Leah turned SIX

Well she went and did it. Turned SIX years old on me. It's crazy I tell ya. She must have made a hundred different plans for her birthday but when it came down to it, we decided on just a few friends (since she had a BIG party last year) and we went to see "The Secret World of Arriety" which had just come out that weekend. Then we came back to our house, made a craft, made our own pizza (yum), and had cake and ice cream. The girls had a blast running around and being silly and I think it was a successful day.

Had to document the making of the cake. Her awesome daddy even ran to the store for me at 9:30 at night because I ran out of cupcake liners. That's LOVE!

That's a whole lotta frosting. Leah's favorite!

Leah is always very nice and let Ashlyn bring her best friend Grace. The "other" Ashlynn is a family favorite around here, so she came too. And of course Leah's newest BFF from Kindergarten, Gracie.

Bad picture, but it's the only one I got in the theater. I didn't think people wanted me using my flash again, so it'll have to do.

This is actually from before the party started. Waiting EVER so patiently at home for the time to arrive.

After the movie!

And in the car. Good thing we limited it to three friends. That's all I could fit in my car.

The girls worked on a foam cupcake name place while I got busy getting the pizza dough ready.

The girls helped spread the sauce and cheese. They did a great job. That was some CHEESY pizza!

Presents and cake. 

Kylan and Khloe came over with my mom who is in town babysitting for Ty and Heather.

The girls being silly!

Dinner time.

Present time!

Gracie got her a matching shirt and Hello Kitty diary.

She was SO excited about this "color your own" messenger bag. It was a huge hit. Thanks Ashlynn.

Grace got her a LaLaloopsy Doll which is just TOO cute!

Another fav was a salon chair for her doll.

No party is complete for Leah without at least a few new clothes.

And Brandon thought he was the best present of all!

Gracie is little enough that she fit too.

Cake and Ice cream!

And that was a wrap! The party went by so quickly I was afraid we wouldn't get everything done in time. But we did and the girls had a few minutes to play together before the parents came to get them. 

The morning of Leah's actual birthday DAY, she requested breakfast in bed with her last present. Bacon and a poptart with strawberries and chocolate milk. 

Definitely a happy little girl!

 New boots. She was dying for some and I was glad they arrived in the mail JUST IN TIME!

And this is what Carter's favorite thing to do right now is. It's NO good.

All dressed up and ready for school. She took juice and cookies for her friends. I think she had a fun day. Till next year!

Birthday Interview (favorites):

What is your favorite color? pink and purple
What is your favorite food? chicken pesto and pasta
What is your favorite drink? lemonade and milk
What is your favorite dessert? ice cream, and cookies and ice cream
What is your favorite show/movie? Wizards of Waverly Place
Who is your best friend (s)? Gracie, Denise and Kayla (school friends)
What is your favorite game to play? Red Light, Green Light
What is your favorite sport? Gymnastics
What do you want to be when you grow up? Teacher
Do you want to go on a mission? Yes, I want to go to Guatamala (like Daddy)
What is your favorite thing about school? Everything
What is your favorite thing about church? Learning about Jesus

We just love this little girl around here! I admit we've had some rough years with her. There were times I thought I was fighting a losing battle with all the fits she would throw and whining she did. She's definitely a strong willed little thing. But she has turned into such a sweet and loving little girl. She loves her sister and brothers and mom and dad. She's snuggly and giggly. She is a good helper to me and loves to help take care of Carter. She also loves to help me cook. No matter what I am making. Although treats are her favorite. She works hard to earn her allowance and is always first to remember to pay her tithing. She loves school and learning. She comes right home and gets her homework done all by herself. She's quite independent. She loves clothes and fashion and all things girly. She has SO much excitement for life that I think she might burst with joy sometimes. So despite all the struggles me and her have had, I wouldn't trade her for anything. She's my little Leah Peah and I love her!

A little bit of this and that

The boys playing in the backyard. Seriously the weather has been cool (and sometimes awfully windy), but all things considering, the kids have still been able to play in the backyard for at least some of the day. Not too shabby for February. Carter would go out and play no matter what the weather, but I have to keep him inside some days. He's never too happy about it.

Valentines came and went. I admit, I kind of hated Facebook on Valentines Day. But if you think  about it, everyone gets on there to post about some cool thing they did on V Day. But in your mind all you are reading is thing, after thing, after thing. And you get down on yourself, thinking you didn't do enough. For your kids, for your hubby, for your friends...whoever. But really, for the most part, you are reading lots of little things that everyone did. It just appears that everyone did a TON because well, you read about everyone's little things all at once. Am I making sense? Anyway, I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with FB. But whatever. I will get off my soap box. WE did a few little things around our house. Store bought valentines for the kids to take to classmates. The kids each woke up to a little valentine gift from me and Paul. I heart attacked my girls door and hung balloons in the kitchen. Didn't think to get up early and make a pink breakfast, but Paul made me breakfast in bed and told me to sleep in a bit. But Leah didn't like that too much so about 10 minutes later she came into my room and told me I had to get up....because, well I am the mom and need to get up (according to her). 

I put notes in my girls lunches, but mixed them up and Ashlyn got Leah's and visa versa. They thought that was pretty funny. I bought kabobs for dinner and after getting the kids to bed (a TINY bit early), Paul and I had a nice dinner together and even sat by a nice crackling fire (that we hardly ever turn on because of the kids....and well, it needs to be cleaned). The girls thought it was funny that we were having dinner "in the dark"(it wasn't really dark), so they kept sneaking down to giggle at us. 

Overall it was a really nice day and I think the kids had a good holiday. 

No, I do not have twins. This is all for Carter. And it will only last about a week. Since he eats nothing solid....he goes through a lot of baby food (about 6 jars a day). Plus he drinks a lot of milk. Probably too much. I'm really just grateful he'll eat something though. And really it's better for him than crackers and cheerios, so whatever! He'll grow out of it eventually, I am sure. 

This is what Leah drew during church last week. At first glance it looks like a devil's house, but no that is our church with the steeple (a little too pointy). Haha....But I thought it was adorable. That is me and her on the left and Ashlyn on the right (incase you can't tell with all that RED curly hair). 

And she wrote this all by herself. I was quite proud. I didn't know she could write that well. But if you need some help, it says, "I was at church and I was having fun. And I had fun."   I can't remember what the picture on the bottom right meant though. 

BOYS

I guess this is what happens when your girls are at school all day. You end up with lots of pictures of your boys and none of your girls. Kind of sad. But honestly, these pictures are just blah blah stuff that Brandon either took or asked me to take. Life is pretty hum drum around here. Meaning, nothing out of the ordinary going on. Life is definitely busy. Don't get me wrong. I realized the other day that I now have something going on almost, if not every, morning of the week. I tell ya, it's a struggle to keep Carter awake all morning with all my running around. But nap time is pretty darn important (for more than just a break for me), so I do my best to not let a short cat nap in the car ruin it. Today I was at the girls class all morning, so nap time definitely got ruined on the LONG 40 minute round trip drive it takes to take my babysitter home. Yes, it's a sacrifice, but if you saw how happy my girls (particularly Leah) are when I walk into their classrooms, you would do it too! Plus, I only go every other week, so it's not too bad.

We've spent a lot of time at the park this week too. Beautiful California weather. I'm really loving it. Plus hanging out with my friends is pretty awesome too. I've found it's pretty boring at the park without friends. They definitely make all the difference. I think my kids would agree also since Brandon asked to go home 10 minutes after getting to the park today (because our friends hadn't shown up yet). 

Paul's working late tonight, which isn't too normal, so I can't complain. Got to go to the movies earlier this week. Saw a good one this time. "Man on a Ledge". It was a fun, action packed flick! Then Paul had a church meeting the next night and me the night after. So night times aren't slow around here either. 

I realized the other afternoon how much I love having these four crazy kids of mine (ok, it's not the first time I've realized this, but you know what I mean). The boys were outside playing in the yard (I LOVE that they are starting to play together more) with Leah running in and out between playing with them and watching TV. She had already finished her homework, but Ashlyn was still sitting at the table working on hers. I was helping her, working on dinner, and watching the boys out the kitchen window while I cooked. It was almost picturesque. Made me feel good! And grateful for all the things I have. Don't get me wrong....these moments don't always happen, but when they do I try to relish in them. Helps me through the times I'm carrying Brandon out of church kicking and screaming while someone is asking if they can help me with Carter (true story... it happened last week.) There's always the good with the bad right?

Paul and I are going on a Valentine's date tomorrow. Going to see the play "Fiddler on the Roof" and then dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I'm excited. Feel like I've hardly talked to him all week.

I actually have some pretty awesome footage of Leah throwing a fit right at the same time I was taking these pictures of Brandon jumping on the trampoline. But she probably wouldn't be too happy if I posted them. Suffice it to say, they are pretty hilarious (well to me anyway)! 

OH and I'm gonna make these on Sunday. I'm so excited. Don't they look delicious? I love all things lemon!

Brandon got new shoes. He wanted me to text a picture of them to Daddy. Funny that my kids know all about texting, and Facebook and blogs and such. 

The week in review

Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and think about what you did during the week. Here are a few of the highlights. Good and bad.

Upped Brandon's speech therapy to twice a week instead of once a week. I'm glad I said something to the teacher because technically he only qualified for once a week, and I don't think she is allowed to increase it without a parent requesting it. But as soon as I asked, she said yes and that she felt he needed twice a week anyway. So he now goes Monday and Wednesday from 11:30-noon. It makes my schedule a little more hectic (mostly cuz I have to try and keep Carter awake until we get home so his nap isn't ruined), but I know it will be worth it in the end. Brandon is working hard on his "s" sound and I've noticed a bit of an improvement. I know it takes time with kids as young as he is. 

Went to the movies (one of my favorite things to do) Tuesday night. Movie was good, but depressing. Seriously, on the way home me and my friend talked about how awful it would be if our husbands and/or kids died. Incase you were wondering we saw, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close". 

Started back at "Ladybug Music" with Carter. He loves going. When the music CD comes on in the car, he starts to clap. It's adorable. 

Went to my first "Saints Bootcamp" class on Wednesday morning. My friends have been trying to get me to go for forever I think. I'm glad I finally went. It was a great workout and I seriously can barely walk up and down the stairs today, my legs are so sore. Looking forward to spin class on Saturday morning. Gotta get on a better eating schedule or I'm just gonna be bulking up instead of trimming down. 

Going on a mommy/daughter date tonight with Ashlyn. She wants to head to the mall to see if she can find a new Calico Critter for her budding collection. She only has $10.00 from her allowance and those little dolls are expensive so I told her not to get her hopes up. I'm sure we'll get an ice cream or some little treat, which I guess won't help the "trimming down" part, but oh well.

Leah has her Daddy/daughter date tomorrow night. She's planning on hitting "Toys R us" with her allowance money. I try to tell them if they would save it, they could get something better, but they get too excited about buying something. Guess I can't blame them. 

Went to the park three times so far this week. Might go once more. We are lucky to have nice weather and great friends to go with. 

Speaking of friends, I am anxiously waiting for my friend to look at a rental house down the street from me. Hoping her and her hubby like it and they will be making the big move up to Santa Clarita. The land of the minivans (lucky for her she already has one). Haha... Her appointment to see the place got postponed so I might have to wait a bit longer to find out anything. 

Only had a couple of meltdown fights with Brandon this week. That's good actually. He's a hard nosed one. I've got to work on being more patient with him. But over all he's pretty sweet and has been "helping" me up and down the stairs since my legs are so sore today (pathetic on my part I know). 

Had an awful nights sleep Wednesday night with little man who's diaper leaked at 12:30 in the morning. Got him cleaned up and changed, but then he refused to go back to sleep until almost three in the morning. I guess it was paybacks for him going to bed so easily last night (should have known it was too good to be true). Went out and bought overnight diapers. Here's hoping they work.  I am making progress with getting him to bed though. It was taking quite a while there for a bit. He's learning I'm not going to rock him to sleep though. It's been hard on us both I think.

Bought new shoes for Carter. Seems he wears a 5 1/2 and I've been shoving his poor little foot into a 3 1/2. No wonder he's been popping the velcro right off. I know... you'd think I would have figured it out sooner, this being my fourth kid and all. Well, I did know they were getting small. I just didn't realize HOW small. In my defense, the 5 1/2's are a bit big. Thought I'd give him some growing room.

In Paul's news, he's showing his model of "Stoic" (the dad in How to Train your Dragon Part 2) today to JK (that's Jeffery Katsenburg incase you didn't know). Might be showing him even as I type. Cool huh! I know it'll go great. He's been working hard on him for a while now. 

And the best news of the week (well besides the fact that Paul and I get to go on a date Saturday night), I didn't lose Carter this week. Not even once. Yay! Go me. (hahaha...)

And as a funny side note: Brandon was playing "Plants vs. Zombies" on my IPad a little while back when he says to me. "Ahhh...I'm so bad at this game...them always eat my brains!" I had a good laugh about that. 

Oh and I read 5 1/2 books last month. That has GOT to be a record for me. By a long shot even. Now I am having to take a break from reading and catch up on all the things I neglected while I was reading. 

Okay so this little guy might be a major bolter as soon as I set him down on the ground, but he is DANG cute! It's a good thing too cuz some days I think I might pull out my hair chasing after him. Or maybe that's why I'm having all these gray hairs growing in all of the sudden. Couldn't be my age?!  haha... Okay, so whatever it is, I'm just grateful for hair dye.

In other news, I bought my tickets today to go to my nephews high school graduation in May. It's just gonna be me and the girls going. I'm really sad Paul isn't coming with us, but not so sad that the boys aren't. Don't get me wrong. I love them to pieces. But traveling with any kid under four is just not fun to me. The girls however are older. They will be fun. And I might actually get to enjoy my nephews graduation ceremony instead of chasing Carter around the stadium. So while I will miss my boys back at home, I am excited to go on a trip that might actually be fun instead of work. 

Plus, I just planned a super fun Valentine's Date for me and Paul. I tried to call him to get his input on the plans, but since he didn't answer, I just thought I'd surprise him instead. I hope he likes it. Sometimes ya just gotta do something different than dinner and a movie, (although I do enjoy a good movie and a yummy dinner. And I guess dinner IS still involved in the date. We do have to eat after all). Anyway, I'm rambling. I think it'll be fun!

Busy Awards Day

Ashlyn and Leah BOTH got awards at school today. Their teachers must be in sync or something (either that or they go alphabetically). Let's think the first. I was suppose to be at Carter's first day of music class but I couldn't very well miss watching them get their awards, so I guess I will be making up his class. Thankfully I am tight with his teacher because "things" seem to come up quite frequently and I find myself missing music class quite a bit (I try not to take advantage though). It's irritating, but I guess part of life with four little kids. But back to the awards. So they both got awards today. Ashlyn's was at 9:40 am so I headed over the MPR to watch her. Thankfully Brandon was at preschool since you might remember the meltdown Brandon had at the last assembly I was at (think Leah's Christmas program). I thought it was going to be a piece of cake with just Carter. Yeah right...think again. SO I'm watching Ashlyn get her award. Carter won't stay quiet in his stroller, so I take him out and let him walk around. He doesn't like to stay by me so I'm watching him more than I'm getting to watch Ashlyn. The end of the program comes and they tell all the parents they can come up to take pictures. I was like YAY (since I didn't get a good one of her actually receiving her award because of said 1 one year old). I walk up to the front, with the mass of other parents and wait my turn. Carter gets squirmy so I put him down and try to hurry and take Ashlyn's picture. I get a few quick shots and turn around and Carter is gone. AHH!!! I shouldn't have been surprised. He never stays by me. There are kids and parents EVERWHERE and I can't find him at all. So I look up to the Vice Principal who is wrapping the assembly up and say I can't find my one year old. So she stops the whole assembly and everyone stares at me while I try to find him. Someone says, "he's over here" and I run over to get him. She ends the assembly. 

Okay, so this whole event seriously took no more than 15 seconds (he had just walked to the back of the MPR room), but it felt like an eternity when everyone was staring at me and I felt like they were thinking, ("Dumb mom. why can't you keep track of your kids?" Which honestly is something I was asking myself as well. It shouldn't be that hard. I only had ONE.) 

So I like to think that after the fact, it wasn't that big of a deal. Maybe no one was really paying attention. Until I go BACK to school for Leah's 11:40 awards assembly and run into one of the mom's that was at the earlier one.  She says, oh you have another assembly today. I say, yeah and hopefully I won't lose my kid this time. To which she says, Yeah, you looked pretty freaked out for a second. So there you have it. I did look like a big ole dumb mom that can't keep track of her kids. Yay me! I'd like to crawl into a hole. Seriously! 

And as a side note: Everyone always seems to tell me that by the time you get to your last kid, that they are easy because they are use to having to go with the flow. And blah blah blah. Apparently someone forgot to tell Carter that (and if anyone comments and says, maybe he's not your last...well....just don't say that okay. Because he is....the last one....no joke.)

Lucky for me, Leah's assembly was in the atrium. Not many places for Carter to go. Plus it was only Kindergarten classes, so it was much less crowded. He still found a drainage hole to play in the whole time though. Lovely huh! 

Aquarium of the Pacific

Paul had Monday off for MLK day and since the kids were out of school too, we decided to take advantage of our passes and head back down to the Aquarium. It was a pretty chilly day when we first got there but it warmed up a bit and was pretty beautiful down in Long Beach. We started with lunch by the lighthouse. Paul thought it'd be fun to feed the birds. Well, it quickly became a MASS of birds flying everywhere. The girls got scared and stood on their chairs. Carter thought it was awesome and started running after them. It was all fun and games until someone got pooped on. Yup, that lucky person would have been ME! Actually it barely got me. Just on the leg of my pants and cleaned up really easily but it makes for a funny story. 

After lunch we went in the Aquarium, walked around for a couple of hours, watched a little animated video that was a bit over the top with their "we are destroying the planet" message. Kind of irritating, but I guess it's to be expected at the Aquarium. The kids thought it was just a cute short movie, kind of "finding Nemo" style, but with turtles.

We weren't quite ready to go after we finished at the Aquarium so we walked all the way down to the other end of the harbor around to the pier. We had never walked down that far. It was really fun with cute little shops and yummy looking restaurants (our PBJ's we ate earlier that day became a very disappointing lunch. Haha). We let the kids pick some candy or ice cream and then we headed back home. It was a nice day out with the family. I don't think we even had any major meltdowns. Just a few reminders to Leah that she is FAR too old to be whining. I think I might be saying that until the day she gets married. Haha....

This is the only picture I managed to take inside the Aquarium. 

These were taken down at the end of the pier.