Don't Blink...

Christmas Vacation 2011

2011-12-28T17:21:00.001-08:00

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2011-12-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I'd have to say #6 looks just like Daddy too! What do you think? I found this picture on my husbands phone and thought it was so funny I just had to post it.

Here's me nursing in the dental chair. I think now, I've nursed just about everywhere! ha! Even with the protective eye wear on. major drilling being done ha.

Landen and I read the book, "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" then went outside and tried to make things out of clouds. This here is an elephant, with his trunk facing up...at least that is what Landen says. See it? He really does have an imagination:)I could just stare at her all day and night!

I had a special date with Landen. I think one on one is so important. My kids really do enjoy the time alone. The girls have been going with their Daddy and I've been taking the boys.

We shared a milk shake, played "our song" he even got up to dance for me. He opened the door and held my hand. I told him that if I wasn't married to Daddy I'd marry him. He looked at me and said, "I want to marry someone that looks like you, but with make-up always on." He made it very clear that he doesn't like me without make-up. ha!

My date with Austin. We actually didn't spend much time together on our date since he left me far behind! We ran the 5k Turkey Trot. Something we do every Thanksgiving. Only time I run. ha! Not really, but I need to run more! I can't just run a 5k all out when I'm not conditioned like I use to. I seriously couldn't walk for 3 days ha! He did very well finishing 69th out of 400.

My friend came over and did some newborn pictures for us. I had this great idea of hanging Fallon from a tree....

didn't work out so well.

She did a great job. Fallon 3weeks!

She had this idea of stacking mattresses but said only if we had enough and was ready to just do normal shots...but when I set my mind to something I will do whatever it takes to make it happen...even if that means hauling 5 kids, a newborn and a very sore Mommy to the store to buy 4 baby mattresses for a picture, I will! ha! THEN...haul 5 kids, a newborn and a sore Mommy back to the store to return them.

Please enjoy this picture at my expense:) and the one on my header:)

backyard...

Fallon's 1st Thanksgiving...

We helped serve at a shelter for Thanksgiving...Here's Austin helping with the Turkey's....

Fallon's 1st time on a swing...

Me trying to run to prepare for the 5k

Funny thing is I locked my keys in the car (ok, not funny) but just as I called my roadside assistance to come unlock it the whistle blew. I was running while talking. The man on the phone said, "you should have a tow truck there in the next 20min to unlock your car, will you be there?" I said," if I can finish a 5k in 20 min I will." It made for good modivation anyway. Thank God Austin made good time!Crafts to keep the little ones busy during school...We got a lot of our information on Thanksgiving from the Vision Forum blog. We also got the catalog and I want to order everything for the kids for Christmas in there! Amazing books etc...

Landen's job at the shelter was putting whipped cream on the pumpkin pie. He would smile proud as he helped serve.I helped do the dishes with these two girls drying. Never too young to serve! Even Fallon played her part of serving by just laying in her carrier. So many lonely people that stopped to look at her. I walked around with her and talked to people as she slept in my arms. Just letting them love on her brought a smile to their face:)

So thankful for a hard working husband who loves me despite my craziness and these 6 amazing children we were blessed with! God is so good! Then we went to my sisters to eat....

Fallon: Are these all my relatives?More of the family serving...

We came home and Daddy read some Thanksgiving stories. We read about the Pilgrims and their journey to Scrooby etc. Faith sang a hymn by the fire and we enjoyed hot cider while I cried about being so sore. ha! (note to self: your not young anymore! Must be in shape to run 5k) We finished up the night watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!

2011-12-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

I had a dream last night Fallon started walking. I was super sad because she was only 3 months old. I felt like I was getting cheated out of the baby stage. I want her to stay little forever! ha

I'm just loving this baby stage, I actually love all the different stages in this house:)

From newborn,toddler,pre-k,early elementary,upper elementary and jr. high!

They are all so different and learning so much.

It's busy but never boring.

How is it Christmas already? We haven't even finished our Halloween candy!ha.

Speaking of Halloween candy,while doing laundry, I found 2 Skittle and 3 snickers wrappers in Landen's pants pocket. I had to question him on if he had 2 skittles and 3 snickers(he must of found my secret stash) he just looked at me like, how does she know?

I said, "Nothing gets past Mom!"

That's when Farrah walks in with her hand on her hip and says, "oh yes it does!" Followed by a giggle and snort!

Those 2 middle children, Lord help me! They keep me on my toes!

Fallon's 1st Halloween. We were just moving in and wasn't sure we were even going to celebrate. Some of our own personal convictions. I should know myself better, I always say I will keep it low key then I get an idea and ..........it's like a disease. I can't stop! Pinterest isn't helping either. I'll see something and just build off of it. I don't have time for it, but I sure love being creative when it comes to things for my kids. The night before Halloween I put together costumes for the kids. A onesie , scrap material, yellow yarn and a late night with my glue gun!

I took the kids to see Dolphin Tale when it came out. Cute movie. Landen wanted me to make him the costume of Winter the dolphin in the movie. I just so happen to find a dolphin costume at the thrift store and planned on doing up the tail. Then he changed his mind. Of course he did! The kids did great in the theatre and Fallon just nursed the whole 2 hours! ha! She does seem to nurse all day long. Seems like that's all I do in between loads of laundry. It's only a season. I know someday I will miss this season and give anything to snuggle my baby and nurse her. Or do a dirty load of cute little boy jeans with grass stains and cute little girls dresses.

I was told the other day by a mother that she would have more kids if they were as good as mine. She also said, she can't seem to get anything done with them and that I have it easier because I can just take mine with me when I run errands.

Yes, my children are pretty good. But, they are normal kids! The have meltdowns in the store, they cry and beg for toys at checkout etc... I don't mean to pat myself on the back but I do want the credit for all the discipline and correcting I do day in and day out.ha! They are this way for a reason:)

I put a lot of energy into parenting these kids and I know this is why we can do all the things we do. I believe you need to train your kids to sit quiet through a movie, dinner and most important church!

Which we had the pleasure of trying out a new church. A small church, I think our family took up half the congergation. ha! If my kids even whispered, everyone would hear. I was very nervous as we sat in the back pew. I can say that the kids did a wonderful job and we were very blessed to worship together as a family. There is nothing more precious than worshipping together as a family. My heart just melts when I hear my little ones singing and constantly looking up at their Daddy to see if he's singing too. They get this look of fullfillment on their little faces when they see Mommy and Daddy singing too. I can't explain family worship, but for those of you who go to a church where you do this, you know what I'm talking about!

Our trip to the pumpkin patch and our attempt at our first pinterst craft. Candy corn shirts.

Finley's last minute costume. If you asked her who she was, she said, "Tiffany's at Dinner." She had no idea who she was but it was last minute and it involved a dress,pearls and a tiara. She was happy!

this picture below makes me laugh, the hands of a pinterest addict

again, ignore the orange hands! just look at that sweet baby!

We carved pumpkins and Daddy decided to stick Fallon in the pumpkin....

she just sat in there while the other kids carved their pumpkins.

Farrah picking out Fallon's 1st pumpkin....

these two did the corn maze and for a minute I started to worry because it took them along time to come out. They just got a cell phone to "share" they don't use it much but for emergency type things....I called their cell phone!

Faith also uses it for taking tons of pictures of her new baby sister. She started a video diary on it as well called, "Good Luck Fallon." funny stuff!

we did a little boutique shopping, Faith took this pic of me with her cell phone. She said I was the best teacher! (with orange hands)

kissing my chef! Austin's last minute costume $6 total!

My favorite to make was the peacock princess. Farrah's got a thing for peacocks anyway so I asked if she wanted to be a peacock. She said no! Then I asked her if she wanted to be a peacock princess and she jumped up and down and said Yes!!!!! hehe

really mom?

When I was done,she LOVED her costume!

These boys are going to make great husbands some day! Look how much they enjoy doing dishes:) No, really these two have a system down and can get dishes done in no time!

what a good brother!Every week we would shop at Fresh and Easy. This was our first trip with Fallon and our last trip to that store before moving. We are very well known there. haha! Maybe because my kids eat all the samples. They were sad to see us go, gave the kids suckers and me flowers. I am going to miss all the friends we made while living in Redlands.

and...this one has stole his heart too!

Fallon Love 3 months! So happy!

A Bunch Of Everything Thrown Into One Post....

2011-11-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

My sister, Brianna took our family pictures on Saturday, here's a sneak peek!

I can't wait to see the rest.

My other sister, Brenda finally got her 2 boys! After a long journey, she has finally become a Mommy to the cutest little boys. I now have 5 of the cutest nephews ever!

Here's a picture of Great Grandpa meeting the older one for the first time.

He just turned 2 and his brother is 11months.

Love at first sight!

My pictures are random and all out of order but sharing some of my favorites from the last 3 months.

This was when Fallon was 3 weeks and I was just laying down holding her waiting for kids to get out of the shower and bath. We usually do family prayer on our bed, so this is when all the kids were getting ready to say prayers.

Fallon at 9weeks. Already posing like her big sisters:)

Justin and I celebrated 12 years of marriage! He took me out to a nice steak dinner, with all my dental work, I haven't been able to really chew. At dinner we were talking about the past and how our marriage has been such an adventure. The different seasons we have been through. The hard times that have made our marriage what it is today. We have grown so much together and I love how the Lord has has given us the same vision for our future together. To think my crush on him started when I was 15 years old and he was 17. That's a little over half my life! I still have a major crush on this guy! No wonder we have so many kids. ha!

The boys stayed the night at their Nana's house and so it was just us girls and Daddy in the house. Justin keeps saying, "I can't believe I have 4 girls!"

Always a slumber party!

Here's Fallon at 8 weeks. I took the 3 little girls our for "Dirl Day" They both don't say their "g" sound, so we have given it the name dirl day. They like to dress up and bring their babies. We usually do something dirly. Like get our nails painted or go our for ice cream. Dirl day usually happens when the older ones are at sports practice.

The Dirls (I'm missing my crown)

Fallon took her first field trip when she was 8 weeks.

To the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Austin got to to a flight simulator and learn about flying. He plans to get his pilot license. His instructor was a Navy Vet and made him write a report on the theory of flight. I love how it has sparked his interest.

During his lesson, I was trying to keep these diva dirls quiet. So I bribed them with lip gloss...

His lesson, here he is flying from Palm Springs into the Redlands airport.

Here's our annual moving picture!

Our life is such an adventure. lol

Our new home is very comfortable and we are enjoying it. The only thing is that the house seems to echo. Not a good thing with 6 kids. ha! We have no carpet in the house. Just wood floors and tile. I'm needing some area rugs and earplugs;0

I will post pictures soon.

My brother got married! He married a sweet girl who is such a great step Mom to my 2 nephews. I've never seen my brother so happy!

Having the whole family in the wedding after just giving birth 5 weeks prior was a bit stressful. It was worth it though! I was emotional for many reasons. One, my brother and nephews getting a new start on life, two my Dad was there and I cried like a little girl that missed him, and three, I got my makeup done and looked like a drag queen. Yep, hormones and stress don't mix.

My handsome boys.

The happy couple.

Faith has been a flower girl many times. We use to rent her out. Not really, but she sure did her fair share of petal throwing. She has now been promoted to jr. bridesmaid.

These two did a wonderful job at being flower girls....

This is what Fallon did for most of the wedding..sweet baby!

Fallon has a ton of hair. The night before the wedding...we didn't want to leave her out.

Here's Fallon at 6weeks. My little mermaid.

I just love her face!!!!!!!Here's Fallon at 3 weeks on our way to the bridal shower...

Finley wanted to wear the same shoes as her big brother...

9 weeks at her new home.

6 weeks at her old home. ha. Poor thing, welcome to your crazy family Fallon.

1 month old in this picture.

Faith took 2nd in her cheer competition.

She constantly is cheering around the house.

She worked hard and was such a good sport by standing up for whats right in certain situations this year in cheer. We were very proud parents of our little Faith!

Here she is, my littlest sis, the newest Mommy!

She got 2 boys over night and has jumped into the Mother role like a pro!

I've trained her well:) She's had lots of practice!

More field trip pictures. Austin always wants to push Fallon....

I'm glad my first born is so smart, he helps teach the younger ones.....

Looking cool in our shades on our trip to Palm Springs for a day! Even Fallon has on some sunglasses. Finley has wondered off....

This one has been into wearing my heels around the house.

She still needs lots of practice in them....

Homeschooling this child can be a challenge.

I have to make it interesting and fun...

Like throwing sock bags for math!

Somedays school is just book work...

and lots of reading....

Other days Mom gets creative and makes Math fun.......

Or takes the kids on random outings...
We were learning about Greece, so I took the kids out for some Greek food.

And sometimes if I'm feeling really into teaching I dress the part!

(learning about Rome)

I have no idea why my kids say I'm crazy and often laugh at me!?!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving !

Please excuse all my errors, blogging from my phone tonight.

Before Fallon was born and the week after....

2011-11-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

The kids always like to paint my big belly right before I'm about to pop!
This time around they decided they wanted to paint my belly like a fish bowl. Each of them painting their own fish.

Daddy painted the outline and the kids painted the design of each of their fish.

Farrah was in shock at how big my belly was!

Finley just thought it was funny!

This pictures just makes me laugh and cry at the same time.

Finley wanted her belly painted too!

This was on Monday night, Tuesday night kids spent the night at Nana's so that we could be up early Wed to go to the hospital. Needless to say, painting my belly 2 days before my c-section wasn't the best idea.

I couldn't get all the paint off! It had dyed my skin.

So the doctor had to cut into the fish bowl to remove Fallon:)

embarrassing!

Fallon's 1st week home....

The girls are loving their new baby (doll)
The first week home Daddy had to work and the kids and I just enjoyed Fallon...
Holding my baby, with kids all around me begging to hold her next...
that is until she decides to spit up on them lol

.

We celebrated Austin's 12th birthday. He said Fallon was the best gift ever. He wouldn't even let me hold her while he blew out his candles:)

I made it out to the 2nd game with Fallon in the Moby.

Daddy coaching

Faith cheering Austin on...

Austin still playing QB. Here he is running the ball.

Then back to snuggling after the game....
I think I've made you wait long enough! Here's an updated picture of Fallon. Taken last week with my phone. She is so full of smiles and coo's

Football and Cheer is over for the year. How are these two so old already?!

Playing in their kitchen...

This was her "first smile" the first night we brought her home. Gas or not, it's still cute!

She just looked like a little angel. So perfect!

Playing with Fallon's piggies....

My heart is so full!

My first walk around the block in my big ol' pink stroller!!!!

We got stopped a few times and many looks.

Strangest comment: Are they triplets?

Um, do they look like triplets???

Some people scare me, I mean really!

Enjoying their sister, her first week home!

I am trying to play catch up on the last 12 weeks.

So lots of pictures and not a lot of creative writing.

Happy, Healthy, and Sleeping Through the Night!

2011-11-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

on our way home as a family of 8!

I think with Fallon being my 6th and last baby. Wait, back up...We've all heard me say that before.....

I think after Faith, I said she was my last and every baby after that...SO, to be safe, lets just say....

I think with Fallon being my 6th and possible last baby, I KNOW how fast this time goes. These precious first weeks have been spent snuggling my possible last baby:) and a little packing here and there....

It seems to be the popular thing to say when friends and family meet Fallon. They "ooo and awe" over her and then it comes...I just know what they are going to say.

"Are you guys done?"

To which I say, like I always say, "Yeeees, I think (6 or fill in the # at the time) is enough!"

I think they can tell in my uncertain voice, oh no, she's not sure! Which shouldn't be a bad thing, but I've learned in this day and age very few are excited about more babies. For curious minds, like I told my doctor, it's not the number of children I have, it's the number of surgeries that scare me. It was a rough recovery and I'm not sure my body could handle another surgery.

We don't plan on any more kids but you never know what the Lord has planned. I trust him and cherish what he has blessed me with each and every day!

I took a little break from blogging as some of you have noticed. I do want to get back to blogging about all that is going on in our life. I plan to at least blog once a week . I want to thank you for the messages and emails checking on me and letting me know how missed I was:). You are all such an encouragement to me as well. I often thought of just journaling on my own where no one can check my spelling and grammar and just have it for our own memories. After taking some time to consider if I should continue to share our family on the Internet or not, I have decided to keep going and share our life God has so richly blessed us with....

Sorry to keep you hanging.

Here we are about to leave the hospital. Kids just got back from Austin's 1st football game. Dad coaching and Faith cheering. It was the hottest day of the year. I got texts of the play by plays. Sorry to have missed their first game but was nice and cool in the hospital holding my baby,getting room service. Believe it or not, Redlands Community Hospital has amazing food! If only I wasn't in pain, I felt like I was on a mini vacation!

I had my 6th week check-up and I am healing wonderful. I have let my body heal better this time around. I have tons of help with the kids, so I was able to take it easy the first couple weeks. Even with Daddy going back to work right away. Some amazing friends brought dinners the first couple weeks and that was a true blessing. Thank you!!!

It has been such a busy season in the Ryan home. We got a new home (again) and are adjusting to life in a new neighborhood as well. We took the whole month of Sept off of school to spend time with Fallon. The kids still learning all about babies. Fallon is such a good baby! She started sleeping through the night her first night home. I didn't. I checked on her, I think every hour haha..She is still sleeping through the night. hallelujah!!!

When Fallon was about 6 weeks old I started getting really bad tooth pain and found out I had some exposed nerves in my back molars. I don't know what was more painful, birth or my teeth! Or the packing and moving with a newborn?! Ha! Or, the dental bill!!!!! Then the dry socket that followed. Many weeks on pain meds:( I still managed to enjoy my days snuggling my yummy smelling newborn:)

So, needless to say, we made it through and we are all happy, healthy and sleeping through the night in our new home!:)

Fallon reminds me a lot of Farrah when she was a baby. She is beautiful just like all her big sisters:) She was born with lots of dark hair, now she has blonde roots coming in. Light eyes that I'm sure will turn brown like her Mommy, Daddy and siblings. Her eyelashes are getting so long and her skin is so beautiful. My wonderful Grandparents had the kids while I was in the hospital. They kept them for a week while I was there. Justin worked during the days and came back to be by my side after he finished his long days. Summer is our busiest time for the business so he couldn't take many days off:(

4 generations!

I felt sorry for him, I know how much he missed her during the day. To leave us in the hospital while I was still recovering and Fallon was only days old was hard. As soon as he would get back to the hospital he would make sure I was doing ok. Then he would take Fallon and just hold her and stare at her.

My Grandma,with the help of big sister Faith brought all the kids in their big brother and big sister shirts. They all had their hair combed and bows in...I was over joyed at all my babies coming to see me everyday! They would come for a short time then go back to my Grandparents. I was at the hospital most of the time with just Fallon. I enjoyed what I knew were going to be rare moments of just us.

Being that I was "open" for 3 hours in the surgery room I had a lot of air trapped. I know tmi. It made for some very painful shoulder pain. You Mom's that have had c-sections know what I'm talking about! I think that is the worst pain ever!!!!

This is one of my favorite pictures from Fallon's birth. After surgery, I went to the recovery room and did skin to skin which I was super happy about. The last 2 c-sections they wouldn't' even let me see or hold the baby in recovery. Then I was wheeled up to our room where the kids were anxiously waiting for the call from Daddy to come up and meet their new sister. They walked in and this picture pretty much explains what happened.....

My Grandpa kept saying, "Thank you Lord, what a blessing..." Austin looked at me with such a proud look. Landen and Farrah were in awe of her. Faith was taking a million pictures with her phone and saying how cute she was. Finley was more interested in the balloons and flowers:)

I love the above picture of my Grandpa who just celebrated his 77th birthday yesterday. Holding Fallon for the first time, he is so proud and always makes sure to tell me how proud he is of me. I will never forget the excitement he showed when we announced our pregnancy with Fallon. Many weren't as happy. It was special to have him there. I missed having my own Dad there. He has always been a big part of my life and has never missed the birth of one of my babies. It was hard to go through this special time not having my own Dad by my side. I know one day my Dad, with lots of prayer will come around. I just wish he wasn't missing out on such wonderful times.

I love my husband more and more with each child we have! I think we become more laid back parents, in a good way. We know our children are eternal so we try and focus our priorities with an eternal perspective. Sure helps:)

Another picture I love, the kids helping Dad change her diaper. I'm telling you I have so much help, these kids almost fight over who gets to hold her or burp her etc. Faith even volunteered to have the night shift if I was to tired to wake up. She is such a good little mini Mommy. They all are!

4 days old....so alert!

I will post some updated pictures. These were all pictures from the hospital. Fallon will be 12 weeks tomorrow! She has changed so much!

My half a dozen, my mission!

M= Mothering with passion!

I= Inviting God into every situation I face today!

S= Serving with joy, even in the routine and mundane!!
S=Saturating my husband and children with love and encouragement!

I= Intercepting the devil's attacks with prayer and praise!

O= Overflowing with joy and thankfulness!

N= Nurturing my children with God's anointing!

Thanks to Nancy from Above Rubies http://aboverubies.org/ for all her encouragement. (for some reason my link isn't working.) See, I take a few months off and I forget how to blog:)

See you soon, I mean that:)

In LOVE

2011-09-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 4 weeks today since I became a Mommy of 6...

the nervous and excited parents getting ready to meet Fallon...
Surgery lasted almost 3 hours as I was a complicated c-section. It has been a hard recovery but I am felling great now:)
Meeting Fallon for the first time....taking in her smell and kissing her. I wanted to hold her so bad right then and there.

She is just perfect...

and I am so in LOVE (again)

blurry pic taken with phone in hospital, but it's still one of my favs.

birth story and pics to be continued...

Fallon Love Ryan

2011-08-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

Sorry to keep you hanging...

Fallon Love Ryan is here!!!!!

Born Aug 24, at 7:57am

7lbs 7oz 18in

Here's our first family picture:)

I'll be back on to post more about the birth and of course pictures:)

Thank you for all your prayers....

Still Pregnant....

2011-08-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Went to docs yesterday, he said she's really low ...I could of told him that;) He thinks she will come any day.

If she doesn't come on her own this week, I will have a new baby in my arms by next week!

Please keep me in prayer for a safe delivery and healthy baby. I feel good about my doctor and have a peace about it but I can't help but have a little fear of what my last doctor said. My last c-section story. This is some pictures of when I had Finley too...Just thought I'd post those. I can't believe I'm going to have another baby...excited, nervous and wondering how I will do 6 kids. Then again I don't know how to do 5, but the Lord does...Great is He who is in me:)

He will bring me through, he always does:)

Today, I had some energy so I took the kids and ~~the heavy bowling ball hanging between my legs~~ myself out for some fun. Might be the last time with only 5 kids:)

Bumper boats...the kids ganged up against me and got me soaked! Maybe the thought they could bump the baby out of me....But, that wasn't the fun part, the fun part was trying to see me get out of the bumper boat...the poor man had to pull me out. The dock was up high and the boats were low so it was like getting up from a sitting position. very awkward...that's what I get. what I do for my kids I tell you! We all had a good laugh!
We finished the day off with a round of mini golf and some water slides....oh and the buffet:) I didn't gain any weight the last 3 wks so I treated myself. I got my money worth, don't you worry!

Here I am almost 40wks pregnant! by Farrah

I wish my eyelashes were that long and my legs that skinny ha!

really here I am 40wks....check out the foot or leg up by the right rib. I'm sure this is the last picture of her in my belly...bittersweet!
We did sneak in a "babymoon" to San Diego. We enjoyed a nice weekend away with no kids. It has been awhile since we have went away alone and I'm sure it will be awhile till we do it again.

I'm delivering at a really neat hospital (so I'm told)

I have never been there so I thought I'd better take a last minute tour of the place.

(on the elevator headed up to the nursery, they couldn't wait to see the babies)

Daddy was at practice with the 3 older ones so the little girls and I went to check out where Fallon will be born. (I secretly hope she is born at home, but I'm not telling anyone that.)

The girls brought their babies too....

We made a girls night out of it. Got dressed, went downtown, stopped off at hospital and then out for frozen yogurt!

My biggest craving this pregnancy....frozen yogurt! With mango on top, sometimes I feel like granola. I usually send my husband at about 9pm at night when he's really tired..he doesn't complain only I do when he comes back with mandarin oranges instead of mango's on top! How do you get those mixed up! I guess beggars can't be choosers...I'll forgive him. So this time I got my own yogurt with granola and mango's. Fallon even felt like some kiwi.

These girls love babies and can't wait to play with a real baby! They are going to make such great big sisters!

Last week I didn't have energy, so we spent most of our days in our pj's or those that wanted to just wear their underwear did haha (don't worry I wasn't one of them)... we played games and painted. I asked them questions about Fallon, how much they think she will weigh etc and wrote them down to put in Fallon's baby book. They wanted to paint my belly but we didn't get around to that yet.

The energy just kicked in over the weekend...We headed up to Oak Glen to pick raspberries.

I enjoyed taking pictures of them....

We had many hands picking berries...except Faith. She is deathly afraid of bees. There was a ton of bees so she wouldn't go near the berries. The other kids stuck their hands right into swarms of bees....

Oak Glen is only about 10 min from our house...for now. It's been a year since we have been here and well.....it seems that we can only stay in a house for a year. So it's that time again.......that's a whole other blog post. Let's just worry about having a baby then I'll move onto telling you about our next move.

We went home and made jam and muffins...

I think Farrah ate most of them because she picked a ton but her basket wasn't too full:) silly girl

I love this picture below!

I let my kids eat berries without washing them and get dirty feet....

God made dirt....

and the kids yelled, " Dirt don't hurt!"

Oh, I think it's time to go...Finley is drinking water out of the dog bowl as I type. No joke. Now, that I won't allow:)

I'll keep you posted...thank you in advance for your prayers. Much love, Bridget

Slacking on parenting,discipline and birthdays....

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hmmm.... lets see what I can blog about. If I can even get a blog post posted without getting up to go potty every 2 min;) Speaking of potty

(yes, I just used the word potty. I'm a stay at home Mom what can I say?ha)

Finley is finally potty training...(training not trained) don't get too excited!

3 seems to be the magic number with my kids. I tried to potty train Austin at 10months. You know the first time Mom thing? I read all the books etc. After that I figured they are ready when they are ready.

6 years old is the magic number to start loosing teeth with my kids as well. Landen didn't have any loose teeth so I wasn't expecting him to lose his yet. Something I'm not proud of but Faith and Landen were arguing and I just about had it. So I told Faith, show him who's boss....next thing I knew, Landen comes up crying with a bloody mouth!

Slacking at the discipline. Not something I'm proud of:/

After we all apologized to each other(even me), we told Landen that he would get a special visit tonight....

(so now I'm lying to the poor child, great!ha)

and mentioned $

His scared sad faced sure turned around fast:)

The tooth fairy was out of cash so she had to borrow $ from the oldest boy in the house. (Come on Mom get with it!) Then the tooth fairy felt bad and tried to make the $2.00 look fancy by adding glitter, stickers and a bow made out of floss. Don't be fooled, that is a fake $100.00 she glued the letter too:)

It's all about presentation when they look under that pillow right?

Landen kept telling everyone he got $100.00.

Farrah would argue and say, "No, it's fake!"

Another thing I'm not proud of....Then Landen came to me saying, "Mooooom, Farrah called me the "S" word." So I asked, "What "S" word?" (they don't know the real "s" word) He seriously said to me, "she called me "dumb."

I just looked at him and wanted to say, "welllll" but I figured I should deal with the situation instead of telling him to show her who's boss or something along those lines...

(Lord help me in these last few weeks!!!!!)

Note to self: go over letters and sounds with Landen again!

Lets see what else happened...

my brother got engaged.

It's so nice to see my brother so happy again and Jamie will be a great step-mom to my nephews.

We were all asked to be in the wedding...

bridesmaid, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearer, jr. bridesmaid and jr. groomsmen. I think we pretty much make the wedding party ha!

Fallon will be about 5 weeks old at the wedding.

Which means I will be 5 weeks postpartum eeeek!

We had to get our dresses ordered right away. 9 months pregnant trying to figure out what size to order. I made the mistake of bringing these 2 into the dressing room with me....

They couldn't stop laughing...

Finley turned 3!

We dropped the kids off at Grandmas and spoiled her as the only child for a day!

Then we went back to Grandma's for some cake and to open presents:)

Thank you to the Grandma's and Aunt Brianna because Mommy was slacking this year in planning a party.

She wanted to celebrate Hello Kitty style....

We took her to Knotts Berry Farm....

Finley's birthday lasted all weekend. On Sunday we went to Great Grandma's for another little party with all the cousins. Aunt Brianna make cupcakes.

Finley thanked her with a makeover:)

Even Berlyn got make-up

hold still....

Berlyn just wanted to eat the make-up

all the cousins and papa enjoying the cupcakes....

she loved all the special attention!

blowing out the candles...

and again....

Finley and Berlyn...

weeeeeee

Faith and Landen got Finley this purse.

Best friends

posers

they asked if they could wear lipstick because it was a special day.

Only child for a day!

The kids and I decorated the downstairs so that when Finley woke up it was all pretty for her:) The kids each gave her cards and presents they got for her with their own money.

I'm "free" 3 now!

Austin picked out a present all by himself and paid for it with his hard earned lawn mowing money.

Thank you Auty!

So I'm 38 weeks.

Fallon's foot is stuck in my right rib.( painful!)

Doc doesn't think she will be big (lets hope he's right!)

I had a cracked rib at the beginning of my pregnancy. Feels like it's broken again??

Faith was 9lbs 10oz foot stuck in rib. She had to wear casts for 2 wks. Hoping that's not the case with Fallon. (Feels the same)

We signed our life away till Dec... Austin is playing football and Justin is coaching.

Austin made starting QB and is one of the captains. He survived hell week in this hot weather. I can't imagine football practice in this heat with my head stuck in a helmet. He loves it and can't wait for games to start.

Faith will be cheering for the team and Landen is helping Dad.(water boy):)

I'll be sitting on the sidelines cheering the team on with 3 cute little girls by my side:)

Yesterday, I felt so blessed, had my house cleaners come (because I'm slacking at cleaning it myself;/ ). House was all clean, laundry was done and put away. Got a massage and pedicure. My Mom even called and said she bought me a new diaper bag:)

Today, I'm really sore....house cleaners put a wax on my bathroom tile floor. Let's just say I'm clumsy these last few weeks and slipped getting out of the shower. I pulled every muscle in my body with that fall...I'm embarrassed to say that was my 3rd fall this pregnancy. These kids keep leaving toys out that I can't see because of my belly!

I need another massage!

Bye for now, maybe next time I will be posting pictures of Fallon:)

and be a little less cranky and clumsy!

the only ride I went on that day:)

Keepin' Them Busy!

2011-07-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

Being in the last few weeks of pregnancy it always seems to go by soooooooo sloooow! Then once the baby arrives time flies! Why is that? I'm really trying to enjoy these last weeks. My energy level is so low. I'm not one to sit around but my body is telling me to. Having 5 busy kids that don't understand Mom just laying around doesn't help. I've been trying to plan little activities to keep them busy.

Every summer we have a lemonade sale. It's one of their favorite things to do. We have made it a tradition every summer. Here are some lemonade sales in the past. (look how little they were) We usually have it only one day for a couple hours. This summer the kids did so well the first day they begged me to let them set up a second day.

Austin and Faith made the little stand out of left over pvc pipe in the garage and an old table cloth I had. They borrowed some things from my kitchen to make the table look pretty:)

Austin was the manager, Faith was in charge of marketing (making things look pretty) Landen the professional sign twirler, Farrah the dancer, and Finley the taste tester:) Mommy the photographer and heath inspector:)

Before they could even get all set up they had cars pulling up....

business was booming! I guess it helps if the sign twirlers are cute:)

I parked on the side of the street with the air on. Finley was sleeping so I just watched from the car and took pictures.

They are pros at it now...

I did keep a close eye on them but started to get nervous when they got really busy and Landen was walking up to cars...

I woke Finley up and we walked to be closer to the kids. Even though my kids know to be safe, these days you just have to be careful.

Finley enjoyed tasting the lemonade more than she did trying to sell it:)

such a business man:)

Finely decided to join in, I think she wanted to have her fair share of the days profits.

The kids were asking 25cents per cup but people were paying up to $5.00 a cup! Must of been good lemonade they made. ha!
After about 2 hours Farrah needed a nap...so she laid down and took one. ha!

Some stopped and got out of their cars, some wanted curb side service and others just waved as they drove by.

The kids soon ran out of lemonade and cups and had to close down their stand. I was about to close it down as their health inspector after seeing the way they handled some of the cups. ha! I was surprised to see people actually drinking the lemonade. I think it's cute but would never really drink lemonade from a kids stand. Sad but true. We talked about making sure they kept their hands clean and to use a cup not their hands to fill the cups with ice:)

The second day they were just as busy.

The served over 50 cups.

Even the fire department showed up.

The kids counted their money at the end of 2 days of working...

Paid Mom back for costs on products, figured out profit and split it up with all the employees:)

Now they will give some, save some and spend some. Something I'm trying to teach them. Something I'm trying to teach myself:) ha!

Daddy has been working long hours this summer so by the end of the day I am beat (and so is he)

He still finds time to play with them and give me some peace and quiet:)

Even if it's just taking them outside and having them roll around on the grass! haha!

Well, I better get dinner going.......

or maybe I can get my big money makers to treat their tired parents out to dinner;)

Weekend With The Little Ones

2011-07-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

The big kids had a blast at camp. They came home telling me how they ate meal worms and drank oreo, corn, ravioli, chili and (I forget what else)..shakes. ew! I gave them each throw away cameras to take. Can't wait to see what pictures are on those...haha

They had a blast! It took them a good couple days to recover:)

While they were gone we just had the 3 little ones and enjoyed doing fun things with them....

Saturday, I found some card board boxes in the garage and pulled some construction paper from the school room .....

traced some things for the kids to cut out....

Then helped them tape them on their boxes......

It's amazing how happy the kids were with just some paper, boxes and Mom's attempt to copy a picture of the Cars movie....

Daddy did screw in little steering wheels (made out of plastic lids) for them.

Then we told them to get their PJ's on and get their cars ready....

on our way to see Cars2 at the drive-in....

My 3 little ones had a blast!!!!

watching the movie in their own cars!:)

I could of used bigger boxes but this is all we had in the garage;)

A fun memory!

Well I'm at 35 weeks and am so uunnnnnnncomfortable! I don't know how I did this 6 times?! More than that how my husband put up with me pregnant 6 times! ha!

The Ryan household is getting excited to meet Fallon.

Everything is ready to go...

I think Finley is ready to become a big sister!

these are some pictures I took of Finely helping me wash and put away all the baby clothes....

she loves to come up and kiss my belly and say,"I love Fallon!"

Lots to Celebrate!

2011-07-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Father's Day by taking Daddy out shooting...

then went on a hike and bike ride.

I think my family forgets I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant!

Then we finished with the kids and I making Daddy a nice dinner and some yummy peach cobbler:)

Father's day was bittersweet this year as I haven't seen my own Dad much this year but was happy to celebrate it with my husband who will be a new Daddy again!

We have been enjoying our summer days. It feels so good to wake up and know we don't have our normal school schedule we can just play and be free.....

We got season passes to a near by waterpark. It's been nice to take the kids there once or twice a week and cool off. The big kids go on the waterslides while the younger ones play in the kiddie pool right in front of the lounge chairs. I lay there sipping my ice tea and every once in awhile will dip in to cool off. I know my time of relaxing is coming to an end!

The weekends have been filled with birthday parties..

In the last 2 weeks we have attended 11 birthday parties between all the kids:)

My poor unsocial children. ha!

All but 2 of the cousins have birthdays in the summer too. So it makes for tons of birthday fun.

Just think next year we will have a big 1st birthday to celebrate too:)

I say we just have one big carnival birthday next year!

My brothers son Cylis turned 4...

Here's some pics from his party...

all the cousins!

Austin is the oldest and the one to break open spiderman!

Here's a short video of the girls diggin' Cylis's new ride!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

4th of July!

We played water volleyball.

My sister Brianna her husband John,

Justin and I were all on one team.

My other sister Brenda and her husband Scott were on a team with my brother Brad and his girlfriend Jamie.

We had a blast!

We throw the kids in the ~~jacuzzi~~ peecuzzi as my brother calls it. ha!

While the parents play. Good times!

My team won! My brother hates to loose and we kept teasing him that he lost to a girl, a very pregnant girl:)

Every year my Grandparents senior park holds a 4th of July parade. I think "we" are the parade!

Farrah loves her Uncle Brad

After the parade, swimming and beating my brother in volleyball just our family went to go watch fireworks at Redlands University. Best show I've seen.

My pictures are all out of order, but here is the loosing team. Scott my brother-in-law. Who is about to become a Dad soon. Him and my sister are in the process of adopting:)

I'm so excited for them!Let Freedom Ring with ring pops:)

The parade.

That's my Grandma in the fancy golf cart she's in charge of the Muncheon Luncheon, my kids and all the cousins, then my Grandpa in the far back driving. He's in charge of the Recycle Club haha!

Aren't they cute!

They love showing off all their great grand children!

Here's the kids at the 9pm firework show. I think I was sleeping when Daddy took this...I was beat!

My Grandpa! We are so close and I love our talks!!!!!

watching the fireworks just before the sprinklers came on!

my star child:)

I think we went a little crazy with the paint this year!

Maggie is always in the parade too and so is this hot Granny! haha!

This was Sunday night dinner. I did a 4th of July theme.

Here is Daddy making red white a blue drinks for the kids.

We read books about the 4th of July and why we celebrate it. It was so neat to hear the kids say, "we've been to Independance Hall."

They learned so much history on our trip and I'm surprised at how much they remember. Even the little ones:)

Dancing after the parade....they told us they are going to get married when they grow up!

I love this picture above. This sweet man came up to Farrah and asked her to dance. He twirled her around and she just loved it!

then went back to dancing with her future husband.

Our Sunday night dinner....Daddy reading a story to our young patriots:)

The kids and I made this for our Sunday night dinner....

more parade pictures....

note to self:

hide all markers before Fallon arrives.

his request:

I hope your all enjoying your summer as much as we are!

Baby Sprinkle

2011-07-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

I look extra big here because my Mom is so tiny!
or at least that's what I'm telling myself while looking at these ha!

I really didn't need a shower being that this is my 4th girl, but my Mom and sisters wanted to "sprinkle" me with love and diapers:)

We had the shower on a weekday evening. Just a few friends and family...it was perfect!

My Grandma!

Her and my Grandpa will be watching all the kids while I'm in the hospital.

She is already planning dinners and things to do with them:)

I don't know what I would do without them!

My Mom and sisters made yummy appetizers and desserts.

Faith took all these pictures.

I don't think Farrah had enough dessert ha...

I love all the embroidery items! I love the way her name looks spelt out!

We took a group shot late in the night after some had already left....and that crazy girl in front would be my sister aka the hostess with the mostess

the hostess that has thrown 6 baby showers for me!

Give it up for Brianna!

One of my friends couldn't make it and her comment to them was," don't worry, I'm sure Bridget will have another shower next year."

She's joking, I know she secretly lives to party plan!

Thank you everyone!

Love Notes

2011-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today two of my ~~babies~~ big kids left for summer camp.

They will only be gone 3 days but it's the first night and I'm already missing them:/

I'm sure there probably yelling “Who rocks the house?” until their blue in the face as I type this. Not even thinking about missing home. sigh.

I'm happy for them, and I know they are going to enjoy every minute and make such neat memories.

I've prayed for them this week that God will open their hearts to all he has for them this weekend and that they will grow in their walk because of this trip:)

I just have to share,

Faith wrote each of us a note (on her cute little stationary)

Dear Dad,

Thank you for working hard for us so we can do fun things! I love you so much! I'm glad we get to spend nights together at prom! You are the coolest dad in the world. Thank you for working for this family! Thank you for driving us across the country! Thank you for making money so we can have this house! When your gone I always wish you were here! That's why I like the weekends! Have a good day at work. I love you Dad! You set a very good example for us. Your the best Dad in the world!

Love, Faith

melt me!

Dear Mom,

I love you soooo much. I'm glad I was put in this family! I love this house and my room. I love you sooo much. It's fun when we can go for a drive all by ourselves!

Love, Faith

love this girl!

Dear Austin,

God Bless you Austin. It's so good to have a big brother around! Especially when your chain breaks on your bike or when you need help with a project! I'm glad God gave me a big brother! Your awesome! I love you so much! I hope you can use your talents for Him.

Love, Faith

ahhhh......

Dear Landen,

Your such a good brother, even when your wild! I will admit you are better than me in most things. I'm sorry about all the fits we have. I'll try to be a better sister. Yes, I do love you! I hope God can use your talents and energy for something to serve him.

Love, Faith

haha too sweet!

Dear Farrah,

I love you so much! Don't worry even when your older you'll still be a princess! You are such a good little sister to me. I love when you always want to hold my hand or you want to wear your boots because I'm wearing mine. I'm glad I'm your partner!

Love, Faith

they are so close even though they are 6 yrs apart.

Dear Finley,

I love you so much! It's good to have a little sister like you around. Your funny and you always want to snuggle. Your so pretty and sweet.

Love, Faith

love!

On another note...I'm 2 days short of 34 weeks!

I haven't been giving the little girls baths because of my big belly:)

It's hard to get up and down so I've just been throwing them in the shower.

Tonight Farrah said, "Mommy when are you going to stop spraying us off and just bath tub us again?"

I thought that was too cute!

I told her,

"Soon honey....we don't have much longer:)"

She has been asking almost every day since December, "when is the baby coming out?"

I'm sure she's starting to wonder if her Mommy will ever be normal again.

I took these pictures of me actually to send to my husband while he was at work. ha! By the time he gets home from work my hair is usually pulled up in a messy mom bun, I'm a sweaty mess and I have changed into whatever is comfy. Now days a moomoo. Poor guy! So, I sent him these because I did my hair, make-up and put on a dress. For once, maybe twice this pregnancy:0

I was getting ready to head out the door to a "baby sprinkle" my Mom and sisters were throwing me:) I'll share pics later.

I am seriously so excited to meet Fallon. It's so exciting to see who God will send to bless us with this time. Each of our children are so unique and precious. I can't wait to see the faces of my children as they see their little sister for the first time!

Not saying I'm the best Mom, but I really feel like I become a better Mom with each child I have. Maybe it's because I have more love:) oh...and the smell....It will be so nice to kiss and smell a little one again. I love the newborn scent, it's so sweet!

I also can't wait to share this time with my husband. I really believe the birth of a baby is the ultimate fulfillment of love between a husband and wife. I love him more with each child we have!

Ok, I'm getting mushy, but I just can. not. wait!

I feel so blessed that God has decided to reward us again with another little love:)

Vaccinations........

2011-07-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a vaccine workshop to educate myself on both sides of the vaccine debate. I have always wondered since my first child was born almost 12 years ago if I was doing the right thing. Now with having a newborn and being pressured by the "No Shot No School" campaign to vaccinate my 7th grader I feel I need to really educate myself. I have gone to a couple different workshops now, one being very pro-vaccine and the other being very against them. This meeting was hearing both sides pro's and con's. I went with an open mind and ready to learn. I am on information overload (so please bare with me as I just type what I had jotted down last night) and after leaving I felt like I had even more questions than I had walking in. It was an open type meeting where parents would ask questions and the panel of doctors would answer them. A very well respected doctor from Loma Linda was one of the doctors answering a lot of the questions. There were holistic doctors who were strongly against vaccines but Dr. Katiraei from Loma Linda was giving his take on vaccinations. He believes that there is a no size fits all vaccination. Every child is different. Every family is different and the environment they live in is different. The same dosage is given to an 8lb baby that they give to a 50lb child. Most vaccinations are protocol but not necessarily needed. Like the Hep B within 12 hours of birth. Who's idea was it to vaccinate ALL newborn babies for a sexually transmitted disease? Another example for protocol I saw last week was when I went in for a prenatal check up. I'm Rh-neg and so is my husband so I don't need the Rhogam shot. I know who the babies daddy is and therefore I do not need the shot. They still fought to give it to me because it's protocol. I have never had it before. I know who my babies daddies are:) I understand it's their job but as the patient you should know your own body and your own child. A lot of the pressure is to protect the doctor, which I can understand. It is his job, but it is our job as parents to know our children and what is best for them or us. Vaccinating them on the state or government schedule might not be best for your child's health. He also feels vaccines are more convenient for parents than they are for your child's health. So kids don't get sick therefore parents won't need to take time off work. It's good for kids to get sick, it builds the immune system. There is a place for vaccinations but vaccinating for everything under the sun is not safe. He went over what is in the vaccines such as foreign tissue, aborted fetus, mercury, aluminum etc.... He talked about the MMR being very unnatural for the body. Parents need to look into the long term effects that can be caused by vaccines. Many children will get vaccines and will be perfectly fine but in others it can trigger such things as autism, asthma, allergies, eczema (just to name a few) etc... The doctor recommended that each parent look at your child's family history. Your genetic pool, do you have autism in your family line, then maybe a vaccine could trigger it in your child. Something I never thought about that he brought up was to get the name, date, and batch your child's vaccine is coming from. What does the vaccine your getting your child grow on? Does your child have a food allergy to something that the vaccine in grown on. Breastfeeding is huge! They stressed how important breastfeeding is for your child. If you are not going to breastfeed your baby and put them in daycare at 6weeks etc (I'm using this as an example) then maybe you should vaccinate your child. Their immune system is not as strong as if you were to breastfeed. If you do plan on breastfeeding and your child will not be around a lot of kids then you should be fine not vaccinating them. Your child's diet plays a big part in their heath as well. A great resource is Dr. Feder's website you may want to take a look around her site. I also found this article helpful. As far as school, you are the parent and the school can't make you vaccinate your child. It really is as simple as a waiver, ok and a lot of hassle from them:) But remember you are the parent! Here is a list to help you find a vaccine friendly doctor near you either to skip vaccines all together (and they will happily treat your child), or help you with a more personal vaccine schedule or delay schedule.

I know some friends that didn't vaccinate their children until they went on mission trips. Then they were vaccinated before leaving the country. Or before joining the service. Or even entering college. Some schools do require.

The doctor that does have children doesn't vaccinate. The one who doesn't said if he were to vaccinate his child or his best friends child it would be only the following....

The Hib vaccine( doctor said it's still out there.)
Prevnar
and maybe Pertussis.
the Verasela vaccine (chicken pox) he recommends delaying until teenage years.

I'm going to be ordering this book:
The Parents' Concise Guide to Childhood Vaccinations by Dr. Lauren Feder

It covers important issues such as:

• If you have chosen to vaccinate your children, she offers both practical

medical and natural remedies to avoid possible side effects.

• If you have chosen not to vaccinate your children, she offers natural medicines to strengthen your child’s immune system, along with tips on how to deal with legal exemptions, school requirements, and medical insurance.

• If you’re just not sure what to do, she offers a balanced and easy-to-understand discussion of the issues, explaining the truth about the effectiveness of vaccinations, side effects, and much more.

My 11 yr old son Austin joined me as he is interested in the medical field and I felt it would be a good learning experience for him. As we walked out the first thing he said was, "You are not injecting me with the Pertussis!" I think the meeting scared him a bit as he said, "nothings safe!" It really does come down to educating yourself and knowing your children and what is best for each individual child. They are all different!!!

Please feel free to share in the comment section.
Those of you that attended the meeting last night, I'm sure I left a lot of info out, please feel free to add your comments as well.
This is a hot topic that many of us are confused on. I think it's important to take the time to look into it though!
I think we can all learn for each other.

A Wonderful Day Spent With My Kiddos

2011-06-24T22:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I took the kids to Kidspace in Pasadena for a day of fun. I enjoyed watching them run around and just be kids...enjoying these days with them!
*pause music below*

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Daddy Daughter Prom

2011-06-21T19:22:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Summer Fun!

2011-06-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have already had so much fun and summer really doesn't start till tomorrow:)

Here's Landen celebrating his birthday at Chuck E Cheese......

Faith had a slumber party with just a couple friends...

Friends that stayed up till 4AM!:)

They had a couple hours of sleep before I took them to the water park!

They played hard...I told them to sit down while I went to the bathroom and when I came back they looked like this. hahaha!

This is not a posed picture!

They did wake up hungry after staying up all night so I took the crazy delirious girls out for some pancakes!

Farrah did get sleep, but she was the life of the party most of the night!

Faith opened up presents while waiting for breakfast....

What 10 yr old doesn't like clothes from Justice...

Farrah kept saying, "I could so wear that!" haha

Finley had a sleepover with Mommy and hung out with me most of the time. We had fun splashing each other.

This was birthday dinner! We took the girls to Red Robin and Farrah stood up to sing out loud to her sister...two girls are hiding because they were embarrassed.

Uncle Johnny and Brianna gave Landen great seats to the Angel game for his birthday....

So Justin and I took the boys!

make some noise!!!!

It was family Sunday so the kids got to play games before the game started...Here's Landen seeing how fast he can throw.

34 mph

Landen wanted to catch a ball so bad! We were in the perfect seats for all the foul balls but weren't one of the lucky ones...close but not close enough

It was hot for Mommy! I cooled of eating ice cream:) I did share a "few" bites

Austin loved taking pictures of the players...

and enjoyed eating the big hot dog with jalapenos (ew!).....

Look at that belly!:)

Landen getting spoiled with all the junk food...

It's for his birthday so we let him get spoiled:)

I don't think I've had a hot dog in about 10 years but for some reason Fallon felt like one....

We bought tickets for Faith to go see Francesca Battistelli in concert for her birthday. One of

her favorite songs is "Free To Be Me"

so she had to wear ripped jeans:)

This is her good friend Kelsie with her ripped jeans on too!

at the concert!

Some of her very good friends!

Here's me with my friends:) This is when I flew to Texas a few weeks ago to spend time with Tara from Too Many Kids In The Bathtub

She threw me a baby shower:)

It was such a blessing...even my friend Michelle drove about 5 hours to come see me. What a treat!

It was so neat to share this day with so many like minded friends.

Fallon's first bear...I look like I'm gonna cry over a bear! hormones!

I guess I was just really emotional and humbled with the fact that everyone was so generous. Some were blog friends, some old friends and some were ladies I have never even met before!

But...felt like I've known for years!

Tara is a wonderful homemaker and homeschool mom of 6! I have a lot to learn from her! It was so neat to be able to spend some time with her. She is like Mama Dugger, no joke! Just very quiet with a gentle spirit. She handles her children with such love and grace. It's such an inspiration. She has so many ideas about raising a big family. Lets just say I took many notes that weekend!

When I got home it made me want to be a better wife and mommy....

I missed my kids so much, but needed that vacation to refuel:)

Soon after I got back from my trip to Texas friends from Florida stopped by to stay the night. 2 homeschool moms traveling across the country with 11 kids! Jennifer from Herd of Hoskins

and I have been blog friends but haven't met in person. My husband is always a little hesitant with me meeting "friends" online. I felt very safe and comfortable with letting Jennifer know where we lived and letting all 13 of them stay with us.

What a supportive husband I have LOL...

Jennifer also runs a great Christian product review blog

We stayed up late talking and sharing. I enjoyed meeting her friend Cindy who has been a homeschool mama for years. I took notes from her too! We worked on mapping out some of their route while all the kids played and made tents to sleep in the backyard.

My kids were in heaven! I would never just let them sleep in the backyard so this was a real treat!

So, in the morning after my husband ~~took off in a hurry~~ left for work we had a house with 3 moms and 16 kids!

Crazy Fun!

These women are brave, I tell you! That's Jen with the pretty long blonde hair...can you imagine traveling with all those kids? They are true Supermoms!

But....don't get me wrong, since they left I got to thinking, hmmmm...maybe I could take a roadtrip after the baby is born if my husband can't take off long periods of time.....any mom out there crazy enough to go with me???

My kids are dying to take a roadtrip!

31 weeks.....

2011-06-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

How much can I squeeze into one day......

2011-06-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

or one post for that matter???

Since I can't carry down the dirty clothes that seem to pile up daily, this guy has been helping out extra these days....

that and lifting groceries, filling up the gas tank, lifting girls into grocery carts, crawling into the attic to get out baby items, even tying my shoes etc...Things that I can't do right now with this big ol' belly!

I'm glad to have him around!

This week he even put the crib together while Daddy was at work!

The kids were in a spelling bee, they did pretty good but nerves got the best of them.

Faith ended up taking 2nd in her grade level.

I mentioned I went to Texas, where my sweet friend spent some time teaching me to sew! Here's my first skirt! Simple but cute:)

Faith, Finley and the new baby have one to match!

The new baby does have a name now......

We have decided on

Fallon!

Still working on a middle name:)

The boys graduated! Austin 6th grade and Landen Kindergarten!

We had a little ceremony in our classroom and invited family over to attend. Landen sang a song and we talked about all he has accomplished this year. I had one requirement for him to get his graduation certificate. It was to tie his own shoe!

With Aunties help, he has mastered tying his own shoe and is now moving onto 1st grade!
Now, he can tie my shoes for the remainder of my pregnancy:)

Here's his song.....

Faith and Landen's birthdays are next week so I threw their parties into the graduation fun!

Landen informed me he wanted a baseball cake 20 min before guests were to arrive so I threw together this baseball cake....

don't judge:)

Then when I placed it in front of him, he said, "No, Mom I wanted a whole baseball field!"

He looks happy enough though, right? Especially because he had some chocolate cake too! (as you can see)

My baby boy is so big!!!!!

It's been a challenging year, but so thankful for the special time God has allowed me to have with this little booger!

At the homeschool fair the kids competed in some track and field events.

Austin didn't take home a ribbon for the spelling bee so he was determined to blow everyone away in running. He's very competitive....and very fast!

Landen tried his best too, he ran so fast he lost his shoe! ha!

then kicked them both off and did the long jump.

Baseball just ended..thank God! ( did I just type that out loud?)

It was fun watching my boys play but having a husband who coaches and boys on different teams with different days of practice and games....lets just say, I really don't like living at the field all week...and I really don't like the bathrooms at the field....it's hard being pregnant and holding it, ya know!;)

Landen's team only lost one game and Austin's team ended up taking 4th in playoffs!

Back to the graduation.....here's Austin giving his speech. He had one last assignment and that was to write a speech and give it in front of family. He wanted to do a speech "gettysburg style."

We all giggled when he came out dressed as his favorite president and enjoyed listening to his speech.

He's so smart, yet still a goofy innocent little kid.

Just the way I like it, I wouldn't have it any other way!

He got an A+ and graduated 6th grade! He is moving onto 9th grade but still 7th socially.

He wants to graduate high school early and start college courses early.

Here's his speech......it's hard to hear in the middle because my sister couldn't keep her kids quiet. Just kidding, Brianna! We had a lot of little ones in a small room;)

some more grad pictures.......

We are excited to be taking a break from school and enjoying some summer fun!

We are busy getting ready for baby Fallon......

I can't wait to add her to the bunch!

I wonder what she will be like??? Who she will look like???

Oh, how could I end a post without this picture of Faith!

She turns the big 1-0 this month!

I am so blessed by her! She is amazing!!!!!

Soon there will be 10 cousins! 5 girls and 5 boys:)
(not counting my husbands side)

makes throwing a birthday party easy:)
instant party!!!!

This month for me is bittersweet as my baby boy is turning 6 and graduated from K, then my oldest graduating 6th grade, Faith turning double digits, and enjoying last kicks from baby Fallon.......Time if flying by!

I'm really trying not to blink;)

2011-05-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

I just got back from an amazing time in Texas with some blog friends:)
I felt like I got back from a retreat, all pumped and encouraged....I'll post some pictures and talk about that later.
I just had to share about a phone call I got. I seem to always be the friend that gets called when one of my friends finds out their pregnant. It's funny, I have the privilege of knowing before the family most of the time. Maybe because my friends KNOW that I will be thrilled at the announcement of a new baby!
The mother tells me the great news that she is having another baby. She wants someone to rejoice with her, but she is too scared to tell her parents or in-laws etc. They are likely to either throw a fit or ask, "do you know what causes that?"

Why is there such an aversion to the prospect of life?
Of course, once the little baby comes, all the grandparents will love the baby. Who can resist a sweet baby? But why do they, all the other ill-wishers, (and believe me there are many) put up every opposition at the contemplation of the child being born? Why have we assimilated the anti-child philosophy of this world? Or the 1-2 child per family.... Are we so easily squeezed into the molds of this world?
I can expect this attitude from those who don't acknowledge God, but it causes my heart to ache when I find it is the attitude of those who own the name of the Lord.
So, if your pregnant and what someone to rejoice with you, just call me up! I will be sure to scream and holler with excitement!

2011-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all my friends out there!

I am getting a little Mother's Day break and thought I'd pop in to say hi!

This blog is such an outlet amidst the lovely chaos that surrounds me:)

It's nice to visit with you and read your comments...

I know my posts are pretty irregular lately, I just desire to never neglect my husband or children in order for me to post. These days seem so busy it's hard to fit blogging time in too.

So thanks for still checking in with us once in awhile:)

I know it's Mother's Day and I'm still posting on Easter, oh well.....

Here's the kids on Easter Sunday. I always make sure to stop and get a quick picture of the kids because I know if I wait until after church I will forget and everyone will be a mess by then.

What a slacker Mom I was this year...

No matching outfits!!!!!

My older three were thanking God I didn't torture them in trying to make everyone matchy matchy..

I just made sure everyone had their hair combed, teeth brushed and some what well groomed:)

They each picked a flower from the backyard to decorate the cross at church...

It was so cute to see all the little kids walking into church with their little flowers excited to put them up on the cross.

So, I'm 6 months (already)...look about 16 months :0

Not a big surprise to me. I always gain more than the average 20-30lbs they say you should gain. I had my doctors appointment a couple days ago and everything with the baby is looking great! She's growing healthy and cooking up nice in there:)

My doctor seems more worried about me getting my tubes tied than anything else. It's almost ridiculous how much both the nurse practitioner and my doctor push it. I've told them over and over that my husband if anything will be the one to get a vasectomy. They insist I get my tubes tied so that they know for sure I don't get pregnant again. I am waiting to see how my scar tissue is on delivery day before making any decisions.

The nurse told me that she just treated a lady last week that is pregnant with triplet boys after her husband had a vasectomy, when they tried to encourage her to have her tubes tied with her last c-section. I just looked at the nurse with a smile and said, "wow, what a blessing!"

I mean really, God must have wanted that lady to have 3 more boys! ha!

She looked at me like I was crazy then changed the subject and had to remind me about how much weight I gained in the last month...

I so wanted to tell her it was because I just got back from this amazing cruise and ate all this wonderful food.

Really though I have no idea how I gain so much. I'm really trying not to focus on myself. Yes, take care of myself and have a healthy pregnancy but not worry so much. The enemy sure likes to attack me in this area and steal my joy by focusing on my "looks" and I'm not going to allow that!

Why do I have to be so vain?!

My husband still makes me feel beautiful...so that's all that matters, right?:)

My Mom and sisters took the kids for us for the night a couple weeks ago. We went out on a date and enjoyed some alone time.

We are still trying to decide on an "F" name for our new daughter.

Our problem is agreeing on a name.

So at dinner, The Macaroni Grill where you can write on table clothes we listed a few "F" names and then our waitress gave us her opinion. Then she told other waitresses and busboys to come by and give their vote too. It made for a fun date.

Our waitress thought it was so cute we were out to dinner trying to come up with our new baby daughters name. She went on and on about how neat it is to be a Mommy and how much fun girls are...you should of seen the look on her face when I said, "this will be my 4th little girl!" She said, "Wow, really!" Then I went on to tell her that I had two boys as well.

We love our bragging privileges:)

My sisters even watched the kids for me the next day.

I went shopping for the baby and got a few things. It was such a nice day and I was so amazed at how many things I can get done. I felt like I could conquer the world when I woke up. ha!

I'm glad my kids were

entertainment for them as well. Here's a video I was sent while out shopping. LOL!

a pic from our dinner

We are still undecided on her name. So, if you have any suggestions on cute "F" names let me know:)

I spent Mother's Day weekend down by the beach. My paradise. Carlsbad. with my loves.......

Happy Mother's Day!

Faith gets baptized on Good Friday!

2011-04-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

My Montage 4/13/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-04-13T18:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Farrah turned 4! Faith and I had fun making crafts and decorating her party. Farrah enjoyed her day sipping tea (apple juice), looking for fairies, dancing silly and giggling with girlfriends! Happy 4th Birthday Farrah Reese. Stop growing up so fast!!!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Fun Mom? She Thinks So.....

2011-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

The other day while doing my hair, Faith was in the bathroom watching me. She was waiting her turn to use the curling iron. She's into doing her own hair now. I figure it's time since I will have 3 other little girls to get ready:) It's still hard because I want to dress her and do her hair the way I want to;)

Anyway, while doing my hair she out of the blue looked at me and said, "Mom, I can't wait to be a Mommy. You look like your having so much fun being our Mom." I think that was the best compliment I have even been given! I'm not always the nicest Mom and I'm sure glad she can see past all the stress that comes from raising kids:)

I just looked at her and said, "I love being a Mommy, I'm having the time of my life raising all you kids!"

I'm sure her comment had something to do with the tricks I played on them for April Fools:)

We had a picnic and I brought out Kool Aid. A rare treat.

The kids were excited......

Who wants Kool Aid?????

After a sip they all just looked at me like ewwwwwww...

Even Finley got mad and spit it out. haha

It was just water with red food coloring:)

I also stuffed the boys shoes with tissue so it was hard for them to get on in the morning.

My favorite trick was this...

Lately, every morning after Daddy leaves for work the kids crawl into bed with me and we watch a little cartoons and snuggle before we have to get up. This morning I got up early and went downstairs. I stuffed the blankets with pillows and stuck a little piece of blond hair out of the blankets. (I cut myself bangs again) They all came in bed and thought I was sleeping until Austin tried to wake me up and realized I wasn't there! Hahaha....

Don't think the kids didn't try teaming up against me with little tricks...

Landen kept going all week thinking he could play tricks on me. I had to let him know that it's only one day a year! April Fools doesn't last the whole month of April... It's now April 11th and he's still saying, "April Fools!"

Time to move onto Easter..........

I love how excited he looks in this picture.

"He is not here, for he has Risen!"

Landen's bible verse this week.

We went on an Easter egg hunt with a new homeschool group...

Finley had her big brother to help her....

They found lots of eggs.....

Farrah has been doing a lot of the same work Landen does...she loves to learn! Landen, not so much...he's just going to be a sign twirler he said. Lord help me!

After the kids said their memory verses they nailed them to a cross...

After months of hard work Landen and Faith performed in their musical!

Once Upon A Time Shop!

Landen looking cute as a little orphan boy....

Faith "Emma" singing her heart out!

The cast!

Each cast member did head shots all smiling and looking cute. As I looked on the board for my kids..........I see this:

Yep, that's my little sign twirler. *sigh!

We had a couple of hot days so these little ones enjoyed their new mini pool... (gosh, I miss our"real" pool!) Come this Aug. when I'm a big sweaty swollen blimp, I'm really going to miss it! I might just have to plop myself in here and pray nobody can see me!!!

Austin worked on his kiddie pool garden....It's doing good so far, but not sure how it will work out???

We had Great Grandma over and surprised her with a birthday party.

The 3 princesses...

This is my husbands grandma. Isn't she cute?

The Grandparents and Auntie came out to watch Landen and Faith perform.

Proud parents with their two stars after their 3rd performance that day!

We threw a little party for our 2 favorite cast members.....

They love the stage!

Gender Party!

2011-03-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday my sisters threw me a "Gender Party!"

One sister stayed with all the kids while the other sister took me to get an ultrasound.... I just don't understand why I'm gaining so much weight??? ha! My sister Brenda hasn't seen an ultrasound before so this was a real treat for her. The Snickers she got me, to try and get the baby moving was a real treat for me too!:) There's our baby on the screen. Head is on the left side and feet are closest to me:) They made me promise I wouldn't look at the screen when it was time to look at the gender of the baby. Gosh, it was hard not to take a little peek! The ultrasound tech took some pictures and put them in a sealed envelope. At this point only the ultrasound tech knew what we were having! My sister didn't know either.... While we were out getting my ultrasound and some yummy lunch my sister, Brianna was back at her house decorating with help from the kids.... My sweet friend from Texas, Tara at Too Many Kids in the Bathtub sent me a box of goodies last week. It was filled with all the decorations needed to have a gender party! Along with a diaper cake and all! Here's the pink table! Thank you Tara!!!!!!

The blue table!

My sister Brianna made the cute sign. Everything looked so cute! We have never made a big deal when we found out the gender our babies, so this was different and exciting! My sisters then drove the secret envelope over to our friend Ashlynn's house. Ashlynn(who has a new great adoption blog) then opened the envelope and added either pink or blue candies to the insides of the cupcakes. She then frosted the tops and brought them over for the party. So now, only the ultrasound tech and Ashlynn (who is like a sister to all of us) know what we are having.......

Before biting into the cupcake.....hmmmm will it be blue or pink????

Will the blue team or pink team win???

Girls win! We will be having another girl:)

Daddy is still in shock! He keeps saying 4 girls, 4 girls, oh my gosh! haha....Landen is mad at God, and Austin is cool with it:)

I love my girls and can't wait to add another one...All our girls are Daddy's girls, so Justin is thrilled to have another little girl look up to him and adore him.

Farrah was excited to see pink in her cupcake too!

For all my friends who have asked for a belly shot...I set the camera up on the kitchen counter, then waddled over to get in position....here ya go!

I'm 19wks and a couple days here. Bigger than I'd like to be but trying not to concentrate on that. I am just really thankful to be able to carry this baby and I pray SHE continues to grow healthy in that oven of mine!

I have many friends who are having a hard time trying to get pregnant, have had miscarriages and I am having a hard time posting on all my happy baby news. I really don't want to hurt their feelings......Please pray for them and especially my dear friend Laurel at Our Journey of Faith.

She is going through a miscarriage right now:(

I don't mean to end this fun post on the down side...Just know that I am praying for each one of them. I also realize more than ever what a blessing and gift each baby is!

The last 2 weeks.......

2011-03-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

we've been keeping busy!

Being busy is making this pregnancy seem to go by fast.

I can't believe I'm about half way already!

Austin attended "Night in a Box."

He's been helping out at the homeless shelter by our house.

A group of jr. high students spent the night in cardboard boxes to experience what it would be like to live on the street.

It helped him understand the tragedy of street children around the world.

He even put a cross on his "house."
He said he got cold and hungry during the night and couldn't imagine living like that!
He's been studying India, Liberia, Brazil and Romania's "street kids" and reading many stories about their life. How they breath solvent based glue at young ages just to kill their hunger pains etc. Breaks my heart!

Aunt Brianna came with me to drop Austin off for the night. She made sure he had a warm place to stay.

Austin also helped build loft houses for children in Mexico the next morning...

The kids woke up to some green treats and a silly string mess on St. Patty's day.

Then we had green milk and Lucky Charms for breakfast.

We got on our green gear and headed to a St. Patrick's party at the park...

Everyone wearing green....

Finley is throwing a fit because I wouldn't let her have a cupcake....tragic, I know..geesh!

We even painted our nails green...ta-da...

Helping themselves to the green treats....

Mardi Gras...not that we celebrated but I thought this pic of the girls was cute anyway:)

We had P.E. at the Gym....

Landen showing off his cartwheels...

Big sister help...
Big brother help....
I love how close all my kids are. Even though there is an age gap they are all close.

I'm thankful for homeschooling and the fact that my kids are always together.

My baseball studs after Saturdays games....
This season I cheer for the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers!

We finally finished our model of the Tabernacle!

Here's Landen painting the lamp stand.

Austin working on the Ark of the Covenant...

his finished Ark of the Covenant. Those cherubim angels weren't easy to make out of clay...

The kids followed the instructions given in the bible...here's the inside of the Ark of the Covenant along with Aaron's staff, a gold jar of manna and the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments on them.

Here's the Holy Place with the lamp stand, altar of incense and the table of the presence...

The courtyard...
Faith made the washbasin a little large the priest would have to climb up it to wash. ha! She did a great job other than that. She also made the altar of burnt offering and painted them with brown because we didn't have a bronze color.

They did a great job! It was an amazing project to do together.
I loved watching the kids frequently referring to the Bible to be sure they were "making it right." We learned so much and had fun doing it!

When Daddy got home the kids gave a full presentation on the Tabernacle and explained the various rituals and what possible meaning they could have for us today. They talked Daddy through what each room was and the measurements etc...
While building the Tabernacle these two kept busy being princesses...

Maybe we do need some socialization....

I'm kidding...I sometimes think we are over socialized!

Here's Landen with his piggy bank of hard earned allowance.

He's donating it to a bake sale for Japan.

The kids have seen pictures and the news on what is going on in Japan. Our hearts break for them. They got all their money together and I drove them down to donate to the bake sale put on by one of our homeschool groups.

I think that about sums up our last 2 weeks around here....

Oh, and here is the bun baking away....

All stretch out in there!

Hi bloggy friends...do you think I'm a boy or a girl???

Now back to our regular scheduled blogging...

2011-03-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try anyway!
I miss blogging! If it wasn't for blogging the last 4 years, I don't think I would remember most of what we did. I love to look back at all the fun memories. Not to mention all the amazing friends I've meet through blogging. So.......I've decided to make it a point to at least blog once a week.

Where were we?.......

I think I left off on Valentines week...... This is a picture of my me and my Valentine. He had just walked in from a long day at work. Poor guy has been working so much, but we are so blessed that he has work!

You can see I'm all dressed up in sweats for my Valentine. I try to look nice for him when he gets home but by that time of night I'm beat!

The weather has been so nice lately. I love hot weather. I say this now but come Aug I'll be crying to you all when I'm swollen sweaty and about to pop!

We are enjoying playing outside more. Our new project is a kiddie pool garden.

I went out and got the kids some new spring clothes and sandals... and Slurpee's to make them behave:)

Baseball is in full swing! I feel like we live at the field. Here are some pictures of Landen's first game. I showed up about 20 minutes late. I was running around other kids. When I got there I saw him playing shortstop with a big wad of gum in his mouth. I'm not sure who gave him the gum, but he looked like a real ball player out there! He noticed me in the bleachers when he went up to bat. He looked at me and gave me a big thumbs up....oh, I love that kid!

This picture cracks me up. Do you see the boy playing in the dirt in the middle of a play?

Landen loves having his Daddy to help coach. Actually, since Daddy is working late now Austin is assistant coach for Landen's team during practice. Landen loves having his big brother to help too! It's a good learning experience for Austin to help as well! Daddy is mostly the assistant coach at the games.

Here's a picture of when Austin played T-ball!

Both my boys are #1:)

They look so much alike.

~~I'm still enjoying dressing Farrah for Ballet~~ Farrah is still enjoying Ballet.

She just needs to learn to straighten her leg;)

big leap!

We are staying busy in school as well. Faith is studying the California missions. Here's us at the San Gabriel Mission.

My kids love for me to take pictures of them....

Here is Landen making a St. Patricks Day wreath for our front door.

He's doing it in a pattern and it's helped him to learn to almost tie his shoe.

Yay for busy work!

His finished product! He's so proud of himself. That's a lot of little knots for the little guy!

Oh, and I bet your wanting to know some baby news....... Here I am at 17 weeks!

Thank God, I am feeling much better!!!!

My hair is growing so fast (thank God!)....and so is everything else *sigh*

I love my belly bump, but seriously the back bump can stop growing already!

I finally had a doctors appointment and everything looks good. I love my new doctor! He was willing to listen to my concerns and we talked a lot about my options. They looked over my past medical records with my past 2 c-sections and will monitor me as I get farther along. My doctor would be willing to let me try a v-bac but my insurance won't cover me to deliver at the hospital that allows v-bacs. I'm delivering at a great hospital but they don't allow v-bacs there. So after a lot of prayer, I am going to be having my 3rd c-section.

Although, I would love to just deliver like Jodi Mockabee from the Bee Hive did...how she just gave birth v-bac in her own hallway!

How cool would that be...oh, whoops here comes baby. No recovery from surgery to deal with!

And.....is baby Ryan a boy or a girl?

Well, at my doctors appointment the baby was moving around so much we couldn't get a clear shot. The doctor said it's still to early to really tell.

Then we went in a couple days later to have a scan done at just one of those walk-in places. While looking at the screen I thought I saw a little pee pee. So did my husband and so did the kids...but the tech said it looked like a girl to her.

It was hard to tell...

I personally think it's still to early to tell 100%

I'll go back in at 20 weeks to take another peek and let you know for sure!

Either way boy or girl, it's hitting me now....I'm having another baby!

I'm going to be a Mommy of 6!

Old news....

2011-02-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

I am waaaay behind on blogging....

so some of this is old news.

I've been taking "coma naps"

and have been out of it.

coma naps: pregnant naps that knock you out and nothing can wake you up! (not even a screaming kid or two)

This baby is taking everything from me!

Don't worry the kids are all alive and the house is still standing....

Last week (wait..2 weeks ago) coma naps mess me up...was full of Valentines fun.

We enjoyed a Valentines play day.

Austin and Faith are such big helpers.

Lots of little ones....

We celebrated Berlyn's 1st birthday...all the cousins!

I think we're gonna need a bigger couch!
Cousins help Berlyn eat her cake!

Again, what would we do without Austin and Faith...they are so good with babies:)

My sweethearts!

We enjoyed a Valentines fondue party with some homeschool friends...

Austin made these, but I did find one that said, "I got my eye on you."

When I asked him who that was for he just smiled...

(I knew it was his crush he's had since 1st grade.)

silly boy...

I tried to keep myself under control at the fondue party...

Have you ever seen a pregnant lady at a fondue party? Exciting!

We had all kinds of goodies to dip in the fountain..I had to try everything.

Landen was in heaven too!

My friend asked Landen what he wanted to drink. She said, "we have water, juice, ice tea....."

Landen grabbed a cup and stuck it under the fountain and said, "no thank you, I'm fine with chocolate!"

I "think" he was joking???

Then again..

probably not!

Finley was in heaven too!

Full of giggles and chocolate smiles....

On Valentines I attempted to make a romantic dinner for Justin. The food turned out great.(I am getting better at this cooking) We had crab, lobster and fancy sides.

We had the table decorated with candles and the lights turned down....

But..

nothing romantic about having 5 kids trying to dig meat out of their crabs.

It was fun anyway.

A night to remember.

Nothing romantic about me slipping into a coma right after dinner either.

My husband did surprise me with a house cleaner!

Best gift ever!

I think he's getting tired of picking up the slack around here:)

Farrah started "Ballerina school" a couple weeks ago...

I think I love dressing her for dance class just as much as she likes dance class itself:)...

She is taking tap and ballet...

I love watching her shake her little booty around and concentrate so much on each position...

I have to bring all the kids with me.

The older ones do their work and Landen usually is playing blocks....

aka: making guns with blocks and shooting the dancers.

Finley watches with me and can't wait until it's her turn....

Everyday Farrah wakes up and asks me, "do I have ballerina school today?"

I have to tell her over and over, "Friday is dance class!"

She loves Fridays!

and we are working on learning the days of the week!

Both boys started baseball too! Mondays and Wednesdays Austin has practice. Tuesdays and Thursdays Landen has practice. Of course, Friday is dance and Saturday is games. Then Faith has theatre on Thursdays and Sundays...Oh and I have Zumba (stop laughing) on Mon and Wed. I think my cabin fever is cured! *sigh*

And..

Not to mention church, MOPS, field-trips, school etc....yes, were busy again!

I like to be busy though...

I still try and fit in coma naps in between:)

She loves ballerina school!

Can you tell?

and she loves.........

the new baby!

So, I still haven't seen a doc....yet

Getting in this week.

It's been hard to find one I trust!

I think I finally found one.

I think it's time to be seen...look how big I am!!!!

Helllllllllooooooooo belly....goodbye feet!

I know it looks like I was due last week, but I'm not due till Aug!

YIKES!

#6 isn't messin' around!

I'm hoping to get an ultrasound this coming week...

ok, I'm off to celebrate our dog Maggie Mae's 2nd bday. Faith just reminded me it was her birthday today. How dare I forget!

I better get to making that cake ~~because I'm cool like that~~because mama wants cake!

The cure to cabin fever.....

2011-02-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

not that I know what "real" cabin fever is.... I live in So Cal.

Thank you so much for you comments on my last post. I just love all you ladies and the encouragement I get here.

Am I a complainer when I'm pregnant or what?

I'm starting to feel a little better, thank God!

A little spark of energy and I wanted to do something, go somewhere....

I'm having road trip withdraws!

So, last minute we planned a quick trip to Brian Head, Utah.

Just 7 hours away...

That's a mini road trip to us now. ha!

We dropped the two little girls at Great Grandmas and took the older 3 with us.

I forgot to pack Landen his thermals, so he wore my tights as part of his layers....

He thought it was so funny and danced around the hotel in them.

This was the first time we took the kids skiing...well out of my belly anyway!

They were so excited...

Here they are all ready to hit the slopes!

Justin and I started snowboarding together when we first started dating. It was something we enjoyed doing together and still do....

We love that our kids want to learn how now too.

We have a timeshare in Brian Head, so we are making it a family tradition to take a ski vacation together every year.

Daddy teaching Faith....

I saw Austin get off the lift in front of me and before I knew it he was flying down the mountain....first time!

With his little brother not far behind....

Landen didn't know how to stop so he would just throw himself sideways and eat it pretty hard.

He loved crashing. He said it was, "Aweeeeeeeesome!"

The ski lifts didn't have any bars so it made me nervous to sit next to Landen as he wiggled around on it. He did fall off once, thank God we weren't that high up...

We couldn't keep up with Austin. He was having a blast, so he pretty much was on his own....

Only my son would flex at me while he's flying down the hill....yelling, "rock on!"

I should of had a leash on him!

Faith my cautious one....She likes to take her time going down and take in the beauty of the scenery around her.

She did race her brothers a few times.

We just couldn't believe how well Austin was doing.....

I didn't snowboard this time because of being pregnant. I just took it easy on the skis.

Brian Head ski resort , Navajo Lodge is so kid friendly!

We plan on bringing the whole family next time...even the baby.

They have a state licensed day care center. (which I'm not one to just leave my kids anywhere, with anyone) I checked this one out and I would be at perfect ease with leaving the little ones in there while I enjoyed some time on the slopes. Of course checking in on them every couple runs!

They do fun things for them and take great care. It's not crowded and it's very clean!

Next time we go we plan on taking Farrah out on the slopes too. She will be 4 and seeing how the Navajo is one of the nations best learning-to-ski resorts, it will be a great place to start her out.

We saw 3 year olds flying down the hill...

It was a perfect weekend to go..right after the storm. Lots of powder and the sun was shining!

We had a great time!

Enjoying some hot coco.......

Landen said it was the best day of his entire life!
I was beat after a long day of skiing...

We went back to our room where they had two fireplaces on for us.

ahhhhh....I enjoyed relaxing by the fire!

(It's on really, just doesn't look like it in the picture.)

It was our first time checking out our timeshare and we weren't disappointed....It was really nice and walking distant to the lifts.

The kids were mad I didn't pack their swim suits...opps!

They had a nice warm indoor pool!

We enjoyed dinner at Double Black Diamond Steak House ....

It felt good to getaway....
and don't worry I was safe and kept the little bun safe too!

Look how big I am already!

I haven't had an ultrasound of seen a doctor yet....

I've had a really hard time finding a doctor or midwife that I can trust.

I finally go on Feb 28.....everyone that has seen me swears I'm having twins...I just think it's a combination of me eating too many fried wantons and being that it's baby #6.

We should find out the sex then too!

Missing In Action

2011-01-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

too sick to be in action...

and I'm going crazy!

This pregnancy has been the roughest so far....

I feel like I have the flu 24/7.

I have very little energy....

I'm not one to sit around, I need to get out!

I love to be on the go....

Or else I suffer from serious cabin fever, and so do my kids!

It's been hard since we got home from our trip, kinda boring!

I know I have a full plate of raising 5 kids, baking one and being in charge of their education.

But, I'm bored!

Maybe it's just because we have slowed down and I feel yuck....

maybe pre partum depression ( is there such a thing?)

I just loved being on the go..learning and seeing new things

Don't get me wrong I LOVE my job, I am very blessed to be home with my kiddos.

I know many women who would give anything to be home with theirs....

I just get bored sometimes!

Maybe it's that I've been doing MOP's groups and playdates for almost 12 yrs now???

Recently the most exciting thing on our calendar is "park day" and I know this sounds really mean but I just can't get that excited about it.

I know I sound like a total brat right now.....

maybe I just need to get an outside hobby???

Or drag myself out even when I don't feel good....

There is only so much play dough one can do....

maybe I just need a little break???

Did I mention I lovvvvvve my kids and love being home with them...I really do!

I know my calling is at home and I know this is where the Lord would have me, but I think I just need to maybe get out and do something for myself...

Now, I sound selfish!

Boy, am I gonna hear it in the comment section now...

I'm just sharing what is on my heart.

I feel really bad even saying this because it might be taken wrong.

I want nothing more than to be the best Mommy in the world.

I think it's just something I'm gong through and I'll get over it....forget I said anything...

My husband and kids have been wonderful and helping out so much since I haven't been feeling well.

I helped by putting up this towel....that's about all I've done in the last couple of weeks.

I did finally brush my teeth and put on a hat to go somewhere...anywhere!
I just couldn't stand to do school in our school room. I needed to get out...

So we headed to the Lincoln Shrine
the only Abraham Lincoln museum west of the Mississippi.
Right in our own backyard. Redlands....

We were the only ones there and got a free tour. These men took a lot of time with the kids.

I didn't bring my camera, but I did take a few shots with my phone.

He was so tall!

I felt so much better just getting out, even if it was at a museum!

So the next day I made myself get out again.....

After our studies we figured we would check out more of our new city...

I took the kids to Olive Ave. Market.

cute market with old fashion candy...

Bad idea to go at lunch time!

I've never been stared at so much in my life.

A bunch of college age people...

I'm not sure if I was being stared at for feeding my kids ice cream for lunch

or the fact that I had them out of school (during school hours)

Or the fact that I'm showing already and they were counting heads and then looking at my belly...

I better get use to it:)

Or the fact that my kids decorated their sidewalk.....

This place was a nice stop.
They gave the kids chalk and bubbles....something different, something fun!

Maybe I'm just feeling a little blah cause I'm getting so old! ha!
I turned 31

I was not feeling very well on my bday, so we didn't do much.
I did go to tea with my mom at The Eating Room.
We did a little downtown shopping too!
I bought something for the baby:)

I really do love my life! I love my kids and know that I am really blessed!
I just think I'm going through a season...

Just in a funk, I need to snap out of!

It doesn't help that I'm a puff ball already!
I'm almost 3 mo. almost....

I did manage to get out and walk around the mall...

I decided I should get my ring cleaned. It's been forever! I went in and in front of the lady tried taking it off. I smiled at her and kept trying to pull it off. She just looked at me and said, "It doesn't look like that's coming off." Hmmm...I thought, why is my ring that is usually pretty loose so tight? I'm not even that far along yet! I told the lady that I would just wait and try and get it off later and bring it in.

I went to bed and figured I would try and take it off in the morning.

6am comes around and my fingers are tight and my ring finger is throbbing!

I figure if I take a cold shower and maybe bring my temperature down it might help loosen it. Nope.

Then I try conditioner and get one of the rings off. The other one is not coming off.

I can usually wear my wedding rings until I'm about 8-9 months along.

I try raising my hand in the air for a good minute to see if that would help. nope.

I went outside with wet hair at 6:30am to see if that would help shrink my finger....nope.

After my husband took a look at it and saw that it was swollen and black and blue he knew he had to cut my wedding ring off!

Now I'm walking around pregnant with 5 kids in tow and no wedding ring! Ah, that's what the stares were for at the market....and

Maybe that's why this guy came up to me and asked me to dance???

sure felt good to get out and let loose on the dance floor!

(at brunch in palm springs)

There I feel a little better!
Done complaining!

"It takes a strong family to combat this village that's trying to raise my child"

2011-01-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

Education involves not only what you teach your child, but what you keep them from learning as well. If I am trying to teach my child addition at home and he is learning that 1 + 1 = 3 at another place, then I am accomplishing nothing. If I am trying to teach my child to act like Jesus at home and he is learning not to act like Jesus elsewhere, then I am a failure. Parents are responsible to keep evil influences away from their children. Everything your child hears and sees plays a role in the development of their character, and as long as they live under your roof, you are ultimately responsible for their training and education.

It's not easy!

Trust me!

Don’t squander the eternal souls of your children for the temporary crumbs of this world. Your children are your only possessions from this world that you can take to heaven with you.

That is why I am willing to invest all my time and energy into these kids.
I took some of this from this article.

Great reminder as we are in full swing after Christmas break.

Happy Homeschooling!

2011-01-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

I think...

Finley will make....
a wonderful big sister...

Don't you?

Random Thoughts and Vents.....

2011-01-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

from a mom with raging hormones!

For those that didn't get a chance to watch the New Year's video...I have a bun in the oven!
I'm still in shock. You would think I would be used to this by now.

-I knew over Christmas, I just kept it my very own little secret.

-I didn't even need a test to tell me I was pregnant. I just knew it! I have a milk gland under my left arm and the minute I'm pregnant it hurts. ok, that was TMI but that's how I know.

-I finally took a test. I was right!

-I planned on telling my husband on his birthday which is the 29th of December. We ordered Chinese takeout the day before his birthday and I just couldn't wait so.... I slipped a note in his fortune cookie that read," surprise, you will be a new daddy again!"

-I must ovulate every day of the month!

-I should know that by now. ha!

-One of my best friends from childhood is pregnant we are only weeks apart. Our Mom's were pregnant with us together.

-We kept it from the kids but told them on New Year's eve over a toast. Austin and Faith cried. I thought they were mad, but they were so excited they started crying. Then we all started crying. Farrah thought we were lying. She kept saying, "how do you know?"

-We didn't plan on telling people until I started to show, I guess this baby wants people to know sooner than later.

-We were scared to tell family, so we just made a video and emailed it then turned off our phones. ha!

-We were in the process of adoption and had prepared our hearts for that. We were going through a Christian agency but I guess God had other plans.

-I am considering a Vbac2

-After family knew, we thought we would wait awhile to tell the world. My sister didn't get that memo and announced it on Facebook.

-I told my Mom I was Pregnant on New Year's Eve this time as well as when I was 18 and unmarried. This time was harder! She's happy though!

-My Dad is not happy about the announcement. I expected it. It still hurts.

-I wish I could have this baby in Washington and have Charlotte the midwife that delivered my cousin deliver me. I would love to do a home birth....well, until I reach 3cm and am crying and screaming for an epidural. I still would love to experience a natural birth.

-Landen said that if it's another little sister he will be really angry with God.

-Farrah keeps asking me every 5 min if the baby is ready to come out yet? It's going to be a long pregnancy!

-If I do have a c-section again this will be my 3rd and they will have to cut above the cement.fun!

-I am printing out all the comments saying Congratulations from this blog and my Facebook page to put in the baby book.

-I never thought I'd be pregnant in my 30's. I never thought I'd be pregnant this many times. ha!

-I swear I'm showing already, my husband thinks it's all in my head.

-My sister bought me 5 boxes of lemon heads she knows they help with my nausea.

-My heart breaks for my little sister. She has been trying to get pregnant for over a year. I felt bad telling her I was pregnant. She just told me to be thankful I have a fertile womb. I pray she gets pregnant soon and we can go through it together.

-I really am thankful I can have children, I know how many women suffer from infertility. It is a true gift.

-I find it sad that family would have the nerve to roll their eyes at the announcement of a new baby.

-I'm usually very tired at this point, this time I have energy and feel great. I'll take it while I can.

-You see people's true colors when you announce a pregnancy in the high numbers.

-I pray this baby is growing healthy and continues to do so.

-Thank you for all your love and support, I love my blog friends!

-We are really, really, really excited about this baby!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

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Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

My Montage 12/26/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-12-27T16:53:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2010

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