was taken at thanksgiving, but I had to put it up. It is so cute and she is always willing to give hugs and kisses.
I will now apologize for the quality of the daytime pictures. The only reason I am in them is Because Kassidy took them. Not to bad for being 8. I have another budding photographer in our house. Here I am wrapping the tree in lights.

Meghan and I setting up the snowman. The has become one of the favorites for us. The neighbor kids like it also.

The front of the house at night.

The front yard at night. I took the pictures at night with no flash so the are a bit blurry, but you get the ideal.

Tis the season...

2008-12-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite time of year. So I have changed my blog to show that. I love everything about the Christmas season. The lights, smells, sound. I love to crank up the Christmas music and bake Christmas cookies and share them with all of my friends. I got up all of my Christmas lights this past weekend and I am almost done with the inside of the house. This weekend coming up we will go out to a tree farm to hunt for the perfect tree. See what is there not to love about Christmas. I know the best part will be spending time with my family and friends.

Thanksgiving.......

2008-11-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

So once again it has come to that time of year when we reflect on what we are thankful for. We spent this thanksgiving with Chris' family. I was a nice day together. The twins always have a good time hanging out with Grandpa. This year like every year I asked the kids what they were thankful for. What follows is their answers.

I am thankful for my Family and Friends, I am also thankful for our home and the many blessings we had this year including all of us being in good health.
Meghan is thankful for her Family, shelter, friends, food, and her health.

Kimy is thankful for her family, sleeping and playing with her brother and sister.

Joey is thankful for grandpa's house, his family, and his toys

Kassidy is thankful for food, shelter, family, school and her health.

Joey, the one and only boy....

2008-11-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

So it is now Joey's turn...he is the older of the twins, by 20 minutes. He is also the only boy, lucky for him the girls don't mind being rough and tumble from time to time. Joey is a joy to be around he is so lovable and will come and snuggle up with me while I am on the couch. He is also all boy and loves all superheros at this time in his life. I don't dare ask him to choose a favorite....I don't think he can.

Here he is with Kimy his partner in crime. If something happens that is not suppose to I know they are both involved ......even they both blame the other one. Even though they fight, they are both the best of pals. He also has her to thank for being in physical therapy for 2 years, she sat on top of him for nine months. We also have the theory that she pushed him out so she could have the space to herself.
Joey on the older kids first day of school. He insisted on having his picture taken. He loves to have his picture taken. He also loves to play outside at every given chance. We spent almost the whole summer outside. Time well spent....Joey learned how to ride a two wheeler this summer. Something he was very proud of.

In my opinion this is the cutest face...I love him to death and Have enjoyed the difference between raising him and his sister. I know he will always keep me on my toes.

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-01T15:49:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year....Espically the holidays. Halloween being at the top of the list. I love decorating the house, and watching the kids get dressed up. Every year I try to add something new to my house.

So this is the garage door The blood is new here. I had a hard time getting it to stay up as it rained most of the day.
Here is the fromt yard and the tombstones are new this year. We added the hands reaching up out of them also. The added bonus this year is that Meghan got into decorating also. We had fun together and seeing what we could come up with.

Here is Persephone and Kimy. Kimy is the pirate "ARRRRRGH"

If you aske the girls, they are best friends it is so cute.

Here is my band of pirates. Meghan went for more of a zombie look. This is the best picture I could get of the 4 of them together. Oh well! As you can see Kimy and Joey are very excited.

The whole gang Kassidy, Meghan, Mikayla (Meghan's Best Friend)

Joey, Dylan, Kimy, Persephone, and Thomas.

It is nice to take the kids out with their friends and all have fun together. It also helps having extra parents around to help wrangle the kids. Man can they run fast when candy is involved. We all had a wonderful Halloween and hope you did also.

Halloween Party

2008-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

So Yesterday we had a Halloween party at our house with our little daycare group. WE dressed up in costumes, had a yumm lunch, make popcorn hands, and of course had cupcakes. We all know a party is not a party without cupckaes. The kids all had a good time and it was fun seeing all the different costumes.

"Batman" a.k.a Jack enjoying a cupcake

The whole gang all dressed up. They are all holding the hands they made.

Mummy pizza.....Yummy!

The kids enjoying their lunch. They even had witches brew to drink.

Witches brew cupcakes.....A cauldron with the witched brew coming out. Eveything is edible including the witches finger that I made out of chocolate.

Attack of the 80's

2008-10-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

So like today at school it is like totally 80's day. I was like that is so rad, and awesome and Meghan was like totally looking forward to it. So we like totally put together this like totally gnarly outfit and this really like rad hair and now she is like totally 80's and ready for the dance.

Meghan like totally posing for the camera. Got to love the rad blue eyeshadow.

Who knew they still made the stuff.

The whole outfit. She was like totally looking forward to being the raddest valley girl there.

P.S. This is the first time she has gotten to wear make up to school.

Happy 35th........yes I am a WoW widow

2008-10-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Chris turned 35 on Friday...yep he is older than me and I rub in it every chance I get. We went out to dinner with his family and back to our house for cake, well cupcakes actually. Since he is a huge World of Warcraft fan, I tried my hand at making cupcakes of his favorite thing. They didn't turn out to bad and he really enjoyed it. WoW is his hobby of choice, he spends all his free time on the computer playing his game as his alter ego, Jedander. So I am what they call a Wow widow of sorts. More of that in another post.

Here is Chris opening his presents from the kids and I....World of Warcraft figures, and comic books. Yep he is a geek. Just don't tell him. Kimy and Joey were trying to help.
Here are the cupcakes I made. All the pieces on top are made of chocolate. I traced them from various parts of the game. He really liked them and said I did a good job.
Meghan presenting the cupcakes with candles for Dad to blow out. All in all we had a nice evening sand Dad had a great birthday.

Cupcakes!!!!

2008-10-09T08:45:00.001-07:00

So lately I have been trying my hand at some cake decorating.

Okay it is cupcakes, but I love it and so do the kids. I found

this great book called Hello, Cupcake!

Here where the first cupcakes I made. They are popcorn cupcakes.

I made these for Kassidy's birthday in May.

On Monday I made these with neighbor for one of her daycare kids. The cats were fun to make and the kids had fun eating them.
All the cats we made.
Here are the pirates we made for we had a pirate party we had for the kids.
These were not in the book, but we didn't do to bad.

Kassidy Jo..............

2008-09-19T13:42:00.001-07:00

Kassidy is the middle kiddo. She is my little mom. She loves kids, especially babies. If there is a baby around she is there entertaining them. She is also funny and loves to talk. She can make friends with everyone. She also loves to read and learn. She amazes me with all the new facts she comes home with from school. It will be interesting to she what the future has in store for her.

playing with Rissa one of the twins that I am watching.
Just after she got her hair cut for the new school year.

Our Newest Addition

2008-09-19T13:33:00.003-07:00

So while we were at the farm today Kimy feel in love with the kittens. How could you not. I also feel in love with them also. Especially this little guy.

He has no name as of yet and the two older girls have not seen him yet. I know that he will be well loved and cared for.
We will keep you all posted as to his name. Hopefully he gets one soon.

A Trip to the Farm.....

2008-09-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Duyck's Peachy Pig Farm as a field trip with our other daycare friends. We all had so much fun. Espically the kids, okay us Mom's had a blast also.

Sam is feeding the pigs. They had some really big ones, and even had some babies. They were all cute to look at and feed.
Kimy and Joey feeding one of the pigs. Their hair is very coarse when you pet them.
Here is Sam feeding the cow. Sam was so excited about getting to pet the cow. The cow shares his pasture with a little goat. They were quite the pair.
Here is Dylan and Persephone taking their turn petting and feeding the cow.
Here is Joey and Dylan feeding the ducks, Chicken and other various farm birds. I think the kids all enjoyed checking out the diffent types of birds. They also liked throwing the bread for them to eat.
Kimy, Sam, and Persephone feeding Aurora the horse. They all loved getting a chance to pet the horse on the head.
Here is Persephone and Joey feeding Trigger. He lives seperate from the girls because he likes to hog all the food.
Kimy feel in love with the baby kitten's She snuggled up to all of them. More to come about the kittens......
Joey is holding a baby chick. He was not to sure about it at first but he decided he like it. All in all we had a blast. It is someplace that Vanessa, Mandie and I are going to take the kids again.

First Day of School......

2008-09-02T13:31:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day of school for the two oldest girls. They were both excited to get started on the new school year. I made scrambled eggs for breakfast, made lunches for school, did their hair and sent them on their way. Here is Meghan all ready to start the 7th grade. I can't believe how big she has gotten. She was very excited to get back to school and see her friends.
Kassidy is in the 3rd grade this year. She was also excited to get back to school. Her school has been under construction this summer and she wanted to see all the new stuff.
Kimy and Joey are not ready for school until next September, but wanted in on the picture taking. I know they miss having the girls home. I miss them while they are at school also. I can't wait for them to get home and hear all about their day.

The Big Top!!!!!!!

2008-08-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night Grandpa took us to the circus. Boy did we have a blast...

Grandpa loves to do fun things with us and this was the best. We got to

ride the MAX to the Rose Garden in downtown Portland.

When we got there we got to dress up in some of the costumes. That was very cool. Don't we look like we should be working here.

Then the show started...It was so fun to watch everything that was going on. The music was cool, and our favorite part was the motorcycles. We also like the elephants and the tigers.
This is Grandpa and Meghan....of course Meghan had to get a monkey for her collection. Meghan had a good time also, she really like the high wire acts.
Joey got tired and feel asleep before the circus was over. We had to wake him up so we could ride the MAX home. We had a lot of fun, but we were so tired that we went right to bed when we got home. Thanks Grandpa for taking us...We all had a good time.

My Monkey Girl!

2008-08-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is Meghan and she is the oldest, she is also a big time lover of the monkeys. It is her biggest dream to become the next Jane Goodall. She is even going to an option middle school that focuses on science. I love that at 12 she knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to go to school to become a zoologist. I know that may change, but I doubt it, she is pretty headstrong. She amazes me with her passion on a daily basis. Her newest project is turning her room into a rain forest, complete with monkey and other animals. Here are some pictures of her working on her room. I will post the finished product when we are all done. Here is one corner of her room. She has done most of the work herself and has done a great job. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it is all done. Everything is made out of butcher and construction paper. She is pretty creative.
Another picture of the same section. She has even colored ants on the trees. She is going to cover the ceiling with leaves and glow in the dark stars. I love that she has put a lot of details that would be in the rain forest. He younger sisters and brother love going in there and looking at it also. They have yet to ask for the same thing, but they love her rain forest.

Blogging for Blood Cancer

2008-07-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

I saw this Blogging for Blood Cancer online the other day and it peaked my intrest. Why you might ask.......It is one more thing I can do for my Dad. One more thing I can do to raise awareness and money to find a cure for Leukemia. About 3 years ago my
Dad was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Since then the whole family has been doing what we can to help find a cure. My Dad pictured left with my Mom and all their grandkids is a wonderful man. My Mom is amazing, since my Dad was diagnosed she has been working with Team in Training to raise money for research to find a cure. She has done so many miles and marathons I lost track. If you feel the need to help support the cause, please do so. It can be a simple as doing the Light the Night Walk (going on 10-3-08 here in Oregon). We have done it as a family for the past couple of years. You can also support A member of Team in Training....he is a link to my Mom's page http://pages.teamintraining.org/or/nikesf08/dkarr . You can also help out with Blogging for Blood Cancer. Check back during that week and I will be sharing more about my Dad and his journey along with some Mom about my Mom.

Summer!!!!!!!!

2008-07-24T14:48:00.001-07:00

We have been spending our summer hanging out at the park with our friends. We have had a blast running, playing swinging and playing in the water fountain. We usually go the library after for some quite time and to stock up on new books to read. Here are some pictures with us and a couple of friends.

This is thomas. He is a a nephew of sorts, and a very

good snuggler. He is also super cute.

Joey is soooo excited. He loves the water and likes to run through it super fast.
Kassidy hanging out with Thomas. She loves helping out the younger kids.
Once again Joey hanging out in the water. The closer the better.
Kimy trying to figure out where the water went. She was a little surpised when the water came back on.

Welcome!!!!!

2008-07-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

So I decided to join my many friends and start blogging. This way you are all able to see the kids more often. We shall see how often I can keep adding new stuff. I promise to try to update it weekly. Since school is out that may be easier to do. It also depends if the kids let me have the free time to do it. I am looking forward to keeping you all update on our lives.