Phillips

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

slow down baby :(

2011-11-30T08:14:00.001-08:00

Birthday Girl

2011-11-05T11:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my baby girl who is 2 today. I am now a mom of 0,2,4,and 6 yr olds. Yes I am aware that I’m crazy!

Bentlee can talk really well figuring out how to say whatever she needs to say.

She has been half potty trained for a few months. She will poop in the potty always which is nice for mommy. She will tell me when she needs to pee on the potty unless she is preoccupied with something else ot isn't in the mood that day. I'm sure as soon as I get her panties she will do well.

She likes to count even though its not always in order.

She still loves milk in her baba (sippy cup) and we are working on eliminating those but so far it hasn't gone too well. I'm sure when those disapear the potty training will go better too :)

Bentlee LOVES dogs but this year we found out that she's allergic. So we still let her love them just not too close. When she does get close she gets all sneezy and itchy and rashy.

She has loved everything about halloween and dressing up

She Isn't used to the attention being centered on her so today has been interesting for her. Whenever you single her out and start talking to her about her birthday she turns your attention to something else. this morning I was saying Bentlee it's your birthday you are two. She points to the mirror behind me " look mom 'hind you"

Bentlee has always been such a joy to have in our family.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Jaxon boy

2011-11-02T17:24:00.001-07:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T17:17:00.001-07:00

Trunk or treat time

She was so excited to play the donut game till she found out how to play… she wasn’t too excited anymore

House decorating

CaNDY making

Pumpkin Carving

Tick or treat time!

Cyrus’ Birthday Weekend

2011-11-02T17:00:00.001-07:00

This year we asked Cyrus what he wanted to do for his birthday and if you remember Gabi’s Tangled birthday back in April we had a nice big party with all the cousins and friends and it was a big thing. Well of course he says he wants a party. I kept telling him He would be getting a baby brother instead. Well Jaxon came a little earlier than expected and
I was okay with doing something for his birthday. He still really wanted a party and after discussing the fact that most of the kids we knew his age were girls we decided that a sleepover with two boy cousins would be perfect. They watched how to train your dragon played toys and ate snacks all night.

At a decent hour we got everyone settled in for the night. I’m pretty sure they stayed up talking for a while but that’s okay with me. In the morning they played and played and played some more.

Echo meeting Jaxon when they dropped off Ben. She didn’t want to leave.

Turned around for a second and Cyrus’ presents were opened…oops! He got a remote control Jeep and a nerf gun and bubbles.

Glow sticks in balloons.

Playing bubbles in the morning.

Saturday after we took the boys home we stopped off at the thrift store and SCORED on some Halloween costumes. $3 a piece (more to come soon)

Then Saturday night Cyrus and Gabi had their primary program practice so we took the opportunity to go pick out some presents for him. When we all got home we did his cake before going to bed.

The next morning we did presents since we don't go to church until 1. He was thrilled with the simple dollar store gifts and Loved the big items. He’s so easy to please.

After playing a while we got ready for church. I don’t usually take my tiny babies to church but Cyrus missed his program two years ago because Bentlee was days old, then last year we were in Utah because Victors brother was going through the temple. So this year I wanted to make sure and take them. When they were first seated on eh stand they had Cyrus and Gabi sharing a seat. That was not going well… Cyrus was pulling Gabi’s hair and Gabi was turning around Punching Cyrus all the while mom and dad watched from 40 ft away. After we couldn’t handle anymore I went up to the door by the stand and requested that they be separated. After they separated them they did much better and all was well. Both Cyrus and Gabi did their parts and participated well. And my daughter was totally the one waving at Grandma the whole time.

Bringing Jaxon home

2011-11-02T11:29:00.001-07:00

Jaxon was born at 10pm so the kids waited till the next morning to come and meet him. The older kids had one it before and were used to it. It’s always the baby that is a little weirded out. Mommy in a strange building in a bed with a new baby in a crib. Bentlee handled it well though and was excited to meet her little brother. We enjoyed breakfast together and watched a show. Then the kids were too bored and started getting in to things so it was time to go.

That day Jaxon got his hearing test and passed on both sides.

The hospital likes you to stay 24 hrs to monitor both you and the baby so we stayed the next night as well so we weren’t going home at 11pm. Victor had been working on finishing up a project at home so there would be no dust for Jaxon’s homecoming so we relaxed at the hospital. The night he was born Every delivery room and postpartum room was filled, so usually they move you to the postpartum floor soon after delivery but since they were all full we stayed in the delivery room that night and half of the next day. before we got moved Jaxon got his hearing test and passed on both sides. :)

I was grateful to finally get moved because a delivery bed isn’t very comfortable. We moved to the postpartum floor right after lunch and got settled in there. That floor was much quieter and more relaxing. On the delivery floor you could always hear new baby cries as well as intercom alarms for this and that.

Friday evening I was delivered my “special Meal”. All new moms and a guest got treated to a yummy meal that doesn’t come from the usual hospital kitchen. I wasn’t sure if Victor could make it but I went ahead and ordered pasta for me and shrimp and potatoes for him. He ended up not being able to come down so I invited my parents to join me. There was plenty of food to feed the three of us and it was nice to have them come and meet Jaxon (their 29th Grandchild). And they watched Jaxon so I could get a much needed shower.

Jordan got to come visit again Friday night. He is an EMT and they had an hour to spare so they came to the hospital I was at for dinner and he stopped by for a bit. We love our Jordan and maybe that has a bit to do with the fact that Jaxon’s middle name is Jordan. :)

I stayed Friday night and got Hardly any sleep. My overnight nurse didn’t understand that I JUST got Jax to sleep so PLEASE leave him alone for a while.English was clearly not her first language so we had a hard time understanding each other in the first place. Nope she unwrapped him and put her cold stethoscope on his chest. GRR. I was counting down the hours till her shift was over… but then I realized her shift was 12 hours and not 8. It was a LONG night.

I was so glad when my nice daytime nurse came back. She was okay with waiting for jax to wake up to check him and didn't bother him when he was in a deep sleep. Most of the morning we worked on discharge paperwork so it would all be done when it came time to leave. Daddy was still finishing up at the house so we took the time watching conference and getting some rest.

right after lunch Jaxon got into his deep sleep and my nurse came in to check him. She’s the nice nurse remember? She said Take a nap and call me when you wake up. I'll make sure you aren’t disturbed… THANK YOU SALLIE! So i got a solid 2 or so hour nap before getting ready to head home.

After our nap we called daddy and told him we were finally ready to come home so he made his way to come get us. I packed up and signed all the necessary paperwork and we were out of there. Jaxon didn’t like his car seat one bit. He screamed for a while until he got used to it.

They wheeled us out to the car and on the way home we saw a rainbow :)

Jaxons’ first time in his crib.

our cute pirate boy and a very happy big sister.

First smile caught on camera

An heirloom blanket from a dear friend

Great Grandma Nana

one of Jaxon’s favorite places to be. don’t mind the unmade bed and the pile of laundry… I have 4 kids

I came home on Saturday afternoon, I had help Sunday and Monday and then Tuesday I was on my own. Way too soon in my opinion but I handled it and we are all doing well.

Baby Jaxon has arrived!

2011-11-01T16:42:00.001-07:00

My due date was October 6, 2011. I am usually overdue so I was mentally prepared to go over my due date and farther into October. At my 37 week appointment however I was already dilated to 2cm. For me that was unusual, I am usually nothing until the day of and then I have a baby. So already dilating got me excited that this pregnancy may be a bit different. A week later at my 38 week appointment I was told that I was 3-4cm. 4cm is considered active labor if you are contracting I just wasn’t contracting regularly.
So this was Monday, we knew that as soon as contractions did start we would have a baby fairly quickly. Victor works Tues through Friday and at his job once he’s there its extremely difficult to leave until the days work has been completed. My main concern was that he could be there for the birth. I had others in place should I go into labor while he was at work but I really was hoping that I wouldn’t have to go through with that plan. I would take it easy everyday while he was at work then about an hour before he got home me and the kids would have a dance party to try to get things moving.
Tuesday came and went Wednesday came and went Thursday came and all the while i was contracting here and there. We would go walking at night and as long as I was walking I was having contractions every 2 or 3 minutes but as soon as i sat down they would go away. So Thursday night I called Grandma Spears to see if she’d watch the kids while we walked. We were waiting for her to get home from somewhere so we cleaned up after dinner and tidied the house a bit. Well while I was cleaning up I was contracting just like always when I was up and walking. I started timing them and they were 2-3 minutes apart but only lasting 20 seconds or so. Not quite the whole minute that they usually say to be on the lookout for. This time though there was more pressure involved but I still wasn’t convinced that it was real labor. we continued to clean up this time changing sheets so grandmas could come stay, bathing the kids getting them ready for bed (it was 6:30 at night, we just didn’t want to leave so much for grandma to do)
By this point it was 7 something and I decided to call labor and delivery. They said since it was my fourth and I was usually fast to come in and get checked. We had Grandma come over and we headed in. I sat in the car and on the 15-20 minute ride over I only had one contraction. I was thinking “they are going to send us home and I will have to keep waiting”. well at 8:30

I was checked and I was 5cm. 5cm that’s it? I was almost 4 on Monday had been contracting all week and I never got to the hospital at a 5! I was always 7 or 8 by the time I got in. They hooked me up to monitors and after a little while decided that I was contracting enough for them to keep me and decided to officially admit me. I asked when I would be checked again she said oh about 2 hours. In triage I was given my IV and monitored for a little bit until they got my room ready. I’m guessing around 9:20 or so we were moved into a labor room and it took her a little while to get me all hooked up to the monitors and iv ready and all that. By the time I was checked again it was 9:45 and I was 7cm… Now we are talking! When I’m 7cm I’m pretty much done. So I told them to call the Dr and get him there ASAP. (the hospital is farther away this time and last time all he had to do was walk across the parking lot and he barely made it then) I didn’t have a good feeling about this. Well it’s not like I hadn’t delivered without a doctor before but still I kind of thought he wouldn’t make it in time. So as the nurse left to call the Doc just me and Vic were in the room… that was weird, I told him someone needs to be in here. You need to get someone in here. Well within a minute or so several nurses came in to get things set up. They got the baby warmer all ready, the doctors table with all his supplies ready, there was a buzz of people around the room. The bed wasn’t set up for delivery yet everyone was just waiting for the doctor to get there. All the while my contractions are getting stronger and stronger and much closer together. I kept telling them that I was feeling a lot of pressure and they kept saying okay okay, finally my nurse checked me again and as soon as she tried my water breaks all over her. I wasn’t paying attention cause I was pretty out of it at the time but Vic said he heard a scream and it scared him a bit but it was the nurse. So she ran out of the room to change and there were a few others in there still. I was trying and trying to not push and just breathe through the contractions until the doctor got there all the while the nurses would just walk by and look. It finally go to a point where my body took over and decided it was going to have this baby and I told them and still tried not to. Finally (victor said) the Baby nurse that was over at the warmer came over looked and saw the head crowning and finally said ok push, I sort of pushed and there he was… They put him on my belly and washed him and I just remember being out of it and crying that yay it was finally over. When I finally calmed my nerves and started to relax and actually pay attention to what was going on the baby was in the warmer across the room and Vic and I were by the bed waiting for the doc (still). I hear the nurse say “dad do you want to cut the cord?” I remember thinking…I’m over here, He’s over there…and you are now asking if he wants to cut the cord? apparently in the craziness of the moment she had cut the cord and got Jax on the warmer and later realized oh wait maybe dad wants to cut the cord and she was going to have him cut the 2 in or so that needed to be cut. I just found it kind of humorous.
Jaxon Jordan Phillips was born September 29th at 10:06pm weighing 7lbs 15 oz. He was so handsome and tiny and I was in Love.

About ten minutes after he was born the doc made it and I told him “I told ya so” No one seemed to understand what i meant when i said I go fast. He finished things up and said congratulations and was on his way. Usually a little while after everything has settled they move you to a postpartum room. This particular night they had every labor room and every postpartum room filled. they had something like 19 delivery rooms and a whole floor of postpartum rooms. So we stayed the night in the delivery room. Victor had planned on going home to relieve Grandma around 1am but then Jordan decided to stop by and bring snacks :) So they were there till about 2:30 I think. I tried to get a little rest then the nurse came to give him a bath and check him out. This was my first baby that had a bath right in the room. All the others went to the nursery for their bath. This hospital had a level III NICU but no regular nursery. I liked that everything was done in the room. I was able to take his pictures and be there for everything.

His Hospital Picture. 1 day old

I'm proud to say that I've birthed 4 babies. 3 of which with no medication whatsoever. The body is an amazing thing!

2011-09-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

--------> look to the right for the latest kids say the darndest things... My lovely (almost) 6 yr old

Kindergarten :)

2011-08-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

Cyrus is starting Kindergarten this year. As most mothers are I was nervous to send him to school. With the trouble our district is in and the crazy amounts of bullying in school etc we have decided not to. Yep, he is staying home! I CAN shelter him from the bad things and I fully intend to do that. We’ve been looking into alternative programs for the last year and I was going to put him in a new charter school here in Henderson until they decided it wouldn’t be in Henderson anymore. Driving 30 min one way twice a day didn’t sound fun with gas prices and 3 other kids to tag along too. We decided on K12 which is a public online school. He will have a teacher, a class, a curriculum, and me as his learning coach. I am so excited to be involved in his learning. I love knowing what he learns so I can implement it into our daily discussions. There’s no way he could go to school for endless hours and come home and be able to tell me everything he learned that day. I was really leery of doing a home school program at first because I was afraid I wouldn’t teach him enough or teach him the right things to be on track. With K12 they send me EVERYTHING. It tells me what to teach him each day and tests him to make sure he is on track. When he excels he can continue on and get ahead.

We finally got all our supplies and have the school space all set up. The only thing we bought is the desk and we got that for $40 bucks on craigslist. I used the boxes the supplies came in and covered the front with black paper, I will be cutting out lettering to label them by subject.

The books on the bookcase are divided by book ends but they are bricks from our front yard. I covered the front in paper too so it looked clean. The clothes pins on the wall can hold his projects until I put them away in his folders. The clipboard has become his Homework board, anything he gets to bored to finish or we get distracted in the middle of goes on his homework board and he has to finish it by the end of the day. Yesterday he had two papers on there and I asked him when he was going to finish them, he told me "tomorrow" I explained that tomorrow we would have all new lessons to do and he could either do them now or later when daddy was home and we were doing something fun. He sat down and finished them. On his magnet board we have his weekly plan and we cross of the lessons as he finishes it so we can have a visual to stay on track.

School doesn’t officially start until Monday but we are getting ahead so we can take a week or so off when the baby comes. So far he has done really well and Loves to do school.

Bentlee the Big Girl

2011-08-15T16:37:00.001-07:00

Bentlee has been growing up so much lately… I took a few pictures before church a couple weeks ago and she just looks so grown up. When the new baby gets here I’m sure she will look huge.

showing us her pigtails

I had been dreading putting her in the toddler bed. The other kids were in a toddler bed by about 15 or 16 months and it took me at least a week to train them by sitting next top their bed until they fell asleep. Well putting it off for so long worked wonders… For the few days prior to changing beds i would say it was bed time and she would climb and hang onto the outside of her crib until I got there to lift her up into it. The night we got out her toddler bed I said “ok its time to hop in bed” she climbed in covered up and stayed there all night. Score! I wasn’t convinced yet so sure enough naptime the next day same thing she climbed in and went to sleep. She has loved being a big girl and getting her big girl bed. And now the crib is ready for when the baby comes :)

Another milestone that we have come across is part of potty training. She has done it a bit backwards but that is okay with me. Whenever she needs to go (#2) she will tell me “mommy potty, potty” and will proceed to go on the potty. We haven’t mastered the (#1) part yet. Anytime I put her in panties she will end up peeing in them within 20 min or so. But hey, I have no problem not changing those stinky diapers. oh and she Loves reading her books while she sits there :)

We love you BIG GIRL BENTLEE!!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-14T12:10:00.001-07:00

Two years ago we had heard that the Summerlin 4th of July parade was going to be amazing… to be short, it was lame. Last year we went to the parade in boulder city and absolutely LOVED it. They have the water parade and we all get soaked. They had a giant water truck that just soaked the whole sidewalk. So this year we decided to go back to boulder city. It was stormy the day before so no one was quite sure what to expect but luckily it was a perfect day. It was a bit humid but cloudy so that was nice. The kids enjoyed seeing the parade and Bentlee especially loved seeing all the animals.
When the water part came the kids were hoping to get more wet but since we hadn’t brought any water guns or balloons no one was waging war against us. They still loved watching it all though. Its such a fun sight to see. Thousands of people in a giant water fight, its great. It was all fun and games until an accident occurred and they had to stop the parade. A boy wasnt paying enough attention and ran into the middle of the road right in front of a jeep. The parade kind of fizzled after that and we all slowly left.
We took the kids home and played a few board games before lunch and naps. That night we were headed out to the Park in Boulder city to enjoy the fireworks. The kids got to play at the park for a few hours and then the light sticks came out when it got dark. Such simple things bring so much joy to all the kids. And since we can get a lot at the dollar store for cheap it makes it even more fun.

Fathers Day

2011-07-14T11:52:00.001-07:00

This year for fathers day we were in St George following our trip to Kyle’s wedding. We had driven all night and got to St. George around 4 or 5 am. Luckily the kids slept in a while so we were able to get a little bit of rest. We had gotten Daddy’s presents ready before our trip and brought them along with us . The kids enjoyed giving them to daddy and sharing with him too. The rest of the day was relaxing. We took a nice long nap, went for a walk to the park, played some baseball, Frisbee, and played by the river. It was a fun relaxing day together.

A Wedding

2011-07-14T11:26:00.001-07:00

Last month Victor’s brother Kyle got married. We were able to go to St. George for the wedding and all the way to Ogden for the reception. We all loved getting out of town for a few days and the kids absolutely loved playing with their cousins for a few days. Here are some pictures of our adventures.

Tammy brought the kids down on Wednesday to play all day and they had a blast!

Cyrus and Levi playing with kinect

Pizza picnic for dinner

The joy of trying to get kids to take a picture together…

Beyond Precious

The Beautiful Bride and Groom

The Decorations

Hopped in the car for a quick ride for food and they zonked out!

Us on our 7th anniversary :)

Oh Ya...

2011-04-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

So I guess it would be good to mention to all of you who haven't heard... We are PREGNANT! We are expecting our #4 (am I crazy?? ok I know I'm crazy I'm 25! due with my #4 I will definately love it when i'n 45 :)) But we are so excited. The boys are obviously rooting for a boy to even the score. Cyrus really wants a brother but said that if its a girl then that's okay too. I am due October 6 so I am 17 weeks.

This time around I didn't tell anyone till I was almost 14 weeks so it's seemed to go by pretty fast. I guess it didn't really seem real until everyone knew. In just 3 weeks I will be half done. We will be finding out what it is in just 2 weeks.

I have already felt the little guy (we r hoping for that boy so i've just said he the whole time) I've felt pretty good. I was sick with some terrible cold/flu/whatever that horrible thing was back in February and being Preg with that truely SUCKED but other than that as long as I eat I'm okay.

What do you think it will be? Boy or Girl? And any cool name suggestions?

Gabi's Tangled Birthday

2011-04-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

Gabrielle had a birthday party a few weeks ago and she wanted the Tangled theme. It turned out to be such a fun party and most of all Gabi absolutely LOVED it!

*** Warning... LOTS OF PICS***

The set up

Silly kids allw anted to eat on the front step

Lots of boy cousins!

Pin the Frying pan on Flynn Ryder

(kinkos made a super big copy for less than 5 bucks...score)

She Loved all her presents!!!

Cupcake boy!

Think Repunzel before her haircut and Repunzel after it gets cut off.

Party favors for all our friends. I had originally bought a bunch of stuff for goody bags but then realized that we would have just as many boys there. So instead of making lots of boy and girl ones we went with this.

I found a site that you can buy lanterns and since that's such a huge part of the movie I decided to buy some. Another blog I saw had the idea to tie a string to it so we didn't start a fire. I am so glad we did... With it being so warm here it didnt go up very far and without the string it would have just ended up starting a fire in our neighbors tree. It was pretty cool though.

Here are some pics on her Birthday 2011

The joy of having kids

2011-04-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

So on March 1st in the morning Cyrus was taking a shower... I was about to get him out when he starts screaming. Luckily daddy was home too and we went to see what was wrong. He had soap all over his head and face so I thought he was mad about the soap in his eyes. We got him all washed off and realized, oh wait he's bleeding. Come to find out he had slipped and bonked his chin somewhere and split it open. After a little deliberation we decided to take him to the quick care and sure enough he got 3 stitches. Tough guy did very well and layed so still to get the procedure done. After it was done he requested a buffet but settled for a happy meal. It took him a while but I think it was the next day that he finally looked and saw them in the mirror. He didn't really like that he had stitches in his chin. A week later we convinced him that it would be okay for mommy and daddy to take them out.

THEN just a few days ago on April 25th we had another fiasco. We were eating breakfast and I was excited that my nook update had come through so I was sitting 5 feet away at the computer. It was Bentlee this time... She has a booster chair hooked to a regular dining chair and she sits directly up to the table. Well she decided to push herself away from the table and the whole thing fell backwards while she was still buckled. I immediately picked her up to try to snuggle her and didn't realize how bad it was till I saw blood on the floor... She wouldn't let me get a good look at it and since she is so little and she hit her head pretty hard we took her in. Once the doc got it cleaned up it looked a lot like Cyrus' but since it was on the back of her head with hair they decided on staples instead of stitches. I felt so bad for the poor girl... As soon as it was all over I snuggled her and she was so worn out from the whole morning she fell right to sleep. Luckily she has been doing fine otherwise. There doesn't seem to be any other damage. I'm not looking forward to having to get them out :(

Bonnie Springs

2011-04-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

As a kid I remember going to Bonnie Sprngs. An old town (that I wonder if it was actually an old town) that they have shows and shops and a petting zoo. We decided to make a day of it and Visit. The kids loved the silliness of the shows and enjoyed walking around seeing old things. They also got a glass bottle of root beer that they loved.

Hello world...

2011-04-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Okay so its been a few months.. who's really noticed?

A lot has happened in the last few months. January was wonderful, we had a family fun day sometime in that month and went and played in the snow (oh... ya, on the way Bentlee threw up in the car. We were still in town luckily and were able to run to a walmart. We bought her a new outfit and since Gabi was almost 4 at the time we went ahead and trashed Bentlees car seat too(( it was a crappy cheap on anyway)) and bought gabi a booster.) After the snow we grabbed pizza and went to the Discovery park in mountains edge. If I remember right that was a holiday monday and the park was PACKED. The kids only got to play for a min cause it was too hard to watch them with all those people.

Also In January we got to go to Todds in Arizona to Michaels Baby Blessing. We were able to go the night before and have a sleepover... The Kids Loved that. They love playing with cousins any chance they get. heres the only pic I got of them all.

at Church after the blessing. Not everyone but some of our cousins Telitha and mary Ellen are in the same building as Todd so we got to see them too.

... MUCH more to come...

Christmas

2011-01-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas this year was celebrated on Sunday the 26th. Victor had worked for 4 days straight leading up to Christmas and we knew he would be asleep all day Saturday and wanted him to be present for Christmas so we waited until Sunday so he would be well rested. It worked out nicely because we were able to have both sets of Grandparents over. It was a lot of fun. The kids didn't know either of the grandparents were coming so instead of running straight for presents they ran straight for them.

So Saturday night the kdis were excited to set out snacks for santa, they chose brownies and candy. We had so many goodies from secret santa and neighbors that we didn't feel the need to make more cookies. They were obviously too excited to go to sleep so they got to bed late which left me a long night ahead. I fianllt got to bed at 3 am only tho have to be up again by 7:00. Grandparents got here at 7:30 and the festvivites began. The kids were so excited to see waht santa had brought for them. They got everything they wanted and more. (THANK YOU THANK YOU TAMMY) They loved it all. I wasn't expecting anthing and was surprised to get an e reader!!! I didn't like that particular one so I exchanged it and am in LOVE.I also got a new purse from my Mom. She is a miracle worker with fabric and I LOVE IT!!!

Victor got some nice cologne. He had been wanting good cologne for a while now. As you can see he's happy with it.

We gave Grandma and Grandpa Spears something I've been working on for a few months now. The numbers worked out just perfectly. All of their Grandkids-mostly in order-LOVE IT and they did to :)

Anyway enjoy the pics.

Secret Santa

2011-01-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

We had a Secret Santa this year and it was such a blast. They were good... and we still don't know who it was. They did the twelve days of Christmas and each night they brought a piece to this nativity along with some goodies. We don't have a nativity and I wanted to get one this year so this was such a fun way to receive one. Now we have our first nativity and a great story to go along with it. The kids Loved waiting for the doorbell each night to see what they would bring. They would yell out into the darkness each night "THANK YOU SECRET SANTA" it was so much fun. To whoever it was that did it THANK YOU.

Wrapping up 2010

2011-01-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

2010... This year we have done quite a lot but as I think about it I cant seem to remember any of it.

Victor is one hard working dada. He had been working 4-5 12 hr nights a week most of the year until about august or September they told him he would have to move back to days. Going from 50+ hours on a night route that paid more to 40 hours on a day route meant a huge pay cut that we couldn't afford. It would be our whole mortgage. So Victor contacted a friend that he had trained previously that now had a security job on the strip. He had Victor a new job before we even applied. Within two weeks he was hired and at orientation. He hoped that his old employer would keep him part time but there was no guarantee. Luckily they LOVE him and don't want to let him go just yet. So he has still been working anywhere from 15-38 hours there. So to sum it all up, we see daddy maybe once or twice a week. Other than that he is working or sleeping. Many times he will come home from 1 change and be out the door again for the other then gets 3-4 hours of sleep before he has to go again. He is such a hard worker and we love him for it!

Savannah (ME)- Well lets see... I am a stay at home mom. That job description can mean anything at any time, especially with 3 kids. Other than that I have ventured into the world of in home sales. Selling lia sophia jewelry that is. I was NEVER the type to go to or have an in home party. I went with my mama to one and really fell in love with the product. I had my own little party and it was such a blast and I got free stuff and LOVED IT. I decided to join and have had fun sharing the love of jewelry with others. I haven't done very many parties but would LOVE to get more (if you want to have one pretty please let me know, its so fun and way easy). Anyway, We still have all of our wedding decorations and would like to pursue that more as well. We have lived in our house for about 14 months now and I really like it. It's MINE and I can do what I want to it, I don't have to ask permission to anyone before I paint or nail things in to the wall. Since we have been here we have scraped popcorn off the ceilings, painted the whole place, later changed the living room and one bedroom flooring to wood instead of carpet. We renovated the master bath, painted Cyrus' room green... I love that we can do whatever we want. Oh ya we got air ran into the big family room (enclosed garage) I love having such a big place that the kids can do whatever they want in.

Cyrus is now 5, He has always been such a good brother and son. He has such a sweet spirit and genuinely wants to do what's right. he often gets picked on by his "3 yr old sister" (he calls her that a lot). One day after having enough of it I told him "hit her back, its the only way she is going to learn" under his breath he replied "but Jesus doesn't like it when I do that". How can you argue with that?? He loves Monster trucks and still regularly asks when monster jam world finals is (march) he has gone for the last 3 years. He also likes bakugans (not the game just the silly toys), action figures, His new thing is ZhuZhu pets, not the regular ones the kung Zhu ones that fight. He had been asking Santa for those for months. (yes Santa brought some) Cyrus missed the school deadline by 2 weeks so He is still not in school though he would LOVE to be.

Gabrielle is 3. Lets just say I hope it gets better after three. I don't think it is Gabi, I just think three year old girls in general are at a very trying age where they want to push and push and push the limits. Without the other kids around Gabrielle is so much fun. She loves anything GIRLY... She Love dressing up and often changes her clothes 4 or 5 times a day because she likes to. For Christmas she picked out wings, pretty gloves, an wand, and loves wearing them with her tutu, princess shoes, necklaces, bracelets, and tiara. She is ALL GIRL. Gabi now has her won room and the pink paint is waiting. She is excited to have her own girl room and cant wait for it to be pink.

Bentlee is now 1, She is such a joy to have. She is so sweet and loves to play with her big brother and sister. She absolutely ADORES her daddy. She is talking a little but still gets frustrated when we don't understand what she wants. As long as she is fed and rested she is happy as can be and loves to wander the house and play.

We have a dog Jack... He is our 5th dog since moving here. we've decided we aren't animal people but aren't going to give up on him. We like the idea of a dog but can't wait till he is out of the puppy stage. His most recent fiasco was opening up presents from under the Christmas tree. He was punished and remains outside till this day. We didn't feel any remorse for him until the kids did it the following week and re-opened the presents that I had already wrapped twice. We will re think him being inside once the Christmas tree is down.

I have yet to take down My Christmas tree. I like it too much... My house will seem so empty without Christmas decorations. I guess it's time to get some new non Christmas decorations for my house.

We have been doing well, we love our ward and love the neighborhood. Now on to 2011, Out with the old and in with the new.

2010-12-26T21:56:00.001-08:00

check out the super cute gift we did for Grandma and Grandpa Spears HERE

Real Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

NO SOLICITING!!

2010-12-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

I seriously wonder what people are thinking... Or I guess the only way to put it is that they aren't thinking at all!!! The very first time we came to look at this house before we bought it the security door was FULL of ads and such for business. The house had a HUGE auction sign in the front yard that obviously meant that no one lived here. But I guess people thought they'd check anyway and leave their paraphernalia/junk mail on the front door to an unoccupied home. Then we buy the house... Two days after we get the keys we (victor and his mom((I was preggo and couldn't sniff paint)) were painting when the steak guy came. They told me the steak guy came and I assumed it was the stake guy from church.. NO It was a steak salesman guy trying to sell them steak.

A few weeks or months go by (who's counting) and we get some other church missionaries looking for someone with another name that speaks Spanish. Sorry that's obviously not me I'm white and I'm answering the door in English why do you have to ask me again if I'm sure she doesn't live here. Anyway, we have our share of interesting people and then I get this sweet teenage (looking) boy telling me he is home schooled and trying to sell magazines to win a contest with his home school group. He seems so nice and genuine until I buy a magazine subscription only to shut the door and immediately look it up on the computer to find out that it is a HUGE scam. I call and cancel the check that I wrote to him then vented to my husband who brings home shiny some shiny NO SOLICITING signs. 2 of them. We put them on the window walking up to the door and the security door itself. You can't miss them I assure you. Have they been a deterrent??? not exactly... I have seen a few people see it and walk away but there have been so many that blatantly ignore that little sign and ring or knock away. Usually during nap time. Thanks!

During elections we got quite a few visitors. Most of which asking for the previous tenants. to which I reply they don't live here. To which they always said are you sure no one by the name of _______ lives here. Are you kidding you'd think I'd know if they lived here or not. Well there was this little old lady in particular who had obviously had a rough day,I answered the door and the first thing she said is "I know it says no soliciting but this is important" that was her first strike. she asked like the others if so and so lived here, we had the same little argument that they indeed did not. She went on to ask me if I was registered to vote and I wanted her off of my doorstep so I said no. She proceeded to ask me if I knew where some such and such building was on some road in las vegas. When i told her no she was horrified. Why on earth would I know this random building? well it's the place that you can register to vote if you haven't already done it. like I ever had a reason to go there before. I always just check the easy little box at the DMV that says would you like to register to vote. Anyway this lady was nasty and didn't care. she asked me how old I was and when i told her i was 25 she was then disgusted with the whole younger generation. Telling me that when I woke up and THIS PERSON(shoving an add in my face) is senator that I would look in the mirror and realize that it is my fault. I listened with a smile on my face and smiled as I shut the door on her face as she was still talking. GOODBYE. I"m sure I left a lot out cause the poor old lady talked for a good few minutes before I shut her out.

Then today, I don't know if it's because my house is on a corner that it is targeted or if they bother all of my neighbors but today I got a security salesman. It might have helped that he told me what he was doing before he waisted all of his time. It took 10 minutes before I even knew what he was talking about. He starts asking me how much traffic I get on my street. after i tell him he says that's great cause all we want to do is put a sign in your yard to get publicity. I'm thinking okay so you want to put a sign in my front yard. You gonna pay me? He made a bunch of small talk then started saying how he was going to give me free stuff and started filling out paperwork for all the stuff he was going to give me. I ask him what he is selling and what it would cost me. he say oh you'll get this all for free. UH HUH I've heard that before. He says oh there is a monthly fee that could be anywhere from $44-$80. Now we are talking tell me some more. What else are you going to try to get out of me? He starts asking all my information. I gave him my name, he asks for my birthday I told him I don't want to give any more information until I know exactly what he is trying to sell and until I talk with my husband. He asks me if I know Jean and Jesse. ???? what??? He lost me. He says Jean from up the street and Jesse from two streets over. He tells me that they bought it and that he thinks I should too. You seriously think that I'm gonna buy just cause this Jean and Jessie did. I finally get him out the door and immediately look it up on the computer. It looks like it might be an official company but my goodness don't push and sign people up before they even know what in the world you are trying to push onto them.

I'm obviously venting but my goodness why can't anyone just look at that shiny little sign and actually read it and turn back around. Is it that hard.

Now obviously none of this applies to any of you cause you are my friends and if you are trying to sell me something than I'd hope you'd at least explain it to me first.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2010-11-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

Until just this week I never realized how pathetic our christmas tree's of past years were. We decided that we were going to get a new tree this year and were going to get a real tree from the tree stand. We all love a real tree but couldn't bring ourselves to pay 40-60 dollars then throw it away 1 month later. We looked and looked and found a perfect tree that was on sale black friday weekend. We got it for half the regular price and feel much more comfortable knowing that it can last us longer than a month. We had originally wanted the one with multi colored lights and every store in the valley was out! So we finally decided to go with the white lights and we are so glad that we did. Now we can have a theme or color and it not be weird with colored lights. The extra fun thing about our tree is that it rotates. It made decorating much easier and it's an element of fun that you don't always see. Here is our tree (Mine and Victors) the kids is to follow. We slowed the shutter speed on the camera to show the spinning effect.

Now here's to the part where I'm REALLY glad we got a new tree. I had set up the 6 ft sad looking tree thanksgiving day and saw how REALLY sad and bare and small it was. We have used this tree 3 of our six years married and am surprised we did to be honest. It is just a sad little tree compared to our new one. Anyway since it was already up we let the kids decorate it with all of their decorations and in the middle of decorating it fell over... The base on it broke and it cracked in such a way that it's not the easiest fix. So for the kids sake we just tied it to the wall so it will stay up for them. I guess its easier that way because now Bentlee can't pull it onto herself.

Besides that we have been doing well. We signed Gabrielle and Cyrus up for classes at the rec center. Cyrus is taking Karate and Gabrielle is in Gymcats. They both love their classes and having something else to focus on once in a while. Bentlee turned one this month. She is not so little anymore and I'm pretty sad about that. She has 6 teeth. She can walk now and say a few words. Hi, DA (dad), mama, Do(g)-ee, Ha (hot) , She knows signs for milk, more, all done, eat. She kisses and blows kisses (SO CUTE) she puts out her pointer finger to tell you "I love you". She is so precious and I just want her to stay that way FOREVER!

What did you do all day?

2010-10-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been feeling a lot like this... (below) Thankfully I have an amazing sister-in- law that is able to put it all into words so perfectly. Enjoy

A Mom's Job.

As a stay-at-home mom, I’ve come to resent the question, "What'd you do today?" Odd as it may sound, I can never seem to come up with an appropriate response to fully describe the hundreds of tiny tasks that make up my day’s work. I usually end up responding with, “Oh, the usual,” fearing that the listener will assume I sat on the couch and ate ice cream all day. And while that sure sounds fun, anyone who has ever devoted 100% of their time to their home and their children, knows that couldn’t be further from the truth.

A stay-at-home mother’s job is challenging and chaotic, but to someone who has never held such a position it can be a little hard to understand. For instance, my husband goes to work everyday and completes the specific tasks that are required of him. He shows up at an expected time and he is free to leave at the end of the work day. When he performs well, he is given positive feedback, a raise, or maybe even a promotion. He is paid for his time and once he's accomplished a job, he can check it off his list and move on. It’s logical. It’s progressive.
Mothers on the other hand, cannot clock in or out of their office. They do not get time off, paychecks, or vacations. There is no such thing as “after hours” or a weekend. And she cannot resign or be fired. A mother is a mother forever.
While most of us love our jobs, it can be frustrating at times. Unlike a regular job, it is hard to measure the multitude of things that a mother accomplishes everyday. It’s not like she can write in a report that she wiped 2 snotty noses, cooked three meals, changed 10 diapers, and read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” 4 times.
For me, I sometimes get annoyed that I work all day, but never seem to get anything accomplished. I mean, I clean the kitchen after dinner every night knowing that I will have to do it again after breakfast in the morning. I change my daughter’s diaper knowing that in a couple hours, I’ll be doing it again. I prepare meals, do laundry, put away toys, clean the bathrooms, pay the bills, and feed the dog just so I can do it all over again. Some days I don't even get out of the house except to take a walk around the block with the baby or to pick up the dog poop in the backyard. My work is that of maintenance. I keep my family clean, fed, and entertained, but sometimes I feel like all this achievement gets overlooked by a world so focused on money, numbers, and success.
So, as mothers, we must remember that success does not mean a corner office or a company car. It means finally vacuuming the cheerios out of the car seat or finding your child’s favorite stuffed animal hidden under the bed. It’s getting the washing and the ironing done in the same day. It’s surviving a trip to the grocery store with a squirming toddler and a long shopping list. It’s being on the PTA, cheering at your son’s soccer game, and finishing a science project the night before it’s due.
And even though we don’t get promotions, raises, or pats on the back, a mother’s work is the most important work in the world. Her little tasks add up to create a home that is an oasis, a community that is strengthened, and a child who becomes a responsible, happy adult. Her rewards come in the form of hugs and kisses, full tummies, smiles and laughter, sharing, learning, and love…
So the next time you ask a mom what she did today and she responds with, “Oh, the usual,” take a minute to give her a hug and say thank you. It's harder than you think.
-Holly Hoffman Spears

The Beaver County Journal

April 2009

It's Official

2010-08-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

No I'm not pregnant... I know that's what you were thinking.

I am officially a Lia Sophia Girl. I have started my own jewelry business. With the help of an amazing brand that is. I love the Lia sophia jewelry, the quality is wonderful, the people are a lot of fun, the LIFETIME GUARANTEE is unbeatable. (I don't have to worry now when bentlee rips a necklace off of me into pieces, I just send it in and get a new one!)

If you would like to, earn FREE jewelry, hang out with some friends, and have a great night in consider booking a show. It is super easy and we spoil our hostesses ROTTEN!

Take a look at my personal website check out the jewelry and if it is something you'd like to see more of let me know...(oh ya, we ALWAYS have a sale, you can get your most expensive styles at HALF off!)

www.liasophia.com/savannahphillips

I'm SUCH a mean mom!

2010-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Last night I made Orange Chicken with rice and green beans for dinner. The kids of course didn't eat it. Then at bedtime they ask for food. (it's the story of my life) Anyway, Cyrus was begging, and I'm trying to teach them that dinner is dinner and they need to eat. So I normally don't make them another dinner. He was driving me nuts so I finally told him if you want it you make it.. To which he cried and whined some more. Then he decided he really did want it and went at it.

Of course they totally loved it and got all messy and sticky right after their bath but who cares.

Also yesterday at lunchtime I got yelled at by cyrus saying he doesn't like me cause I wouldn't give him a popsicle before lunch

I am such a mean mom!!

In other news, Look at this beauty

bentlee 9 months

Junction

2010-08-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a very eventful week. On Tuesday Morning the kids and I left for Junction Utah with Grandma and Grandpa to stay in the Courthouse that was built in 1903. It is a huge building with 8 rooms a huge greatroom, big kitchen and a plenty of lawn. After many setbacks it only took us 8 hours to get there. (It was a 5 hour trip, flat tires, cars overheating, construction on the freeway) Finally Tuesday early evening we made it to the courthouse and settled in. That night there was a hoe-down at the park and we all went and played. The park was only 2 and a half blocks from the courthouse so it was nice to be able to walk or trailer the kids down there. After such a long drive up no one had any desire to get back in a vehicle and carseats.

Tuesday night we met Olyvia and the Lindgren family. They have 9 kids like us but where ours stop theirs begin. Olyvia is the oldest and she is 17. It was nice to get to know some of the people that live around there. Everyone was so nice and it was a totally different life thatn we have. It seems like here in the city everything is always so rushed and has a deadline and theres never enough time in the day to get what you want to done. There its complete opposite. Everything is so laid back and quiet. No one is too rushed to stop and chat, everyone is so much nicer and calm and trustworthy. It definately makes me wonder why in the world we live here.

Wednesday we played in the park, had slip and slides, made some necklaces, played some games and just hung out. On wednesday night there was a movie in the park. We went out and set up our blankets and waited for the movie. As time went on more and more clouds rolled in. We waited hoping it would pass in time to watch the movie. We had brought our umbrellas and tarp just in case and as it started sprinkling we covered our blankets and sat under the umbrellas. As it got harder and harder we realized it was time that we better head back to the courthouse. We got all our stuff and the kids on the trailer and covered us all with the tarp and drove the 2 blocks back. It was a fun adventure for the older kids and a bit traumatic for the little ones. In the chaos of the moment all the younger kids were confused and crying. We made it back to the courthouse and brought everything in that needed to be out of the rain. We put a movie on in the greatroom instead and relaxed the rest of the evening. Around 11pm that night Victor finally made it up to the courthouse too.

Olyvia's float for the parade. She came down to the courthouse to give all the kids a ride

Thursday we unloaded all the 4 wheelers and played around on them for most of the day. Thursday evening was the Buckaroo Rodeo. My kids didn't want to participate but many of the cousins did. They rode on a sheep, a calf, chased chickens, and roped face bulls. Our "city kids" (which is what everyone kept calling us) did pretty well. The came out with 2 chickens, 2 ropes, and a $10 prize for getting the tag off of the calf. Everyone was suprised that the city kids did so well and they said "you don't act like city folk". That night wa sat around the fire with marshmallows and smores till bedtime. Every night when we went to bed it took only seconds for the kids to fall asleep. After playing ALL DAY everyday they have been sleeping like logs.

Gabi and Sonnet. Only a month apart and Best Friends.

Friday morning we got everyone up and dressed an had family pictures put on the lawn. We were hoping to get out earlier to have better light but with 42 people you get what you get. Many people went out and explored nearby sites but we had no desire to buckle kids in car seats and go for a drive. They were perfectly content walking to the general store and picking out a candy. We relaxed and took a nap instead of roaming the mountains. That afternoon we started making sigms for our parade float. We made huge posters that said spears family reunion and had some kids paint it and put handprints. They had a good time painting, I even have a few ruined outfits to prove it. Friday night was a real rodeo but we had decided that the kids wouldn't sit to watch it. When Bentlee took a nap that evening Victor and I went out on a trail ride for close to an hour. It was nice to get out for a while and enjoy the scenery. We even saw a snake and ran it over on the road.

Saturday was one of the busier days. At 6:00 am I went with some of my siblings to run a 5k. I have been running the last couple of weeks and thought I would do fine but when it came down too it I just couldn't breathe. Here in vegas its like 2000 elevation. Up there we were at 6000 something. Kindle and I were able to run a block or two then walk the next block. We finished though... It was funny, on the walk down there Kim says "if you had fun, you won" and jordan told her that was the stupidest thing he had ever heard. But on the walk home he says, "what was that little jingle you said earlier, I think it will make me feel better" because none of us won in our age groups.

After the race we grabbed breakfast on the way home, they had a free breakfast while the parade was getting ready. Then we went back and got our kids ready for the parade. Since Olyvia was miss paiute county and had her sash and crown all the little girls got the idea to make our own royalty. We got paper and made a sash and crown for them all to wear in the parade. The kids loved being in the parade and throwing candy to all of the kids that were watching.

When the parade was over there was a "midway" in the park. Absolutely nothing like what we are used to but they had 4 booths and 4 blow up things. But in a town with population of 175 you cant expect much. We had a great time though just hanging out and enjoying the day. After maybe an hour of hot humidity it cooled off and was a beautiful day to play outside. We put Victor and Bentlee down for a nap and the kids and I went and explored some more. We walked up to the rodeo grounds and saw the horses and cows. Cyrus says "mom, some cows have earings, does that mean they are girl cows?" It was cute. But they all had tags for the different owners. Saturday evening we made some more smores and started packing up a little. We packed up the trailer with 4 wheelers and extra food and Decided that we were going to leave that night. We were going to leave early Sunday morning anyway so we decided it would just be better to get halfway home that night so we didn't have to travel quite as long on sunday because Victor had to work.

None of us wanted to go back to the heat and chaos of vegas. We all enjoyed the relaxed laid back life that everyone in Junction seemed to have. Maybe one day we will make it out of the hustle and Bustle of a huge city and be able to relax in a quieter cooler spot.

Having fun in St George

2010-07-25T14:58:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah!!!

2010-07-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

We are not longer sweating to death!

vegas summer

2010-07-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yes this is inside my house! It's 109 or so outside

Our air conditioner has been acting up a little the past couple of weeks but nothing too major. Then one day it decided to die completely... and we are left with this.

Its not too much of a shock because our home was built in 1983 and the air conditioner is the original. 27 years. I'm impressed it has lasted this long

We stayed at my parents house for a few days and decided that there is no place like home. So we got a small window air conditioning unit and are quarantined to one room until the A/C gets replaced. (should be this week) Hopefully monday :)

Anyway I am sitting here sweating since this is not the Air conditioned room. So I'm out!

Summer

2010-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

So tired and am so behind on just about everything but here is a peak into our fourth of July Fun!

Hopefully more to follow sometime soon.

We are almost moved back into our room. There's pictures of that too... chillin on my memory card. (Somewhere.)

My "family Room" /enclosed garage fimally looks like a family room... too bad it is too hot in there to actually enjoy it.

Our air conditionong decided to take a break on us and has been sporatically blowing hot air. Sadly it's happening more and more often these days. We should be getting a new one soon. (crossing our fingers)

Good Things to Come

2010-06-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

2010-06-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

DADDY DAY 2010

2010-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY!

My love

2010-06-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Six Years ago today I married my best friend.

Sweet daddy brought home flowers for Gabi too! Her very first bouquet :)

BACKWARDS

2010-06-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

OK SO A LOT HAS BEEN GOING ON, REMODELING OUR MASTER/MASTER BATH, YARD SALE, PLAYING AT THE PARK, DADDY BEING HOME IN THE EVENINGS, LIVING IN THE LIVING ROOM OUT OF A SUITCASE.. OUR LIFE IS A LITTLE UPSIDE DOWN AND BACKWARDS BUT WE ARE DOING GREAT!

the blessing

2010-05-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

April 25th, St George Utah. The day we finally did Bentlee's baby blessing. And Today, the day I finally get it on my blog.

Beautiful Dress made by the amazing Grandma Spears

And I'm just now realizing that we have blessed all three of our babies in the same chapel.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BETTER THAN A BABY'S LAUGH

2010-05-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

YOU CAN TELL HOW MUCH SHE LIKES HER BINKY...

2010-05-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

look who decided to start growing up...

2010-05-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

YUM

2010-05-10T11:51:00.001-07:00

I really want to make THESE

Happy Birthday Gabrielle

2010-04-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Pampered!

Pretty Pink manicure...

Bubble Bath...

Preparation

Big Reveal

Princess Gabrielle

New Bike

New Puppy

Make a wish

Could they be any cuter???

2010-04-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Disneyland

2010-04-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

This year Disney did the Give a day Get a Day program where you volunteer for a day and got 1 free day at A disney Park. We volunteered at an elementary school last month and got our tickets in time to go with some of Victors family. It was such a relaxing trip for us all. Since Disneyland was free we didnt feel like we HAD to do everything. Usually you pay so much and feel like you have to get your money's worth so you run around all day trying to do as much as possible and end up so warn out. This trip was totally different. We Went to Disneyland for a few hours in the morning and when the kids got hungry for lunch we left disney walking, grabbed lunch and headed to the hotel for a nap. We all napped for a few hours and walked back to disneyland. (our hotel was only 2 1/2 blocks away). The kids didn't like the rides much. They did enjoy the carrosel and the train (after we convinced them that we werent going into any water or down any big drops or anything). Any ride that went indoors that they couldnt see exactly what was going on they cried for and hid their faces until it was over. The day after we got home it was cute Cyrus out of the blue told me about disneyland "mom, you know my favorite part of the pirate ride was getting off"

While in California we also got to visit the beach, do a little shopping, and simply relax in the hotel without a care in the world. I even got to read a whole book during the trip.

When we got home it had felt like we'd been gone for a week. And that was a good thing. It was such a relaxing trip and it was nice to just get away from it all.

Easter pictures

2010-04-11T23:07:00.001-07:00

Easter Fun 2010

2010-04-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

We had a fun day at Grandma Nanas House today for our Family Easter Get together. I posted a lot of pics on the Spears family blog HERE. Enjoy!

4 and a half months! It goes by way too fast

2010-03-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

cyrus can write his name all by himself

2010-02-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

Ive been so focused on recognition of letters and their sounds that I havent had Cyrus writing much of them. When I finally sat him down and had him write his name it only took a few tries. Now I can ask him and he can do it by himself.

creations

2010-02-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

I dont get much time to do crafts or I would do more but here are a few I have

accomplished in the last little while...

framed hairbow holder

raingutter bookshelves...Super easy and efficient

name blocks for my Best Friends Birthday

So...

2010-02-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

We can play in our backyard again... the dogs are gone.

I was up most of the night last night... me plus three... all sick.

It will probably be the same tonight :(

Both of my kids will now have scars on their forehead... Gabi got one too. Thankfully not as serious as Cyrus'.

In the process of getting said owie... our computer screen got a nice big Gouge. Deep long scratch.

Good thing the computer was only $400

The long night has officially begun. Baby's crying yet again.

Dont you just Love a new purse!

2010-02-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Here is my new purse/diaper bag courtesy of Mama Spears. The only time I ever carried a bonified "diaper bag" was when cyrus was born. Since then I've always just carried a bigger style purse and doubled it as diaper bag.

I even made a wipes cover to match. Its a little on the big side but its super comfortable and I love It!

Valentines Day

2010-02-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

Victor had to work the morning of Valentines day and we didnt have a car to get to church so we had Grandma pick us up and we went with her. It was fun to see all our old church buddies and Cyrus was happy to see all of the friends in his old class. Victor had gotten off before we got home and we returned to the house looking like this...

140 balloons to be exact all filled with daddys air. He also had blisters on his fingers from tying them all. Now thats dedication!

Man oh man

2010-02-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

I spent about an hour last night over at this blog and I have not been able to get it out of my head. It helps you to appreciate the little things and to Love the babies just that much more. go to the bottom of the page and click older posts and start on the February 1st post...

In no particular order

2010-01-31T19:58:00.000-08:00

Bentlee is 12 weeks now. In 5 days she will officially be 3 months old. Where does the time go! She's getting so big way too fast. She is such a sweet baby. She's happy as can be and if she fusses I know right away if its tired or hungry or diaper change time. She's so easy to read. She loves it when anyone talks to her she loves to smile! Here are some of the many faces of our Bentlee Girl

A couple of weeks back we turned our heater on and it started smelling. So we turned it off till my A/C professional brother could come over to look at it. This is gabi one morning eating cereal. A typical morning in the kitchen was 63-65 degrees

We decided to get cyrus a single bed instead of a bunk bed and to give him his own room. He went from this in his and gabi's room ...

to this in his very own room.

In other news... If you know anyone who wants to buy a motorcycle we are trying to sell it.

And if you want some dogs... let us know. They're 5 month old boxer/terriers both male

2009-12-28T14:00:00.001-08:00

Suprise Christmas

2009-12-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

We had two suprises this year for christmas...

First, Victor suprised me with not having to work Christmas eve. Apparently he had known for a while and just decided to not tell me.
On christmas eve he had the kids not nap so they would go to bed early. Instead I thought "are you crazy? I'm the one who will have to deal with grumpy kids all evening while you are at work" (again he knew i didn't)
So around 4pm (he usually leaves at 6:15pm) I sent him out to pick up a swing for Bentlee that we found on craigslist. Bentlee has a 2 hour "grumpy time" before bed every night so i thought that might help. Anyway back to the story, I sent him out at 4 and he got the swing and ended up at the store for a few things. He finally got home around 5:15 and I expected him to go take a shower and get ready for work. 5:30, 5:45, still just doing things around the house and playing with the kids. Meanwhile I ws helping the kids make Santa cookies and I was getting a snack bag together for victor and his work buddies while they were at work. Finally 5:50 he's in my way in the kitchen and I ask him if he was going to shower. He gets a weird look on his face and says nope. I ask him if he's going and he says nope... So now i'm hopong that he got someone to take his place or at least called in so he didn't get in trouble. After letting me worry for a minute he tells me that no one was working and they all had the night off. It was such a nice suprise and I was glad he was staying home with us but I was so flustered for the next 30 minutes because I'd had everything planned out and had mentally prepared myself to do christmas preparations by myself. So after I got my bearings straight I decided to make it a fun night and we decided to invite Jordan, Grandma and Grandpa over for santa cookies and Hot chocolate.

We rolled the big screen in to the dining room so we could play wii and turned a christmas special on the other tv and hung out for a few hours. Finally 8pm rolled around and we put the kids to bed and finished the wrapping and santa duties before heading to bed ourselves.

Then Christmas morning... I was up at 5 feeding bentlee and around 5:30 cyrus got up to go potty and remembered that it was christmas. He came to me and said "merry Christmas mom". I had him climb into bed with daddy and told him i'd be in there when i was finished. By the time I climbed back into bed Victor was awake and excited for christmas. Cyrus was content relaxing in bed and Gabi was no where near waking up but victor was up and dressed and waiting. So we got gabi up and all headed to open presents.

THe kids had gone through their stockings and opened one present when the doorbell rang. WE both looked at eachother having No idea who it was and wondering who in their right mind would ring a doorbell at 6am. of course the kids ran to the door and victor made sure they were no where near the door when he opened it. Clearly afraid of what was on the other side.

LUCKILY, it was just Grandma Janice, Papa Kim, Kyle and Bret. Our second suprise.

They decided that it just wouldn't be christmas without kids so they came to spend the day. WE continued opening presents and the kids Loved everything they got.

Cyrus: Buz Lightyear, Woody, 2 big transformers, handy manny's toolbox and tools, sid the science kids microphone, a phone, a shopping cart, Super why

Gabi: Jesse (from toy story), a shopping cart, a new bike (big wheels), princess presto and alpha pig from super why, a microphone and phone, a new movie, a big tub with play doh and tools

I cant thing of what else but they loved it all and they especially like the shopping carts because now they can load up all their toys and cart them around the whole house.

For the next hour the boys all layed wii and Grandma, papa and the kids played play doh. I got an hour or so of time to myself. I cleaned up a little getting all the wrapping paper and boxes out of the way and read the letters from kimi that came with the dvd's.

Luckily we had planned to cook a big christmas meal and had plenty to share so we made it for Lunch and were able to share it with everyone that came. We even got to use our new (new to us) bigger table that we got from Janice.

Overall a great christmas this year. I'm so glad that we were able to spend it in our new house and to be able to share it with both sets of grandparents. We're so blessed to have so much family who love and care about us.

Oh I forgot to mention what Victor and I got. Victor got a new xbox360 Modern Warfare edition. He had debated for the longest time whether or not to take it back because he knew it would take up a lot of his time and that it would bother me and the kids and he didn't want that to happen. WEll he did end up keeping it and has only played for maybe an hour since he has had it. I'm proud of him for knowing that he can get that way and that he has set limits for himself so it doesn't interfere with the rest of our lives.

I got a software for my cricut that is called Sure Cuts A Lot. It is a software for the computer that allows me to cut virtually anything! NO more cartridges to buy... Yay! I've played with it a tiny bit and Love it so far. It has led me to look up a lot of tutorials how to use it and i've learned so many new tricks and techniques that i cant wait to try. I even ordered some vinyl to do cute sayings and things around my house. We've been using contact paper up to now and the vinyl will be so much nicer when it comes to getting it on the wall right. I'm excited to play with it some more and see what else i can do.

Santa!

2009-12-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

And Santa Came early for Gabi this year... Okay so it was Grandma.

Grandma Spears made this Beautiful cross stich of Gabi's name.

Thanks Grandma! we love it!

Merry Christmas Family newsletter

2009-12-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

I get so caught up in reading other blogs sometimes that i dont have the time to update my own blog.
So much has gone on here in the last 7 weeks. I guess I'll update about everyone cause its been a while. You could call it our christmas newsletter without the cost of stamps to send it out.

We've had a lot of big events this year. It took us long enough but we finally found a house. Its been 3 months since we got all moved in and we're still moving things around and getting situated.

Then 7 weeks ago today our sweet Bentlee was born. I was induced 6 days after my due date. I arrived at the hospital at 1pm and when hooked up to the monitors was told that I was already contracting. Well at 4:11pm she was born. Very quick labor and thank goodness because there was no medicine involved. Bentlee and I stayed at the hospital until the 6th and came home in time for dinner with the family.

She is such a joy to have in our home. She is such a wonderful baby, has already been smiling so much, "talking" a little and even letting mommy sleep for up to 6 hours at a time at night. Cyrus and Gabi love to talk to her and tell her stories and on occasion hold her. Bentlee is going to be the one who has daddy wrapped around her little finger. He's so enthralled with her.

Gabrielle is 2 and is our little trouble maker. She's the instigator. When the kids are separated she is an absolute angel but gets in to trouble when they are together ( which is pretty much most of the time). She loves anything girly; Pink, dolls, jewelry. you name it. She loves hanging out with kids her age and absolutely adores her Grandma Spears. She's incredibly shy when shes around someone she doesnt know or hasnt seen in a while but warms up after being with them for a bit.

Cyrus is our big 4 year old! I dont feel like I should have a four year old but I guess thats just part of getting older. And I say big 4 yr old because he's been trying to get away with a lot of things because he "doesn't know how" when he turned 4 I told him he was big and can do it all. Now when he complains that he cant put his shoes on or do something I remind him that he's 4 and a big boy and he does it right away without a problem. He loves Monster Trucks, Transformers, action figures, Anything Boy! He is a big helper around the house and has been a big help since Bentlee was born.

Victor and I are doing our best to raise our kids, Victor works long and hard so I am able to stay at home with them and for that I am extremely grateful.

Hope all is well with you and your families and Merry Christmas to you all!

2009-12-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Bentlee Loves to Smile!

Our new living room floor

Am I crazy?

2009-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

So When Bentlee was 3 days old I caved and finally allowed victor to get puppies... He's been wanting to since before we got into our house. We finally found some for a really great price and went for it. The kids have been so excited to have them around. They are a Boxer and Terrier mix so they will be medium sized dogs. And even though tjey look completely different they are brothers.

I was terrified to get puppies because that meant 3 babies for me on top of the two toddlers... I told victor maybe just 1. Well we obviously ended up with 2 and I am so glad we did. Since we dont want them around the baby we have made them outside dogs and since they have eachother to play with they've done amazingly well. They play together and wear eachother out and then sleep. They arent very needy and they are easy to train, they've already learned sit and lay down.

bentlee

2009-11-18T11:40:00.001-08:00

2009-11-07T09:09:00.001-08:00

Birth Announcements by WiddlyTinks.com

Baby and halloween

2009-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

The ticker on the right says that my baby is ... days old. Well not true. Thats how many days overdue I am.

I hoped that with all of the halloween walking I'd go into labor. Ya that didn't happen. She'll come in her own time though.

Until then...

The kids loved Halloween.

We had our Trunk or Treat last night and it was very busy. We had a full bucket of candy that was gone in under 10 minutes. The kids had fun seeing all the other kids costumes.

Tonight we went trick or treating and Cyrus was still afraid of the overly spooky houses but did much better than last year. He did refuse to go up to santa for a candy though. Gabi was a champ and only chickened out at one really scary walk through garage.

Cyrus was as he says "the bad Spiderman" thats the black suit one.
And Gabrielle was a "tow-Dirl" aka Cowgirl. Very cute. We walked a few streets and before their buckets were even half full Cyrus says ok I'm done lets go home. So we came home and watched Pirates for the rest of the evening.

2009-10-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

2009-10-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

Hello

2009-10-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

So you may have thought I 'd fallen off of the face of the earth but I've just been without Internet the past month. We officially moved into our new house and have been going thought the chaos of unpacking and deciding where everything needs to go. There is still a lot of rearranging to do but for now it's looking like a home.

The kids absolutely love the new house. They have their own domain to trash or do whatever their heart desires in. For the first week we brought in every single toy box that we had in storage. Which was a lot by the way. They had toys covering their floor probably a foot deep. They were overwhelmed with it all and i got sick of the mess so we organized and boxed up most of them and have 3 types of toys out. Now I can just switch out the buckets every 2 or 3 weeks to avoid the mess and them getting bored.

I finally got the nursery put together. We were going to make our extra room an office so all of the office boxes went in there, then we changed our minds and decided to make it the nursery so I had the crib up and a bunch of boxes all over. I finally cleared it out and now only have the crib and changing table in there. I went through all of the baby clothes and put some in the closet. Its starting to become a reality now.

I have 11 days left till my due date. It seems like it has gone by so fast. Mostly because I've wanted to get the house in order before the baby comes and I haven't felt like Ive had enough time to do it all... My pregnancy has gone well, the baby is extremely active and getting big.

I don't have any pictures to post because we went to St gorge for Victors brothers wedding and I forgot my camera there... My Mom went on a trip and I'm hoping she gets back before the baby is born so I can borrow her camera to take to the hospital.

We're scheduled to get internet today so I should be writing more.... Should be because who knows when this baby will come. We'll see I guess

Homeowners!!!

2009-09-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

We Got our keys! We were hoping to get them last Friday before the holiday weekend but being before a holiday weekend some were slackers and we were still waiting for some final signatures from the seller. So we didn't get them until Tuesday at closing. Get the keys at 5 Victor has to work at 6. So we get them and walk around the house for a minute to soak up that it is ours then have to leave to get victor to work. Wednesday morning we started working on it and here is our progress so far.

What have the Kids been up to?

Watching a movie in their new room. After playing in the water outside I was able to find a few clothes in the car to put them in.

They were getting bored in the house so we brought over the playhouse. I love the patio area.

It was too hot just to play outside so we added some water. They both ended up in it and completely wet. But it kept them busy while we worked.

And for us... We had our work cut out for us. We have a to do list before move in and when on paper it seems so easy. No problem we can wipe that out in a few hours... Right. It's taken a few days but so far we have Scraped the popcorn Ceiling off

Swept and vacuumed it all up. Yuck

filled in any nail holes in the ceiling and sanded them. Thanks Grandma Janice!

Replaced some drywall where there was an old water stain. Again YUCK.

I am impressed though. A 4x8 piece of Sheetrock held up by my husband and nailed in by me. I'm not a good nail er when its above my head.... But we did it!

And again cleaned an vacuumed to get all the insulation out.

Went to Lowes by myself to buy 1 bucket of Drywall compound. that stuff has to weigh 40 or 50 pounds. Needless to say I was a damsel in distress and had to get help to put it in my cart and then again into my car.... Well then I had to go back and get more. The older gentleman thought I was crazy when I told him I wanted 6 yes six buckets. I thought he'd at least recruit a younger lad to help but I guess he wanted to help a pregnant lady out. It took him as long as it would have taken me. Then he criticizes me for coming by myself and made me swear that there was someone on the other end to help me get them out of the car. OK moving on.

On to spraying the texture. took a minute to get used to then just took the rest of the day to do it. I'm not complaining... That hopper was a good 20 or 30 pounds then held above the head for the next 10 minutes while sprayed and done over and over and over. Victor was BEAT! But he did an amazing job!

Thanks again to Grandma Janice for keeping Victor motivated and helping as much as you did.

Victor and Janice during one of the very beat moments.

Finally the texture was done and we can finally Clean the place up and get it ready for paint.

Grandma and Grandpa Spears came over and helped clean and Button up a few loose edges. One Final sweep and off to a day of rest. Wonderful Sundays.

Thanks to everyone who has helped so far. Grandma Janice for coming for two straight days of work work work... Hopefully we didn't scare you away.

I'm particularly impressed with Todd. Completely unannounced and thoughtful he brought us a Pizza when we didn't even realize we were hungry. But it sure did disappear fast.Thanks to Everyone!

More to come.

Painting, final clean up and Move in! YAY

New Adventure!

2009-08-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

We met our realtor a year ago.... We've looked at more homes than I can count and put in at least 10 or more offers. We Finally got accepted on one that we like in a neighborhood that we like. It has 1600 sq ft and plenty of RV parking.

We are scheduled to close nest Friday, Sept 4th and we are super excited. The house will need Cleaning and paint but we think Its an amazing find for our first home.

Our Mortgage banker was amazing and after 5 days is ready to sign we are now just waiting on escrow to move along with utilities and any other leins the property has.

The Kids are so excited. They ask everyday if we can go to our new house. We have to keep explaining that we have to wait to get the keys. Cyrus is excited to see all his toys that have been in Storage for so long.

I'm thrilled to get more space and get everything settled before the baby arrives.

Our due date is still October 31st. I've been feeling Okay. This pregnancy is so different from the others. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that I am chasing after 2 toddlers all the time but I'm just so much more tired and I must be holding this baby different because weight wise i'm the same but I feel so much bigger. I've actually had to get Maternity clothes this time and at 5 months instead of the usual 8 or 9 months.

We're excited to venture into this new chapter of our lives. It'll be a crazy couple of months ahead.

2009-07-09T19:14:00.001-07:00

Amazing Grace

2009-07-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4Th of July this year. Throughout past years I'd almost given up on the holiday. But this year went well.

In the morning we got up early and headed to Summerlin to watch the parade. It wasn't nearly as good as it was hyped up to be but we still had fun with the kids and seeing all the other patriotism.

While the kids napped I got my hair dyed. Thanks to Heidi who is back on this side of the country it didn't turn out as crazy as I've had it in the last 4 years. After naps we all headed over to Heidi's sisters house for a pool party and BBQ.

We swam for about an hour and then ate. There was TONS of food. It was a really good time. The kids loved playing in the kiddy area with the water guns. Gabi had the guts to go down the slide... once. Then she realized it wasn't fun going under the water. We had a Great time there and when we'd had enough sun we headed home to get ready for fireworks.

We went to Boulder city and laid out in the grass. The kids had their glow sticks and loved them. This year we remembered to bring the headphones and It was the first in 3 years that I wasn't holding a crying Child. I was actually able to sit there and enjoy them.

Boulder City had a wonderful show as always. Then after we got through traffic and were home we lit some of our own fireworks. That's when the screaming started. Gabi was tired and not in the mood to be 5 feet away from fire. So I put her to bed and we enjoyed the rest of our fireworks with Cyrus. All in all it was a great Holiday!

2009-07-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Drumroll Please

2009-06-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

BOY OR GIRL????

2009-06-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

We find out on Tuesday what we are having!!!!

If we follow the pattern (yes we have a pattern, all of the girls in the family have followed my moms pattern when having children, boy girl girl boy boy girl boy girl boy, Even my sister Kim with 7 children has followed the pattern) so if we follow the pattern it should be a girl. Personally I don't mind either way I love the perks of both. Victor says its a boy and doesn't want to even consider that it could be a girl. I told him its 50/50 he said no its 70/30.

Lets take a poll.... What do you think it is???

crazy couple of weeks

2009-06-04T18:40:00.001-07:00

Decorated 3 weddings

Went to my grandma and grandpa Spears' gravesite in Chloride AZ (I'd never been there and was glad to finally get a chance)

the third wedding was in utah and we ended up being the decorators, photographers, and papa Kim did the music and refilled the punch. Would have been interesting without us.

Fixed Victors Motorcycle...Again

Tried selling the motorcycle only to find out that the lender has no title, the DMV doesn't know where it is and the company we bought it from has 3 different phone numbers that don't work.

We got enough money from the weddings for a down payment on a house and are now putting in offers again

Put in an offer today for 21,000 more than the asking price in hopes that we will get it.

Yes the rumors are true

2009-04-30T23:20:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have been speculating your suspicions are correct. I am pregnant. I found out the first week of March and only told Victor. We hadn't told the kids yet because we were sure that when we did they would spill the beans before we would. I've mentioned it on and off to them but today they formally met their new little sibling via Ultrasound. They sat so still and watched that baby on the screen.

Gabi is adorable. She keeps saying, "a baby"... "in you tummy"...in her cute high pitched voice. I'll try to catch it on video it's cute.

Cyrus keeps telling me "mommy you're tummy is big..." then he remembers and says "What are we going to name the baby?"

I'm almost 14 weeks along and am due October 31st.

Warning! LONG POST

2009-04-21T19:20:00.001-07:00

It's been a little while and I haven't posted about a lot of things... And I've dreaded putting this all together because it's time consuming.

So instead you get a really long line of pictures with some blurbs about what we've been up to.

First. We had a Girls day out in Boulder City. Walked around, saw some antique shops and had lunch in the park. The kids enjoyed playing together and we all had a great time visiting.

One night while checking my email the kids were playing toys behind me being good and next thing I knew they were very quiet and I turned around to see this... One had a crayon and the other had PERMANENT MARKER!!!!! I freaked out because it's wood floor and wasn't sure if it would come off.

I used alcohol, fantastik cleaner and a magic eraser and it finally all came off. Whew!

We took the kids to the county fair. We had fun watching the shows, seeing the animals and most of all as Cyrus asked the whole time, "I want a nack!" (snack) We got cotton candy and snow cones. I was thrilled to see them by the animals. We'd never really seen animals close up but knew all of them from tv so to see the cows, pigs, chickens, bunnies, lambs, goats, pigs, chicks, snakes, peackocks etc was exciting. There were a million roosters and evert two seconds you'd hear a Cock-a-doodle-do. It was cute every time gabi heard one she'd say "doddle do".

We then headed to St. George for easter. We'd planned to do our easter celebrations on Saturday and it rained all day. So we had the egg hunt in the house. The kids didn't care, they just wanted candy!

Then that night we dyed eggs, and I believe the kids each ate 2 or 3 when they were done.

Cousins

Easter Sunday

April 18th was Gabrielle's birthday. That morning Henderson had the Heritage Day Parade. We went and I told Gabi it was her Birthday Parade. We got balloons from one of the guys running for office and the whole time Gabi kept saying "my birtday". It truly was her birthday parade.

That night we had Cake and Ice Cream and Presents. I couldn't find my Cake decorating box so we just made a sheet cake and put ponies on it. She really liked it.

She got a baby that cries and has a carseat, diaper bag, and feeding supplies. She and Cyrus both Love it.

The next morning was church. Gabi got a Beautiful Dress from Grandma so I curled her hair all pretty and we went to church. Normally Gabi hates nursery but I guess that now she's 2 she decided she's big and can go. She went without a fuss. Also the rest of that afternoon she decided to wear panties and be a big girl and go in the potty.

All the sudden she's 2 and she's BIG

We also got to go to the Vans Skate/BMX demo. Metal Mulisha dirt bike riders were also there.

If I find more pictures of something I forgot I'll post it later..... And Grandma and the cousins have been begging me to put the Easter hat parade on the blog. So stay tuned to the Spears blog for that. Hopefully soon. http://spearsfamilynews.blogspot.com

I'M 2

2009-04-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today we brought into the world the tiny 6 pound 14 ounce baby girl who at that moment still didn't have a name. She was amazing and tiny and we were excited to bring a litt le pink into the house.

After two years we've got the biggest dose of pink and frilly we can ask for. She loves anything girly and brings joy to our family.

Gabrielle Loves to beat up on her bigger brother, whine and say please please please until she gets what she wants, and be totally deaf when it is beneficial to her.

But the moments I treasure are the 10 minutes of kissing, the huge bear hugs after prayer time, the I sorry after the beatdowns. She is amazing and I cannot believe she is already two...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABI

Monster Jam 2009

2009-03-29T18:39:00.001-07:00

This year is the 3rd year that we've attended Monster Jam. We First went before we were married and Loved it. Last Year we took Cyrus and He had a blast. This year we thought Gabi was old enough to sit through it and enjoy it but that wasn't exactly the case. We still had a great time none the less. The kids loved eating hot dogs and Cotton Candy and Victor and I enjoyed the Show.

I brought my nice camera with the huge zoom lens and it ended up being out of battery so we didn't get any sweet photos like last time But did our best with the other camera.

Gabi fell asleep by about 9:30 and Cyrus around 10:15.Even though they were asleep we stayed around till the show ended about 11. We all had a great time and will for years to come. We're lucky to have it in Vegas.

Phillips Fun

2009-03-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Playing at the park and watching daddy get some sweet air.

Cyrus' fall... he wears his helmet and pads every time now without complaint.

Since the weather has been nice we've been at the park a lot. The kids love playing in the grass and running on the ramps when other kids aren't biking or skating.

We're also working on Victors Motorcycle again. He fell while on it and though he didn't get hurt the bike did so we're starting from scratch again. We don't know what color yet. I liked the yellow personally but we'll see. Cyrus says red.

MONSTER JAM is this saturday. Everyday this week Cyrus asks how many days and we count the days till Saturday. He LOVES Mon-ner Ducks as he calls them. We'll post more about that later. Till then...

Crazy

2009-03-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

If you want to learn how to get a lot of stuff without paying a lot I can teach you how. Today I got all of this at walgreens for only $22.71

New Computer!!!

2009-02-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

6 months before I graduated from high school my parents bought me a laptop. When Victor and I got married we'd had a few hand-me-down computers that did the job but never more. We've used the laptop for quite a while and it is the source of our lives worth of pictures. Without those I just might die. Our last computer had Gabrielle's whole first year of pictures on it and I hadn't printed very many yet, it decided to crash and I went nuts! Thanks to my amazing father.... we were able to get all the Pictures off that we needed. Now I print whenever I can. So now almost 5 years in we rewarded ourselves with a new computer! It's so nice to have a clean slate to work with. I've also got a external hard drive to keep documents and pictures on so my computer doesn't get so full and get slow like all the others.

The laptop has begun to act up so it was definitely time to get another. We'd been bugging mom and dad using there computers so now that can stop.

Anyway, I'm excited to have a computer we don't have to take apart and add random parts to to make it work. And hopefully I'll be able to blog more efficiently.

Disney

2009-02-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

Happiest place on Earth

2009-02-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Grandma Janice this week we made a quick trip to California to go to DISNEYLAND! The kids have never been and they LOVED it. We made the mistake of telling them 2 days before we left. Cyrus had packed his backpack with monster trucks and put it on his back, found his sunglasses, and put his whistle around his neck and was ready to go. I kept telling him that I had to do laundry and pack, he kept telling me to pack and get my shoes on.

Looking online Papa Kim read that February is the best month to go to avoid big crowds and long lines. And Wednesday's are the best day of the week to go. Well it sure worked. A Wednesday in February and great weather made for an amazing day. The lines were short; the longest line we stood in was only 20-25 minutes. Most were between 5-15 min and quite a few didn't even have any line. I think I rode more rides that day than I ever had at Disneyland. I even saw things I never had before because it wasn't packed with people.

Thanks to Grandma and Papa Kim for a great day for the kids and for us. We had a Great time!

Mon-ner Duck

2009-01-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

SO MUCH FUN!!!!

We decided to give the School bus monster truck a try. It was roped off with this small little section in a parking lot and I thought yipee we can go around this tiny little circle. Boy was I wrong. The driver said it best "it looks like a kiddie ride, but it's not". Since monster trucks have front and rear steering it can turn on a dime so this little circle became quite a fun course. The kids had such a blast and Victor and I couldn't stop smiling. Victor was walking out of ther wanting $300,000 so he could buy one of his own

If you see it around town and have kids or that "extra" kid that we call our husbands... try it, definately worth it!

Grocery Smarts

2009-01-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I am training to be a grocery smarts instructor and would love to show you how to cut your grocery bill in half. I always looked through coupons and cut the ones I wanted to use. Then by the time I remembered I had them they were either expired or saved me a whole 35 cents woo hoo...

So if you are interested please let me know. The classes are Free and in about an hours time I can show you the no hassle 5 minute method for getting your coupons organized and teach you how to cut at least half off of your grocery bill.

For more info visit thecouponcafe.blogspot.com and feel free to add it to your blog list for easy reference

2008-12-29T19:41:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

This year was a lot of fun with a 3 yr old and 20 month old. During the whole month of December we had little discusions with cyrus about christmas. At first he thought it was his birthday because he knew he was getting presents. We tried explaining to him that it's not only for him but for everyone. He didn't grasp the concept too well at first. Then one day we were in the car with grandma and we were asking him what he wanted for christmas. After saying a few toys he paused and asked "grandma, what do you want for wis-mas' I then thought that he had grasped the concept. But later he went on to say that he and grandma were having a birthday.

By the end of the month he knew that Christmas was for everyone and that it was a celebration for Jesus' birthday not his.

Cyrus has also always feared Santa. He loved him from far away or if he was an a screen or paper but when he got close he was always scared. Gabrielle on the other hand loved to see him and even waved and said "hi" everytime we passed him in a mall or anywhere. One weekend we were at Walmart and over the intercom they said that Santa was available for pictures. Seeing as though there was no one waiting we decided to give it a try. When it came down to it Cyrus was so excited to sit on his lap and tell him what he wanted for christmas. Gabi ended up screaming and clutching on to mommy. So we got a happy smiling Picture of Cyrus with Santa. Much better than years past.

When it finally came time for Christmas morning cyrus could not wait to run into the other room to see what santa had brought him. They had such a great time opening and playing with presents. Last year Cyrus didn't get the concept of opening a present and having to set it aside to open more. This year he kept asking for another one to open. Where Gabi was the one opening one and playing with it before opening any more. She would have been happy with just one.

Snow Pics

2008-12-19T16:43:00.001-08:00

snow crazy

2008-12-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Last week Victor and I decided to take the kids to see snow. They always see it on tv and know what it is but have never really gotten to play in it. So we headed to Mt. Charleston only to find the tiniest bit of snow to sled on. We still had a great time but decided to come back when there was more snow. Then Monday there was reported to be 12 inches of snow on Mt. Charleston. We decided to make a day of it on Wednesday. WE went to the mountain only to find that there was too much powder and it was almost impossible to sled. The kids were getting cold (it was 19 degrees) so we decided we were done and started back home. Then as we were entering henderson we began seeing snow on the cars that were headed our way. As we come to find out that it had been snowing since we left. Since we already had on our snow clothes we headed to the park to sled and play. It snowed for a good 8 hours or so and here at our house we ended up with a good 6 or 8 inches. There's still a good amount out there now...

Victor and Cyrus made an Igloo

Cyrus favorite thing... okay there is 2 he loves to lick the snow and he loves making snowballs.

Crazy Savings

2008-11-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

K so I took a class on coupons and working the system... AND THE SYSTEM WORKS. Mom and I went to Albertsons and did four transactions. I spent $57.70 on debit. Got $20 back in coupons and got $4.38 back in cash. ends up being $33.32. FOR 61 ITEMS AT ALBERTSONS!!! WE figured its $185 worth of food and I got it for $33.

Anyway, I'm excited. Here's a pic.

Happy Birthday Cyrus

2008-10-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

A little bragging about Cyrus

He is So smart, He knows his ABC's. can count to 15 consecutively and is working on getting to 30. He was amazing at potty training and has been trained for 2 or 3 months now.

He is so Sweet. He regularly comes up to me telling me he wants to kiss me, will kiss one cheek and say "other one" kiss the other one then give a huge hug, then runs away to continur what he was doing.

He absolutely loves his cousin Blake. He cries everytime Blake has to go home, or to school. One day we were outside and he saw his shadow and said "mommy look its my Bakey". He spent the remainder of the day looking all over for his blakey.

On Thursday Cyrus turned 3 and though we decided not to have a party we still wanted to make it a big deal. We took him bowling on Saturday and were in agreement that he only wanted to get ice cream after. But about an hour before bowling he says" mommy me blow out the candles?" So I rushed to make a cake so when we got back we'd be able to blow out he candles on the cake. For weeks we asked what he wanted and he told us " mon ner trucks and cars, that's all i need" even after buying presents and having them wrapped on the table he says " me play with my mon ner trucks" he just knew thats what he was getting. He enjoyed bowling until halfway through when he got a snack then he didn't care. Which was fine because Gabi got to finish his game. She was adorable.

mini moto

2008-10-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

It's been a while and there is a lot that has gone on so i'll touch on a few...

I signed the kids up for storytime at the library and Cyrus Loves it. They sing songs read books and do a craft. Gabi enjoys watching everyone and enjoys doing the craft. I like to get to the library every week and get new books for the kids. Reading the same ones over and over gets tiring.

On friday we had our trunk or treat and at first it was weird and annoying that it was so early. But when it came down to it, its much better because now we have the costumes ( there were actually lots to chose from) we're ready and won't be scrambling when the real halloween comes. Now we'll just have to go to someone else's trunk or treat on halloween. The kids were excited to get candy and cyrus even told me he likes halloween now. He still wont go to the cars with scary decorations or sounds but other than that he liked it. Gabi liked it a lot when she realized what people were putting in her bucket.

Also a few weeks ago we painted victors Motorcycle. When he bought it it had road rash on one side. Right away he fixed that then spray painted it. He got sick of that and we spent 3 weeks sanding and painting and finally got it all back together. He always said he wanted a bright color. Not to say look at me I have a motorcycle but wanted to make sure that people see him so they don't run him over.

Before:

After:

We also have a small battery powered Motorcycle. It's not worked for a while but vic finally had a chance to get the parts and fix it. it goes slow enough that we thought cyrus should try so we robbed his training wheels off of his bike that he just learned how to ride and modified them to fit the mini moto and walla! it works.

End of summer fun.

2008-09-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

Lots of summer Fun

2008-08-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

there's been a lot of summer stuff that i haven't posted so here's a slideshow of lots of it...

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