a few more ladies

my sister is here with her four outrageously dramatic girls. Nine kids in this house is never too many, especially when they're this cute:

Betty Boop and Roly Poly are BFFs in their matching jammies. Debbie bought the right kind of pacifier to keep Roma quiet. It's been working wonders.

Lots more pictures to come... when we have more time. We're all just thrilled to have more females than males in this house. We're going to enjoy them while we can!

rich kids

We paid Ben and Luke $150 (each!) at the end of 2011. It sounds like a lot of money for two little boys, but these aren't your typical little boys.

They went an ENTIRE YEAR without candy (with the exceptions of their birthdays and Halloween Day) and they went 6 whole months (Jan-July) without ANY desserts (with the exception of cake on Luke's birthday). Did they think it was worth it? Absolutely. Did we- as parents- think it was worth it? Absolutely. They proved to be strong-willed and unbelievably determined.

Oh, how I love them.

terrible pictures taken on my cell phone.

I wrote a longer explanation about their candy challenge HERE. It was too long for my liking, but it needed to be written for the books. Anyway......

It's now the end of January and how much money have they spent? About $50 each and it was ALL on Christmas presents for others. I am in awe of them and their maturity. They are saving up for something incredible. They want to take our family on a trip to Legoland. I don't think Aaron and I will let them pay for the hotel, our tickets (or anything else for that matter) but they don't know that yet.... shhh!

I could go on and on and on about these boys and how much I love them. But I don't want you to come to my house in the middle of the night and steal them... or their money! Let me just say that they are responsible, kind and wise beyond their years. They set their alarm each morning, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, clean their room, do their chores, make their lunch for school, and THEN wake up the rest of the family for scripture reading. They are UH-MAZING. Every once in a while, I wake up early to help them, but they never need it, so I sit back and observe them. This morning, this is the conversation I heard (I was nursing the baby on the couch and they were talking in the kitchen).

Ben: Luke, I wish you could be a little more helpful when I am making our lunch.

Luke: When it was my turn yesterday, I made them.

B: But I got everything out for you.

L: Well, I didn't ask you to do that.

B: I know, but I was being nice. And I would appreciate it if YOU would help ME once in a while.

L: Oh.

B: All I am asking is that you get the yogurts out of the fridge. Or get me a baggie for the sandwiches. I do that for you all the time.

L: I didn't know you wanted me to help.

B: If you're in the kitchen when I am making them, you should just offer without me having to ask.

L: Okay. I can do that. Did you already get the yogurts out?

B: Of course I did.

L: Is there anything else you want me to help with?

Ben: No. (sighing) I've already done everything.

** By the way, this was SO NOT an argument. It was all spoken very kindly and quietly. I sat on the couch listening, trying so hard not to laugh. They sounded exactly like a married couple celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. Their relationship is incredible. Having them 18 months apart was the best decision I've ever made as a young mother! I have never regretted it..

hag

This morning, I went to the grocery store looking like a hag.

In my defense, I only slept for about 2 hours last night. I was up early to get my kids off to school. My three littles don't give me any free time these days, so showering is not really an option until after lunch. Anyway, I wasn't planning on heading out in public, but our dear neighbors were sick with the nasty flu bug we had last week and they needed some things at the store. So, to the store I went, hag-like or not.

I tried to avoid all human contact while all the store, but alas, I ran into two friends! One I hadn't seen in over two years. That was "fun" to catch up. The other is the primary prez from my ward and she sees me dressed as Sister Friendly all the time (who is very haggish herself) so no worries. After my second encounter, I knew it was time to get out of that store... and fast.

While ringing up, all three of my kids started crying. Zack got his finger smashed by the cart. Simon wanted candy. Ro was hungry or tired.. or both. I was becoming more haggard by the minute. I thanked the cashier and smiled, in desperation, at the little 90 year old man bagging my groceries. He was moving ever so slowly. When he placed the last back in my cart, he looked at me in the eyes and said, "Wow! Do you work out? You are a real cutie-pie!" Before I could say a word, he continued to compliment me by saying, "You should be proud of yourself! You're looking great, especially with three little kids!" I was so surprised by this, I didn't know what to say, but I tell you what, I was ready to take on the world--- in my black stretchy pants and all!

I called Aaron on the way home to tell him that old men were hitting on me in the grocery store. He was super jealous. When I arrived home, I had Zack take a picture of me in all my beautiful glory. Sometimes a picture says more than words ever can.

Today I felt the power of a sincere compliment. I don't care if it came from someone who was blind and senile. It really lifted my spirits and made me remember what's important. I might look like a hag on the outside, but I've got potential.... Somewhere underneath the layers of dirt, sweat and spit-up, a real CUTIE-PIE resides.

life without clothes on

"Gimme my boobies back!"

has become a popular saying around these parts.

Every time her brothers say it, this girl smiles.

There's lots to say, but no time to say it. To sum things up, my life is beyond crazy and chaotic. I have officially become "psycho mom". Five kids has done me in. Zack has been throwing up for days. Simon either broke his collarbone or dislocated his shoulder playing "donkey" with Zack yesterday. Romy is the neediest baby we've ever owned. She wants to be held ALL day long.

This morning, I tried to calm everyone down with a bubble bath. The minute they were in the tub, Ro pooped in the warm water. Simon and Zack were out in a flash, running around with bubbles on their bums screaming about how disgusting it was. I was able to get some fresh water and get them back in and for 2 minutes they were ALL clean. While drying them off on my bed, I tried to take a cute picture of them, and this is all I got. Sometimes I wonder why I even try...

one of these days (not today) I am going to realize these kids are pretty cute.

boobs are like magic

last night was bunko. Around 10:30 pm I received a text from my husband. No words, just this picture:

I was already in the car when I got the text, but I pretended like I left the party early and rushhhhed home. Daddy was super impressed that I was there to rescue him 2.5 minutes after the SOS. When he says jump, I ask how high.

This is what she looked like 2.5 minutes after I arrived home.

boobs are like magic.

it's unfortunate my husband can't grow a pair.