She stole my heart like a ninja...literally.

Marinn... she is one of the most thoughtful and caring children I have ever met.  She was my first little baby and has taught so many things the last 8 years.

Last night we went to finish some birthday shopping for Taurin.  Marinn was very excited to be a part of the shopping trip and was very involved in every aspect.  She gave lots of great insight for cupcake decorations and when I tried to change my mind after making some decisions she said, "Mom, let's stay focused here.  Don't get side tracked."

As we were browsing some Valentine's cards for Andrew she came across one that was a sort of pop up.  As she opens it up it was this drawn hairy legs and polka dot boxer shorts and the second she opened it I was like, "Whoa! Put that one back!" She calmly puts it back and says, "Well that one is inappropriate."

She loves looking at greeting cards, all the songs and sparkles and fun paper we had fun looking through them and I found what I was looking for then we moved on to some presents for Taurin.

As we checked out she asks to help load the bags... which is very common with my children so I agree and she's very diligent in getting them in the cart immediately.  We had a great time shopping and finish up with a chocolate milk shake and some chicken nuggets from Chic-fil-A.

Once we get home she rushes inside and as I see her turn the corner I notice she seems to be concealing something in her jacket but I can't really tell what it is.  I ask her what she has and she just says she's going to take her jacket off.  I get caught up in the unloading of bags and don't really think anything of it.
Then, she comes up and suggests that I come up stairs with her and we change into pajamas.  She seem very set on me doing it right then and I agree thinking she just has enjoyed spending some time with me and wants to finish it off.
She heads to her room and I head to mine.  As I walk in the bedroom I notice a glittery, fancy Valentine card on my dresser.  I think... hmmm Andrew is really early this year.  OR... oh no! Did Marinn steal a card for me??  I open the card and find an adorable handwritten "I love you mom! From: Marinn" inside the card.  My heart sinks at the thought of Marinn wanting to give me a special Valentine card by stealing it.  I am conflicted thinking what I will do if that is the case.  I believe she knows better not to steal but I did not pay for that card.  Then I remember her act like she was hiding something the second we got home.  What am I going to do?!?

I call her into my room and she is so light and bouncing and proud as she sees the card in my hand.  I tell her that it was very nice and thoughtful but that I needed to know something.

"Did you steal this card Marinn??"

"NO Mom! I didn't.  You paid for it." she says surely

"No Marinn I didn't."

"Yes, you did. Remember when I was helping with the bags and I held that one up in your face for you to put in the cart?"

"Yes. I do" I remember her doing it and surprisingly this is not something new for me while shopping.  I remember thinking sheesh... just put it in the cart you don't have to shove it in my face.

"Well, when I put that in your face I handed my card to the lady and she rung it up.  It was only one dollar."

I flipped the card over and look at the price... $6.97.  "Marinn this card was not a dollar."

"I checked the receipt when we left I saw it on there I know she did it mom."  She says.

She did ask to look at the receipt when we were leaving the store and I let her.  She looked at it and mentioned how man $1 items we purchased in our trip and handed it back to me.  Now I believe her but I want to see the receipt... mostly to prove to myself how easily distracted I am.  And there it is right in the middle of all my other purchases, the $6.97.

I am just amazed that my ninja child has someone snuck a card into the cart, retrieved it, distracted me while passing it to the cashier, verified her purchase, and retrieved it again before coming into the house.  I am soo pleased with her.  She really had a desire to do something special.  Marinn loves to give gifts!  And the biggest gift of all was her ability to keep her morals in tact all while getting me a sweet card... that I literally bought for myself without knowing it!

Valentine's 2013

 

Marinn had to make a Valentine's Box or animal for school and so we decided to let Taurin and Shaw make one too... Can you guess who's is who's??

 Marinn specifically suggested that we not give her "Love Bug" any front teeth... Hmmm I wonder where she got that idea??

Taurin carried around her butterfly pretty much all day... Her name was Lizzie.  How do you like Taurin's all pink outfit?  I thought it was so fitting for the day.  

I didn't get a picture with Shaw and his monster guy but he had a great time suggesting all the colors and accessories for him.  He especially loved the pipe cleaners.  

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

A little taste of Christmas...

I just wanted to post two of my favorite pictures from Christmas....

The first one is from Christmas Eve when we were about to put all the kids to bed and Andrew was telling them what Christmas is all about (baby Jesus etc...).  He wanted them to be attentive and they were doing great, then in the midst of it I capture this split second of a moment where Shaw is reminding Blaize to pay attention... and well, Blaize is doing what little brothers do best.  Why the girls look like zombies?? I think they are exhausted.  **Kelly: That striped blanket in the one you gave me a few years back for Christmas, that I'm pretty sure you got at an amazing black friday sale... it is one of our favorites and is constantly being fought over**

This next one is from Christmas morning at my mom's when the whole family comes together to open presents after opening all the presents at our own houses.  I feel like this one just needs a caption.  It's my niece Tearony.

"With my mind on my money and my money on my mind!" 

Let's DO THIS!!

Tonight was our churches annual Christmas concert.  I wanted to go but was trying to figure out how to fit it in with Andrews crazy work schedule and 4 children.  I decided to just throw in the towel and pass on this years festivities.
Then this afternoon as I'm on the phone with my sister she mentions that she is going to the concert and suggest that I come along.  I express my concern that attempting an hour + concert with 4 kids doesn't really sound like something that will put me in that holiday spirit.  She suggest I pull out the secret weapon.... Candy.
I give it some thought and make the decision... let's DO THIS!

Being a mother of 4 young children I have come to realize that being a mom has A LOT to do with planning and preparation... so I made a plan.

-Gather Supplies:
     -$7 worth or candy = 1 bag of suckers, 1 bag of gummy bears, 1 bag chocolate covered raisins.
     -Large bottle of water (to wash down all that candy).
     -Blaize's sippy cup with fresh milk.
     -Wipes... lots of wipes.
     -Single stroller = to lock down the little one.
     -Hearty Bear. This is Blaize's favorite stuffed animal pal.... he just makes life a bit happier.

-The game plan:
     -Divide and conquer. Split up the children between my sisters kids who are helpful, older, and distracting and my sister.
     -Lock down Blaize in the stroller so he has limited movement.  He runs fast we don't want him taking off.
     -Distraction = let them enjoy a sucker so they think they are just hanging out eating candy when actually they are enjoying O Holy Night.

The result....

We choose a nice seat on the second row.... now some of you might be saying, "What are you thinking?!? Sit in the back!"  But sitting in the second row gives you great motivation to keep everyone obedient and quiet and it also gives you and them a great view of the show.
All the kids did fabulous.  Blaize enjoyed the large screens that always seemed to have some kind of movement playing on them that he found quite mesmerizing.  He also realized it was cool to clap and cheer on the second to last song.  Shaw enjoyed a nice comfortable lounge with his head rested on Aspyn's lap and his feet elevated on my sisters lap... such a dude.  Marinn and Taurin did so great the only time I knew they were there is when they were asking for another sucker.
Overall I would say it was a success... but when they say it takes a village to raise a child I would totally agree.  I couldn't have done it without my sister's family helping me out and helping my family enjoy the holiday festivities.

Don't think you've missed out on the Christmas concert fun because they are doing it again tomorrow night!! And guess what? Tomorrow night they offer child care ; ) ; )  (You might be asking why I just didn't go tomorrow night...well, that because I'll be there to watch your kids!  Don't worry I'm leaving the candy home.)

Christmas Decorating:Memory Making

Since we don't have a mantel,  we found a new place to hang our stockings this year.  I particularly like this idea because it's about 2 feet or more higher than any of my children can reach... perfect! 

We also devised this space saving placement of our tree... that's right we put it right on top of the coffee table in the corner.  I really like this because there are no lights in this living room and it always seems dim in the evenings.  I'm considering just leaving the tree up all year so we have a nice happy glow in the living room :) 

I have such beautiful tree models. 

For the last 3 years I have video taped parts of our Christmas morning to put together a video of some highlights of Christmas.  Last year I decided to put them all on one DVD and pack it away with our Christmas decorations.  So that this year we can sit down as a family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and watch the years past and see how everyone has grown and changed.  I didn't really plan it out to be that way but just thinking about having something like that, that we can add to every year is so exciting.  Many years down the road when all the toys have worn out and the memories have faded I will be able to give my children 10+ years of Christmas mornings. 

This year I decided to record our tree decorating, it's not crazy exciting or wild but it shows us as a family and it will be fun to add to our Christmas DVD collection.  Here's to making some memories this Christmas! 

Concern from a child...

The other day Andrew and I were sitting on the couch as he was telling me about a difficult person he dealt with that day.  It was a pretty serious and intense story that Marinn happened to be overhearing as she sat next to us.  Andrew was basically describing a type of physical danger that comes with his job.
In the midst of the story Marinn interjects with concern, "Dad, you should really be careful."
Andrew and I look at each other with that look of, 'Oh isn't our child so thoughtful and sweet to be concerned about her daddy's safety.'
About the time that thought has crossed our minds she adds, "Because the remote is right there behind the pillow and I don't want you to crush it."
BAHH HA HA!  We both just died laughing realizing she was not concerned for him at all but concerned about the safety of the remote.  I guess she has full confidence in his super hero powers.

Marinn & 1st Grade

Today was Marinn's first day of the 1st grade.  She was really excited about her outfit :) 

About to head into class. 

 

Finding her seat in Ms. Ford's class. 

Kindergarten                                                                                                                               1st Grade

I think the similarities in her hands are hilarious. Is she nervous?

Another first...

A few weeks ago Marinn comes running out of her room and says, 

"Mom!  The most wonderful thing has happened to me?!" 

I say, "What's that Marinn?"

With such pride and excitement she exclaims, "I have a wiggly tooth!!!"  

Then, on July 28th, 2012 she lost her first tooth.  It's amazing how something kind of disgusting and a bit gruesome to see can be so fun and exciting.  

After leaving her tooth under her pillow she received 2 gold one dollar coins.  

She asked me the next day, "Mommy, was it you or Daddy that really put that under my pillow and not the tooth fairy?"

I was honest and told her it was Andrew.  

She said, "Okay, I won't tell anyone."  She wasn't disappointed and seemed a bit pleased that she had figured it out on her own.  Pretending can be fun.  

Nuts?!

 

The other day Marinn was playing a game of leap frog with Shaw and Blaize.... well, she was basically jumping over them and they were laughing.
She jumps over Blaize, then as she jumps over Shaw she doesn't quite make it high enough and totally clocks her "potty parts" (for lack of a better term) on Shaws head.  She grabs herself and says, "OH, MY NUTS!"
I laughed out loud and couldn't even bring myself to correct her because I knew I wouldn't be able to hold together a straight face.
Because there are no older boys in our family or friends I feel like I have the public school system to thank for this hilarious moment.

Vacuuming...

We were cleaning up the house today and the kids had picked up their toys but wanted to help more. Yay! Could any mom turn that down???

Taurin got to vacuum and Marinn and Shaw tackled the dishes.  

 Taurin was hilarious vacuuming... she was so concerned about holding the cord up out of the way.  Thanks to my Kirby's awesome "Drive" mode she was able to maneuver the vacuum quite well.  

Now the dishes are done, the carpet is vacuumed and the kids feel accomplished. 

Oh Marinn...

Marinn was helping me fold some laundry... she loves a competition so she decided she would divide the laundry between the two of us and race to see who could fold it the fastest.  She was winning and would occasionally throw an extra piece in my basket.  I threw a few back in hers, but she was paying attention and gave them right back to me.  So, I decided to get sneaky and told her to check out the cool birds outside on the tree so I could put some in when she wasn't looking.  She glanced over for a moment (I barely had enough time to toss some in), and turned right back saying, "I'm not going to look because it might be a trick.... So, I'm not going to look."  Then inspecting her basket she notices the new articles of clothing and promptly tosses them back in my basket.  When did tricking a 5 year old become soo difficult?!?!

Marinn's funny quote of the day:

Marinn is in the van asking everyone what they want to be when they grow up... she gets to Blaize and very animated asks, 

"Blaaaaaize, what do you want to be when you grow up?!"  

There is a pause.... "Oh... he said he wants to be a food messager.  I know that's what he said because when I asked him he looked at his feet." 

Marinn's celebrity look a like... Joey King (Ramona and Beezus)

She even has very similar mannerisms. Crazy!

Chili's Coma

The other night we went to Chili's with a few friends, it was a busy night there and we waited for awhile and the kids were really hungry by the time they got their food.  

Shaw had a corn dog kids meal and 3 glasses of chocolate milk, he was a happy camper.  We were all visiting and Marinn leans over to Melissa and says, "SHHHHhhhh, Shaw is sleeping." And she looks over to see this....

 Shaw was totally out, in a Chili's coma.  This is very uncommon for any of my kids but it was soo hilarious.  How could we not take a picture??

Shortly after this we headed home and as we were walking to the car, Taurin says to Shaw, "Shaw Boy,  you looked so cute when you were sleeping in the rest-R-ant.  You looked sooo cute!"

Healthy Eating.... Kid Style

Over the past few weeks we have been transitioning our eating habits to a much healthier way of living, more veggies and fruit and less sugar and dairy.  Anyhow, even though it is extremely challenging we are enforcing healthy eating not just for us but our entire family including a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 2 year old.  Have they complained at most of the dinners I have made in the last few weeks? YES! But they have eaten it and sometimes even enjoyed what I served.

Tonight I made hamburger patties with a tomato and cucumber salad and some sweet potato fries.  I thought the kids were going to be ecstatic at the idea of fries as part of our meal, but to my surprise they weren't interested in the fries and were asking for seconds of the tomato and cucumber salad.  I think I might be winning over their healthy taste buds!  Could it be?!

After dinner they were rewarded with a delicious healthy dessert:

1/3 sliced banana
1/8 C. blueberries
handfull of sliced almonds, large flake coconut, raisins
1/4 C. of Almond Milk

They really enjoyed their dessert, but asking Marinn what she thought she said it was good but it would have tasted even better with a large scoop of chocolate ice cream in the middle.  Ahhh glad to see they are still kids at heart.  ; )

All I want for Christmas....

The other night as we were standing in line to see Santa I asked Marinn what she was going to tell him she wanted for Christmas.  She told me she couldn't say.  I reminded her that it was me and Daddy that bought the gifts so if she wanted something specific she should let us know.  Her reply was precious.
She said, "Mom, you and Dad can get me whatever you would like to get me, I will like it."
She was totally sincere and it just melted my heart.  She still wouldn't tell me what she was going to tell Santa.  After a good 45 min of waiting in line it was our turn.  Marinn and Taurin sat on his lap and he started to ask them if their room was clean and if they cleaned it themselves. He was a great Santa!  Then he asked Taurin what she wanted and she told him a baby doll.
Then he asked Marinn, she replied, "Some gloves, my hands are pretty cold."
We couldn't help but giggle when we heard her request, we had been standing outside in the cool weather for quite a long time and I guess gloves sounded like just the right thing for the moment.

Later the next day I mentioned getting rid of some of the old toys to make room for the new ones they would be getting for Christmas.  The next thing you know Marinn and Taurin have loaded up all of their toys but about 3 stuffed animals and anything that wouldn't fit in a Wal-Mart bag.  I was happy to see that they weren't so concerned about having it all and they would freely give it all up in a moment.  We went back through their toys and put some back so they would have something to enjoy until Christmas came.  I'm excited to see their faces light up on Christmas morning,  even more so feeling like they know the true meaning of Christmas and the joy of giving.

Health Food and Fasting

As parents we try to feed our kids healthy foods, but what do we do when they don't enjoy our selections?  Do we give in to their pleas of disgust and give them the bad stuff they enjoy? 

In general my children have done pretty well eating what I serve them,  I always try to make things taste good and allow them small servings at a time so they aren't overwhelmed by new flavors.  Recently there have been many meals where my kids just don't want to eat what I'm serving and the other night at dinner I was frustrated that no one was eating and asked Andrew what I should do to solve this problem.  He had an idea that we have seen used by friends that has been effective and decided it was time to get serious.  

THE RULE: When dinner is served you have 30 minutes to eat what you are served, if you do not complete your meal dinner is over and you can continue eating what was served for dinner at breakfast the next morning.  This rule continues to all remaining meals until it is finished.  

So... I let the kids know the rule even gave them some incentive of a piece of chocolate cake for finishing their dinner.  Here were the results.

Marinn: Quickly finished her food and happily enjoyed a piece of chocolate cake. 

Shaw: Ate a few bites and was dissatisfied with the flavor.  He was served the same meal for the following breakfast and ate a few more bites,  but still didn't complete the meal.  Lunch time came and his hunger got the best of him, he quickly finished the dinner and then gladly enjoyed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  

Taurin: Ate a few bites of the dinner.  Ate a few bites the next day at breakfast and lunch.  All day she was hilarious... she kept saying she was sleepy, that she wasn't hungry, giving us puppy dog eyes and asking for hot dogs.  The funniest part was I kept finding her laying like this....

Face down in the carpet, pitiful and patiently waiting our surrender.  Dinner came and she had about 5 bites of food remaining from the dinner before.  She finally finished and was rewarded with lots of mac and cheese, a hot dog, and a cheese stick.  

Since that day, meals have been pleasant.  Everyone is gladly finishing their food and actually complimenting the chef.  

Food Drive for Shaved Heads

Marinn's school is doing a food drive.  I sent her to school with a backpack full of cans letting her know that if they brought in enough the principal would shave his head.  She was excited about this idea and was fully willing to carry the load of cans for the cause. 

 

Andrew picked her up that afternoon from school and as she came in my mom asked her if she turned in her cans... she said very disappointed, "I didn't get my head shaved! Mom, I didn't bring enough to get shaved!"  I giggled that her competitive nature went so far that she wanted to win even if it meant her getting her head shaved.  She was seriously disappointed that she still had hair.  

After explaining that the principal would be the one shaving his head she was okay with the idea, and we sent her off again today with more cans. 

**This was a quick photoshopping adventure and I apologize for the poor quality, but I still think it's hilarious.... I actually used an old picture of Andrew's shaved head for this**

VBS & a Life Lesson

This week was VBS (Vacation Bible School) at church.  Marinn was so excited to go and was down for anything.  There were a few competitions throughout the week including a "Best Rock Star Glasses" and "Best Rock Star Hair".  

I wanted to hook her up with some rockin' glasses so we took a pair she had and added some serious glam to them.  She was excited when I dropped her off and she was sure she was going to win.  

That night when I picked her up she was in tears because her team had not won and she was upset because she knew hers were the best.  The conversation on the ride home went something like this:

Marinn, "I should have been on the green team because they always win.  Tomorrow I'm gonna be on the green team!"

Me, "Marinn, you can't change teams. You just have to try your best and see who wins, but you can't get upset if it's not you." 

Marinn with a look of total determination in her eyes says, "Tomorrow you are gonna give me the BEST  and BIGGEST rock star hair, I'm gonna wear rock star clothes, and shoes and my glasses and I'm gonna win tomorrow... I KNOW IT!"

It felt like I was listening to a coach inspiring his team right before the Super Bowl. 

Needless to say I agreed to help give her the best rock star hair. 

So, the next day came and as the children were napping I googled rock star hair and stumbled upon a youtube tutorial on how to do a female faux hawk. 

When Marinn woke up from her nap it was time to get down to business, after some serious back combing and hair spray this is what we got....

Oh yes, and some jello / red food coloring to add the red to the sides... so appropriate since she was on the red team.  She was ready to go! On the way there we went over how she was going to congratulate the team who won and if she won to tell the other teams good job.  I felt confident she would be good either way.  

As we walked into the church just about every staff member we passed complimented her on her hair.  I think that alone was a great prize, but in the end her team did win and they got the coveted Pop Rock's prize.  Life Lesson learned.

*CAUTION: When attempting this hair style be aware that this will take you approx. 30 min of combing with conditioner soaked hair to get it out. 

Funny Thought from the Past: I know that at this age the outcome of some of these competitions depends on the parents, what they are willing to do to help their child win.  I remember in high school a girl brought this amazing scale model of some shakespearian building for her project.  I was so impressed until I heard that her father was an architect.  At the time I was irritated because her project was so much cooler than mine, but I didn't have an architect as a father.  But now that I am a mother and I want my children to succeed and be the best that they desire to be, I can understand a bit better.  My kids will just be saying, "Yeah, I know my projects the best, my mom helped me with it, she's a crazy googler!"

We can't all be architects.    

All in a Day

The kids got some serious play time in the "pool" the last few days.  They have been splashing and jumping and flinging water, having a great time.  It's been in the 100's so being wet is the only way to survive the heat and they all have a pretty good tan to show for it. 

 Marinn was sitting in this basket and requested that I take a picture... she waited patiently while I tracked down the camera.  So glad she asked because I was able to get all these other great shots too : )

 I love Shaw's face in this one... so desperately trying to be like his sister. 

 Great fish face Taurin! 

 I think this picture could totally sell some sunscreen, swim suits, snorkels, color contacts, etc... Love it!

 Great example of their real personalities.

 Blaize watching all of the craziness... dreaming of the day he'll get to join in.

 Daisy lounging around keeping an eye on all the kids.  

Quote of the day:

Taurin, "Rolly Polly's have poop and pee in their mouth and they put their head in the toilet and poop and pee out of their mouth."