Saturday, January 23, 2010


Where have I been?
January 4th-January 17th
2010

Well, 2 weeks out of school for Christmas Break, followed by a week of snow days, and followed by 3 days off of school for parent teacher conference can really take a toll on a mom! Include a major endless snow storm, freezing negative weather, and ear infections...can it get worse? Hold that thought*** our CRAPY, I want to run over with my van, Lap Top started on fire. All nice right?
Since it was so crazy (especially with Andy home from work sick and a toddlers ear infection) I took 3 days off from doing laundry. What do you think happens? When you finally start a load of laundry it just happens that you have 6 inches of frozen ice in your pipe that leads to your washing machine overflowing with so much water that it leaks out the back by the dryer, down the outside of the house, and into the basement windows...also leading the water to go down into the basement causing an indoor rain storm through your ceiling light fixtures. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!

But hey! Lets bypass the crazy and start happy!
What do you do when your daughter is all decked out and ready for church only to find out that due to the really bad weather church is canceled for the second week in a row?You spend the day pretending!!!
First day back to school after Christmas break! Yahoo! Too bad the rest of the week school was canceled because of snow and negative weather.
Isn't it funny how skinny jeans are even too baggy on Aubrey?!!
Caleb has written many notes to Aunt Steffaney...I was beyond excited that he wrote his name and spelled it right!!! Go Caleb!!! He went on to draw outer space!!
This is what an Ainsley looks like with an ear infection. So sad:(
With Ainsleys ear infection and Andy's flu...it was a sick, sleepless, and very sad couple of days!!
I would like to say that I really try to brush and do Ainsley hair. It usually takes 30 minutes, 5 attempts and a lot of chasing...it still ends up blah!
But, Lego's cheer up all sadness. Maybe the fact that they are AUBREY'S lego's makes playing with them all that more enjoyable!
My friend aka "Malcolms Mom", "Mrs. Nash", or "Amanda" told me that she lets her kids have CRAFT TIME. She explained that craft time was when she throws crayons, markers, scissors, and multiple pieces of paper around and let them have at it. I thought... I can be a good mom too. I can do Craft Time. I wanted to take a picture of how well it was going...
It seriously went like this. Okay guys... 1....2....3 at that point he took the scissors from the paper to Ainsley hair!!!!!
Ainsley had no idea that a VERY LARGE chunk of hair was missing from the back of her head! Caleb knew right away he was in big dodo!!!
I would like to thank Amanda for her "CRAFT TIME" idea!
What can I do to entertain Caleb quietly during "nap time?" Creative Play!!!
Caleb thinks it his personal job to pick up Tate. He weighs 20 pounds...what a chunk!!
During the 3rd snow day...I was out of ideas to entertain the kids. No worries....the kids tore apart Caleb's room and made a slide out of the bed. Right after I had cleaned his room and made his bed.
During the process of "bed slide" Aubrey got hit by the bunk bed ladder. Result...swollen snowzer!
After a very long day it is always nice to see the soft peaceful side of a "Terrible Two!"Tate loves spending quality time with Andy while he is sick!!
During the long week off of school we had The Marinov Family over family Movie night!! We have a lot of fun hanging out with them. We introduced them to their very first Milk Shakes!! They were a bit skeptical and nervous about adding candy bars and milk to the ice cream I had in the blender but I think they really liked them!!!
Everyone wants to sit by Alec! They really loved Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
I told Ainsley that we should probably go and take a nap. I went and put Tate in his crib and hurried back to where I left Ainsley. She was gone...I went to her room and she had already gotten in bed and fallen asleep.
We announced to Ainsley that Caleb's friend Alec was coming over to play because Elena had her baby! She insisted her hair be curled, bow in, and clean matching clothes.
Caleb got a hold of Andy's brand new bottle of hair product. That's the entire bottle.
Ainsley has been putting her shoes on all by herself!!
Tate loves to lean and reach!
I finally cut Ainsley hair. It was so sad but she couldn't walk around with a big chunk missing in the back forever!!! She sat pretty still and it turned out okay!
When mom says no what do you do? While she is bathing Tate you put on your own shoes and go outside in the dark. Funny how your kids can so quickly get shoes on all of a sudden!
Tate refused to keep his pants and socks on. He will kick and kick until he is naked!! My solution is THE SACK!!! These things are awesome!
Caleb...gross...ouch...oh no!!! He fell "accidentally" into entry way table. Result was a lot of tears, screams, blood, and a swollen lip. So sad!
Ainsley hates nursery. She hyperventilated for 10 minutes, then they give her back to us, and she continued to cry all through Sunday school, until we finally gave up and brought her home. She cried all the way home, at home for 5 minutes, and then every time I even mentioned nursery the rest of that day. Oh boy! This has been going on for weeks. Poor Ainsley!

Included in these 2 weeks are 4 play groups, 2 family nights, a successful 45 minute FHE (lesson included), and a fun family dinner at the Marinov house!

The rest of the month Continues below....
Saturday, January 16th- Saturday, January 23rd

Playgroups, Party's, Destruction, and Lunch with Dad.
Aubrey wants to teach and show Tate everything. While Aubrey was waiting (patiently) to attend a friend's Hello Kitty party she decided to entertain Tate.
I took the girls to the Hello Kitty party and Andy stayed home with the boys + Alec. They watched Night at the Museum and played Fireman while Andy observed the cooking of the ribs. We had a fun day and when we dropped Alec off at home we got to see his new baby brother Ryan and leave them with a yummy dinner/desert!
We wont laugh...Yes, his pants are way to small, his shirt is way, way, way too short, and he now has to wear 12 month clothes. But...did you notice? He has mastered the lean!!!!!
I cant return her so I mine as well feed her!!! I am not sure how I will survive her "terrible two's" I am just so thankful she is finally feeling better!
Me along with another friend threw Elena a baby shower. With cars lined up and down the street, 8 moms, 18 kids, catered BBQ, and a "new born 2 weeks early" baby boy. It was the funnest party ever!! Jungle theme, fun decorations, and a clean house...what could be more fun. Since Andy had to work....a big shout out to Constantine and Levi for "supervising" the children (all 18 kids were under the age of 6). They were mighty grateful for KungFu Panda and the air hockey table!! We did let them come up for air to enjoy the awesome BBQ and treats!!
Tate enjoyed all the excitement of the baby shower.
Aubrey loves NO SNOW. She desperately was willing to tread the "gross" mud to go swing.
Tate loves to hold his toes.
Tate is such a good brother...always willing to play pretend. Even if that means headband, necklaces, and lip gloss.
A week of destruction:
Monday: Caleb took an orange crayon to his furniture and bedroom walls
Tuesday: Caleb and Ainsley emptied out the cleaning supplies all over Calebs bedroom carpet and furniture
Wednesday: Caleb colored all over his furniture with a glue stick.
Thursday: He took every single newly hung and ironed piece of clothing off the hangers on onto a crunched pile in my bedroom closet
"IS THEIR NO END TO HIS MADNESS!"
So, I think...hum, before I completely loose my mind what can I do. Time out is clearly not working and I spend many HOURS during the day playing with him.
Then it hit me!!! HOMEWORK!!
Friday morning after we dropped Aubrey off at school and vacuumed/cleaned out the van we went strait to the table. While Ainsley cut up a piece of paper Caleb did homework...cutting, gluing, spelling, matching, and coloring. Along with spelling and sounding out "sight words".
It was a very productive 45 minutes and he was excellent the rest of the day. I will continue to do this every day during the week...its just what he needs! Even if I end up piling the dirty lunch dishes on top of the dirty breakfast dishes.
I hid one of every shoe so the kids couldn't go outside in the cold and mud. I thought I was pretty smart. Clearly not! Matching means nothing to them.
*note that Ainsley dressed herself....a dress, her 4th of July shirt, and her Dora pj top.
This is what a Teething Tate looks like. He is so good but a little bit sad at times. Chewing constantly on everything!
When I picked Caleb up from school he was excited to drive to meet Grandma. It was his turn for special time with Grandpa and Grandma! When I handed him over to Marlene I had NO idea he was covered from head to toe in paint, chalk, and marker!!
Ainsleys slew of new words is a bit blunt...
go away.
I said hungry again.
again I said.
No nursery...mommy go nursery
Tater need Elmo.
No nap
Milk with Water in cup.
Also, included in the last 2 weeks.
1. Andy had fun going to lunch at Aubrey school to celebrate her "half" birthday. He finally met the much talked about Sophia and Ally and Aubrey got to show off her dad!
2. Caleb's Parent Teacher Conference!! Way to go buddy!!
3. Aubrey got accepted into a special developmental speech and reading program through Childrens Mercy Hospital. She attended her first evaluation and we are so grateful and excited for her to being the 12 week program! The therapists are wonderful and Aubrey is BEYOND excited to start!!!
4. Tate said MAMA! More then once and I have 2 witnesses along with Aubrey and Ainsley!!
5. Andy got a new calling. He is really excited to be in Young Mens again!
6. With all the snow and Andy being sick...I, Sara, shoveled the driveway. I pretty much hate snow. I was on the fence...it being so pretty and all...but any happy thoughts towards snow have now dissolved! Give me my white beaches any day!!!

We hope that the end of January can continue on calmly or at least end in a calmly manner. Aubrey will start Cheerleading on Monday, Caleb will start Karate on Tuesday and on Thursday a fun brunch is planned!


So, to all who have asked Where have I been?...
I have been a bit overwhelmed, a bit crazed, and just a tiny bit busy. But I DID SURVIVE!! It was close and I might have lost some sanity but I SURVIVED! Thankful every Friday night I have volleyball, all trouble off the week come out with my serve!!! GO OP2!

oh, a special thanks to Paul and Marlene. Caleb had a wonderful time spending the weekend with you guys. Thank you for not cutting his hair!
Also, Congrats to Spencer and Kristen...baby Ella coming soon!
and
Congrats to Seth and Karalee...baby boy coming soon!!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy 2010

The week of the New Year has been a busy "eye opening" week!
On Monday I dropped Aubrey off in Pittsville to spend the night with "Grandpa and Grandma" Griner. With the other 3 kids excited in the back of the van we picked up Andy and headed to Chuck-e-Cheese to meet up with Caleb's little friend Alec and his parents Constantine and Elena! How fun is Chuck-e-Cheese!!! It was crowded and so fun!!!!!
On Tuesday we had a play group!! The kids enjoyed playing from 10-2 (cookies and chicken nuggets included) and I made the mom's Salmon while we ate really good tangerines, pumpkin cheesecake bread, and mounds! Late LATE Tuesday night I hid the last 5 tangerines for myself. The kids ate ate and ate them all day and I really wanted some for Wednesday. Well, Wednesday morning during Elmo's World I started folding laundry. The kids weren't singing or laughing...I thought that was strange so I went into the room. MY TANGERINES!!! Ainsley found them and wanted them so bad that she peeled them herself!!!!
Ainsley never does anything alone...Caleb is always close by.
Early Wednesday when all the tangerines were gone it was Aubreys turn to have a play group! They loved having the Hubble girls over but Caleb felt a little left out. 10am-2pm all things girls.....and Caleb!
Tate will do WHATEVER it takes for food. So, I said "What are you doing?"
"Gotchya!"
We rung in the New Year with style. At 6:30pm we put Ainsley to bed and started our little party! Chips n' dip in the basement, while watching Sid the Science Kid, and playing 5 rounds of Candy Land. At 8:30pm we counted down...10..9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1..HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! The kids ran around and acted crazy for 60 seconds and then bed time!!!! They couldn't believe they stayed up until "midnight" and that is was finally 2010!!
January 1st we decided to start the year off with a blast! Andy shoveled part of the deck, heated up the grill, and started on the ribs!!! After they were warmed on both side I sliced them up into servings!
Please let me have some?!!!
Yum...only 3 more hours until they will be done!!!
With the house clean, the kids dressed, and dinner almost done we awaited our guests!!
Elena brought a yummy Russian desert, Constantine helped Andy grill the chicken, and Alec ran around with Caleb until the Adkin family arrived. Then the food disappeared, house filled with laughter, and with 8 kids there was definitely never a dull moment!
Saturday morning we joined our friends at Home Depot for Calender building! Aubrey loved it! She was very careful to follow instructions and make her calender look perfect!
Alec did a great job!
Caleb...oh Caleb. He liked the nails and hammer....but mostly just laughing and running around with Alec!
Sometime during the party on New Years day Caleb acquired a bruised eye.
It was lots of fun! Very organized, free, and the kids loved the aprons!Tate grabs and rolls to grab everything and anything! He is constantly chewing on his hand and is still a very content, always happy little TateR!Ainsley has started to love Lego's. She ended 2009 by saying her name for the very first time! Not meme, but actually, Ainsley!!!! This past week she has been eating like crazy so we are hoping she has gained a little bit of weight!!!!
We are so excited for all the changes 2010 will bring. New Years resolutions and the melting of snow are fresh on our minds. I am going to try to do the 365 days of pictures. It will be neat to see how quickly the kids change....andrewandsarajean365.blogspot.com/
HAPPY NEW YEARS!