Fall Update...

Well, this time of year is always busy for our family, so here it goes!! In October, Troy and I were able (thanks to the group effort of my family and neighbors) to take advantage of a Tax conference in Austin and take off for a few days. We celebrated our belated birthdays and anniversary…eight years...boy am I glad the years are beginning to catch up with kids—barely! We had a wonderful stay at our favorite B&B in Fredricksburg-http://www.chuckwagoninn.com/, we stayed in The Bollinger Cabin (I highly recommend it in case you ever need a get-away!!) And then to Austin for a few days. I got to spend a whole day relaxing in hotel room by myself- it was wonderful! Then back to real life of crazy schedules…Addie turned 7 years old October 23rd! I know, she’s so big- how did I get a seven year old?





She opted not to have a birthday bash and instead wanted to take her cousins to see High School Musical 3. I jumped on the idea to skip all the planning and took 18 people to see the movie. It was a cute little (FULL length) musical, but I must admit I was a bit shocked at how the cast had “matured” in the last few years. They were so innocent in the beginning, and dressed a bit too sexy this time around!

So during the movie, Addie pulled out her front tooth, and of course had to show it to all of us. I don’t know what it is about the mouth, but the hanging threads of a tooth really gross me out.

Anyways, then there’s Halloween and the debate of what are the girls going to be…I’ve enjoyed the years of the “themed” costumes, but that has come to an end (due to my lack of creativity). So, this year I talked them out of the cheerleader thing, because we could use that one next year and easily add the boy to the mix. And they talked me out of the three blind mice thing with Gracie being a piece of cheese, and we settled on pink fairies. Not too exciting I know, but we thought we’d do one more big she-bang of all pink…pink clothes, pink tights, pink tutu’s, pink hair spray, pink wings…before we throw in the blue!

They were very cute and had a blast. Someone please take all the candy out of my house. I’ve hid it high from the girls, but how do you hide it from my prego rear end? It’s time to just throw it away! Anyways, now we move onto to Gracie turning two, the Holidays and all the work we have to do before Feb. Anybody got any cute ideas for the baby’s room? We are debating making the trip up to visit Troy’s family in Utah for Christmas, but we’ll see- I’m sure that trip would make for one very entertaining blog!!

Looking for a "Tummy Mommy"!

As most of you have seen, most of my blogs have been on the lighter side of life- a means to add some humor to my life (see video on the Grace-Face post). But this one is different, I wanted to post about my sister and brother-in-law. As many of you know, Chelsea and Clint were chosen by a birth mother in June to adopt a baby girl. Long story short, the birth mother changed her mind, and went home with the baby. We were all at the birth per the request of the birth mom, and after holding and loving her for a week, Chelsea and Clint had to move on. I know many of you, if not everyone of you, have been touched by this pain in someway, so you can understand my efforts to help in any way possible!

I should take a minute and just say how wonderful Chelsea and Clint are- but for those of you who know them, there isn’t much that needs to be said. They are truly the salt of the earth and the two of them have the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen, and are always an example to me! How blessed I am and my children are to have them in their lives…

Feel free to comment on my blog (or theirs) and I’ll get it to them and of course you can email either of us if you need! Here's the direct link to their profile through their adoption agency...their full story is in the links in the blue line above the picture

http://www.providentliving.org/ses/birthmother/viewsingleprofile/0,12272,2133-1-10165-1-1,00.html

And here’s their blog link they recently set up for “tummy mommies” as they call them, and hopefully their story will stay in your hearts to pass on if ever needed.

http://www.clintandchelsea.blogspot.com/

"Grace- Face"

“GRACE-FACE”

Wow, I fell off the blog bandwagon, but lot's of things are going on around here, so I'll get updated! Tonight was a great night.... I had the missionaries and my neighbor over for dinner and I wanted all 9 of us to sit around the table, so we were all pretty close. I just got everyone served and as I pulled my chair up, Gracie puked all over her plate, the table, herself and me...it was awesome- I was waiting for one of the missionaries to puke on me too- oh well, all that matters is we tried, right? So, on that note, I thought I'd dedicate this post to Gracie! I had some great pictures of her, but I also wanted to highlight her in a “Top Ten” manner when I post these great pics so you can get to know her little personality. She is her own little person, full of...let's say "spark". I love the cereal on the head, and being totally naked when I got her up from a nap...nope, the other three never did this! She is really cute and I secretly like it when she’s not feeling well, because she will actually sit and let me snuggle with her- other than that, she is always on the go! Anyways, her best friend is her Aunt Chelsea and she loves her sisters too! She’s not around me much when they are home, but don’t worry, when they are at school, she needs my constant attention. When I leave the room, I give her about 5 seconds until “Mommy, where are you???” and it’s constant talking. She cracks me up and she has renewed that sense of “first time mom”, as she throws stuff at me I haven’t seen my others do!! So, here it its…the Gracie top 10!


10. Transition child-- She is preparing the way for a boy…like, by standing on the kitchen table and as I walk to get her, she begins jumping and then says “Look, I’m jumping.” I’m not stupid. I realize I have somewhat let her get away with way more and have some ownership, but she really was born with an extra spark in her spirit. I’m hoping I can crack down on some of the issues, but I am grateful the children who are sent to the world at this time are strong - they will need it!!

9. The bathroom--we have to be really careful to keep the bathroom door shut, because she pulls the toilet paper off as fast as she can and goes running through the house. My favorite was the other day. She came out with a huge wad of toilet paper- wiping her nose and said, “My honk is running!”

8. Let’s see how mommy handles this one in public???-- She is my Humbler…So, we’re at gymnastics the other day and I said it’s time to go, so she hit me on the shoulder and then kept hitting me several times in the waiting room at gymnastics with all the other moms...seriously, I know what they were thinking… “I would never let my kid do that”—well, she already did, and it took me 4 kids to get one that hit me! She’s got all kinds of tricks to pull out for the first time, but only when there are other people watching her!

7. Is she your first?-- I love this question when we are out in public. No, she’s not my first, she’s my fourth, I know exactly what I’m doing …it’s called surviving the first trimester. The last few months I’ve been too sick and puky to take her on, and she screams the loudest- so, if we’re in the car and she’s screaming, she’s going to get what she wants. In fact, if she’s screaming anywhere, her sisters give her what she wants. I’ve made my bed, I’ll have to lay in it, but sometimes you just have to do what works until you can stop vomiting and handle the situation like a grown up! And yes, honey, when you’re in the check out line after a big trip to the grocery store, and she’s on her last leg, cell phones are a toy!! I’m totally understanding why the “youngest child” gets such a bad rap!

6. Tantrums--- My favorite tantrum is the sad boo boo lip, the dramatic “Oh No”…then slow motion fall to the knees, then down to her face- all in a dramatic slow motion way. It’s still funny to me, not so much when they are five, but the under two still cracks me up. Seriously, who taught her that? It’s as if they all come down with the inherent gene to throw themselves on the floor. I assure you, Troy and I have never shown this to her.

5. Can’t catch me---How about the running from me?? No, I’ve never been a fast athlete,
(as some of you I played with over the years know I was generally there to provide comic relief, not trophies), but I’m really not fast 5 months pregnant. I can appreciate that my girls all seemed to get their Dad’s athleticism and speed- except when it makes me look stupid. There is no question she is faster than me, and let me tell you how awesome I look chasing her down in the middle of the field during the twins soccer game. And right when I think I’m going to catch her, I go for the grab, and she seriously jukes me and spin moves the other way…of coarse everyone is laughing, not to mention I’m running in public!! And Gracie thinks it’s a hilarious game and yells “Funny mommy?” So, I’ve decided, I don’t care if Daddy’s is on the field coaching, he’s catching the one year old who is faster than me the next time she gets her big break.

4. Crazy vocabulary and Repeating—So, I dropped my cottage cheese on the floor loading the groceries into the car at Wal-Mart and said “ oh crap”. So, she immediately threw her sippie cup and said “oh crap, I dropped it.”
It’s kind of weird to hear vocabulary, she’s just a tiny little thing, but she can fully communicate very clearly what she wants to say, it’s kind of frightening.

3.Most embarrassing moment-- Let me paint the picture for ya…It’s the week before school started I took Gracie to Wal-Mart to get stuff for the girls lunches. The “lunch” isle was packed with other parents doing the same thing, and as my hands are occupied slowly pushing my cart and my eyes looking on the shelves, and she does the double squeeze on the “you know what’s” and cracks up. I assure you again, she has never seen this done before, and I’m pretty sure she hasn’t seen Sixteen Candles (Tune in Tokyo). See, this is what I mean when I say she throws me curve balls I’ve never seen before. What do you do in this situation?? Seriously??? I tried not to make a big deal and just calmly say “No Gracie”, but I was quite embarrassed and yes, several people saw it!

2.Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde---She’ll scowl her eyebrows and shout me some orders like, “No, mommy, no like that...no want that!!! (Then she’ll throw it) Then she’ll turn her head like a puppy and in a sweet high tone, say, “K?” We’re proud that we’re noticing principles of self- correction at such a young age! Self-correction…multiple personalities, whatever…

1. Dad calls her King Kong--She got this name several months ago as we watch her play with toys. So, I wanted to catch her tantrum on video (because it’s still funny to me because she's so little), so I pulled out the camera when she was cranky to see what I could get. She didn’t throw the tantrum, but she shows us the “King Kong” element…you can see why she was coined the name! If you can't hear her talking, you'll have to pause the music (all the way at the bottom) so you can hear what she says... but check out Copie's eyes and the very end, it's classic!

It's a.....

BOY!!!!! WHAT????? Yes, my little baby girl has a peep. I found out yesterday and was shocked…still in shock right now. I can’t tell you all the things that are running through my head, mostly “What am I going to do?” and “Where’s Lexie?” I’m sure many of you have had similar feelings of confusion when you thought you were having one sex and it wasn’t…But after four times seeing the “three lines”, this is just WAY weird for me. I don’t make that stuff…
So I know everyone wants to know what Troy said! Well, I went in for a check-up and the Dr just wanted to make sure my cervix was right, so she sent me to the sonographer who happened to have a spare minute to fit me in. Of course I mentioned to her that I have four girls, as to spark her curiosity, and sure enough she wanted to take a look. Right away, she told me it was a boy and my response was “What? Are you sure??”…So she kept looking, and looking and for ten minutes the little guy flashed the goods every which way. I asked, “are you sure?” about 15 times, and left with three different pics of the unit and her definite response, “I’m positive!” Then she said, “Look, he’s playing with it, it’s for sure a boy!!!” Classic.
I wasn’t prepared for the sono, so I didn’t have anything up my sleeve to tell Troy. So I hit the Children’s Place who has tons of “22” stuff. (That was Troy’s lacrosse # his whole life and for many years have thought of how fun it would be to buy that stuff for him). So, I found a bunch of shirts and hats. My favorite buy is the 22 and 36 shirts. One of my roomates and dear friends married Troy's roomate and good friend (most of you know the tape recorder story), and they were lacrosse players together. For the last couple of years we have sent them all the 36 stuff for their boy, and then I saw these hanging together and thought it was too cute! They are having a another boy a couple of months before us, so we'll have to get pictures of them together in the shirts. Back to Troy...I then called him with a little fib that I wasn’t feeling well, so maybe he could come home early. I really wasn’t feeling well, but not bad enough to not take care of myself…I was just too anxious. Anyways, he came home way early and was there before I got home- he foiled my plans. I snuck in and laid the clothes out and threw the hats on the big girls. I videotaped it, but I (and my big ole backside) stood in front of the camera (duh), so if I figure out how to get just the audio up here, I’ll post it. I refuse to put a video of my rear up here! Anyways, he didn’t really believe me, and neither did his mom, or my sisters. Everyone says, “Nuh uh, no way”! I know, I feel the same way. Except the girls, they jumped and cheered that they are finally getting a brother. So that night, I was meeting my family at my nieces play, so I had the big girls wear the hats and say “My mommy went to the doctor today and told us to wear these hats.” They figured it out quickly and I think we are all still in shock! I keep asking Troy if he’s excited and he says, “Yes, just as excited as if it was a healthy baby girl.” I’m sure he’s secretly really excited, but he really would have been happy with either! I guess we’ll spend some time getting used to the idea, and trying to figure out how to produce a masculine boy in a pink princess world...ohhhh, I just thought of a new reality show- move over "John and Kate Plue 8"! I’ll have to leave most of that boy stuff to Dad, and I’ll do my best to use blue polish on his nails instead of pink! AHHHHHH!!!!!

Who's the kindergartener here???

Well, we did it…first day of school and all-day kindergarten. I left all three of my babies and I have to admit, it sucked.
The morning started off in a flurry- we had set out their clothes last week for the first day, but that preparation didn’t matter- Addie’s pants weren’t comfortable and her shoes were too big (which they were) and Brookie couldn’t find her shirt, so this sent us in another direction. Addie changed into comfortable worn out capris and old tattered shoes (nice), and Brookie misplaced her shirt and her entire pile of new clothes is lost somewhere in the house, yes the entire pile. Last week we crossed another milestone, I asked them if they wanted to match on the first day and they gave me a resounding, prompt “NO”. What??? You are twins and so cute when you match, but I did always say that they could choose to match or not when they are older, so I had to let it go! Until Brookie couldn’t find the shirt she wanted to wear and had to go with the second favorite that matched Copie, point for mom!
Anyways, we got to school and I was ok dropping Addie off, and then ok walking into Copie’s class, but got stuck at the cute teacher’s note on her table. The teacher is cute, the note was not…seriously, let me just read the first part to you “Here is a little “gift” for you as you leave your precious one with me on the first day of school. As you hold this cotton ball in your hand, the softness will help you remember the gentle spirit of your child…. .” So sad! So, of course, here come the tears. Seriously, who’s the kindergartener here, Copie or me??? I know you’re not supposed to cry in the room, you be strong for the child and lose it in the parking lot. I was trying, but the note killed me, and I’m a little extra hormonal! I’m sure Troy was embarrassed for me. Anyways, she was great and so excited to be at school and we left her happily organizing her school box. So, off to the next room for Brookie. This was the first time in their whole lives they have been separated, and I know that sounds stupid, but it made me sad watching her walk into her room alone with just her backpack (that’s bigger than her). They’ve always had each other to go to new places- a perk of being a twin- and that always comforted me, except today. Although she was quiet and couldn’t eat breakfast, Brookie said it was ok for me to go so she could color her picture (with the pencil, not the crayons??) I think she was being really brave and that just tore my heart out- I have never seen that look on her face.
I left feeling sad, (and a little stupid walking back down the hall with all the “normal”, not-pregnant parents staring at me while Troy rubbed my shoulder wondering what was wrong with his wife) but proud of my cute little babies and their eagerness to be there. And it helps that their teachers are adorable and I know they will be loved and safe.
Just the actual dropping off sucked…the rest of the day was great! What did I do? I took the day off …went to breakfast with friends, ran some errands, came home and took a nap. I felt I deserved it; all the gestating and tears wore me out, not to mention all the scary thoughts of someday dropping them off at middle school creeping in my head…it’s just around the corner you know! Oh yea, I put Gracie in time out today for spitting apple juice all over the floor for the second time, and on my way back down the stairs I asked Addie what she wanted to wear tomorrow to school. She quickly said, “Ummm, maybe a shirt that says 'My mommy’s mean to my little sister'!” Thanks Ad! Here’s some pics from the eventful day and block party the night before!

New Pics of Girls!

We took some new pics of the girls last weekend. It's always an event, but this one was really bad because I couldn't find one of the four skirts I wanted them to wear, so Gracie doesn't match and it drives me crazy! It's not bad in black and white though! Oh well, we need new ones in a few months. This is the twins 5 yr (they turned 5 in April) and Gracie's 18 month (she's a few months off of that too), but at least they're getting some taken.
Oh our little Gracie, she's mastered the art of the closed fist punch, and she really likes to save this for close proximity. So don't get in her face- I guess she's seen too much Wipe Out. This week has been eventful..Addie asked me if I hate her because I'm always so mean...that one made me feel good. I tried to explain that she only gets in trouble when she's naughty, hurts her sisters or talks back, but as much as I explained, it didn't make me feel any better. So, we made a deal, if she works on being a good listener, I'll work on talking nicely. Yea, I suck. Anyways, then the twins found that special drawer in my room that they have never seen. We'll just leave it at that, and you can use your imagination. Seriously, why am I the only adult home right now?? Days are never dull around here! I figure if I can't laugh at myself, I'll just be crying all the time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!

Happy Birthday to the World's Best Daddy! Troy is turning 31 today, so we thought we'd do a little tribute to him! I wish I had more pictures of Daddy with his girls, but they are not on this computer! Anyways, he is spending the day golfing and Copie just called him to sing Happy Birthday. After a short conversation she hung up and said, "He had to go, he just hit a pup and scored a goal." I love that kid! I always wonder if Troy ever thought he’d be in love with 5 girls at the same time! He really adores his girls and he is by far all of their favorite! I think girls are made for Daddy’s and I have so loved watching him dress them up in their pink clothes and always remember the bow!
So, I asked the girls some questions about their Dad and here’s what we got…
How tall is Daddy? 40 feet
How much does Daddy weigh? 30 lbs
What is daddy favorite food? Steak, chicken pockets, apples, carrots, and Chocolate milk (he’s lactose intolerant, but that’s ok)
What does Daddy love most in the world? They all said “his girls” (no one mentioned me????)
What is Daddy’s favorite thing to do? Play with his girls, and go golfing
What is Daddy’s favorite thing to do with you? Eat ice cream, play tickle tackle, and practice soccer
Why do you love Daddy? “I love Daddy because he’s my best Dad”, “Because he loves pink”, “Because he play’s with me”

As you can see, they sure love their Daddy!
We hope you have a great Birthday Dad, and are so grateful for the man that you are and the father you are to our four beautiful girls. We are proud of all you do!
Love,All your Princesses

I'm a blogger!!!

Troy reminded me it’s time to join the rest of the world and get a blog. I am clueless on how it all works, but I have really enjoyed the links I’ve received from you guys..so we’ll give it a try!
Well, I know this may seem like a repeat email, but were expecting another baby in February! I was discussing having another baby with a friend from Boot camp and she said “5 kids! Only Doctors, Lawyers and white trash have 5 kids!!” And as you know, Troy is not a Dr or a lawyer. I got a good laugh from it! We are really excited and the girls are so great about it. They talk to her all the time and the twins even enjoy pulling up my shirt while we’re in public to show everyone- we’re working on that! We’re fully planning on another princess to add to the group, although last week I had a dream it was a dark haired boy of Asian decent. I remember feeling really confused, but we sure loved him anyway!
Other than feeling yucky at night, things are great here and we’re beginning to get ready for school. It’s hard to believe that I am losing all three of them in three weeks…it will be a sad day for me. I’ll try to keep up on the blog and I’d love to see all that is going on with you guys!
Had I had a Blog over the last few months, they would read…

Brookie V. Copie
Psycho cat with an autoimmune disease that pees on my curtains
Diarrhea days
Why you’re too old to see Daddy naked (this one would be saved for family and people who have known us longer than 10 years)
Hey, I wonder if mom’s stamp pads work on pillows, sheets and carpet…
Nursery showdown
I’ll pee in my car seat if you do!
I can crash mommy’s computer in a blink of an eye
How naughty can the four of us be in the Pediatricians office...while the Dr is in the room?
I’m sure this upcoming year will only bring us more moments that make us proud!

Troy finally convinced me to cut my hair off!

As you can tell, I am a new blogger and can’t wait to learn all of the cute stuff! Maybe I can even get the floating baby in a box- I know how interested everyone is in following my daily pregnancy!
Anyways, big news of this week is Troy finally convinced me to cut my hair off. I know I’ve had short hair forever, but this is the shortest! It’s ok; you can tell me if you don’t like it…my kids and neighbors do! I’m going for the trendy mom of 5 look…mom of 5-how weird is that?? Anyways, here it is…Troy says he loves it, but really, what else is he going to say… “I know it was my idea to cut it so short, but I hate it and it makes you look fat?”He’s way smarter than that!

"So...that's how the baby comes out..."

So, I brought home the free magazines that go in the prenatal bag that you get at your first ob apt. I thought it would be fun to show the girls what the baby looks like as it is developing. So, today, I’m at my desk checking emails and Brookie is on my bed looking at the baby book...and I hear “Sooo…that’s how the baby comes out”…I turn around to see what she is talking about and sure enough…a two page freeze frame lay out of a baby actually coming out, fully UNcensored!!! I can’t even look at those pictures…I was hoping to stick to my explanation of “there’s a special place on mommies where the baby comes out” forever! I know the book says “from conception to birth” on the front, but what it really should say is “Not intended for children under 35”. I can’t wait for her to explain her findings to her primary class...or better yet, describe it to an unsuspecting fellow kindergartener (I’ll let ya know when I get a parent phone call)!