Kelson had a student led conference yesterday. He was so cute. He had slept over at Grandma and Papa's and forgot a jacket. All he had was his Obi Wan cloak. He wore it proud! I was so proud as I saw all the hard work he does. He writes in a journal everyday. At the top of each page he draws a picture. These journals were awesome. It was great seeing how he would write the words how they sounded at the beginning of the year and now how he spells almost each word correctly. His pictures were fabulous. I will have to scan and post our favorites, ie the day after A2 was born, the day he had surgery, the day he lost his teeth. SO CUTE! Kelson really does love school. He told me he wasn't going to go to first grade because his teacher said she might cry when he left her. He didn't want to make her sad so he would be happy to stay in kindergarten. What can I say, that's my Kelson!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Student Conferences
One step forward to Emergency preparedness
I am embarrassed to admit that our food storage and emergency kits are non-existant. I just don't have the room for it so I haven't put much time and energy in building it up. Well, I have had multiple promptings in the past weeks to change this. I had another one on Saturday, this one came in the way of Kelson Taylor. We were in the van waiting for Cade to finish his piano lessons. I had brought some Friend magazines for entertaining the wee ones. Kelson brought me his and asked me to read him a story. It was about a girl that received an emergency backpack from her aunt for Christmas and she was dying to use the contents. Her mom explained what an emergency was and that the backpacks would be no good if she used them now, but together they decided an emergency drill would be a good idea. Long story short, the power ended up going out and they had to use the backpacks. It turned out it wasn't a drill. Kelson asked if we had such backpacks. I said I had the packs they just weren't packed. He said, "Mom, we better fill ours. What if we have an emergency and we aren't ready? Can we fix this this afternoon?" I figured I probably had enough stuff around the house to complete them. So this is what we did. I didn't have a large pack for Cheeto so we will have to change that but all of the kids have there own bag. They were thrilled. Analise can barely carry hers but it's cute watching her try with such excitement. The big hit was the flashlights! Cade was not excited when we put applesauce in his. He hates applesauce. I told him if it had been days since he was eating and was starving I'm positive even applesauce would be good. I don't think he believed me. Oh well, we made one big step forward and we are pleased.
Funny Kid Quote of the Day
We have two step stools in our house that get used in a multitude of ways. Friday, Analise was using the two stepped one as her desk top and the wooden single step as her chair. I was on the couch feeding Addelyn when Analise jumped up and knocked over the wooden step. She didn't realize it because when she came back to her "desk" she plopped down on it pretty hard. The tears began to fall immediately. She held her bum as she ran over to me with tears of pain. I asked her, "Ah, did you hurt your bum?" She bent over and pointed, "Yes! Right in the hole!" I busted out laughing. I couldn't help it. She got MAD! "MOM, IT"S NOT FUNNY! DON"T LAUGHT AT ME!!!!"
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Fun pictures
I LOVE THIS ONE! I just wish that Kelson didn't have to scratch!
Daddy's Boys
I'm bringin "SexyBack"!Cheeto is just HOT! What can I say... I got a good man!
I'm too sexy for this shirt, to sexy for this shirt...
The Steeler brick road
I see your true colors shining through...
You've got a friend in me
Mother, tell me a story
I am a Child of God
Hush lil' BabyWednesday, March 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Dam'ma!
Today is Dam'ma A's birthday. However, because of Cade and scouts we celebrated her birthday last night at Outback. Cheeto and I laughed. We hadn't been to Outback in YEARS and now we have been there 3 times in less than a month. Good thing the food is so good. The girls and I almost didn't go. A2 was so cranky all afternoon that I didn't want to fight her at the restaurant. She almost acts like she is teething. Could it be? Well, after a dose of tylenol she started to act better and even fell asleep so I decided to try her. The food was great and the kids were pretty good. I realized while we were eating that it had months since we took the kids to a sit-down restaurant. It was probably August since we did so. They were very well behaved.
Grandma even got the "special" song sung to her. The kids loved that! 
Analise has copied Cade and the way they take pictures. Can't y'all just smile cute?
Happy birthday! Hope you have fabtabulous day!Millis Health Education Center
Kelson had a field trip yesterday. Analise spent the morning with Damma and Dampa. I had to take Addelyn with me. She was a great baby. I put her in the baby sling and she just hung out. Kelson was a proud big brother. I was curious to see what this field trip was going to be like. I had never heard of this place and what I saw online didn't tell me much. I decided to stop by the school to see if other parents might want to carpool down there. One parent did. She sounded like she had a Spanish accent so I asked her where she was from. She said she grew up in Mexico and then moved to California for high school. I asked her what part of Mexico. She said Jalisco. That is where Cheeto's dad is from- small world. Well, the world got smaller. She was shocked that my kids had a full on mexican grandfather. It obviously doesn't show they have some mexican blood in them. She asked what brought them to North Carolina. I told her about the restaurants. She told me she knew one of the owners. Long story short she went to church with Dad's cousin that lives behind them. It was funny. She also asked me if it bothered me to have a multi-raced marriage. HECK NO! If it did, do you think I still would have married into one. Race does not make a person- your actions do! My father-in-law is one of the most honest, loving man I know! If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't have lasted so far away from my family for the past 9 years. She was almost shocked at my answer. She then asked what church we went to. This conversation lasted almost the entire trip home. She was very curious about our standards and how we raise our children. Who knows... maybe this was a good missionary moment. I hope I said the right things. I believe I set a good example of a good church member but I never feel like I'm a good missionary. That's where I needed Cheeto or Nola with me!
You might have to enlarge this to see it. It was dark but this model was pretty cool. Her name was TAM. Different parts of her body would light up when she talked about it. It took the children through how the digestive system worked, the muscular and nervous systems as well. They all laughed and ewed when it talked about how everyone has to get rid of the food they eat. I tried to say that as clean as possible. 
Kelson and his friend
This bike was awesome. When you pedaled the bike the skeleton behind the glass would pedal with you. This showed the kids how your bones move.
This girl was hilarious! She had such a great way to interact with kids. This was a room to teach the kids about their teeth. It was called the Tough Tooth room. Different parts of the room lit up as she talked about cavities and proper ways to brush. Part of that BIG tooth you see on the right came out. It was all dark and nasty- to represent a cavity. She then replaced the lid with a silver one to represent the "filling". Very cool!
This is Mr. Big Mouth. The kids were able to see what their teeth look like under the gums. She showed them that below their baby teeth they have only one set of adult teeth so you only have one chance to take care of them. Kelson leaned over and said, "Except for me mom! I have extra teeth!" His teacher was sitting next to me and we both looked at each other and laughed. Yep- Kelson did have extra teeth. After it was over, I was so pleased. What a neat place to teach kids about their bodies and how it all works! I wish they had something like this in the children museums. Kelson and I had so much fun!
Addelyn 4 month check
Addelyn was 4 months a week ago but her 4 month well check was on Monday. She is growing too fast. I know I say that so often but she is! We are all amazed when we look at her newborn premie clothes and they shorter than her torso. A lot of babies have been born in our ward. I think they look so little and then they tell me they are 7 lb babies. I just can't believe that Addelyn was 2 lbs smaller. She was just a tiny thing in the beginning. My parents (on both sides) just believe I feed my kids pure cream. Must do- because they all have the cute baby rolls. Our doctor asked if I had started to feed her rice cereals yet. I said no and then asked if it was ok if I waited awhile for that one. Whenever I started the other kids on cereals my milk went away on its own within weeks. I'm not ready to give up that one yet. I love that time with Addelyn. She obviously is still thriving so I don't feel like holding back on that one will hurt her, at least for a few more months.
50% in both cases - just right in the middle- average sized- PERFECT!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Boy Scout Cade
Sawing the trees
Mission accomplished
What can I say - Boys will be boys!
Addelyn just hung out and watched. Sweet little thing. 
After sawing a few trees, the boys tried their skills at hammering. This is Cade "sucking" his thumb not out of habit but because of pain. Yup- he hammered his thumb. I noticed yesterday that he has a blood blister. He was good though, 6 months ago he would have given up and ran off screaming. He agrued with me for a minute and then he tried again. I was so proud of him. Of course, when the boys scouts were done Kelson had to have his turn. He just can't stand it- it wants to be eight so desperately just so he can go to scouts like Cade. 
ANALISE
My sister-in-law started doing this and I think it's so fun to read about my nieces and nephews. I thought I would copy her and do it as well. First off.... ANALISE
AnAliSe just turned 3 in January. She was biggest baby. But she has the biggest full-of-life personality. Nothing is every boring with her around! AKA- "SASSY". Her brothers gave her that nickname and it has stuck. Most that know her call her this. I do have to clarify that it isn't the bad kind of sassy. She really is a sweet girl, with a big heart. She loves her brothers and little sister, almost too much sometimes.
Analise knows the way to her daddy's heart. One sunday in church she ran down the bench to talk to Cheeto. She asked, "Are we having beans for dinner?" Cheeto said yes. Analise whispered LOUDLY, YES!!!!!! Then she asked, "Are the Steelers playing?" Cheeto said no. "Are the panther's playing?" Cheeto again said, "no". She then asked, "Are the (stuck our her tongue and spit while doing thumbs down) playing?" Cheeto just busted out laughing. I guess I should have told you this was the week after the Steelers won the superbowl. Analise then got a sad look on her face. I think she was really wondering, "What team am I suppose to wear after church." About a year ago Analise found some Steelers and Panthers fabric in my storage. She requested that I make some dresses right then. By 9am she had herself a Steelers dress. The next morning she had a Panthers dress. She stood out on the porch when Cheeto got home to model her dress. She asked him, "Daddy, am I your Steelers princess?" while she twirled for him. Of course, Cheeto loves it!
Analise loves to torment her brothers. The boys think it's gross when Cheeto kisses me. They scream "NO SMACKY MOUTH!" Analise knows this so she will say, "hey guys- watch!" Then she will run and start kissing someone. They usually run out of the room when she does this. She loves when they go to school because she believes this is her time to play in their room without them yelling at her. Well, the rest is like an interview with her. Here are her adorable 3 year old answers!
What is your favorite food? Cheese! ( is she related to her father?)
What's your favorite color? Pink of course!
Where do you like to go? Costco and Target
What is your favorite toy? The boy's
What is your favorite song? The song from the "Bubble Movie" (The bubble movie is 13 going on 30. I have a DVD player the edits it just so you know that I don't allow her to watch it as is. The song she likes is "Thriller". Scary- I know!)
What is favorite animal? her exact words "MJ! Betuz she loves me!" (Tio- does that just melt your heart? Sorry Bofo and Macie)
Where do you want to go today? Just somewhere with you mommy! (AHHHH)
What is your favorite show? Star Wars the Clone Wars betuz I miss my boys (she always calls them "her" boys!)
Favorite team? "Mommy? We like the Steelers and Panthers. You knew that?" (There you go., she is definately Cheeto's little girl!!!!)/
Unfortately she also knows style. She has to have things match. She will tell you if the pinks don't match and what shoes she can wear with certain outfits. I don't even want to think about what she will be like as a teenager. I don't know how Cheeto is going to handle those years.
Analise and the phone. WOW! As soon as ANYONE gets on the phone she asks to talk to whoever it is on the other side. It doesn't matter, SHE WANTS TO TALK!!! I don't know where she gets that from. I think she comes by quite honestly. Obviously I don't mind the phone, but neither do her grandma'S and aunts! She's a girl! Most girls like the phone!!!
I have to grow up Mom!
Funny Kid Quote of the Day
OH... my sweet Kelson! Saturday I was just sitting back and "really watching" the kids. They all have just grown like weeds lately, especially Kelson. He has always been on the smaller side. He was standing the living room when I asked him,"Kelson, when did you get so big?" He looked at me funny and shrugged his shoulders. I then asked, "Do you think you could stop growing so I could keep you my little boy forever?" His reply," But Mom, if I don't grow I will never grow up to be baptized or go on a mission. You want me to do that right?" What do you say to that? Ok, so I suppose I do have to let him grow up! It would be selfish of me not to. Hence, MY SWEET KELSON! I just love that little boy!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Count your many blessings
Warning... another sad story! Monday afternoon I received an email from a prospective client. However, this didn't turn out to the usual scheduling of appointments. This lady started off my stating that I may not be up to helping her. They had their 20 week ultrasound check last Friday. Sadly this ultrasound was devestating news. Their little girl has a rare case of dwarfism. They do not expect her to live more than a couple hours after delivery because her body will not be big enough to allow her lungs to expand and function properly. They have struggled with multiple miscarriages so this may be their only child they will ever get to hold. She gave me the option to back out. But how could I? She told me a number of times that me doing this for them would mean the world to them. She wants me to meet them at the hospital after the delivery and cast her hand and foot. WOW! This is really why I do this! I love that I can give these parents something to "hold" onto for forever!
Of course, as I am talking to this lady Addelyn chooses to start crying. I felt awful. Here I am with a healthy, happy baby girl in my arms. Again, I find myself counting my blessings. We may have our own struggles but they are nothing like what I have seen so many other couples having to deal with right now. Thank you for the all the little blessings in my life!
4 months
Our baby girl was 4 months on Monday. We are still shocked how fast she has grown. It really does seem like yesterday when I was miserable and just wanted her out! Addelyn is such a happy baby. She cries for me to go pick her up out of the crib and as soon as she sees me she starts grinning from ear to ear. She allows the older kids to pick and love on her 24-7. The Lord knew I needed her. She has brought so much happiness to our family. She really does just complete our little family. I shouldn't say little. I can't tell you how many heads turn when they see me with 4 kids. I believe 4 is the old 7 or 8. People just don't know what they are missing sometimes. I have to be honest though. It is so hard keeping up with four. Cheeto had to get a new administrative assistant. So he is working some ridiculous long hours lately. Cade is requiring some major assistance with his homework. Kelson has changed overnight into an easily grumpy child. I don't know what happened there. Just everyone "drive's him nuts!" Analise lives up to her nickname- SASSY! So, I deserve Addelyn! Enough said! I'm not saying I don't have my own issues. I have enough to drive myself crazy so I know I drive Cheeto and the kids nuts too!
Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Last Friday, Cheeto had his last church basketball game. After the game Cheeto threw his jersey in the laundry and then walked to the bathroom to shower. Kelson went yelling to Cade, "Cade.... Come see! Daddy has fur!" This still makes me laugh. I told both of them to just wait. Just wait and see. Neither one of them believed me that one day they too would have hair on their chest! I wished I got this on video so 20 years from now I can show them.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thank you, Thank you for healthy kids!
A few weeks ago I made a post about the little boy, who was dying from cancer, that I did his hand for. Well, yesterday afternoon he past away. I have only known this family for a month, yet their journey and struggles have touch me!
What a great blessing to have our health. I can't even imagine having to wake up everyday and wonder if today would be the last day that my child would have to fight for his/her last breath! How lucky are we to have the knowledge we do about eternal life and the resurrection! Just having kids would be harder wondering what would happen to life after death. I'm so grateful for my family! So grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ! So grateful for a worthy husband that is able to take me to the temple and to have an eternal family! Families can be together forever! I'm sure a little extra thought and prayer for this poor family would be appreciated. And maybe like me, it will inspire you to give a hug instead of getting upset with the day to day kid battles.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I thought this was awesome!
All you Idaho people out there I know... have you tried this?
Funny Kid Quote of the Day
I was cleaning Analise's room today when she walks in and says, "Mom, you're doing a good job! Keep it up!"
This afternoon Analise asked if she could have a treat for snack. I told her no . When I saw her again she had cookie breath. I asked her, "Analise, did you get a treat when I told you no?" She said, "No, I just had a cookie. Cookies are not treats Mommy!" I now know that her definition of treat is "candy." I suppose I needed to be more specific.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What to do..
I'm not sure this is really venting. I believe I may be like my brother-in-law that I just need to write it out so I can feel better. Many may know that Cade has really struggled with 3rd grade. Well, he has just struggled with school for awhile, especially in math. I believe he got lost in his early years at the Spanish immersion school and didn't get the basics down before he got thrown into the harder stuff. This year has been especially hard on both of us. I fight with him every night with homework. Sometimes we are doing homework for more than 3 hours. His science and reading are fine it's mostly just math. We have met with his teacher a number of times to come up with ways to help him. Thankfully he has a great teacher that sincerely wants to help us. Well, yesterday he brought home a note from his teacher and principle stating that Cade isn't progressing enough to move onto the 4th grade. My heart just sank! I lost it, I just had to cry! It all came tumbling down behind closed doors. I knew that if Cheeto saw that I was that upset about it he would think I was crazy and say it's not the end of the world. But the hours I have sat working with him and he still may have to held back. I know a little embarrassment now is better than playing a game of catch up for the rest of his life. I'm embarrassed to because I feel like this reflects what I am as a mother. I feel like I failed him! I failed! I also know that he has to actually do the work and if doesn't understand it he doesn't understand it. Why is it that i couldn't help him? Why doesn't he want to work harder? Cheeto and I aren't lazy people. We both work hard and try to distill that in our children, especially in todays society where everyone wants everything just handed to them. It's just not enough! What I do is not enough! I failed! I say I because Cheeto is at work and isn't usually the one doing the homework routine. I hate the fighting with him every afternoon. I hate that homework takes so long that he has no time to just be a kid and play. It breaks my heart that Kelson just breezes through his and Cade is left working for hours. It's not all laziness. He has this blank look and honestly, just doesn't "get it." We are at a loss and finally we are to the point where we may have to accept that he will repeat the 3rd grade. He doesn't know any of this yet. He is going to fight us on this one for sure. Another fight...great! We are going to meet with his teacher again this week. I pray there is still hope.
A week in review... lots of pictures to catch you up
NOTE: It's been so nice here that I haven't been inside much to post stuff. Weird to go from 4 inches of snow to 77 degree weather in 3 days. I'm not complaining! I'll take it. I'm just not ready for summer in the south yet. So it's ok that it's going to get cooler again this weekend.
Saturday was just gorgeous. It was high 70's here. Friday was so crazy. I got a phone call from Cade's teacher at 10:30am saying he was complaining he didn't feel well. I knew to listen because Cade doesn't usually complain about being sick. I hadn't showered and Addelyn had just exploded so it would have taken me awhile to get him. Thankfully, I have a great mom-in-law that had already showered and lives 2 minutes from the school. She went and got him. I had a feeling to get a doctor's appointment, good thing too! He ended up having strep throat. I had to be back for a MRI at 5pm. I got there and found out that I had to get an IV for them to do some dye contrast for the test. This meant that I couldn't nurse Addelyn for 24 hours. No one told me this. I didn't want to reschedule so she would just have to deal with formula for a day. Cheeto had perhaps his last, church basketball game. Again, thankfully I have great in-laws. They all juggled kids to help us out. Lettie let Kelson and Analise stay the night at their house to allow Cade his "contagious" space. By Saturday morning Cade was perking right up. It was 5am when I was feeding Addelyn when he jumped out of bed and said, "I feel much better, can I play the Wii?" I told him to go back to bed for awhile. He listened but he ended up playing the PS2 for the rest of the morning. Hey, he wasn't spreading the germs all over the house so I didn't care. But late afternoon he was looking a bunch better so we asked Damma to come with their truck and take our bikes to their house. They live on a court and have a much better place to ride bikes.
We are teaching Kelson to ride without training wheels.
Cade is doing much better with his because he has grown so much.Last year he was terrified and wouldn't ride it.
Analise had a fun pushing hers.
Addelyn was great to just chill in her stroller!
Addelyn did much better when it wasn't me giving her the bottle.She would gag and pull the funniest faces while eating.
Analise was so excited to help feed her. She wanted me to bottle feed from now on. I'm no way ready to give nursing yet. When the 24 hours were finally up and I could feed Addelyn, she was ready! She latched on and wouldn't let go. She grabbed my shirt and acted like she was protecting her territory. She would look up and glare and then start snarfing it down again. Funny girl!
Addelyn modeling one of my latest hats. I thought it turned out so stinking cute!I have to make another one! I know the flower is almost as big as her head, but still so cute.
Sunday we had to take a family picture for a project I was working on. It was something real quick and no one would really cooperate. Oh well, they turned out OK- they aren't wall worthy but they worked for the project.
Cheeto put Addelyn in the kids swing. She was so cute in her Panther's dress. I'm not biased or anything- am I?
Monday was another nice day. 76 degrees. Analise kept saying we had to go somewhere. I really didn't have anywhere to go so I called Cheeto and asked if we could bring him a lunch and have a picnic at his office. His office has a really nice courtyard outside that we ate at. We used the rest of our Subway gift card and ate with him. Analise said she would like to do that everyday. Too bad that it requires so much effort. We did have lots of fun.
Kelson found out that a girl from his class lives in Grandma's neighborhood and has been bugging ever since to get her over to play. We finally did it, except that we had her over to do their homework outside together. She was very quiet and Kelson was showing off for her. Typical boy! Just kidding. They were really cute. He treated her like a real gentleman. He got her water, offered her his bike, and got her an ice cream sandwich. They are distantly related so I their really are just friends! So cute though to see him have a friend to play with!Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Kelson and Cade both have picked up on the bad habit of biting their nails. Yesterday after school, I caught Kelson doing it and told him to stop. He did but then I caught him again. I kind of yelled at him and told him it was such a bad habit to keep doing. His exact response was this,
Kelson: "But Mom, my brain keeps telling me to do it!"
Mom: "Kelson, you are the only one that make yourself stop! Tell your brain to stop."
Kelson: "I did tell him to stop and he just won't listen! I'm sorry- he just doesn't can't do it!"
He then started to cry and get upset. I had such a hard time to not just bust out laughing and because he was already crying I had to leave the room.
Friday night--
I told Kelson and Cade that it was ridiculous that their room couldn't stay clean for more than a day. I clean it and it stays clean for an afternoon. I was venting my frustration when Kelson says "Mom, relax. Our room is suppose to be a mess. We are just kids and kids can't keep their rooms clean. Maybe when I'm 33, it will look better." (kelson's favorite number is 33 so I'm sure that's why he picked that number.)
