Going Green...... Cloth Diapers

About a month ago I decided to go a bit more green and bought cloth diapers. Colton has been potty-trained for nearly two years now but we have not quite mastered the night-time training. They have been wonderful! I bought three diapers with double inserts since we are using them strictly for overnight wear. I figured it would work out one of two ways - he'd either be dry quickly because he could feel it more and be fully potty-trained OR if he was continuing to wake-up wet I would pay the diapers off quickly. He is normally dry 2-3 times a week, which is more than we were doing. He here is showing off his bum:

Birthday Dinner at Rainforest Cafe

The family usually gets together for birthday dinners of their choice. Courtnie's choice was Chick-Fil-A or Chili's. So Daddy chose for her - Rainforest Cafe. I thought I had been there once before but when we got there, I clearly had not. What an experience! I took tons of pictures!! To see them all, click here. She received some great gifts - iTunes gift cards, Target gift cards, clothes, Twinkle Toes shoes, a new bike, and best of all tickets to see Miley Cyrus in concert!

Lunch with Dampa, Pump It Up, Swimming, Baseball, and Hawaiian Falls

What a week we had last week! We started out Monday having lunch with the kids' favorite Dampa. He took us to Black Eyed Pea and we toured his office. The kids were taught a new trick - how to burn paper using a magnifying glass. I was quite impressed myself! We also went swimming that afternoon. On Tuesday we stayed home to clean the house. Not one, and I mean NOT ONE, complaint was said from any of the three kiddos. I was shocked, thankful, and completely in awe. They were super helpful - asking what they could do next, finding something to clean without being asked, and determined as I was to finish the chore of cleaning the entire house.

On Wednesday we went to Pump It Up. I promise to only post a few pictures of this, but rest assured I did take TONS. I even had a blast bouncing around with them and racing in the obstacle courses. However, I felt the pain that night and the next day. Wow! Some things just arent made to entertain adults.

Along came Thursday and MORE SWIMMING! Thank you Travis for having us over!!

Friday Cameron's baseball team, Seminoles, won their tournament. We had been playing all week at night and Friday they won 1st place. It was a definitely an exciting moment for all the boys, as well as the parents. It makes eatting fast dinners, driving to/from, sitting in the hot, HOT, HOT sun worth it all.

Saturday the family was treated to a trip to Hawaiian Falls. I didn't get very many pictures there because I too was in the water. There is just no possible way for me to hang around and play papparazzi while everyone else is coolin' down in the water. I had to break out of my bathing suit cover-up and get in with them.

As we ended the week, we started to plan for the next. And one last exciting detail - we sold my Honda Civic. It was very bitter sweet. When I had Cameron I was determined to make my Mitsubishi Eclipse work (oh how I loved that car!). But bucket seats and two doors proved not that great for an infant in a carseat. It was shortly after his birth that I bought the Civic. It was such a great car and has kept me a Honda-lover ever since. We passed it down to Breanne when she started driving and she too put it to good use. Now that she has graduated school she bought a new car and the Civic was returned to us to sell. Although we never planned to have the car back, it was such a blessing.

One last story for the week. We had some guys come to look at the car and at 9 o'clock the asked Jason if they could use our grass, at which he said "sure". He then asked Jason to point out the East, which he did as well. At that point, they dropped to their knees and prayed in all sorts of foreign sounds for a solid 5 minutes. Jason stood their dumbfounded while Cameron and his friend tried not to bust out laughing. This guy eventually bought the car. It definitely makes for a good story to end our time with the Civic.

Happy Father's Day

My husband is the best father ever! If you would like to dispute this, I'll place my wager and we'll discuss this kindly in a debate-like manner. But I must forewarn you... I will win. I would also win the best husband ever debate =)

We don't normally buy gifts for mothers/fathers day. But this year was a bit extra special for Jason. He was in need of a few things and had a strong want for a few things. I didn't mind splurging since it isn't often Jason really, really wants something (well, other than beer and good food but that I can handle most times). My mom's company has been having some really good sales on their tools and with her discount she was getting some tools for a steal. And the last BIG rain we had when we all thought we were going to float away singing "row row row your boat", Jason's company shop flooded. This ruined his work boots in a terrible way. So we went all out and got him a new pair that are waterproof. I understand that standing in 5 inches of water wont exactly keep them waterproof but it did make for a funny gift considering the circumstances surrounding the need for new boots. Colton told Jason to get up and run around the house to make sure they made him run fast. This is very important to little boys. Sure enough the make Jason run super fast, therefore Colton approves.

I sent Jason on an errand this morning. While he was out I woke the kids up and they put his gifts on display. They were super proud of this arrangement. Colton was very adamant about yelling surprise to Jason when we finally let him in and Courtnie wanted to walk her daddy into the house with his eyes closed. Once she had him in his rightful place we told him to open his eyes and Colton yelled his best "surprise" ever. Jason, thank you for being the father and husband that you are to us. Everyday I see you in these kids and it makes me smile - their eyes, their facial expressions, their temperaments, the likeness (and distaste) for foods, their zest for life. You have raised them so wonderfully and instilled in them a love for life, for music, to make a goal and reach for it at all costs, to love others and forgive them, to praise God in all circumstances (just to name a few). You are an incredible father and role model to these children and even I look up to you and aim to be a better person, mother and wife. I still can't believe we have been blessed with THREE CHILDREN! And here we are and they are so wonderful. God gave you a job to do and you are doing it perfectly. Thank you. Happy Father's Day JPG!!

Making Pallets

We have been letting the kids make one big pallet in their rooms and sleep together lately. They do really well - no fighting or playing, being quiet and going to sleep at a fairly decent time. This morning I went in to wake them up and this is what I saw:

When I left them the night before, Colton was in the middle. Apparently Courtnie accidentally hit one of his trucks (either an ambulance or firetruck) and the siren started going off and it scarred him. Somehow switching places with Cameron made it all better. I must admit though, when I went in to wake them up my heart skipped a few beats when I couldn't find Colton. But common sense stepped in before I lost control and screamed for help and I took a peak underneath the bed - there he was! Right when I woke him up he started to sit up so I quickly told him to lay down, he was under the bed and he needed to scootch out carefully. He had no clue where he was and why he was laying on carpet. He did manage to nab some blanket and take it with him so at least he wasn't chilly throughout the night. I love my kids!!!

Swimming, Dissecting and Bowling

We had a ton of fun this week. On Tuesday we went swimming with some friends. This certain pool has a big diving board and Cameron and Courtnie love this. It isn't often they get the chance to dive and show off their tricks. This pool also has a small slide. The older two enjoy this as well and although Colton put much thought into trying the slide, he opted not to this time. They wont let me catch him as he comes out; he has to come up from the water and swim to me. I know he can do this but I'm secretly a tad scared for him. It's the mom in me!

On Thursday we went to ASI. I didn't take any pictures here because the kids were just too busy running from here to there. But I promise it was a fun-filled two hours.

Today, Friday, at mother's day out, Cameron dissected an earthworm. Do you see the pics of all the boys? Their facial expressions are priceless! Most of the kids hung in there through the end and although they were somewhat disgusted by all of it, they are looking forward to next week's dissection. Funny story - as I walked in to see how the class was going this is what I hear their teacher saying, "Now if we are going to do this we are going to do it correctly and with the correct names of the body parts. Look a little further down and there is his anus." I was the only person who snickered, the kids must have been too in shock to find this humorous. About the only thing they told me they identified was the earthworms poo. I know they learned more than that!

That afternoon the kids went bowling. And once again they were thoroughly entertained with bowling, popcorn and cokes. Daddy came up to Bowlarama to surprise the kids and they loved that! We put him charge of the boys. Courtnie couldn't resist crawling in her Daddy's lap for some extra love though.And here is Colton in his classroom working on his fine motor skills. Looks like fun huh? I'm certain his teachers enjoyed cleaning up after him. I would have given him a popsicle stick and had him shave his beard off, not sure how I would have started cleaning the rest. They snapped this picture and sent it to me while I was on the bowling field trip. It's always special to get a glimpse of your child's day when your away.

Bathroom Rules

Dear Cameron, Courtnie & Colton,
(yes Colton, this does include you)

Summer has arrived! I know that you all enjoy the time sleeping in and all the fun things we take you to do, almost on a daily basis. We also enjoy taking you to do these fun and adventurous outings. The smiles on your faces certainly bring smiles to ours.

But with summer comes a few other things like the Summer Reading Program and extra chores. Afterall, the time it takes me to drive you here and there and back again or to take you on these family-fun field trips, it takes away my time to get my everyday household duties accomplished. Rest assured, I have help. You! This summer you will take over cleaning the bathrooms. In order to help you out on this new task, I have come up with some rules to help make the cleaning process a bit easier. Hopefully if you follow these rules it will make your time cleaning the bathrooms a bit easier. I cannot guarantee you will love the beloved chore of cleaning the bathrooms as I do, but following these few rules might make the bathroom cleaning process faster and a bit smoother.

Bathroom Rules:
1. Boys, please oh please, aim for the toilet. Not the outside or sides or even in front of the toilet, but the INSIDE. Oh heavens, this would be much appreciated. If you need something to aim at, I wouldn't mind putting a bowl of cheerios in the bathroom so that you can throw one in and have your sword fights with the cheerio. Whatever your method, just direct all your attention to the center of the toilet and if you happen to accidentally drip something on the toilet, please wipe that off. I beg you both.

2. When brushing your teeth, let's try not to splatter toothpaste all over the mirror. How you manage to do this is beyond my understanding. However, if you happen to do this, it would be okay to take a moment and wipe it off.

3. Speaking of toothpaste... can we also try not to squirt this blue, sticky mess all over the counter? It's also okay to clean this up if you happen to make a mess.

4. When you have used up the roll of toilet paper, go ahead and put a new roll on. I know it's sometimes hard to reach directly across the toilet to the counter where the toilet paper rolls are, but it's really only an arms reach. I've heard that people get frustrated when they use the potty only to find there is no toilet paper. Let's not upset our guests or family members by leaving them with nothing to wipe with.

5. While replacing the roll of toilet paper with a new one, make sure the toilet paper rolls OVER the top. It's just an unwritten, understood rule that you must learn. Toilet paper should always roll over the top, never from underneath. Need a visual? Just ask. I wouldn't mind teaching you this handy little trick.

6. When you use the potty and you make foul smells, please courtesy flush. Go ahead flush the source of odor before allowing the fumes to completely take over the bathroom and seep into the hallway. When you are done, please courtesy spray. There is a can of air freshener on the back of the toilet. Just give the bathroom a few quick sprays. Yes, we know that you have been in there when we walk in and smell fresh linen, but its definitely better than the alternative!

7. If the bathroom door is locked, someone must not want you in there. Do not pick the lock to irritate your siblings. The person who picked the lock and the person who yells at the top of their lungs will both get in trouble. Do you really want to see Mom get mad and spend your afternoon being given evil eyes? Surely not.

8. When showering and you use the soap completely or have finished off bottles of body wash or shampoo, go ahead and replace them. Do not leave the empty bottles in the shower. Singing in the shower is still permitted but be aware - Mom might get the camera and use that moment for blogging =)

9. After bathing, kindly take all of your belongings and put them away. This includes hair ribbons and pony-tail holders, socks and shoes, and all articles of clothing. When taking them out of the bathroom, make sure that none of them accidentally drop to the floor. If they do, it's okay, just pick it up. Once you have these things in your room, put them up or in the dirty clothes hamper, not your floor. And bathroom towels do not belong on the floor, pick them up as well.

10. Always, my dear children, please wash your hands when you are done using the bathroom. You cannot even imagine the amount of germs you spread when you do not wash your hands.

I love you all,
Mom

Life is a Zoo

We took the kids to the Dallas Zoo today. I wanted to get our one trip in before the blasting heat of the summer arrived and we picked a perfect day to go - cloudy day, a slight breeze, not crowded. There were four of us with nine kiddos which was quite easy. The most rotten were the older boys and I can say this because mine is included in this bunch. Apparantly the know EVERYTHING and don't really need to many instructions or guidance, but yet they certainly did. No really, they were good they just acted liek boys - rowdy, busy and always on the move. Here are some pictures of the kids (Anna, I totally didnt get a picture of Luke, oops!). There are many more on our web album.

Trouble, right here!

Let's Go Rangers

We don't normally buy gifts for Mother's Day and Father's Day but my Mom has been dying to get the entire family to see the Texas Rangers play this season. Breanne came up with the idea of us buying tickets (thanks B for taking this initiative). Now since she and I were buying the tickets, you just kinda get what you get, meaning we sat waaay up high. The positive thing was the breeze was nice and you could see the ENTIRE field. The game was fairly empty and one of the ushers asked us to come down and sit in his area. So nice! Of course I did snap a few pictures, sorry there are so many but I love them all!

Cameron's 5th Grade Graduation

Cameron had his 5th grade graduation ceremony this week. It was very bitter sweet. Some of those kids I have seen since they were just starting school, some I have heard stories of and prayed for, and others I personally know and have fed and loved here at my own home.

And of course Cameron.... where has the time gone? Really. I vividly remember bringing him home from the hospital, praising the good Lord the first time he slept through the night, throwing balls by the time he was walking, and strolling along slowly as we headed off to Kindergarten and stopping so he could pick flowers for me and his teacher, and even on the first day of this school year. Why must the time go so fast and why did no one ask me if I was ready to have a child in Middle School?

He received two awards -Principal's Academic Achievement Award and Outstanding Academic Excellence Award. How great is that?!?! He makes us so proud.

I won't go too sappy, I'm certain I'll write my tears and fears as we get closer to starting school this Fall. If I see you this summer, be sure NOT to ask about starting middle school or be prepared to comfort a sobbing mother.

Smoke Detector Drama

Why is it that smoke detector batteries go out in the middle of the night? I have yet to hear one of our detectors start beeping in the middle of the day. Wait! I take that back. I did have one beep not too long ago every couple of hours during the day when Jason was out of town. Luckily it stopped beeping by bedtime. Maybe I just needed an extra form of entertainment.

But seriously, there has to be some sort of logic behind this. Why do they go out in the middle of the night? Why not during the day? It's very frustrating to wake up to this loud shrill alarm only to find that the one you think is beeping, really isn't. So then you move on to the next alarm in hopes that the one you are now standing directly under is the one needing immediate attention. Of course after you stand in that one spot for 10 minutes and it also isn't the detector sounding off, you move on to the next alarm. We have 9 smoke detectors around our house, this process could take awhile.

Picture it. Jason and I rolling out of bed, spending no less than 30 minutes half asleep locating the alarming smoke detector. Afterwards, Jason gets the ladder, climbs to the very top. He then spends no less than 15 minutes with his arms straight in the air trying to remove and replace the battery while the alarm continues to beep ever so loudly right in our ears. This entire process can take forever, unless of course you happen upon the correct alarm quickly and replace the battery without difficulties. One problem still remains - our ceilings are quite high. I have the privilege of holding the ladder still so Jason doesn't fall. Really babe? If the ladder is going to fall, do you truly think I'll be able to save you? Think about it.... there you are standing at the very top of the ladder, wobbling with both hands in the air and the ladder starts leaning. Do you honestly think my strength will pull the ladder back in place? I don't know, but Ill keep standing by your side.