Spafford Family News

Halloween just a month late...

2011-11-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween I went with the girls being peacocks, and the boys picked Ben 10 and Ginka from Beyblades. For the girls I used a tutorial from this blog http://www.shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/ for the boys I used the attached pictures and copied it to the best of my ability. We had a fabulous Halloween we went to the ward trunk or treat on Friday night, a birthday party Saturday morning, an adult party Saturday night, church on Sunday and on monday the kids had halloween parades at school and then trick or treating that night!!!! How is that for a complete run on sentence!!??!!!???!!!????

Zander was not wearing his gloves I made for the costume because they go red hair dye on them the first night at the trunk or treat. I was too lazy to make another pair!!

Meet Lily our new shar pei!!!! She has been a fabulous addition to our family!!! We all just love her and Zach is getting use to her I think!!!!

Back to School...

2011-08-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for the Spafford Family!!!! Allissa started Kindergarten and Zander started first grade!!! Zach was an awesome Pappi and went into work late this morning so he could spend the morning with the kids and I!!! It was fabulous having him here with us!!

Racine Beach

2011-07-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

This morning my friend Megan text and said she was going to the "beach" with her kids and that she thinks I should come because it is a really nice beach and we would have fun!!! I am sure glad we decided to go. We were only there for about 2.5 hours but it was 2.5 hours of pure awesome fun for both the kiddos and me!!! Then again anything done with Megan is always fun!!! She is great to talk with!!! Enjoy the pictures from the "beach"

(Lake Michigan)

Lissie boo boo insisted on having hearts in her hair today. It turned out super cute. She is become such a fun little girl!!!

(the babies "playing") shortly after this picture carleigh got sand in Josie's eyes and after that Josie was done with the day!!!!

Sweet josie was not about to smile for me!!!!

If you look close I think you can see one of her hearts in her hair!!!

Zander and Will giving me a perfect photo opt while laying in the sand together!

This is the beach I took my maternity pictures at when I was pregnant with carleigh. The pictures were in the morning and I went into labor that night!!!! Can't believe on the 24th it will be two years!!!

All the kids digging!

Lissie and Isaac were total buddies today! It was pretty cute to watch them play!!!!

Still not going to smile for me!!! One day maybe!

My sister Kendra came with us!!!

And by far the best part of the beach was this...

Megan didn't know I took this!!!! Hopefully she doesn't kill me for it!!! She has one rockin' awesome baby bump!!!

Annual Franklin Carnival

2011-07-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

On Friday we took all 12 kids to the carnival! They had a blast. From 5-9 they could go on as many rides as their little hearts desire for 18 bucks per kid. This is our 3rd year in a row going and we hope for many more!!! Zander is a die hard rider of the gravity ride where you get sucked to the side walls while it spins around. He went on it probably 10 times!!!

Brody was scared so Spencer being the big cousin that he is put his arm around Brody and tried to comfort him!

My brother Todd and his daughter Haley eating cotton candy!

Brody almost lost control!!! I caught every step of it on camera. It was pretty funny to watch.

After a long day of swimming and the carnival Brody was not wanting to go to bed. When I opened the basement door to go to bed I found him asleep on the top stair. It is a good thing he didn't fall down the stairs onto the hard basement floor!! He is sooooooo stubborn these days!!!

4th of July

2011-07-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Wow I did a horrible job at taking pictures on the 4th of July! These are all I took. Opps! Hopefully my sister in law got a few more them me! My battery was on the charger so that is part of my excuse. The other part was that it was sooooo hot that is all I could think about! Here is Carleigh at the parade in the flag dress I made her. Her and Lissie had matching ones but I didn't get a picture of Lissie.

Carleigh Zander and my nephew Spencer

Carleigh and my niece Sarah

My sister in law Michele and I. Wow that is a horrible picture of me! Oh well!!!

Michele and I made strawberries and lissie and faith made pretzels

Lissie was very excited about these!

The kids at night before fireworks. The mosquito's were out so must of us watched the fireworks from inside my parents house.

Wisconsin summer!!

2011-06-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

We we got to Wisconsin all in one piece! We left Thursday at 4pm and got to Wisconsin on Saturday morning at 1:30am. We drove 32 hours straight! We stopped and got out of the car to eat once on Friday night for dinner and that was it!!! The kids did awesome!!

When we first got here to my parents house Carleigh was deathly afraid of Penny the cat. The 4th day we were here carleigh fell asleep on this chair and Penny jumped on her lap. If carleigh knew the cat was on her she would have been screaming bloody murder!!!!!

Faith my baby sister, my dad and Lissie on Father's Day morning!!!

Carleigh holding my friend Sarah's little boy!!!

These two are having a blast together!!!

Faith loves reading to the kids at night and they love it also!!!!

Carleigh loves the Barbie 4-runner!!!

Zander hanging upside down on the tire swing!!!

Carleigh sitting on the couch that I got at a garage sale for $5! It is by step 2. It has two cup holders and the kids think it is pretty awesome! The pad unfolds to make a "bed"

Finally nice enough weather to go swimming! Grandpa heated the pool fopr the kids on Sunday!

Lissie has been going down this water slide since she was 15 months old!!! She still loves it!!!

Grandpa, Reid, Lissie, Natalie, Carleigh, and Brody after a long day of swimming. They were all cold so they were warming up on the couch with Grandpa!!!

Today was make your own PIZZA DAY for lunch!

I made a huge batch of pizza dough and Robyn made sauce and then we let each of the kids make their own pizza for lunch. They all had a blast and ate like champs!!!!

Allanna with her HEART pizza!

Eating all the olives!!

That is some stringy cheese!

That is all for now...

more coming soon!!!

This is what PGA tour professionals do in their down time.

2011-06-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Shameless plug for my company... but funny too.

Doesn't it just make you miss the Boy Band Heyday?

Happy Sunday randomness!

2011-05-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Like our new swing set in the back ground?? We got in from our neighbors for 75 bucks!!! What a steal!!! We left our old swing set in WI and I was really regretting it until we got this one!!!!

Nothing like eating corn on the cob nude!!!! We had tons of butterflies in our house that night!!!!
Carleigh is one in style chica!!!!

Should I go to the beach...mountains....or bed?!?!?!?!

Once there was a MULLET and....

And now there is NOT!!!!!

This week we have been up to a whole lot of nothing besides sewing!!! I have been a crazy busy worker bee!!! I am loving every minute of it!!! Crazy 8 and Gymboree are having an awesome sale right now so I was about to stock up for Lissie when I got the idea that I need to just sew all the fabric I have in my garage! So that is what I am doing!!! I still bought some things like skinny jeans and bootcut jeans for 6.99. I can't really make them for any cheaper then that!!! I have been inspired by many wonderful sewing blogger's that make up their own sewing patterns so that has been what I have been doing. I have taken a few of Lissies' tops and dresses that I love and drafted patterns from them!!! Check out my craft blogs for pictures of my creations and trust me there will me a lot more to come!!!!

Family fun on the tramp!!!

2011-05-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Family time came be sooooooo mu fun!!!

Lissie's attempt at a flip!
Carleigh had know idea why we were all laughing at her!!!

Side view!

Picture 3

Picture 2

Picture 1

Zander took this picture of Zach and I. I think he did a mighty fine job!!!

This is a very rare photo! I am never in any of our pictures!!! Please excuse the pj's and bedhead!!!

On Sunday after we were done with our new family tradition of making and eating crepes Brody asked Zach and I if we would come out on the tramp when we were done cleaning. We decided when we were done we better keep our word and we had a last. Carleigh had some crazy static hair that had us all laughing!!!! Zander was doing front flips with Lissie and Brody "attempting" to do the same!!!! It is always fun to take time out of my cleaning duties and spend so quality time with the kiddos!!!! Soon enough they are all going to be grown and gone!

Sunday

2011-05-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

The kids are going like weeds and getting so old. I wish they would slow down a bit. Carleigh hates nursery still and refuses to stay in there. After crying for 40 minutes I go and rescue her so the leaders don't have to listen to her. She spends the rest of the time asleep on me or the RS floor!!!!! Lissie and Carleigh are modeling their new spring wrap dresses that I made this past week. Notice Zander and Zach are twiners!!! Zander loves getting dressed up like Pappi on Sunday!!!

Walking down the hall ready to leave for church!

Little Lissie Boo bossing Carleigh around!

Carleigh just beat him up by making him hit his hand on the fireplace

Carleighs dress turned out sooooooo long. I had the exact measurements for the size 1 and that is how it fits her!

She is hiding her purple balloon behind her back!

Such a happy little girl!!!

Look at that face he is giving me!!!!

Zander giving me his "I'M SO COOL" smile!!!!

more for you aub!

2011-05-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

sneak peek

2011-05-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics! I have tooos to blog but right now I have a house to clean!!! My internet on my desk top is finally working!!! I haven't had internet since Jan!!!!!

random/spring dresses

2011-01-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Finally convinced Zander to wear a different tie!
This girls new spring dress I made them. I woke up Sunday morning and decided to make the girls new dresses to wear. They took about 2 hours to finish both of them. With Church at 12:30 now there is a lot of time in the morning!!!

Gosh I love this little 18 month old! She turned 18 months old today! She is getting way to big for my liking! I soooooo wish I could pause her growth!

What a face smile!

The group picture is sooo not happening this week! Brody was laying on the grass crying over something and it was super windy! In fact I am pretty sure the neighbors all saw my undies!!!!

Lissie wanted me to take a picture of her in this shirt!

Snuggle time with Pappi! They are watching football!

Carleigh trying to walk in Bree's high heels! Too cute!

She walks about as good as I do in heels!

Brody came in from the garage dressed like this...he is going to kill me one day for taking this picture!

This is for the Grandma's

2011-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday before church everyone looked relatively put together so I attempted to get a picture of the 4 kiddos for the Grandparents. It turned out pretty well I must say for their ages! They are all out of order so sorry and I am not sure why the one of Brody and Lissie turned out sideways because it is not that way on the computer and I am too lazy to fix it! Hope you guys like them!!!

Looking at the doggy's. She is obsessed

They were both done with pictures at this point! Can you tell?!?!?!

Mom this isn't working!

Brody in soft focus

This picture of Lissie I was messing around with the soft focus.

As good as it gets!

So much attitude walking into church.

The suit that grandma Susan got him last year finally fits! Doesn't he look so handsome?

These two just adore each other!

Beach Day

2011-01-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

Carleigh concentrating on walking in the sand!

Look what I found!!! Zander was so excited about his treasures!!!

Sunset!

On Saturday I was feeling a little down so when Zach got home from his church basketball game he said lets go to the beach!!! This beach is about a mile north of Leo Carrillo which is where we go camping with my Mormon family over spring break! We had a great time walking around, finding rocks to spell our name out, and

playing in the stream that drained to the ocean! The locals that lived on the beach walked out of their house with their golden retriever so Carleigh and I had fun playing ball with the nice dog!! After we went up to oxnard to the super walmart for some cheap food!!!

Jumping...if you can call it that...

2011-01-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

This is a video from my fourth lesson. It is pretty pathetic but hopefully they will get better!!!

A walk to the park

2011-01-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

The pictures are all out of order so sorry!

My attempt to capture the beauty all around us!!!!!

Nothing better than rolling down a hill in Dec!!! NO sledding here.

Rock climbing

Picnic at the park...taylor our little neighbor girl.

This is our new stroller that holds all the kids!!! It could actually hold one more kid on the hitch hicker. It is our Valco tri-mode double stroller with the toddler seat and hitch hicker. We love it!!!!

Quest for lasting happiness...

2011-01-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Brody was the first to hop on "Frankie"
Then Lissie...

and lastly Zander...

apparently Zach was over pictures by that point because he didn't take one of Zander and. Zander got to go around the arena 3 times while all the other kids only once!!

During my second lesson

So on my quest for happiness I listen to a lot of self help/inspirational books while I clean my house. One of the books I listen to a lot is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. One of the chapters talks about can money buy happiness and how does money contribute to happiness. In that chapter it talks about how if you spend your money on experiences instead of things it improves your happiness. I often find my self buying stuff to make me happy but once the very temporary high is over I am no m63ore happier than I was before, only a lot more broke!!! Somewhere else in the book it talks about having more fun. One of her friends mentioned that a lot of times things you find fun as a child are often things you will find fun as an adult.

As a kids I did two things a lot...1) Rollerblade and 2) horseback riding. So for mother's day I got myself a new pair of blades. I still love rollerblading and enjoy being able to share that experience with Zander who also inherited his moms love and skills. You should she him, he can Rollerblade like pro especially for his age!!! and right before Christmas I got the crazy idea to start horseback riding again. I brought up the idea to Zach and he was totally on board. He was excited for me to have something I can do in life that will be mine and mine only and also that I would have a chance to shine doing something I love. I started lesson last week and I look forward to tomorrow night when I will go for my 3rd lesson. I go 2 times a week in the evening after Zach gets home from work. After my first lesson she let each of the kids besides Carleigh go for a walk around the arena with me. They all loved it especially Zander. He is now saying when he grows up he wants to be a horseback rider. Unfortunately he will have to wait as for now I am spending all the extra money we have on my lessons.

What are things that you found fun as a child that might bring you more happiness as an adult?

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

2011-01-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2011-01-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

This was my very first Christmas away from my family. It ended up being great because we got to go to my Grandmas house in Orange county and spent the night with grandma, uncles/aunts and my 3 baby cousins that are not very babyish any more. We had a fabulous time! It was the next best thing to being with my parents and brothers/sisters on Christmas Eve. The kids has a blast playing with my cousins. They were so sweet to play Lego's with them and watch them Rollerblade and ride bikes in the front yard!!!

Danielle and lissie
Uncle mark trying to get some love from little miss carleigh

Michael playing legos with Zander. Zander was in heaven!!

Christoper (my baby cousin) brody and Carleigh

My cousin Michael

Grandma and Uncle Make

Uncle Chris

Roberta (Uncle Marks special lady) and her son Jacob

Danielle, Zander and Brody

The best shot of the 4 of them. It is blurry and not looking so good.

Lissie changing Carleighs diaper!! Such a little mommy!!!

Group shot!

What a little handsome man he is becoming!

I liked this photo from our vacation to Disney

2010-12-27T21:39:00.001-08:00

Just Carleigh

70 Degrees and Sunny so Santa Brought this...

2010-12-27T16:44:00.001-08:00

The Christmas Lights Are UP!!!

2010-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

We got some really neat Christmas lights from Darcy's dad, Jim; today we put them up!

California update!

2010-12-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Today in front of our tree!

Lissie and brody on thanksgiving

Lissie with Grandma GG my moms mom!

The kids with Uncle Chris Aunt Val and Grandma GG at GG's house!

Lissie with my cousin Christopher! He is like 6'5 I think. I use to change his diapers!!!!

The kids being silly with our stockings!

Brody was so upset with the bubbles all over him!

Sweet baby girl!

Zander with his blades!! He is so good on these things you would not believe it if you saw him!

Okay so I have been a complete slacker blogger since I have moved here!!! SORRY!!!! So here is the the long story short. Once we got to CA it took us 6 days to find a place and we scored big time. The house is in a great little area in Thousand Oaks. It is in the more "country" area so if you walk through the neighborhood there are people that have horses, chickens and goats. THe first day we moved in we saw two horses walking on our street. It was pretty neat for me and the kids!!! The house is a really nice 3 bedroom 2 bathroom. We put carpet in the garage and turned it into our "basement playroom!" The back yard is HUGE there is a lighted basketball court in the back and tons of grass for the new Trampoline that Santa is bringing! SHHHHHHHHHHHH! Zander spends his time rollerblading in the back yard when he is not a school and also he loves to climb the apricot tree and make a "battle station!" There is also a covered patio with a fan for our out door dining! We have and apricot tree and an orange tree! We will be singing popcorn popping a lot in the spring!!!!

The weather here is pretty close to PERFECT!!! It get cold at night but during the day the kids are out playing in the yard. As wonderful as all this is I am still missing and longing for my wonderful family and friends in Wisconsin. I miss you all terribly. I pretty much spend everyday of my life in my house sewing and cleaning and the sewing and cleaning some more. We only have one car until Feb so zach takes the car everyday and I stay home! When I need to go places I walk with my new amazing Valco tri mode twin stroller with the toddler seat and hitch hicker! It is awesome all 4 of the kids can be on the stroller at the same time and it pushes like a dream!

If anyone want to come to CA we would love to have you!!! We have a queen bed for guests to sleep in!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to update my craft blog!!!!

please vote?

2010-11-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here are our 2 pumpkins from our first annual pumpkin carving contest! Please vote for the best one in the comment section!

# 1
#2

halloween costumes!

2010-11-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Zander doing the army crawl!
not sure why it turned out sideways but I am too lazy to fix it!!!!

Zander in his Halloween Parade at school!!!

Lissie found these fun wings on clearance at Joann's so we got two pairs and I made the girls fairy princess dresses!!! They turn out beauiful! Zander wanted to be an army man, so when we found the hat, cantina, and walkey talkey on clearance we went back to the fabric counter at Joann's and bought him some water resistant nylon army fabric and this is what we came up with! I used my friend Natalie's "Koolmono" pattern to make his costume. You can see her stuff on Etsy if you type in KOOLMONO in the search! It is all super cute!!!!

sewing projects!!!

2010-10-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been doing instead of updating my blog!!! I have finished two other dresses but Ihaven't taken pictures of them so there is more to come soon!!!!

Please excuse the string cheese on the floor! I spent the morning sewing the top instead of cleaning! Off to go do my chores!

pink fig olivia top and the pink figsweetheart pants

please excuse the leggings I didn't feel like taking them off when I tried it on her!

California here we come..

2010-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Right back where I started from open those big golden gates California here WE come!!!!!!!

Yep that's right the time has finally come we are moving to Agoura Hills CA!!! FINALLY!!! it has been a long three years of waiting for this day to come but it is here and it is REALLY HAPPENING!!! We leave WI on the 15th of this month. We will be renting out our house here and renting a house in CA when we get there. Zach got a job transfer with Farmers and we are way excited for this little cross country adventure!!We will be a short drive from the beach!!! Well I have to get back to packing and cleaning!!!

I love you honey!!! Enjoy!!!

2010-07-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

I need a man here to cut the WATERMELON!!!!

What a poser!

We got this tunnel on Clearance at Target and the kids LOVE it!!!!

Group hug!

The Brodser Rama

I just love that sweet face!

He is now 5.5 and I'm soooo excited for him to start school!

Reid's first birthday party was today! This is the amazing cake the Melissa Robyn's friend made! It was sooooo delicious!!!!

Wearing their matching whale pj's

we miss you pappi

2010-07-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Zach is in LA for an entire month. He left on the 11th of July and will be back on the 13th of August. So far I have not gone crazy but I have come close a few times!!!! The kids are being pretty good but I miss having someone to hang out with at night :(

Carleigh waving "Hi Pappi!"

She climbed on the bed all by herself!

Zander snuck in bed with Lissie! They were so sweet I had to take a picture!

Family puzzle time

Playing trains in our remodeled basement!!! Thanks to the flooding we had the night of the TORNADO WARNING we now have new walls, new flooring, and no BOW BAR!!! The basement is huge now!!! I am not sure who loves it more me or the kids.

photo shoot

2010-05-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Love the eyebrows!

I need to print this one for the wall I love it!!!

Watching the birds! See was so impressed with them!

Zander loves his little sister!

What a sweet little dude!!!

Going GREEN..

2010-04-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

or pink, or yellow, or orange, or blue!!! Yep you might have guessed it I talking about cloth diapers of course!!!! My babies will now be sporting the fabulous bum genius 3.0 organic cloth diapers. We are on our first 24 hours of using them and so far I am loving it!!! The initial investment was a little painful to get all the diapers (12) but in five months they will be paid for and we will never have to buy diapers again!!!!!!!!!!! Plus we are helping the environment a bit too!!! They are definitely not anything like the old school cloth diapers of our parents days, these are deluxe! They are all in one diapers. They have the liners built into them and they go on just like a normal diaper would. They have snaps to put them on and they snap length wise also so they can be size small, medium, or large!!! They fit about 8 pound to 30!!!! Carleigh had on the same diaper for 12 hours last night without a single leak. Zander, Lissie, and Brody all also are wearing monkey doozle cloth diapers at night time. All three of them woke up with dry Pajamas this morning!!! I LOVE them!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow I am going to get some liners down in Racine so when they poop you just grab the liner and flush it down the toilet!!! My sister has two friends that have been using them since DEC without leaks as long as the white liner is tucked into the water proof outside!!! I am converted!!!

Yep that cute pink thing on her butt is a diaper!!!

Carleigh just LOVES the kitty!!!! Emmery is such a great sport when Carleigh makls her!

Leo Cariello...

2010-04-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

FOR THOSE WHO REQUESTED WORDS...

Every Year my "Mormon family" goes camping at the beach in Malibu, CA over easter break. They have been going for 40 plus years. I went for the first time when I was 16 and have gone all but a few years since. It is such a blast!! Beach all day and camp fire at night. I was there all by myself without Zach. He wasn't able to take anymore time off so he flew home for 10 days and then met me in Las Vegas for the drive home. My buddy Aubrey and her sister Marla came for a day and a night. I was sad to see them go but was glad I got to spend one day with them at the beach. I so want to go next year...now how do I convince Zach to make the long trek west all over again???

Lissie and Brielle (Aubrey's oldest) playing tag with the waves. They were so cute together!!

Brielle and Brody collecting sticks to start a fire.

Carleigh loved the beach. She was such a trooper!!!

Lissie and Brody in the rock cove on the beach. The lighting was just perfect for some great pictures!!!

Holli (my mormon sister) and I at the beach. It was so fun getting to be with Holli. She is a big girl now with a husband and all. I can't believe it!!!

Trying to get a picture of the girls. Carleigh was less than happy as you can see!

Family shot on the rocks. I so adore my little ones...

After a long day at the beach. The kids went to bed pretty close to perfect every night!

Brody loved the water. I was hoping he would be scared of it so I could relax a bit but that was not the case. He was playing in the water almost the entire time.

Two cute girls!

Zander, Brielle, Peyton(one of aub's twins), Lissie and Brody. That was how they slept the first night there. Aubrey, Marla, and I were at their feet. It was one packed tent!!!!
Brielle, Lissie, Brody, Peyton, and Zander once we finally got the fire going...
The fire was too bright for Zander so he put on his sunglasses. TOO CUTE!!!

Aubrey and I cooking dinner together the first night. Oh how I miss her. Check out or sexy mom mobiles in the back of us!!!!!!!!

What a long strange trip...

2010-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

The First Night in the Hotel on our Vacation!!!!

At Autumn's House...
We had a little birthday celebration there too. Lissie has had the longest birthday ever.

Mommy I have to go potty... on our way to St. George to see Grandma Spafford
Zach's Grandma Spafford.

Random pictures

2010-02-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Zander boy with his favorite little baby!

Why sleep in a bed if there is a hamper with a pile of random crap in it outside your bedroom door?

You're crazy if you think I am eating this stuff I prefer the camera strap!!!

Carleigh trying food for the first time! She is not a fan!

The foursome watching biggest loser with me on my bed! it is a good thing those are :baked" Lay he is eating!

chop!

2010-02-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

It was time! Her hair was long and stringy. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT AND SO DOES SHE!!! It was so cute to see her so excited about her hair cute! She loves it when I curl her hair. She looks just like I did when I was her age except my hair was a little lighter.

So adorable!

Please excuse the pajamas and non matching bow!

PS. Carleigh learned how to sit up. She is fascinated with the kitty.

a sampler...

2009-12-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

I have been a complete blogger slacker...Here are a few random shots of the last month. More to come soon hopefully.

loving my new camera

2009-11-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

For an early Christmas present Zach and I got a new camera. It is the camera I have been drooling over for the last 5 years and now I got it in my hands. We are both having s

o much fun with it. These pictures have not even been edited yet!!!

Baby Carleigh today!

Brody Anthony in the back yard

Reid my sisters little boy. He is two weeks older then Carleigh

Carleigh Janers drooling

Zander boy

Lissie and Carleigh in the yard after church

Button got her ears pierced!!!

2009-10-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

I took her to get her ears pierced and Darcy learned to crochet, too! Carliegh Jane is as cute as a button.

ARE THEY WEARING THE SAME SHIRT?!?!

2009-10-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Zach's dad was looking through some old photo's of ours when I was still living with roommates at college. He came across this photo....

This is completely unremarkable until you see what he is wearing...

2009-09-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

At Carleigh Doctors about last week she was a whooping 9.7!!!! I know that some babies are born bigger then that and she is now 7 weeks old but I am so proud of her growth!!! She pretty much sleeps through the night about 10ish- 6ish. Zaznder and Lissie started preschool last we and they are loving it, especially Lissie!

They are such good little helpers! I had to pump in the morning because she slept through the night so I let the kids help give her a bottle before preschool.

This is baby Carleigh with Great Grandma Josko!

I was trying to do a photo shoot but she wasn't having it...

Carleigh modeling the first little dress and headband I made her. She looked so adorable in it!!! I just love creating things out of fabric.

She almost looks like she is smiling in that picture!!!

Miss Carleigh hard at work doing tummy time...she falls asleep after lifting her head once...

6 weeks old...

2009-09-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Look who's 6 weeks old already!!!!

Carleigh is sporting here new shoes I made. They are super fun and easy to make! I am sure she will end up with a FEW pairs... When I got on the scale with her this morning I gained 8.8 pounds! She is so tiny still yet so big to me.

Who do you think she looks like???

and we're off...

2009-08-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

So we are about ready to hit the road!! I am so excited to have some quality and quantity time as a family!!! We are leaving in a few hours and driving to Sandusky, OH tonight! Zach has enough reward points with Hilton so tonight we are going to stay in a hotel for FREEE!!!! We didn't think setting up camp at 11pm would be very fun! Then tomorrow we will drive to Niagra Falls and go camping there for a day! On Sunday we will wake up and drive to Palmyra NY to tour the church history sites. Sunday night we will most likely drive to CT to stay with my bestest Aunt Betty and her girls and their kids! I am soooooooo excited to see everyone and meet my cousins three kids. They are all about the same age besides Carleigh. When we leave CT we will drive to Columbus OH and hopefully get to meet up with my old roommate Sheena and her family! Then back home!!! It will be about 33 hours worth of driving so we will have tons of bonding time as a family! I really am so excited to leave I wish Zach was home right now and didn't have to work today. Carleigh has been sleeping all day so hopefully she decides to continue to sleep all night! Brody is doing awesome with his potty training. Lissie is turning into a little girl and Zander is crazy full of energy and would be in heaven if I let him eat otter pops all day. But since I don't he is quite a handful!

Our precious babies...

2009-08-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

California dreamin'

2009-08-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

So, I am out in California and thought I would be board out of my mind. So I called up my brother (from another mother) Morgan and we are down here in Temecula having a good time. I saw their little girl Molly, she is a chunky monkey!

Riding Dirt bikes. These are little 50 cc jobs that are really squirrelly, they can get out from under you pretty easy, but are not too dangerous.

This is the coyote that I shot this morning.

Morgan and I got this little guy at about 7 am Cali time. Darcy called me at about 8 am Darcy called me and asked what we were doing. After telling her she said, "You already killed a coyote, it's only 8 o'clock there." She was still in bed at 10 am in Wis.

So, everything that is worth it requires a price. Today the price was a bloody eyebrow. I got hit by the scope when I shot the coyote, earning the mark of the modern hunter.

This is back at Ken and Sandi's house. Sandi came down and fed Morgan and I breakfast and wasn't paying any attention to my face as we were talking. Finally, she turned and looked at me and gasped as though I were a troll.

Reid's Birth Announcement...

2009-08-08T12:52:00.001-07:00

Since Zach is gone I asked my sister if we could come over and play today! I got lucky and she said YES!!! When I got to her house she said, "I need your help with Reid's announcement." So I showed her what I came up with last night and we got the kids ready, took pictures and made this...

Birth Announcement

2009-08-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

It is currently 1:05am and I should be sleeping! Instead of sleeping I decided to stay up and make this...

I took the pictures tonight and made this announcement in my photo editing program Paint Shop Pro. It was fun playing around with it!!! Carleigh is almost exactly two weeks old. It is crazy thinking that exactly two weeks ago Carleigh was still in my belly!!! I am so glad she is out!!!! We are so blessed to have her in our family! I just love her to pieces and so does everyone else!!!So far she is as PERFECT as they come. My due date is this coming Wednesday so it will be interesting to see if Carleigh livens up a bit. She still sleeps about 23 hours a day!!!

Still in love...

2009-07-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

We are all still so in love with Baby Carleigh Jane!!! We still all fight over who get to hold her, we all want to snuggle her, and we all want her to suck on our fingers!! Well, I guess the last one only applies to the kids!!! Zander learned a cool new trick today that baby Carleigh likes to "latch on" to his nose! This little girl is going to be well loved and well exposed to germs!

This is what sweet baby Carleigh Jane does best!!!
I wanted into the bedroom to find Zander and Carleigh doing this...Carleigh is sucking on Zanders ever so CLEAN fingers!!!!

Lissie Boo loving on her new baby sister!

Different angle of the finger sucking!

Little Carleigh chillin in my lap in the tent when. We went "camping" on Sunday night!!! We set up the tent in the front yard and ate popcorn and apples with carmel and watched a movie!

First time I captured her sucking her fingers!

The Ward's brought dinner over on Sunday so the kids took turns holding her! Thea was amazed by her!

My in laws are coming in town tomorrow and I should be up cleaning the house but instead I am snuggling a baby and updating the blog!!! I sooooo wish I had a maid to follow everyone around and clean up after them. Especially when all I want to do is SLEEP!!!! If only I wasn't the very untrained maid in the house...

Always enough love...

2009-07-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

I remember having Zander and being so in love him with and all of his little parts that when we got pregnant for the second time I was a little worried that I wouldn't love baby number two quite as much. Well now that baby number 4 Carleigh is here I am convinced that there is always enough love for each and every baby!!! I love finally being able to hold her and cuddle her. Since I had the miscarriage right before we got pregnant with Carleigh I felt like the day would never come when I would be able to hold and love on my baby! Well after about 13 months of being pregnant practically she is finally mine! I could just rub her soft little fuzz head all day!!!!

All packed up ready to go home!!!! We left the hospital Saturday around 1ish!

We went straight to my parents house from the hospital to show her off and pick up Zander and Allissa!!!!Kendra holding her for the first time!!!

My Little sister mara holding Carleigh for the first time! Carleigh is holding the lamby that Mara gave to him. Lamby was Mara's special thing and she has two of them! One was a replacement when the other got lost for awhile. She was so sweet and gave baby Reid one of them and Caraleigh the other. If you know Mara that was a huge deal for her to give the babies her special Lamby. It was so sweet I almost cried!!!!

Lissie holding Carleigh for the thousandth time!!!!!

Zach fell asleep last night and while I got ready for bed I plopped a sleeping baby in his arms for a picture!!!

The first thing Brody wanted to do this morning was hold baby Carleigh jane!!! Sorry for the scary morning shot of me!!!

Same with Zander and Lissie too!!!

The Facts...

2009-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

So it is me now and not Zach!!! From what I have seen on our blog Zach left out all the facts...

Carleigh Jane Spafford

July 24th 2009, 1:43am

6.0 pounds 18.5 inches

I started having contractions at 8pm. We got to the hospital at 11:38 and about two hours later she was her! I am so glad it went quick and I wasn't tortured to much. So far she has been PERFECT!!!! I have yet to hear her cry except the few squawks right when she came out. The Neonatologist is checking her out now. They for whatever reason are doing it in the nursery and not the room. I am not a fan of that. I think it is tacky that I don't even get to see the doctor yet I will get a bill from him/her. Zander is chillin next to me in bed watching cartoons and Zach took Lissie and Brody to get some lunch and hopefully take a nap. She has beautiful hands and nails! I am in LOVE!!!!

All Lissie wants to do is hold her. Hopefully the excitement will wear off shortly. Well my delicious lunch just arrived so I better eat it before it is cold cardboard pizza!!!

You want to see a clean baby, huh?

2009-07-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

All the people seeing her for the first time.

First bath.

Hair b0ws, did you expect something else?

More pictures...

2009-07-24T00:41:00.000-07:00

Darcy's mom, Susan.

Dr K. also delivered Lissie.

Gonna have a finger sucker...

PUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH!!!!!

2009-07-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here she is!!!! 6 lbs 18.5 in and perfect in every way!!!

1:30 AM

2009-07-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

Dialated to an 8.

Now we wait...

2009-07-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Darcy loves ice chips... all of you she has visited in the hospital know what I'm talking about. She makes me steal them from hospitals whenever I can.

This is at one o'clock on Pioneer day.

You don't want to know...

2009-07-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

But Darcy would probably telly you anyway, so I will too.

This is a picture of breaking Darcy's water... graphic, isn't it?

At the hospital

2009-07-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

The wonders of modern technology will allow you all to be front row center for this birth.

On the way to the hospital around 11:00 PM. Do I look tired? I have been up around 5:30 every day this week and not home before 8:00 until today, 7:00. Darcy, looking happy to be riding in the car on the way there...

Here is a picture with the anesthesiologist right after the epidural. Can you see the happy face on Darcy.

More to come, I'm sure...

Heading out now

2009-07-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

So we just talked to the Doctor and we are on our way to the hospital. Contractions are about 4-5 minutes apart while sitting and 2-3 minutes apart while walking. I was a three and 50% effaced at my appointment today!!! Hopefully Carleigh Jane will be here soon!!!!!

from fevers to stomach flu!

2009-07-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than kid number 1 and kid number 3 have a fever for a week straight between the two of them and then topping it off with kid number 2 throwing up!!!! Hopefully we will get through the next few days seizure free. That is about all I can hope for, oh, and that I don't get it. Gosh I just HATE, HATE, HATE sick kids! It is like I am suppose to never hangout with anyone or get to go anywhere, ever again. Hopefully we get all of our illnesses out of the way before baby Carleigh decides to arrive...

Well since I have been house bound for the past week I have managed to potty train Mr. Brodster, finish sewing three quilts, finish the bumper pads and the carseat cover! If you want to see them go here... http://www.darcysoutlet.blogspot.com/

Now if I could only get half that excited about cleaning the house so that it is spotless when baby Carleigh arrives that would be GREAT!!! I do have my Taylor Swift CD back that has been MIA in Zach's car for several weeks so I guess I should go turn it on and GET TO WORK!!!!! The only way to clean is with Taylor blaring through the house and me singing and dancing to make the cleaning less horrible. One day when I have an extra 100.00 a month I will have a cleaning lady that comes and does all the deep cleaning!!!!! Until then I guess I will attempt to do it!

Here is what Brody does best these days!!! We are on day 8 today and the past three days including today have been accident free!!!!! It will be interesting to see what happens when Baby Carleigh arrives?

It is definitely a family affair!!! Everyone wants to help

Wisconsin Dells Vacation

2009-07-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

So I am way behind on the things I wanted to blog about. So a few months ago they had a contest at Zach's work and Zach won so we got to go to the Dells, for FREE!!!!! We had such a blast. I was a little hesitant in wanting to go, being that I was 33 weeks prego and the kids are so little I thought it would be lame. Boy, was I wrong! It was the most fun, I think our family has ever had together. I want to go back this winter when I am about to go crazy stuck in this house. Zander was about a half inch to short for all the big rides but Zach managed to take him on EVERY ride besides the straight down drop one. Up until the very last two rides we tried to take him on they said he was too little. Even though he had gone on all the rides already. Zander was so sad when they rejected his height. Allissa was very brave and went on the two and three story high rides that were in the bucket dumping area. Brody got put down a few times by himself and was less then thrilled when he got to the bottom. He liked going down with us but that was technically breaking the rules so it depended on what lifeguard was watching. Here are some pictures to enjoy!!!

We are all ready to go to the water park!

Brody in the kiddi pool
Zander going do the slide that lead into the kiddi pool!

Zach going down the steep scary slide. Zander loved the red one you lay on your belly on a rug!

Lissie boo

Zach and I on the balcony!
THE END

36w 2d

2009-07-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Maralee this is for you!!!
I am so ready to pop this little girl out! She is totally in my ribs and it drives me crazy!!! Zander was my photographer so that is why the pictures are so AWESOME!!!! Dr. G is going to do her thing on July 23rd so hopefully if all goes as planned she will be here on the 23rd or 24th!!! The two doctors that I like are on call those days so hopefully it happens then! My belly feels huge this time around compared to the other three bellies!

Who's a fatty...

2009-07-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

You might think this post would be about the woman who is 9 months pregnant, its not.

So, Zander was asking my brother Eric to get him some Fruit Loops in a baggie and Eric had put it in a bowl and told Zander that he could have it as is or nothing. So, Zander, being the obstinate four year old that he is, argued with Eric. "Yes." "No." You know how it goes. So, Eric switched tactics to, offering a piece of fruit. Zander came back with the most mature thing he could, "You're mean!" Among other things that will come out later.

Fast forward, Eric brought Zander out to me and said, "Zander, you tell your mother what you said to me." Zander hesitated and eventually came out with it... "Um, mom, I called Eric fat, because he is."

Eric and I laughed hysterically. Eric is a big man, six foot four inches and built like a defensive lineman. I tried so hard not to laugh so I could reprimand Zander, but it just wasn't there. It was too funny. Kids really call 'em. Like they see 'em

The rest of the day Eric couldn't stop telling the story.

From girl to DINOSAUR...

2009-06-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Allissa was playing at the neighbors house and she fell off he bike. She bump her noodle and got a bruise on the side of her forehead. We iced it and then she was right back out the door for more fun. When she came back for dinner she had a little red mark in between her eyes. I didn't think anything about it and Zach fed the kids, bathed them and put them to bed. When I got her up in the morning she had a goose egg on her forehead and her left eye was swollen. I went to playgroup and it started to spread to her right eye. After playgroup I went to my parents house and the first thing my sister says is, "You really need to get that looked at." So I packed her up and headed to the urgent care at my moms work. After 3 facial x-rays to rule out any broken bones (there were none) the first doctor brought in another doctor for a second opinion. She examined it and said for the amount of swelling she has she would probably have a bigger abrasion on her head. After talking back and forth they decided that it was probably an allergic reaction to a bug bite. She has a slight red dot between her eyes. They got the idea from the bug bite on her arm that was red and a little swollen. Here is what my dinosaur princess looks like...

We had to go grocery shopping tonight and I was slightly embarrassed to take her out! Hopefully with the allergy medicine the swelling will go down by the morning if not they want me to take her to see the pediatrician. It is so weird to look at your daughter and not really recognize her.

Annuals...

2009-06-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I splurged and bought a few annuals to plant in our empty pots and in the planter by our front door. It was pretty crummy weather as you can see from what the kids are wearing but we still enjoyed ourselves. Lissie was a professional at pulling the flowers out of the plastic and handing them to me. Zander was the water boy and Brody was just there. I hope that over the next few months the flower grow and that I don't kill them!

Zach doing the finally watering before we put them on the deck!

Lissie and Brody messing around on the tractor!
The three amigos bringing me the pots from the backyard so I can fill them with beautiful flowers

Just a random picture of the two best buddies!!!

Lissie and I sitting on my parents driveway. Can you see the famous water slide in the background!!!! Aubrey you will be going down it this summer when you come to visit!!!!!!!

2009-06-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today was a day filled with sewing in the morning and playing in the afternoon. After lunch today we went over to my sisters house to play. My two nephews Gabe and Spencer are here with my brother for the summer so while my brother is at work the kids are at my parents house. Zander loves playing with the "big boys" and they are nice enough to play with him. My brother gave my nephew Spencer a Mohawk not a fohawk (which I happen to thing are cute every once in a while) a few weeks ago so Robyn and I decided it was time for it to disappear. He fought us on the issue saying my dad will get mad and we assured him it was ok and we were doing it. Robyn got out her clippers and I went to town on the nasty Mohawk. It bought true joy to my life shaving it off!!!! It was like saying goodbye to white trash and hello normal kid!! Next up was Zander and then I finished off my shaving adventure with Brody. Brody was by far the easiest to do. He didn't even flinch when I was shaving around his ears! It was awesome!!!

Below are the results...

Spencer trying to look hardcore

Robyn's clippers only went up to a size 4 so they all ended up with buzz cuts. I think it is perfect for summer. Zander told me that he doesn't like Brody's hair because he doesn't look the same!

Here is little miss Liss being naughty on the swings. When I told her to get down and that we don't stand on swings she replied, "But Spencer did it!"

And then here is Big Pumper Zander himself! He is a pumping pro and can actually pump so high that it scares me a little. He has a slice of bread hanging from his mouth just in case you are wondering what it is!

I love warm days like today when the kids can play outside and enjoy the great outdoors!

I'm doing it...

2009-06-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

So I have decided to copy my two friends Aubrey and Abby and start my own crafting blog... here is the linkif you get bord one day and have nothing better to do...

www.darcysoutlet.blogspot.com

I am excited to be able to keep take of all my projects in one place.

Enjoy!

It is 11:09 and I so need to go to bed right now. I have some much on my camera that I have been meaning to blog about and haven't so one day soon I will have many updates. Allissa just woke up screaming so off I go.

oh please oh please

2009-06-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

If anyone out there in blog world happens to read my blog in the next hour (it is 5:18 my time) will you PLEASE call my phone if you know the number. I have misplaced my phone and Zach is not home so I have no way to get a hold of anyone. I'm trying to see when Zach will be home. If I don't answer the first time will you please try again because I am going to be searching for it as soon as it starts to ring.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

breaking and entering...

2009-05-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

we have a little neighbor girl who is old enough to know better but young enough not to care. so, instead of knocking and waiting to be invited she just traipses in and out of our house as if it were her own. disconcerting but not wholly unbearable. however, zander seems to have picked up the habit... he walked right into the house of my mother-in-law's neighbor (in case you didn't follow that as badly as i didn't follow that, as i was typing it, that is the neighbor of susan josko, darcy's mother).
furthermore, apparently when kathy (susan's neighbor) asked him to leave, he wouldn't. how rude. so, this week i am going to talk to our little neighbor girl and ask her not to be quite so free with the way our door swings.
as for zander, well, we told him that trolls live in other peoples houses and they would eat him if he went in uninvited.
think he believes us?

Belly shot,summer fun, and projects!

2009-05-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Almost 29 weeks

Do you see the tan line on my arm???? Zander and Allissa with the two neighbor girls! They love swinging on the glider together.

The other day I looked out the window to check on Brody and Allissa and this is what I found them doing. It was so cute to watch them prepare and slide and then do it all over again and again! They are the bestest (not a word I know) little buddies!! When we go out in public people are starting to ask if they are twins. Brody has a big head so sitting in the cart they look the same size.

Zander chillin on the swing set. I love the sun shining behind him.

Today I have my wonderful glucose screening test and my RH- shot!!! I'm so excited to drink the super duper strong SPRITE!!!! I'm just counting down the minutes until I can indulge!! Baby Carleigh is going to be going crazy after I drink it so the kids should be able to get a good feel of her. I started making the kids their bedding. I have so much to do in the next 8ish

weeks it is unbelievable. I have zanders quilt all cut and ready for sewing. I took a few pictures of him with it last night so here it is...

I am using David Walkers robots and rockets fabric. I am going to applique a planet and rocket ship on the big wide strips. Zander is really excited about it and Lissie is bugging me to make hers and baby Carleighs. I started with the boys because it was a little more simple since I don't have to make bumper pads, and a diaper stack! I can't wait to have them all finished and installed! Until then I have a ton of sewing to do!!!

Happy Birthday Grumples!!!

2009-05-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today Mr. Grumples (aka Brody) turned 2!!! We had a GREAT day. It started off with church. No one had to be taken out during sacrament meeting so that was cost to a miracle although Zander did need a bathroom break. Then Brody went to nursery with Lissie and he only cried for the first 5 minutes before he finally engaged in playing. Seems like each week he is getting a little bit better. After church we hurried home and got changed so we could head down to Twin Lakes to visit with my two brothers and their families. We had some great food and all the kids had a blast playing together. My brother todd's boys are here for the summer from South Dakota so it was fun seeing them. We all sang Happy Birthday to Brody and ate lots of cake at the end on the night! It was a fabulous day. It was also my neice Jenna's 3rd Birthday today but we celebrated it last weekend so today we just celebrated for Brody. We all feel so blessed to have the Grump in our lives. He has to be one of the sweetest kids on the planet and I love ever minute I get to be his mom and snuggle him. I love the way he gets so excited over my belly. The first thing he said to me this morning when I went to get him out of his bed was baby Carleigh as he pointed to my big belly! He is going to be the most loving big brother! Can't wait to see all the things he accomplishes in the year to come! I love you Brody!!!

Frida dress by Patty Young

2009-05-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

I got a few new patterns and decided to test drive one of them last night!!! I love the way it turned out! I also made a super super easy headband that took about 3 minutes to make. I just love sewing!!

Alright, we give up...

2009-05-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

No, its alright, you take the bed.

No, don't worry, we'll find somewhere else to sleep.

It's quiet minus coughing

2009-04-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

It is 7:40 and all 3 0f the kids are still asleep. I woke up at 6:45 (as Zach was saying morning prayer with me before heading out the door to work) and realized my bladder was going to explode. By the time my bladder was somewhat empty I was awake. I'm not sure what to do with myself with such a quiet house, all I keep thinking is why am I awake when the kids aren't? The sound of my kids coughing is all I can hear.

Today should be a great day! I have an ultrasound at 10:00 and an appointment at 10:30. I'm so excited to see little Carleigh Jane bouncing around in my belly. Hopefully this time I will get to see her precious profile and get a picture of it.

I hear footsteps coming from the back rooms and it sounds like Zander feet. Better go see who is up!

Our trip to TN...

2009-04-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we left WI and traveled to TN to visit with Zach's parents and grandma for Easter. It was a great trip. It is about a 9 hour drive to get there and we left about about 1:30pm. The drive must have been a little too uneventful so at about 9:30, shortly after we left McDonald's (bathroom break), the kids were watching Madagascar 2 on the dvd player. I happened to glance back to check on the kids and to my surprise Lissie was having a full blown seizure. Zach quickly pulled over and got Allissa out of her car seat and brought her into the front seat while I found her emergency medicine and we gave it to her (it is a supository.) Once we give her that medicine it normally stops her seizure and she pops out of it right away, however this time she didn't. So we drove to the next exit and went to a Flying J. Zach ran in with her to check her coloring to make sure she was getting enough oxygen. When he got back into the car she still had not popped out of it so we decided we better call 911 to make sure she was okay before we continued on to TN. We were in the MIDDLE OF NO WHERE Missouri so it would take the ambulance about 15 minutes to reach us. So a police officer showed up and confirmed that her pulse was good but that she was non responsive. Shortly after two off duty firefighters showed up to see what was happening and then two first response guys also came. I wish I could have taken a picture of all 5 of these guys. It was obvious that this was the most exciting thing happening in town. The police officer said we take things very seriously especially when kids are involved. The first response guy questioned us why we gave her the medicine we did because it is a really strong drug. He asked to she the prescription to confirm that we were supposed to give her it and asked who ordered her to have it. Once we said, "Her neurologist" he stopped questioning us. As if we would drug our three year old. By the time the ambulance got there she had popped out of it so they just checked her vitals and confirmed that she was okay. We put her back in her car seat and continued on out way. We were a little worried because we didn't have any more emergency medicine so we decided that it was better to keep driving and get to TN where there was a REAL hospital in case she were to have another seizure instead of sleeping there.
The rest of the drive I spent most of my time checking on her. I am so grateful for the Spirit because the last thing I did before we left home was grab her emergency medicine. I keep on in my diaper bag but the one I had in there Lissie pulled the trigger on so I got the other one that I knew for sure wasn't broken. It is amazing how the promptings of the Spirit work. I'm so glad I was listening.

On Saturday we went to the Memphis Zoo. It was a beautiful day and the zoo was really neat. We got to see our first panda bear in person and we watched the Hippos go for a swim. We also loved to watch all the different monkeys. They are my favorite animals. Grandpa Bill is in love with Lissie and they were total buddies the entire day. While we were watching the monkeys through the glass Lissie decided to say out loud, "The monkey has a really big penis." I about died that Allissa noticed the excited male and announced it to the crowd. I tried to pretend like I didn't hear her and I can only imagine what my father-in-law was thinking because he was right next to her. Grandpa treated Zander and Allissa to face painting. Alissa choose to be a rainbow butterfly and Zander a tiger. After they were done a family from India asked if they could take pictures with the kids so they will be in somebody's scrapbook, kind of weird.

On Sunday we went to church, it was Easter Sunday, but had to leave early because Allissa was sick and would not stop crying to go home. When we got home we had a nice Easter meal and then took naps. When we got up Grandma Barb and I decorated Easter eggs with the kids. The Easter bunny came and left baskets outside the bedroom door so the kids had fun with those before church. We have decided that the Easter bunny does not bring candy in our family so the kids got puzzles, kites, play dough, bakugans, and a few other things. Since we dyed the eggs On Sunday Grandma decided we would do the Easter egg hunt for Family Home Evening on Monday night.

Our Love Egg...my favorite color is Blue and Zach's is Green! Zander and Allissa with Grandma Barb.He was so proud of his eggs. After Zander and Allissa dyed the eggs just right Brody would pick them up and throw them back into the dye. He was such a little stinker.

I am done blogging for now so I will have to finish the rest of our trip next time...

TO BE CONTINUED

Easter outfits

2009-04-19T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day in our reorganized Oak Creek ward at church. They split our ward the week before conference, then it was stake conference, and today was our first meeting as a new ward. It was a little strange because we knew everyone that was there except about half the ward was missing. Where families once sat seats were now empty. I got a new calling as the secretary in the Primary Presidency. I am excided to learn how primary runs since I have never been in before since I joined the church when I was 16.

Zander and Brody have total bedhead in these pictures. Zach did their hair after I took the pictures. Oh well!!!

It is so hard to get good pictures of all the kids together. It was really cold out today so we weren't able to take pictures outside.

Piggytails and easter dress/plans

2009-04-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here is Lissie Boo sporting her very FIRST SET of PIGGY TAILS!!!! At the ripe old age of three she finally has enough hair!!! This is a big accomplishment!!!! Also this is the Easter dress that I made her to match the boys outfits. Zander's shirt is orange and his tie is turquoise and Brody's shirt is turquoise and orange plaid with a turquoise sweater vest. They are from the Children's Place. The dress matches PERFECT and I am so excited to get pictures of all three of them together on the big day!

Not sure what she is doing in this picture with her tongue?

Front view

Back view

And Lissie's ever so cheesy grin...

Before we leave...

We leave for TN on Friday to go to Zach's parents house for a week! I am so excited to get away from this place and have some awesome family time!!!! Before we leave I have to...

1.finish laundry

2.Pack

3.Get as much of my 419.00 dollar bow order done as I can. One of my awesome customers bought 82 bows!!!!

4.Clean. clean and then try to clean some more in hopes that we don't come home to a trashed house...

5.Watch the last conference session (while I make bows)

6.Have two doctor's appointments of Thursday for the kids follow up for their ears, and blood work for Allissa. Can't wait!!!!

7.Try not to waste time on the computer like I'm doing now!

8. Oh and one last thing...hope and pray that my pink eye clears up before I leave...and that no one else gets it. I blame Zach for the pink eye because he suggested we go to Wal-mart over Target and I am sure I got it from the cart. No one I know has pink eye and the kids are just perfect...for now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scrumptious little piggies...

2009-04-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Whenever I look at my babies I see scrumptious little piggies made of sugar and whipped cream and I just want to eat every little bit of them. Each night when I arive home the people (sometimes I call them my people as though I were the ruler of a little island of whipped cream piggies) come running, screaming "Papi" as though I were a rock star. It is nice to be a rock star to my people... Darcy Kate loves to watch the show, she gets everyone excited to see me, and then when I am done with the people, she waits for me to stroll over to her and... well, what else do married people do... she makes me happy. She'd probably be embarressed, but don't tell her about this post and she won't know, it'll be our little secret.

Many updates...

2009-03-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Allissa Zoey will officially turn THREE on wed March 18th! On Sat. we had a little party for her at my parents house with just family. I made some yummy food, we opened presents, did the cake and ice cream thing and them came home! I think everyone had a great time. My sister and mom went all out with the baby doll and gear diaper bag, moses basket, wipes/changing pad, baby food, toothbrush/toothpaste and more. She has been in heaven ever since! Her baby doll came with a carrier so she can strap the baby too her just like I will. As you can see from the picture above I am not a cake decorator in any way but it is the thought that counts right????

Allissa didn't seem to mind that the cake looked horrible!
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Today at preschool the had a St. Patrick's day party. They got to wear leprechaun ears and go on a scavenger hunt for the pot of gold! The leprechaun even came and dyed the milk GREEN!!

Zander didn't want to model his ears for the picture but finally I convinced him to do it!

The "grump" enjoying the nice SPRING weather! He loves to swing and I love it because I get to hear him say, "mommy push me...please!" And then a sweet, "THANK YOU" when I do!

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So it was time for one of our morning baths before preschool after getting pancakes for breakfast. Zach never wants our children to be "that kid who always smells like syrup!" So off to the bathroom we go...Zander and Allissa quickly undress and hop in the tub while I am taking off Brody's shirt getting him ready to get in. To my surprise he had a nasty POOP so I had to stop what I was doing and run around the house looking for our wipes! If only I put them back where they go each time I wouldn't have to look! While I was searching Brody was anxious to get in and started trying to take off his pants. When I found the wipes I also I find him like this and I had to find the camera!

By the time I changed him it was one BIG mess all down his legs!!!

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For Allissa's birthday Zach and I decided to get he a big girl bike and helmet! She is still learning how to ride it but is getting better every day!

I had to do some major zooming in to get this picture. Zach and Brody were really far behind so against Brody's will he got put in the stroller with his tricycle in the basket.

Every girl needs a baby doll on her back to go for a ride right?

We have gone for a walk the past two nights as a family! I love going on walks with Zach and the kids. When the weather is not horrible we like to try and go for a walk every night for quality "talking time" and some exercise. I can't wait until we have consistent nice weather!
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On a nice day we like to ride bikes on the driveway while Zach is at work. Because we have no sidewalks there is no way to go on a real bike ride with all the kids by myself so we stay on the driveway or in the garage.
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Allissa's very first PONYTAIL!!!! It is not great but I can do it!

Isn't it just too cute?!?!?!

I love her cute profile!

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One of our new traditions is Popsicle's in the tub! The kids love to eat them and I HATE the mess afterwards so what is the SOLUTION??

Eat them in the tub!

This was our Family Home Evening Night! We learned the 2nd Article of Faithh and had a treat all in the tub. We even sang I am a child of God for our opening song! It was almost bedtime so we combined all we need to do for the night and turned bath time into FHE! The kids loved it and so did we!!!

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Moments like these make all the hard work worth it! I love seeing them all together having a great time!! They we watching a movie on the portable DVD player. Brody got up shortly after this picture but while it lasted it was too cute! I just love these three more then I could ever imagine!

Wow that was a long post! Sorry! I need to update more!

Does anyone else feel like this?!?

2009-03-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is Zach - I have a liberal friend who often says, "Everything is going to be OK, Obama is president." He sent me this... I'm not sure this actually bears out his theory.

I need to get a life!

2009-03-04T11:01:00.001-08:00

Warning this is a really long complaining post!!!!

So I am currently having a little pity party or dose of reality not sure which one. Or, maybe I am just simply avoiding the things I need to do but don't want to? Or, maybe I just feel like getting out what is in my head so I can go do the things I want to do with a clear mind?

Anyway, I am sitting on the floor in my living room where the sun is shining through the patio doors onto my back and the wall heater is going on and off to keep it warm in this, what would be, a freezing cold room if it wasn't on, despite the sunshine. Wow, that was a run on, oh well! I am trying to figure out what it is that all the "other moms" do to keep them busy? I am soooo bored about 50% of the day wondering what in the world I could do besides clean, clean and do some more cleaning. I could have the house all clean in the morning and then by the time Zach gets home the house is TRASHED! Is that all people do is clean?

I am a people person. I would be fine having someone live in my house with me just so there would be someone to talk to and interact with all day besides my kids. I don't mind cleaning if there is someone to talk to, in person or on the phone, but without the interaction it is boring!! (I sound like a complaining teenager, don't I)? I hate going places alone with just the kids and I. Not because they are bad in public but simply because there is no one to have a conversation with. Don't get me wrong I love to interact with my kids but I need more then that. To me, taking Zander to preschool, having a doctors appointment, or going to the gym in the morning does not constitute a busy day. That takes about 1-2 hours, max, of the entire 11 hours I need to fill. So, lets say feeding the kids takes about 1.5hr a day, getting everyone ready another 1hr (what is the point if we don't see another human being all day?) picking up the house, the max I can stand is about 2hrs a day. So I am now up to about 5.5hrs filled. What the heck do other moms do for the remaining 5.5hrs?

I am totally in denial...I could literally spend all day cleaning, organizing, doing laundry, cooking, and playing with the kids and then wake up the next day and start all over but I just can't! I would REALLY GO CRAZY not just sort of go CRAZY. I miss the good ole days when the Skidmore's lived here and we would all get together on a regular basis, we would do things together during the day, it didn't have to be planned weeks ahead of time, there was rarely the lame excuses like, "I have laundry to do" or "I need to do dishes"...who doesn't have those things to do all day everyday?

I guess part of the reality is every one has kids now and more of them, and then there are schedules, and preschool and all the junk. I know it is bad when the only thing I have to be excited about is my OB appointments (heck even a pelvic exam doesn't sound that bad...it would get me out of the house for about 20 minutes longer!). Oh and one more thing, sewing group, that happens once a month where I get to go hang out with the "old ladies"! I wish sewing group was once a week or, heck, I would be up for every other night!

I guess if money wasn't a factor I could think of tons of things to do like run errands, go to the mall, go to Stone Fire Pizza, the bounce house places, but in my reality spending 20 bucks to do those things is not realistic so I stay home and pick my nose.

I can't wait until July when Zach will finally be done with his MBA! He has five more weeks of actual class and then the rest of the time his work is all online. Which means no more going to class every Tuesday night, which means no more Monday night papers to write and presentations to prepare, which mean no more Wednesday nights getting caught up on actual work work. Which means no more first half of the week being lonely all day and all night for me!!!This probably has to do with why I am writing this post because it is Wednesday and I have been lonely since Sunday night.

Well now that I have complained about just about everything, I think I will go feed myself and the little girl that is swimming in my belly some lunch!

PS I need to get a life!!!

PSS Should I really push the publish post button? Probably not but oh well!

PSSS I really hate having sick kids all the time which isolates me even more from the world!

It's a.....

2009-02-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

GIRL!!!!!!

I'm so excited! The kids and I are off to go make a PINK cake so we can surprise Zach with what it is! He was up north for work so he wasn't able to come to the ultrasound. Now that he is driving home and I know he can't check the blog I wanted to update it! Sorry for the wait! They saw no BOY PARTS and we saw what looked like the GIRL LINES!! I will have another ultrasound in a few weeks at the Dr. office to confirm it! I am still a little bit in shock that it is actually a girl I really thought it was going to be a boy. It was such a relief to see the little heart beat and that it had arms and legs. My first ultrasound was soooo early it looked nothing like a baby, no arms or legs just a circle with a spine in the middle.

Cast your vote!!!

2009-02-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

What will the newest addition to our family be??? We find out tomorrow at 12:30 so make a guess! When I get home from the ultrasound I will post it on the blog. Brody says it's a girl, Zander says it's a boy, Lissie says it's a girl, Zach says it's a girl, I am telling myself it is a boy and if it turns out to be a girl then it is a bonus! I hope that doesn't sound bad. I am completely fine with another boy (although I am totally sick of my boy clothes) I am just really hoping for a girl so Lissie can have a sister semi close in age. Lissie turns three in less then a month, I can't believe how old she is getting.

Our family is 3 girls to 2 boys! Who will be right?

My Mama..

2009-02-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

My Mama is KILLING ME!!!!! I talked to her last night about getting me in for my ultrasound today and she said they were really booked but they could probably squeeze me in around noon. This morning she sent me a text and wrote, I will call you after I check the schedule after 9. So at about nine she calls and says it looks like I can get you in at 12:30 on FRIDAY :-( After I pleaded with her and told her you suck mom (in a loving way of course) I then asked her if she can see if the hospital can squeeze me in. She said when she gets out of her meeting she will see if they can get me in this afternoon. I think her meeting ends at 11:30 so I will be sending an annoying text her way then. I am soooo impatient. It is driving me crazy not knowing. I had horrible dreams all night last night and was awake from 4 until 5:30. Not fun! Hopefully my MOM will be able to work some magic and get me in. I told her I would even pay the lady 20 bucks to stay 10 minutes after work and do a peek...that sounds like a GREAT deal to me!

Totally random

2009-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

So I have been a horrible blogger as of late! He are a few pictures I have taken over the past month or so! I am sooooo ready for Spring to come and this nasty weather to be gone. All I can be grateful for is the fact that we have seen the sun the past two days in a row! That means that we have broken a record in the horrible state of WI and that I have actually been productive and gotten things done around the house. When the sun is out I feel GREAT!!!! When it is hiding I am not so GREAT :-( If only we could move to AZ,NM,CA,TX,TN or really anywhere that the sun likes to shine!!!! My kids would really appreciate it if the sun would come out more because I am a lot more fun to be around when it is SUNNY out. And boy if it was actually warm enough to go outside and play I think I would be on a high for weeks! I find it pathetic that when the sun is out I lay on the carpet in the family room where the sun is beaming on the floor and pretend that I am actually outside sunbathing! I love seeing the window reflection on my carpet! It is so bright and cheery.

Yummy!

The Crew all ready for church!

I'm still in love with him!
Dreaming of the day when we can go outside again!

Lately, one of Zander's favorite things to do is write words on his magna doodle! He FINALLY decided he was going to learn how to spell and write his name. If he wants to do it, it will be learned in a second if he doesn't good luck convincing him to learn it or do anything for that matter. He is one stubborn, oh too smart little boy! He enjoys having me say the sound of each letter and then him writing the letter. One of his favorite words to write is BATMAN!!!!As you can probably see Allissa and Brody got into my bow supplies and went a little headband CRAZY!!!! Luckily they are rejects. When you buy wholesale you don't always no exactly what you will end up getting and these were not what I was expecting to get so I had them in a bag to be tossed in the TRASH! Unfortunately they got to them first and had some fun!

My little HEADBAND man!!! You could only see a little patch of hair on the top of his head...the rest was over by like 30 headbands. He just thought it was the funniest things EVER!

What a PAIR!!!!

Doesn't this look WAY MORE COMFORTABLE then her bed??? She was throwing a fit saying, "I'm not sleepy," Over and over again until a few minutes later we found her like this. Not sure why kids don't just choose to sleep in there beds? Zander is almost always asleep by his door so when you go to open the door at night you have to try and maneuver him out of the way without hurting him.

All is well...

2009-02-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

I had my doctor's appointment today and everything was just perfect. Dr G. literally put the probe on my belly and there the heartbeat was. It was awesome not having to wait patiently without freaking out while the heartbeat was found! All three of the kids went with me and they were perfect so that was awesome too! Next appointment is March 3rd!

Confession...

2009-01-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

I am ADDICTED to McDonald's french fries. I have only had them twice since being pregnant and I have to say they are mmmm mmmmm good!!! I just pounded down a large fry with the help of Lissie. I put Brody down for a nap because that was one less mouth I had to share with. Dipping them is their BBQ sauce and Sweet n Sour sauce is so delicious. They were fresh out of the fryer and drenched with yummy salt. My mouth is watering for more!!!

I'm in LOVE...

2009-01-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

What can I say besides I am head over heels in love with my little man BRODY!! He seriously brightens up my day (which is hard to do lately) with his amazing smile, adorable expressions, and his love of snuggling me. His age (20m) is about the funnest stage yet. I dote on every new word he learns to says, every new task he can accomplish, and just about everything he does. I'm sure I am enjoying him so much because I don't already have a six month old that I am taking care of on top of him. I do have to say though, the things he is learning to do now are things that Zander and Allissa learned at about 14m not 20m. He is my "SLOW" child ;0) or as Dr. Bernstein would say he is a typical third child. He gains extra points in my heart because he can't really be super naughty and he doesn't really talk back yet and when he does either of the two, he is still little enough that it is still a little on the cute side. (I try to not let him know I think it is cute though because I know in a few months it won't be "CUTE" anymore. Lately he has not been enjoying nursery and my confession now is , I'm kind of glad when they bring him to me because then I get to snuggle him for almost two hours. I love when he falls asleep on my chest and I can love on him! Ok enough about Mr. Grumples....

160...

2009-01-23T08:38:00.001-08:00

160 is the most fabulous number on the planet today!!! I am on cloud nine in la la land! 160 is the number on beats per minute that my babies heart was beating today! My appointment isn't until Feb 3rd but after many dreams and worries I asked the nurse if I could please come in for a reassurance check and she agreed to it. It took her a while to find it (she kept finding mine) but once she did it was beautiful. From this day forward I will no longer be a paranoid freak and I can finally REALLY believe that we truly will have a fabulous baby this summer! I can't wait until Feb 23rd to find out what the little critter has between it's legs! Zach was suppose to be able to go with me so he could stay in the car with the kids, but instead he was in Madison and I was at the Dr. with all three of the kids. I'm sure people thought I should be there to get and IUD, but when we came out of the appointment. and Zander said, "Mommy I heard your babies heartbeat everyone in the waiting room knew otherwise!" The kids were fabulous and thought watching me try to pee in a cup was pretty exciting! Zander said, "Mommy why are you writing you name on it?" and "What are they going to do with your pee?" Got to love all the curiosity!!! I am only imagine the questions that are to come...

Great day!

2009-01-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

Today was AWESOME!!! There is nothing better than hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time!!! Dr G said to me, "I will try and see if we hear the heart beat but you are really early, I normally don't try to hear in until around 10 or 11 weeks." I am 8 w 6 d along. So she put the cold jelly on my belly and gave it a try. It took her about 30 seconds which felt like 10 years to find it, but once she did it was BEAUTIFUL!!! It was super fast so she said that was GREAT and that I should be safe since we heard the heartbeat, but she couldn't promise me that everything would be ok, but she felt good about it! I think the stats are sometime like once you hear the heartbeat you only have about a 5% chance of losing the baby. I am hoping that our last baby was the 5% and not this one too. I felt like someone lifted 1000 pounds off my shoulders while I was walking out of of the building. So only 4 more weeks of worrying and then everything should be good after that next appointment. I am so EXCITED! I am kind of starting to finally believe that just maybe this one might be for real! After losing the baby I have a hard time actually believing that this pregnancy is for real and that a baby will actually come from this. That I won't just gain some weight, feel like crap for 10 weeks and then nothing to show for it except 3 ultrasound pictures of what looked like a perfect 8 w baby.

Side note: Lissie just came down the stairs with her stroller and baby doll wearing her SNOWSUIT!!!! I asked why she is wearing it and she said, "Because I want to!" I guess if she wants to she is more then welcome to wear it. She is so PRECIOUS!

let the pregnancy dreams begin...

2008-12-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

So this dream involves Marci Grip and Jen I.

For some reason Marci and I both had appointments one after another so we decided to travel together. The way we got to the apptointments was by flying on a toy helicoptor that drove like a motorcycle. Can you even imagine Marci and I trying to fit on a toy helicoptor? When we got to the off ramp in TEMECULA, the one by the hotel and duck pond, I believe it is Rancho California Rd, we ran out of gas. So Marci and I started to walk up the off ramp to the gas station. When we got there my dad was there with some lady (no clue who she was) and I asked him to please go back and pick up the helicoptor. At that point he disappeared and while I was going to pick up the heavy helicoptor and walk to the gas station Jen I came and picked us up and now my little sister Kendra was in the car.We drove to these weird interconnected apartments that Marci and Corey we moving into and once I got in I was like, "Annamarie and Tyler are going to be you neighbors." There were no walls to seperate the appartments completely so there were hallways to walk into the other apartment. I then poceeded to tell Marci that she was completely crazy and that she was going to end up with other peoples kids in her bed at night! (I'm sure I was thinking that because Allissa and Zander both ended up in our bed this morning, again!) And that also how embarrassing it would be if people were always randomly walking through your messy house. I was like Marci how are you going to keep you house clean all the time. To exit the biuilding everyone had to go through Marci's living room! Then we walk out of the building and get back in Jen I's car. She asks us if it is okay if we go to a different gas station because the gas was cheaper there. When we got there it was totally ghetto and scary. (thanks Jen) even Marci was like Jen next time we will pay the extra 10 cents per gallon. As we were saying our goodbyes Jen said well you better take this day off because days like this won't happen for a long time.

Marci is my good friend here in WI and Jen I lived here for a year and moved away to FL a little over 7 months ago. She has twin boys that are almost one and toddler. In my dream she had no kids.

Pregnancy dreams are so weird. For me they are either emotional affair dreams with ex-boyfriends (nothing sexual) or weird ones like this. The dream I had the first part of the night can't be written on the blog:0) If you made it this far I am impressed, not sure I would have! I was awoken by Zander rubbing my hair saying, "Mommy I want to watch a movie."

Back to reality, my day is beginning.

To apply or not?

2008-12-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

There is a job opening in Billings, Montana....to apply or not to apply? hmmmmmmmmmmm

Zach learned that he would be working in both MT and WY so there would be a lot more travel and time away from family. I don't think I like that idea very much. He talked to his boss man this afternoon and his boss mentioned that in March being promoted to a SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST here in WI so I think we will probably wait it our a few more months to see what other positions become available in other states besides MT. Basically, the way his job works is if he wants to move up in the company then we have to move. We want/need more money so that means we will move! The position that he is in now is typically a 15 months position and in NOV that was our 12 months so it is only a matter of time before we move on to the next place.

I am anxious to figure out where we will be going next, but Zach keeps telling me I need to be patient.

TONIGHT, we had the missionaries over for dinner. I made country style spare ribs, rice, green beans and bread. There were 7 missionary total so that was a little overwhelming to cook for. In the end it all worked out!

Christmas Celebrations...

2008-12-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

This is what our house looked like the morning of Christmas Eve! Zach stopped to take a picture on our way to breakfast!

Since this is probably our last Christmas here in Wisconsin we decided to spend it with my family. We talked about opening presents at home Christmas morning, but decided since it might be our last opportunity to be with my family Christmas morning we went over there. It was CRAZY, fun, exciting, every kids dream as always!!! On Christmas eve we had our 4 course meal as always and then, for the first time, this year the kids opened all the presents from Grandma and Grandpa and aunts and uncles. It helped tame down Christmas morning a bit, but not a ton. All the kids were so excited to get some new outfits and a few toys. Brody was adorable ripping open the package. I think it helps having older siblings because it seemed like he totally got it. We got home at about 11pm and then put the kids to bed. Zach was tracking SANTA on his computer all evening so before Zander could go to bed we had to see where SANTA was. We woke up Christmas morning with both ZANDER and ALLISSA in our bed like we do almost every morning. Any ideas how to break this habit??? I slept with my parents until I got married...I think we are in for it!!!

Zach commented on this being the first Christmas that we didn't have a new addition to the family since we started having kids. That isn't entirely true because Zander was born 5 days before Christmas and Allissa wasn't born the next year. I love my little family and I feel so blessed to have three so far and hopefully 4 little miracles in my life! Every birth is truley a miracle just like the brith of our savior Jesus Christ!

This year we bought our first nativity set, it's from Sam's club. It looks like little Precious Moments but not that brand. While I took a nap Zach and the kids played out the Birth of our Savior. It was so cute to wake up to Zander's excitement about it. They used the fisher price red barn for the stable it was so SWEET! Zach asked Zander where Baby Jesus would sleep in the barn and he said, "In the hay!" So the manger was place on the yellow hay pile in the barn!

So hard to get a good one

Allissa and Brody on the piano bench at my parents house Christmas Eve

Allissa with her cousin Jenna they are two months apart. The two of them together equals trouble!

Brody ripping into his package. It was so cute to watch him!

Allissa and Zander in our bed Christmas morning! Zach woke them up to open their stocking! It is impossible to get a good one of all three of them.All the presents Christmas morning!

Darcy, Zach and Mara my second to youngest sisterZander with his new planet heroes.

Small group shot Christmas morning, missing lots of the kids :(

Super Powers

2008-12-21T16:05:00.000-08:00

This is Zach,

Zander had a super hero birthday party yesterday (Saturday) and that got me thinking, what super powers do my kids have? Zander, Lissie, Brody, and I were wrestling in the living room and I think I figured it out.

Zander, you see, is brilliant, for a four year old. Yes, I am his Papi (dad) and so I am supposed to think that, but just the same I think he is really smart.

Lissie, on the other hand is adorable, just as smart but adorable is her super power because man, it is hard to say no to her.

Brody has a very subtle, though no less potent super power. He is adorable and has a way about him that makes him great, but his super power is the snuggle. He just loves to snuggle and when he does there is nothing you can do to get away from him.

So, if ever you are in an epic battle with my children, maybe I shouldn't be telling you their secrets, don't listen to Zander, don't look at Lissie, and keep Brody at arms length. If you don't you will fall in love with them... Just like we have.

P.S. Zander just came in while I am posting this and said, "Papi, that was good battle, who do you think won?"

Baby update!!!!

2008-12-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

So today I had my first appointment and everything went fabulous!!! I asked for an ultrasound so I could see the heartbeat and they were able to get me in right after my appointment. When they did the ultrasound on my tummy they could see the sac but no baby. The tech assured me not to worry since I was so early. Once the did the other wonderful transvaginal ultrasound there was baby!!! So far it was just one healthy baby!!! The heartbeat was 108 bpm! The tech said, "I'm grateful we did this today and not yesterday because today is the first possible day to see the heartbeat." I'm pretty grateful, too!! I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo nervous that my legs were shaking. Then when she told me that I didn't have to be nervous because there was a heartbeat, I was nervous, my legs were shaking, and I was really giddy!!!!!

Ladies and Ge... Wait, there probably aren't any guys that read this...

2008-12-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Alright, since all of you have taken the time to vote, we the Spafford family, would like to let you know who won the First Annual Ginger Bread House Battle: This year there was a hard won fight, with votes coming from all sides and through most of the contest it was a one vote advantage to House #2.
Well, here is the moment you have all been waiting for..... The WINNER IS..................

House #1................. Presented by .......................................

The MEN!!!!

Woo Hoo "And the MEN GET BACK MASSAGES from the Girls!!!!!!!!!!" Or so says Alexzander.

Moments like these

2008-12-16T07:17:00.001-08:00

1. I asked Allissa to take the dirty dish towels and throw them down the laundry shoot that is in the bathroom.
2. Brody decided to follow her
3. I decided to call my OB and pay my remaining balance over the phone so I don't have to waste a stamp.
4. I noticed itwas unusually quite while I was on the phone.
5. Got off the phone and walked towards the bathroom.
6. I was greeted by this....

What a team!

Not so sure this is her color!

How adorable is he?

Allissa trying to clean up Brody

7. I wanted to scream at them for being extremely naughty but instead I did this....

8. Ran and got the camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zander didn't get in on the fun because he was too busy watching a movie on the computer. Lissie also decorated the back of their necks! Luckily, it was a free gift that I got about two years ago and never used.

I SURE LOVE THEM!!!!

PLEASE GO VOTE!!!!

2008-12-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

So this year we have started a new Christmas Holiday tradition!!!! We are going to hold an annual boys against girls Gingerbread house making contest. You my wonderful readers are going to be the judges!!!!!!!!!! Please EVERYONE that reads this take the two second to vote on the right hand side of the home page!!! I know a lot more people read than comments so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

House on the left is number 1 right is number 2

Left 1 right 2

front 1 back 2

Back 1 front 2

Left 2 right 1

PLEASE GO VOTE!!!!!

Christmas outfits

2008-12-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

On Friday I realized I had nothing for them to wear for the Christmas Holiday Season!! So while Zander was a preschool on Friday Brody, Lissie and I headed to the fabric store! They had their holiday prints at 50% off so I was able to make this dress for about 7 dollars!!!! Friday night I went back to Joann's and bought Brody and Zander material to make them matching ties! Friday night at about 10 I started to sew and finished at about 1am. It was a GREAT time because I got to talk to Aubrey the entire time I was sewing! Aubrey was up making the same dress for her little girl Brielle! I altered mine a bit. The ties were pretty fun to make and I will be doing a lot more in the future!

Brody with his BIG MAN TIE!!!!
Zander with Santa!

Brody with Santa...he looks trilled!!!

HELP me this man is going to eat me!!!!!

My little princess!

Side view

Back view

I just love having a girl to decorate and I'm glad she love it too!!!!! I'm just sure three more boys are going to come my way!