My girl and my baby niece

Mika and Kennedy

Caed

My beautiful boy
 

Skate day

I took the kids roller skating today. Caed and Mika have been once before, but only Caed skated then. Today, I took all four kids. They had a blast and are asking to go back to the rink. Riley skated really well for his first time and can't wait to buy skates of his own. I had so much fun watching the kids enjoy something I loved as a child. I only got four or five pictures and I'll post them when I get the chance.

XOXO

Sassy Cat

Miss Misty

Happy Thanksgiving

Today was the first Thanksgiving that I cooked. We couldn't make it to the big family shindig, so we stayed home. It was wonderful! The food was great. Ri tried pumpkin pie for the first time and LOVED it. Beanie helped me make fresh whipped cream. Caed loved the apple pie. Emmy loved the mac and cheese. We played a game in which we each had to secretly say 4 thing we are thankful, then everyone else has to guess what each person said. At the end, we saw who got the most right. Beanie and I tied. I can't wait to put this all in a book so we can see what everyone says year after year.
After lunch, we all went to the park across the street. Caed and Mika rode their bikes, while Ri and Beanie rode their scooters. I grabbed my rollerblades and skated with them. They loved watching Momma skate! It was only my third time in 12 years! I did take a little fall, but nothing bad. It was funny though. :-)
I am so thankful for my wonderful little family! What a great day!

So much has happened. The kids are all doing so well in swim class, especially Bean. He's advances so much! He's now swimming the backstroke across the length of the pool. He seems to be the one who enjoys swim class the most.

Emmy, my Doll, is enjoying her dance class. She seems to like tap more than ballet, but she's doing really well in both. She will be tapping to Under the Sea for her recital. Her costume is so cute! She also enjoys swimming. She asks for her swim lessons all week, then doesn't want to go when it's time. Haha

Emmy has also finally given up her piyah - her pacifier.

Boo and Roo are still wanting to take music lessons. They don't care for swim lessons as much as Bean. They think they know it all already. Oh my boys!

I have a new niece, my only. She was just born on November 7. She is beautiful, a perfect doll. Emmy is in love with her cousin! She really loved holding "her baby". I wish I could find a doll that Emmy would like as much as her cousin! Lol

I'm going to try to write more often. *Fingers crossed*

xoxo

It's been too long

I haven't made a post since before Mika's party!  Bad blogging Momma!  Mika's party was so much fun!  I was so nervous about getting everything done in time!  The tutus and cros were a hit with the littl girls as were the necklaces, rings, bracelets, and ear rings I got as favors.  I cut out 90 paper dolls and their clothes the night before for the goodie bags.

Now, let's talk yummies!  I made petite fours instead of the usual cupcakes or large cake.  They were so good!  I may have to make them more often.  I als made a 3 layer, pink ombre cake for Mika.  It was only 6 inches round, but it fed everyone, even after all the petite fours!

Most important, Mika had a wonderful time!  She still talks about how much she liked having her friends come over to celebrate with her.  I am so glad I could give her such a magical birthday party.  Now I have to plan for next year!

Pictures will come as soon as I get some time on the computer.

xoxo

Fiesta

Caed and I went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas yesterday.  We got there at 11am and left at 9:30pm.  What an awesome day we had!  We hit some park rides first, had lunch at Johnny Rocket's, then headed to the water park.  We spent a good 4 hours going on water rides, lazing on the lazy river, enjoying the pool, and catching some waves in the Texas shaped wave pool.  When the water park closed at 7, we headed back into the main part of the park and hit more coasters and the ferris wheel.

We rode the Scooby Doo ride twice, Pandamonium spinning car coaster 3 times, and various other rides before the park closed.  At 9pm, the fireworks and laser show started. It was Caed's first time seeing fireworks live.  He was mesmerized!  And I got to see the fireworks through his eyes.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed them!

I loved spending the whole day with only Caed.  We both needed the one-on-one time.  And I got to share my thorough love for roller coasters with my oldest son.  Of course, I already knew he loved coaster, but this time I got to focus solely on Caed.  I got to learn what he liked, and what scared him, about each ride.  It was great hanging out with him.  He's such a big boy!  He's not a baby anymore.  And I'm ok with that.  I love the boy he is and the young man I can see him becoming.

I love you Caed.  I feel so lucky to be your mom!

My Sweet Mika

My sweet girl.  You turned 3 on the 7th.  You are so big, yet still so tiny.  You love to snuggle against my "apples" to sleep and you still love your piyah.  I love how funny and sweet and loving you are.  You bring so much joy and happiness to all our lives.  I never know what you're going to say next, but I love everything you have to tell me.  You are the princess of our world; the love of my life.  I can't tell you how much I love to hold you and smell your hair.  You still smell like my baby.
I love you more than the world, my daughter.  You are my shining star.
You are my heart.
You are the littlest love of my life.
Happy birthday, my angel girl.
Love always,
Mommy

Breakfast with Beanie

Dylan and I had breakfast at Austin Java downtown before his camp.  We shared a huge, delicious cinnamon roll and a Creme Brulée iced coffee.  Yum!!

Camp

Dylly had his first day of Under the Sea camp.  I had to stay with him for the first hour, but, once he was OK with me leaving, he did great.  He enjoyed his teachers and all his activities.  He said he's excited to go back tomorrow.  We'll see what happens in the morning.  Today, he made a foil boat, a Two-Tailed Lion, a diagram about water cycles, and he won beads for a bracelet in an ocean themed game.

Dyl and I had lunch with Papa at Mama Fu's.  I actually got something new and it was delicious! 

Yum!!

That Cute Little Cake: {Recipe} Party ready Tiramisu and other desserts i...: Desserts in a jar or in shot glasses are great for dessert table. They look fantastic, can be "accessorized" to match your colour scheme...

I will have to make this soon!

What a week!

This week has been both rushed and easy.  Caed has been in rock band camp all week.  He is loving it!  He's such a talented piano player.  Today is the concert for the parents and tomorrow the band has been invited to open a children's fair.  Caed is so excited!  While Caed's been at camp, the other kids have been swimming or going to a sprinkler park.

I converted Mika's crib to a toddler bed today.  She was not happy about it until I showed her that she can now get in and out by herself.  That made her really excited.  She called Dylan over and showed him and I called Riley over.  That was my biggest mistake.  As soon as Riley saw her bed, he started crying and telling me to change it back because Mika is still his baby.  Riley's reaction made Mika start crying and asking for her baby bed back.  Now Mika is telling him that she's still a baby and trying to make Riley happy.  Poor Mika.  Poor Riley.  At least Dylan is excited about the change.

Chad is getting close to finishing school.  We are all so excited about the next chapter of his career starting!

We also sold our house today!  It's been on the market since September.  I am so glad that's finally over!

xoxo

Swimming!

Today, we all went swimming.  It was so nice to have Chad with us.  We played in the family pool for 2 hours, then moved to the deeper lap pool.  I got Ri to take his swim test, again, and this time he passed enough to go on the water slide.  It was so fun hearing him say, "Cowabunga!" before sliding down.    We had Subway for dinner and Caed and Riley ate almost a full foot long EACH!  My growing boys!

Tomorrow is Caed's first day of Rock Band Camp.  His lunch is all packed and ready to go.  All I have to do tomorrow morning is get his keyboard in the car and go.  I'm so excited for him!

xoxo

Gum and Piano

Dylan had bubble gum, but I didn't want Mika to know.  Every time Mika would ask Dylan what he had, he would say "Nothing".  Finally, Mika got fed up and the next time Dyl said "Nothing", Mika said, "Thats ok, I didn't want to know anyway.".  I just about died laughing hearing my sweet almost 3 year old sound just like me!  I love that girl!

In other news, Caed got asked to participate in a one week band camp by his theater teacher, Erin.  She knows that Caed plays the piano and he's great at making up songs and plays.  Caed is so excited!  At the end of the week, the kids will perform for all the parents and they have even been invited to open up a kids fair on Saturday.  I can't wait to watch Caed on stage!  He is such a natural performer.  And he loves to be on stage.  I absolutely love that boy!

Tea Party

I had a lovely tea party with the littles this afternoon.

Happy Birthday Love

Today is Chad's birthday.  I love you Honey!  Always and forever!

Crazy Days

So I have been crazy planning Mika's party.  It's all I've been thinking about.  I want to make it special, but I am becoming a bit obsessive. Lol. I did start making her tutu today. It's turning out so pretty!  I'll get a picture up once it's done.

On Sunday, I took the big boys to sleep over at Mimi and Papa's house.  The littles and I drove to San Antonio to pick Chad up at Lackland.  When I was saying good bye to Caed and Riley, Mika surprised us all by saying, "Bye Momma, I'll miss you!"  Uh, yeah, no, she was coming with, like it or not!  The littles and I had an easy, uneventful drive to San Antonio.  We got there, got Chad, and went to eat on base at Burger King and a pizza place.  It was definitely cozy to have 4 people sharing a queen size bed, especially when two of them are little kids who hog the bed.

Monday, while waiting for Chad's discharge papers, the littles and I went to a nice big park on base.  There was a section for kids under 3, one for ages 3-5, and one for ages 6-12.  We were the only ones there, but it was really nice for the kids to be able to run and climb and swing.  The only downside was the amount of mosquitos eating us up.  By 3:00, we were on our way home.  We took an alternate route home through the hill country.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Mimi had already dropped the bigs at home with Nana, so we just came straight home.  I was so tired!

We're all happy to have Chad home, even if he has to leave again 2 weeks.  At least he's home for his birthday tomorrow.

Loves

Three of my angels

Planning, planning, planning

I have been planning Mika's birthday party for about 11 months now.  I have too many great ideas, and too little money and time.  I know her party will be small, but I would still like to go all out for it.  I would like to make a ruffled tablecloth; some fabric pom poms to hang in one corner; a shabby chic fabric bunting to go in front of the china cabinet; tutus, wands and crowns for the girls; and special displays for the food and drinks.  I'm planning on petite fours instead of cupcakes and just one small cake for Mika.  I'm thinking about having a mixture of fruit next to the sweets.  Since her party is after lunch, I don't have to worry about really feeding anyone, just stuffing them full of sugar - marshmallows, chocolate, lollipops, and who knows what else.  I want this to be special.  I want a ceiling full of balloons and pink everywhere.  I want to cover up all the walls where the kids drew on.  I want gobs of fabric everywhere.  I want it to be as magical as Mika is.  If only I could get someone to donate all the fabric I need.  Lol

Well, back to planning!

xoxo

Swimming

We went swimming again today.  I love that I can take the kids to an indoor pool and not have to worry about potential sunburns.  Caed is such a great swimmer!  Riley is just as great, but he lacks the confidence to take and pass the swim test.  So, for now, I have to get into the pool with Ri and he has to stay close to me.  This wouldn't be a problem, if I didn't have to stay close to Dylan and Mika as well.  After Emme turns 3, all the kids will be back in swim class.  I'm hoping that will give Ri the confidence to take and pass the test.

Tomorrow is the last day of our "vacation".  So far, no plans.  I guess we'll see where tomorrow takes us, if it takes us anywhere away from home.

Till then,

XOXO

Sea World/Botanical Gardens

Monday, we spent the day at Sea World.  It started out a very rainy day, but by the time we got there, the rain had cleared and the temperature was perfect.  Caed, Riley, Dylan, and I hit the Rio Loco first thing!  I was wet the rest of the day.  lol  We ended up watching the ski show and Shamu and going on 3 rides.  Not a lot, but the kids had fun playing in the water area for a while.  I had anticipated having to leave early and possibly going back in the evening, but the sky was nice and overcast and the temperature never left the 90s, so we stayed until 6pm.  The kids were so tired, they were begging to leave!  As soon as we got out of the gate, though, Mika was begging to go BACK and ride the Shamu Express roller coaster.  I've got a dare-devil on my hands with that one!  Riley discovered his love for roller coasters on the Steel Eel.  He and Caed are looking forward to the day when they can ride the Great White.  So am I!  I had thought about taking Caed to Fiesta Texas after dropping everyone else off at the hotel, but we were all way too tired.  I'm planning the trip with him soon.  Mika is already talking about going back.  I think she is the one who loves it the most.

On Tuesday, we had planned on going to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.  We woke up to rain, again.  The forecast called for rain until the early afternoon, so, of course, we headed to the Gardens.  We got there just as the rain was ending.  The temperature was in the 80s, but so was the humidity.  It didn't take long for everyone to get all hot and sweaty.  The garden was beautiful and well worth the sweat.  The boys have all asked to go back there.  Riley took his time looking for bugs and writing all the ones he saw on a piece of paper.  Caed loved the cactus and tropical rooms - they were enclosed to preserve the natural habitat of the plants.  We even saw a little lizard scurry by in the cactus room.  The boys were thrilled.  The tropical room is actually filled with edible plants - black pepper, coffee trees, tea plants, chocolate trees, vanilla vines, and more that I can't even remember.  There was a pyramid structure full of different palm trees.  There was even a bird watching area with a one was mirror so the birds wouldn't get freaked out.  The kids favorite part of the bird area, was a little lizard on a branch right next to the mirror.

By 3:30, we were headed home.  Mika fell asleep pretty quickly, but woke up crying when we stopped for some ice cream.  I got her some cookies and she felt better about missing the ice cream.  She also fell back asleep within minutes of me starting to drive.  Dylan was next to fall asleep.  Caed and Riley stayed awake and played their ds's.  The drive home was nice and uneventful.  We got home by 7 with pizza for the boys and chicken for the girls.  I fell asleep trying to get Mika to sleep.  When I woke up at 10:30, Caed and Dylan were still awake waiting for me to read.  I gave them a kiss and went to get Caed some allergy medicine.  By the time I went back into their room, about 1 minute later, they were both asleep.

Today, we enjoyed staying home, playing video games, and watching the rain.  We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Silly Mika at Sea World

Caed and Mika love each other so much!

My loves at the Botanical Garden

Having fun at the sprinkler park inside Sea World

Caed and Mika

Dylan

Riley looking for bugs to add to his list

Mika looking at fish and lilypads

Dylan

Mika learning about banana trees

Riley writing down his bugs

Brave enough to venture on the last stone at the koi pond

Caed checking out the cave in the Japanese garden

Touching a mossy stone

Hidden temple

Roof of a log cabin in the garden

Riley running through the water at Sea World

Soaked Dylan

Caed chasing Ri

Last big wet

Dylan and Mika enjoying a ride at Sea World

Great Day

Yesterday, was such a great day! First, the kids and I took the van for an oil change and wash.  The kids were so thrilled to go through the car wash!  We then watched the other cars go through the wash while we waited for our car.  C and I talked about the technicalities of all the different soaps and sprayers.

After the car wash, we ran two errands and ate lunch.  R wanted queso, again, so off to Serrano's we went. C has a naturally loud voice and I was getting frustrated of having to tell him to keep his voice down.  That, and having M on my lap and R and D squished up against me, was putting me in a bad mood.  The kids, however, were so happy! I looked at them and thought, 'The fact that I want them to be quiet is my issue, not there's. I was self-consious of people staring and talking about my "unrulely" kids.  My kids are happy and exuberant. I'm very lucky that my kids are who they are and I don't want them to change just to suit others.  So I let them be happy and loud, but not too loud. And I found myself smiling and laughing with them. I let go of my issues and enjoyed my fun-loving, amazing kids.  We all left laughing and full.

Today, Nana took C swimming while I stayed home with the other 3.  The littles were both very fussy all morning long, but I made the best out of it and kissed and tickled them until they felt better.  M wanted uppy, so she spent most of the morning in my arms. She is so snuggly! After lunch, R made chocolate pudding.  It was so good!He loves to cook and wants to be a chef and own a World Restaurant someday.  Now, everyone is chillin' before getting ready for vacation next week.  Can't wait!

I sure do love my kiddos!

Froggy Pool

Mimi watched the kids for a while this afternoon while I had an appointment.  The kids LOVE going to Mimi and Papa's house to hang out!  After my appointment, we all went to the local swimming pool.  The kids call it the Froggy Pool because of the baby slide that is shaped like a frog.  It is their favorite pool.  There's a volleyball net in the deeper end, which is about 3ft deep, a rope and lilypad walk, and two waterslides.  We had so much fun!  After the pool, we went to dinner at a little burger joint called Sandeez.  It was seriously one of the best burgers I've ever had!  I can't wait to go back!

Mimi has two neighbor girls over to help watch the kids and to go to the pool with us.  What a help those girls were!  And M LOVED them.  I may have just found two non-family baby-sitters if I ever need them.

M is now sleeping soundly in my bed and the boys are in their room playing games.  I gave them till 8:30 tonight to just chill out and relax before bed.

What started out as a very stressful day, has ended beautifully.  I love days like this.

Pizza time

So the kids made pizza tonight.  M was more interested in eating the cheese than in putting it on her pizza.  D was not thrilled since they were working together on one pizza.  C and R made their pizza with cheese, bacon, and, on C's side, spinach.  R didn't like the sauce, so he didn't eat the pizza, he ate a pb sandwich.  R wants to be a chef, as long as he doesn't have to eat what he cooks.  Honestly, R is a pretty good cook.  He says he's making pancakes tomorrow.  Let's see if he shares some this time.

Yesterday was a quiet day.  Only C was awake to hear the fireworks.  Too bad we couldn't see them from our balcony.  Today the kids actually let me scan some more wedding pictures.  I even played around with some pictures of the kids and printed them out.  Now I just need someplace to put them!

Tonight, the kids will get to make their own pizza.  Hopefully I'll have at least one picture up tomorrow.

Swimming Fun

I took the kids swimming yesterday.  We all had so much fun!  We spent about 2 1/2 hours in the pool just playing and enjoying ourselves.  M didn't want her floaties and she is so brave, that I had to stay with her the whole time and catch her as she jumped in the pool.  She is going to be a full-fledged swimmer in no time!  C and R played water tag with some other kids.  D just wanted to hang with his bros.  I am actually sore today from swimming with up to 4 kids on me and from chasing after them in my own game of pool tag.  :)

Hubby's gone to TN for AF duty.  That means 2 weeks of just me and the kiddos.  I'm hoping to get some sewing done this week before vacation next week.  So far today, D made up a Pokemon song, tho he can't remember it, M played memory and spun in the office chair, and C and R have played their ds.  The kids discovered that they LOVE mint chocolate chip ices cream, so much so that they had to have it on their waffles this morning.
This morning has been peaceful.  I even got to scan some things into the computer in peace.  Ah, good Monday. :)

Welcome to my world

Homeschooling 4 kids ages 8 and under and still trying to find the time to make all the crazy crafts that are in my head.  Yep, that's my world.  I hope you enjoy the insanity.