"Happy Birthday to me, I turned 33! Good thing there's an App, to remind me of that"!

In case you didn't get that, you are suppose to sing it to the tune of "Happy Birthday". I really did forget how old I was. A couple of days ago Mike was asking me how old I was turning? Hmmm. I'm not sure? After several attempts at the math, which never works out right in my head anyway, Mike said "I bet there's an App for that". He was right. Now I will always be able to tell you how old I really am. Not that I'm going to though!I find the older I get, the more anticipation I have for my own Birthday. I was honestly excited to celebrate my Birthday this year. I think it's because I'm a Mom. My needs usually come after everyone else. In a family with six kids, there usually isn't anything leftover. So, it's nice for a day, even if it is just one, to splurge and pamper myself. This year, a friend treated me to a pedicure, and I treated myself to an eyebrow wax. Bye-bye uni brow!
Afterwards, I met a group of friends for a tasty lunch at Hacienda Colorado. My Favorite! I honestly can't think of a better way to spend my Birthday. Thanks for a great day! And, one last "Happy Birthday", to me!

Too Cool, New Beginings, and a Bonk on the Head

Too cool for school, or at least pictures anyway. I promised not to follow Ethan all the way to school and embarrass him on his first day, if he would allow me just one simple photo in the front yard. He agreed. I don't know if he really had any other choice though! I seriously can't believe he is in the 7th grade. I think the reason this is so strange to me, is because this is when you really start to remember life. The choices he makes, the friends he will meet, will more than likely last a lifetime. Some of my best and worst memories all occurred within the walls of Mueller Park Junior High School in Bountiful Utah. I hope in Ethan's case, there will be more good memories to be had than the bad ones. Either way, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to keep this kid from growing up on me. Oh, and BTW, he now wears a larger shoe size than I do.

Little Miss Sassy Pants started preschool this year. She was soooo excited for her first day! The only downfall is that she attends in the afternoon. So all I hear Monday, Wednesday and Friday is "When is it time for school?".

We started at a new preschool this year. I have heard great things about their program, and it's always nice to have a change. We had to attend an orientation on the first day. There was one mom in particular, obviously a regular, who felt the need to continually interrupt with her own explanation of the program procedures. And when she wasn't interrupting, she would be vigorously shaking her head in agreement to whatever was being said. It was super annoying and ultra distracting. I found myself paying more attention to her, waiting for what her next overly dramatic response would be, rather than listening to what may have been imperative information regarding my daughters education. I doubt it, but still. And in case you were wondering, yes, her kid is in the same class as mine. Should be an interesting year.

Gabrielle was so fascinated with the fact that her name was everywhere. On the board, on her cubby, in the classroom, even the hook to hang her backpack. Amazing!

And what blog post of mine would be complete without a documented injury? This was the result of a big sister, we won't name which one, who tried to push Brady in the stroller down the front porch stairs. The worst part is that I wasn't home. Gasp! I guess my twelve year old needs a few more babysitting lessons. Oh heck, this could have just as easily happened even when I was home. No permanent damage, and another lesson learned... strollers can flip over and babies can land on their heads.

Happy Birthday Brady!

Today our "Little Monster" turned one!
We celebrated his special day at the park with Cookie Monster cupcakes.
He had this thing with the eyes! It didn't take him long to realize the whole cupcake was yummy. And yes, I made them. Love tutorials. Love, Love, Love! He had plenty of hugs and kisses all day, from just about everyone. The girls even told their teachers at school about his monster party. As if they don't already think we are crazy enough! We had a great time celebrating Brady's first year.
I can't imagine our family without him.
Happy Birthday Big Guy!
We sure love you.

Back 2 School

It's been a great summer!

Oh, let's be honest. It was a little too long and drawn out.

I live for this day.

Back to School.

Don't get me wrong. I love my children, and I love their company.

But even they are ready to go back after a few weeks of Summer.

Who wouldn't? New shoes, clothes, and occasionally (this year) backpacks.

It really is Christmas in July.

Isabella-1st GradeMadison-3rd Grade
Abbigayle-5th Grade
Twinkle Toes.

I can tell, it's going to be a great year!

Deductible Met

Last Week our little guy was sick.

He had RSV and had to stay in the hospital for two days.

It was scary to see him struggling to breath.

Things got much better once they gave him oxygen.

Despite feeling crumby, he was still such a happy little nugget.

The nurses nicknamed him "The Faker".

We are happy to have Brady back home. Still not 100%, but at least he can breath!
And now, so can I.

Just a taste...

Easter...
Goat(s)...

Dress-Up...

The new maid...

Go ahead, ask...if you dare!

April Fool...

Ethan

I love this kid.

He reminds me not to take life too seriously.

It was one of those mornings. Woke up with my list of "things to do", a long list at that. Rolled out of bed, threw some clothes on, began my day. Headed toward the kitchen to fetch myself some breakfast. I look up at the clock. It reads 10:30am. NO! It can't be. Look at another clock. Same result. Did I really sleep until 10:30am? CRAP! I am soooo behind. Grab the laptop and login. Hmmm. Suspicious. Lower right hand clock on the Sony Vaio reads 8:30am.

Meanwhile, Ethan still slumbers in his bed upstairs. I hear footsteps approaching from the basement, it's Mike..."I know, he got me too. I thought I missed my morning meeting". We both couldn't help but laugh. It didn't even occur to me that it was April 1st. Good thing I have an eleven year old that will never let me forget.