Just like me

There isn't much I can say is just like me when talking about Chase. He is more like Derek in pretty much every way. I'm okay with that. However I've come to realize that when Chase concentrates on something such as when he's trying to write his letters, he sticks his tongue out. I did that when I was young. I remember some of my teachers noticing and laughing at me (not in a mean way but in a that's cute way).

He has been doing really well during our school time lately. He's excited about starting kindergarten in the fall.

On a side note: On our way to church Sunday Derek and I enjoyed listening to the kids conversations. For whatever reason Chase kept saying, "you're freakin' me in" when he was talking to Maeley. Derek and I had a good laugh over that because he meant to say "you're freakin' me out".

Maeley's homework

In Maeley's class they are given a homework folder at the beginning of the month and it needs to be turned in the last day of the month. Maeley loves homework. Last month she finished all the homework in the first week. This month she finished in 2 days. When she gets going she just doesn't want to stop. Sometimes I think they are too easy for her. I think there was about 35ish pages this month. Now we are back to workbooks and spelling.

We are so proud of her for doing so well in school.

Friday

Derek was supposed to have President's day off however work is insanely busy right now and he had to work Monday. So I convinced him to take Friday off instead.  We all took Maeley to the bus stop and our neighbor offered to watch Chase and Zoe while Derek and I went out...all day (Thanks again Miriam). I know I am a pretty lucky girl that my husband is okay with going shopping on his day off and enjoying it.

Recently we have been adding some colorful new accessories to the family room. I wanted to took for a couple more things. We got a cute new throw blanket at TJ Maxx. Then we went to Loft. I love that clothing store. I tried on 3 pairs of pants and all of them fit wonderfully. That never ever happens to me. It must have been my lucky day. I ended up getting spoiled and got a few tops and 2 pairs of pants.

After that one of the main reasons I wanted to go into Albuquerque was because Paradise Bakery opened and I just found out. It's the first one in New Mexico! I've loved Paradise Bakery since the first time I ate there over 10 years ago. It was a huge let down. Its wasn't even the Paradise menu I know and love. I was mad so was Derek. We won't be going back...that is until we go back to Phoenix. This location is a test market for using the Panera menu with the Paradise name. Stupid idea if you ask me. I would have had a completely different expectation if it was called Panera.

We went to Restore and were disappointed with what they had that day. Then off to Hobby Lobby. We got some greenery for a new pot we bought. I'll post some pictures soon. We were going to finish with getting groceries but as we pulled into the parking lot I blurted out "maybe I should get my haircut". That lead to me getting about 3inches cut off. I realize that isn't much but I have hair that takes forever to grow and stops at a certain point. It's shorter than I've had it for a very long time. Lastly we got groceries and made it home in just enough  time to pick up Chase and Zoe and head to the bus stop. It was such a wonderful day. I could get used to more days like that.

flash back to 2009

Today Zoe asked to look at baby pictures of her on the computer. How fun that was. 

April 8th, 2009

If I remember correctly Zoe had just woken up from a nap and I lifted Chase to see Zoe. One thing lead to another and the three of them were in the crib having fun together. I love how Maeley is holding Zoe's hand.

Maeley: 3 1/2 years old

Chase: about 22 months old

Zoe: about 6 months old

Time sure has flown by. I love these kids then, now and forever! 

more random

Maeley has had a nice little break from school having Thursday, Friday and today off. It's been wonderful having her home. I realize how much I miss her while she's at school. I'm amazed by how she treats Zoe. Maeley really goes out of her way to help Zoe and they really enjoy playing together. I asked Chase the other day if he was enjoying all this extra time with Maeley. His response was he was happy that Maeley could keep Zoe away from him. I got a good laugh from that. Zoe and Chase can either play really well together or just get on each others nerves.

Thursday I had a parent teacher conference with Maeley's teachers. Again they had nothing but good things to say about her. She is above where she needs to be by the end of the school year already. Because her teachers don't think there is anything she needs to improve on I've decided that she needs help with spelling. She writes wonderful stories but often miss spells things. We are also working on addition and subtraction and of course reading. I just can't get over how much she has learned and grown over the past 6+ months.

Chase is loving his Lego's. I don't think a single day has gone by that he doesn't play with them. He can't follow all the instructions by himself yet however he is a huge help when I'm building them. He finds the pieces and watches how I'm doing it. I'm sure he'll get the hang of it soon. He does however take them apart often and tries rebuilding them himself. He already can't wait for more sets.

Yesterday during Sharing Time I looked over and was watching Chase. I caught him looking at our Christmas card with our pictures (it was in his scripture case because a couple weeks ago he needed a family picture to bring to class). Not only was he looking at it with a huge smile on his face but he was also kissing each of the pictures. He is so sweet. And I can't get over how much older he is looking. He certainly has grown up fast.

Zoe is just as sweet and cute as ever. She loves to play with her stuffed animals and dolls and if often changing their clothes. She talks a lot. I love how she recognizes when she's tired and I will find her lying in bed for a short rest, rarely does she take a nap. Zoe loves looking at books and being read too. I enjoy watching her draw pictures. Definitely the girls like to draw and color more than Chase.

Last month I got a new church calling. I'm a sunbeam teacher. Unfortunately not Zoe's teacher. There are 2 classes and I teach the other class. As much as I was bummed at first I think it's probably a good thing. I am enjoying being in sharing time because all 3 of our kids are in there. I'm realizing that this calling requires more patience then any other primary calling I have ever had. My class definitely isn't easy.

Derek is definitely busy because of work and seminary. He's working long hours and is exhausted by the end of the day. I'm not sure how he gets up so early each morning. He has a great attitude about it though. Seminary ends in the middle of May then he will have a nice break off.  Derek brought some wood home from work a couple weeks ago. The wood came from some equipment that was brought to the job site in a crate. He and another employee took the crate apart and took wood home. We are building nightstands. Our projects take so much longer when we don't have the time to do it during the week. Hopefully I can get all the pieces primed this week so Saturday we can start painting. I can't wait for a real nightstand again.  

100th day of school

Last week Maeley had her 100th day of school. She was to excited about it. In her class she was asked to make a poster with 100 items glued to it. It could be anything. Because Maeley rides the bus I didn't trust it would make it to school with all the items still on it so she did a poster with 100 stickers on it. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of it.

As if the 100th day of school isn't exciting enough it snowed during the night. We woke up to a surprise of snow. Maeley loved it.

The day before Chase and Zoe weren't feeling well. In the afternoon they both took a nap which never happens.

I'm glad it didn't last for more than a day. Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping child?

random thoughts

A couple weeks ago we had movie night which we hadn't done in months. The kids got Mr. Popper's Penguins. They loved it! Derek and I were simply entertained by listening to the kids laugh throughout most of the movie.

Saturday the kids got new sunglasses. Zoe picked out purple glittery ones. When Chase saw Zoe wearing them for the first time he said, "Zoe looks so gorgeous." I think he may be picking that word up from Maeley and Zoe's Fancy Nancy books.

We have a big family vacation planned with all of Derek's family in a few months. It was just a few days after finding out we were going that it was Saturday. Saturday is when we get all of the shopping done. When we pulled up to our first stop Zoe said, "Ugh, this isn't Disneyland." She was utterly disappointed. Later that day we made a paper chain link as a countdown until we are there. It was definitely a lot longer than I had anticipated. At least the kids now know its a long ways away and don't ask when we're leaving.

Last month we read The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Runaway Ralph, Ralph S. Mouse, and the American Girl Kit book series which has 6 books. And many small books too. Now we are onto the Ramona books. I'm so glad my kids enjoy listening to chapter books. I got really tired of reading the same short books over and over again. Its awesome listening to Maeley read. Although sometimes it takes patience letting her figure out new words. She has really learned so much in kindergarten.

I feel like Chase is finally enjoying our "school time".  For the longest time he was just so stubborn and didn't want to try. If he got something wrong he would shutdown. Then one day I told Derek about my frustration and Chase did as well. One little talk between Derek and Chase later and Chase is doing so much better. A huge difference actually. He still thinks its funny that I'm his teacher.

I just can't get over how big these kids are getting. I feel like my role as mom has changed drastically over the past year. I am no longer in the baby stage. The kids play together so well and generally don't fight. They are kids so there is some fighting. Plus they entertain themselves very well. Because they don't need me all the time like they did before I have more time to myself. The problem with that is I don't have anything to do. I want to pick up a hobby but don't want it to cost much. I love baking and would really enjoy getting better at my cookies however I love to eat them too. Maybe I could start a sewing project but that can add up fast too. I think I might just start painting closets because I hate the color they are now.

I've started exercising again 6 days a week. I notice a huge difference when I workout 6 days a week verses 3-4. I feel so much better. I do workout videos. I love Turbo Fire. I definitely get a good workout and I love the music. I've done them so many times (I did this for 5 months straight last year) that I just listen to the music and do the moves without really watching it. Now if I can kick the sweet tooth I have that would help.

first sewing project

I got a sewing machine for my birthday from my in-laws. I decided for my first project I'd start small and make blankets for the girls dolls they got for Christmas.

Zoe's blanket is to the left. Derek essentially played a game of Sudoku so every row or column does not have the same fabric.

Maeley's is to the right as she likes things to have pattern.

I consider it a success. For my first quilt I've ever made I think I did a pretty good job. It's certainly not perfect but it looks good. If you know my mom you know that she's a quilter. Maybe because I've subconsciously seen her make dozensof quilts (if not more), I found it wasn't half as hard as I thought.

sisters

There is no doubt that Maeley and Zoe love each other.

Earlier this week the girls wore matching outfits and even had their hair done the same way. I think they both enjoyed it as it doesn't happen very often.

You are what you eat

If the saying "you are what you eat" is true well then we've got ourselves a...

Cutie!

Seriously though she is addicted to these. When we went to Denver they had some and that's all she wanted for breakfast each morning. So when we got home I bought a big bag of them at Costco (we are on our third bag, I eat them too though). She eats about 3 every day. She loves to peel them herself and a cutie is what she prefers for a snack. My question is, in this case is too much of a good thing bad for you?

Pictures by Maeley

Using her new camera Maeley has had so much fun taking pictures. In order of which they were taken.

watching Power Rangers on TV while in Denver

Parker and Chase with Aunt Stephanie in the background

Grace and Bennett

Zoe and Maeley's dog's that go with their dolls

Mom and Dad icing cookies

self portrait

she took several pictures of the American Girl catalog

She's trying to save up her money to buy everything that goes with Molly.

capturing Chase making a silly face

the girls doll beds

another self portrait (and many more)

Zoe ready for the day sporting curly hair.

Mom and Chase

This was taken when I was reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle to them.

Zoe playing with her mini Kit doll.

catching me talking on the phone

It was really fun seeing what she took pictures of. This is a small sample. Other things she took pictures of were some of their favorite toys, pictures of our family pictures that are on the walls, many of the kids playing,  room pictures and Christmas decorations.

 

My little family

On the second day of going back to school after winter break Maeley just starting bawling. I rushed to her to see what was wrong thinking she might not be feeling well. She said, "I want to stay home. I just love being home with my family." This was coming from the girl who loves school. I wanted to cry right along side her. She said it in the sweetest most sincere way. After a little talk she was ready to go to school however she mentions it often now how much she loves spending time together as a family.

Saturday Derek and I tried to get too many small projects done at once. What we expected to be easy, fast and free ended up to be the opposite. The kids just played together upstairs. I honestly don't think they noticed I left 3 different times to go to Lowe's. They usually don't like when I leave or are at least very excited when I get home. They never once asked to watch a movie, or play on the computer, or play their game systems. And I never heard a fight or complaint or anyone cry. They just spent the entire day playing together. I think its what they all wanted to do. So often Saturday's are spent doing errands as I don't normally go anywhere during the week.  I am so grateful we had our kids so close in age. It hasn't always been easy but the friendship they all share now is amazing. They truly are each others best friends. Isn't that what every parent dreams for? I am so grateful for the love that is in our home. And I feel so blessed for the little family that we have. I love my family, they all make me so happy.

Denver trip: part 3

Parker and Chase

Chase loved having boys to play with and all boy toys too.

During the painting process I had gone downstairs for something and found all the kids in this circle playing a game together.

They all had such a wonderful time playing with their cousins. We are trying to figure out if the kids spring breaks coincide and get together again. 

Aunt Stephanie gave Maeley her old Cannon camera she doesn't use anymore.

Aunt Stephanie showing Maeley how it works.

There are definitely more rules to this camera than her kid proof one but she loves it. And I love the rechargeable battery versus going through so many AA batteries like her old camera did. Thank you Aunt Stephaine!

Chase 4, Braden 3, Maeley 6, Parker 5, and Zoe 3

Braden, Phil, Stephanie and Parker

We had a great time it was the break we needed. Thanks for having us Phil and Steph.

Denver trip: part 2

After coming back from shopping on Saturday Stephanie had asked us how to paint her cabinets. Well one thing lead to another and soon we were on our way to Lowe's to buy all the supplies.

This is the best before picture we got. Stephanie and I are cleaning the cabinets before the painting began.

This is the after. There are a few cabinets that don't have knobs on because they were the wrong finish. I think the after is so pretty looking. And from what I hear they love it and that's all that matters.

We started working on the cabinets Saturday evening and finished Monday morning.

Spontaneous trip to Denver: part 1

Back story: Derek had to work the Friday before Christmas even though it was technically a company holiday. He ended up using that holiday on the Friday before New Year's which meant he had a 4 day weekend. On Wednesday when he came home for lunch I could tell work was getting to him. I knew that staying home and taking down the Christmas decorations and organizing like we were planning on doing wasn't going to cut it. We needed a vacation ASAP. When Derek came home that evening I asked him what he thought about going to Denver and staying with his brother's family. He liked it, called and a little bit later we were planning on driving up to Denver Friday morning. That's pretty spontaneous for us.

Once we knew we were going to Denver there were a few stores we wanted to go to. Ikea for some nightstands (didn't get any though), American Girl and the Lego store. FYI Albuquerque has horrible shopping.

Saturday we did the shopping

I love Maeley's hair, it was a very windy day.

 Maeley was pretty excited to see her doll and all the clothes and accessories that go with her.

She ended up getting Bennett Molly's dog and Molly's birthday outfit.

It was funny because I had told the girls ahead of time they could choose something they wanted for their dolls. I then asked Zoe if she wanted Grace, Kit's dog. She was almost in tears because she wanted Kit's hat more than the dog. I then explained that she could get both. She was happy then. All she wanted was that hat. On Christmas when she opened Kit once she saw the book her first thing she said was "Where's her hat?" I was so sad because I was debating before whether or not to get it and I chose not. Whoops. I should have known better Zoe likes accessories.

We had such a fun time in this store. It was exciting to see the hair salon and dolls getting their hair done. All the neat things that you can buy for them and admire the quality. I am so glad my girls are into American Girl dolls rather than Barbie's.

After that we went to the Lego store and Chase picked out a couple sets. He got a fire engine and the log cabin.

Derek and I sure are enjoying the toys the kids are playing with now. Chase gets a lot of one on one time with both Derek and I playing Lego's with him. And the girls get plenty of playtime with their dolls and me assisting. Why didn't I think of buying myself a doll until the drive home?