Haley Time

When we were down in Lindon today we stole Haley and brought her up for a sleepover.  We don't usually get to just have Haley, so this was a nice treat.  The kid's cousin, Rebekah, was having her first birthday tomorrow and Haley wasn't going to be able to come up because of all her older brothers and sister's games.  So we grabbed her and made a fun night of it so we could play with her and take her to the party.  We went to Red Robin for dinner and then came home and had a fun movie night.

Game On!

Tonight we were going to start back up in Hockey with the boys now that Seth has the time again with school over, but due to their incredible growth, their skates didn't fit.  So we improvised and had a fun night of hockey in the garage.  It was so cute to see them all geared up running around trying to score on each other.  Chloe was right in the mix of it (as was Snuggles).  After about 30-40 minutes they came in sweaty and ready for a break.

We'll have to do this again.  It was great exercise and a way to be "outside" in the middle of winter.

Sister Krista

 

We got to go say good-bye to Krista today before she reported to the MTC to serve her mission in the West French Indies.  The kids were excited to go see her off.  Sam came upstairs wearing a church shirt.  I told him he didn't need to wear his church clothes, but he said he wanted to look like a missionary for Krista.
When it was time for us to go Chloe was very hesitant.  I asked her why she didn't want to leave and she whispered, "but I want to see her turn into a missionary."
Thank you Tressa, Braden and Krista ( and soon to be Stephen) for your great examples to my kids!

Repeat

We had so much fun crafting last week that Natalie, Joy and Mom came over for a repeat.  We each made a wood "Love"  sign.  Presley and Chloe had a blast playing with Grandma today.  Chloe has always had a special place in her heart for her Grandma T, so seeing them be able to play with her like that today made my heart happy.

Latest Sam-ism

Sam had asked me if I would make him some nachos.  I told him I would but found that I had got distracted.  He came up to me a few minutes later and asked, "Mom, are you focusing on my nachos?" !!! :)  I love this kid!  I must ask them a lot if they are focusing on the things I ask of them!

Snuggle Buddies

When I went to check on the girls before going to bed I had to take a picture.  These two were up until about 10 tonight giggling and talking and playing.  We couldn't be mad.  It was their last night together.  I just love that Ivy climbed into bed with Chloe.  Chloe is really going to miss her when she leaves tomorrow.

Cousins and Crafting

 Last night my brother Nate and his family came in town for a visit.  My mom and dad are home right now from Madrid where they are Temple Presidents for some medical things, so they came to see them. 
It was fun for the kids to be together.  Chloe and Ivy became best buds immediately.  It was fun to see.  Jack, their youngest, was going to sty in Sam's room.  When Sam found this out he went downstairs and made a sign that said, "no babies allowed in my room."  So we let Jack sleep in James' room. 
Today we had all the sisters and sister-in-laws and kids over for a craft day.  Sam, James, Chloe, Lucy, Ivy and Jack had a blast making Valentine cookies for all our guests.  I think we swept up about two containers of sprinkles when they were done.

 We had a fun time crafting and talking while the kids played.  We made little heart trees and garlands for Valentine's Day.

 Jonie got the prize for being the most resourceful!  I'm glad I'm not the only one who does things that this! :)

 We had a fun lunch together and enjoyed the very much overloaded cookies.

New Rooms for Everyone

Yes, we're crazy.  But good crazy. (I think)  We have decided it was time for Sam to have his own room.  This couldn't just be a simple move.  Not with me in charge.  Of course it meant moving every one's rooms, changing it up, redecorating, cleaning out...

The kids were all very excited to get new rooms.  James was a little reluctant about it.  He loves sharing a room with Sam.  I think he is a bit nervous to sleep alone.  He can't ever remember having his own room as a baby.

So the boys went from a shared car themed room to separate rooms.

James chose a dinosaur theme and moved into Chloe's old room.  Yellow is his favorite color, so that made things easy.  Just move him in and put his stuff up.

 And Sam chose a Lego theme (to match his Lego Play Room) and moved to the room at the bottom of the basement stairs.  I was pretty nervous to have him move all the way downstairs, but he is so independent and excited about it that I found that that nervousness went away quickly.  I think it helps that we are usually down there watching TV until he is asleep anyway.
Sam was patient as it took about a week to clean out his new closet of all the stuff I have filled it with, paint his furniture, paint his walls, make his Lego accessories and build his new bookshelves.  His room definitely took the most work, but I think it turned out to be a perfect room for him.
The best part of Sam's new room is what he said when we told him about it.  He said, "now I can wake up and get right to my Legos".  The Lego Room is in the basement too, so his world just got much better.

Chloe moved her room to the boy's old room.  She is still trying to convince me to paint it pink.  I think we'll have to talk about that a little more.  I cant even think about another project yet.  So poor Chloe, besides getting the biggest room, hasn't had much change.

So just a little more to do in Chloe's new room, and try to unbury the mess of combining the School Room and my Craft Room and we'll be set.  Maybe by next year we'll have that done! :)

Bobbing for Apples

When I finally was up and about this afternoon I found this in the kitchen.  Apparently a cold January day is just perfect for bobbing for apples! :)  I just love kids and the things they come up with and do!  It makes me smile and brings me happiness.

Sam and the Hobbit

I have a confession.  I let my son go see The Hobbit.  Yes, I am now one of those moms! ;)  Sam has loved The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit for so long.  We don't even know how he was able to piece all of the story together, but I guess between Legos, commercials, and the video game he can tell you each character, the story line, etc.
I've been down a lot this month with my latest procedure so Seth convinced me that a great way to keep the kids away from me was to let him show them the movies (he would edit).  I gave in for the simple reason of liking the idea of some piece and quiet.
Then Seth talked me into letting Sam go see the new Hobbit in the theater with him.  You should have seen Sam's face when Seth gave him the good news that I had said yes. 
Seth said he was on the edge of his seat the whole time loving every minute of it.  He's growing up too fast!

Just Dance Chloe

 For Christmas we got "Just Dance".  The kids got introduced to it at their cousin's house over Thanksgiving break.  We have a lot of fun having dance parties now.  We even got a disco ball, a strobe light, and a fog machine to create the atmosphere.
Chloe loves it of course.  She even takes it down to my sister, Joy's house whenever we go so she can play with Megan and Haley.
Megan sent me this picture from when Chloe was there.  Apparently Chloe was "Crazy" and got 4 stars.  She was very proud of herself.

Fashionista

 To say Chloe has a style all her own is an understatement.  Tonight she delighted us with her outfit, accessories, and comments when we went out to dinner tonight for Family Night.  Never a dull moment with this one around!

2014

As per usual we slept through the New Year and got up bright and early and treated the kids to a fun breakfast.  2014 is going to be great.  I can't wait to see what is awaiting us now that Seth's done with school, we are working on getting my back better, and soon we will have 2 kids in school!  2014...BRING IT ON!

Sleepy Sam

 

I think we've been doing a lot lately.  I can't remember the last time Sam fell asleep at church!  I think we had better take a step back this next week.  :)

Baby James

We have good friends we love to have over.  My friend, Somer, has two boys, Johnny and James.  Since we have a James too it sometimes gets confusing, so her James, who is younger has become "Baby James."  He is the funniest kid I have ever met.  I am glad we caught a glimpse of him with the girls here.  Classic!