Happy Birthday Benji

This is late but Benjamin turned 4 on the 5th. He was so excited that it was his special day. He's getting so big. He's such a sweet guy. He always lets you know that he loves you. He's a big tease just like a little brother should. He calls himself Bengeemiiin and it's pretty funny. He likes to make people happy. So if I ever want him to do anything I just tell him he'll make me happy if he does it. I works most of the time. He LOVES going to gymnastics. I'm one lucky mom!

Don't you just love that FACE!

She's getting better

Look how many she can do in a row.

Fun Daddy

Jonathan doing a flip for the kids.

Emma tried and couldn't land on her feet.

She did land on her face though.

She's ok.

Like father like daughter.

For your viewing pleasure

Benjamin to a T.

This picture is exactly how he is. He is quite the adventure.

He's a funny big little guy as well.

He will run around the house saying "I'm the king of the castle".

One time he ran up to me full steam ahead and in a growling voice

"I'M THE KIIIIINNNNGGGGGGG!!!!"

Then he ran away.

He tells me he loves me all the time.

He is just so sweet.

Again

As I was apologizing to the store clerk for the behavior of my boys he said "I'm a twin and I know how crazy it can get." I thought for a second and realized that he thought my boys were twins. I kindly corrected him and he couldn't believe they were more than 2 years apart. He said that they looked more alike than him and his twin. Then another clerk came in and asked how far apart they were I told him the same thing and he was shocked as well.

I got this a lot with my girls. Everyone thought me and my sister were twins. It's a funny thing.

She's a girly girl.

Miriam gets so excited every time I do the girls hair in the morning. She has to have hers done as well. She will sit perfectly still for me. It's such a huge difference from when the older girls were 2. PLUS she has curly hair!!!!! I LOVE IT........ I just hope it stays.

Favorite place in the whole entire house......... jk
oh she is such a cutie..... I love her....

Peter Lost His First Tooth.

And it was a major freak out at first. He doesn't do blood at all. It was kind of amusing at first. But soon after it was a good freak out. He was super excited for the tooth fairy to come.

Emma is next she has a loose tooth as well.

My kids new obsession

Happy Nappers are what they are called. They have a zipper on their backs and you can fold them into a house. If I explained it right. Anyway they LOVE them. It's kinda like a pillow pet but cuter.

SHE'S 10!!!!!!

WOW It's finally happened Lily is 2 digits. She can't really get over it either. She got a few toys and a bunch of new shirts. It's coming down to wanting clothes and older girl stuff over toys. It's really fun. She's getting so close to babysitting age as well. That's exciting for Jonathan and I. She wants to be "in charge" over the other kids so she can't wait either. She says all the time now "I'm a tween." It's funny. Happy Birthday my Looby Dooby!!!!!

Making their own food.

Lily has been learning to cook food. She can cook eggs and raman. It was a tad scary at first cause I didn't know what to expect. Would she burn herself or break something. But she's very exact when it comes to measuring and timing. It's nice have a little bit of help in the kitchen. Soon it will be 2. Emma your next.
waiting patiently for her food.
chowing down like usual
Yummmmm.
No thanks......... now where is my pb&j.

Benji is in Primary

He's doing great too. I'm a sunbeam teacher as well but I take care of the other class. During sharing time he HAS to sit next to me and hold my hand the entire time. At least he's not crying and refusing to go to his class when we split up. He's growing up and it's just so fun.

She is SOOOOO FUN!

Miriam cracks me up all the time. She laughs all the time and she is so squeaky when she talks. She even cleans up after herself (sometimes). She has such a sweet disposition and loves everyone. She loves to get her hair done and fingernails painted. She is a girly girl for sure. She adores anything that sparkles. She calls me girl all the time. Like for instance whenever I give her something she says thank you girl. Or last night I said I love you mimi, then she said love you girl. She is just soooooo incredibly cute. I'm so glad I have her. Just like I love all the rest of my kiddos. Wow, how did I get so lucky.

Emma's Piano

Emma's so dedicated to playing her piano!! She does a great job. Lily does too (i just took this pic with my new camera so......) I love that my girls are taking piano and doing a great job.

New Camera!!!

It was time for a change...... So I sold my big DSLR and REALLY nice lens. I really liked that camera and all the great pictures I got from it but it was just toooooooo big for everyday stuff. My arms literally hurt from lugging it around. So I decided to go smaller. But I didn't want to compromise on quality cause once you get those high quality pictures it's hard to go back. I searched and spent a lot of time reading/watching reviews on different compact interchangeable lens cameras. I chose the Sony NEX C3 because it was best for me. It has a CMOS sensor so that means it takes great quality pictures and it does great in low light settings. Which I do a lot with my kids. The one thing that was hard to do with my old camera. The Sony has HD video and it's really clear and looks good. Anyway I'm loving this camera and I have the bigger lens than what is shown in the picture. If you are in the market for a nice but small camera I totally recommend this one.

Silly Miriam

I came down stairs to see this. Miriam takes all of these out of the fridge and then comes up to me and says thank you. Yep, thanks baby girl. We have put the fridge lock back on.


Posted by carrie

Oh christmas tree

This year we got a real tree and I love it. It smells nice and I don't have to store it all year. I don't have to fluff it either. Its great. The kids decorated it. They did a good job too. Miriam even helped. She was so cute.


Posted by carrie

Diet Change Up

I decided to alter my diet. I've been doing low carb off and on for more than a year. I would get to a certain weight and just stop. It's like my body got comfortable and said I'm done. I know I'm not done with my weight loss so I started researching different diets as the one I've always used had me stalled. I didn't seem to be stalled long as of 3 weeks ago but I could see the signs. So I came across the Johnson up day down day diet. You count calories which I've always hated, but it's different. One day you have around 2400 calories and then the next day you have 500, and repeat. 500 is a small amount but those are the days you lose weight. On the high calorie days you make those 500 calorie days easier. It makes it so it keeps your body guessing. Your body doesn't think ohhhh I'm down in calories so I'm going to slow down my metabolism to match what I'm taking in. Since your taking in different amounts each day it doesn't allow your body to get comfortable. I'm loving it. I don't have to "diet" everyday and I feel really good doing it. I'm losing at a slower pace but that's ok and healthy. It's something I can see myself doing long term. If I'm not explaining this in enough detail you can google it.

This is what happens when.......

Peter gets ahold of my phone.

Posted by carrie

Peterism

Grandma: look at that man cleaning the bathroom. Peter would you like to do that when you grow up.

Peter: no!!! I'm going to be buzz lightyear. He uses lazors and flys.


Posted by carrie

Cutie

Here are some short videos of my Mimi. She is so sweet.

Posted by carrie

Losing Weight........I'll get this right.

Well I started my weight loss journey a little over a year ago. I started out at the same spot I always do after having a baby. No matter how much I weigh I end up at the same spot every time. Anyway. I lost 55 lbs from June to December. I moved states and just lost and gained the same 5 lbs. No matter what I did I couldn't get past it. Then I got pregnant and in that short pregnancy I gained like 15 lbs. What was that?? My body was gearing up to get back to where I always end up. Then after my miscarriage I got a tad depressed (can you blame me) and gained another 5 lbs. Ugh I wasn't going to have it. Cause I got rid of my bigger clothes and I wasn't going to re buy them. So I lost another 13-15 lbs. Then I got rid of the clothes I shrunk out of. No going back right? Now I'm on my way to get past my 55 lb road block. I've incorporated exercise in my weight loss program. I NEVER do that. I have all the intentions of doing so, but it's not some thing I've really enjoyed. Until now........ I really enjoy it. I get a break from the kids and have me time. It's more than me time in front of the computer or whatever else. It's really time that I'm focusing on the important part of me. My health is what I need to nurture. I need to for my kids and family. Mostly I need to for me. So if you hate to get out and move your body just try it. I bet you'll come to like it if you give it a chance.

My spot!!!

He's claimed this part of the couch and if you try to sit there you will feel his wrath. Next it's the remote.

Ohhhh something funny. We listen to Bryan Regan in the car sometimes. My kids love the part about the kids "calling" the hump in the back seat of the car "he's calling the hump Walt." Now they are doing the same. Oh boy.

Preschool

Benji started his first day today. He was so excited and wasn't willing to wait. As I took the girls to school this morning he was disappointed that he wasn't going as well. So when I got back we had to wait a whole half hour and it was his turn. When I dropped him off I was forgotten. I love that all my kids are so excited to learn.


Getting ready to go in his class. Way to go benji you are getting so big. One more to go. I can't believe Mimi will be in preschool next year. Ahhhhhhh I can't think about that.

Benjis Facial Hair

We made chocolate cupcakes for miriams bday. Guess who licked the bowl. Benjamin doesn't just stick his fingers in the bowl and enjoy. He goes face first with all his gusto. If you know my boy........ he has lots.

Happy Birthday Baby

I can't believe you are 2.

I didn't think I would be this emotional about you getting older, but I am.

There are so many things about you that I LOVE.

1. You have to have your morning snuggles, or the day just isn't right

2. I love your sweet laugh.

3. You are always sooooo happy.

4. Your calm demeanor is refreshing.

5. You love me so very much (thank you)

6. You love to have your finger nails painted.

7. You love sparkly shoes.

8. You sit still so I can do your hair.

9. You pat my back when you hug me.

10. You complete this family beautifully.

Happy Happy Birthday my sweet MIMI MIM.

It's August

Boy time is flying by. I have 3 kids in school and 2 at home with me for part of the day. I love to have these sweet children all around me and see them grow. Lily is in 4th grade and that's making me feel old!! It's hard for me too see her as that old. She's still a good 2-3 inches shorter than Emma. She wishes that she was taller but at least her feet are finally growing. Peter is in kindergarten again and he's so glad. I talked to his teacher and told her where he was education wise so that she would challenge him more. I really don't want him to get bored. Emma is in 3rd grade and finally gets to join choir. She's been waiting so patiently. She loves to sing and I'm excited to see her improve.
Benjamin is the sweetest little big guy. He always says please and thank you. He says sorry even when it's not his fault. He loves his hugs, and Peter. Oh how he loves his older brother. He's missing him while peters at school. Those two boys get along so incredibly well. It makes this mommy super happy. Miriam is a super happy sweet baby. She's almost 2!!! Why does she have to get older?!?!?! Sigh, this is the first time that I've had a 2 year old without having an infant or ready to pop. It's so different for me. One thing is, I have energy to keep up with her and just maybe I'll get her potty trained faster. Before it was just too much to do that with a new baby. I just might have an advantage it haven't in the past. Whoo hoo! Just imagine no diapers. Ohhh but I'll miss all that is baby. Life is great and we are so happy.



Posted by carrie

Bad Parenting?

If you've ever seen Toy Story 3? Part of the theme is that the toys are in danger of going to the dump. At the end of the movie there is a very dramatic part when the toys are about to be burned up in the incinerator. This part has been VERY helpful to me in my quest to teach my kids. We have been struggling with keeping the house clean. So in attempt to "teach" my kids to value their stuff enough to put it away I've resorted to carrying a bag around. Why a bag????? Cause if they don't put their stuff away I'm "might" throw it away and all their little toys will take that dramatic trip to the incinerator. Is that bad??? HEY! It's getting the job done right. In all reality I LOVE it. It shows me that 1. my kids can clean in a hurry. 2. They really do like what we get them. Also if they take forever to clean I can remind them how fast they clean when I have a bag in hand. So if you are ok with some tough love just have them watch Toy Story 3 and make a big point of the dump part. Carry around a black garbage bag and watch magic happen.

I wouldn't really throw the toys away. I think they know that too. So I don't know why it works but it does.

Miriams reaction to Barney

Oh tooooooo funny.

Posted by carrie

Miriams favorite video

Played on a loop of course

Posted by carrie

Wait a Second!!!

Miriam just decided that she no longer needs milk or bottles. The bottle thing is great but no milk what so ever. We went to az a couple of weeks ago and while we were there she just rejected them. We try to put it in her sippy and she throws it across the room. She wants it for comfort but them she doesn't take it. So she's been kinda cranky. It's nice to not go through so much milk (1 1/2 to 2 gallons a day) but she needs the calcium. Ohhhh dear I have a stubborn one (or maybe 5) on my hands. We just got rid of the crib, highchair, and a bunch of clothes. It's just another thing we are letting go of. I just can't wait to get rid of the diapers. I've been changing those things for 9 1/2 years. Awe babies growing up is so bitter sweet.

My garden is growing

Check it out. Yeah there are lots of weeds but we had lots of rain. I've been working everyday to get a hold of the weeds. But I'm so excited to see all that I'll get from it. See that tree? It's a peach tree and there are tons of tiny peaches growing. I'm starting to get strawberries as well. I love having a garden.


Posted by carrie

Callanetics

I've known about this form of exercise for quite some time. I've done it consistently only total of 8 times in a row. I saw amazing results. So why did I stop??? I don't really like to exercise but I liked this better. Oh and the VHS yes I said VHS was tooooo outdated for me. Some like it, but they updated it and I like it much better. It's so much easier to follow (for me). Anyway, I started doing it again last thursday. I've gotten 4 hours in. They count it as hours cause it takes an hour. So I feel sooooo much better and I can't wait to do my next hour. It's amazing what just 10 hours of this workout will do to your body. You work deep in your muscles and it just pulls everything in. You won't get all bulky and it's a great slimming exercise. Just google the results and you'll be amazed by the pictures. I'm just really excited that I'm excited about exercise (which is so NOT me).

Jonathan

I like him!

He's nice!

He works super hard!

Easy on the eyes!

Great Daddy!

Really SMART!

Loves ME!

I'm a lucky girl.

Gymnastics video

Emma flipping around the bar.

Posted by carrie

Gymnastics

The girls started gymnastics today. They had lots of fun and is really excited to learn. Jonathan did gymnastics for a short time as a kid and this was fun for him to see his girls do it too. They are both doing great. I can't wait to see them progress.

So cute

Posted by carrie

Superdog

By Peter

Posted by carrie

Peter just informed me.

That his chin is happy! Haha



Posted by carrie

Who got into the Chocolet

Caught red handed!!

Um quick cover the camera lens. She'll never know.

Sorry toooo much evidence on this one.

Why Do I Bother Cleaning

See these 3??? Yeah they are my demolition team. I clean constantly and they are great at undoing it. Good thing they are cute

This is just very MILD. Their Masterpieces are just tooooo much to show on-line. I think it would majorly scare some.

Glasses break!!

Lilys glasses have broken 3 times. Wire glasses and kids don't mix. So we went and changed them out for some plastic ones. Hopefully these last a lot longer. We will have to get a backup pair as well. Doesn't she look sooooo old. Sigh!!


Posted by carrie

Being a Mother

As mothers day is tomorrow I think about the precious gift I have. I love being a mother to my beautiful children. I wouldn't want anything else. I dont want some glamourous career, or free time to do whatever I want. I love that my days are full of messes, sticky hands, tantrums, laundry, cleaning the same things over and over. I'll take the sleepless nights and crazy days over being without my kids. I've been entrusted with these little angels and it's expected of me to do my very best. I try so very hard to be the best mom I can. There are days where I'm so close to checking my self into the funny farm. Then I get sweet hugs from my babies. My older kids come up with the silliest stuff. I laugh I cry I wonder and I'm in awe in my experiences as a mother. I wouldnt have it another way. I love being a mother.

Posted by carrie

Twins and D&C

I went into the dr and got a follow up ultrasound just to make sure everything stayed the same or by a miracle things got better. As we looked around and saw 2 little yolk sacks which is the start of a baby. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure I would NEVER get pregnant with twins. Jonathan saw the 2 "babies" and got really disappointed he really wanted twins. He had a goal of 7 kids. Poor guy. But I got my answer as to why I lost them. First of all my progesterone wasn't nearly high enough to support two pregnancies. If you remember my last pregnancy..... That was hard, and can you imagine doubling it. I really don't think my body could of handled it and I would be in serious trouble. Heavenly Father really spared me. I needed to be able to take care of my 5 blessings I have now. So after the ultrasound Jonathan and I went to check in for surgery. We waited a bit and went back. After a while they starred the process and put some sleepy drugs into my IV. I'm really sensitive to any type of drugs so I was out fast. It was so weird cause it was like I blinked and I was awake. I asked if it was over and they told me I was all done. I was so groggy and my throat hurt because I had to have a breathing tube in. I was in a ton of pain due to a lot of gas build up. I had to get the max amount of pain relievers and it still didn't help. I have a low pain tolerance and to think I had natural child birth. Well anyway Jonathan waited through the whole thing and was so helpful to me. I really have the best husband ever. He is so strong through all of this. He really did lose a lot. He really really wanted twins. Not like I didn't but he's dreamed of them for along time. After I got home I got to recover a little more as margaret and Jonathan took care of the kids. But I couldn't resist and I had Jonathan bring Miriam in to me so I could hold her and slowly get her to sleep. I'm so grateful for my babies. Just to think I could have lost anyone of them. Heavenly Father knew my desires to be a mother and truly blessed me with 5 miracles. I was reminded of that from the nurse at the hospital. She was amazed I had what I have. PCOS makes it hard to even have 1. My testimony has grown leaps and bounds after this experience. Im grateful for trials as I have a chance to count my many blessing and realize the many mercies of God. We are not going to try again. After losing 8 babies we see that as too much. I'm happy and I'm at peace. I truly have so much to be grateful for.






See the two circles those are the yolk sacks. When we looked closer we could se the fetal poles. I know one had shrunk but I don't know how much the other did as we didn't even know it was there. One was measuring 7 weeks the other was measuring 6 weeks.

Waiting

Here I am still waiting on my miscarriage. I wish I just had some sort of closure. Everyday I wonder if today is the day it will start. My body doesn't seem to want to let go. I don't blame it cause in a way I don't want this to be over. I want it to be a huge ultrasound error and I'll get unexpected news that my baby is still alive. I got some blood work done yesterday and hopefully I'll find out more about this whole mess. Through this whole thing I've learned a lot and I'm grateful for those lessons. I just wish learning wasn't so hard sometimes.


Posted by carrie