~Day 151: Sleep Habits

Ashton is a funny little man.  Awhile back, we put the humidifier in his room because he was sick.  Ever since then, he has told us he needed it.  He liked it.  A lot of times we find him in different spots of his room with it.  This picture is a couple weeks old, but it's one of my favorites.  He had to have it up close and personal that night...

~Day 150: My favorite color is a horse.

Today was a full day!  Tonight, Ashton and I were able to go to the Science Center for a member's only preview of the new exhibit about Egypt.  It was so fun!  I have always been interested in the ancient history of Egypt, but Ashton is the expert.  It was fascinating to hear him talk about all the Gods and the different artifacts we saw... he truly is very smart and I love to see what he has learned from all his reading!  (Someone else took this picture, obviously, so I couldn't complain and ask to get one in focus)

 

This is a replica of the Rosetta Stone.  Ashton saw it first thing as we walked in.  It was off to the right, and we started to go left.  The whole time we were wandering around, he kept being drawn to this large stone.  We stood and looked at it for quite a long time!

I loved the fake camel.  How fun would it be if we were able to get on a real one!

 

I made him stand next to the fake mummies... I had to drag him to stand next to them.  Such a mean mom...

 After the Science Center, we went to dinner at Golden Corral.  It's his favorite place to eat.  I think because they have popcorn shrimp.  It was fun to sit and talk with him, and just him. 

On the way home-- 

Ashton: "My favorite color is a horse."  Well... i think we need to go back to preschool to work on our colors and animals.  He was kind of tired on the ride home, and the combination of words slipped out.  I wouldn't let him forget it.  I thought it was great!  haha 

AND..... I was able to see something very futuristic today and it's amazing!  I loved that I was able to experience the very old and the very new!

 

For your viewing pleasure... yes, that is my mouth on the computer screen.  I got my crown replaced today.  The dentist took pictures inside my mouth with a special camera.  Then he went through those pictures and recreated my mouth.  Keep reading....

 

This is the finished product, on the screen.  Instead of needing a mold to form the crown, they plug this picture into their machine, and create the crown there in the office.  It took 20 minutes and it's stronger and better for the mouth than the metal crowns are.  It was fascinating to watch him create my tooth, and there was NO adjustment when he fit it in my mouth.  None.  Usually they have to adjust your bite... but not here!  Amazing!

It was a good day, and I'm so glad I was able to finish it off with my sweet son.  I love him so much and I'm so glad I had the one-on-one time with him!

~Day 149: "I actually, usually do my hair..."

 

I pulled her hair up for dinner tonight so she wouldn't eat her hair... as usual.  She told me later that "I actually, usually do my hair." She comes up with cute things to say.  And i just loved the way her hair looked like this.  I could get used to the look...

~Day 148: Peace, but no quiet.

The two monkeys are having fun playing the new Lego Marvel video game.  Can't tell how much fun Ashton is having in this picture... usually he is pretty animated and loud.  Brookie, on the other hand, looks like she can hardly control herself...things can get pretty exciting!  I love it when the kids play well together!

~Day 147: They took over my bed...

They might look like they are sleeping... maybe they are... They have been out of school for three days.  If they are like this now, how are they going to be in two months?

~Day 146: Looks like bugs?

 

We tried something new tonight.  And no-- it's not burnt grasshoppers.  I just realized what they look like.. it's grilled corn on the cob and they were fabulous!!!  The kids loved them.  I think we will have a lot of this while the corn is in season.

~Day 145: Church Selfie

 

I didn't have a picture for today, so I looked through my camera photos for something to post.  I came across a series of selfies that Cailee had taken during church a few weeks ago.  Here she is watching herself.  Boogers and all.

~Day 144: Never Take For Granted

Today was a little emotional.   Nick and two of my babies (Ashton and Cailee) were in a store this morning when an armed robber held up the store. Nick was about four feet away from the gunman, and the kids were back in the corner of the store.  The guy only pulled the gun out of his pocket and showed it to the clerks to let them know he was serious.  He took the money and left. Things could have been much worse for everyone (there was also a man and his two teenage children in the back corner as well). 

After talking more with the manager after he had watched the security video, he said that Cailee had been standing next to Nick about 15 seconds before the gunman walked in.  She left Nick's side just in time to go back to where Ashton was at the back of the store.  After the gunman left, Nick's first impulse was to rush back to our babies to make sure they were ok.  He was more concerned with them the whole time, rather than worrying about himself.  The kids did not know what had happened until the policemen showed up and then Nick explained what went on.

 

Tonight I kissed my kids a little more.  I broke down a couple of times today when things finally dawned on me what had happened, and what could have happened.  Our lives could have been changed drastically.  

Cailee wasn't affected by things at all.  She took her nuggets to bed with her.  

 

Ashton was curled up in his mound of blankets and pillows as usual. He really didn't feel good today, but this morning's events didn't seem to phase him either.

Nick was thrilled as usual to have his picture taken.  I could tell he was really shaken up by what happened today.  He is going to hate me for saying this, but he really doesn't show a lot of emotion most of the time.  Today I could hear it in his voice, and see in his eyes that this experience affected him.  As I said, he was more worried about our kids than he was for himself.  What a selfless and loving man I married.  I'm so grateful he is still here with me.  Pulling faces and all.

 

And finally, I took a picture of tonight's sunset.  I think I was looking around a little more and appreciating what is around me.  God truly has given us a gift.  Whether it be a beautiful sunset like we had tonight to remind us He is there, or to send guardian angels to be with my family in times of need so we can spend a little more time with each other on this earth.  NEVER take for granted the time you have with your loved ones.  

 My eyes were opened today to the love He has for us.  I know He is watching over us in all things.  Sometimes it might take circumstances like today to open one's eyes a little more.  I know He loves me.  And I know He loves my sweet family.

~Day 143: Glorious Food!

 

First 'real' meal since having my mouth worked on yesterday.  I really couldn't eat much for the last week because both sides of my mouth were in severe pain.  I have been eating 'baby' food haha So this meal tonight was a welcome repast!   Might not look very exciting, but I must say I loved every bite of it!

~Day 142: While I was out of it...

...the girls brought most of their bedroom into the living room, where I was passed out.  Luckily at this particular moment, the toys were mostly contained.  I don't remember most of the day because of what I took to help me not feel the root canal.  Hopefully I sleep tonight...It is nice in a way that the kids wanted to be where I was :)  conscious or not...

~Day 141: And it begins....

 

...the doping has commenced.  Tomorrow I finally get the root canal I so desperately need.  I'm doing and 'awake sedation' where they give me a bunch of heavy hitter drugs so I'll basically be out of it... starting NOW.  Just took two Diazepam about 5 minutes ago and I don't even know if this post is going to make much sense now... since the room is spinning....  I also have to take Hydroxyzine and Triazolam. whatever those are..

I'm going this route since last week the basic numbing of the tooth area did NOT work.  So here's to hoping I don't kick the dentist in the mouth tomorrow because I still feel every. little. thing.  Let's just hope hubby doesn't get blackmail video of my awesomeness tomorrow.  If he does... he might be missing an important limb later on.

~Day 140: Upside Down

Tonight was Pack Meeting for Ashton.  They were talking about physical fitness this month.  So tonight's activities consisted of things that were active.  The kids all chose to play Twister. It was funny to watch them get all twisted up.

Before playing games, the boys were given the awards they earned this month.  Ashton earned three achievements.  He was busy this month.

~Day 139: My New Baby

 

Decided yesterday I wanted a bike.  I hate to run, and walking just doesn't sound fun at the moment.  Got on one of the local 'yard sale' FB sites and put out some feelers.  Almost immediately I got a response, and am so happy!  Great condition and I didn't have to mortgage a child.  I'm excited to try it out... but not so excited it's getting hot.  Early morning is the only time I can go, and I'm not a morning person!  We will see how it goes!

~Day 138: Petshops and Planes

The girls made paper airplanes today, and taped in their petshops to go for a ride.  Their designs didn't quite work, so daddy helped them fix things up.

~Day 137: The girls

The boys were off doing boy things, and I was home with the girls.  We had fun playing a game of Lala Loopsy Memory.

 I won.

Ashton had a birthday party tonight, and it got over the same time that we have bedtime.  I told the girls they could stay up until I got home with him.  Brookie was almost out, but got shy when she realized I was going to take her picture.

Cailee didn't last...

~Day 136: It's Magic

My company had a summit all week long, and today was the last day.  They had Magic Johnson as a speaker this last day.  While I was not able to be there in person, I was able to watch a little of it via live video stream.  I was very impressed with his message and took away a few things: 

 "If you are the best at what you do, they (anyone you work for) cannot do without you."  

"Don't be in a rush to grow--you will make crucial mistakes." 

"Greatness always rises."  

Loved the message of being the best you can be and doing your best work in whatever you do.  Basically don't give anyone an excuse to get rid of you.  Go the extra mile and do your best work. Always.  Reminds me of a saying I once heard about how you are putting your name on anything you do.  Make your name stand out for the right reasons.

~Day 135: Bunco 5-Chipotle style

 

 Great night tonight!  Chipotle catered for dinner (and yes, I could have some of it...  It was fabulous!) I also won a Chipotle gift card for having the most losses--who knew losing was so much fun?

~Day 134: Fabulous

Happy gas baby. And awesome 80's sunglasses. Best. Selfie. Ever. Too bad it was all for naught. I was supposed to have a root canal today, but the tooth had other ideas. It decided it did not want to go numb. Everything was tried, aside from knocking me out completely. So I was booted out if the office so I can go somewhere that will sedate me. For a root canal. Lovely. But I got the gas!

~Day 133: The Man

I had to get a pic of Ashton's dress of choice. Yes. He is shirtless.  And yes, those are basketball shorts. My little stud.  This is usually how you will find him.  And he is in the middle of telling me something very important. Also something you will usually find him doing.  I love this little man so much!!

~Day 132: Another one bites the dust

 

But it's not mine  hahaha  I have to give my hubby crap because his iphone has a busted screen.  I can finally dish it out to him since I'm always the one breaking my phones and he gives me grief.  I haven't allowed myself to get a nice phone for YEARS because I seem to wash them, or smash them, or do whatever to them... so i have to laugh when his seat belt took his phone for a ride to the pavement today.  Nice job honey ;)

~Day 131: Happy Mother's Day

 Great day today.  Nick and the kids gave me a picture with their artwork as the matte.  Nick took the picture while I was away in Utah.  I love it!  I have a smaller one to put in my cube at work.  Can't wait to show off my monkeys.

The kids also spoiled me with their creativity.  Cailee couldn't wait for today, so I received her 'flowers' a day early.  Her hand prints are the blooms.

Ashton gave me a cute thank you page with 'hugs and kisses' and lotion to go with it.  He's so cute too... he knows I can't have the chocolate right now, but he said I can save it for later :)

Brookie gave me my own 'purse' with the flower on front.  Inside she has different questions about me to answer--things like what she appreciates from me, things I might have in my purse, etc.  She also gave me a page she did in church where she answered more questions about me.  I'm amazed my kids pay attention to a lot of details about me.  So cute!

And they gave me some mini roses to take to work... it is supposed to make me see them every day so I will water them when needed.  I hope these ones don't die like all the rest :D    I really do have a black thumb.

It was was a very nice day!

~Day 130: Family Time

Nick's parents came down for the weekend from Idaho.  It was so good to see them and spend time with them.  Tonight we all got together at Alissa and John's house for dinner.  The food was good and it was fun to sit and talk.  They were only able to come for a short trip, but it was so good to see them.

 

Aunt Alissa and Uncle John recently went to Disneyland.  They brought back great gifts.  The girls were very excited with their 'Girls Only' sign they can hang up, and the Princess Belle music box.  Ashton and Nick got a shirt that has a picture of T-Rex that says: "If you ur happy and you know it, clap your.... oh."  LOVE it! It was so nice to spend time with all of them tonight.

~Day 129: Let's see who reads.....

....this.  Yes, it's a boy!!  I'm so very excited!  I cannot wait to spoil this little angel!  

Keep reading....

Stop thinking what you are thinking...My sister-in-law (Nick's sister) and brother-in-law are expecting their first child after a long wait.  What a miracle.  I can't wait to meet the little man in a few months!!  She shared her ultra sound with me today and I loved watching every minute of it.  I love him already!

And this fuzzy picture is the best one I got of Cailee today at her Mother's Day concert (it looks better on my tiny camera screen).  She was so excited for me to come that she told me about it constantly for several weeks.  I'm glad I was able to go.  I just realized that this is my last Kindergarten program.  I can't believe that my own baby 

will be in first grade next year. 

~Day 128: My Sleeping Babies

 They are so peaceful when they sleep.  I love how they each have individual sleep habits.
 

 Cailee is usually buried under something.

 

Most of the time Brookie has half her body hanging off the bed....not tonight.

 

 Ashton usually insists on having at least 4 pillows under his head and basically sleeps sitting up.

~Day 127: Celebration of Learning

Tonight was the kids' Celebration of Learning at their school.  We were able to go to each classroom to see what they had been working on for the year. 

 

Cailee has progressed so much the second half of the school year.  It was so nice to see how much she has improved in so many areas.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that she is on the younger side of the school age.  So she is progressing just as BrookLynn did at her age last year. She is pretty proud of herself too!

Brookie's teacher put together a video containing pictures from the year.  Brookie was enjoying it after she showed me all her work.  She is very artistic and I love to see the different projects she did throughout the year and how much she progressed.  One of her school friends came in the same time we did, and I think she had more fun wandering around the room with her than showing me her stuff :)

Ashton is in the 4th grade and it must be a requirement for all 4th graders everywhere, no matter what year, to play the recorder.  Their music teacher has a program similar to the belt colors in karate.  They earn colored bands when they pass off certain level songs.  Black is the highest they can go, and Ashton received his highest this week.  We also visited his classroom to see his work.  He has come a long way this year.  He gets pretty excited when he shows his work.  I love that he has done so well this year.  I'm one proud mama tonight!

~Day 126: Off they go...

 

Some days it is hard to get them excited to go to school.   And the fight getting them to school can be hard... but I love scenes like this.  Sometimes they hold hands, and I wish I had a picture of that.  So cute.

~Day 125: More Babies!! (Oh, and 24!)

I love all my nieces and nephews, but today I was able to play with the other babies I didn't get to see this weekend...

This is my sister Aubrey's new baby girl, Preslie.  She was born 2 weeks early... most likely just because she knew that I was coming to visit the week before she was born.  She wanted to meet me before July!  She's the sweetest thing!!  I love her to death already!

This is Preslie's older brother, Kade.  (he was there this weekend, but i had more time w/ him)  He is a ball of fire!  I had some one-on-one- time with him and had so much fun with him.  It took him a little while to warm up to me, but once he did, we had a lot of fun together.  He is so cute when he asks to hold his sister.  Love him!

 

This is my other sister Julie and her baby, Oakley.  Oakley was sick this weekend, so I didn't get to see her.  When I went to her house, she wasn't quite sure of who I was.  Once she was ok with me, we had too much fun playing.  She also danced for me, to her own tune, and had to sit on my lap while I ate my lunch... she didn't have any, but she made sure to share my lap while I ate.  She is such a sweetheart!  Can't get enough loves from her!  Love her!

 

And then I got to see my own babies at the airport when they picked me up.  (of course, the camera had a hard time focusing in the pitch black car)  Nick was so good to bring them to see me!  It was so good to see all of them!  I missed them all so much, but it was nice to have a short break.  My hubby is so good to let me go for the weekend.  I love my little family so much!

And finally... 24!  I have missed this little baby.  Looking forward to 11 more awesome episodes!