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.