The Happy Happenings of J, Q and the 4 C's

Time to get back on the Bandwagon!

2011-09-19T23:42:00.002-05:00

The summer has passed and I have made it through. It was rough, in so many ways. Enough said.

"Don't cry for me Argentina, the truth is"... there were some highlights to the summer.

And so here is my simple shout out to the happy, exciting and fun events of the summer of 2011:

The annual farm trip to Alta, WY

(We forgot our camera, so thanks to those who took these pics!)

4 generations of "Suzukis"

We celebrated Grandma Suzuki's upcoming 90th Birthday with sparkler candles and custom decorated cakes by the kiddos

COUSINS:)

The good old Alpine Slides. This was Cassie's first time up the chairlift and down the slide and she loved it! Upon completion she said,"Go again, mama?" A sentiment shared by her brothers as well. J and Q were our welcoming committee.

The Tablerock Hiking crew---so hardcore! I've done it once and haven't felt a need for a repeat yet. This was Jason's first trip up!

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G view!

A Birthday Bash Rio Style to Celebrate Cole and Coop's Birthdays

It was a really fun party!

It involved:
PIZZA

CUPCAKES

A MOVIE

A FILLED TO THE "FEATHERS" WITH CANDY PINATA

and MOST IMPORTANTLY...LOTS of GREAT FRIENDS!

Summer Days Filled With Jeb
How my boys adore our neighbor, Jeb. He will be greatly missed when we move, not to mention, his dear mom takes Cooper to school every morning, for nothing in return. What a great service this has been to me with Jason gone much of the week!

Cooper turned 6!
GG and Grandpa were in town, for his big day which started out with donuts and kolaches with cousins. Next we went for a morning swim. Later that day he celebrated Hayden's birthday at Pump it Up. What did he want for dinner? A Taco Bell Chicken Burrito! Yep, that's what we had for dinner that night. The kid is truly Low Maintenance! Love you Coop!

Quinn at 4 months

2011-07-03T16:24:00.001-05:00

Isn't she just sweet?!

She has the most crystal blue eyes and puffy pink lips.

She has such a calmness about her, which works well when you are born to such a rambunctious group as ours! She loves to be in the mix.

She has been strong from the get go and can roll over both ways, all without much "tummy time" at all. She's excellent at crunches too, it's pretty funny to watch.

She is easy to delight and gives the best open mouthed smiles:)

She loves to be talked to and will talk back and has started giving a little giggle.

Quinn loves to be held.

She has the smallest and baldest head of all my babies. Still looks like she'll be strawberry blonde.

She still gets swaddled for naps and bedtime, but has never liked her arms confined. Cole was the same way.

When she's hungry, she hungry! And she wants to be fed ASAP!

She has a love-hate relationship with the paci.
She loves to grab at anything in front of her---hair, remote control, food, toys, paci

We can't get enough of our Quinny-Winnie!

Love you girl!

Quinn's first taste of cereal

2011-07-02T18:37:00.002-05:00

At first she wasn't so sure about it...

...but she's coming around to the idea more and more, each time she gives it a try:)

Swimsuit Edition

2011-07-01T23:53:00.001-05:00

Prepping for her spread in SI

Sibling Love

2011-06-30T23:44:00.002-05:00

It melts me to see the love my Cs have for their baby sister.

Do it in Style!

2011-06-29T23:41:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you just can't help but fall asleep in the car,

but whatever you do, do it in style!

Spring Around Here

2011-06-28T23:36:00.002-05:00

Pretty much getting our house on the market and keeping it "show ready" has dominated all activities in the past few months. That said, we've managed to squeeze some fun in here and there...

Cassie turned 2 at the end of April

We celebrated with donuts and kolaches in the morning and a trip to the Rainforest Cafe in the evening

The crew

A butterfly balloon for the birthday girl

The tunnel aquarium

During our meal we were entertained by the gorrillas and monkeys going wild and the trumpeting of the elephants. The kids were most entertained by the croc, snapping his jaws.

We checked out the Legoland Store and decided we would come back for Cole's birthday

Easter

I think we know what this little lady was happy about

Happy eyes peer out of his sweet gladiator helmet he got to go with his Nerf shield and sword

Stoked on his Toypedo launching gun

Jay did an awesome job snapping some really wonderful pics of the kids. Love them!

Jason took on the massive project of taking out our rickety fence and putting in a beautiful board-on-board, steel post fence in hopes of wooing buyers

Hilti should be so proud!

The kids had fun riding down the makeshift ramp created by the pile of old fence. We really liked the openness of not having a fence for the week or so it was down.

While working on the fence, Jason happened upon a gardener snake one day, much to the boys enjoyment. Yes, he was release back into the wild, later that night, with his life in tact.

Cole turned 4 at the beginning of May

I always decorate the night before their big day so that they have decorations to wake up to. Jay took the kids out to get donuts for his big day too.

That afternoon we made the trek to Legoland at the Grapevine Mills. The boys were in heaven, so it definitely made for a very Happy 4th Birthday for Coley-pokes!

There were three different ramps they had fun rolling self-created cars down and eventually just tires, for probably close to 2 hours, and they would have done it for longer but it was closing.

Cole with Jay on one of the rides there

Cassie in the life size Duplo house

Cole and Quinn & me in front of the Dallas Legoland. This was amazing! All of the landmarks and attractions of the DFW area were featured and built with Legos.

Little Miss Quinn was a happy participant from her stroller:)

After we closed down Legoland we headed to Costa Vida for some delicious dinner and by the time we made it home, the only child still up was the birthday boy. He was not going to bed without some birthday cake! So Jay and I lit his candle and sang to him to end the day. I think this picture captures Cole's feelings about the day!

Cooper graduated from Pre-school

Here he is with Ms. Linda and Ms. Joanna. He had a great year of learning and fun at Apple Creek!

Field Day

2011-06-06T17:43:00.003-05:00

We will miss the field behind our house when we move. This year they planted wheat in it, which made for a fun place to play and take pictures.

I love my kids in blue!

Springtime at the Arboreatum

2011-06-06T16:34:00.000-05:00

I've been a facebooker for about a year now and it has been so fun to reconnect with old friends. One of those friends is Amy Woolf Evanson. We were freshman at BYU together and lived on the same floor at Deseret Towers. She is one of those people that could have no enemies, she is lovable upon meeting. She exudes light and happiness. So of course I was excited to hear she was living here in Dallas. Unfortunaltely we both will be leaving this summer. Anyways, we decided to meet up at the Arboreatum at the beginning of April and had a great time starting up where we had left off so many years ago, catching up and letting our kids enjoy being together. It was a beautiful day all and all!

Such a lovely place

Amy and her boys, Peter and Henry. Her oldest, Olive, was in school. Peter, reminded us a lot of the kid's cousin, McKay.

Covered wagon time in the Pioneer Village

Silly faces

One of the many storybook houses

Sweet little Quinn---I fed her upon arrival and she slept for 3-4 hours. Yes, she is a dream!

The kids arrived properly clothed, but soon unleashed the "whitetrash":

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Exhibit D

Can you guess what she's trying to do?

And I'm Back!

2011-06-06T15:58:00.002-05:00

Oh man, I am so happy to have a quiet moment to get back to blogging. We have been busy! Before Quinn was born we knew it was a possibility that we could be relocating to Austin, and for 6 weeks or so, we've know it was happening. To say I haven't been stretched like this in a long time is an understatement. Getting a house on the market with 4 little kids and keeping it perfect seemed close to impossible. Getting it ready and meeting the needs of my children was seriously exhausting. Thank goodness for a husband who seriously knows how to get things done. He did an awesome job! And so did I, pat, pat:)! And most of all I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who lightened my load when I asked that it be lightened. I have been able to recognize the prompting of the Holy Ghost a lot more lately and have been guided along.
So our lovely house in lovely Frisco, that I really don't want to leave but must, has been on the market two weeks and we are already growing impatient and worried. Mostly because we spent 10 days down in Austin house hunting and came across two really exciting options which gave us much more of a reason to get our house sold. Plus we want to be down there before Cooper starts kindergarten and Cole preschool. I know it will work out. It always does. But the waiting and wondering game is never fun.
Lots has happened since my last post...

My girlie girls:)

2011-04-11T14:17:00.000-05:00

Orange flowers in hair? Check.

Cute embroidered shirts from the Gap? Check.

Best buds for life? Sure hope so.

Loving my sweet girls? Double check.

My Lego Boys

2011-04-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

If a day goes by that I don't step on or pick up a lego, somethings wrong. What a great go-to activity they are. The boys are constantly building space ships and love when they get a chance to battle dad in a Lego War.

Messy Mama

2011-04-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

Good to the last drop!

This girl requires more clean up than the boys ever did. We are stain remover's best friends:)

The Beginning and End

2011-04-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Cooper's Spring season started back up with his great team. They've been together a year and a half and are seriously awesome! Pretty much every team that plays them hates them, or at least their coaches and parents do. It's really kind of scary to see what is said and done due to ego! Here's to another great season!

The Kickers and Screamers

Keeping warm with best bud, Hayden and Emmi and Devo

After 3 seasons at Blue Sky Cole is taking a break from soccer. He was part of a great little team too and we will miss them:( Cole continued to excel at the sport and had a lot of great break aways down the sidelines to the goal and booming kicks when defending the goal.

Jason came into his own as coach and realized that the only person who can motivate Cole into action is Cole:) Many parents were sad to hear Jason wasn't going to be coaching next season.

Cole and Dad after the medals were passed out

The cute little team with Coach Jason:)

Ramping It Up!

2011-04-11T00:11:00.001-05:00

Oh the joy of springtime in Texas! The kids have been having such a blast with their friends in our court. How nice it is for them to have friends right next door to spend hours outside with! The boys were introduced to the challenge of a ramp and loved it! Even Cassie got in on the action. Since she isn't able to pedal quite yet, she decided that running up and over it was just as fun!

My scooter boys

Always up for whatever the boys are doing

The scooter crew

Go Cassie! Go!

My little giraffe

2011-04-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Kathy gave this dress and shoes to Quinn. She handmade these adorable shoes! She is seriously so talented, I don't think there is anything she couldn't make. Kathy is one of the most positive and happy people you will ever meet despite a constant battle she has been fighting against a very aggressive form of Crone's disease. I am thankful for her great example in my life:)

Should I be worried?

2011-04-10T23:50:00.000-05:00

These two love shoes. It's great because they are faster and better at putting on shoes than their older brother. When it comes to Cole his taste is well, eclectic. One day it's his black Sunday shoes, then his cleats, then his brown loafers. He isn't bashful when it comes to strutting around in princess slippers or my tall black boots; channeling Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman with his over the knee look! He wants a pair of cowboy boots and somehow views my boots as a reasonable substitute until he gets some---okay?! Maybe for his birthday:)

Quinn's Blessing

2011-04-05T16:13:00.000-05:00

While Jason's parent's were here, Jason blessed Quinn with her name and gave her a beautiful blessing. The morning of the blessing I was feeling anxious for Jason and glad it is not my responsible for the blessing. I asked him if he was nervous and he replied, "for what?":) The blessing was no worry to him, he handled it like a pro:). He gave a beautiful blessing to our Quinn Emersyn, blessing her to make covenants throughout her life that would bring her great happiness:)

Sorry Quinn, these were the only pictures taken that day, but you did look beautiful and swallowed up in your dusty rose dress that day.

Here's you with sissy, not too happy about it!

During the rest of the meeting Jason cradled a sleeping Quinn who exploded and leaked all over him. Her first explosion ever and of course it was in her blessing dress! Some how it went up the back and missed the dress! I was just glad it happened after the blessing was over!

GG and Grandpa came to town!

2011-04-05T14:57:00.000-05:00

Jason's parents came and stayed with us and Eric and Camille for 2 weeks soon after Quinn's arrival. They are always good for some fun entertainment and they didn't dissappoint. The kids loved every minute with them and their cousins!

Here they are with our crew:

Quinn, the snuggle buddy

2011-04-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

Nothing quite compares to this:)

Cole was so cute, he climbed up right beside Quinn one day and the next thing I knew, he was asleep, too!

Cassie, the Hands-on Sister

2011-04-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

No doubt Cassie loves her Quinny. She wants to be involved in everything Quinn---changing diapers, giving her a paci, bathing her, holding her, rocking her, talking to her and oh did I mention sitting on her, lying on her, head butting her and poking her eyes! arrrrrr! Quinn was rudely awoken in the middle of her nap today with a nice eye poking, got to love it?! I try to explain to Cassie what's okay to do and what isn't, only to hear her respond, "Why?" in her cute little voice. Oh well, Cassie means well, mostly:)

Daddy and his girls

Cassie asks to hold Quinn at least once a day

How cute are they? The best part about these dresses is that I found them at a resale store, what are the odds?

Bathtime!

Favorites/Unfavorites for the Week

2011-03-02T23:39:00.000-06:00

FAVES
* Watching Quinn smile in her sleep and even giggle once

*Listening to the monitor as Cassie cracked herself up after waking up from a nap

*The joy of Cooper finding a worm, the 3 kids scooping mud into a plastic glad container for him to live in and the impromptu dancing of the kiddos on the back of the porch after it was all said and done
*Cole trying to find me on the sidelines for a high five after a "score"
*Jason and Quinn napping together on the couch
*Cooper looking for every opportunity to earn a ticket---putting everyone's shoes away and unloading the silverware

IN BETWEEN
*Cassie climbing into the bassinet with Quinn whenever she gets the chance. Very sweet, but I'm worried one day she may just land on Quinn!

UNFAVES
*Cassie being just tall enough to fill her cup up at the water dispenser on the fridge and then proceed to pour it out all over the floor multiple times---there's a child lock for the selection buttons but not for the dispensers---really?!
*Cassie dumping popcorn all over the floor
*Cassie picking out the Cheerios from her cereal bowl and throwing them down onto the floor
~I think there is a theme here:)

How about a Little Sweetness?

2011-03-02T21:57:00.002-06:00

It doesn't matter how many times you have a newborn, you forget the added sweetness they bring to your life, your home and your family until you are cradling that little bundle in your arms and overwhelmed by pure love. Oh, how we all love our Quinn! The kids are soooo enamored by her. They talk to her in the sweetest voice, try to soothe her when distressed, ask to hold her, love to touch her, and get such a kick out of just Quinn-watching. It melts me.

The other thing I've learned is that adding more kids to your brood is more doable than you imagined. I did not give myself enough credit for the lessons learned with baby 1, 2 and 3. I was nervous for #4 right up until the day I had her, but what I realize is that by #4 you get it---you just get it and you know how to roll with it; better than you did with the others. Is it still hard at times? Aaa yah!, but definitely doable and so worth it. Thank goodness!

So here she is. Our Little Sweetness...

Quinn Emersyn

8 pounds, 20.5 inches
Born at 1:01 PM
(I predicted she would be on the cusp of 7lbs or right at 8)

She's arrived! Quinn's features are so petite and delicate. She is the 25% for everything, something the rest of my babies never were, especially in the head department. When she first came out we thought she looked a lot like Cooper (I also predicted this:)---I have this bookends theory about the first and last kid born in a family), but she definitely has a look of her own. We see more of Jason's side in her right now.

Dr. Herzog delivered all of my kids

Everytime Cassie came to visit she was adamant to start out by holding her little sis

Sweet brothers

4 in a row---taking in "How to Train Your Dragon"

The look---her long and skinny feet were too small for her silver shoes

Sporting her "skinny" jeggings:)

My cutiepies

Loving our Quinny!

My dear mom and Quinn

Ready to roll

The journey begins!

Quick Recap

2011-02-28T19:28:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I want to blog about our newest and sweetest arrival, but feel compelled to at least give a shout out to the past activities of January and the beginning of February...so here goes:

Ellie Belly, April and Matt came for a visit

The Sunday they were leaving it snowed, followed by more snow the week Dallas was hosting the Super Bowl, crippling the DFW area and requiring school to be cancelled for 4 days!

Here's some snow pics:

Snow angel

Some loved sledding...

...and some did not

Fun on the back of a Tonka dump truck

The boys rescued a frozen ladybug from certain death and nursed him/her back to health until it was warm enough for a release back into the "wild"

Dr. Seuss' Wocket in my Pocket came to our home for a visit

The Headricks couldn't get enough of us and came back for a second visit:)

and Cole finished up season #2 and started up season #3 with his awesome little team!

That's a wrap!

To My Children in the New Year:

2011-01-31T21:28:00.002-06:00

I love you very much. Here are some thing I have observed lately about you:

Cooper

*you get excited about pretty much anything, except for the dentist and getting a shot

* you love learning and are definitely ready for kindergarten

*you love people, you want a friend to play with everyday, all day

*you remain a sweet sensitive soul

*I can count on you to help me when I really need it
*you randomly come up and give me hugs, I love that!

*you love to be silly and funny---you always ask me to teach you some jokes and I always reply that I know none, how boring!

*you are positive and have a can do attitude

* you are like dad and can pick something up by seeing it once, great trait

* obedience and love of the gospel comes to you naturally

*you love money and will wash your dollar bills to make them nice and flat

*you are very motivated by the ticket system

* you love your electronics

*Star Wars and Avatar top your list of favorites

Cole

*you have the most long and beautiful eyelashes that curl up right at the ends

*you greatly admire your older brother and love to be by his side

*as for Cass, you can be so sweet, talking in your sweet voice to her and looking out for her, but when you want something you have no problem taking it from her:)

* you can't wait for your turn to go to preschool next year and are excited to work on your letters and numbers

*you can write your name

*you are my strong willed child, ie. most challenging. It's just that you are a more complex little person to figure out which worries and frustrates me at times. I hope I am giving you what you need and learn to do even better as time goes on

*you can be sooooooo endearing

*you love having visitors and when you found out Aunt April, Uncle Matt and Elle were leaving yesterday, the tears started streaming and you said, "No, I don't want to let them go." You almost made me cry, except really we don't need anymore crying around here!

*you just memorized your first scripture and stood up and recited it in Primary this Sunday. We were so proud of you! You are enjoying being a "big boy" in Primary.

*you are particular about what you wear---you prefer long shirt T's, pants with lots of pockets and a sweat shirt, your Sunday loafers or cleats although you would love a pair of boots, and want to wear a white shirt to church like Daddy

*you go to sleep with an eclectic array of ever changing favorites---airplanes, your Sunday loafers, your favorite black sweatshirt, underwear since we're still doing pullups, stuffed animals, legos and tonight a nerf football

Cassie

*hands down our toughest child, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

*you love your brothers

*you are a social everything---talker, laugher, eater, butterfly

*you are definitely a little girl, no longer a baby, although you do still love me to tote you around at certain times of the day, snuggle you and rock you to sleep

*you tuck your feet into my legs when you are being rocked to sleep

* you love your 4 blankies---no more, no less---if I try to sub another blanket in you throw it and say, "No!"

*you are my little shadow, you want to help with whatever I am doing---the laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, primping. you are my little girl:)

* you are observant as can be. If you spill on the floor you get a towel out of the drawer and wipe it up with your foot. You follow your brothers' examples for good and for bad:)

*still a climber

*a great hand washer and teeth brusher
*you love your shoes and are quite good at getting them on

*quite independent

*happy, giggly, delightful

~You all love to dance and sing and definitely have a song in your soul~

Love, Mom

Yep, he's a good Dad!

2011-01-03T13:56:00.001-06:00

We took down our decorations, packed them away and cleaned house New Year's Eve. Once that was finished, Jay decided to help stabilize the sad little fort in the open field behind our house. He spent some good hours making it structurally sound and delighted the neighborhood kids with the New and Improved Club House. For the rest of the day and much of Saturday they all played outside together---very nice all around.

That night we got all cleaned up, dined at Celebration (appropriate, right?! and yummy), kids fell asleep on the car ride home, tucked them in bed, popped in a movie, watched the ball drop and started the New Year with a kiss. Not bad, not bad at all:)

T'was the Night Before Christmas...

2011-01-03T13:48:00.001-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve at Eric and Camille's eating tasty treats and burning our tongues on Hot Cocoa, thanks to me:)

I had learned from last year that PJs don't quite cut int as a gift so a small gift was added this year and the kids were delighted with their Pokemon balls and Hello Kitty chapsticks.

Oh the love!

Christmas Morning

The C's all ready to take a peek!

As Jason predicted, Cassie climbed into the dolly crib and made herself at home

The "boys" checking out Coop's Star Wars AT-AT

Grandma and Grandpa picked winners with the Pillow Pets and Air Hockey Table, Thank you!

Cassie sampling the roll dough---yum!

While we missed being in CA for the holidays this year, we had a very happy and full Christmas week together. It was nice to just take time out and focus on our little family:) Kids sure make the season bright---they are a true delight!

Deerfield Lights by Wagon

2011-01-03T12:58:00.000-06:00

This year we were invited to look at the Christmas lights in the Deerfield subdivision via horse drawn wagon. The night was perfect since the daytime temperature had hit 70 degrees, unbelievable for this time of year. Jason made fun of me for bringing all the winter wear along, but, hey, I'm a mom, I'm about being prepared! Oh course it wasn't needed:) It was a very fun way to start off our Christmas week!

Tutti-Frutti Smiles:)

2011-01-03T12:27:00.000-06:00

Trainspotting and Ice, Ice Baby!

2011-01-01T15:25:00.000-06:00

Since we weren't going home for Christmas this year my parents decided to come out and visit for a week in December, We thoroughly enjoyed their company and had lots of fun eating out and taking in some of the seasons attractions.

The Trains at North Park

This boy lives for toy trains. We have rented Toy Trains 1-12 at the library multiple times and his favorite book to read at night is a how to make your own toy train layout manual---not my idea of the quick storybook!

Mom and Dad with the non-sleepers. Found out from my Dad that what is now Foothill Expressway in Los Altos, used to be train tracks into the City and there was a depot on the other side of the Rancho. He grew up putting pennies on the tracks and greeting his dad at the depot after a day at work at the SF Examiner.

Cooper could not be roused. He was O U T---out!

ICE at the Gaylord Texan

This exhibit was inspired by an Ice Festival in Hardin, China. They fly in 40 artisans from China to put this show on each year and it really was amazing to see the world they created with ice. It was super cold too! We were ready to leave by the time we got to the end.

Coop isn't with us because he was enjoying a night over at his friend's house, decorating gingerbread trains, eating breakfast for dinner, exchanging gifts, watching movies and pretty much having a ball.

Waiting to enter ICE, ice baby!

The theme for 2010

The nativity was amazing and was a welcome sight at the end of the exhibit

Exiting out of Ice Land!

My parents left on the afternoon of my birthday, so we were able to enjoy a yummy breakfast at the Original Pancake House before seeing them off. It's always hard to say good bye to people who love you no matter what and are your greatest cheerleaders. Love them!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

2010-12-31T16:37:00.001-06:00

The boys made sure that Santa was aware of their list for the year. Coop's:Bakugon Brawler Pack, Kirby for the Wii, Harry Potter for the Dsi, Pokemon, StarWars walker (AT-AT). Cole's: Aircraft carrier, cars, trains and whatever Cooper said:)

Cassie passed for the sit-on-Santa's-lap experience. Maybe next year?

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2010-12-31T16:03:00.000-06:00

We were so excited to get out our decorations for Christmas because this year we knew we'd be at our home to enjoy them for the entire season. Coop, our early to bed, earlier to rise boy, had already hit the hay, but these two were happy to pose, each with a "furball" in hand as Jason so affectionately refers to those particular ornaments.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-31T15:37:00.001-06:00

While Jason asked that I not include the following two pics of him, I am, because I think everyone should be able to relive their high school glory days on occasion. In Jay's case, once a year, for the Turkey Bowl, he gets to dig out an old jersey, strap on some cleats and and go have fun for a few hours Thanksgiving morning. I think it's cute, so sorry babe, it's included:)

The Thanksgiving Crew

We are so grateful that Eric, Camille and the boys live close by. Without them, our holidays would have felt lonely and a lot less full!

After dinner the boys decorated "tepees" and then turned them around and enjoyed ice cream cones for dessert along with Cassie, while the adults feasted on delicious apple crisp and pumpkin pie a la mode!

That weekend we headed to McKinney for "Christmas in the Square." We saw one of Santa's reindeer and enjoyed some hot chocolate while we checked everything out.

18 Months

2010-12-02T16:06:00.001-06:00

Our Cass has really become a little girl lately. Still a doll, but becoming her own little person.

*must be a part of it all

*loves her brothers and can handle most of their rough and toughness. She will sneak into their rooms if they are napping and place toys on or near them trying to get them to wake up and play with her. Very sweet.

*a master of the stinky eye when something is gross---very entertaining

*a definite communicator---adding more and more words to her vocab and chit chatting it up with a lot of non-sense (at least to us) words

*still climbing up and getting into everything---kitchen drawers, moon sand, bathing in the sink
*new climbing spot: up into the minivan

*super mama's girl as of late, hoping she gets that out of her system before baby #4 arrives!

*loves the outdoors---playing at the park, going for walks and attempting to ride the big wheel

*loves to do her makeup with mommy

*trying to master how to tantrum using Cole as her guide:)

*slowly adjusting to nursery---Jason has to stay in most of the time with her

*85% for height and weight

Oh how we love this girl!

My Cuties Before Church:)

2010-12-02T15:51:00.000-06:00

A Parade and Final Soccer Game

2010-12-02T15:49:00.000-06:00

The weekend following Veteran's Day, we attended the Frisco Main St. Parade celebrating for the most part those who have served our country. It was our first time and the kids really enjoyed it. It featured veterans, helicopters, firetrucks, marching bands, teams, scout and brownie troops, vintage cars, dancers/cheerleaders and most importantly candy! It was a fun start to our day and to real fall weather.

Following the parade we made it for Coop's last game of the Fall season. They were playing an undefeated team, like themselves and won their final game! This was Cooper's 4th season with his awesome team---great coaches and families. They'll take a break for the winter and rejoin come spring.

Top Gunning It!

2010-11-24T12:01:00.002-06:00

This is pretty much a pose-with-an-aircraft-athon! We hit up the Alliance Air Show out in Ft. Worth Halloween Weekend. We hadn't been there since Cole was about 6 months and he cried his eyes out due to the deafening noise of being up close and personal with the Blue Angels. I quickly covered his ears with his blankie and made an escape, but perhaps this early experience is to blame for Cole's sensitivity to loud sounds. Still wasn't a fan of the engine's roar, but once we bought earplugs he felt a lot better about it.

We all had fun on this beautiful fall day and finished our day with a trip to the always delicious Costa Vida and April treating the kids to the yogurt shop next door.

Tangent tidbit:The Top Gun soundtrack was well known by all in our household growing up. It was the go-to cassette when cruising with Dad in his Audi quattro. I'm pretty sure it was playing when we Dukes of Hazard it over a steep hill in SF one day on a family trip to the city, only to find that the car that had gone before us was literally inching it down the hill. The brakes screeched and we barely stopped in time. That car later became Marina's and mine up at the Y and came to a fatal end when I was T-boned in the J Ruben Clark parking lot one night by a 16 year old driver in my then dream car: a new Subaru Outback. It was much more heartbreaking to Marina who had been driving it while I was on my mission and to add insult to injury, with the piddly insurance money we ended up buying a red VW Fox---nuff said:(

Cole's First Season, A Success Story

2010-11-23T11:29:00.001-06:00

Once things clicked with Cole, there was no stopping him. He is an excellent defender and knows how to dribble up the side and come towards the middle and shoot at the goal just at the right time. He had at least a hat trick each game and some games would score 6 or 7! So happy that this was a positive experience in the end for Cole. I know it's made a difference for him.

So happy with his medal

Cole and Coach Katie

Coaches Pam and Katie with the Lil' Strikers

It's been such a good thing that Cole signed up for the Winter Season and this time Jason will be the Assistant Coach due to Katie's persuasive/flirting tactics:) J/K! I love that Jay and Cole will have this time together.

Costume Time!

2010-11-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

The kids had lots of opportunities to don their costumes and Cole was happy to wear his daily leading up to the big day!

In the yard

See this ewok costume? My mom made it for my brother Justin over 25 years ago. She was a gem and sent it out along with Wicket, the ewok stuffed animal she has saved all this time. Got to love my mom! Unfortunately it was a little too cute and cuddly compared to Cole's clone trooper costume and was replaced by Bobba Fett instead.

Around the House

At Safety Town

Didn't she make the cutest Chewie ever?!?!!!

So happy with her "pop-pop":)

Trunk-Or-Treating

Coop was really pleased with his striped face and asked if he could keep it on for the Primary program the next day. Luckily, he is easy to reason with and was okay with looking more GQ than Freaky on Sunday:)

The Real Deal-Halloween Night

I was Princess Leia one year when I was about 6 years old. My mom's comment about this picture was, "Is that a little Christy, or what?" I tend to agree:)

Candy, I'm in love!

Let's Go to the Ar"burrito"!

2010-11-22T23:07:00.001-06:00

My sweet sissy, April came into town with her darling Elle for a three week stay, while Matt was working on a project in Oklahoma. It was so fun to have a stay-at-home ADULT buddy to spend my days with and my kids just loved having their fun loving and treat giving auntie and little cousin around. While she was here we decided to visit the beautiful arboreatum or arburrito as Cole called it.

I Love My Pumpkins!

One of the many amazing gourd houses

Are You Ready for Some PUMPKINS?!

2010-11-22T22:52:00.000-06:00

Texans have this need to seriously celebrate the Fall/Halloween season. I think it has to do with the hope that cooler weather is really coming our way. In truth, it usually doesn't get sweatshirt cold until about the week of Halloween. Even this year it was barely that cool and we're still waiting for the cooler weather to stick. So we have lots of Fall activities to keep us busy in October. Prepare yourself to be inundated with lots of orange for the next few posts! We've made the trek out to the Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound for at least 3 years now and here we are yet again, yay!

Cooper was literally brown nosing it! It was so dusty there! We were all covered in it and poor Coop got some bad wheezes from the hay/dust combo, but still managed to enjoy it all.

It's Time to get Caught Up!

2010-11-22T22:26:00.000-06:00

I have this thing with blogging out of order---I don't like it. So I was trying to get some pics downloaded from time spent with Jason's brother, Bryan and the pics he took of us at the Texas State Fair back in October. Can't figure it out. He also made a fun video of our night there. Since I have yet to force Jason to figure out how to post that vid, along with our pics and the days keep slipping away, I am forced to blog out of order. Needless to say, we loved our visit with Bry. He is low to no maintenance and always a pleasant guest who Cole prays will come back and visit soon each time he says a prayer:) And the State Fair was memorable because of:
1) the pure joy that exuded from my childrens' faces as they took it all in and their love of the rides

AND

2) all the fried items we tried---corn dogs, fries, snickers, chocolate, funnel cake, chili, and pizza---which we all thought was the best main dish:) Try it next year!

Marriage & Home...A Sweet Conversation

2010-11-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

This morning on the landing of the second floor:

Cooper: Mom, can I marry Cassie?
Me:        That's sweet, but no.
Cooper: Why not?
Me:        Because she's your sister and we don't do that.
Cooper: But if I marry Cassie I can always live here. If I marry someone else I'll have to leave and I
               don't want to.
Me:        You can live here as long as you want. If you get married and want to live here, you can, but I
               think by then you will want to live in your own house.
Cooper: But then I'll never see you.
Me:        You can live close by and visit as much as you want.
Cooper: I never want to leave. I want to live here forever:)

It's nice to know that even though this is not the "perfect" home and sometimes far from it, Cooper loves it and us regardless. Love you Coop xoxo

Good, Clean Fun!

2010-10-08T06:33:00.000-05:00

There is nothing my kids love more than playing around with Dad. I would definitely say it tops their list, maybe not Jay's:). Fresh out of the bath one night they were entertained to their hearts delight and I couldn't help capturing the fun!

So sad I cut out Coop's face! Happy kids!

*Note in these pics Cole is in a pull-up for night, but just this week he made it dry 5 nights in a row and has been doing great wearing the ever motivating "big boy underwear just like Coop" to bed!

Ranch Dressing...

2010-10-04T17:27:00.002-05:00

...the Love affair begins.

This little love bug is all over the place. She is officially a stinker, but her personality is so the best that it is hard to get upset at her. She will push over any size chair or stool to get into pretty much anything and everything---drawers, turns on the gas stove---yikes!, dishwasher, toothbrushes and toothpaste, up on the table.

She loves to dance, laugh, be in the mix of whatever is going on, go on walks, swing at the playground, read books (she already is particular about what books can be read to her), pick out shoes, clean up spills, color, bake, point out every airplane and lawnmower she hears, snuggle with blankie and paci in tow and conversate.

Her words:

mama

dada

da (dog)

nana (banana)

uh-oh

ba (ball, blanket, paci, book)

er you o (here you go)

yum

yeah

eese (cheese when posing for a pic)

hot

I di i/I ga i (I did it/ I got it)

an you (thank you)

i pa (iPod)

My Love affair with this little one continues. Love her!

Finding His Niche

2010-10-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

This is the boy that lived for Cooper's soccer practices and games for the past year. He watched Coop play 3 seasons. For each outing he donned his soccer shirt and shorts and his dear cleats---he was always decked out. This is the boy who longed to be on his own team and finally got the chance this Fall. This is also the boy who melted down by the beginning of the 2nd quarter for the first two games, didn't even make it to treats for his second game. After asking Cole a billion times why he didn't like it, it pretty much came down to the fact that he didn't like the noise and he didn't like having to share the ball with 9 other little guys or as he calls them "my girls" since there are 4 little girls on his team.
For the 3rd game we decided I would stay home so that he couldn't try to work me with his tears, which he is good at doing:). According to Jay, it was a rough start. Refused to go in even at the beginning, didn't even want to watch the game and tears. Jason took him to have a stern talk and with some motivation he decided to go back over to watch his team.
Upon returning, one of his sweet female coaches, who are the best!, asked, "Cole, you want to go in and play goalie." Cole lit up and nodded yes! He did awesome defending his goal and even took it down from his goal to the other and scored! He found his niche!
I had to take him last Saturday morning, his fourth game, due to Jay waiting in line for the REI garage sale:) and I was a bit apprehensive about how it would work out. Cole was not happy I was taking him and wanted Dad, which should make Jay feel good, since that is rarely the case. After telling me , "Fine then, I'm not going!" I persuaded him that it would be okay. He told me I couldn't talk to him or look at him and I agreed to follow his instructions.
I dropped him off on the player and coaches side and took a seat on the bleachers. I was quiet and hesitated to cheer for any member of the team at first. It felt weird, it was so not me. But it is what Cole needed and I realized yet again, how different each child is. Every so often Cole would look over at me and catch my eye, to which I put up my thumbs and gave a smile. He was okay with that:)
He played the whole game back and was as happy as a clam. So was I. Cole wanted to play soccer, but on his own terms, much like everything else:)

Let the Games Begin

2010-09-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

The fall soccer season got into full swing this past Saturday!

We started the morning off with Cole's first official game! He is playing on the Lil' Strikers and at the same indoor facility Cooper started at last fall. Cole started out great, but I think was a bit overwhelmed by it all and by the end was shedding a few tears. Snacks at the end were a good bribe and seemed to lighten his spirits in a hurry.

It was a major sweatfest at Cooper's 3:00 game. The heat index was at 105 and believe me, we all felt it! He's been playing on the same team since last fall and scored 2 goals for his season opener! We made him wear a headband to keep his hair out of his eyes like a real long haired pro. We'll have to get him a sporty looking one, but I think it made a real difference for him not to be pushing it out of his face all of the time. Plus, he seriously looked so cute!

What good sports!

New Boots and a New 'Do, Too!

2010-09-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

Cassie loves putting on the froggie boots both Coop and Cole had and loved, so when I saw these boots at Cutie Patootie I knew Cassie would be happy with the purchase:)

This past week I tried out pig tails on the girl and all I can say is, what a cutie!!!!

Glamour girl posing (sort of) with daddy

Labor Day!

2010-09-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a lovely day outdoors with our friends the Boleys down at Addison Circle. A good time was had by all!

Our New Camera! Yay!

2010-09-13T14:19:00.002-05:00

Turns out, our camera broke, it wasn't just a dead battery. I must say, I felt lost without a camera to document our little families hip hop happenings! No photos of Coop's 5th Birthday or of his first day of preschool. Sad:( Thankfully Costco replaced our camera and here I am blogging up a storm! Yay! So here's one of the first self portraits taken with our new one.

My Top 5 for Coop's 5th Birthday

2010-09-13T14:10:00.000-05:00

Wearing his favorite summertime outfit, his tighty whities embellished by some action figure character, oh course!

1. Cooper is handsome inside and out---Cooper has a very good soul:)
2. He is a great example to Cole and Cassie. He usually tries to do what is right and if I ask him to help me out by setting a good example, he gets it and will work to get the little ones to follow him.
3. He is thoughtful. I think this comes out most when he gives the prayer. Also, when I took the kids with me to get my first sono, I hadn't told them that we were having another baby yet. But when the sono tech put the wand on my belly and Cooper saw the screen he said, "Hey wait a minute, is that a baby?" I said, "Yes! What do you think about that?" And then his sweet reply was,"Cassie, you get to have a little friend. You'll have a little brother or sister to play with!" He was genuinely so excited and cute about it.
4. Coop is a friend maker. He would befriend anyone. Especially if they have some type of electronic gaming device in their hands:). There is no judgement.
5. He goes with the flow. It takes a lot to really bug him. This is beneficial when dealing with a little brother like Coley-pokes!

We had fun celebrating Coop's Birthday with a Military Style Birthday Party complete with an obstacle course, paintball shooting range with a remote control "tank" as a target, and a tank pinata and cake. Only got video footage, since our camera was out of commission.

Now and Then

2010-09-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

Now

~July 31, 2010~

and

Then

~December 14, 2001~

I think how quickly time has passed. Oh, how grateful I am, though, for all that has happened in those 8 short years:)

A Breath of Fresh Air-Part III-Utah!

2010-09-13T12:18:00.002-05:00

To end our trip we headed west to Utah for the wedding of Jared and Noelle and had a great time catching up with Jason's family. We stayed with April and Elle (Matt was off working in NB) and hit up In&Out too many times, explored the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point, caught up with some of my cousins at Cafe Rio and my Grandma Mc and Aunt Suzanne at the Conventry, attended the beautiful marriage ceremony and sealing of J&N, ate at the Roof Garden at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and the grand finale was a day at Seven Peaks! Our vacation was jam packed at each stop!

Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum

Visit with Great Grandma Mc

Jared and Noelle's Big Day

Our camera died after these shots so unfortunately this is all we've got!

A Breath of Fresh Air-Part II

2010-08-24T12:33:00.001-05:00

Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, WY

We paid the $25 park admission fee and joined the crowds to view the beauty of Jenny Lake and Hike up to the waterfall. Cole is a hiker. He will naturally love Boy Scouts, Cooper, not so much. Every minute or so he wanted to take a break in the shade or get a drink. Everyone loved the "super fast" (Cole's words) boat ride over and back. Afterwards, we hit up Bubba's for some BBQ and the Rec Center for some swimming and watersliding fun!

Enjoying the fishies while we waited to board the boat

Coop and Ethan

Kenzie and her mini-me

The bookends-the 1st and the 7th- I love this girl!

Conquering the rock

Part of the crew

The other part

Us:)

Cassie and her PB&J

Silly billies

Coop at different points of the waterfall

Donning daddy's hat

Loving the "super fast" boat ride. This guy is an outdoorsman!

A peek at the peaks

Grandma and Coop sharing a seat

Coley and Kenz

Hanging out at the House and Farm

The whole Suzuki family!

I had a rocking chair this size growing up and loved it as much as Cassie did this perfect little chair!

The littlest Mc girls

Elizabeth and Coop with Josie? I already forgot the dog's name:)! What a smart dog this is! My kids couldn't get enough of her!

The little Green farmhouse

The remaining cousins on the day of departure

My little tree climber

Patio dining at Warbird's Cafe at the Driggs, ID Airport

On our way out, many of us stopped here to get a bite to eat and watch Uncle Mike take his glider lesson. My boys were in heaven!

Mike prepping for his glider lesson

Elated!

Zoom! zoom!

Touring the small display of planes

Cass-a-frass and the wrath of the mosquito bites :)

Our lunch bunch

Yellowstone National Park

Since our Park pass was valid for Yellowstone too we decided to head over and take in the sites. The last time we went into the park it was in the evening and we saw a lot of wildlife. This time around it was nothing but a few elk and a bald eagle.

Enjoying a morning canoe ride

Shots in front of Old Faithful

Enjoying a scoop at the ice cream parlor

A Breath of Fresh Air-Part I

2010-08-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

I've been going up to Driggs, ID/Alta, WY since I can remember for Suzuki reunions every summer. My mom did this too as a little girl, and so the tradition continues with my children. Why this spot? My Grandma, Zoe Green Suzuki, was born and raised on a ranch here and her brother still owns it. How wonderful it is to leave your dear home for a true breath of fresh mountain air, a completely different way of life and a renewed perspective of how many beautiful and amazing places this country holds. I feel grateful that my children, husband and I are able to experience this each year.

Bowling, Dinner and a Movie in Rexburg, ID
Pretty much the whole crew made it out for this experience. After dinner, April and I took home our
little girls while the rest of the group saw Despicable Me or Inception.

Grand Targhee National Forest
While the guys spent the day mountain biking at Grand Targhee Ski Resort, the girls spent it taking the kiddos on a hike up to the waterfall---yes, we are great wives and moms!

The Farm~Wienie Roast
It took us forever to get over to the farm this year, but once we made it, we thought why didn't we come over sooner? The kids loved observing and feeding all of the animals before the annual wienie roast began.

Then it was off to roast our hot dogs and partake in the smörgåsbord of side dishes followed by the wildly anticipated and quickly devoured wild huckleberry dessert. And of course you always find room to finished the night off with a smore:) This year we also played lots of silly games like: Whack a Cracker, the Whipcream tossup and twirl, slide the Oreo from your forehead to your mouth sans hands and a Bubble Gum blowing contest. Needless to say participant and spectator alike were thoroughly entertained!

Letters to Grandma

2010-07-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

Grandma Mc went up to camp with the YW from the P-town Stake so we decided to draw her pictures and send her letters! They got there a little late, but we're glad she got them!

Who Can Resist Froggie Boots?

2010-07-18T18:08:00.000-05:00

Furthermore, who can resist this girl in them?!

The 3rd and 4th of July!

2010-07-18T18:06:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, it rained for about three hours straight, from 6-9 PM, and then the clouds parted, allowing us to go out and enjoy the fireworks at Pizza Hut Park. It was quite a show!

All dressed up in Red, White and Blue!

Love Cassie's face in this one

Possible love connection?!

So cute!

The crew of little ones. Something is wrong with the 4th of July when our kids have to be all excited about glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets vs. waving a sparkler around and spelling their name because they are banned! Boo!

Diligent Jay, trying to get a fire started with the super sweet collapsible grill Emmi got as a free present with Chris' Father's Day cologne. Needless to say, s'mores never happened:) Good try babe!

The 4th of July fell on a Sunday so here's my attempt at a shot of the kids in their patriotic Sunday's best:

Cole was all about the earplugs from the night before!

Self Feeding Is...

2010-07-18T17:39:00.001-05:00

...a serious mess! uugggggghh!

Lately this girl has become so grown up! She is a champion walker, can climb up and slide down our clubhouse slide all by herself and demands to feed herself everything!

*This picture also documents Cassie's fall onto the corner of the nightstand in our room. She required 6 stitches and was quite brave and heroic as she got them put in. It was our first trip to the ER as parents and a bit of a shake up. Our biggest concern was that she have NO SCAR. Fortunately much of the cut was in her eyebrow, but we will work dilligently to keep that face as pretty as can be!

Here's a look at the stitches, a few days later:

Everytime I pull out this basket of shoes I feel HaPpY :)

2010-07-18T17:17:00.000-05:00

Do you?

Baskets Full of Fun!

2010-07-18T17:13:00.000-05:00

Never mind that massive pile of displaced clothes on the couch, it's basket party time! Who didn't love playing in the laundry basket in their early youth!

Sitting Pretty

2010-07-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Notice the cell phone on the table, she loves them and whines till she gets one. Luckily she doesn't discriminate between a live one or an old one, she's just happy to be pressing buttons, which she also enjoys doing to her brothers.

You Are What You Eat (or at least What You Put In Your Mouth)

2010-06-15T18:58:00.001-05:00

As sweet as

strawberries,

with enough grit

to keep up with your brothers and handle most anything with a smile.

And as soothing

as your soothie to everyone you meet:)

Coin Paper Rolls

2010-06-15T17:50:00.001-05:00

Oh how I loved going over to Grandma and Grandpa Mc's house for visits with the family and on ocassion slumber parties at their house. They treated us grandkids like royalty and spent every minute making sure we had the best time! One thing I loved was rolling coins with Grandpa. I couldn't get enough of placing coins at the top of Grandpa's money sorter and watching it find it's way to the correct column and then drop into it's appropriate place. After the sorting was done, we would place the coins in paper rolls and prepare them for a cash out at the bank. I'm sure I loved this because it was a fascinating process, but I loved it even more because of the man I was doing it with. He was an amazingly warm, charasmatic and handsome man with the prettiest sparkly blue eyes and most beautiful white head of hair. He was charming through and through and was completely in love with my Grandma until the day he passed away, over nine years ago, now, with all of his family surrounding him, just as it should be.

Anyways, that got a little deeper than I expected, but at the Dollar Store, I spotted a bag of paper rolls for rolling coins and immediately was brought back to this memory. Of course, I bought them and with Cooper's sudden interest in money, we've been having fun counting out our coins and rolling them up for a big cash in. Cooper has his heart set on using the money for something at the Lego Store, we shall see.

What Have We Been Up To?

2010-06-09T10:41:00.004-05:00

What have we been up to? Well actually, quite a bit.

Mastering the art of big boy underwear wearing (on Cole's part)

Thanks to Coop we've got this documented :)

and how to eat a popsicle in them

Jay got tickets to the Byron Nelson golf tournament and took the boys. Cole loved watching the golfers and would have stayed longer. As for Coop, it soon became "booorrring" once they left the kids' zone. On the way home Cole discovered these protective eye glasses in Jay's car and they were all the rage!

Doesn't he look like mini-Bono?

We've been swimming a ton, at least 3 times a week. Cassie loves walking in the little pool and almost always holds her breathe when she unexpectantly goes under---I think she actually likes going all the way under! As for Cole he likes his floaties and thinks reaching out his arms to me and pushing off from the step is swimming. Coop can swim here and there, but still doesn't feel entirely comfortable being just anywhere in the pool. I'm sure we'll see improvement by the end of the summer.
No photos up at our pool, but here's one in our backyard one day when the pools were closed due to fecal contamination! So annoying! I decided to buy a kiddie pool as a backup plan. Nothing like getting 3 kids and yourself ready to swim only to be greeted by the "Pool Closed" sign!

Golfing in the backyard

Attending Coop's first soccer tournament over Memorial Day weekend. These boys were champs---they played 3 games in one day and in a year older division. They came through and won their last game and were so excited to receive their trophies with a spinning soccer ball and all!

We've been jet skiing the past two weekends, once at Lake Ray Roberts on Memorial Day and at Hidden Cove along with our ward campout. The best part about having these is sharing the fun with friends and hearing Cole say, "Woo mom, that was a bumpy one. That was fun! Let's do it again!" after riding over the wake created by a passing boat.

And finally, we've been having lots of movie nights, if we don't go swimming in the evenings, chances are we have a movie night. Last night, Jay made his mom's yummy caramel corn and we watched G-force. Recently we've watched The Mighty Ducks, Up, The Velveteen Rabbit and Snow Dogs. Got to love streaming Netflix and my cute crew!

Well that wraps this summary up!

Hope you are enjoying your summer:)

I Love My Daddy Because...

2010-06-09T09:49:00.002-05:00

...he tickles my tummy and makes me giggles:)

Cole's New Look

2010-05-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

Before

and After

Toss up, Right?

I must say, I like my long haired boys, but Cole looks pretty darn cute and much more like a mini version of his daddy!

Don't worry, Coop got a cut too, but we couldn't quite say goodbye to his curls/waves, just yet.

The ring pop did wonders for keeping Cole patient and still :)

Water Fun

2010-05-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

We've been staying close to home this week as Cole has been potty training. The kids have spent hours in the back being entertained by their water toys and in the front biking and scootering around with all of the neighborhood kids. One evening Cooper and Cole were sitting at the end of the cul-de-sac with all of the older kids just loving life and feeling a part of the fun. Reminded me of my Carver Ct. days, what great summers were spent playing in that court!

Coop's First Trophy

2010-05-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

Here's to another great season with the Kicker's and Screamers!

Timeout for An Update

2010-05-20T16:10:00.003-05:00

Cassie~almost 13 months

clever

climbing down the stairs and off of beds and couches the "right way"

loves to stand up and do squats

takes 4 steps before deciding that's enough

loves being in the mix with her brothers

can put it away like no other baby I've had

waves hello
TV button pusher
groover

pointer

so happy

Cole~just turned 3

potty training

loves to have in tote his doggies, planes, cars and old cell phones

entertaining

exhausting

clinging onto the terrible twos

outdoorsman

memorizer

loves to say prayers

so his own person

Cooper~ 4 and 3/4

gamer

obedient

wants to be a part of it all

emotional

a bit of a tattletale

drawing awesome rocket fueled cars with lots of fire coming out

a fan of Astroboy

excellent talk giver

loud

growing up too fast

so endearing

I Lost It

2010-05-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

Today was going so well, I had cleaned up the night before, so when I came out this morning it wasn't to a dreaded pile of stinky dishes. Cole took off his overnight diaper and initiate going to the bathroom all by himself. He was using his happy voice replying, "okay, mom" to all my requests. We made it out the door by 9 to pick up some sausage biscuits at McD and then hit Krogers for some grocery shopping. Cole made it through with a trip to the restroom and no accidents.
While there, Cooper spied some dart guns. I told the boys we would buy them and put them in the treasure box so when Cole went poo in the pot and if Cooper committed to wipe his bum instead of screaming for me to do it they could pick those out as their prize.
We came home, had lunch and after wards Cole pooped in the potty for the first time. He was so excited he even had to call Jay to give him the good news. This meant he got his gun.
Fast forward 30 minutes to nap time. Cole began to meltdown. As I was getting Cooper situated in his bed for another failed attempt at a nap (wishful thinking) Cole came in the doorway, stared me straight in the eye and pulled the trigger. The dart hit me square in the right eye and it seriously stung. I stood holding Cassie in one arm and clutching my eye with the other. I was hurt in so many ways by that act. My thoughts were: I'm glad it hit me and not Cass, am I going to be blind? (I know, a bit dramatic) damage? I can't believe the way Cole looked at me. Is this a sign of more things to come? And then I exploded, thus the title. I started screaming at Cole. I took that blue gun and threw it as hard as I could towards the floor hoping it would break (which of course I regret now because it did crack), marched that kid up into his room, shut the door all the way and then came down to my room and cried. It was a sad moment all the way around.
And there was my Cass, unfortunately by my side the whole time, smiling at me and I said to her, "I wish I could be more like you." To which she cheesed it up even more. That girl is Happiness, Joy and Goodness. I think and hope she inherited my mom's gene to be upbeat and positive even when others around you are not. She seriously is a bit of heaven in all of our lives. I am so grateful for her unconditional love in that moment, there was redemption in her eyes and smile. Maybe I wasn't the worst mom after all, but close.
Cooper came in and told me that I need to go to timeout for breaking Cole's gun, apparently that was his biggest concern.
Life is so funny, at the beginning of the week I was feeling good about this stage of my mommy life. Accepting being home more than I'd like, the constant need to take care of someone or some situation and the non existance of preschool this year.
Today I was reminded that I can only take so much and wow I need to find some new ways to get my message across. I also know that I can't read too much into my barely 3 year olds antics and take it personally or try not to at least. All in all, I am human and I made a mistake. I am learning.

P.S. Cole just came down from his nap (it's now 5PM) and walked into the office and said, "I pointed the gun at mommy. I shot your eye. That's not good." Then he came and said sorry and gave me a hug. I said sorry too. Then he said,"Ya, you screamed at the door. That's not good." No Cole that's not good, but I think we are going to make it :)!

April and Elle---Hello and Goodbye!

2010-05-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

We're so glad Aunt April and Cousin Elle came to visit us!

Cassie couldn't keep her eyes off her little cuz. She loved checking up on her, playing with her fingers and of course pointing at her face. She was actually quite soft with Elle.

Apie with the girls

Farewell until the Farm!

Grandpa and His Little Angel

2010-05-13T10:14:00.001-05:00

These two flirted all week long. Cassie wasn't so sure about Grandpa at first, she sure liked playing coy with him. By the end, however, she warmed up and was happy to let him hold her.

Mother Dear, I Love You So!

2010-05-13T10:04:00.001-05:00

Mother dear I love you so.

Your happy, smiling face

Is such a joy to look at;

It makes home a lovely place.

Mother dear I love you so.

Your loving, shining eyes

Are just like stars that twinkle

Way up in the bright blue skies.

Mother dear I love you so.

I'll try the whole day through

To please our Heavenly Father.

I'm glad He gave me you.

~ Maud Belnap Kimball

I could never ask for a better mom.

Elle was down for a nap and we said, "oh we'll take another one later", but of course we didn't. An almost perfect shot :) on Mother's Day!

A Day at the Ft. Worth Zoo

2010-05-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

The sunglassed crew---ready for some zoo action! Cole actually wore his all day long, he loves them.

The contemplative chimpanzee

Aunt Kenzie and the boys

April and Elle in front of Ape's favorite

My babes

In for a bumpy ride

Our train ride back (Elle's on my mom's lap behind Cole's head)

A kiss for you

The new Museum of Living Art (MOLA) is definitely worth checking out. Everyone was impressed by it.

Trying to get the fishy

I spy a tortoise

Cassie and Komodo

Little Elle riding the Froggie

Dad and his girls

Cooper and Cole could have kept on going. The adults were tired out way before they were. The boys were so intrigued and inquisitive---I loved it---I guess all that Wii and TV hasn't completely rot their brains! Wish we could have mind expanding days like this one everyday!

You are Officially My Favortie Auntie:)

2010-05-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Cass and Kenz~ I think these two look a lot alike!

iPad Buddies

2010-05-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

Coley-pokey turns Three!

2010-05-13T08:06:00.001-05:00

What would we do without Cole in our lives? He is Mr. Personality--- silly and hilarious at some times and stubborn and opinionated at others, a sports fanatic, a cereal lover, a train conductor, a book reader/listener, an explorer, an animal advocate, an entertaining talker, a love bug.

Happy 3rd Birthday! We love you Coley-pokes!

We started the morning out right with donuts and presents. This little guy has been talking about getting the "Ho, Ho" train for his birthday since he spied it at Target back in January or February. We're all glad his wish came true!

He got his own razor so he doesn't have to persuade the big kids at the park to let him have a turn anymore.

PB&J, grapes and his CARs lined up! My favorite picture of the day!

The Lunch Bunch

Popsicles

Bubbles

Gattitown for dinner. We ate some pizza and watched Curious George before the real fun began!

Mini bowling

B-ball Mania

"I'm taking a ride with my best friend(s)"

Cassie-Os

Getting their air hockey game on

We're not competetive or anything :)

A successful night out and fun ride home---dum-dums in mouth, airplane prize in hand, movie on the screen

The following night we kept the festivities going with our Texas cousins, my parents and sisters, April and Kenz, who had flown out for the week, blowing out candles and eating cinnamon chocolate cake!

Daddy Daughter Duet

2010-05-12T14:39:00.002-05:00

I love the way Jason is looking at his little girl :)

Jay's been playing the guitar and piano a lot more lately. He's actually pretty good. Cassie is always wanting in on the action and sometimes Cole gets his Little Tikes piano and accompanies, too. As for the vocals, Coops got the chorus down for "Apologize" and "Hey Soul Sister". Pretty much they're ready to take this gig on the road :)!

Rough Riders 2010 Season

2010-04-26T01:07:00.000-05:00

We made it out to our first game of the season. We went on Friday night, sat out on the grass, and chatted, played and watched the 3 hour game before the firework show. Assessment of kids' reactions:
Cooper-No longer fearful, enjoyed them
Cole-Screamed for the first part, became enamored with the colors in the middle and then got scared towards the end again when the really loud ones went off.
Cassie-Took it in stride like everything else. Was fine with them until the end. Squeezed me tight and kept attempting to climb up me.

If you've never been, you should. The stadium is great and the kids always have fun!

My Boys and their Beloved iPad :)

2010-04-26T00:43:00.001-05:00

Yes, it happened. Yes, I was against it. Yes, it is Jay's new love. Yes, I was wrong. Yes, it actually is awesome!

Cassie Mamas Turns One!

2010-04-26T00:37:00.000-05:00

It is so hard to believe that Cassie is actually one year old. It's funny, it seems like a long time since I was in the hospital having her, and yet her first year of life has flown by. To say she has been a pleasure is an understatement! I love my Cassie-Os, my Cass-i-frass, my little mama, my sweet, dear, adorable daughter.
The other day it hit me, this is exactly where I'm supposed to be in life, my life is full because of my children and husband. I would be bored without 3 kids to run around after. Although it is exhausting and frustrating at times, it is the best most of the time. I love my 3 Cs!
And Cassie, I love you for the calm, happy, joyful, validating spirit you are. I love watching you interact with your brothers. You love each other dearly. You have a special bond with Cole. He looks for ways to make you happy, you steal his brown blankie and try to crawl as fast as you can and you guys like to give eachother head-butt-snuggles---that's when you two look the sweetest together.
Your second top tooth just popped through a few days ago so now you have 3 1/2 teeth.
You climb up on everything. When I was hanging your birthday streamers, you pushed a little chair up to my big chair, climbed on your chair, then onto the big one, stood up and did a dance as you made celebratory sounds. You are a smart little problem solver.
You walk all over the place holding on to something, but don't have much desire to stand by yourself. You've been crawling for 4 months now and I'm wondering if you will end up finally walking at 14 months, just like your brothers.
You are my little doll, in everyway! I love you Cassie girl!

We brought cupcakes to playgroup at the park the day before her birthday to party with friends:

Then on her birthday, she got all ballerinaed up and we went to the library for story time:

Later that evening we celebrated with chocolate cake and cousins:

She opened her presents and helped daddy put together her new stroller/walker and soon she was off:

What a cutie pie!

Texas Blubonnets and Wyatt's Blessing Day

2010-04-25T23:48:00.003-05:00

This past Tuesday, on our way over to Eric and Camille's to show off our new ride, they called to say they were going up to the little cemetery close by to take pics amongst the short lived bluebonnets and told us to meet them there. Upon hearing the news, I made Jay turn around, formulated shirt options for the boys and a dress and clip for Cassie in my mind, ran in, got them and we were off. The evening lighting was lovely and what a fun time we had together.

Baby Wyatt Scott was blessed today. His dad, Eric, gave him a sweet blessing and we had another fun evening together. We are so glad Eric, Camille and the boys moved back! We had another photo op so of course we went for it---wasn't the best--- lots of sun, fire ants and a dead bird. These were the two favs!

P.S. Yes I know Coop's mop needs a trim!

Random Things to Always Remember About My Boys

2010-04-25T22:10:00.001-05:00

~ The way Cooper's eyes get really big when he is telling you something or asking you a question. The eyes mean 1 of 3 things: duh, like I didn't know that!, are you with me? OR you know what I mean?

~Cole may turn out to be like me, always a letter or two off from the right word, but close enough that people know what word you were trying to use. Examples as of late include:

trampoline="jumpoline"
allergy medicine="energy medicine"
that's not fair="that's not bare"

The first two actually seem quite logical to think that's what people are saying.

What's Next? Mt. Everest?

2010-04-06T22:08:00.001-05:00

What hasn't this girl conquered? She is our little climbing machine. She may not be able to stand or walk by herself, but climb she can!

She loves to climb up on our beds and snuggle her little face into the down comforters

What is so intriguing about the dishwasher? All of my kids have loved perching here.

Our daredevil extraordinaire. Little does she know how flimsy that chair can be, oh wait she should know, she's been rescued or fallen from this precarious spot a handful of times and still can't get enough!

What the Easter Bunny Brought

2010-04-06T20:31:00.001-05:00

The happy crew. Are you proud of me? I got the boys PJs they'd love versus the Gap ones I'd love.

Forget the vibrating teether, the sweet shades and swimsuit and cute pink leggings. Give me fake grass and lots of it!

One of many crushes, not surprised these happen to be bubble gum BALLS!

Cooper's first lego set

Racing fun with Mario and Bowser

We got together with Eric and Camille. We had a delicious dinner, good company and celebrated Luke's 4th birthday with a song and cupcake!

An Evening at the Park

2010-04-06T20:07:00.000-05:00

We've been taking advantage of the warm spring days by heading to the park. Let it be know that I am an Equal Opportunities Photographer, but one, more than others cooperated (funny, just realized his name spells out the first 6 letters of the before mentioned word, no wonder?!) So kids, when you look back at the pictures, just know I tried!

Tried to get a good shot of all three, better luck next time!

Even Jason "swung" by after work