Just doing my motherly duty!

Oh come on...haven't you ever fallen asleep brushing your teeth? YES, she is out cold! I have this thing! I don't want my children to have bad teeth like I do. They HAVE to brush! It is my rule...yes, I guess even if they are asleep. She was eating dinner and was falling asleep. I tried to get them brushed before she went out completely, but it was just too late. Wow, it is actually easier that way. There you go Ruth, you once asked me how to brush your child's teeth when they absolutely refuse. Just wait until she is asleep!

Fun day hanging around the house!

Just making brownies for FHE. Isn't this the way everyone makes brownies? Today we had Grandpa and Grandma here for the day. They spent the night last night, so they could get stuff down/spend time with us. I have been sick (with a sinus infection...no, not pregnant Jenn!), so it was nice to have them here today. This morning Grandma took Spencer to the BSA store to get all his "stuff" for scouts. This was for an early birthday present. She likes to get them started out. We then came home and played. I like to NOT schedule "busy summer stuff" at least a couple days a week (usually Mondays and Fridays) and to just let them play with their toys. When they are in school, things get crazy with homework and other activities and there is never time to spend just playing. I actually played with them the whole day. It was fun! Dinner got stated late, which has been the case a lot this summer. Grandma wanted to take the kids in the spa at 8:00, and so we were having FHE lesson at 9:30 tonight. Dan thought I was crazy, "you are having a lesson now? Let's just get them in bed!" They were still wired on brownies anyway! Because Spencer's baptism is coming up very soon, I want to make sure we get all the baptism FHE in as we can. It was fun!

Still Sleeping!

Why can't all of us sleep in like Melanie does! She is always the first one to sleep and the last one to get up! This is Melanie and this is the clock. Loving summer!!! What are we going to do when school starts? My mom reminds me that this won't be a good thing when she is 14 and has to wake up for seminary.

I LOVE Freecycle!

I have posted about freecycle before, but I have to share yet another find! Spencer started a trial karate class up at the rec center and although they don't require the kids to wear karate uniforms, Spencer really wanted one. His friend who is in the class has one and of-course the sensei who is teaching the class sells them there. Well, I was already paying for karate and I really didn't have $50 to fork out for a karate uniform that wasn't even required. I knew there had to be some kid somewhere who had out grown their uniform and had it just sitting in their closet, so I immediately got onto the computer and contacted freecycle. Within 2 minutes I had two emails from two different people who wanted to give me their karate uniforms. Yes, for free! It is called freecycle! So, we headed to Simi Valley, that is where the lady lived who had it for me. We picked up a brand new, only worn once karate uniform. The lady's son who is 8 like Spencer went to one class and decided he didn't like it, so he had a uniform just sitting in his closet. Just last week I gave away a bunch of stuff to someone else. That is how it works...you give and then you receive...for free! I love this group. YOU have to see if they have one in your area! I LOVE IT!

Tuesday is pool day!

This is us every Tuesday! We have an amazing ward. We are kept pretty busy during the summer with tons of activities. Tuesday is pool day and Thursday is beach day. So, this was us last Tuesday. Finally about 5:30, we packed things up! Sometimes we stay all day. Who wouldn't! The kids are happy and so are we.


Chelsea was crying and crying. We couldn't understand her to find out what she wanted. She just wanted her hairin a towel like another girl at the pool had it.

Scout Day Camp

Spencer is going to be 8 in just two weeks, so BSA let him go to the summer BSA day camp this week. He was able to do Archery, wall rock climbing, make a robot, a hat rack, play sports, learn some knots and learn some first aid to name a few. He is there from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 everyday. It was amazing! He is so excited to be a boy scout.

sitting with his den - an arrow he got for hitting a bullzai

A wooden hat rack he made - First aid kit he made

Sticker Attack!

Today Spencer was at scout camp, Melanie was at a friends house and mom (me) was very tired. Chelsea was needing my attention, but all I wanted to do is bum-it on the couch. I have been so tired lately. I think I need to take some Vitamins! Anyway, this is how she spent about a hour...

My legs and feet were covered with Dora stickers. I am so glad I shaved my legs this morning! I finally woke up and we did some "ball" exercises. This is Chelsea on her ball. I was on my ball also I promise, but have no picture to post. I haven't trusted Chelsea with my camera yet and so there was no one there to take MY picture. Isn't she cute doing her push-ups and heel raises?

Catch the BUG!

Today we joined the summer reading program they have at our library. The kids do it every year and they were so excited to get started this year. Spencer was all ready to pick out his summer reading books. The girls picked out many books to keep me busy reading to them.

Melanie was equally excited to play on the Library's computer. She looks so big sitting there at the computers.

Just Escaping The Heat!

Today we were going to have another HOT one, so we called up the Mackays (our buddies) and headed to the beach. I have never seen the beach so crowded! It was packed full of people all up and down the coast. The guys had to drop us and our stuff off at the curb and then find a spot to park like a mile down the road. It was pretty hairy sitting there on PCH, waiting with 7 kids and all our beach equipment. That is the ONLY thing I absolutely HATE about going to the beach...getting down to it. We were so spoiled when we lived in Avila Beach 5 houses away from the water. I miss that so much! Some day, Dan promises me, we will move back there. It was even HOT there at the beach, so we brought our E-Z up, which actually broke instantly. The legs of the thing wouldn't extend, so we sat under a very LOW tent. Can't complain too much though because it kept us out of the HOT sun. The guys surfed, Spencer body boarded, the girls body surfed and played in the sand, while us women sat and chatted. Can't get any better then that! Remember body surfing? I used to love to body surf!

Spencer and Hannah (best buds) Emma, Chelsea and Melanie

I was watching Mel and Spencer swimming with the waves and I started getting jealous. Someday I will do it again...when all my kids are beach safe! Dan was there, so I would have if I only I had booties. We were at Leo and those who know Leo, know about the sharp rocks. My feet can't handle them!

Summer Eating

We are loving the summer sun and warmth! I love that it doesn't get dark until 9:00 p.m. I wish it could be like this all year round. We have BBQed every day this week. We made all the kids favorite; grilled pizza, kabobs, BBQ chicken and fresh salmon. The kids love eating dinner outside especially just after playing in the water. "What, we don't have to come inside and eat?" Yeah for summer!

I need a kleenex!

Chelsea just started doing this. She puts her fingers in her nose and yells over and over again, "I need a Kleenex." I guess she is trying to keep boogers from running out. Very lady like!

BEACH with FRIENDS (life can't get any better!)

So, where is our "June Gloom"? I guess we missed it! Today was SOOO HOT,
we headed for the only place we know to cool off. We met some old friends there. These kids were babies together. When did they grow up?

Anyone else riding bikes and walking everywhere?

This was taken yesterday morning when I was filling my tank. Yes, I had my camera in the car!

Crazy is all I have to say!

Swimming Lessons

We have had the kids in swimming lessons for the past few years with our friend Erin. She teaches from her own pool and she is amazing! I think everyone in NP takes from her. It is fun for me to go and socialize with parents I haven't seen in a while. Everyone is there! After just two short weeks this summer, Melanie is swimming the length of the pool. Yeah, another child I don't have to keep a close eye on! This is her during swim class. #1 picture was typical of her. Those of you who know Mel well, know how strong-willed she is. You would often find her under the water during instruction or just not paying attention. And when you would tell her to pay attention and stop playing around, she would say, "I already know how to do this mom! Just let me swim!" NICE! And I am paying how much for this?

We made it through!

School is over! Spencer made HUGE improvements this year. He struggled K through 1st with completing his assignments . It was all in there, he just didn't know when or how to use it. After a little advice and help from his pediatrician, we got it all figured out and he is on his way. We are so proud of his accomplishments. His teachers say he is up there with his classmates and he's all ready for third grade. Dragging him out of bed every morning also paid off. He got a perfect attendance award with a shave-it award hooked to it. Yeah for summer! "Us" at his class end of year party!

It's gone!

This is a follow-up post from this one. I loved all your comments and help you all gave me. I am the biggest wimp when it comes to my little Chelsea. She is my baby and I just wish I could freeze time. I really don't want her getting any bigger. I had decided to take the whole "getting rid of the bottle" slow, simply because I will miss my baby when she isn't a baby anymore. I know, LAME! Anyways, last night Chelsea and I were snuggling together. She had her blankie and she really wanting her bottle. I said, "Chelsea, bottles are for babies! Are you a baby?" She said, "no, I am not!!!" I said, "we need to throw your bottle away." She said, "OK!" She went and got the bottle, threw it in the trash. Then she asked for our back-up bottle, which is just like this blue one, but it is pink. I handed it to her and she threw that away also. I then told Dan he better hurry and dump the kitchen trash. At bed time SHE told me, "my bottle is gone, and I am not a baby!" She wasn't even sad! It was that easy. WOW!! So, I guess she just needed to be ready. YAAHOO, Chelsea! She also woke up dry so we are headed for NO pull-ups at bedtime next! She was excited to tell Christian and Auntie Marrianne all about it at church today. Now to get Melanie to stop sucking her thumb. We can't throw that away. Any ideas? This habit I will NOT MISS!

Taking the day off!

Saturday is usually the day set aside to clean house. The kids call it "a special day!" We get the kids involved and clean inside, the cars, and the yard. Well, Dan was taking the day off! Him and a buddy were headed to a gun show today, so we decided we would "play too". The house can be dirty for a couple more days right? John and Marrianne had a friend that was working on his Eagle project today, so we decided we would go support him! He put on an awesome bike rodeo for all the kids, which included, a bike inspection, rules on the road class, and a very fun little obstacle course. He taught the kids things from biking hand signals to walking their bike while crossing in a crosswalk. They were handed awards and refreshments. Being with their cousins made it extra fun.
Spencer on the obstacle course!
Melanie is still learning to ride a two wheeler!
We love our cousins! Christian and Chelsea are are so cute together!
We then headed to the mall for lunch and water fun. We ate here (the kids favorite!) They recently put in a cool water fountain at the mall and the kids love playing in it. It was pretty HOT today, so it was perfect. They had a BLAST! We then picked up daddy and headed to the movies to see this:
Very FUNNY movie! You have to see it! Very fun day...I am tired! I guess I better at least go to the grocery store so we can eat tomorrow! It's late, but this is the time all moms go to the store. I will run into at least 3 people I know well...watch! It happens every time.

YUMMMOO

If you are ever in LA for any reason you have to find this place! It is so YUMMMY! If you are on a budget like us, you will especially like it. It is sooo cheap for what you get. It is a little whole in the wall Mexican restaurant. Aren't those the best? I am craving it right now! Soooo good!!! Dan and I went there with a bunch of friends tonight after the temple.

Moving on and getting SO Big!

Melanie graduated from Pre-K today! Her preschool really over did it with the whole graduation thing, which I absolutely loved! I almost felt like I was at a High School graduation, except that they were little people. This was the cutest graduation I have ever been to. There were 24 students in her "graduation class". They all wore black graduation caps and walked into the room to the "graduation song". They sang/preformed 20 songs, which each student took turns announcing. Melanie's teacher, Mrs Davis then called their names and each student came to the front of the room for a certificate and a hug. Then they walked over "the bridge" announcing the elementary school they will be attending next year. So, cute!! Grandma Sue, Auntie Marrianne, Ashlyn, Christian, Daddy, Chelsea, Spencer and I were all in attendance. She is so ready for Kindergarten! Congrats Melanie!!
The graduation march
Bridging on to Kindergarten at Cypress Elementary Mrs. Davis (Melanie's teacher)

Happy Birthday DAD!

Today is my dad's birthday! I won't tell you his age, because that would embarrass him. Let's just say he will be saving a lot of money at amusement parks and zoos this summer, and I think he can also save money at Ralphs and Ross if he shows a special card.

My parents came over Sunday and we had a fun family party for him at our house. We grilled pizzas on the BBQ which was soooo delicious. OK, so this how I want all my pizza now. It was so yummy and so easy too! We then had his favorite lemon meringue pie, which was from claim jumpers and so yummy. My dad had told us that he did NOT want gifts this year, but instead he wanted each of our families to do a service project and write about it. It was very fun to hear from all the families. Wow, they are so creative! The families that live far away send via email dad about their "project" and sent slideshows of them doing the service. They were very fun! Great job guys! I am sure my mom will post some of the pictures on her blog soon, so check hers out. As for us, we worked all day Saturday (literally) on their/our yard/garden and counted that. It was a huge project. Wow, they have a big yard with tons of weeds. The kids are still young and wanted to do something a little more for grandpa, so we came up with the candy gram below. The kids had so much fun and they were even more excited to share the candy with grandpa. So, happy birthday Dad! We love you!