18 months!

Today we took Addy in for her 18 month check. I can't believe she is 18 months old. She is in the 3rd percentile on weight, and the 5Th percentile on height. They are a little nervous about her height, but I think she is fine. She is staying on her own growing curve so that's all that matters. They suggest we keep her on 1 pediasure per day for weight gain. She weighs almost 18lbs. now. Developmentally she meets all the requirements for her age group. She has developed quite the personality too! She can say lot's of words now, her favorite is "NO" or "Mine". Just the other day she pointed her finger at my face and told me "NO!". She is my only child who has knowingly told me when she is stinky or pee pee. I would jump on that for potty training sake, but with the new baby coming there is no point. She can find her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. She can also sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. It is very cute too!! She loves to be independent, play with her babies, follow the big kids around, and help mommy! She also loves to throw tantrums! ☺ On Sunday she will go to Nursery!! I am just so thankful for her, she has truly been an added blessing to our family!

○ mini golf ○

We had a great time a Toad's Family Fun Center, here in Harrisville, today! We did a family package, which included mini golf & arcade games. Our game of mini golf was very interesting. If you want to teach yourself patience, I suggest going mini golfing, with 3 small children. I believe it took us 45 minutes to get through 3 holes, and at least 2 other parties past us.

After, a couple practice times, Preston got pretty good. It still took him a few times to get it in the hole, but he is getting better.

Clint tried, tried, and tried to help Tyson. Unfortunately, he just wasn't that into it. The rocks were more fun to him. He did love having a green ball though! I think we only lost it in the water once, and Clint fished it out. After we got to some of the better holes, he had more fun!

Addy just loved the balls. It was like watching a cute little puppy play fetch. It was pretty funny! ☺

Clint and I tried to play for real. Although, it wasn't working that well. I think the holes we did keep score on we came in pretty close! I had a disadvantage though. It's very hard to putt when you have a large baby in your belly. Clint had to pick up, and put my ball down for me. This bending thing is getting hard!!

I did have the best putt of the night. I was trying to hit the ball a little bit harder to aim for the hole. I didn't realize Addy had gotten in the way. So as I hit the ball it rolled right up her back, and bounced off her head, and landed in the rocks. So what are the odds of that? So the above picture is me laughing hysterically. I am sure it is one of those "You had to be there moments", but it was really funny! Of course Clint was snapping pictures of me about to go into labor due to laughter.

After our extremely long game of mini golf, we went in and played some arcade games.

The boys enjoyed the motorcycle racing the best! Clint really wanted to play, but we let the children use the tokens.

So he helped instead. What a nice dad!! We had a great time!!! ☺

For Preston...

Preston has such a creative mind. He very often turns anything, and everything into something cool or fun! Today it was the couch cushions. He turned them into a "tipsy tower". Where he climbed up, then tumbled to the ground! As you can see, his little sister was right there following his every footstep. I truly am surprised she did not break her neck. There is no stopping her either. If she sets her mind to it, she's gonna do it! Now normally I do not allow my children to do this to the furniture, but I could care less about that couch, and it was really funny to watch Addy! Tyson was in the shower or I am sure he would have been right there too!! Preston had to make sure I took pictures and put them on the blog. So this post is for him! ☺

Fathers & Sons Camp Out

Clint took the boys (Preston, Tyson, and Jaxson) on the Fathers & Sons camp out this weekend. They had a great time. Lot's of bonding!! The boys have not stopped talking about playing frisbee, roasting marshmallows, sleeping in the tent, the food they ate, and how much fun they had. Clint took them fishing afterwards. Tyson was the only lucky one...catching his first fish ever. Then he got to come home and fillet the fish, cook it, and eat it. He did share with everyone though. We are proud and excited for him. I am thankful that they had this opportunity to get out in nature with their dad. With the new baby coming we are going to be busy--so this was a great experience.

♥Baby Belly♥

Let me say first of all...I am not one to go showing off my baby bump. I try to cover the damage that my lovely 4 children have created for my body! On the other hand, I have seen these maternity photos, and have always wanted to have some taken. The reasons being they're pretty cute, then I have some sort of memorabilia to remember my protruding navel in the years to come. Then if no other reason, it gives me great inspiration to loose weight after! So I will warn you all now...they're are some bare tummy ones...and they could be scary... so proceed with caution! Well, with that said, I want to thank Nila for taking these for me. She has a very nice camera, and did this for us for free. Plus, I wasn't really comfortable going to a studio just to let anyone take pictures of my belly. So we set up our own. Also, I need to thank Clint, who didn't really want to be involved in this. I appreciate him dealing with my crazy pregnancy wants. So without further ado....here are my favorites! "Baby Girl"

"We loved you before you were born."

"All because two people fell in love."

"Daddy, I can't wait to see you!"

"There is no friendship, no love, like that of a mother for her child."

"Don't open until July"

"Sent from Heaven"

"Waiting for Sister!"

"A painting for Kaitlon."

"Sisters from the start, friends from the heart."

"A kiss for baby"

Kindergarten Graduation

Well, today we hit a milestone. Our first born has graduated from Kindergarten. (SOB!!!) I just can't believe how the time has flown. Preston has learned so much through out the year. He has enjoyed field trips, class parties, learning sight words, beginning reading, and so much more!! He is looking forward to First Grade, but not until summer vacation is over. He will also attend a new Elementary School next year due to boundary changes. So that has been bittersweet! We are so thankful to his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Heaton. She has been a wonderful teacher, and we couldn't have survived kindergarten without her! I hope you enjoy our pictures, it was

very hard to get good, clear shots. I got there early and still could only find a seat in the back. I guess that happens when you have over 100 kindergartners and all their families there! I will try and post a video of him later (I need Clint's help--I don't know how to work the video camera!)

Preston's Thoughts on Kindergarten:

My Favorite thing about kindergarten was playing trains.

I learned about animals in kindergarten.

My favorite subject was reading.

I did not like singing at kindergarten!

My best friend was Rigby!

My favorite Field Trip was to the Nature Center.

My favorite party was the Christmas Party.

I liked that Mrs. Heaton was a good teacher.

Next year, I hope I can learn more math!

Counting Down....

We saw the doctor again today. We had another check-up! Kaitlon is looking wonderful. She measured 32 weeks, and had a strong heartbeat. The doctor thinks she will weigh 6-6 1/2 lbs. at delivery. That would make her my biggest baby. We will see!! She has TURNED!!! She is head down, and as long as she doesn't turn back, it increases my chance of being able to deliver her without a c-section. She was really cute today, she kept covering her head, and we even got to see her yawn. She has a very cute little tongue. I wish I could get this computer to let me upload the ultrasounds! In the picture above she has her fist in her face...she's ready to box! Clint did try to throw in the fact that we would really like to have her at the end of June. The doctor said we will play it by ear, and see how things progress. He usually lets us though. :) So we go back on June 4Th for another check...I will let you know how it goes!

Thoughts on being a mom...

Since today is Mother's Day, I have just been reflecting on the past 6 1/2 years of being a mommy. Nothing in my life has been so challenging, yet so rewarding. I haven't wanted anything in life as much as I wanted to have a family of my own. I am grateful that each day I get to wake up, and care for these sweet children that my Heavenly Father has sent to me. Eight months ago I was taken back to discover we were receiving another. I kept thinking, How can this be possible? Why now? I am not ready. As the months continue to go on, I have felt a bond already. I cannot wait to have this sweet little girl here. I have loved the opportunity to hold my babies in my arms for the first time, and to kiss there sweet little faces. To know that they are here for a purpose, that there is a great plan for their lives. I have always felt like I was here to make a difference, that I could teach, direct, and strengthen little ones. So that they could be better, so they could make a difference, and influence our futures. I have had that opportunity in my career. Although, I have a tendency to forget that I have that opportunity each day. Sometimes it's hard to think of a mother's purpose between homework, laundry, throw-up, diapers, dinner, endless activities, and more. At the end of the day when they are peaceful and sleeping I remember why I am here, and what a great work I am doing. Is there any blessing greater, then being a mother? I am thankful to the women in my life who have set great examples of motherhood. Who have inspired me, and reached out there hands when I have needed. I am especially thankful to my Father in Heaven, who gives me the strength to make it through each day, and guides me to teach my children correct principles. I am thankful for my children, because without them, I wouldn't be a mother, I wouldn't have these beautiful blessings. So HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! ♥

mmm...good!

I made some chocolate covered strawberries for Preston's teacher today. It was a fun teacher appreciation gift. You can check out the finished project at http://www.acraftychic.blogspot.com/! Anyway, after we were finished we had a big pan of melted chocolate left over. It became a family fondue party. Everyone sat around laughing, and enjoying the leftovers. Clint and A.J. had a little too much fun...they began dipping everything they could think of in it: chips, fruitloops, grapes, cookies, and who knows what else! We had a great time! ☺

Tyson's Preschool Graduation!

We spent this evening celebrating Tyson's Preschool graduation. It was nice to enjoy the warm weather and the sunshine! His class sang a couple of songs. Then they were given an award, and certificate of completion. We are proud of our little "Woogie"! He is growing up right before our eyes, and becoming so smart!!

Preston's Teeth!

A couple weeks ago, Preston was really upset, and told us his teeth were hurting. We rushed him into our dentist the next day. To our surprise his back tooth needed a root canal! So they proceeded to start the process, when Preston threw up on them. The dentist suggested that he see a Pediatric Dentist and have him sedated. So this morning at 5:30 am Clint got up to take him to his appointment. They sedated Preston and were able to get a full mouth x-ray. Well come to find out...Preston's back teeth were in worse shape then we thought. 3 of his baby teeth, that had been filled before, had decayed even more, to the point that some of the roots were gone. So not only did Preston get a root canal today, he had 3 teeth pulled, and 2 other cavity's filled. So I am feeling like the worst mom ever. I swear we brush!! He has a harder time flossing, but we still try and do it. So I am just baffled at how bad his back teeth were. If anyone knows of any suggestions or ideas to keep them healthier, please feel free to share! Well, to keep Preston from being too upset, we did remind him that the tooth fairy gets to come now. He is very excited for that!