Wordless Wednesday

Imma gonna getcha!

And she was having a blasty blast being chased

And then Daddy pulled out the legos, "Look I built a camera" LOL

There's really nothing better then watching the kids play with Daddy. This was while Daddy said "My castle is indestructible, just try and break it" which started the legos flying through the air.

Once Upon a Time Challenge

I love reading, it's one of the ways I relax after the kids are in bed. Okay I'll be honest, if it's a good book I have been known to read throughout the day and into the night. A friend of mine, Tena is also big into reading and regularly does book challenges. When I saw her Once Upon a Time Challenge it immediately perked my interest. One because how fun is it to read fairy tales from growing up but with a new twist to them, and two I've always wanted to do a book challenge. 

Here are a few of the details on this challenge:

*This challenge is quite simple..... read the fairy tales you grew up reading but from another view than Disney's version. There are so many great fairy tale books out there, that might take the same story we know but with an added twist.

These books can be Young Adult, Romance, Erotic, e-books, audio books.... your only limited by your own imagination.*

*Levels:*

* 1-3 books: Born into Royalty

*4-6 books: Princess in Training

*7-9 books: Awaiting Prince Charming

* 10+ books: Queen Bee

*The time frame for this challenge will be January 1, 2011- December 31, 2011. Plenty of time. Please do not start this challenge before the time, and don't use books you have already read. Cross overs are okay!*

 

So I decided that I will be starting off 2011 with the Once Upon a Time book challenge! If you would like to participate head on over to Crazy Book Slut and add your blog to the Mr. Linky she has set up.

Happy reading everyone.

Music Monday

I know there is a theme out here like this, I'm not sure what it is so I am doing my own. Yeah that's how I roll. I really don't get to listen to the radio much, usually it's on my drive to take my oldest to school which is about a 10 minute trip each way or out running errands and that's about all all the exposure I get to anything new out there.

The other day while I was running an errand I heard this song that I instantly loved. Of course they didn't say who the artist was or the name of the song so I searched on youtube and google like a maniac. Yes I am a little obsessive. Finally I found the information I was looking for. 

I present to you a new favorite song of mine:

Undisclosed Desires by Muse

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

It's Christmas Eve here in California and I just laid my chitlens down for bed. It's been a long day, emotional and stressful for me but I finally said enough and remembered what this time of the year is all about. Family. I asked my sister to come over while I ran to the store so my youngest could nap and when she got back I invited her to stay for dinner and to bake with me. I haven't spent a lot of time with my sister lately so I am happy we got to do this today. So the pizza went in the oven while we went to work. I will post pictures and a recipe later but for now I want to share pictures of my kids. You can't help but smile at the excitement kids have over Christmas. Even while they're arguing over where Santa lives or the names of the reindeer's, it's all adorable to me.

This is our first year putting milk and cookies out for Santa and carrots out for the reindeer's because my oldest just turned seven and is just now grasping the concept of Santa. So without further ado, I present pictures :)

Short story, my sister, Tia (who I baked with tonight) made this cup for me when she was about 10 years old. So glad I kept it because it is now going to be Santa's cup when he visits every Christmas

Jr explaining to the younger kids what Santa is going to do LOL

Just a little warning, expect a lot of pictures in the days to come.

Wordless Wednesday

I haven't been taking a lot of pictures lately of the kids, just some random one's of the rain here so I thought I would go back in time and find one from last year. When I saw this one I immediately laughed and then saw it was taken exactly a year ago to the day I thought well now that's perfect. So here is a picture of my "little" man exactly one year ago.

So not a flattering picture of him but it just cracks me up every time I see it. This picture was courtesy of my husband, he has a knack for taking pictures when people have food in their mouths and well really just overall awkward pictures LOL (shhh don't tell him I said that haha).

Looking for appetizer ideas

Look no further. I have ten recipes I'd like to share today. With the holidays approaching (who am I kidding Christmas is only 4 days away) a lot of people only concentrate on the dinner and how much can they squeeze into their oven to make sure it's the best feast ever. While I see nothing wrong with  that people tend to forget about appetizers. They are great for serving by the kitchen area so while you are working away you can still interact with your guests. Also I firmly believe if there is any type of gathering appetizers are a must not just for conversational purposes but because some people don't eat all day just saving up to eat dinner. I do not recommend that because really all it does is make you fill up faster and gain weight quicker.

A classic appetizer is veggies and dip. A good way to change it up a bit would be to omit the dip and replace it with hummus.

Fondue is not only good but can be fun, especially for kids, and there are so many ways to do it, or should I say dip it. You can pretty much dip anything into fondue so creating your own little food on a stick smothered in cheese is always fun for everyone.

Fruits. Making a fruit tray or fruit bowl or fruit ship out of pineapple is always a crowd pleaser. If you put out fruit next to a fried option I can almost guarantee the fruits will be gone first.

Mini stuffed croissants. My sister made these for Hanukkah and my oh my were they tasty little bites. And they are super easy. Roll out Pillsbury croissants and separate the pre sliced pieces. Take a tablespoon of spinach dip and pinch the sides closed of the dough. Top with a light brushing of butter and cook according to directions.

Tomato Bruschetta. If you've never had this I recommend you trying some, especially if you love tomatoes. If not this might not be your forte. There are many recipes to be found online but the basics are the same. Chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil & olive oil. Chop, mix, let sit in the fridge for a little bit to incorporate all the flavors and then when your guests are there serve with a sliced french baguette.You can also add in some chopped mozzarella if you'd like. Who doesn't love cheese right.

Deviled eggs. I don't know about you but I love deviled eggs. I have to keep myself away from them or I just keep on eating them up. I know some people make them with relish in it but I like to keep them simple, classic. I just mash the yolk with mayonnaise (not cool whip), a dash of salt and pepper and whaalaa, deviled egg mixture. Put about a teaspoon of filling into each egg and top with paprika.

A go to appetizer for me is crackers, cheese, either turkey or salami and olives. It's very easy to throw together and not only to adults eat it up but kids love it too. I usually use wheat thins. And you want to use a full flavored cheese like sharp cheddar. You can use any type of olives you'd like but I prefer Spanish olives and/or kalamata.

Stuffed mushrooms. This is one recipe that can also be made many ways and is relatively simple. I found a Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushroom recipe from Martha Stewarts recipe page earlier this week that I am saving for a later date. I've never cooked with goat cheese but I've had it before and depending on what it is cooked with it is delish. 

Shrimp cocktails. This is one that never lasts long if it is anywhere near our family. Everyone except my oldest loves shrimp. I have to move my husband away from it sometimes because he will literally devour it all haha. Really you can't get any simpler then cleaning the shrimp and serving with cocktail sauce.

And last but not least salad. Salads tend to be forgotten at holiday meals for some reason. So if it's not on your menu for dinner add it to your appetizer menu. You can get creative and make a taco salad and serve in little taco cups or a Chinese chicken salad served in a leaf of butter leaf lettuce. There are so many ways to make salads your options are virtually limitless.

I hope my appetizer ideas have helped anyone lost for ideas on what to make. And now that I have talked about all this food I have made myself hungry.  Have a very Merry Christmas

A look back

To August 2008. Wow it sure has gone by fast. Shawn is now 2.5 years old. He was such a squishy rolly baby baby :)

Shawn is three months

I can't believe my little man is three months old already! Where has the time gone, obviously way to fast gosh dangit. I tell him all the time to stop growing up so fast, it's just not fair. And the fact that he is a HUGE baby doesn't help. HE weighs 18 lbs and is 26.5 inches tall. Jr weighed 18 lbs at one year old! And he only weighs 5 lbs less then Samantha.
He is a wonderful baby, happy as can be and just the best addition to complete our family. I couldn't have asked for anything better. His big brother and sister LOVE holding him and making him laugh. And I love watching it. It's so heart warming to see my kids play together.

Wordless Wednesday

YAY, it took four days and a lot of praying but my baby boy got to go home today. He was watching the ambulances down below and anxiously waiting to go home. 

Mothers know best, don't let anyone tell you otherwise

I am not one to publicly call someone out on something I feel is wrong, except when it's concerning my children. This actually involves my child's health so it's even more upsetting to me.

It all started last Thursday. My son started complaining that his chest was hurting. He has asthma so I thought he might be coming down with something and it was hurting his lungs. On Friday morning I brought him into see his pediatrician. Since he had no other symptoms except for chest pain, which was also sensitive to the touch the Dr diagnosed him with costochondritis. We were sent home being told to give motrin as necessary for the pain. When we were leaving to drive my husband to work my son started grabbing his chest and crying out in pain. Let me tell you seeing your child like that is not fun, it was very scary and all I could think about was that something might be wrong with his heart. We immediately turned around and went over to the local ER. Four hours and an xray later we were sent home with the same diagnosis and same treatment plans.

Fast forward to yesterday. He was running a temp of about 102. Not a huge deal. I try to let my childrens fevers run its course and not give meds unless it is over 102. I took him back to see his pediatrician since the fever was a new symptom now. My son sat around all day and you could just tell looking at him that he wasn't feeling right. I took his temperature around 3:30 and it was 104.6. Holy crap, you could imagine my fear. I was freaking out. I ran and gave him some Motrin and then picked him up and put him in a luke warm bath. While he was in the bath I called Kaiser and left a message asking specifically for our pediatrician to call back. Of course we got a call back from a nurse who screens his messages. I told her what had happened and I took his temperature again and told her that it had lowered to 103.6. She then told me that that is not a high fever for a child his age and that I could bring him into urgent care if I wanted to. I told her no I wanted to speak to his pediatrician. She then hmm'd and haw'd and said well it's the end of the day but I'll give him the message. I never received a phone call from his Dr. At 7:30 my son started to complain his heart was feeling weird. Again insert panic. So I grabbed him and off we went to pediatric urgent care.

Three hours, a blood test and another chest x-ray later my son was diagnosed with pneumonia. PNEUMONIA. Here is where I get pissed. This lady I spoke with tried to tell me that my son's fever wasn't a big deal. Oh really. I'm sorry you don't find it a little odd that his temperature spikes to almost 105. What happens if I would have been naive enough to actually trust you, someone who is not a Dr, someone who is not allowed to give medical advice.

I have had issues with this particular person at Kaiser before. In fact I have spoken to my sons Dr about her and apparently he along with the other nurses in his office all have issues with her, for example her not delivering a message from the Dr to me a few weeks ago about not needing to bring my son in since he was seeing a lot of patients with a stomach virus and since he had already seen him earlier that week and knew what was going on with him it wasn't necessary to bring him back and risk all three of my children getting sick. Of course I didn't find this out until I was sitting in his office with him.

So I guess that point of this post is/was for me to vent because I am very frustrated at being treated like just an ignorant person. I may not be a Dr or a nurse but I know when something is not right with my child. The other point to my post is to not let yourself be pushed around when it comes to your child's health. You are the child's mother and father and NO ONE but you knows your child better. If you know deep down something is off let your voice be heard!

Vent done, off to go cuddle with my little man.

KitchenAid Artsan Stand Mixer Giveaway

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         Giveaway ends 12/17/10

Payback

Growing up I have always been, well not the best "lady". I burp, a lot. I know it's a normal thing but it used to drive my Dad nuts that I wouldn't burp with my mouth closed half the time. Other times we would have burping contests LOL My Dad was always on my case about burping with my mouth closed and having better manners. Of course being young then I blew it off. And then there were the comments from my pares "Oh you just wait until you have kids" and they roll with laughter.

Well my time has come. I know now how he felt. I have three kids, 7, 4, and 2 and the oldest has discovered how he can make himself burp so he does, and quite frequently I might add. And seeing as he's the oldest and the younger two love to repeat what he does my house is now filled with the wonderful sound of burping throughout the day. Not a huge deal but when we are eating it drives me just a little batty. I have to laugh internally because they might get the wrong idea and think I'm laughing with them and that it's okay to do that but gosh dang, my parents were right!

The joys of parenting and learning that your parents didn't just do/say things to torture you.

How do you incorporate fiber into your diet?

I know, not my normal type of post but it's actually something I have been thinking about lately, especially with the holidays coming up and all those tempting yummy fattening foods that will be cooked. I will be the first to admit my diet is not the greatest. I love carbs and have a sweet tooth. On the positive side I love salads and creating new one's each time I make one is a very simple way to keep dishes exciting. Not many people think about fiber when they are picking out their meals to make but there are many benefits to having fiber as part of your diet.

One that I'm sure many of you have heard of is that it helps aid in weight loss. But it also helps lower blood cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels and helps maintain bowel integrity and the health of your bowel.  The recommended daily amount for women is 25 grams (50 & younger) and for men it is 38 grams (50 & under). How do you incorporate fiber into your diet? Well it's really pretty simple, here are a few ideas that I use to help you out.

The basics:

• Grains and whole-grain products
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Beans, peas and other legumes
• Nuts and seeds

Some of my favorites:

• Hummus
• Pistachios
• Avocados
• Substituting all pastas with whole wheat pasta
• Spinach (I saute garlic & onions and then add in the spinach but don't cook more then a few minutes)
• Brussel Sprouts 
• Cabbage (also great to add into salads)
• Fruit fruit & more fruit! The easiest way to get in your daily serving is to make a fruit smoothie with all of your favorite fruits. I usually use banana, blueberries, strawberries, orange, peaches, mango & pineapple along with a 100 pure juice, pomegranate cranberry taste great with the fruit combination

I make fruit smoothies about once a week because my kids love them and think it’s a special treat. I love that my kids gulp (yes they literally gulp it down) and ask for more. Knowing that I am giving them a healthy treat and one that is good for them on many levels is one of the reasons I make them so often.

The old saying breakfast is the most important meal of the day is very true. Making fruit smoothies is one of the ways I help kickstart our days for healthy eating it also provides energy to get you through the day. To keep going along those lines snacks are a big thing in our house. It seems no matter how big or small of a breakfast I make my kids are always hungry in between breakfast and lunch time. One snack that is easy and my kids enjoy is carrots and ranch. They will eat carrots without the ranch which I prefer but they sometimes request it. Also dried fruits such as dried apricots are a favorite in my house along with popcorn. Many people think popcorn is bad for you but if you eat it in moderation and if it is a low fat popcorn it helps you keep up with a high fiber diet.

You also have to remember not to overload on your amount of fiber intake. If you are planning on increasing your fiber intake do it slowly over a period of a few weeks and make sure you always drink plenty of fluids.





I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Coach's Oats Fiber blogging program, making me eligible to win a $50 American Express gift card and free product. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Getting creative

I am not the most creative person out there so when Samantha got a jewelry kit for her birthday I was just as excited as she was when she opened it. Um why was I excited when I am clearly not the creative type, well because you can't go wrong with making beaded bracelets and necklaces!
So while Shawn napped earlier I pulled out the little kit and we got to work. Jr saw what were were doing and immediately ran over asking to make some too. My kids are very creative and I try to let them express it in a way I can so those of you who scoff at a boy making bracelets and necklaces can leave.
Now onto the best part, the pictures.

The goodies! Accidentally took a picture of the instructions in another language LOL

Let the fun begin

Jr man showing me his completed bracelet

I love how she just completely dives in to any projects she does

Showing me her finished bracelet

My happy little man :)

And of course I had to join in the fun and make myself a bracelet. I will call it pretty and I shall wear my pretty every day

As I was putting away the beads Shawn woke up and came running out heading straight for them. Perfect timing on our part.

My little princess

I wanted to write this yesterday but it was such a busy day I didn't get a chance to do it. Yesterday was my daughters fourth birthday. The day before I was very emotional and worried that I would cry but turns out I didn't need to worry about that. I kept myself so busy I completely forgot all about being the sappy mommy LOL We had a small party for her. Very last minute but it turned out great. Family and friends, what else can you ask for. 

I just love when she sticks her tongue out like this

I think she was excited for her boots

My birthday princess 

Now for my mushy mommy part.

Dear Samantha,

Four years ago you came into this world kicking and screaming and putting on the cutest little pouty face I've ever seen. I knew from the time I found out I was pregnant that I was going to have my little girl and I knew from the first time I felt you kick and every time I tried to get you to kick and you flat out refused which resulted in many trips to the Dr and eventually being sent to the hospital and finally getting to go back home after. I knew right then and there you were going to be stubborn a strong independent person who liked to do things her way and in her own time. You continued to prove my theory right when you refused to crawl and then refused to walk. You made up your own little way of getting around that was just hilarious to watch. You are still the same way and I love that about you. You are an individual and even though you are only four I know you are strong willed and strong hearted and wont bend to others demands. It is a great quality to have.
You have so much love for your family. Of course for Mommy and Daddy but for your brothers too. And yes while we all know they tend to drive you nuts you also love to take care of them if they aren't feeling well or if they have a boo boo. You are a mini mommy. You also have so much love for your extended family and they can see it radiating from you when you see them.
In these past four years I have watched you turn from an itty bitty newborn to my chunky monkey/rolly polly baby girl to my little princess/tomboy who is just the best daughter that I could have ever asked for. I love you so much baby girl (yes I will ALWAYS call you that) and I feel so blessed that you are my daughter. I look forward to watching you grow throughout the years.

I love you princess,

Mommy

p.s. when I say chunky monkey I mean it in the cutest way possible! I LOVED your baby rolls, sooooo cute!

Mom Rocks the Holidays

With the holidays approaching FAST I know many of us are running around wondering what to get the kids for holidays.
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*Disclosure – Followers who promote the Rayovac Mom Rocks the Holidays Sweepstakes may receive gifts from Rayovac.*

Is this what you deem as acceptable now adays?

Yesterday my son started singing a song. Not one that's on the radio but one I'm sure you've all heard of. It goes "I love you, you love me, were a happy family, with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you, wont you say you love me too" except that wasn't the version he was singing. His went something like this "I hate you, you hate me, everybody ............". I don't know the rest of it because he was mumbling and I really don't care to hear it but it shocked me to hear him saying such things.

Now I know every mother always wants to think the best of the child(ren) but when it comes to Jr I know my child and he is not one that is violent or full or hate or anything like that. He is actually a very kind soul. So imagine my shock when I heard him say that. I talked to him about saying such things and how hate is a very strong word and we don't use it in this house. He apologized said he wont sing it again.

And now I'm sitting here thinking how popular the word hate has become. Anytime any dislikes something/anything their first response is to say they hate it. I will admit that when I was growing up it was a word I used frequently for the exact reasons I named above. I don't want my kids following in my footsteps with using that word.

According to Urban Dictionary the first definition to come up when you search hate is " a special kind of love given to people who suck". The second one is "when you dislike someone so much that if you and the other person were in an empty room with a knife in the middle, one or both would be dead". The only thing I can say is wow and are you serious! This is what our children, the future generations feel hate is?

Now the definition on Dictionary.com in my opinion is more accurate "to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest: to hate the enemy; to hate bigotry".

How is it that a word so full of negativity can be used in daily life as if it were something normal, and being used to describe another person. It makes me sad that this is the reality today and I know that I am only one person and that I cannot change the way society as a whole thinks, but my goal for my family is to not let my children be influenced by others into thinking that hate is an acceptable word to use unless it is used sincerely and NOT about about person or simply don't use it at all. It is fine to dislike someone but hate is such a strong word and I would hope and pray that my children never feel extreme hostility towards another human being.

Cookies!!!!

I know I say all the time that I don't bake but I did today. I made some chocolate chip cookies, actually I made about three dozen of them! And I've made up my mind, from now on if I am to bake anything it's going to be from scratch. It just tastes so much better and half the fun is making it with my kids.
I used the classic recipe on the back of the Nestles chocolate chip bag. You can find it here. Oh and I used milk chocolate morsels instead of semi sweet chocolate morsels and being a peanut allergy household I left out the nuts.. So here is what you need.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12oz. pkg.) Chocolate Morsels

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. 

First put the flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl and set aside. 

Next beat butter until soft

Then add in your sugar.

Once that's mixed well add in your brown sugar and then the vanilla extract. Mix those ingredients until nice and creamy.

Add in your eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix it well after each egg is added in.

Slowly mix in your flour mixture. I do about half a cup at a time just to make sure it's all mixed together.

Once that is done stir in chocolate chip morsels.

Spoon about a tablespoon worth of cookie dough onto an un-greased baking sheet.

Cook for 9-11 minutes. I set my timer for 9 minutes and they were perfect. 

For my first time making cookies from scratch they couldn't have been any easier or any more mmm mmm good! The dough was just a tiny bit soft while crunchy around the edges and you get the chocolate and this tiny butter taste. Seriously just melt in your mouth good. 

Here are the instructions not broken up by the pictures.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. 

First put the flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl and set aside. 

Next beat butter until soft then add in your sugar. Once that's mixed well add in your brown sugar and then the vanilla extract. Mix those ingredients until mice and creamy. 

Then add in your eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix it well after each egg is added in.

Slowly mix in your flour mixture. I do about half a cup at a time just to make sure it's all mixed together. Once that is done stir in chocolate chip morsels. 

Spoon about a tablespoon worth of cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. 

Cook for 9-11 minutes. I set my timer for 9 minutes and they were perfect. 

Thankfullness

As the year is coming to an end (I can't believe it's mid November already!) I wanted to share a few many things I am thankful for. I say many because I just can't talk about a few, what can I say I like to talk.

Here is my list

My family- every single one of them. Of course my Mom for giving me life, my Dad for being the BEST father I could have ever asked for even while I was growing and was a complete angel terror.My sisters, even though we don't always see things eye to eye. My husband who I met when I was a mere 15 years old. We have been through a lot and through it all he has loved me and been there for me. He also helped provide me with the three most beautiful, amazing, healthy and loving children. My three babies are the biggest part of my life. Without them I don't know what kind of person I would be.

My friends-I may not have many friends but the one's I do have are very special to me. One in particular has let me tell her anything without judging me or getting mad at me. Heck we've never disagreed on anything to date. It's like were two peas in a crazy pod LOL. I am also thankful for my many friendships that I have made online. It's funny I never would expected to meet so many people through the internet but being a part of many online boards has allowed me to form close bonds with other women. I love you all!

My health-I am a little over weight and I am lazy. Yes I will admit that but even though I am those two things I am still overall healthy. Without my health I wouldn't be here to watch my babies grow up.

My home-Well it's not technically ours since we lease but it is were we have lived for over two years now, which by the way is a record for us. It may not be huge, or have more then two rooms, or have new carpet that isn't stained and pieces of counter top that are falling apart BUT it is our home for the time being and I am grateful to have it over my head. And I am thankful that it does have two rooms as opposed to one so the kids can have a room for themselves.

My husbands job-I am a stay at home mom and living on a single income has it's rough times, lets face it, most of the time but I am thankful that he has a job at all. With the economy the way it is so many families are struggling worse off then I am because they have lost their jobs. I am thankful that my husbands job is stable.

My husband-I know I already mentioned him earlier but there is just so much thankfulness I have for him. I touched on his job and I wanted to elaborate on that a little bit. He works 40 hours a week. Typical right. But on his days off he goes to school full time. He is furthering his education so he can pursue his dream job in meteorological science. He spends a total of 20 hours in school on his days off. I am so thankful for such a wonderful husband that even though he works full time and attends school full time he still prefers me to be at home raising our children instead of out of the house and having them in someone elses care.

I am thankful for everything listed above and so much more but it's time for me to run and pick up my baby little man up from school. Please feel free to share some of the things you are thankful for.

Clean up clean up

EVERYBODY clean up. I try singing this song when it's time for the kids to clean up their toys. Sometimes it helps other times my kids just flat out refuse to clean. This has been an ongoing struggle for quite some time now. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas on how to get the kids interested in cleaning up being as it is a daily routine and I want them to get out of the habit of depending on me to do it. Typically it goes like this:

Me: Jr mantha Shawn, please go clean up the toys in your room.
Kids: Okay
An hour later the room looks worse then when I sent them in there.

I turn music on when I clean so sometimes I will do this for the kids. Still nothing. Most of the time they just drag their feet and move stuff around in attempts to make me think they're cleaning. I've done the whole threatening to throw the toys away, I've even thrown some away. Samantha, the little stinker gets excited when I tell them I will throw the toys away that they don't clean up and she asks me if she can pick out the one's that will go in the trash. Now I know that's not supposed to happen LOL I used to hate when my parents threatened with that.
So usually I end up getting frustrated after an hour and go in and put all the toys away myself. Now I know my younger two may be a little young to understand the concept of cleaning, well at least the baby is but my daughter should understand by now and I know my oldest knows. So what am I doing wrong? Besides the obvious of doing it myself eventually. Is there a trick of the trade to getting kids to clean their own rooms? I am ALL ears for any ideas!

Last game of the season

Today was Jr's last soccer game. Kind of bittersweet. He loved playing soccer but at the same time didn't. He wasn't very interested in the games and tended to go off into lala land and play during the games but other times he did great. As long as he had fun that's all that matters. 
He did great today, even went after the ball a few times! He paid attention to most of the game until the end LOL. I think he might look forward to the snacks more then he does playing. He's been asking a lot about baseball and football so I'm thinking next year we will try one of those. He loves to be active but he also gets bored very easily. Anyways, here are a few pictures from this morning.

She looks so grown up here :::sniff sniff:::

He's so cute, anytime he saw me with the camera he would make sure to smile or wave at me <3

I just love his expressions. This was him reacting to one of his team mates getting hit by the ball.

Go Jr! Way to get the ball!

Sitting out at halftime enjoying his grapes

My little curly haired boy drinking his brothers water, shhh don't tell Jr.

So proud of him for getting in there and getting the ball.

I'm thinking they were enjoying Papa picking them up LOL

Nothing new to report

I have been trying to be more active in my blog but I have just been lacking any type of writing thoughts. I will come up with a great post and as soon as I sit down to write it it's out of my head and I stare at the screen wondering what the heck happened.
So since I seem to have some writers block going on I figured I would share some recent pictures of my babies.

The kids asked the other night if they could "camp out" on the floor so here they all are, fast asleep camping out together.

This picture was taken at 6am. Yes you read that right. And by that time I had already given him a bath and breakfast. I don't know where he got being a morning person from, certainly not me LOL

I know I've already shared this picture but I just love it. The face he is making is a classic Jr face. He is such a goober.

My pretty little princess playing in the leaves the other day. Her hair is getting so long, I love it!