I'm Exhausted!!! (Sorry it's long)

What a week this has been! I am very, very tired. Clint and the boys have been on their river rafting trip all week. So it's just been me and the girls at home. I am very much missing them, and don't like being separated. It has been a crazy week filled with some very interesting experiences. On Saturday, I realized I had something leaking off of my mini van. I was kind of nervous, but Clint reassured me it was probably just the air conditioner condensation, and I would be okay. He had already left for Lehi, so he couldn't really check it out. Well on Tuesday I realized it wasn't going away, and I started to get really nervous. Now, I am not the kind of girl who really deals with the car mechanics. I usually tell Clint if I think something is wrong and he takes car of it. I can drive my car to Walmart for an oil change, I can fill it with gas, but that's about it. So since it was still leaking I googled "What is leaking out of my car?". Which popped up with 18 million searches I swear! Anyway, I found one that showed pictures of what different fluids looked like. It said if you can't tell get a paper towel, and hold it under the leak, put it in sunlight to see better, blah, blah, blah. So I did this. It looked clear like water, but it felt oily. So I popped my hood, I did check my oil, I could not figure out where this was coming from. So I started reading my car manual trying to figure out what was what under my hood. So I figured well there isn't much I can do and went on my way. On Wednesday, I ran to Home Depot, and when I got out I had a huge puddle under my car. So I hurried and grabbed a napkin, got some of the leak on it, and drove to AutoZone. I told the lady "I am stupid, my husband usually does this stuff. I have a leak in my car, and can't figure this out. And my husband is in the middle of no where, and I can't even call him!" Then I handed her my napkin. I think I scared her! :) So she came out to the van, absolutely sure it was my air conditioner condensation. Well come to find out I have a tiny little hole, the size of a strand of hair in my antifreeze tank. They of course do not sell the part at AutoZone. I have to find one at the junk yard or dealership. I just looked at her like um okay...you think I am going to fix this myself? Anyway, she sold me some glue to bond the hole until I can get it replaced. So needless to say, it's not working. I still have a leak. That was the first part of the week. The rest of the week I have been non stop cleaning and organizing everything. We are blessing Kaitlon on Sunday, and I am extremely anal when it comes to having people over. This I will blame on my father. I can't stand for my house to be in disorganization. I get so embarrassed if it's messy. It's the perfectionist in me. I also think I have a little bit of OCD, and seriously it stems from childhood experiences. :) So I have spent the past 2 days doing laundry (it's even folded and put away), scrubbing all of our floors, vacuuming, dusting, organizing book shelves, and toys, cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed all of the walls and baseboards in our hallway/kitchen, cleaned the bathroom, I pulled weeds, mowed the front, and back lawns, laid down some new mulch, and decided to clean the garage. Why? you ask did I decide to do that. Well this is the reason. Clint got a table saw for Christmas from my dad. He has been dying to put it up and use it. Unfortunately, our garage has looked like this for several months now:

It has been a MESS!! No one has wanted to touch it. A couple weeks ago he said, "I really want to put my table saw up, would you come out and help me organize one night?" I said yes, but had the urge to run away! Well with the busy schedule he has had the past few weeks we just haven't had time. So I talked my brother into coming out and helping me clean, and organize it today. That way when Clint gets home he can put up his table saw. I wanted to surprise him. It isn't perfect, because it basically holds all of our storage. At least it is an organized mess now, he can put up his table, and we can walk through it now too! So between the 2 little girls, and the van, and cleaning I am very tired! I wish I could say it all stayed spotless, but Addy loves to help me. Everything I did, she was there un-doing it. So it looks like tomorrow will be another day of cleaning. :) That and my van needs a good scrub down after Tyson puked in it at the rodeo! I have to say though, I have felt a new appreciation for my husband this week. I always tease him that if I were to go away he wouldn't be able to cope, because he has no idea what I really do. I feel as though I am eating my words this week. I have felt new appreciation for him, and all he does. Like taking care of our vehicles! ♥ I love you Clint, and cannot wait for you guys to get home!

photo shoot

While Clint was away I had some pictures taken of Kaitlon. Here are some of my favorites:

Since Wednesday...

We've had a pretty hectic week since Wednesday, and I haven't had a chance to blog about it. Wednesday evening my aunt threw me a be-lated baby shower. I missed the originally schedule one due to false labor. Some of the girls I work with were there. Along with my mom, and my other aunt. It was fun! Kaitlon was a hit!! They passed her around, and we talked and ate. It was really nice of everyone to do that for us. It really meant a lot to me for them to think of us. Here is some of the stuff we got!

My mother-in-law, and my mom bought Kaitlon a new blessing dress! It is really pretty. I am looking forward to her blessing next week. I found an adorable little headband/bracelet set to match. The headband, and the flowers on the dress are made from the same material. So it will work perfect! You can't see the flowers on the dress in this picture, and I was hurrying before Addyson got to it!
Kaitlon turned 1 month old today! WOW...it amazes me how the time flies! I swear she was just born yesterday! I tried to snap a few 1 month old pictures. I was trying to get some good ones with her eyes open, she wasn't having it. She is becoming more alert! She stays awake for longer periods of time. She still sleeps pretty well at night. One night she slept 7 hours straight. Once, I realized she hadn't woke up--I jumped out of bed to check on her. That doesn't normally happen. It's usually 3 1/2 to 4 hours, 5 if we are really lucky!
Here is one of her all stretched out!! She is growing out of her Newborn size clothing, but the 0-3 month is still a little too big.

I basically spent Friday and Saturday getting my boys ready for their trip. They are headed to the Green River (I think) to spend a week River Rafting. I am not going. The girls are still too little. I can't say I am really upset about it though. It will be kind of nice to have a week where I can hopefully get some cleaning, and organizing done. Then I will get some one on one time with my little girls! We do miss the boys already though! Addy was trying to find Preston and Ty earlier. I kept telling her they went bye, and she was sad! You could see it on her little face. I was taking pictures of Kaitlon, and she said "cheese!" which means take my picture. So I snapped one of her. She is 20 months old today! I can't believe in 4 months she will be 2! Then we can start potty training. Yippie!!

National Day of the Cowboy!

Yesterday was National Day of the Cowboy. We decided what better way to celebrate that then to go to Ogden's Pioneer Day Rodeo! We love the rodeo, it's something we try and do every year. Clint and I have grown up going to them. This year we thought it would be fun to let Preston try his luck at the Mutton Bustin. For those of you who have not grown up Rodeo-ing, that's when children ride a sheep, and whoever stays on the longest wins. The rules are ages 5-8, and less then 50lbs. can participate. We had to pay a $25.00 entry fee. Preston wasn't so sure about it at first, but when he found out he had to have cowboy boots he said okay! Well cowboy boots, a long sleeve shirt, and a new hat later...this is what he looked like all ready!
We got him checked in, they gave him his number: 35! Then we just had to wait until it was his turn!
This is Addy decked out in her cowgirl gear!
While we were waiting we went and saw the animals: horses, bulls, and sheep.

Addyson was telling them stop! (well at least that's what it looked like)

Then it was finally time for Mutton Bustin to begin. We told Preston, just to do his very best and whatever happens-Happens! We also reminded him to be a good sport, and if he got hurt to stand up brush and brush off the dirt! This is the best picture we got of the ride! (Clint was video taping it--but our camcorder lost it somehow--BUMMER!)

Here he is after his ride, brushing off the dirt!

The best part though, was this picture above! Preston won FIRST PLACE staying on the sheep the longest and scoring a 77! Here he is receiving his trophy! (Although, you can't tell very well) We were so proud of him. (He has his Daddy's cowboy blood!)

The proud Preston!

Cowboys have to gloat a little, he called to tell Grandma Ferguson he had won! Preston said his favorite thing about it all was that he got his first Trophy ever! And that it was pretty cool the sheep ran so fast!

After,Mutton Bustin we went back to the stands to enjoy the rodeo. Here are some pictures of our littlest cowgirl! Tyson picked this shirt out for her before she was born.

It was very challenging in the heat with 4 little ones at the Rodeo. I think we were annoying people! Oh well!! We had fun watching the Bull Rides, and the Bare backing, and the motorcycles--yes I said motorcycles. The best part of the Rodeo is the Rodeo Clown! He is so funny!! Our night of course ended with Tyson throwing up everywhere, and a bloody nose to follow--but HEY it was worth it!

Addy

We took Addy to see her nutritionist today. I am happy to say she is gaining weight and getting taller. Not much though. She now weighs 18 1/2 lbs, and is 30 1/4 inches. The nutritionist said that was 1lb. in 2 months, so it was good. She is still on pediasure as of now. We were encouraged to add extra butter to her foods. I know she is little, but come on extra butter? I just do not want her to develop unhealthy eating at such an early age. Maybe, I am making a bigger deal out of this, then what needs to be made. Okay, I will quit being grumpy about it. On the other hand I weighed Kaitlon while we were there, she is 8lbs. exactly! Woohoo!! :)

What A Weekend!!!!!

We have had a very busy, fun, and exciting weekend. It all started on Friday morning. Clint took off to help his brother for a couple of days. His brother just bought a new home, and has needed help in putting in the yard! So Clint went down to help him...leaving me home with all the children! WOW!!! I can honestly say I have so much love and appreciation for my husband, and all he does to help me out around here. It wasn't bad, but it is so much easier to raise these kids when we are both around. Friday, I met my dad for my birthday lunch! It was really nice to be able to go out with him and visit. We don't get to see each other as often as I would like. Since I am the biggest Daddy's girl in the world it's hard sometimes! That was a lot of fun though! Then Friday evening my kids and I hung out and played at home, I got some cleaning done (which was kind of surprising), but nice. FRIDAY NIGHT though, that is a whole other story. Tyson ended up with a fever, it didn't last, but he did not feel good for sure! Then since Clint wasn't here, the baby decided to wake up every 2 hours. Plus, I do not sleep well when Clint is gone. I guess we've been married too long, and he is like that pillow or blanket you can't sleep without! SO I was pretty tired Saturday morning when Addy woke me up at 6:45! Oh well the joys of motherhood right?!?! Saturday was also another exciting day. My friend Shannon came over that morning. She sold lemonade slushies (Oh my goodness they are delicious!) at the end of our driveway. She is raising money, in honor of her mom, for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The kids loved it. They were outside holding signs and trying to get people to stop! I am not sure we were very helpful, but we had a good time supporting her. Then Saturday afternoon Jaida and Jaxson came over, and I took all 6 kids to one of our favorite places--the Treehouse Museum! Now, don't think I did that one alone! I made my aunt come help me! :) So I have to say a big thank you to her for that! The kids had so much fun! I couldn't have done that one without her help!!! It was really fun this time. In honor of Ogden's Pioneer Days they had lot's of play activities that had to do with that. I just have to say wow! I am a big believer that children learn through their play, and what better way to teach them about Pioneer Days, the rodeo, and Ogden's heritage then this?! So I was really glad we went! After, the treehouse we came home and made sloppy joes, had dinner, the kids played house downstairs! It was cute. While I was doing up the dinner dishes I was surprised to see my husband walk through the front door. He wasn't supposed to be home until late. When he got home he had flowers, chocolates, and corn on the cob (my favorite)! He said, "I appreciate you supporting me while I helped my brother this weekend, and I appreciate all you did here by yourself, so I wanted to show you." He doesn't do that very often, so I thought it was really nice! Thank you Lance for letting him come home early! It means a lot to Clint to be able to help his family out, so thanks for letting him help!! So I got to spend Saturday evening with my husband, after we put the kids to bed! Then of course Sunday was busy between church, and all that. We did get to have a fun family BBQ! Steaks, baked potatoes, and my corn on the cob! YUM!!!!!!! We drank some of the lemonade slushie Shannon gave me! It was delicious and a great way to end the weekend. Here are some pictures!

Addy at the treehouse, she loved the babies!

Tyson riding the horses at the mock Rodeo!
Stay on that Bull Preston!!
Milking the cow--it was cool!

The Knights are Preston's favorite!

Tyson loves to play firefighter!

My beautiful flowers!! Thanks honey! ♥

My 26th Birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday! It was a lot of fun! We went to dinner as a family at one of my favorite restaurants, Bella's Mexican Restaurant. They all sang Happy Birthday and made me wear a sombrero! It was quite hysterical. Then I got to have sweet nachos!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! They are delicious. After dinner my aunt came out to watch the kids for us. Then Clint and I went and saw The Proposal. I really liked it--it was really funny! Then Clint and I went and got shakes at Artic Circle! It was a really fun day! Clint got me some new clothes for my birthday, and my other family gave me some money I can spend on myself. I am not sure what I am getting yet, but when I do figure that out I am sure I will love it! I am very thankful to everyone for their thoughtfulness! It was a great day!
I love this picture!

2 weeks old

Kaitlon had her 2 week check up today! She is growing wonderfully. She weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. that's a little over a pound in 2 weeks. YAY!! They said she was in the 50th percentile in weight. She has also grown 2 inches, so she is in the 60th percentile in height. Although, we found it quite funny that her head circumference was only in the 5th percentile. So I have decided either she will grow so fast she will soon weigh as much as Addyson, or she will slow down and be little! It will be interesting to see where her growth curve takes her. She has been feeding about every 31/2-4 hours. She is a pretty good baby!! She sleeps pretty well at night, except waking up for feedings. We have only had one really fussy night. She does get mad if we go for car rides, she hates the car seat! Then she doesn't like it when Addy touches her feet! ☺She is lifting her head at tummy time, and getting stronger. We love having Kaitlon, she is a wonderfully perfect addition to our family! That picture was taken today, at 2 weeks old!

Creative & Cretaceous

Our trip to the Dionsaur Park inspired some creativity at our house last night. The kids wanted to play with their dinosaurs. So I decided it would be fun to give them an opportunity to create their own dinosaur land. This is what they came up with: So proud of their creations.
We used sand, grass, and blue paint to create the earth floor. Then we put in some big rocks, and big leaves (for trees).

Setting up the dinosaurs, if you'll notice at the top of the picture, there is a Pterodactyl flying. ;)

Dinosaur Park

So, I survived my first outing alone with all 4 children! PHEWWWW!!!! It actually went really smooth. We have been stuck in the house for a couple weeks now, and the kids have been dying to get out. They miss preschool, and their friends. So we met them at the Dinosaur Park today. We had fun learning about the different types of dinosaurs. The kids got to make a project, play at the park, see their friends, and it was just really fun! I pushed Addy in the stroller, had Kaitlon in the snuggli, and the boys walked next to me. It did get a little stressful at times, but it was 1,000 times better then going to Wal-Mart. (LOL!!) Addy did really well too. She sat in the stroller and was just amazed by the statues. Then she had a blast in the park. I even managed to snap a bunch of pictures. So needless to say I am feeling confident that I can handle 4 children. (Well at least today anyway!) Enjoy!! ☺ They loved the Dinosaur skeletons. They said, "It's like Night at the Museum!! Do you think they come alive at night?"
He looks lonely. :(

What would Dinosaur Park be without silly pictures??!!??

These ones are robotic, they move on their own. VeRy CrEePy!!! (Sorry the picture is blurry)

Playing in a Dinosaur head.

Sliding!

YAY! Addy!!! She loved this slide! She went up and down by herself over and over! She is getting big!

Preston's turn!

We liked the stegosaurus. The spikes on his back are actually called plates, and have millions of pores on them, like we do.

SHHHH!!! Were hunting Dinosaurs!

We like this guy, he was cute and blue!

Preston said, "It looks like a kangaroo!"

Checking out some Dino foot prints!

Making our own Stegosaurus!