Our Growing Family

Snow Day

2012-01-16T19:51:00.001-08:00

My Sweet Peyton

2012-01-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Brian was heading to work on the boat after church yesterday.

I ran to DQ for a cheap lunch and headed over to where the boat is

to pick up the plywood we won't be using after all.

The kids were in the bed of the truck eating and when they were done I grabbed

Grace to buckle her in and told the boys to climb out.

My boys have been climbing in and out of boats and trucks all the time.

The oldest two climbed out and were buckled. The next thing I see out of the corner of my eye

is the tailgate swing down and then crying.

Grace was half way buckled at this point so I left her in the carseat and ran to the back of the truck.

Peyton was crying and screaming and the whole right side of his face was covered in sand and dirt.

He had no outer injuries, except for a small one by his pinky. I ran him into the garage where Brian was and said make sure he is okay, while I went to check on the other kiddos.

Got the other kiddos buckled and got Peyton calmed down and in the car.

The only thing he complained about on the drive home was his little cut by the finger.

What happened is as Peyton was climbing out of the truck, over the tailgate,
he reached and grabbed the handle for the tailgate.
Causing it to unlock and flip open!

Got him home and he started complaining about his tummy hurting.

So I laid him on the couch and put a movie on.

All he wanted to do was go to sleep.

I wanted to keep an eye on him for a little bit, so I didn't let him!

Then he puked. I called Brian to give him a heads up that I was calling the Drs office to talk with the nurse.

She said that since he threw up and they were closing in an hour to bring him in.

Peyton waiting to be called back into the ER DR. This was before he was acting better.

Called Brian and told him to come home.

He puked, again.

Went to the Dr.

Puked while waiting in the waiting room and the exam room.

Dr. came in and said to take him up to the ER and get scans.

At this point all he wanted to do was lay down and not talk.

He just wanted to sleep.

That is not my Peyton, he fights taking naps!

Got to the ER and was seen quickly.

5 minutes before going to see the ER Doctor he was back to his regular self.

Talking up a storm and wanting to run laps.

Due to the amount of radiation and Peytons age the DR didn't want to do a CT unless absolutely necessary.

Brian and I were both fine with that.

The DR. did some balance tests and a popsicle test (Peyton's favorite)

The nurse was kind enough to drag her feet with discharging Peyton just to make sure he wouldn't throw up again and that we weren't going to be coming back that night.

Popsicle test!

I will be following up with our Dr. today but it is safe to say that he is fine.

He is acting like his normal self and had no other incidents upon leaving the hospital.

Given the all clear and ready to go home!

Casey is 7!

2011-12-31T18:02:00.001-08:00

My sweet dimpled second born turned 7 today! Happy birthday buddy!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:58:00.001-08:00

Christmas is upon us once again! Thankful for all my loved ones but most of all that God sent His Son to be born in the most humble of places and take the punishment for my sin.

Picture from Christmas 2010

What happened to my babies?

2011-12-23T18:17:00.001-08:00

The picture of the boys is from 2008 and the pic of grace is only a year old!

New toys

2011-12-22T12:46:00.001-08:00

We got together with the cousins last night and exchanged gifts. We have three new minsters in the house and a fun little to for Grace!

It's a fedora!

2011-12-20T05:45:00.001-08:00

One of my favorites

2011-11-30T15:30:00.001-08:00

Follow the star to a place unexpectedWould you believe, after all we've projected,A child in a manger?Lowly and small, the weakest of allUnlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -Just a child -Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...How many kings step down from their thrones?How many lords have abandoned their homes?How many greats have become the least for me?And how many gods have poured out their heartsTo romance a world that is torn all apartHow many fathers gave up their sons for me?Bringing our gifts for the newborn SaviorAll that we have, whether costly or meekBecause we believe.Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasureAnd myrrh for the cross he will sufferDo you believe?Is this who we've waited for?All for me...All for you...Lyrics for How many Kings by Downhere

Give Thanks

2011-11-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

I will do a double day of THANKSGIVING because I didn't get this started on time like I wanted to.

1. I am THANKFUL for my little family. A husband that works hard to provide for us and 4 lovely little blessings.

2. I am THANKFUL for my wonderful camera and photoshop that allowed me to get rid of the color cast on the photos I took of Grace today!

The first picture is what all of the pics looked like straight out of the camera, all of them had this layer of blue over the pic.

Here is the same picture after I removed the color cast and adjusted for skin tone

Grace was excited for Mama to take pics. I would take a few and then slip her coat right back on her since it was so cold out.

I LOVE this picture of Grace. Her little smirk and that dimple are just adorable.

I wanted to get a few pics of Grace in her Christmas outfit.

I will be getting the two older boys' outfit tomorrow and hope to get

some good shots of all the kids in the pretty fall colors we have right now.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Almost all of them

2011-10-17T05:34:00.001-07:00

This picture contains all but one of the puppies. We have males available if anyone is interested. With only three females they were spoken for quickly. We might have one but no promises. Lete know if you re interested.

Puppies!

2011-10-16T03:20:00.001-07:00

The puppies are here. Well, as I type this I am still awaiting the arrival of number 8 but we have 7 right now. 4 boys and 3 girls. Wonder if the last one will tie things up. I am tired and so ready for bed but need to wait for the last little darling.

LadyBird

2011-10-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing much has been happening here lately.

We are patiently awaiting the arrival of puppies.

At least we think we are.

We caught our two Golden's in the act over a 2.5 week period.

Which means that I have a three week window of when the little bundles should arrive.

We are a week and half into our wait.

Lady's tummy is growing bigger and she is beginning to leak.

Hoping they come soon and that we will have no complications during delivery.

Can never be a more BEAUTIFUL you

2011-09-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with a Grace (before knowing she was a she) there was a song that was just coming out on the Christian radio station.

It is by Jonny Diaz

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight, her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight

Well, little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care, your skin, your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but He's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well, little girl twenty one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And He'll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late, you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear, they can all be washed away

By the one who's strong, can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry, all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light, He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl

I prayed that if we were having a girl that I would be able to teach her that no matter what the world says she is Beautiful.

A few months ago I saw some canvas wall art that I wanted to purchase but it was to expensive. It was simple and spoke to what I wanted to remind Grace of.

Fast forward to now.

My friend informed me that her daughter (who is currently a junior in high school) wanted me to take her senior pics next year. I said yes, but only if her daughter would paint me something for Grace's room.

Her daughter is a gifted artist. She just won a rosette at the fair.

I talked with her daughter today and told her I would and what I would like in return.

She agreed.

Now I can't find the stuff I wanted to buy! ARGH!

So I am looking through lyrics and trying to find something I like and just letting her design it all.

Here are what I am thinking, if you like one more than the others or have another idea I would love to hear it!

There could never be a more beautiful you.

You're covered with the fingerprints of God

Fashioned by God's hand

and perfectly planned

to be just who you are

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

This next one is just for fun and I would love to do something with it eventually

I am a Princess, my Father is the King of Kings

Foto Friday

2011-09-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Brian ended up with a 4 day weekend on Labor day weekend.

He has been itching to go camping.

After some planning with his parents to meet us out in the islands with their sailboat (and dinghy)

we were off!

We left Friday morning and did a little fishing before heading to the island and unloading our stuff on the beach.

Brian then headed to the mooring buoy with the boat to await his dinghy service back to the island.

See why we needed his parents :o)

The kids had a great time playing on the beach.

Collecting rocks and helping gather firewood.

Grace spent a lot of time snuggled up under blankets.

The first few days there was pretty good wind a blowing and it was COLD!

Michael and Casey even slept in their own tent!

Casey got sick the first night but was feeling much better by lunch time the next day.

Our view from the island. It was a beautiful weekend. The weather was great.

Our boat.

Love these two pictures of my Peyton. he is such a little goof ball.

He had so much fun and kept asking us if we could stay and camp some more as we were

packing up Sunday morning.

Didn't get a lot of pictures because I didn't have my camera out a lot.

Brian got some pictures on his iPhone that I will have upload soon.

Grace's quilt and matching pillow case

2011-08-23T14:55:00.001-07:00

I made the quilt when Grace was born 2 years ago and just recently used left
over fabric to make a matching pillowcase.

Grace is 2

2011-08-23T14:41:00.001-07:00

Grace had a great day celebrating being 2 with her cousins.
Auntie, Uncle, Isa and Kai gave her this pretty skirt.

I took these pictures below today.

I had lots of fun playing in photoshop today!

Grace Elizabeth

2011-08-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today I was a week overdue with our 4th kiddo.
That's not a big surprise as my midwife tells me I am a 41 weeker.
This kiddo did however come quickly.
My shortest labor, 8 hours.
Born in the wee hours of the morning on August 20!

Grace you are such a blessing.
A feisty little red head.
Independent.
The one your brothers protect and would do anything for.
You love to sing and dance.
You like to do what the boys are doing.
But you also LOVE to play with your babies.
You love animals.
You love when you get to see Baby Westyn.

Happy 2nd Birthday little girl.

Weekend Getaway

2011-08-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have been asking Brian to take me out on the boat, without kids, to Friday Harbor for awhile now. But, we can't go on the boat without fishing.
We found places for all the kids, reserved a slip for the boat at Rosario Resort.
It helps that we can sleep on the boat, so we didn't have to find a hotel and it saved a lot of money.
Headed out Saturday morning.
Fished for a few hours and then headed to Friday Harbor to play tourist. We had fun walking around and then we headed to the resort.
Rosario was great. They have three pools, a hot tub and deer.
That's right, three deer that are so use to people you can walk up and pet them.
I will have to post those photos later as they are on Brian's phone.
We enjoyed exploring the resort. Then we headed off to dinner. We had reservations at the mansion restaurant and had a spectacular food.
We spent all of Sunday fishing.
Ended up with three fish (2 kings and 1 pink) and only 3 crab.

My 14 lb king

My pink

My 8 lb king

beautiful sunrise Sunday morning.

Point lawn at Rosario

Stained glass windows in the organ room at the mansion

rod in the water waiting for a nibble

I loved being out in the islands

Our view at dinner. It was spectacular.

I had a wonderful time and the kids did too! So thankful for my sister and her family for taking Michael. Our friends Kevin and Alice for taking Casey. The Edmonds for staying at the house with Peyton and Grace. All the kids had great stories to tell and seemed to be trying to outdo each other with what they got to do while we were gone.

Fishing

2011-07-31T15:50:00.001-07:00

This last Saturday marked Mr. Brandon's first trip out since the accident on July 4th.
I have to tell you that everytime my husband sent me a picture of Brandon doing something on the boat I got a big grin and proudly showed everyone around me!
He adapted and helped the guys out.
He reeled in rods to help clear the water.
Not easy to do left handed when all the reels are right handed.
He even gave some of the crabs some pay back!

Brian with the blood on the deck. Had to blur out the background for his post on bloodydecks, so not give the location away.

Casey even told me that Mr. Brandon let him play with his hook!
The boys were thrilled to go out with Brian's favorite crew again.
Thanks Mr. Calvin and Mr. Brandon.

Instagram

2011-07-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

I LOVE the Instagram app on my phone
Makes taking the pics a little more fun

Daddy and Casey cracking open some crab, fresh out of the pot

Brian took the two older boys out a couple of weeks ago and they came back with
15 HUGE CRAB

One of the local pizza places offers an outdoor theater in the summer.
We took the boys last night to watch Ramona and Beezus

Visit with a Friend

2011-07-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Brian and I had the pleasure of going to visit The Mulders last night.
A friend from church was kind enough to come and watch the kiddos for us.
It was great to sit and catch up and see how they are moving forward with their
"new normal"
Such a positive attitude and determination to make the best of this situation.
Brandon is looking forward to getting back out on the boat and is already on the lookout for a left handed gun for duck hunting.
I look forward to seeing them walk this journey together.
If you want to keep up on Brandon's progress and see their sweet little boy as well
check out
bkmulder.blogspot.com

Can't wait till we get to post photos of a day on the bay with
Brian, Mr. Brandon and the kiddos with their catches.

Grace and her fish

2011-07-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

Grace sure does love it when Daddy brings home a fish.
She likes to pet them.
She also likes to find and touch their eyes.
Which I find disgusting.

Sunny Day

2011-07-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

My college roommate from my freshman year was in Seattle. Michael, Casey, Grace and I loaded up the truck today and headed down to pick her up and then off to find a park. We started at Kirkland Marina. It had a great little beach/water part. We then wandered off through Kirkland to see what else we could find. We found a great play are for the kids and then it was off to find lunch. It was a grand day overall. Until my phone rang that is. It was Brian.

conversation follow

where are you?
Kirkland?
Good, Calvin just called and asked if I had heard about Brandon yet?
What happened to Brandon (a friend and coworker)?
There was an accident last night, he lost some fingers, they are talking amputation. They transferred him to Harborview. Try to get a hold of his wife and see if they need anything since you are down there and available.

I got off the phone with my husband and called Brandon's cell hoping someone had it on them. No luck. Left a message at the hospital for his wife to call me. I then called his house (thank goodness for internet on my phone) His sister was kind enough to give me a cell number. I got a hold of them and was able to talk with them for a few minutes. Please be in prayer for the family. From what I know they are taking his hand. I don't know anything about the accident itself and am not going to assume to know what happened. It was unfortunate event.

We drove home and are now relaxing at home.

Disney

2011-06-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Disney. The boys did great going on any of the rides we asked them to. The last day Michael even decided that he wanted to go on California Screamin'
He loved it. More pictures to come in the following days.

Las Vegas

2011-06-27T14:21:00.001-07:00

We headed out on our vacation on Friday night after Brian got off of work.
With a quick stop in Olympia to pick up a new prop for the boat, we were headed to Vegas.
It took 23 hrs but we arrived and had a great time visiting with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Kev. I am really bad at pulling out my camera but once my mom gets her stuff onto her computer I am hoping to have more. We spent a day enjoying one of the many water parks Vegas has to offer. Spent most of our time in the water at the grandma and grandpa's house.

Peyton had fun being in charge of restarting the sprinklers!

Grace sporting her Urban Baby Bonnet hat. It was perfect for the trip.

Happy Birthday Peyton James!

2011-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that this was our little guy just last year!
All of his baby pictures are on my external hard drive that won't "talk" with my computer
Peyton at 2,1 and as a newborn (click me)

You are a still a sweet little man and still say the funniest things
He keeps us on our toes
He has been sneaking lots of food this year
He loves his little sister
He picks on his big brothers
He is always asking to go fishing
but is a Mama's boy
He likes to snuggle back in bed with us in the mornings.

Peyton~you brighten up the dreariest of days!

We love you little man!

Love, Mommy and Daddy
Michael, Casey, and Grace

Peyt's Party

2011-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Only the Good Die Young?

2011-05-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

According to this song (and my mother) Casey is going to live forever.

It was Sunday morning, I was seven years old
In the backyard playing in a big mudhole
I was all decked out, ready for church
Had my brand new suit all covered in dirt
Mama hit the ceiling she was fit to be tied
Talkin 'bout how shes gonna tan my hide
But Daddy was laughing when I changed my clothes
'Saying "Mama leave the boy alone"

(Chorus)
Cause if the good die young
If the good die young
Mama's little boy gonna have alot of fun
Cause he's gonna live forever if the good die young

Shrimp Opener

2011-05-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

Please don't be offended by the bottom picture. They are not flipping you off. That is the BLOODYDECKS Salute. I don't understand it, but, whatever.

The Shrimp Opener was on May the 7. It was calling for a rough ride so I opted to keep the boys home with me. Brian and his crew headed out in the wee hours of the morning.
The top picture is Brian's first halibut that he has ever caught. Came in at 30 lbs.
After a 1.5 hour soak the pulled the shrimp pots.
The tides were supposed to be ripping and we didn't want to risk losing a pot.
The pulled a total of 720 shrimp. That is enough for 9 limits. Sadly there were only 3 of them on the boat so a lot of the shrimp went back to the water.

2011-05-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Oh so happy

2011-04-22T10:36:00.001-07:00

The company that told me I won and then told me no yesterday has come to an agreement I can live with. They gave me a choice between 2 Bumbleride strollers
The top one is the iCandy Pear a tandem double stroller. If I had a newborn and Grace
it would have been a wonderful stroller. It also doesn't come with the canopies, they would have been a separate purchase.
But is not so great for an almost 4 year old and 20 month old.
The bottom one is the one they are giving away on their website.
A Bumbleride Indie Movement.
I picked that one.
It will last us longer. I could have used a double but when Peyton is in school it will be nice to have a good single for walking with Grace. I do have a single already but nothing like the Bumbleride.

Tulip Fields 2011

2011-04-14T18:51:00.001-07:00

I LOVE to go to the tulip fields.
All the bright beautiful colors.
I couldn't wait to use my camera there for the first time.
We bought it in 2008, I have been waiting 3 years for this!

Peyton was smelling the flower. He is saying EWWWW here

Grace loved the flowers too! It was hard to keep her from picking them .

I love it when I catch a one that has bloomed surrounded by those not quite there.

The fringed ones are one of my favorite.

Note the raindrop on the petal of the tulip.

Heard around the house

2011-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that Peyton cracks me up!
He is so funny.
Things he has said lately that I want to remember

Daddy, you have to go to bed, you have work tomorrow.

Alphie: Is there anything you don't know?
Peyton: NO!

You are not listening to me! (removes card from Alphie)

Mommy are you outside?
Me: no
Mommy are you outside?
Me: no
Then take your shoes off.
(This is something Brian says to the boys)

I didn't kiss your chipmunks!

I am sure there are more. He has had us laughing the last few nights.

On the Mend

2011-04-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

If you had been in my house this weekend you would never even know that Peyton received the diagnosis that he did. I am happy to report that the kiddos are on the mend. The kids are on spring break this week and I am hoping for some sunshine so that they can go outside and play. That is all for now.

Last Night

2011-04-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that last night was oh so fun (not really)
At 4:30 I realized Grace was burning up and took her temp, 102.
About 15 min. later Peyton started screaming that his ear hurt.
So, I called the Dr. and got an appointment in after hours.
30 min. after our scheduled appt we were taken back.
Peyton did great! Given that at his last visit he screamed when he was weighed, had his temp taken and they did the pulse ox.
Grace made sure the nurse checked her out too!
And Grace did great.
The diagnosis for Peyton is a double ear infection and pneumonia in his left lower lobe.
Grace also has a double ear infection. Not as severe as Peyton's though.
We are treating Peyton's pneumonia as if it were the more severe. Hoping to avoid a x-ray.
If it doesn't clear up, that means it was the less severe and he will be put on a new antibiotic.

Hopefully they kick in and work.

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

Things to note in the video:
1) Grace mashing the baby's food
2) Grace imitating chewing and then saying AH before feeding baby.
3)ABBY ABBY ABBY, she wants ABBY to come play!

1st Soccer Game

2011-03-26T13:50:00.001-07:00

Teammate Luis has some good ball handling skills

Michael in the back of the yellow pack

Concentrating

Baby Westyn

2011-03-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Brandon and Kari were kind enough to let us come over with our
rowdy crew of kiddos and meet little Westyn.
He is so tiny and precious.
Although, I think most newborns are, since all of my kids were over 9.5 and
my last one weighed in at 10.1!
It was great to snuggle with a little peanut.
Grace loved having a living, breathing doll!
Not a lot of pictures were taken as I was either holding baby or protecting from Grace.

Mr. Brandon entertained the older 3 with an interesting game of memory.
I think by the end they were just trying to grab whatever matches they could without actually taking any turn.

To say Grace LOVED the baby would be a complete understatement.
I think the last picture says it all and you can't even see her whole face.
You know she is having a great time.

Lynden Park

2011-03-21T16:29:00.001-07:00

Brian took the older boys to the bay after church to make sure
everything on the boat was working before the derby this coming weekend.
Let's just say they only lasted about an hour.
Came back to find there was a small craft advisory out.
So, we grabbed some DQ and took the kids to the park. I promise we had all the kids there but these are the only pictures I have edited so far. I found a tool in the Photoshop that I am LOVING!
Nothing fancy but it does the trick.

I like these two pics of Michael.

Yipee!

2011-03-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! Tonight we get to go love on baby WESTYN! The kiddos are excited to see Mr. Brandon's (and Kari's) little guy. But let's face it, they have been fishing and Mr. Brandon has been over a lot helping on the boat so that is who they associate with. We will work on getting Mrs. Kari's name down and associating her with Mr. Brandon. Head on over to their blog if you want to see pictures of this little darling.

We love the ZOO

2011-03-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hope we get to take the kids again this year!

Busy Weekend!

2011-03-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend flew by. Thanks to a change in Brian's work schedule I was able to attend a seminar given by the co-author of Fix, Freeze, Feast. How to buy in bulk and stock your freezer. I didn't know if I would be able to attend so I had purchased the cookbook a few weeks ago. Lets just say that I am LOVING IT! It is saving my sanity. I am no longer wondering what we are going to be having for dinner or making almost daily trips to the grocery store because I don't have what we need. I have a stock pile of breakfast burritos in the freezer for Brian in the morning. I have a 2 Chicken broccoli bakes, 3 sweet chicken fillings, 4 Chilada Bakes, 2 Sweet and Sour meatballs (we had 3 but I pulled one for dinner tonight :o) I have 2 Cheese steak kits left (had one for dinner last night and it was a hit). I have a list of 4 more recipes that I want to get in the freezer and can't wait. I am also excited to get our church freezer stocked with recipes, with the help of my small group ladies! We are going to chip in and get 32 MEALS in the freezer! They will be on hand to provide for those facing unexpected circumstances.
Sunday found us at church enjoying a sermon in the series we are working on in Genesis. Want to take a listen yourself? Head over to ITunes and look for Good Shepherd Community Church....the podcasts are free. After church we went to lunch with Brian's mom at Chihuahuas. Delicious Mexican food filled my belly!!!

And in other big news. Our friends the Mulders (you can see their blog link in my list) welcomed their first born....WESTYN CRAIG MULDER.... on Sunday morning. I am so excited to meet the little guy.

And I finally have a ring on my finger! This made me quite happy. It came back half a week early.

Brian's Fish

2011-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Brian, Michael, Casey and his co worker Hammy went out fishing on Saturday.

He caught 6 fish.

2 of them were wild and 3 didn't make it in the boat.

This was his keeper and weighed in at 20lbs.

Finally

2011-03-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

It has been 2+ years since my wedding ring has gone missing.

We have no idea what happened to it.

One day I went to put it on and it was gone.

I wasn't able to wear it during my pregnancy with Peyton because

my fingers would swell.

We were finally able to replace it!

I can't wait!

It will be here in about two weeks.

The best part of all is that because we bought it at Kay Jeweler the diamonds have a lifetime warranty.

The other great part, if I ever want to to upgrade, is that I can use the ring we just bought towards the purchase of the next one. As long as it is good condition. Which it should be if I regularly get it checked.

Grace's new dress

2011-02-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

Grandma Cindy made this pinafore dress for Miss Grace.
I love how bright it is.
She looks so cute toddling around in it.
Hoping to get a white dress made so that we can do seasonal pinafores.

Michael Birthday Party

2011-02-15T07:04:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Michael's 7th birthday on Saturday.
What better than a cake in the shape of fishies and a rod.
Thanks go to Grandma Cindy for making this.
Michael had lots of fun with his cousins and aunts and uncles.

Here he is buried under his presents.
Lego watch from Mom, Dad, brothers and sister
Remote Control Car from Grandma Cindy and Grandpa
A Green Coat (as michael calls it) from Uncle Ben, Aunt Betsy, Emma and Jonathon
A much loved soccer ball (he was so excited that it wasn't raining Sunday and he could go out and use it) from Auntie Nicole, Uncle Mark, Isa and Kai
A tool set and mini golf hole to build from Grandma and Grandpa Rutter and Uncle Kevin
He also got a light up flying disc with it from Uncle Kevin.
A Birthday card from Uncle Trevor.

Ice Skating

2011-02-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago our friends invited Michael and Casey to go ice skating with them.
They could only invite 2 of the boys, it was bring a friend day for lessons.
They boys did so much better than I had expected. By the end of the 30 mins they were going back and forth across the width of the rink and could get themselves back up after falling down.
They really enjoyed. Thanks so much for inviting us Brayden and Abby!

Gymboree Deals

2011-02-11T16:06:00.001-08:00

Picked up Grace's Easter dress today and

a courdory skirt with matching shirt today. I Love a good sale.

A chat with Grandma Rutter

2011-02-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

A day late..

2011-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my son's 7 th birthday! The one that made us a mommy and daddy. We are thrilled that we have been given our son, and couldn't be any more proud of him. I remember the evening I went into labor. I was a week overdue and we went with my inlaws to Boomers (they were having their anniversary special..all burgers were 2.39 or something like that). We lived right across the street at the time. Walking home Brian and his dad saw a car coming so they ran across the street. And what does the 41 wk pregnant lady do? She runs after them. I reached the other side and could barely walk up the hill to the house. Michael made his entrance into the world the next morning.

Michael~
You excel at everything you set your mind to.
You are becoming a great reader.
You LOVE school.
You LOVE soccer
and are so excited to start playing this spring.
You have such a desire to read your Bible and learn about God.
You are kind and compassionate.
You love to fish with your daddy and watch him while he is duck hunting.
I pray that you will grow up to love the Lord and follow him.

I Love You
Mom

2011-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

Batmobile

2011-01-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is one of my all time favorite pics of Peyton.
Brian took it after dinner with some friends the night before.
While we were there, Peyton was playing this batmobile.
Peyton kept saying that he wanted to take it home.
The boys were kind enough to give it to Peyton and he couldn't
have been more excited to get it home.

Grace

2011-01-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

The one picture is from Feb. 2010
The other from October 2010

Snow

2011-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

No pictures right now but it was kind enough to snow last night. I am not thrilled about this. We live in the county and have about 1 or 2in and for some reason school is closed! Seriously people! I just find it frustrating. Especially since my hubby was told not to come into work (this was yesterday before it snowed) and most likely not to come in tomorrow. Which means that I might have to go pick up his paycheck today, since he is hunting and hoping to fish. Minor problem, I watch some friends' children 3 days a week and do not have enough room in my vehicle since all my kids are going to be home. Should have splurged and gotten a suburban. Yeah right, that would have only 20 grand more than our truck :o) Oh well. Sorry for the rant but I am flustered! Thanks! If you are lucky I might get some pictures in the next day or two and put them up. We will see. For now, I need to try and get my cell phone working again.

Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue

2011-01-11T16:44:00.001-08:00

Michael got this Buzz just before Christmas.
One day he just started cleaning, the WHOLE house.
Without being asked and I felt he needed to be paid for going above and beyond.
So he received this Lego Buzz and got it put together.
He did a great job and was so proud of himself.
He is now asking for Lego City sets for his birthday.

Pictures from today

2011-01-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

I moved the kids table out of the rec room and into the living room today.
That way the kids can be supervised while I work in the kitchen and the can color.
It has worked well, so far. We will see if it lasts.
This first pic is Peyt.
He wanted me to take a picture of him writing.
This was one of the last pics I took of Grace, uploaded backwards, are we done yet?

This is Grace's "Cheese" face.

The look you get when you ask my daughter to say "CHEESE"

I am still not quite sure on the photoshop. Not quite what I wanted. I love BRIGHT colors that STAND OUT. I will get it one of these days!

Playing with Texture

2011-01-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Playing around with photoshop today.
Went with a Canvas Texture.

Photo from Feb 2010

Grace E.

2011-01-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

Attempted Year in Review

2011-01-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

January~Brian and I had our Birthdays :o) Nothing to exciting that I can remember!

February~Michael turns 6 and is loving Kindergarten :o)

March, April and May are all a blur except that we celebrated Peyton's birthday in May!

June and July bring on fishing season for Brian. Actually, that started early this year since we sold our Bellboy in December of 09 and replaced it with a 19' Seaswirl. We also headed up for an impromptu overnight camping trip at Baker Lake for some salmon fishing. Did fairly well and all the kids enjoyed themselves.
July we celebrated 8 years of marriage. My how the time has flown.

August~ We took the kiddos to the fair and celebrated Grace's 1st Birthday.

September~ more fishing. Michael enters the 1st Grade and is loving reading. Casey starts Kindergarten.

October~more fishing and the motor in the boat needed some major repair. But no worries, it is now up and running!

November~Lots and lots of overtime for Brian. Just about every weekend. I finish up sewing my last bin for Snap-EZ as they are shutting down the business. Ready to see what is in store.

December~We brought a puppy, Samson! He is a sweet little Golden and the kids love him. Mom and Dad and Kevin came up for the holidays. Brian spent most of the month replacing the floor in the boat. We celebrated Casey's 6th Birthday. All the kiddos got sick the weekend that mom and dad got here. Luckily it was a quick little bug that worked its way through their systems in about 12 hours. Had a great time at Brian's company Christmas party. I also started watching our friends two kids on a more regular schedule.

Nothing to exciting here! However, I am looking forward to our first real vacation in years come June! Here we come DisneyLand!

Looking forward to what 2011 has in store for us.

6 years

2010-12-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

6 years ago today Casey Leonard joined our family. Only 11 months after his brother showed up! He is full of life, a helper, a protector. He is a goofball. We are so blessed to be your parents bud. You bring joy into our lives everyday! Hope your birthday is a wonderful one. You went out fishing today with Dad. Hoping you bring a big one into the boat.

What a wonderfully simple Christmas

2010-12-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

Edited slightly as I forgot two of Ms. Grace's gifts :o)

We had a wonderful time celebrating. Christmas Eve we spent with Brian's parents.
Michael, Casey, and Peyton each got their own shovel for working in the yard with Daddy this spring.
Grace got a Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Tea Set, it is adorable.
Brian got a remote control helicopter
I got a pretty blue cast iron dutch oven.

Christmas Morning the boys slept till 7:30! We woke up and just as we started on stockings my parents arrived to watch the boys open their gifts. Perfect timing.
I got to do my stocking first while everyone watched. Brian did a great job filling it. A new coffee mug, a hooded sweatshirt, some garden clogs, garden gloves and a reed diffuser. For my gift (it has yet to arrive) I got a little video camcorder (similar to flip)
Brian's stocking had a Boundary Bay hooded sweatshirt. Something he has been asking for for awhile now and a Boundary Bay glass. For his gift he got a new fishing reel.
The boys stockings were filled with an assortment of goodies.
Graces Stocking had a pretty pair of pink sparkly sketchers and a toy phone.

Michael's gift as a bible that he has been asking for for months and he LOVES it.
Casey got a zhu zhu hamster
Peyton got his Alphie and loves it.
Grace got a baby doll she can take in the bath.
Michael and Casey also got a marble launcher toy.

They got walkie talkies from the Rutter Grandparents, and a toy that you stand on and pedal. My parents did a family gift for us of one adult 3 day hopper pass for our upcoming family event to Disneyland in June! Can't wait for that.
Grace got a beautiful rocking chair (cracker barrel) and a little people dance and twirl castle from Grandma and Grandpa Rutter.

Casey's Birthday Party was yesterday
From Auntie Coley, Uncle Mark, Isa and Kai he got a Buzz Lightyear Operation game
From Aunt Betsy, Uncle Ben, Emma and Jonathon he got a Cars sticker book
From Grandma and Grandpa Rutter he got a real tool set and golf hole to build with the real tool set.
From Grandma and Grandpa Bender he got a remote control stunt car.
I am saving our gift for his actual birthday.

I even got my birthday present early from my parents Photoshop 8! Can't wait to start using it.

An early Christmas gift

2010-12-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

I found this darling little gift under the tree. I think we will keep her!
She was not that willing to cooperate for this photo session.
She thought it was funny to just sit whenever Grandma kept putting her on her knees.

Gettin' her hair did

2010-12-20T12:48:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when Grandma is in town!
Grace LOVES to be the center of attention!
And getting her hair curled is even better!

My mom tells me I need to trim her hair in the back and even it out,
but I can't bring myself to do it!

The newest member of our family

2010-12-18T14:06:00.000-08:00

Samson...
he was 9 weeks in these pictures and is now 10 weeks old.
He is a furry ball of energy and is getting along great with our other golden, LadyBird.
We are planning for a litter sometime around the end of next year. Let us know if you would be interested in a pup!

Ain't he cute?

2010-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love my Peytor patator!
He is the cutest thing in the world.
It is a good thing he is so cute,
what with all the trouble he causes around here!

You can't get me

2010-12-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Taken this last summer.
Love this face.
He was the one that told Daddy he wouldn't be able to get him with the hose!

2010-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oh how I miss that big bad rottie!
Never have I had a more patient dog with my kiddos.
The only thing scary about her.....

was her lick!

Peyt's Bike

2010-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Peyton was so happy to get this for his birthday this past May.
He still hasn't gotten the whole idea behind it.
He approaches these kind of things with caution.
Gotta love this kid.

I'm not looking

2010-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

This was from Peyt's birthday party in May,
when we brought out his bike.
I think he did pretty good at not peeking.
For a three year old.

Cousins

2010-12-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

My nephew, Kai, gets to come over when he isn't feeling
well enough to go to "school"
He is such a champ when it comes to his breathing treatments.

2010-12-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

One of my all time favorite photos.
I know, it's a repeat. But I don't care!

Legos

2010-12-05T15:26:00.001-08:00

Brian's dad works for Intalco. Every year they have a family Christmas party, for children and grandchildren. When Brian was growing up they were always given toys.
Now a days they are giving every child a $10 gift card to Fred's.
Michael and Casey each chose a small lego set.
Once home they were eager to put them together and they did just about the whole thing themselves.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Two Random pictures

2010-12-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

This is a picture that I took from our campsite at Baker Lake. We towed the boat up and went to the other side of the lake to go camping. Which was the only way to do it since every single campground up there was full!

this is just a sweet picture of Peyton

Concentration

2010-12-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Sprinkler Fun

2010-12-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

So much

2010-11-26T14:43:00.001-08:00

To be thankful for. I didn't take my camera with us yesterday because it needed a battery recharge. We had a great Thanksgiving with my husband's side of the family. His parents have 10 acres and a nice steep slope into their front field for sledding.

I am quickly learning that my oldest two are growing up way to fast. They now have the privilege of playing at the far end of the house by themselves. They prefer this too, as they find themselves to big to be around the "babies."

Hoping to get some pictures up soon.

My goal starting in December is a picture a day.

I will leave you with this photo

This is Casey and Grace
Poor Quality Iphone photo from a year ago!

August Visit to Canada

2010-11-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

Logan was sure to show off his new gear for riding the motorcycle

Savannah is a cutie

My Dad, brother Kris, Logan and Desiree

My Dad with my kids (minus Peyt) My brothers kids (minus Evan and his oldest daughter)
I think we figured out that day that my dad has 13 grandkids

Random Pictures

2010-11-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

So Cute

2010-11-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Miinnie Mouse

2010-11-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Not the best pictures, but I liked the sequence of events...

Here I Come!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Spy...

2010-10-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

a fun little game that will make a great stocking stuffer! I have sewn up these bags and put about 25 items inside. Filled it with rice and you have your own I Spy game.... I gave one to the boys the other night and it is a hit! They LOVE it. Let me know if you want one. I plan on selling them for $8. If you want a custom one....geared towards a certain sport etc...Let me know and I will get you a price. I have a wide variety of fabrics and can work with you to get what you want!

The Good and the Bad

2010-10-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Good...

Had a great time with three of the kiddos and the husband at the local pumpkin patch on Friday!

The Bad....

Grace had a major blowout that resulted in us leaving early!

The Good...

I am enjoying sewing again. I have all these ideas that I would love to craft and sell.

The Bad...

I don't know where to start (other than etsy)

The Good...

I will have lots of time to work on the crafts and perfecting them!

The Bad....

It is official that the company I had been sewing for is going to close up shop...leaving me with no extra income :o(

That is all right though! I will just have to be creative and it was the best decision for the family! I am thankful for the two years that I have been able to do work for them.

I look forward to what God has in store for me and our family as we move onto this next chapter!

On to my craft ideas!
I had gotten a catalog that had some Quiet Time toys..

The look easy enough to make.
Already made one of them and will debut it on the blog tomorrow.
The boys love the one I already made!

14 months

2010-10-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

I scream, You Scream

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Grace gets your Ice Cream
The first picture is blurry but you get the idea. When the ice cream comes out she comes running.

has to make sure it doesn't escape!

Just like a little birdie!

Grace

2010-10-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

has been walking for a week a now.

likes to carry things around like a puppy dog!

loves to play with this doll because it says MAMA! but if you touch the hands it cries and so does she! Unfortunately she usually ends up touching the hands.

has the cutest pouty lip!

ALPHIE

2010-10-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

I have been having a hard time finding a Christmas Gift for Peyton.
He is at a hard age to shop for.
After a conversation with my mom this afternoon, she told me about Alphie.
I had Alphie growing up and LOVED him.
I found the new one on Amazon.
Minor problem, they wanted $34 for him (that was on sale)
Luckily for me I use Swag bucks.
I had just redeemed $10 in Gift Certificates for Amazon from them.
To sweeten the deal, with any Playskool purchase of $30 or more you got a Buzz Lightyear potato head!
SWEET!
I just got Peyton his Christmas gift and stocking gift for $26 after taxes! and free shipping!

this is the alphie from the 80's

Now I just have to figure out what to put in Casey's stocking
and what to get my hubby and then I am done!

Casey's First Day of School

2010-10-04T20:18:00.001-07:00

Casey was quite nervous when we got to his class. He asked if I could stay with him! I chose not to :o) He will have two teachers this year. His actual teacher is on maternity leave until next month. He is having a great time and learning lots.

Flowers around the house

2010-10-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Grace's New Boots

2010-09-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Princess Grace

2010-09-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

A glimpse at September

2010-09-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Michael's First Day of First Grade

2010-09-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Scrunchy Nose Face

2010-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get this face on camera for weeks.
She really only makes it if someone has some food she wants.
It is usually accompanied by some heavy, huffy breathing.

She is such a silly little girl.

Grace's Room

2010-09-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

I tried to tune it enough in Picasa to get the right color purple but this will have to do.

This is the hair clip keeper I made.

Some pretty artwork that was given to us by friends.
Her mom had painted them for their daughter's (Grace, yep their daughter has the same name)
nursery and she wasn't using them anymore.

The pillow were made for the other Grace's room as well. We actually got an entire crib set that matches and was hand made. This is her dolly corner.

Party Time!

2010-08-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Grace's Ladybug Cake

She loved being able to dig right into the cake.

Happy Birthday Baby!

2010-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

And how we have love every minute with you.
You are such an easy going baby.
You are adored by your brothers.
Started to give hugs and kisses.
You are standing for 20+ seconds, all by yourself
You are in your own room now!
Sleeping through the night consistently.
You love to feed yourself.
Don't like being contained
Want in on all the actions.

We love you Grace Elizabeth!