Sunni is now 6 months! She seems to really be growing up this last month. I've started her on food and she loves it. She's also started army crawling. Mostly to get away from Macie I think. Macie is....hands on. I think I say "Macie, get out of her face!" About a million times a day.  It sounds harsh, but it's necessary. Sunni doesn't seem to mind for the most part.  Maybe they'll be best friends in a couple of years. Back to Sunni, we went for her check up and she's 14lbs (10%) and 26.25" (57%). She still sounds like a little pig due to a combination of congestion and narrow nasal passageways.  Which apparently, she'll grow out of eventually. So in the meantime she snorts. Especially when she gets excited and laughs.  She's quite the busy-body. Even when you're holding her, she's reaching for things and trying to squirm free. I was hoping she was going to be a cuddly baby like Alli. She's a very happy girl and is always smiling. She's the best and we can not get enough of her.

I can't get that picture to rotate. I'm quite annoyed. Speaking of annoyed, it's 11:30pm and I can hear my girls fighting in the other room. awesome. For the past 2 weeks, we've converted to a 2 bedroom. Alli's room has a water leak coming from the outside and it's in the process of getting fixed. So Alli's been sleeping in Macie's room on mattress on the floor. It's been challenging to say the least. I need help. Here's the deal: we're currently in a 3 bedroom. My ideal plan was to move Alli and Macie in the same room and Sunni gets her own. However, this last week has proven this is not a good situation. How do you get your kids to SLEEP in the same room without harassing each other? Is this even possible? I feel it is, and my kids are lacking in some parenting.  I would just put Alli and Sunni together, but Sunni needs a quiet space for naps and such. And frankly, I don't trust Macie in the same room as Sunni unsupervised. Once I got in the shower with Sunni in the pack and play, think everything would be fine. I get out only to find Macie laying next to her and Sunni under a sea of blankets. Scary.

I can only hope this is a terrible two phase and Macie will come out of it. Hope, is what gets me out of bed. Speaking of which, I woke up this morning to find an empty bag of deli meat on the floor and Macie's breath reeking of honey ham. Fortunately, there was only like half the package left. She ate the first half the previous morning.  She gets out of bed between 8-9am, but usually doesn't wake me up until nine-ish. Why don't I just get up at 8? I probably should, but I don't. Back in the good ole days, they would all sleep til like ten. So naturally, I became accustomed to such a luxury. 
So if anyone has any ideas for me, hit me up. Or if you'd like a 2 year old... just kidding. We still love her. How could you not, look at that face

6 months

Sunni at 6 months

more pics and stats to come

she's the cutest

check it

Boom, words on my picture! Thanks, Julianne for the info. Two peas in a pod, these two. Well, I think Sunni's face describes how she really feels. distress/indifferent. And Macie just loves it. And although it looks like I just give my toddler a bag of Dorritos to chow on, it's actually cereal. A little better I think.

as promised

Oh look at this face! She could not be sweeter! She's my golden child. She's 4 1/2 months now. She's 12.8lbs which is only the 20% and she's in the 90% for length. So it looks like she'll be repeating Alli's pattern of long and lean. Which they get from me, obviously.

I'm lucky I got this half smile out of her for the camera. She'll be smiling at me then I'll hold up the camera, and she goes blank. Probably cause a camera is such a foreign object to her since my picture taking has been less than adequate.

She loves her sisters, and watching them fight and play around her. Mostly fight though. Macie might love her the most. She is her "Sunni Bunny." I think I have 20 pics of my phone of Sunni and Macie laying together in my bed in the morning. Macie makes me take one almost everyday. And she gets mad if I fake it. Speaking of the little devil..

Okay so this picture was taken over Thanksgiving in St. George. But that little mischievous face is what I see everyday. She definitely tests my boundaries and patience. She's very "tech savy" unlike me, and will ask you for your phone to play games. Mostly Angry Birds. She's quite obsessed. In fact, she told me she "needed" an ipad for Christmas. This is thanks to my sweet cousin, Sam, who let Macie play with hers during our family Christmas party. Santa didn't come through this year. We teach disappointment at an early age.

I could not love this picture more. This was her first day of preschool. No it's not 8am and that's why her eyes are puffy, its 11:30am. She stopped crying just as we walked out the door, so I grabbed a quick pic. This picture captures everything about our morning from her not wanting to wear pants, to not finding the right back pack and having to settle with a secondary, her mad I wanted her to wear socks, her coat looking "too chubby," her words not mine and lastly her just not feeling like going today. Please feel free to share your own caption of this picture.

She started late because she wasn't potty trained back in August when school started. Turns out, she had a good time playing with the "beautiful kids" as Macie calls them. Macie likes to drop her off and have her alone time with me and Sunni. We go shopping, where she thinks she's getting an ipad or lots of chocolate. She's now requesting the amount of candy she wants. Or go to Grammy's, where normally she binges on chocolate. **My mom has candy bowls out around the house. and she keeps them out cause JD crafted them in pottery. But for Macie's sake, it's time to fill them with potpourri, Mom.

As for me and Jeff, Jeff's on the up and up with his ankle. He had surgery November 30 to fix something that may or may not have happened in the MTC. Either way, it seems like he's been whining about it for at least 5 years ;) and since we met our deductible with Bunny, he got it fixed. He had a scope and reconstruction of the outer ligaments. He's now just in an ankle brace and walking with a sexy little limp. And me, besides dealing with all of the above, have been sucked into the world known as Pinterest. Mostly for crafting and recipes, and all the recipes I have tried on my boards have been stellar. I've also been crafting up hair bows and headbands for the girls. It's become my hobby that's keeping me sane. And if things go well, I'll be adding photography and blogging to my growing list of hobbies. I'm also thinking about starting a new blog where I can just ramble/discuss things. I feel like a family one such as this, I need to keep it classy cause if I ever print a book for the kids, they won't care about my weekly review of Teen Mom 2 or what's for dinner that night. I don't know, it's up the in air at this point.

I don't blog because...

I feel like I'm technologically behind. As I look at various blogs I think to myself, "How did they do that with the font?" or "I wonder how you get the pictures to look like that?" or "How do you get words in pictures?" needless to say there's a lot of "How do they do that." Are they teaching blog editing courses in school these days? You know, I have been removed from high school for 9 years now. And college really didn't pan out for me. whoopsy.

Nothing really exciting happens when you've got 3 kids. I don't attempt a lot of activities.

Lately I feel people abuse blogs and various social media with information no one needs to hear. A lot of whining. So I was taking a stance of silence. No one knew though so that really didn't pan out either.

A good reason, our computer was on the fritz and we just got a new one a couple of days ago.

I haven't taken any pictures lately. When I look at other blogs, I just look at the pictures. I rarely read the fluff. Thus, I feel like everyone is the same with mine. No pictures to post, no need to.

So I'm trying to modivate myself that my little old blog should be frequently updated. Like with pictures of the 4 month old... or my 1st born starting preschool today... or the insanely funny stuff my 2 year old says/does. Stay tuned.

en.tou.rage [ahn-too-rahzh]

meet my entourage...

one month

\



Well, we're coming off our potty training high. I'm not going to lie, it's pretty annoying sometimes. Taking Alli to the bathroom all the time. And it's a lot. I appreciate her commitment, and I'm pleased to announce we haven't had any "accidents." But that's cause she's going every hour. Oh well, I guess that's just me being selfish. But she's got a knack for picking the most inopportune times.
In other news, Sunni is one month old! I don't feel like she has changed much. She's starting to be more awake during the day, but still waking up every 3 hours at night. She's so calm. Which is quite refreshing. Yes, Alli and Macie are still crazy. Funny, but crazy. Either I'm dead inside and the constant fighting doesn't bother me as much or I'm mellowing out. Either way, I'm fine with it.
Not much else to report. I'm still mentally preparing for my first solo outing. I'm not quite there yet. I think the grocery store is out of the question still. Where would I even put my groceries? My cart would already be full of kids.

victory

One year ago we started the journey that is potty training with Alli. One year. And I can now post 365 days later, it is done. I now only have 2 children in diapers!

Also, I will be putting out a book about my unique and highly effective methods to getting your own child potty trained in one year. It'll be ground breaking. Look for it on Amazon.

one day at a time

This lady has spent a lot of time in her crib due to time outs. I don't think it's working.

My Special Helper

And our little angel mostly does this...luckily

Jeff went back to work after his two week paternity leave Thursday. It was so nice to have him home and to spend so much time as a family. He would keep the girls away in the mornings so I could sleep in and he would take them in afternoon to do a fun activity. The girls definitely were spoiled and are continuing request such activities. But unfortunately, I don't attempt to go anywhere before 5pm. Right now we're just focusing on brushing our teeth before noon. It's day two on my own and everyone has made it, especially Macie. Sure, Alli may have some bite marks from Macie and Macie's hair hasn't been done in two days, but we have made it to the weekend.

On another note, Sunni is now 2 weeks old and a whopping 7lbs 8oz and 21". The pictures from my previous post due make her look like a chub-o, but she's still quite small. She really is just the sweetest little thing. I could just snuggle with her all day. She loves watching 48 Hour Mystery with me.

week one

Sunni

She made it! Sunni Rose was born August 25. She weighed 6lbs 13oz and was 20". She's healthy and we could not be happier with our new little girl. Alli and Macie love their new little sister and fight over who gets to hold her. More pictures to come!

Macie Moo is TWO!

8.3.2009

8.3.2010This crazy little girl is 2! Macie Marie came to our family 11:33am August 3, 2009. Macie was such a good baby! Slept and ate well, and was content to lounging in her chair where her sister insisted she always be. Around 18 months old I think we realized we are going to have our hands full.
Some things Macie loves: CHOCOLATE, candy, popsicles, babies, dress ups, make up, nail polish, toothbrushes, dogs, animals, dolls, Grandma Deanna's Pepsi, goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, driving cars (yes, real cars. Especially Uncle JD's car), bikes, the underrated animated film The Chipmunk Adventure, her blanket "Bebin" (named it herself), and sucking her thumb.

We used to think Macie would be the quiet one since Alli is quite loud and independent, but turns out Macie is even louder and more independent. She loves to do things herself. "Maymin do it!" Is what she always says. For some reason she calls herself "Maymin." She can say Macie, but is sticking with Maymin. It has a nice ring to it...

She loves playing with her sister, but playtime turns ugly awful fast. And usually results in hair-pulling, wrestling, hitting, and/or biting. Feel free to call me to set up a play date ;) Fortunately, she loves babies and I think with #3 just 4 weeks away, she'll do great with her new baby sister. She always asks to "pet" stranger's babies at the store and church.

We sure love this little stink bug and are grateful everyday that she's ours!

Macie had to sneak in one last kiss

Last month we said good bye to this kid. He left for 2 years to teach the people of Uganda. It's hard to believe he's of age to do so. It seems like just yesterday he was the little kid lip syncing in our basement to Bon Jovi. We are so proud of him! And are grateful for his example.

It's been a long time since I've gotten the girls gussied up and taken some pictures. It wasn't easy, but I got a few. And if you're wondering why there isn't any of Macie smiling to the camera, continue reading the bottom.




From the time Alli was born, I took pictures of her regularly. Every month she had some new pics up until she was about 20 months, then Macie came. Poor Macie has about 1/5 of what she has. So I am picking up my game.
I attempted to take their pictures a couple of days ago. No bueno. I got a couple good ones of Alli, but Macie doesn't even know how to smile for the camera. Seriously. She's such a smilely little girl too. I have only myself to blame. Enjoy the "bloopers", I do. The second is my favorite.

sisters

Results are in!

Our internet has been slow and our scanner isn't working so there won't be any pics with the post. So it seems most everyone was right... we're still seeing pink! We're having another girl! I think Jeff jinxed us when he finally said last night that he thought it was a boy. We excited to have another sweet girl. Hopefully she's a good baby like the others :)
She was pretty mellow during the ultrasound, but after some proding we got a look. And I knew immediately, a sight I have seen two previous times. Everything looked good, it was just a gender check, so they didn't do any measurements or anything. She did say the baby is about nine inches now and half a pound. Now on to names! Please share some ideas!

Boy or Girl?

We find out tomorrow if we are having a boy or a girl. I'd day the majority of family and friends think it's a girl. Which would be great because we have EVERYTHING girly/pink etc. However, the thought of having a senior, junior and freshman in high school, is a nightmare! We'd like to have a boy to balance out our family, but really nothing would be better than a healthy baby! I, personally haven't thought much about it because I thought Alli and Macie were both boys. so I guess I don't really see the point in guessing since I apparently have no motherly instinct. And since we haven't talked much about the gender, we haven't talked about any names. I guess we we've been waiting to see what it is. So what do you think I'm having? I'll hopefully be able to post pics tomorrow!

tagged

about a month ago i was tagged by amy. i haven't really been into blogging lately. better late than never. here's 15 interesting facts about me:
1. i am a lmn fanatic! (lifetime movie network) when i discovered this channel, it changed my life. in fact, today during "quiet time" i watched taken from me: the tiffany rubin story.
2. i spent the majority of my evening scouring and cleaning the bathrooms. I was feeling pretty good about myself and enjoying the refreshing scent when macie completely undid my hard work. yep, she took a two-sie during tubby time. i just finished bleaching everything... again.
3. i sleep in to 9:30 or 10 every morning. alli usually wakes me up when she gets up.
4. monday is laundry day for me. usually 4-5 loads.
5. i hate to read. sue me
6. i haven't been to the gym in 3 months. when you read #15 you'll understand
7. i love crystal light. fruit punch and raspberry ice especially
8. i recently bought a dress that i really love and feel good in.
9. target is my achilles heal. i could spend hours there and lots of money
10. i hate tap water. all tap water. it tastes funny
11. jeff is the greatest! he puts up with a lot being married to me. i love him a lot.
12. i have to wear socks at all times. i don't know if it's poor circulation or the weather, but my feet get cold without them.
13. i am really looking forward to spring. this winter seems to drag on forever. i need some warm weather so me and my ladies can get out!
14. i love bread. breadsticks especially. i could eat my body weight in iggy's bread, olive garden's breadsticks, red lobsters chedder bay biscuits and pizza factory breadtwists.
15. i'm pregnant with baby #3!!! more info to come, but i'm due sept. 1st (miss amy's birthday)

so basically i'm pretty awesome ;)

i also tag adrienne, tara, alissa, ashley g., and holly

alli, alli, alli

This sweet child will be the end of me! It's no secret that the is independent and stubborn and can be difficult. It's mostly just at home, and to me. However, she can be the sweetest, funniest girl. Luckily, lately she has been the latter. Everyday she says the funny things, and I wonder where in the world she heard that from. For instance:

Alli: Mom, is that Mr. Clean? (addressing the cleaner on the counter)
Me: Yes
Alli: Mr. Clean comes to your house to make sure it's clean, huh?
Me: Sure

and:

Alli: Mom, Muckle Chuck (Macie) love Justin Bieber!
Now this could be because I want to start a website entitle "Baby Biebers." And it would consist of infants and toddlers whos hair is like the Biebs'. And Macie would be our poster child.

and her latest:

Macie was saying something over and over and Jeff and I couldn't figure out what she was saying.
Me: Alli, what's she saying?
Alli: I think it's Spanish.


And in regards the picture above, I believe this displays her funny personality. She got slippers for her birthday and she thought they were tap shoes. So this is her tap dancing. She was doing a weird little dance and I asked her what she was doing and she said tap dancing in her new shoes. And yes, she's in the elite group of 3 year olds that are not potty trained. She claims she's "too little." and when approached about the subject in social situations, she says she is potty trained. All her weirdness aside, it's hard not to love this little girl.

my funny valentines

Trying to get a good picture of these two together is dang near impossible. They get so weird together and make faces. But I'm glad they are my little loves!

When the camera came out, she ran to her couch, posed herself and said, "Hurry, take a picture of this."

Typical scene over here. One trying to mother, and the other not responding as she would have hoped.

And last, but certainly not least, this guy: we've been together a long time, and I consider my self the luckiest girl in the world. Words can't express how much I love him. And I don't think I will try on my blog. I'm grateful for each day that I have will him and my two chick-a-dees!

(they just lost the their last game, thus the face)