Science Fair

Today was the Science Fair for Kam and Sky. They did an awesome job on their projects this year and they learned a lot. Pete had a good time helping them with their projects and data collection and I was in charge of helping them with their display boards. Whew... I'm glad it's over! We were finishing things up late last night and as I type this, Skyler is in his bed asleep. His eye got all red and swollen at school today and so I checked him out early. I gave him an allergy pill and sent him to bed. He's my child that needs his sleep and staying up last night to finish up his project did him in. Can a less amount of sleep than normal, produce 1 red swollen eye? I think not. Maybe I should do a science fair project. Anyway, great job Kam and Sky! Pete, thanks for all you did to help them and for all you teach them.

All in a Week

I spoke in front of a couple hundred people this weekend in our church's stake conference. It was a great opportunity for me and I wasn't even nervous. I'm glad it's over though.

Miss Norah went for her 2 month check up. She had to get shots and it was so sad. She slept through the night last night and is such a happy little baby. We love her so much.

Carsen wanted me to take this pic of him cause he thought he looked cool. Carsey, you are cool.

Savanah has been really into sports lately. Mainly football and basketball. She did a book report about Shaquille O'Neal and had a really fun time learning about him. I took her to the library last night and we got a lot of books that should keep her busy for a while. She is such a cutie.

Sweet brother Skyler.

This is how Lakin folds his arms for the prayer. Isn't it so cute!? His chubby little arms in a half fold are so cute!

The other day when the twins were at preschool, Preston and I built a huge lego square. Then we had a play food picnic in the square. Preston is really good with legos and has been playing with them a lot.

Carsen is the greatest big brother in the world. He loves babies. He has been really cute with Lakin and Mylie the last few days and has invited them up to his room to play. They love it because they are normally not aloud to go in their brothers rooms and ruffle around so it's been so fun for them.

Triple Date

This weekend we went on a triple date with my brothers and their wives. It was fun. We ate at In and Out.

Then we drew names and went to the dollar store to pick something that "represented" our person. We also got candy for our Boardwalk bar.
Then we went home and watch some "Modern Family" episodes. Exchanged our representation gifts and ate ice cream! I need a triple date at least once a month! Love you guys.

The Spelling Bee

I am so proud of "the big three!" I went to the school this afternoon to watch them spell. Each class picked their top 4 spellers last week to compete in the school bee and Kam, Sky, and Savanah made it. Today they did awesome! Skyler and Savanah went through a few rounds before they got out and Kameron was one of the last 10 spellers standing! I think I am a little extra proud because spelling is not one of my strong points. good job guys... I love you!

New Computer

Hooray!
I finally have a computer. I'm connected!

We had a wonderful Christmas and the kids got too much stuff. Some of their faves were and are, candy, slime, alien maker, crystals, iPod touches, new bikes, baby dolls and bottles, diapers and formula for Norah, a new baby for me, wii games- especially football, and no one cares about the ping pong table. I thought the kids would love it, but they really haven't played with it. So sad. That's it, I am challenging Pete to a game right now. I rule at ping pong!

Norah has started to smile a little bit. She is such a pretty girl! I haven't been lucky enough to get a pic of her smile yet though. She is such a blessing in our family. Everyone adores her and I love her little baby body asleep on me.

Mylie is finally starting to talk. We were a bit worried for a while, but the specialists we took her to were right, she is having an "explosion" of words. Her favorite thing to say lately is "insert name hit me!" She likes to tattle, when clearly no one has hit her because I am right there in the room with her!

Lakin is starting to talk too. He is also hitting and learning about "time outs". Oh he is such a fun little boy. I love playing and teasing with him, we have some good laughs.

Preston is into arguing right now. It's pretty cute because he wants to exercise his right of choice, but it can getting a little draining by the end of the day! It's over silly little things mostly, like me telling him to sit up to the table because it's time for lunch and he says "no". It's like o.k. buddy, when you are ready to eat and sit up to the table, just let me know. He let's me know he's ready 1 second later!

Caden and Carsen have been into Lego Indiana Jones on the wii. They also took their new bikes for a spin yesterday when it got a little bit warmer. Carsen was having a hard time getting used to his new bike and was frustrated because he would fall each time he tried to turn around. At one point with his little voice quivering and his fist hitting his leg, he said "I should just give up"! I'm like "NO! Don't give up buddy, you're not a quitter" he didn't and he kept on trying. He's so cute and dramatic! They have also been making aliens with the alien maker.

Kam, Sky, and Sav love their iPod touches. They've downloaded a million games and Kam with her facebook... she is so connected! I mean when I was a kid, I had my mountain bike and a 10 minute phone call limit!

The other night we were up late emailing a kid who likes Kam and has written a few poems about her and Pete found out and was not happy. Well, the poor kid found out that Pete knew and was so embarrassed so I was helping Kam email him to soften the blow. Pete wrote me a ton of poems in high school...I can see that Pete is not going to be a nice guy when it comes to our daughters dating and boys liking our girls. He is so protective, which is a good thing, but I'll have to balance him out!

Kam and Sky are on basketball teams and loving it- especially Skyler. He's really good too.

Pete's writing a book. I'm running my guts out. I have a few pounds to lose, but all I want is chocolate!

Here are a few pics from the last few weeks...

making flower clips with the girls

Haiti

I am so sad for Haiti. I've never been there, but plan to go help the
people there some day. If I was a millionaire I would go right now and
help.
Haiti was in such bad shape to begin with. The people are so poor. So
many babies die there from hunger and things that are so preventable.
Some of the people literally eat dried mud with a little bit of salt
in it because they don't have enough food or anything to give to their
kids. It is just devestating that these people have to go through so
much.
Sent from my iPhone

5 Hours Later

Miss Mylie got her hair done! It took about 5 hours in two different
sittings, but it was great bonding time! My fingers were killing by
the time we were done! She did a great job sitting nice and got a lot
of treats. I have a headache from the Wiggles DVD's that we watched,
but all in all, I would call it a success!
I have a few friends who LOVE yarn extensions. They say the hair is
easier to wash and that with their older girls, they can last up to 6
weeks! That seems a little long for Mylie, she loves to wrestle with
her brothers and run around and roll her head around on the carpet
which equals carpet fibers and debree stuck in her hair! When she saw
herself in the mirror she was so happy! It was pretty cute! She looks
just like her birthdad. He had big long dreads. You look so pretty
Maya!!

"Special Time"

The word special is kind of funny...try saying it a couple of times. I mean, it's just so special. I like it's meaning though and I have officially began "special time" with the kids for 2010.

It's basically 15 minutes of alone time with each kid, everyday. We set the timer and do whatever the kid wants. It's pretty funny with the older kids... Skyler just laughs and doesn't know what he wants to do! I know he secretly loves it though.

"Special Times" take some time over here, but it's worth scheduling into my day. I am with my kids 24/7, and am doing things with them all day, but having 15 minutes alone with one of them is pretty, well...special! Just seeing them smile the way they do when it is their turn is really cute.

Pete and I try to keep up on "dates" with the kids alone, which they love, but doing this everyday with each one of them will really help me be in tune to their present needs.

That's what being a mom is all about. It's the kind of mom I want to be. Happy New Year!

Playing in the Snow!

It has been snowing for the last 24 hours! Tons of snow, and the kids have had a lot of fun playing outside in it over the last couple of weeks. Pete made a big snow mountain in the backyard which has really kept them busy. Lakin and Mylie are so cute dressed in their bibs... they are so puffy.






I have been spending lots of time with this beautiful little angel.

Sights of the Season

Making the gingerbread house. Making sugar cookies, decorating them, and eating them! What fun!

Sibling Love

The kids all really love Norah! So far so good, when it comes to any sibling rivalry going on. They are all just in love. A few days after we brought Norah home, I had one on one sessions with Mylie, Preston and Lakin. I brought them each into Norah's room alone and talked with them about their new sister. They practiced being soft and got to hold her. We sang her a song together etc. I think it really helped them, and they have been so soft with her.
Savanah is a little mommy and still runs home from school so she can hold Norah and be with her. It's so cute!
Carsen has the cutest voice when he talks to babies. He is such a sweet little guy.
Here are some pics!

Kameron is 12!

Happy Birthday to my Kameron today! The new computer that we just got, got sent back... Pete didn't like it, so I can't post pics again. But, imagine a really pretty, now 12 year old girl, opening up her presents, and going to Young Woman's at church for the first time! Life is crazy and having a 12 year old makes me feel old. I'm so proud of Kams. She is just a genuinely good girl. I am so thankful that she is my baby girl and that we have the relationship that we do. I'm not worried for the "teen" years, or worried about anything with Kameron. She knows who she is, and what she wants out of life. She has strong character and I know she'll make good and responsible choices. She has already made up her mind about some things ahead of time, so when faced with a choice to make, she's already prepared! I am so proud of you Kameron. I love you so much!

Here is Kams on her b-day with Carsen who grabbed this toy out of his room to give to her for a quick b-day gift!

Here is my sweet Kams with Preston who watched and was impressed with Carsen giving Kameron a gift, so he went to the other side of the family room and picked up this ball to "give" her! Funny little boys, and one great big sis!

Lakin's Hat

Oh my sweet Lakin! You are getting your molars and are always a wet drooly boy. What a good little guy you are. The week before Norah was born, your molars were really bothering you at night. Dad and I loved getting you up after all the other kids were in bed and you ran around and played with me. Dad would say "it's time for bed" and you would run to me and laugh! You are a big brother now but will always be my baby boy. You are my little sunshine and make me so happy! I love you Lakin!

A couple weeks ago, I got Lakin this hat. He was so cute with it, and had so much fun wearing it and then taking it off, and then putting it back on. When any of the other kids would try to take it and wear it, he would yell... "miiinnnee" and I would come to his rescue. Isn't he the cutest boy ever?? So handsome!!

Baby Norah!

We got a new computer and I am finally able to post some pics. Norah is just beautiful! She is so fun to hold and cuddle. I really love her. Here are some pics from our stay in the hospital.

Norah and her beautiful birthmom

Two moms

It's a Girl!!

I have a new baby girl! She is beautiful!

Norah Hope
7 lbs. even
November 30th, 2009

She is healthy and happy and so alert. She looks like all my babies. Right when I saw her sweet little face, I knew she was my daughter. We signed the papers this morning. Her birthmom signed before us. I am so thankful to have baby Norah here. It's been a wild year and she is the end result. Our computer is broken so I'll post pics when I can. All the kids are so excited. My sweet Lakin is a big brother! He and Mylie loved watching the movie I took of her getting her first bath. When she comes home I will have to protect her from little siblings that love her a lot! I love you Norah!! Welcome to the world, and to our family! We have been waiting for you!!

Shhhh... It's a Surprise!

Kameron's birthday isn't for another month, but with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming we decided to celebrate early. Kameron's good friend Chloe and I planned a surprise party and she pretty much freaked out! She had a lot of fun! My oldest baby girl is going to turn 12. weird.

Upcoming Events

I got my tickets to see this...


I got my tickets to see this...


Now, just for fun, watch this...

Preston is 3!

Happy birthday to my Preston! He has been waiting for weeks for this day and he was so excited it was his day! He loved opening his presents and was thrilled to get his spider man bike... it's all he has been talking about and all he really wanted!

Birthday kisses!



Preston is such a good boy! He recently got a new bed. A full size twin bed and he is so proud and happy about it. He also just started preschool and he LOVES it!
He is getting so big and tall, but he still says adorable things that melt my heart. One way he tells me that he loves me is by repeating to me, what I have said to him since he was born..."you're my baby boy. You're my son" It is really sweet.

The cutest baby Preston in the world!

Preston, I love you so much! You are my baby boy! You are my son, forever! I am so thankful that you are my boy and that I am your mom! You make me laugh and you are such a big helper to me. I love it when you read Mylie a book and when you share your toys with Lakin. I love your smile. You are such a good and sweet boy! i love you!

A New Baby

A couple of weeks ago, we were chosen by a beautiful birthmom to be the parents of her soon-to-be baby girl. We couldn't be more thrilled! She is scheduled to have a c-section on Nov. 30th. I am so thankful for this little girl. I really wanted one more daughter and I am thankful beyond words that our new birthmom picked us!

I have been busy and trying to get everything ready. If you remember, a few posts back, when we thought for sure that we were going to adopt the sibling group and then our family would be complete, I got rid of all my baby stuff!

Well, it's been fun to get new stuff and I have been "nesting" and cleaning like crazy.

Pete and I were talking the other night about our new daughter. He told me he was really excited. There is just something so wonderful about having a brand new baby in the house. Every one's voices get quieter. Life seems to slow down. I love to watch my kids watch and look at their new sibling and adore their little features. I love so many things about babies. They smell like heaven. They are so new and small and clean. Their 20 inch little body is adorable when you lay them on your shoulder and their little tiny bum sticks up on your chest. I wonder what she will look like? I can't wait to meet her.

This year has been a wild year. For 6+ months this year I put total focus on older child adoption. I read everything I could. I talked to people and tried to learn from their experience. I thought up my own ideas related to bonding and attachment. I was really ready. I got the new kids rooms all ready. Pete and I prayed about this decision. Together and apart. We felt it was right. I was really sure that they were my kids, and I was ready to go for it. To be 100% committed to them as their mother despite the fact that it was going to be VERY hard for YEARS and we would be dealing with things that are very hard to deal with. We were still going to do it even though everyone thought we were crazy and we thought we were crazy too.

Then, as clear as can be, and as inconvenient as can be, and as devastatingly as can be, Pete knew it wasn't right. There was no logical reason why. Pete is such a logical thinker, and I think as humans having reasons help comfort us. I have learned a lot this year. A lot about faith and trust. I know without a doubt that things happen for a reason. Sometimes we get to know why. Sometimes we don't and maybe never will. We can be angry. We can make guesses to help us feel better, there are lots of different reactions we can choose, but ultimately we have to just let it all go and know that Heavenly Father does indeed love all of His children and He has a plan for each one of us. A big part of it is the growing and learning through experience. The soul stretching that in some cases, is just raw hurt. I believe that sometimes we are even given certain trials for our own personal tutoring.

I am thankful for all that I have learned through my recent experiences. I can't wait to hold my new baby girl and feel her warm tiny body against mine and again feel the humility, gratitude, and weight that comes with being given such a wonderful and precious gift. I don't take my responsibilities lightly. Where much is given, much is required.

I am so thankful.

Having Twins

I have loved having twins. Having 2 babies at once taught me a lot. Having 2 boys the same age will continue to teach me a lot. Caden and Carsen couldn't be more different, yet they love each other so much and play so well together.

The other day I saw this at preschool...

Naturally, I looked for my boys and saw Caden's first. It is so him. He is logical and helpful. To the point, and very knowledgeable.

Then I found Carsen's. I laughed out loud! Carsen is always making me laugh and his "turkey recipe" was so him. He has a big imagination and "thinks outside the box." He's full of emotion and doesn't mean to be, but he's funny.

Bones, teeth, and feathers? sick! Go to the forest and just randomly find a turkey? ha ha!

The boys preschool teacher tells me that they save seats for each other and look out for one another, but also reach out to the other kids and play with them too. Together and alone. My twins make me happy and are so cute. What a gift they are to each other and will be through out their whole life!

Happy Birthday Mylie!

My baby girl is a 2 year old!
From this...

To this...

She had a really fun weekend! We all did! Mylie's birthmom flew all the way from the east coast to be here for her birthday!
Do they look alike?

We went to the Bean Museum and saw all the animals. (I love this pic)



Then we went on a little hike.


Then we had Mylie's birthday party!! We played games.



We ate cake and Ice cream.


Opened presents and...

went to Boardwalk to get some yummy ice cream!

Mylie's birthmom, Bgreat grandma, and Bgrandma got her so many cute clothes!

Thanks for coming T. We love you!

Mylie, I am thankful everyday to have you as a daughter. You are a beautiful girl and have been blessed with so many gifts. You have a strong spirit that I know will serve you well in your life. You love life and like to laugh and have fun. Your smile, when you share it, lights up the whole room! I love you so much Mayabear! More than you'll ever know.

I took a few pics of the pretty colors around my yard a while back. I'm glad I did because now all those leaves are on the ground. I love the fall. It's my favorite time of year. I love November. It's National Adoption Month. Adoption is so special and important to me. Two of my babies were born in November. Soon to be three. Thanksgiving is in November. I don't like to cook, or cook all day, inhale the food, and then clean up, but I love the thought of thinking about all of my blessings. It makes me happy. It makes all the things I am working on, and struggle with, disappear and my mind is consumed with gratitude. Oh! I am so thankful. It's going to be a great month.

Burning Bush

Purple Ash tree

The Jazz

We took the 5 oldest to the Jazz vs Clippers game the other night. It was a lot of fun!

Here's some pics of Pete trying to make the game seem a little more exciting than it really was.


My favorite player is this guy... Deron Williams

During some parts of the game, they would throw out balls to the crowd and I caught one, and my boys thought I was awesome! Look at Carsen's face! Fun night.

Halloween 2009

Carving pumpkins







Here is a pic of Caden's sick dorky vampire teeth. Luckily he didn't wear these and he got a new pair of normal vampire teeth that even glow in the dark!

It's Friday

I love Fridays...my favorite day of the week! I got all the kids off to school wearing their Halloween gear. Skyler decided to go as "himself". I quickly told him that "in our family if you want to go trick or treating you have to dress up, so you better think up a costume quick". I wonder what he'll decide to be tomorrow.

The kids have been all excited about Halloween. Preston has wanted to wear his Obi Won outfit all day, for days.

Carsen is the cutest Ninja you have ever seen. Especially when he does his moves. He is by far my funniest child and he doesn't even mean to be funny, but he just is. I call him my biological baby and he is just so much fun. The other day when I picked the boys up from pre school he said... "Mom, I'm like the coolest boy in my preschool". I asked him why he thought that and in a convincing voice with so much drama, he said "C'mon mom! these are like the coolest pants! I love to wear these pants... they make me the coolest boy in pre school." wow! I had no idea he loved his jeans so much!

Caden is a vampire this year and Pete had the job to take him and buy some child size fangs. Well, they could only find "one size fits all" so although Caden is proud of his fang teeth and thinks they are cool, he is kind of a dorky vampire. I will post pics tomorrow. And you will see.

I rearranged Mylie's room and she is officially sleeping in a toddler bed now! She is so proud of her bed and likes to get in it and get out of it and sit on it. She wanted to show Pete and all the kids and wouldn't take a nap yesterday because she was so excited. She still isn't talking much, but she has a smile that lights up the whole room. She will have her 2nd b-day next weekend and her birthmom is coming for her first visit! We all can't wait!

Lakin, my little snuggle boy is just the cutest little guy. He has started complaining about things and it is really cute. In baby talk he'll come up to me with his eye brows raised out of concern and tell me all about whatever he is concerned and mad about. It is so cute! He finally learned how to go down the stairs and he is so proud. The last few days, he'll just take off and go explore in the basement. I'll call down the stairs to him and he appears at the bottom of the stairs with different toys in hand and a big smile! man, I love that boy!

Here is a clip of one of his tantrums. He wanted the lunchbox that Preston had, but Preston had it first so we tried to convince him that the other one was cool. He was not happy about it. I finally went and got the camera, but I didn't get the real good parts of the fit... only one head stand. He ended up getting to have the lunch box he wanted when Preston was done with it. Tantrums are funny, but kind of sad when you just have to try to ignore the behavior!