Sears Family

Twins 6th birthday

2011-09-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

So I am 6 weeks late- but I am finally posting some pics from the twins' 6th birthday. I really struggled with the birthday this year. It was only a couple days after school started. So I was still a sappy mess. In fact, the night before their birthday, I told the girls the entire story of being pregnant and getting to meet them and what they were like as babies. It all just made me even more sad!

The day before their birthday, the girls brought ice cream cone cupcakes to school. I made the cupcakes after I dropped them off on the 1st day. It took forever- but was the perfect distraction. I thought Mrs. Kyte was so funny. She did some pretend birthday spankings and the whole class was laughing hysterically.

On their bday we woke them up singing. We had blueberry pancakes and then got right to opening the presents. There were a bunch! We redid the girls bedroom as a gift!

They also got ipods!

During the afternoon we went to As You Wish and painted pottery! Super fun! Danika made a rock star jewlery box and Makenzie painted a puppy.

Dinner at Olive Garden as the girls requested!

Gosh I love those sweet and beautiful girls!!! But I really wish they would stop growing!

First Day of School

2011-08-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

I am getting closer to being caught up! Just 3 birthdays left!

Today I have pictures of the first day of school. Kyler is a 2nd graders. The twins are 1st graders. And my "Baby Laynee" started Kindergarten. I had such a hard time this year. I am SUPER sappy and this was the first year that they were all in school. Three days before school started- it hit me. It hit me hard. I just laid there in bed balling. And sniffling. It was pathetic. I kept thinking about the day that each of the kids were born. I thought about holding their little bodies. And I thought of all the things I would have changed if I had a second chance. I would have kept them home with me every single darn day. I would have yelled less. I would have played more. But too late now....they spend their days with their teacher and not me. I warned you that I was sappy! I cried for about 4 days. The 1st day was hard!!! I did ok with the big kids. But Laynee....a whole other story. I remember leaving the school crying like a baby. Scott decided to take me to breakfast a s a distraction. The poor waitress must have thought I was crazy!!! But the good news....the kids love school. They love their teachers and are excited to see their school friends again. I will make it through the first week!

I was crying...but the kids sure weren't!

Here is Laynee with her teacher, Mrs. Williams.

Laynee was not very excited about starting school. She kept telling me that she didn't want to go because she would miss me. But there weren't any tear. (From Laynee.) And I know she is gonna love Kindergarten!

I made it through the first day. Now I have 3 birthdays to cry through!

The Happiest Place on Earth- Part 1

2011-08-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

It is our 1st day in Disneyland and it is my 30th birthday!!! I can't think of a better place to spend my birthday! We start the day with breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. This was our 1st time eating here and we loved it! The characters spent a lot of time with the kids and the food was tastey.I loved that every time a character came near Laynee- she would giggle. She was so happy!

Scott is doing the Twist. Aladin was dancing with the girls. Super cute!

Never too early for a cupcake right?

Time for rides!!! And we road lots of them!

Do you like my birthday shirt? I think that about 200 random strangers wish me a happy birthday! It was fun!

Star Tours!!!

Taking a nap in Pluto's bed inside Mickey's house.

We road tons of rides and saw some characters. Then we watched the parade. Did you know that my birthday is also Disneyland's birthday?! How cool!!! The parade was awesome....but it was mighty hot!!! Right after the parade, we went to Downtown Disney for some birthday dinner at Tortilla Joe's. Fun!

After dinner, we road a bunch more rides! And then we saw the fireworks. I love Disney fireworks! Every year I am amazed! What an amazing way to end a super fun birthday! And a great way to start our 4 days in Disneyland!

The Happiest Place on Earth- Part 3

2011-08-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Day 4. Our last day :(

We started with a couple rides and meeting the princesses in Disneyland. And then finished our trip by hitting a couple of our favorite rides (Little Mermaid and Toy Story!) in California Adventures. Not too many pics....we were all tired of the camera! But I do have to show off the kids' last outfit....

Minnie liked my shoes!

And it is time to head home. It is always sad when a vacation ends.....but I feel blessed to have such special memories! It was a fantastic way to end an awesome summer!

The Happiest Place on Earth- Part 2

2011-08-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

I was super excited about our 2nd day in Disney! The kids dressed up as characters!!!! Kyler was Captain Jack Sparrow. He was so darn cute!

The girls got to go to Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique to have their hair and make-up done!

Poor Makenzie was so excited about getting her hair done. But while we were getting ready in the hotel room that morning, she managed to pull an iron down onto her head. It was so scary! She didn't burn herself, but she did cut her head. Since it was bleeding, she couldn't get her hair done :( But we got her the Rapunzel wig and they did her make up and pixie dust. Sill fun!

We took some pictures back in the photo studio. Danika is the Cinderella bride. Makenzie is Rapunzel and Laynee is Tinker Bell.

Jessie is Danika's favorite character!

The Toy Story Mania ride in California Adventures is my very favorite ride!

Buzz is still one of Kyler's favorite characters and he was super excited to find him!

We took the girls to the Princess Coronation. We had never done this before and I have no idea why not! The girls loved learning how to be a princess! While we were waiting for the show to start, the girls started posing and asking me to take their pictures. Especially Danika who is my little model!

I love the look on Danika's face when Cinderella walked out...

For dinner we went to a very fancy restaurant called the Blue Bayou. It is actually inside of the Pirates of the Carribean ride! It was great food, awesome ambiance and the kids were so good! No pictures because it was way too dark.

Day Three: FAMILY T-SHIRT DAY!!!

The Tea Cups are a family favorite!

Tigger was very goofy with the kids!

The story of Splash Mountain: Everyone but Makenzie wanted to go on Splash Mountain. We waited until the 3rd day and just told her that we were all going. She wimpered the entire time we were in line. Then as we got closer, she started crying. By the time we were getting in the boats, she was screaming bloody murder. During the ride she was screaming "Let me off this ride!!!!" I actually wondered if she was going to jump! After the ride, she says "We can go on that again." WHAT?!!! LOL! And so we went on it again the next day! I love all the scraed looks on our faces!

Dinner on the 3rd night was delicious! We went to a BBQ place. Hungry Bear BBQ??? Anyway, it was outside, all you can eat and messy! The kids were in the BEST mood of the entire trip. We took lots of pictures just because we were having so much fun smiling together! Here is a look at some of the food...

After dinner, we had to start our 2 1/2 hour wait to see Fantasmic. One adult would save the spot while the other took the kids. And then we switched. I though the kids would be upset by it all....but nope!

And it doesn't hurt that we gave them ice cream!!!

Fantasmic was awesome!!! I had not seen it since Disney World for our honeymoon. Why did we wait so long?! The kids loved it! And we had perfect seats for the fireworks afterwards as well. Amazing night!!!

Huntington Beach

2011-08-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has already been a month since our trip to Huntington Beach in California! The kids love the beach and seem to have more fun each time we go. Danika and Kyler loved playing in the sand. They found huge shells and Kyler burried himself in the sand. Makenzie was our dare devil. She was always out in the ocean jumping big waves! Laynee did a little of both. All the kids liked playing in the water with daddy! Perfect weather too!

At one point, a wave tipped Laynee over. She was so upset because she didn't like the taste of the water. It was cute!

The kids have already asked when we can go back. I am so excited because we will be taking them to Mission Beach in October!

Getting behind a bit!

2011-08-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that it would take me so long to get back to my blog! I beg your forgiveness! Let me explain...

First, we took a fun family vacation to Huntington Beach and Disneyland! We sent my birthday in Disneyland. I loved it. We all had a blast riding rides, visiting characters and eating at lots of neat restaurants. I will share lots of picture soon. Then, you know the usual list of chores that you come home to after vacation. Six people sure do make a lot of dirty laundry! And then there is the grocery shopping, unpacking and regular house work. This was made even more difficult since my parents came over the day after we got back (to celebrate my birthday) and we went out with friends the following night (more celebrating and repacking the kids for grandma's house). By Saturday, I was just plain exhausted. I slept in, slept through a movie with the kids, took a nap later and went to bed at 9.

Next, the kids started school this week past week. So we had to go to Open House at the school on Monday. This is not like any other Open House I have ever been to. It is stressful, crowded, irritating (why so much darn paperwork?!!!) and just plain chaotic! We had to bring so many school supplies for each of the 4 kids that we had to make multiple trips to the car in order to carry them all in. Crazy, right? And then I had to send the kids to their first day of school on Thursday. It is the first year that all of the kids are in school. Laynee is in Kindergarten, the twins are in 1st grade and Kyler is in 2nd grade. I am the super sappy mom that cried like a baby the day before school started, on the playground when I dropped them off and all the way home. I may cry all over again as I type this! I remember when they were all babies (4 in diapers at the same time!), I would dream about the day that I would "retire" and get to send them all to school. And now that the time has come, I desperately wish that they could be babies again.

Finally, my week became busier (and I cried some more) because the twins had their birthday on Saturday. They turned 6. How can that be right?!!! 6???? All day long I kept thinking "I remember exactly what I was doing at this moment 6 years ago." I remember it like it was yesterday! So we started the festivities on Friday. I brought cupcakes to school. (The day before I make 6 dozen ice cream cone cupcakes. I learned a very important lesson: When the directions say to only fill the cones half way- they really do mean it. So I had to toss 2 dozen cupcakes that oozed batter everywhere and had to send my hubby out for more cones.) On Saturday, their actual birthday, we had an entire day of fun. We made pancakes for breakfast. We opened a whole ton of presents (I think I went a wee over board.). We gave them everything they needed to redo their room to make it more of a big girl room. Since they couldn't agree on a theme (The twins are nothing alike.) we went with half the room in a ballet theme (Makenzie) and half of the room in a rock star theme (Danika). Then we went out to lunch, the bookstore and to make pottery. Finally, we went to dinner with their grandparents and home to open a ton more presents.

The rest of this week doesn't look any less chaotic. I have 2 doctor appointments, Kyler has an orthodontist appointment, Laynee's birthday is on Wednesday and all the girls are having a swimming birthday party on Saturday. Wowzer!

I have our beach pictures edited and ready to share. I started on the Disney ones (but it will take a while to finish since I took over 700 pictures). So as soon as things slow down a bit- I will share them with you.

Dance Portraits

2011-07-11T13:37:00.001-07:00

I just got the girls' dance portraits and I am pretty happy with how they turned out. The girls are so cute in their costumes! The cat costumes are for their tap dance and the yellow costumes are for their musical theater number.Makenzie

Laynee

Danika

Dance Recital

2011-07-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

The girls had their dance recital a couple of weeks ago. It was very cute! It was all done in a Disney theme. The girls are in 2 classes- so they had 2 different performances. They did a tap dance to "Everyone wants to be a Cat" from the Aristocats. And then their Musical Theater class sang and dance to Zippity Doo Dah. The girls had so much fun! We took them to the salon to have their hair done. I wanted them to feel as special as I think they are. Aren't they pretty?

LOVE this one of Makenzie..

Laynee sure is looking grown up...

After the recital...

I think she liked the flowers...

We went to Olive Garden to celebrate...

Excellent day!

Family Bowling Night

2011-07-04T06:27:00.001-07:00

Kyler has been asking to go bowling for a while now. He was wanting to earn his bowling belt loop for boy scouts. So we made a family night of it and went last weekend. We are terrible bowlers (me especially) but we had a blast!

Here is my litter scout, who will be getting that belt loop!

I must be the worst bowler ever. On my last game, I actually finished with a 26. And no- that is not a typo. All of the kids beat me by a long shot! So here is my picture after I hit a pin or two. Very exciting! And the people in the next lane were getting a laugh out of my game as well!

Scott was much better than me- but that doesn't say much! lol He beat Laynee by about 8 pins, I think!

Look at this pic of Danika and just remember how happy she looks...

Laynee prooved to be a pretty good bowler! At one point, she got 2 strikes in a row!

Remember happy Danika? Well, this is Danika after she realized that the only person she was beating was mommy...

She is a very competitive little thing. Playing Wii for her always ends in tears!

All and all, we had such a good time with lots and lots of laughs!

More from our trip...

2011-07-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have more layouts that I made to showcase our amazing trip to DC and NYC...

This one is all bout the various forms of transportation that we used on our trip. Using the metro and subway was lots of fun (and kinda stressful at times too).

close up of page 1...

close up of page 2...

One of the best things that we did in NYC was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a long and leisurely walk and after we crossed- we stopped for famous New York style pizza and home made ice cream. The views from the bridge were AMAZING!

Another day, we took a walk through Central Park.

When we were planning this trip- we spent a lot of time researching our food options. We wanted to be sure and eat lots of great food that NYC is known for! So we stuffed ourselves with bagels, cheesecake, pizza, hot dogs, etc....

Now some more from DC.....we only had time to go to 3 of the Smithsonian Museums. They were so big and amazing. I am not a museum kind of person, but I was in awe. I want to go back to DC just to spend a few more days roaming through the museums!

One morning we took the Metro out to Arlington Cemetery. I am so glad that we did. It kinda took your breath away to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We were so excited to get tickets for a White House tour! We had to wait months to find out! But I guess we should have read the instructions when we got the tickets. We were on a tram on our way to the tour. Scott was looking at the paperwork and realized that I needed my license (i left in the hotel) and we couldn't have any bags or cameras. They would throw them away. OOOPS! Scott jumped off the tram and ran a mile back to the hotel. And it was HOT out! I was so afraid we would miss the tour or that we wouldn't be able to find each other (we couldn't have our phones). But 4 minutes before the tour started- Scott came running down the sidewalk! Even the security guards were cheering for him. And the tour? So WORTH it! (Says the person that didn't run. lol) There were only about a dozen people on the tour and it was self guided. So we got to just walk room to room and enjoy. While in the East Room- we got to stop and listen to a Baptist Choir. It was breath taking!!! No pics from inside since I couldn't have my camera. But we did go back and get pics out front. Beautiful, right?

Visiting the Supreme Court was one of my DC highlights. I was in awe of the building when I first saw it. And then I went in and I was blown away. The whole building is marble. It was gorgeous!!! Plus, we got to sit in on a short lecture that was so interesting.

That is all I have so far. I am working on the last few layouts: one from our night to see Chicago on Broadway and one from our sightseeing cruise where we went out to the statute of liberty.

I am very backed up on photo editing and posting. Pics soon from Kinder graduation, Sunsplash, bowling, etc...

Our Nation's Capitol

2011-06-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

We are back from our back East trip! We had such a fun time and I am a little sad that it is already over. I get post trip depression. I get post holiday depression as well. My husband thinks I am weird, but I have my fingers crossed that I am not the only one who experiences this!

Our trip started in Washington DC. I LOVED it! I love the old time charm that the city has. I love that you can see the Washington Monument all over the city. I LOVED the museums and the Supreme Court! While I was on the trip- I was already planning my scrapbook. So as soon as we got home- I got to work. The tough part is sorting through the 700 pictures that I took! My first layout is about our tour of the capitol.

A closer look at the 1st page...

A closer look at the 2nd page...

More pictures and layouts to come!

Sunsplash

2011-06-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

Last minute, we decided to take the kids to Sunspash. When we told them, they started running around the house screaming "Happy Sunsplash Day!" So cute! And we had such a blast! The kids especially love the lilly pads and the water slides!

I always love a family day!

Howdy!!!

2011-05-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun in Nashville! It was so strange traveling without my family, but it was also also a welcome treat! Arrione moved to Nashville a year and a half ago and I have been promising her a visit ever since. Arrione's husband, Matt, works in country music and has given Scott and I concert tickets and backstage passes. It was so fun to go to the home of country music and have tour guides who know so much about country music!!! I felt star struck the entire weekend!

Arrione took me on a tour of the mansions of some country stars. This one is Alan Jackson's...

Kenny Chesney's...

Carrie Underwood's....

I also saw Dolly's house and Taylor Swifts loft. Gretchen Wilson drove right past me. I was such a goof! I just get ga ga about my country singers!

One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to the Opry. I saw lots of performers but most notable are Vince Gill and Patty Loveless. It was a blast! (But my camera broke and so no pictures.)

On my last day, Arrione and I went and had lunch at Margaritaville and we finally got some pictures together...

So much fun!!! Now just 2 weeks until our back east trip!

Mother's Day

2011-05-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

I love celebrating Mother's Day! :)

This year Scott had the kids stay the night at his mom's house on Saturday and we spent the afternoon shopping and having a leaisurly dinner with drinks. The kids came home Sunday morning and made me breakfast and showered me with flowers and homemade cards and gifts. I was such a sucker for the sweet things that the kids wronte in the cards. I teared up. I am such a sap! Then, I went to the salon and got my hair cut and colored and we had some dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. The kids did not fight all day!!! It makes me wish that everyday could be Mother's Day!

I told you that they are the cutest kids ever! :)

I may be a tad biased.....

2011-05-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

...but my kids are the cutest kids ever!

They make me laugh!!!

For me, it is "Happy to be a Mom Day." I am so blessed!

We have a preschool graduate!

2011-05-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Laynee's preschool class had a cute performance/party yesterday. The kids had caps on and they were presented with preschool diplomas. Plus they played instruments, sang and even did the chicken dance. Plus, they had a slide show of pictures of the kids throughout the school year. Laynee was so excited!Laynee with her teacher- Mrs. Albert....

Laynee got to ride the school bus a little bit during the time I was student teaching. I never saw her get on the bus as it picked her up at a babysitter's house. So one day she asked me to come take a picture of her getting on the bus. When I told her that I couldn't, she told her babysitter to take a picture for me. So cute! So this is as close as it comes for me....

Laynee went to Copper Basin preschool to receive speech therapy. I am so excited about how much she has learned. She knows all her letters and the sounds that they make. She writes most of them. She knows her numbers and she learned all kinds of other fun things. She made beautiful art projects and even went on field trip to the fire station. She will be entering Kindergarten at a higher academic level than any of the other kids did. And seeing as they are at the top of their classes....I can't wait to see what Kindergarten has ins tore for Laynee. But I will still cry on the first couple of days. She is already saying that she doesn't want to go because she will miss me. But I will miss her more!

Time to party!

2011-04-21T18:46:00.001-07:00

I am so spoiled! Scott threw me a beautiful graduation party! Dinner, drinks, good friends and a chocolate fountain. What more could a girl ask for?!

I was busy enjoying my guests that I didn't take any pictures. But a friend took some beautiful shots for me to share.

This was my cooperating teacher, Mr. Craig, with his wife....

I love this man. He made it possible for me to go back to school and gave me a swift kick in the rear when I got discouraged. I couldn't have done it without him. (Hmmmm...I wonder if he even reads this....)

When I think about all that happened last October and November- I feel so blessed to have made it to this point. I thought I might drop school! But no! And I am seizure free so far! Lots of reasons to celebrate!

Home Makeover

2011-03-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

We started a little home makeover in January....and before long it turned into a large makeover! We started with just about nothing! The front room was completly empty. Now look at it...

Right when you walk in the door...

In the entry...

And the best part is that I took all of the pictures!

The diningroom still needs some additions but it is on the way...And the livingroom....

We love the new look so much!

Bitter Sweet

2011-03-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day of student teaching. I don't know how to feel. On one hand, I am super excited to graduate. Getting through the past 2 years of school have been anything but easy. The first year, Scott was in nursing school and GAP training at work. He was never home. At the end of my 2nd semester, we moved. During my 3rd semester, I got very sick and had to drop out of my class. And my 4th semeser, student teaching, has been challenging and stressful. There have been tears shed! I did all of this while managing a home and 4 kids, running carpool and volunteering over 80 hours in the kids' classrooms. So how can I not be excited that all of the hard work, late nights and tears have paid off?

And yet, I was sad today! Each period I had to say goodbye to a group of students that I have grown to care about. It was kinda like losing 100 friends in 1 day! The students threw me a total of 5 parties. I am stuffed full of sweets and my teeth are decaying. They gave me cards with such thougtful messages. One wrote "There are only a few people that influence someone: parents and a few teachers. You are one of those teachers." WOW! I did that? I had no idea!

And so I have started the process of filling out job applications. I haven't done this in over 7 years! I am excited to move on to the next journey- whatever that may be. And I am enjoying a night with no homework, lesson plans or PowerPoint presentations!

Kyler Turns 7!

2011-02-26T04:55:00.001-08:00

I have been MIA since I spend every last moments writing lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, papers, and tests and going to staff meetings, IEP meeting, AIMS test training meetings and parent teacher conferences. I kinda thought my student teaching would be a 8-3 kinda thing. I imagined doing all my homework during lunch and plan period. I was sadly mistaken. There is so much to do! Even as I am writing this, I am thinking "I really shouldn't be doing this because I have PowerPoints, lesson plans and a huge paper to be working on." But at the end of the day (well maybe before I fall asleep on top of my computer at 8 o'clock), I am actually having fun. The teenagers were pretty scary at first. I saw and heard some things that I wish I could erase from my mind. But after I came to grips with the fact that they are just kids, I started to enjoy being around them. I am finished with my student teaching on March 24th. I have just 12 lessons left to teach since there is AIMS and spring break in there. I am excited to be done and kinda sad to see it end. Now it is time to get a job! I haven't had one since the twins were born 5 1/2 years ago.

During my 2nd week of teaching, Kyler turned 7. I won't lie...I cried a little about not being home with him and not being able to bring the cupcakes to his class. But Scott took care of it. It all worked out.

Now how in the world did my boy get to be 7?! I feel like January 13, 2004 was just yesterday! I remember that minutes before my surgery, my mother-in-law opened the blinds in the hospital room. The sun was just coming up and it was gorgeous colors of orange and red. And I remember saying "It is the perfect day to have a baby." Now look at my big boy.....

Kyler asked for a camping birthday party this year. We invited lots of family and friends for a fun cook out. We had hotdogs and s'mores. The kids decorated camping bags, made trail mix and played in the tent. After the cookout, Kyler had 2 friends from school stay the night. They made tye dye shirts, watched a movie, used the telescope to look at the moon and had a camp fire. They camped in the backyard. I think the party was a huge success! My little man was very happy!

The next morning with the tye dye shirts...

Now Kyler is already planning his party for next year!

2010 Month by Month

2011-01-16T05:55:00.001-08:00

I had fun looking through my pictures from this past year as I made this scrapbook album! We sure did have some fun!

Christmas Pics....Finally

2011-01-11T19:37:00.001-08:00

So I am pretty late with the Christmas pictures. I am doing my student teaching and it takes a lot of time!!! I am so used to being a stay at home mom (who is never at home because I am volunteering in the kids' classes). And since I have to work Mon-Fri, Scott had to change his schedule to weekends so we don't have to put kids in day care (I just wouldn't be able to handle that!). But now I never see Scott! But while I am at work, he runs carpool, does laundry, grocery shops, cooks, and helps the kids with homework. It's kinda nice ;)

So this Christmas was the best yet. I may say that every year, but I mean it!!! On Christmas Eve we went to a beautiful service at our new church. Then we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I usually make a big meal, but then it is stressful. So this year we just went out. And it was awesome. A new tradition!

We spent Christmas morning just the 6 of us. I love that! We opened presents forever! The kids were so fun! Santa brought Kyler a telescope. The twins got DSI game systems. And Laynee got a Leapster. She was a little mad that it wasn't a DSI! Then we told her it was a DSI- just a different color. She was good with that and has been enjoying the game ever since. On Christmas night, Scott's parents came over for a traditional turkey dinner with all of the fixings. First Christmas in our new, gorgeous house was a HUGE success!

More Holiday Festivities

2010-12-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

I can't get enough of all the fun holiday festivities! So much fun!

So we went to see Childs Play Theater do the play "Junie B: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells." I wasn't too sure what to think but was pleasently suprised by how funny it was!! We got the kids elf hats just like Junie B's. They were adorable!

Every year we make gingerbread houses.....

And today it was overcast and cold, so we did a little extra baking and this fun craft. We made Christmas trees out of waffle cones, frosting, and candy. The kids had a blast making them and eating them!

DONE, DONE, DONE!

2010-12-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

I finished my very last class! And I finished with a perfect straight A grade point average. A couple of days ago I found out that I passed my state certification exam! I am ready to start my internship in January. As nervous as I am, I actually think I am going to have a lot of fun.

Scott finished his first semester in his Master's program too. He's a smarty pants.

Baking Christmas Cookies

2010-12-15T19:56:00.001-08:00

One afternoon last week we baked cookies together. It was super fun and we ended up with 19 dozen cookies. And the kids have been eating them so fast that I think we will have to bake more sugar cookies!

It ain't Christmas 'till the hippo sings......

2010-12-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

I asked Scott what he wanted for Christmas and this is what he sent me.

But I can't find a coupon!

So proud of our boy......

2010-12-09T20:08:00.001-08:00

So I know I am biased, but I think Kyler is incredibly intelligent! Today he came in 1st place in the spelling bee. I am so proud! You should have heard some of the words he had to spell: warp, prowl, tough, etc, etc. Don't those seem kinda hard for a 1st grader? I thought so, but he prooved me wrong! His teacher actually called me tonight to tell me how cute Kyler was. She said that after he won he said "I knew I would win. I studied." So he was on the phone with his granma this evening to tell her about his win. And bam- his tooth fell out. It is the first tooth he has lost! So exciting since he has been so anxious for this day! (He did give me a lesson about the difference between "tooth" and "teeth.") Looks like the tooth (not teeth) fairy is on her way to our house!

We just love the big boy that our Kyler has become!

Visiting Santa

2010-12-09T19:59:00.001-08:00

We took the kids to see Santa last weekend. All 3 girls asked for DSIs (yikes!) and Kyler asked for a telescope. I just love how happy and cute my kiddos are!Laynee (who had a quite a long conversation with Santa!)....

Makenzie.....

Danika....

Kyler....

Poor Laynee :(

2010-12-08T06:27:00.001-08:00

So I was grocery shopping yesterday while the kids were in school when I got a phone call. Laynee's school. It was her teacher and she said something like "Laynee fell and hurt her head. There is blood gushing everywhere. You need to come!" Yikes!!! About 2 seconds later, I get another call from her school. It went something like this: "I am an assistant at the school. I am calling for the nurse. Her head is gushing blood. She can't talk to you because she can't take her hand away from Laynee's head. Come quick!" Double yikes!!! So I abandon my cart and we rush ourselves over to her school. He run to the nurse's office where she is laying down screaming bloody murder. She saw us come in and she stopped screaming and said "I made you a present." And then she was right back to screaming.

Off to urgent care we went. (We thought about taking her to the ER. But she never lost consciousness or had a seizure. Plus hospital copays, even when you work there, are outrageous!) The nurse was pretty certain that she needed stitches. But after a lot of examination, the doctor said stitches would not be good for her. They use stitches when it is more of a straight across the head injury. Her injury is more like a puncture wound. So he worked very carefully to put skin where it belonged and then used butterfly bandages to close it. She screamed. And it took quite a while for the bleading to stop.

Her teacher called last night. She said that Laynee was just walking and fell (there was nothing there to trip over) and landed her head on a screw in the bookshelf.

Scott says I am overly sensitive. But he thinks like a nurse and I think like a mom. Big difference. The good news is that she is gonna be just fine. The bad news is that it looks terrible! Here is what it looks like this morning...

And she goes back to the doctor tomorrow where I am certain they will make her scream again. Sigh.

And to think, her black eye JUST healed from when she fell down the stairs (onto tile) on Thanksgiving. (That was so bad, it took a while before Scott ruled out a fracture. When Scott gets worried, you know something is wrong. We were almost off to the ER that day too!)

So Laynee is off to school this morning. And can you believe it is her last day of school before winter break?! I love her but three and a half weeks seems a bit much. :)

Dear Santa

2010-12-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

The kids wrote their letter to Santa today and they are precious!!! Laynee told Scott what to write so that is why her's is spelled right. With the others, I left all the mistakes!

Dear Santa,
Christmas is today. I would like a DSI. I have been a good girl. Santa I love you. Next time will you stay for Christmas?
Love,
Laynee

Dear Santa,
I ben A Gud Grl. I ben wisheng for a DeeSi for Christmas. I luv Santa!
Luv,
Danika

dear Santa,
I wld wont a dsi and I wld like good presints. I have been a good girl.
Love,
Makenzie

Dear Santa,
I wish for a telescope. I ben very good. have a happy Christmas. how or you doing Santa? Is the north pole big or little? how or your elfs and mis claus doing to? I love Christmas Santa. It's the best holidy ever. I love you Santa.
Love,
Kyler

New Car

2010-12-05T19:58:00.001-08:00

We went car shopping yesterday- with ALL the kids. It seemed like a recipe for disaster! But instead it turned out to be the easiest and quickest car buying experience I have ever had! And in the end we paid less than we had planned and got a nicer car that we had planned! Can't beat that! Plus it only took 2 hours! Yup, you read that right!!! Scott had been working online and over the phone all week, and he actually made good on every offer he made. That has never happened before!
It is a deep gray 2010 Hyundai Accent (the same type of car he crashed!). But this one is newer, less miles, power windows and locks, cruise controll and a 4 door instead of a hatchback. I love it! And it's a good thing because I will be driving it Monday-Friday starting in January. I will be student teaching!

The kids were amazing during the car buying. We were at the dealership for only a half hour (which they spent playing in the dirt) before we left to talk and have lunch. We agreed to happy meals. The toy inside kept them busy for the other hour and a half. The dealership even let us sign the paperwork in a board room so their was room for all the kids. As we left the dealership, Kyler said "Thanks for letting us go car shopping! It was the best day ever!"

Family Christmas Portraits

2010-11-29T19:47:00.001-08:00

Here are our family Christmas pictures!!! Aren't they fun?!

I just LOVE these cute kids!

Black Friday Happiness!!!!!

2010-11-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here is what I am getting today (for some reason Black Friday starts today. Weird.):

3 large colgates
1 Eucerine Lotion
1 LA Looks hair Gel
2 Herbal Essences shampoos
2 Renpure Organic Shampoos
2 Listerine Pocket Packs
1 Carmex
1 Gillette Deoderant
1 package of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
1 bag of M&Ms
1 Nivea Shave Gel
1 package of Advil PM
1 bottle of Robitusm
1 box of Therma Care heat wraps
1 package of GUM flossers
1 toothbrush
1 Just for Men Shampoo
1 2 liter of Hawaiian Punch

How much will it cost?????

Guesses?????

Drum roll please......

The stores will be PAYING ME $9.85!!!!!!

And the best part.....I won't have to get up at 3 am and fight off crazy shoppers who could have gotten these same deals if they were paying attention way back in March!!!!!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T07:08:00.001-08:00

Sorry to write so many different posts! But I am watching the Thanksgiving parade with the kids and had some timne to get caught up!

We had a super busy day on Tuesday with Thanksgiving celebrations!!!

Laynee and I made cute marshmellow/cookie pilgram hat treats for her class. Aren't they cute?!

The twins had a very cool Thend Now Thanksgiving celebration at school. They rotated through 7 different Kindergarten classes doing projects and playing games.

Here is Makenzie in her turkey hat. Sh is painting a handmade nampking ring...

Here is Danika Making a placemat...

Here is Makenzie playing pumpkin bowling...

Here is Danika making bread (which smelled AMAZING!)....

After that, I got to go to Laynee's school Thanksgiving celebration. I LOVE her pilgram hat! It even has braids attached.

When the kids got home, we got to work making our own Thanksgiving meal! Scott was originally scheduled to work on Wednesday and Thursday so decided to have our dinner on Tuesday. And then his schedule got changed to Monday and Tuesday! lol. So the kids helped me cook.

Danika helped with green bean casserole and pumpkin pie (one for us and one for the pie tasting in her class).

Scott woke up just in time to carve the turkey...

The kids were excited to eat at a fancy table. They are used to plastic plates and cups with paper nampkins!

We have a tradition where everyone gets a new ornament at their spot at the Thanksgiving table. They are always personalized. (Scott and I even gave ornaments as a favor at our wedding which was over Thanksgiving weekend!)

This is me right before I burned myself. Now who us holes in their potholders?!! We do!!!

Time to eat!

Another tradition- olives on the fingers and dipped in mashed potatoes...

Cheers!!!

Dessert!

So today is actually Thanksgiving. But we get to relax! Later this afternoon we are going to have dinner with Scott's parents. But no cleaning, baking, or dishes for us. We are done. And thinking about putting up the Christmas tree!

Soccer is OVER!!!!

2010-11-25T06:25:00.001-08:00

So the kids loved soccer (especially Kyler and Makenzie). But I am not shedding any tears over the end of the season! Three practices and two games every week was A LOT to handle!!! And it it was no fun having 10 o'clock games when it was well over 100 degrees and 8 o'clock games when it was 45 degress. What luck, huh? So here is to having our Saturday back!!! Woo Hoo!! But, I did enjoy watching how much the kids improved and their excited little faces.

Here is Danika and Laynee being defenders... Danika getting a kick in....

Makenzie (who turned out to be quite the soccer super star!)...

Check out this kick Kyler got in while being the striker! He was mostly a defender, but during the last game they gave him a chance to do offense. He had a couple really amazing games! And to think he hated soccer last year. I was shocked when he asked to play again!

All my sweet kiddos after their medal ceremony....

I am certain we will be back on the fields next year!

Smores!

2010-11-25T05:47:00.000-08:00

So there is nothing too special about roating marshmellows in the backyard. I am just putting them on the blob because I like how the pictures turned out! I like the sky in the first couple. And for some reason (that I can't really explain), I love to take pictures of fire. And yes, I know I am weird.

The Accident

2010-11-25T05:15:00.000-08:00

Many of you already know this, but last week Scott was in a nasty car accident on his way to work. The good news is that no one was hurt more than sore muscles. Someone was definatly watching over Scott that night.

So he was driving down Hunt Highway (which is only 2 lanes, super busy and under construction) when he and the 4 cars ahead of him came to a complete stop to wait while a car made a left turn. The car behind Scott also came to a stop. Sadly, the huge truck behind her did not stop. He his her going about 50 mph. The force made her car fly off the road. By the time Scott saw her car on his side, he had already been hit by the same truck. The impact caused Scott to hit the person in front of him who then hit the person of front of them. There were 5 cars involved.

So I was at home reading the kids a story when my phone started ringing. I saw that it was Scott and my heart stopped. He doesn't call me 15 minutes after he leaves for work to say that he misses me. It is always bad news. I answered with "What's wrong?!" I am still not allowed to drive, but really what choice did we have? I loaded all the kids and we went to pick Scott up. This is not what any wife wants to see! Scott was all shaken up and when I saw the car, so was I! If Scott had had a passenger, they would have been injured. This truck was in his back seat!

The night went from bad to worse. But in the end, everyone is safe! His car was a total loss. But the other guy's insurance company accepted complete responsibilty in a matter of just 36 hours. So they got Scott a rental car. Then we got the call yesterday that they have already cut him a check for his car (that is higher than we expected!). It only took a week!!! I am actually a little bummed about that. We only get the rental until Monday. That means we need a new car by Monday!!!!

Scott and I have had plans for quite some time for a weekend get away to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. I will be so bummed if we have to spend the weekend car shopping! I HATE car shopping with a passion! Too bad they don't have car coupons. Then it would be more fun!

More posts coming! I want to catch up (instead of doing homework!).

Sneak Peak.....

2010-11-23T18:20:00.001-08:00

I have lots of pictures and stories I want to blog about. But I got so excited when I saw this picture, that I just couldn't wait to share!

We hired a photographer to take our family Christmas pictures this year. She took them at the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale. This is the first "sneak peak" that I have seen and I love it, especially since Scott and I will be celebrating our 8 year anniversary in just a week! Now I am just crossing my fingers that we captured a decent family photo. I have a kid or two that don't stand still and smile! You would think that by now, they would be trained.

Now I should really get back to my homework. Only 3 1/2 more weeks of classes and I am DONE!!!

Halloween Fun

2010-11-04T09:21:00.001-07:00

We had a a very busy Halloween weekend. I was still recovering from Friday's school festivities. But Saturday we had 2 soccer games, tumbling, shopping, and a big costume block party. The party was so much fun. It was just down the street from us so we could walk. They had a DJ, band, bounce house, fire truck, and TONS of food. And everyone, even adults, were required to wear costumes. It was fun seeing what the adults came up with!

Then Sunday we had church, pumpkin carving, portraits, and trick-or-treating. So here are some pics from the pumpkin decorating/carving...

And here we are ready for trick-or-treating....

Not many pics of the kids in their costumes because they were way too anxious to get candy and we had just had portraits done! But Kyler was an astronaught, Danika was a rock start, Makenzie was a cheerleader, and Laynee was a ladybug.

The kids scored big time trick-or-treating! We never had much luck in our old neighborhood because no one was ever home. But this was a whole other story. There were just hundreds of people sitting in drive way, amazing decorations, and kids galore!!!! We went through 2 1/2 bags of candy in 10 minutes and I was only giving one piece per kid!

And the pumpkin all lit up...

Everyone went to bed exhausted!!!! (And thus we were all cranky the next day! lol)

Literature Parade

2010-11-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Since kids are no longer allowed to wear Halloween costumes to school, the big kids' school came up with an alternative: a Literature Parade. The kids dressed up as their favorite character from a book and paraded around the school while parents cheered. It was cute. (But since the girls are only in school for 3 hours on Fridays and they also had a harvest party- it was a super overwhelming morning! I cancelled the rest of our plans for the day and took a long nap!)

I had planned out all the kids characters and costumes before I got sick. But in the end, Scott had to put most of it together. He did a great job!

Kyler picked to be Ralph S. Mouse. He read all three Ralph books a couple months ago so it was a perfect choice. Scott made his helmet out of a white mixing bowl.

Makenzie picked to be Pinkalicious. This was no surprise to anyone! She found this book at the library sometime last year and made me read it over and over! So we got her a copy last Christmas and it continues to be a favorite! We already had a tutu, wings, tights, and a crown so this a super easy one. We just had to spray her hair pink. It took an entire can to make her hair look pink!

I tried to talk Danika into being Fancy Nancy since we have 3 sets of Fancy Nancy costumes....but she is strong willed and the moment she knew that I wanted that- she picked a different character! She decided to be Angelina Ballerina. Since we already had the tutu, tight and ballet shoes- it was pretty easy. It just took a while for Scott to figure out how to make good mouse ears. But in the end- it looked awesome!

Keep in mind that the kids leave for school at 6:50 in the morning! This was quite a lot to accomplish by that hour of the morning! I was actually ready for my nap by 7! lol

Kids Say the Darndest Things.....

2010-10-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Danika: "Mommy, when people call you a scaredy cat baby, they really dip into your bucket. I like to fill people's buckets."

Makenzie: "Mommy, we don't play with drugs at school. Or guns."

Kyler to Danika: "Noah built an ark because God told him to. Everyone who wasn't on the ark died."
Danika: "Why did God kill them?!"
Kyler: "Because the were bad. Like the mean guy on the smurfs that looks like Columbus."

We were having a discussion about what talents we all have to share. Makenzie said her talent is dance. Danika said her's was singing. Kyler said his is skipping. Laynee's was running. I said that mine was stamping and scrapbooking. Makenzie said "Mommy, that is so boring."

I love those kiddos. They make me laugh like crazy every day!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

So aparently, the entire time I was in the hospital I kept asking when we were going to be to the pumpkin patch. I don't remember this! But, none the less, Scott took me and the kids to the farm a few days after I got out of the hospital. We didn't stay long (it was HOT) but the kids had a great time. It is a highlight for them every fall!

More Fall/Halloween pics coming soon!

Playing Catch Up

2010-10-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

Now that I am not busy doing homework every night, I thought I may as well get the blog updated with more pictures from September and October.

So the next pictures are from the twins' hat day at school. They were instructed to make a hat using a paper plate. We decided to paint their plates and decorate with ribbon, buttons, and pom poms. I think they turned out pretty darn cute.

And since Laynee and I had to spend the morning at the school (I am the class Photo mom for both the twins' classes.) she just HAD to make a hat as well. Just in case you are wondering....I skipped hat day!

In September, we celebrated Scott's 29th birthday. I can't remember what we did, except we went to Olive Garden for dinner. Scott insisted.

So all 4 of the kids are playing soccer this year. The 3 girls are all on the same team and Kyler is in the one age group above them. Kyler is doing SO much better this year. Last year, he refused to run and complained that games took too long. This year he does really well as a defender and I think his team has won all but one game.

Love this pic.....

Laynee and Danika will probably never be professional soccer players. And I say that with lots of love. Laynee just might be too young. She gets bored and is more concerned about what the snack will be than she is about playing. Danika tries, but just doesn't seem to have much luck. But Makenzie is a whole different story! She is awesome! Especially as a defender. The coach usually has her in most of the game!

I mentioned that Kyler is a boy scout. He LOVES it! It is his special time with daddy and he likes working towards the badges. He has alread earned a few things! Now isn't he handsome in his uniform?

Back in June, my girls did a cheerleading camp at a high school. And in October they got to go back and perform at a football game with the high school cheerleaders. The girls were so excited. They have been asking about it since June! And they were too fun to watch!!! First, they looked adorable with their fancy pony tails. And then their were the dances! I loved watching them shake it! I will always remember how Makenzie just lit up and came to life when she was handed a set of pom poms. Scott has it on video and if I can ever get him to work on it, I might have a video to share :)

My twins are right up front....

I will try to get the pumpkin patch and fall pics up soon!

Our Next Adventure

2010-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am warning you now, that this is a LONG one. There is a lot on my mind as it has been a tough couple of weeks.

It's been a while. And not because I had nothing to say or show. Can you believe that I have been so busy that I just now uploaded photos on my camera taken back on September 27th? That is just so unusual for me!

For the past 4 1/2 weeks, I have had kids on fall break. That, in part, explains the craziness. First Laynee had 2 1/2 weeks of fall break. I fealt kinda bad because she spent the majority or her break at the big kids' school doing volunteer work with me. Then the day she went back to school, was the first day of the big kids' 2 week fall break. We spent the first week going to dr and dental appointments. In that one week we had 2 doctor and 5 dental appointments. I was feeling bad......but we had a secret plan.

Ever since May, we have been planning to take the kids to Legoland. Our plan was kinda challenged when we found out that the kids didn't have fall break at the same time. But we figured out a way and were getting so darn excited for the trip. We couldn't wait to surprise the kids! But instead, we were the ones that got the surprise! And it wasn;t the good kind of surprise :(

It started on Tuesday. I was reading to the kids and I had this terrible feeling come over me. The only way I can explain it, is that it felt like a huge weight on me. I suddenly felt dizzy, sick to my stomach, and exhasuted. The kids ran and got Scott. He assumed I was having a reaction to my no sugar atkins diet. So he forced fed me some apple juice and put me to bed. And we didn't think much more of it.

I had a super busy day on Thursday. I took kids to 4 dentist appointments, an orthodontist appointment, the library, Target, grocery shopping, and soccer practice. As I was sitting at soccer, I got this terrible deja vu like sensation. It was not the typical deja vu that everyone has from time to time. It was so intense that I got sick to my stomach again. I told Scott about it and he kinda thought I was a weirdo. Truth be told, so did I!

That night, Scott was at work and I was sound asleep with the kids. The next bits I don't remember but have been told. Sometime around 2 AM I woke up. I remember feeling extremly wet and trying very hard to get a hold of Scott. (I am not sure why. Must have felt something else.) I texted him twise. Both texts were just series of meaningless letters. But for whatever reason, Scott never got them. At 2:15, I managed to call him (hey making a phone call on a Droid is no easy task!). Scott says that I sounded terrified and that I was talking but nothing I said made any sense. I was completly replacing all my words. He called 911.

I am sure I am remembering this wrong, but I swear the emergency crews were at my door in a matter of moments. I can't remember who I was talking to on the phone (and I know Scott has told me a number of times. Maybe the 911 operator???) but I remember being told "open the door!" And there were tons of men and a stretcher. That was at about 2:30am. I don't remember anything else until about 5pm. So the rest is what I have been told.....

I was taken by ambulance to Mercy Gilbert Hospital. (The firemen stayed with my kids until my mother in law could get there. Awwwwww) Scott met me at the hospital. I think he actually beat me there. Minutes after I got to the ED, Scott watched as I had a full blown seizure. I have never seen a seizure before, but he said it was terrible to watch and so the nurse had him leave. After he left the room, I had a second full blown seizure.

After this point, I was drugged up, sent for a catscan, an MRI and an EEG. I spent the next couple of nights in ICU.

Scott says that I would wake up, ask a few questions, fall back to sleep, and then wake up again and ask the exact same questions. I had no memory.

At some point the neurologist came to give us the news..........I have Epilepsy. Huh?!!! I don't know what that is, but I don't want it!!!!

I have now been out of the hospital for a week. I am in much better shape as demonstrated by my ability to type this blog entry at all. But so much has changed. First, I don't feel well!!! I am taking 2 different medicines to controll my seizures and they have terrible side effects! The one that irritates me the very most is that I have lost lots of my short term memory! Now I have always had the BEST memory of anyone so this is hard to get used to! I ask Scott the same questions over and over. I am pretty sure that we have just had about 2 conversations since I have gotten home. It's just we have them about 50 times each, every day!

The other side effect that is frusterating is anxiety. I guess these medicines controll seizures by actually slowing down some of my brain function. (I know. Go ahead and make jokes. They don't get old! Especially since I won't remember them tomorrow!) So when I go into places with lots of people and stimulation such as the grocery store or church, I just about shut down. I have trouble speaking and breathing. I get dizzy and get headaches. Then I start getting upset about how I feel, which in turn makes the symptoms worse! It's a nasty cycle that Scott tell me will get easier once my body gets used to the meds.

On top of all this: I am not sleeping, I am grumpy and short tempered, and I am emotional! Don't I sound like a joy to be around?!

Oh, and did I mention that I am not allowed to drive until I have gone 3 months without a seizure?!!! Every time I think about it, I feel sick!!!! I have to get my kids to school and home, dance, piano, boy scouts, girl scouts, soccer, and their plethora of doctor appointments. Plus I have to get myself to my school, MOPS, bible study, the grocery store, and all my volunteer work. How am I gonna do that?!!!! I am having to cut stuff out. And it SUCKS!!!! (I know that isn't PC, but I have to tell it like it is.) It's hard to explain to the kids! So then I feel stressed and guilty which really mixes well with anxious and emotional!

So today, I had no choice but to drop out of my very last class of school. I was 3 weeks from being done. But I just can't do it. I can't remember things, I get easily overwhelmed, and I have no ride. I have cried over this so many times I can't begin to count.

I get asked, how I got this. Honestly, we don't know. It is possible that I have had it since I got Meningitis at the age of 10 days. After learning the signs, we were able to recognize other times I probably seized (including a time while driving a little over a year ago, where I also got to take an ambulance ride.) The doctors will do more tests to see if they can find the more exact cause. They do know that it is not being caused by strokes or by a tumor. So that is the silver lining.

So now I am trying (and failing) to take it one day at a time. I have been told I will feel better soon. And in 3 months I can drive. That's not long, right?

Thanks to my husband. He is trying so hard to be patient and understanding. I don't think he could understand exactly how I feel, but he comes the closest. Probably because I tell him over and over!

Prayers are appreciated.

I wonder if anyone is still reading. Oh well. Just another family story that will be documented even if it isn't the kind that will be remembered fondly. It's still the begining of an adventure.

Butter + Beer + Brad = BEST date ever!

2010-09-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

OMG! Scott and I had seriously had the BEST time last night!!! The kids had their first soccer games (pictures coming soon) and afterwards they went to lunch, a movie and over night at grandma's house! Yay!!! Then Scott took me to eat at the Texas Roadhouse. I am a little mad at all my Gilbert friends who never told me about this place. It si amazing!!!! Everything is home made. I especially loved the apple honey butter and home made bread. YUMMMMM!!!! Plus it was a very inexpensive place to eat! We will be back soon!!!

After dinner we went to the Brad Paisley concert. We had some cumby lawn tickets, but I was still excited. Then 2 nights ago I got a text from a very good friend's husband (who works for RCA) asking me if I wanted to go back stage and meet Brad. Apparently they went to college together! Gee, let me think about that...........YES!!!!!!!!! I was thrilled!!!!

But it gets better! We went to will call to pick up the back stage pass and there were 2 concert tickets for us. 6th row!!!!!!!!!! And right next the the "T" on the stage where Brad walked out to sing. AMAZING!!!!!!!

Here I am with my very best friend at our seats. Look to the right. See the stage? That is how close we were! Like 4 people away from BRAD!

Right before the concert we got VIP passes and were escorted back stage! So cool!!!! We watched Brad hop off his tour bus and then we got to go meet him and pose for a picture. All I could say was "OH MY GOSH!!!" Yes, I am a Brad Paisley groupie! Don't we look good together? (I changed shirts because Scott got me a Brad Paisley Lifegaurd shirt. The tour was called the h2o tour.)

Here is the 8x10 picture that he autographed for us.....

And then there was the show.....INCREDIBLE!!!!!! He was right there!!!!! And he is amazing!!!! Tons of effects, lots of humor, and crazy good music! I was on my feet dancing the entire time! Look how close I was....

We also got to see Justin Moore and Darius Rucker (from Hootie and the Blowfish). Amazing line up!

We got home SUPER late. And then we went out for breakfast this morning before the kids came home. Now I am just trying to recover! I am feeling very old!!! lol So football, food, and relaxing for today. Hmmm.....maybe a nap!

Thanks, Scott!!! Love ya!!!

Play Ball Like a Girl

2010-09-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

Scott's birthday was last week. I was going to upload some pictures, but then I realized they are still on my camera. Ooops! We celebrated all weekend by eating out a couple times, lots of football, shopping, and taking the kids to gymnastics. It wasn't anything big, but kinda laid back. Just the way Scott likes it. Now next year will be a different story. It will be the big 30!!!

I have been incredibly busy and have had no time to stamp or scrapbook really. But I did stay up a little late one night to make this page about the girls dancing at the Dbacks game.

Scott's bday pics coming soon!

Kyler is a cub scout!

2010-09-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago, Scott took Kyler to his first cub scout meeting. And he LOVED it. He came home all smiles and told me every detail. He cannot wait to go get his uniform (especially the badge belt)! We will be shopping for it this weekend, so I will have pictures to post soon!

And since I let Kyler do scouts, I guess I have to let the twins too. So I am taking them to their first Daisies meeting tomorrow. Danika is especially excited about this and wanted to skip daddy's birthday dinner in order to go. Luckily I found a way for us to do both :)

So now we have gymnastics (only for 2 more weeks), dance, piano, girl scouts, boy scouts, and soccer. Oh boy! My calendar has NEVER looked so scary!!!!!! But we are loving every minute of it!

Diamondbacks Game! Take 2!

2010-09-06T20:03:00.001-07:00

Today the girls got to dance at the Diamondbacks game again!!!! And we got FREE tickets to the game! Yay for a fun and free family day!!! And this time, the girls got to dance right on the field in front of lots of people. I was so darn proud!!!!! Look how cute they are...

I don't have the right lens to photograph things that are too far way. So I mostly just took pics of the jumbo tron. Since my girls were in the front row, there was great close ups on them!!!

Here they are walking back after the performance. Isn't it sweet that they are holding hands?!

The girls are really enjoying their dance school. They have another performance this month too!!!!

And now we are getting ready for the start of soccer season. All 4 kids are playing this year!!!

My Favorite Once a Month Cooking Recipes

2010-08-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend Once a Month cooking to all busy moms! It made meals so simple for my family and I was shocked at how cook the food tasted! Just in case you are wondering, once a month cooking means that you spend one day cooking all of your family's dinners for a month and freeze them. At first it sounds overwhelming. But you get quicker at the cooking and you will love not having to figure out what to make every day and having to head to the grocery store for last minute ingredients! It is a time and money saver! They are also great for blessing a friend or neighbor who is ill. No planning needed!

So over the past few months I hae gotten asked over and over to share some recipes. I keep typing them and just emailing to the person who asked. I am realizing it would be so much easier to post them here. So here are some of my family's favorite meals that taste great after being frozen:

Chicken and Bows

Ingredients:
1 package of bow tie pasta
2 pounds of chicken breasts or tenders, cubed
1 cup of chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cub of butter
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
2 cups of frozen peas (or one can of peas)
1 1/2 cups of milk
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of garlic powder
1/4 tsp of pepper
2/3 cup of grated parmasan cheese

1. Cook pasta
2. In a dutch oven (or very large frying pan) cook the chicken and red pepper in butter.
3. Stir in soup, peas, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in parmasan cheese. Drain pasta and ass to the chicken mixture.

Serve half of the mixture immediatly. Cool the remaining and put it in a gallon ziplock bag and freeze.

Pasta Casserole

Ingredient:
1 package of Mostaccioli pasta
1 1/2 jars of Ragu spaghetti sauce
1 pound of ground beef
4 cups of Motzerella cheese
1 can of cheddar cheese soup
1 tsp of Italien seasoning
1/2 tsp of pepper

1. Cook the pasta.
2. Brown the ground beef.
In a large casserole dish mix the pasta, beef, sauce, cheese soup, pepper, Italien seasoning and 2 cups of Motzerella cheese.
3. Top the casserole with the remaining motzerella cheese
4. Put it in a gallon freezer bag abd freeze.
5. When you heat it up add the remaining 2 cups of Motzerella to the top and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Chicken

Ingredients:
Chicken Tenders (we like the tenders but you could also use breasts)
An envelope of Italien Salad dressing mix
Half a stick of butter
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 8oz package of cream cheese

1. Melt butter in a frying pan. Add the Italien Dressing Mix.
2. Brown the Chicken Tenders in the butter mixture.
3. Add the can of soup and cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

After it cools, put it in a gallon freezer bag and freeze. When you reheat, put it in a casserole dish and back at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Hope this helps get you started! We also freeze pancakes, mashed potatoes, candy carrots, meatloaf, lasagne, shepards pie, stroganoff, and more!

Dance Matrix D-Backs Game

2010-08-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ballgame!

2010-08-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

The girls had such a great time performing at the Diamonbacks game last night! Especially Danika! She was a little nervous before the game. But during the performance she was all smiles. Afterwards she told me "That wasn't scary at all! It was awesome!" All the girls looked so pretty. We did special hair styles, glitter, make up, and hand made bows.

They were on the jumbo tron....

Scott is working on a video!

Dance, Divas, and Diamondbacks!

2010-08-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pictures today. Mostly because I am feeling too lazy to edit and upload! I just wanted to post about how proud I am of all three girls!!! They are all going to be dancing at the Diamondbacks game on Saturday! They have been going to practices twice a week and they are excited. The dance is to a jazzed up version of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. I just got done making the perfect hair bow and the girls have already informed me that they will be wearing makeup and glitter. So cute. And grown up!!! Can't wait! And you know we will have pictures!

My baby is 4!!!!

2010-08-04T21:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Laynee's 4th birthday. Now how did that happen?!!!! Wasn't she just this little a few days ago?....So Laynee shared a party with the twins over the weekend. But we still wanted to make her day special. She had school and brought cupcakes to share with her friends. After school. she REALLY REALLY wanted to go see the movie Toy Story 3 again! We tried to talk her into other really fun stuff but she insisted!!! How could we say no?! After the movie we picked up pizza, as requested by the birthday girl, and had cake at home followed by present opening! I think Laynee had a great day!

So I am NOT a cake maker. They always turn out a mess! But Laynee asked for a ladybug cake and that sounded easy enough, so I agreed. Here is what it looked like...

Laynee was thrilled....

But this is what it looked like when we got home from the movie theater...

Oye!!!!

I can't belive my 'baby" is 4! It's just not fair!!! She was the easiest baby. I swear I feel like she was born just yesterday as I remember the details so clearly!

Sears Family Summer 2010

2010-08-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dance!!!

2010-08-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

The girls had their first dance class at their new dance studio this afternoon! They had so much fun and I am very impressed with the studio. They are going to be dancing at a Diamondbacks game at the end of the month! Isn't that fun?! I can't wait! And don't these girls look cute?! I had the tutus and tutu bags (with their name embroidered on them) made for them for a birthday gift!

Three girls....one FUN party!

2010-08-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Every year we have just one joint party for all three of the girls. This year we decided to do the party at McDonalds and their gym. We almost had a swim party but I am so glad we didn't because it poured all day! Plus, the girls told me this was the best birthday party ever. That is all that matters!!! So we started at McDonald's for some play, food and present opening....

Then we headed across the street to My Gym for more play, games, and cake....

Kyler spent most of the party upside down! lol

Makenzie can do some impressive head stands!

Then the Shamu swing, which the girls agreed was their favorite part of the party (with cake and presents being close behind!).....

And the mommies couldn't be left out. But he made it go much faster and higher for us. It was fun! And a little scary! We nearly lost Amie off the the back!

Then they had a birthday march for the girls. It was so cute! They dressed them up and then carried them in like royalty while playing "Isn't she lovely." The girls smiled and waved at their friends. Priceless!!!

The kids being super sily....

And super cute....

And then it was time for the zip line which is another one of the girls' favorites....

Cake time. The cake was the shape of a monkey to match the gym mascot. It was super cute!!!

Now you have to check out the video that Scott made in the next post. It is so cute! He did a great job!

Girls Birthday party at My Gym

2010-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Danika and Makenzie!!!!

2010-07-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

I can't belive the twins are already 5!!!! Wasn't it just yesterday that they were this little?....

They sure were cute!!!! And now they are just gorgeous!!!

Here is Laynee helping me back their special brownies while they are at school...

We brought cupcakes to each of the girls' classes. Here is Makenzie being sung too by her class...

And Danika being sung to by her class....

After school we went swimming...

Then we came home to open gifts.

Here is the BArbie pool...the favorite gift....

Doesn't Chance look like he was enjoying the party?!

I love those girls!!!!!

First Day of School

2010-07-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

So my kids started school today. It was a LONG day to say the least. And it had it's fair share of ups and downs! But at the end of the day.....the kids had fun at school and are sound asleep after a busy day!

Aren't they cute?

They each picked their own outfits and backpacks (although there was backpack drama which is a whole other LONG story).

Here is Danika ready for her first day of Kindergarten.....

And Makenzie ready for her first day of Kindergarten.....

And check out their trandy shoes that they HAD to have.....

Amazing how bling makes a girl so happy!

Here is my Kyler ready for the 1st grade....

He had a tough morning. But he is a trooper and has moved on. Tomorrow will be better!!!!

How I keep my grocery budget at $60 per week....

2010-07-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, I spend on average $60 per week on groceries for a family of 6. And that includes health and beauty, cleaning supplies, paper supplies, etc. We only use name brand products. And it is not hard!!!

How do I do it?........COUPONS!!!!

Now I used to think that coupons could only save you a couple bucks, at most, per week. And that would barely cover the cost of buying the newspaper! I gave some feeble attemps at couponing and then gave up! There were never couponds for things I used!

Several months ago I found a neat website: http://www.krazycouponlady.com

I read her lessons on couponing and decided it was worth giving it a try! And I am soooo glad I did. I save sooo much money now!

Let me give you an idea of some of my savings:

-This week I bought 2 large tubes of Colgate Advanced toothpaste. I made $2 off the transaction! Yes, they paid me to take the toothpaste home! I NEVER pay for toothpaste or toothbrushes anymore. They are always FREE!

-Earlier this week I went to Fry's and got 15 packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese and 2 Suave deoderants. My total for 17 items, after tax, was $1.69!!! Yes, you read that correctly!

-Currently my husband has a stock pile of 14 large Old Spice body washes and 3 Nivia body washes 9regulary $7 each). My total for all of them: $0!!!! Body wash is always FREE!!!! He also has a stock of about a dozen degree deoderants that I paid just 25 cents for!

-My family has had as many as 54 boxes of name brand cereal in our pantry!!! I got many for free, most for 25 cents and a few for 50 cents. Never any more than that!!!!

Here are some questions that I get asked ALL the time by friends and family:

Where do you get your coupons?

I get most of my coupons from the Sunday paper (Arizona Republic for AZ people). There are always at least one packet of coupons in the Sunday paper and sometimes as many as 3!

I also get lots of coupons online. You can get them at www.smartsource.com
or www.redplum.com
I follow The Krazy Coupon Lady and Monay Saving Mom on Facebook and so they post when there are good coupons!

Aren't they mostly coupons for stuff you don't use?

I do NOT use every coupon in the paper by any means!!! I only get stuff that my family will use. Here is a list of some of the products that I often have coupons for to give you an idea: cereal, granolla bars, Ice Cream, frozen pizzas, frozen veggies, jelly, yogurt, lunch meat, hot dogs, juice, pop tarts, brownie mix, cake mix, soups, hamburger helper, cream cheese, cheese, diapers, paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors and razor blades, shaving cream, sunblock, soap, make up, laundry detergent, deoderant, tampons, all cleaning supplies, and batteries. Do you use any of these products? Then you should be using coupons!!! I have also gotten lots of coupons for restaurants and even FREE movie tickets!

How many stores do you shop at?

I do go to more than one store during most weeks. I have my standard grocery store that I do most of my shopping at. Right now that store is Fry's because it is the only close grocery store, but my favorite is Safeway. Then during the week I will stop at Walgreens and/or CVS. OCCASIONALLY, I will stop by a second grocery store if they have a super deal on something we use A LOT. Now this may seem like a lot of stops to you, but I bet you alread stop at multiple stores if you really think about it. How many times do you realize you have run out of something and make a special trip? Plus, the Walgreens and CVS shopping trips are really quick because you are usually just picking up some FREE shampoo or body wash! I do this with 4 young kids in tow. So I am sure you could do it too!

How many newspapers do you get?

I started with just 1 and now I get 2. Plus, sometimes family members who don't coupon will give me their inserts. Sometimes on a Sunday morning you can find an insert sitting on a table at McDonalds! But 1 newspaper will give you lots of deals!

Why don't you join Coupon Sense?

Coupon Sense is a company that will match up sales with coupons in your local area. They charge a monthly fee. I think this was great several years ago. But blogs have changed everything. Why pay for a service that bloggers are offering for FREE?! There are tons and tons of blogs who match up sale prices and coupons. Do a google search and you can find blogs in your area! But I am still a Krazy Coupon Lady fan. (Although her Albertsons matchups aren't the same for me. Everything elese is!)

Enough for today....later I will post about shopping at CVS and Walgreens!!! They are the secret to the most FREE stuff in my opinion!

Laynee's First Day of Preschool

2010-07-20T10:27:00.001-07:00

Laynee has been anxious to go to Preschool ever since the twins went last Fall. For the last three weeks, she has been asking me veryday "How many days until I go to school?" Well, today was the day. She was thrilled!!!! As I was getting her dressed I said "You look so cute." She said, "I know! My teacher is just going to love me!" Ha ha ha!!!

She is going to Copper Basin Elementary School for Preschool where she will be receiving speech therapy. The school is fairly new and very close to our house. She goes three days a week for a total of 8 hours a week. Just enough for me! Her teacher's name is Mrs. Albert and she seems nice. I was impressed because she remembered Laynee's name after meeting her for just a minute at Meet the Teacher Night! So Laynee didn't cling to me or cry. Heck, she didn't even wave! She grabbed the teacher's hand and just left!

Off to get her now! Can't wait to hear what she did in school!

Disneyland Video

2010-07-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

My husband made this cute little movie with clips from our Disney trip. I LOVE it!

My 29th Birthday...

2010-07-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

.....365 days until I am OLD!!!!

So I celebrated my 29th birthday for my husband's entire 4 day weekend! I am just THAT spoiled!!! So on Thursday we took the kids to the Aquarium, the mall, and out for dinner. Then on Friday we took them swimming and to see the movie Despicable Me. We came home and Scott grilled up some huge steaks and the kids helped him make me a birthday cake! Then on Saturday (my real birthday) Scott and the kids made me a huge breakfast and took me to the mall to pick out some new clothes for me. After that we went out to Oreganos (my fave!) for pizza, beer, and Pizookie. YUM!!! Then we went to our pool where the community was having a HUGE party (I told the kids it was my birthday party and they were very impressed! lol) They had a gal singing who was incredible!!! And she was country! They had a dunk tank, home made icees, balloon animals, and prizes. It was an amazing night! Kyler said it was the most awesome party ever!!! I have to agree. Here are a few of the pics from the day....

29 Things I LOVE at 29:

(in no particular order)

1. My hardworking husband

2. Spending time with the 4 cutest kids EVER

3. Popcorn with M&Ms

4. Glee

5. Digi Scrapbooking

6. Coke (the drink of course!)

7. Photography

8. Stamping

9. Wine

10. Pizookie from Oreganos

11. Country Music (especially the men!)

12. Facebook

13. Coupon shopping

14. Chimichangas with shredded beef

15. Swimming with the kids

16. Young and the Restless (my very guilty pleasure!)

17. Nicholas Sparks books

18. my Cannon Rebel camera

19. my MOPS group

20. Blogging

21. Traveling

22. How I Met Your Mother

23. Strawberry Milkshakes from Cold Stone

24. Erin Hilderband books

25. my friends

26. getting new clothes

27. the smell of new books (it is strange, I know)

28. CVS

29. Cheese

For the scrapbooks...

2010-07-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

I did some scrapbooking during the long road trip to California...

A Sears Family Favorite Recipe

2010-07-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was so delicious that I just HAD to share the recipe with you! It is super simple and can even be frozen! I call it Cream Cheese Chicken. You would think someone creative like me could come up with a better name!

Ingredients:

Chicken Tenders (we like the tenders but you could also use breasts)
An envelope of Italien Salad dressing mix
Half a stick of butter
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 8oz package of cream cheese

1. Melt butter in a frying pan. Add the Italien Dressing Mix.
2. Brown the Chicken Tenders in the butter mixture.
3. Add the can of soup and cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

Now you could just serve it at this point. But I love my chicken to be extra tender (Kyler can hardly chew chicken with his teeth issues!)

4. Put the chicken mixture in a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

DONE! Now you can serve it. Or, you can cool it and put it in a large ziplock bag in the freezer!!! I have frozen it lots of time and it makes a super quick and yummy dinner for one of those busy school nights! Just thaw and reheat in the oven!!!!

I serve rice, veggies, and apple sauce with my chicken. You want to spice up your white rice? I mike Minute Rice using a can of chicken broth instead of water. It is delicious!!! And it is still white so the kids don't know the difference!!!

So Sick!!!

2010-07-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

So I am STILL sick! It has been almost a month!!! I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago and they said I had Pneumonia. I took my antibiotics for the full 10 days. But STILL sick! So I went back today. I had to bring all the kids and I had all kinds of studd done including an xray, blood work, and a breathing treatment. I still have Pneumonia. Only now I also have a Reactive Airway Disease and possibly Valley Fever. I am on a bunch more meds. These medicines just HAVE to work because I am tired of coughing!!!!

Disneyland!!!!

2010-07-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Disneyland!!!!! I love the rides, the characters, the shows, and the excited kids!!! SO much fun every single time! It just never gets old! This year we spent 2 days in Disneyland and California Adventures. Since there is so much to do, we spent 15 hours per day in the park!!! The kids were awesome! They especially loved the rides (Tea Cups, Haunted House, Toy Story Mania, Buzz, Splash Mountain, and more!) the Pixar parade (Toy Story float was awesome!!!) and the night shows we went to. We say fireworks the first night and then we saw the new World of Color show on the 2nd night. Both were very impressive! I already can't wait to go back to Disney. The plan is to go to Disney World for Fall break of 2011. I hope we can do it!

The army men from Toy Story were so funny!!! Kyler got a kick out of it!

I am mad that my Mickey picture is fuzzy! Clearly we HAVE to go back!!!

Scott really wanted to go on the Grizzly River Run. So we took all the kids. We got soaked and it was COLD!!! Makenzie got so scared on the ride and was screaming. Then in the middle of screaming she stopped and started laughing. She said "This ride is so funny!" Then she went back to screaming! It gave us all a good laugh! (And she was even less pleased when we did Splash Mountain the night day and she was in the front of the boat! lol!)

Beach Bums

2010-07-12T20:41:00.001-07:00

We all had a fantastic time on our trip to California!!!! I am already couting down the days until we go back over Fall Break!!! The weather was AMAZING! In fact, we were even cold! That is awesome in July!!!! We spent 2 days at Newport Beach and the kids said it was "awesome."

Some pages from the scrapbook....

2010-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have not had much of any time to scrapbook since going back to school last fall. And this summer is just flying by. The kids are keeping me so busy! But it is fun!!! I treasure the albums I have made for the kids and I might be behind, but I am not quitting. So right now I have pneumonia. It really bites!!! But it has given me some time to just sit and read, relax, and scrap! So here are a few layouts.....

Memorial Day

Cheerleading Camp

Kyler's surgery

More coming soon!!!

Oh, and only 2 more sleaps until we leave for Huntington Beach and Disneyland!!! The high is only expected to me 75! We are super excited and feel blessed to have this special time with the kids before they start school in a little over 2 weeks.

Camping

2010-07-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

We took the kids for an overnight camping trip in Oak Creek Canyon. The kids were beyond excited. Actually they were more excited about camping than going to Disneyland!!!! I am not a fan of camping. It is just dirty and uncomfortable. But even I had fun watching the kids enjoy themselves. They loved making smores, fishing, and playing in the creek.

Father's Day

2010-06-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating Father's Day with Scott. We had strawberry pancakes, opened gifts, went and saw Toy Story 3 in 3D, had dinner at Olive Garden, and then made smores in the backyard. Here are a few pics from our day....

Update on Kyler: It has been a week since his surgery and he is doing great! He gets his stitches out on Monday!

June 17th- The LONGEST day EVER!!!!

2010-06-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Sears family has had a VERY long and busy week!!! But yesterday was the longest! Kyler had his surgery early yesterday morning. He was so brave! Here he is in pre op with a great big smile on his face....The surgery took about an hour and then Scott and I got to go back and be with him in recovery. I was amazed with how well he did!!!! He NEVER complained about it hurting! Here he is when he was getting ready to be discharged......

Then last night Makenzie had her first dance recital. She was so darn cute!!!! And she did so well. No stage fright for her!!!

So we got the got up at 4 am and went to bed at 11. It was exausting and emotional! And it didn't help that I was sick! :(

So today is a day of recovery. Kyler is doing amazing. I am enjoying spending some quiet time with him.

Kiddie Cheer Camp

2010-06-11T18:57:00.001-07:00

So all week, I have been driving the girls down to Casa Grande for a summer cheer camp. They had such a good time!!! They were in the youngest age group, but they still worked hard to get the cheers and dances. I was proud. Makenzie was especially in her element! They had to wear blue and gold each day to show spirit....Heather made them pom poms for their shoes and those cute bows on their tanks. I made them the hair bows and painted their nails blue. Then on the last day, I painted cougar paw prints on their faces. I think they are cute!

So now they won't stop singing "All my life I've wanted to be a cheerleader!!! I had to work! Work!" So cute!