RICHARDSON

At 4 months....

2012-01-27T11:33:00.001-05:00

He can already sit up! They truly do grow up to fast!

Just a cute picture!

2012-01-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

Odi Odi Odi

2012-01-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

Someone found the M&M'S. It's a good thing she is so cute!!

so sweet!

2012-01-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Updates

2012-01-20T20:04:00.005-05:00

Well Thaddeus has out done himself. He is POTTY TRAINED!!! I knew he could do it, he just had to want to. He didn't want Mom to make him. Once we used bribery in the form of money, there was no stopping that kid. He bankrupted Sam and I and goes to the bathroom by himself without being reminded. Can successful get his pants down and up and make sure his pee makes it in the the potty. Not one accident since we put the undies on him and I never have to remind him to go. Having him out of diapers is going to save me about $70 dollars a month! YAY!! ********************************************************************************************************** And as for me, working out is hard to do during the day when you have 4 kids constantly needing you. I work out at night but for the past couple of nights, I had a kid that needed attention and I was worn out by the time I got them to sleep. But somewhere in there I have managed to loose 8 pounds in 2 weeks and 1 1/2 inches in my waist. Not to shabby! I am hoping to have lost another 10 pounds and another inch by my birthday which is one month from today! Wish me luck!!

Just Whatever

2012-01-20T19:46:00.005-05:00

I have taken a lot of random pictures the last couple of days and instead of separating them, I am just going to throw them all into one entry. So try to keep up with the random craziness!

His face caught the flash, but look at those baby blues!!!

Here he is again when you can actually see his whole face. His hands are a permanent fixture in his mouth these days.

My house lately has been swarming with super heroes. They all have capes and swords. Even Ace and Odi had them on, but Odi decided to be a princess instead and Ace took his off to eat.

I asked Teebs what he wanted for a snack and he told me a salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and croutons. Yes Sir!

Spider man has made a lot of appearances lately as well. At least my house wont get attacked!

Sam volunteered to help me with dinner since I was dealing with a fussy/screaming baby. I walked in and saw this amazing sight! How can you not love him?

Teebs wanted Ace to play spider man too. We all laughed for about 10 minutes! Ace even laughed and thought it was funny!

Some of the things I am total in love with at the moment is my pink fuzzy slippers. Thank you "Santa"!

Something else I am totally infatuated with is leg chubs!!! Not my leg chubs but these legs chubs!! Aren't they to die for?

"I WANT THAT" He was having a staring contestant with Pipers play phone. His face was so intense and determined.

Some Randomness

2012-01-17T21:30:00.002-05:00

My four little crazies!

Miss Odes was playing with her babies and making them lunch and she decided to ditch her babies and use Ace. He actually loved it! This is Odes showing him how to open his mouth the right way.

Got it!

My Daddy mini me #2. Only Ace has daddies blue eyes!

And my Miss Odes with her Daddies blue eyes!

Try #17

2012-01-16T20:25:00.005-05:00

This is our up-ten time to try to potty train Thaddeus. We have tried sticker charts, rewards, time outs, sweets, anything and everything to get this kid to go potty. The frustrating part is THAT HE CAN DO IT but wont! Piper on the other hand has been potty trained for over 2 years now and still has to wear a pull up at night. She goes a couple of days with no pee in her pull up in the morning but then the next night have to wake up in the middle of the night to change her clothes and bedding. So Sam and I made them a deal. Sam and I would gladly give them the money we would spend on diapers/pull-ups to spend on whatever they want instead of buying diapers. So we bought them a plastic jar and every time Thaddeus pees in the potty he gets a penny and every time he poops he gets a dime. Every morning that Piper wakes up dry, she gets a quarter. When they get enough money in their jars for a toy, they can take their money (after tithing) and spend it on whatever they want. We have been trying to come up with a good way for them to make money so they can pay tithing and learn money management. Hopefully us combing all this into one will pay off for us and our wallets. The funny thing is that Thaddeus after one day has 15 cents in his jar. Funny huh?

I made Odi one just in case she gets motivated and wants to try to go potty to. My biggest dream would be to have just one kid in diapers at a time instead of all 4. A mommy can dream right?

On a roll

2012-01-14T21:02:00.002-05:00

He is mad cause I kept rolling him back over so I could get it on film. But he usually laughs and smiles when he does it. He is so proud of himself most of the time.

What a fun day

2012-01-14T20:47:00.003-05:00

We got blasted with tons of snow on Friday. (Not enough for Sam to have a snow day off work, but close) So today we got to play and play in the snow for hours! Wore Sam out but the kids are still going strong!

Odi got stranded and stuck! Luckily Daddy was able to save her!

What do you get when a baby just finishes crying and is blinded by the bright snow? This face!!! hahaha

Things we love

2012-01-14T20:46:00.000-05:00

Daddy..... and popcorn

Working out

2012-01-10T12:10:00.002-05:00

I have been working out for a week now and feel fantastic! My body loves it! I find it fascinating when you do what id good for your body, it begs for more, when you drink or smoke and do drugs, your own body tells you it is bad! Why wouldn't you not want to feel good and be able to run and play and have tons of energy? You would have to be on drugs not to!!!

KIDS

2012-01-08T21:48:00.003-05:00

My kids doing what they do best

Ace is learning to "play" with his toys. (a.k.a. putting them in his mouth and drooling), and getting so big!

Odi does whatever it take to get you smile and laugh. My dad has nicknamed her the weird one. And it's true, so very true.

Bud has become a Daddies boy and never wants him to leave. He used to not let me out of his site, but I guess with two younger siblings who demand my attention, he was wise and attached himself to Daddy. To bad Daddy isn't around more than 2 hours a day.

And my BIG girl P-do! She plays and reads and "chats" (with Daddy) on the computer, ALL DAY LONG! She is getting way to smart!

Workout

2012-01-04T20:23:00.003-05:00

The last time I really worked out was about 6 years ago before I got pregnant with Piper. Needless to say, I am wayyyyy out of shape. I have to get my body back before it explodes and is impossible to save. My tummy bounced back after Piper, bounced right back after Thaddeus. It took a few extra months with Odi, but I guess the 4th time around, my body doesn't want to work with me at all!! I still have a good 20 pounds to lose and at least 15 inches in the waist. I enlisted Sam to help me by telling me what will help me get the results I want, what weights to lift, how many reps to do, etc etc and most importantly keep me motivated! I do what he tells me then I get on the elliptical everyday for at least 10 minutes. I go as long as I can or until there is a crisis in the toy room. I will keep you posted on my progress. I started at 130 pounds and 38 inches around. Wow am I embarrassed to write little lone have people read that. I have never had a body issue, but have always been self conscience about my body. But now that I do have a problem and am at my biggest and heaviest ever, I decide to tell people now! I HAVE LOST IT! Well, wish me luck!

Bring it Sister!!!

2012-01-03T16:34:00.002-05:00

We made some new years resolutions this year. We have family ones and we all made individual ones. Ace made lots like sitting up to walking. Odi was easy. Learning the rest of her numbers letters and colors. Piper wants to learn Spanish and learn to roller skate. Thaddeus is finally going to master the potty and he wants to do a pull up like Daddy. Daddy wanted to find a new job, finish writing his books, and improve his temple attendance. I wanted to lose my baby weight, be more patient and compassionate to the kids and get in good enough shape to beat my sister in law in the Turkey trot next Thanksgiving. It motivates me and gives me a goal to get back into shape fast and I will be living in Arizona next Thanksgiving and thought it would be fun to do something with the family since lots of the siblings participate.

So bring it Sara!!!!

The ups and downs of Miss Odes

2012-01-03T16:31:00.001-05:00

One minute she is climbing tables.....

and the next passed out in her chair.

It is hard to keep up with this child!

A Family sickness

2012-01-02T15:35:00.002-05:00

When you have as many little ones as I do, we all get sick a lot. It usually starts with Teebs and makes its way around depending on who Teebs coughs on first! This round was Ace's first round of sickness. Poor guy wasn't a fan but I did get lots of cuddles at all hours of the day and night.

Isn't he cute, even though he feels terrible!

New Ward

2011-12-29T22:31:00.002-05:00

They added a new ward to the South Bend area and we are one of the lucky families that are in it. So we were released from our callings and were given new ones. Lucky for Sam he is still the Ward Mission Leader and I got a calling that isn't Nursery. Shocking right? Well if I can't have the calling of my dreams (which is Nursery) why not be in the Primary Presidency as 2nd counselor. Which funny enough I am over Nursery. I know what my one talent is and that is enjoying little kids. I haven't been in a Presidency for a long time so I am a little overwhelmed with all the responsibility especially considering that it is a new ward and we have to build the Primary up from scratch. I am excited and looking forward to all the fun adventures that will come my way! Wish us luck!

Bud turns 3

2011-12-29T22:20:00.002-05:00

My camera was out of battery but I got it fixed in time to take a couple of pictures to remember Thad's 3rd birthday!!! I can't believe it actually! I know I have 2 younger than him, but it still feels like he should be my little guy. We started out the morning with opening a few presents. Then we went to lunch at Red Robin (his choice) and they sang to him and brought himhis own ice cream! He was in Heaven. Then we hit the dollar theater. Everyone is sick with fevers and coughs but we still had a good enough time. Thad had a blast and that is what matters. Then we came home and had dinner, opened more presents and had cake. I am not baker so we just baked a cake and I put some of his action super hero figurines on the cake and called it good. He actually loved it, so it worked!

Thank you Meme and Papa for the trains. I told you he would love them!!

I could find them all and some wouldn't stand up on the cake so we only got a few on there but it still looked pretty good!

Happy Birthday Bud! We love you and you bring us so much happiness and joy! Your smiles brightens my day! Hope you had a great birthday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-29T21:49:00.004-05:00

We had our very first Christmas at home this year! Our kids came down OUR stairs and saw their presents from Santa. We thought we would be really sad and lonely and we were but it was wonderful to be home! We had church at 10 so we came down the stairs and opened our stockings then left for church and came home and opened presents after church. The kids did great and never threw a fit to open a present and was very patient! We tried really hard this year to bring Jesus and his birth into the holiday and I think that helped with the understanding why we weren't going to open presents right away and why it was important to go to church.

On Christmas Eve we tried to take a family picture but with so many little ones and trying to use our timer on the camera, we got not so great photos. I had just had a baby about the time we we should have taken family photos for our Christmas card and I didn't really feel like it, but I thought we would send out a Valentines day card instead this year. Hopefully we can all learn to smile and love the camera by then!

Christmas eve was so fun! We got to set out the presents and fill the stockings and put together presents that Santa didn't have time to put together. I told Sam that he was finally a Dad and a grown up! Congrats Sam!

Teebs got a Spider-Man house. Acer got a steering wheel toy. Piper got roller skates that she has been dying for and is actually doing really well on. And Miss Odes got a baby bed.

Christmas morning!!!! Look at our happy little guy!

I don't think he understood how excited he was supposed to be. Odi on the other hand, understood perfectly!

Love his smile! I surprised Sam with a Blu-Ray player and some of his favorite movies! I told Sam we wouldn't get each other anything, but then I lied and saw a great deal on Black Friday. I braved Black Friday just for him! I must love my husband A LOT!

Never mind the chocolate on her nose, just look at her pretty happy face!!!

She banked this Christmas! She got babies galore and LOVED IT!!

My folks sent Sam a remote control helicopter and it was a huge hit! We had a FANTASTIC Christmas! My kids said thank you and never once complained about what they didn't get! I love Christmas and was so lucky to get to spend it with my little family!

Domino effect

2011-12-23T15:35:00.002-05:00

I took a picture of Acer sleeping in Daddy's arms. He looked so cute! But then that set off the domino effect....

cause then Odi needed to have her picture taken.

Then Teebs wanted his picture taken...

then Piper couldn't be left out!

Christmas cookies

2011-12-23T15:32:00.001-05:00

We went to a friends house and decorated tons of cookies! More than I think we will eat, or I will allow them to eat. Then we had hot coco. We had a great afternoon!

Best seat in the house

2011-12-18T21:20:00.002-05:00

So excited

2011-12-18T21:16:00.002-05:00

I got out the bouncy toy seat thingy and the kids could not wait to show it to Ace. I got it cleaned up (it has been sitting in our shed for a while) and put it together and put Ace in it. I think the other kids liked showing it to him more than he enjoyed sitting in it, but he did enjoy all the attention from everyone.

Happy girl

2011-12-14T08:39:00.001-05:00

Hold on to your socks Meme

2011-12-14T08:34:00.001-05:00

I couldn't decide which one was cuter, so you got them all!

This pretty much sums it up!

2011-12-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

SNOW!

2011-12-12T22:31:00.003-05:00

It finally snowed. We usually have snow before now, but the longer it stays away, the happier I am! This is our LAST Winter in Indiana!!!! Hopefully next year we are back home in 70 degree weather!! Not 20! Anyway, we went out and enjoyed it!

Odi didn't really play in the snow last year. She was only 8 months old and didn't care much for it. It is the same this year, but we bundled her up and Sam just put her in the snow. She didn't move til Daddy came back and got her, but she didn't throw a fit.

Thaddeus and Piper of course loved it! When we told them it doesn't snow in the Arizona valley to much and this would be our last Winter with this kind of snow, they got sad! Nah, they'll get over it!!! hehe

And this is what Ace did threw all the snow fun! Lucky kid!

Sam turns 29

2011-12-08T20:44:00.002-05:00

It has become a tradition that on Daddy's birthday, the kids get him toys. So upholding the tradition (that Sam started) Piper got him a LaLa Loopsy Pirate figurine. Odi got him a Littlest Pet shop Dog. Thad got him Star wars figurines and Ace got him Thor figurines. I surprised him at work with a cupcake from our favorite bakery and took him to lunch. We had pizza for dinner. Sam got a supreme. We never get supreme, but for his birthday we did. What we don't do to make our man happy!

Piper and Thad wanted to make him a Spider man cake. So we dyed the cream cheese frosting blue and put on red sprinkles. They really tried to get toys they thought Sam would like and make him a cake they thought he would like. They tried to be as thoughtful as a 4 and 2 year old can be! Odi didn't care to much about anything but the dog toy she got for him.

I hope you had a FANTASTIC birthday babe! We love you!

Hair cut

2011-12-08T20:39:00.002-05:00

I just received the cover thingy, and Thad felt like such a big boy. He usually whines and is grumpy the whole time I cut his hair, but this time, he smiled the whole time! Who knew!?

Feelings

2011-12-06T20:28:00.002-05:00

I had a niece that was due with her first baby, just a week after Ace was due. Her baby girl was born a couple of days before Ace. Unfortunately, Amelia was still born. When I heard the news I cried and cried. But the fact that she was my niece and I had a healthy baby, makes me feel even horrible. I don't want to share news of Ace and risk hurting the families feelings. I feel even worse when all I can do is complain about being tired or how much pain I was in nursing, or anything really cause I know my niece would have taken the physical pain over the loss of her baby. I know they are happy for me, I just hate it! Ace's birthday will be a yearly reminder of Amelia's death. (See was buried on his birthday). I know my Heavenly Father has a plan for us all. Even little Amelia who had to leave us to soon. I just remind myself daily that all 4 of my beautiful, healthy, striving children are a blessing from god.

check-up

2011-12-06T20:23:00.002-05:00

I took Ace in for his 2 month check up. Yes I know he is closer to 3 months than 2 but it is just how it worked out. Anyway.... He is in the 75th for height and 50th for weight and head size. He was 12 pounds and 1 ounce. He gained over 2 pounds in a month!!! YAY ACER!! The doctor kept saying in the next month or so he should be pushing up on his hands, rolling over, pulling his knees up under him, cooing and talking to his toys and people, smiling and giggling. I told her he already hit all those milestones and then I had to prove it to her. She said she was really impressed with his growth and how much he can do. She said I must be a good Mommy! I don't think it has anything to do with me, but I'll take the compliment!!

Dinner helpers

2011-12-06T20:19:00.003-05:00

It's funny how Odi has the exact same smile in both of these pictures!

Have you noticed how BIG my P-Do is lately? Well, Odi makes anyone look huge!

I thought Odi was cute in this one, don't mind the dog, he got distracted by the dinner on the stove!

Blessing Day

2011-12-05T12:30:00.002-05:00

Ace Baser was blessed yesterday at church. Sam did a wonderful job. Sam blessed him with happiness and when he said that, Ace looked up and smiled at everyone! He is our happy little guy and loves to smile at you. (Apparently, not for pictures though.)

I wanted Thaddeus and Ace to be blessed in the same outfit just like Piper and Odi were. The outfit is a 3 month old outfit and he is only 10 weeks, but it was a little short. He has grown a ton in the past few weeks. He has grown out of all his 0-3 month outfits already. If you lay him on his tummy he can roll over, push up on his arms, and pull his knees up underneath him. In my opinion, he is GROWING UP WAY TO FAST!!! He sleeps about 8 to 10 hours at night. AWESOME!!! And luckily, he still loves to cuddle up with his Mommy!

I just can't help it!!

2011-11-30T21:03:00.002-05:00

He is just to darn cute! I take a picture of him (or Piper does) about every 12 minutes!

I think this is the first picture of the two of us outside the hospital. We left the hospital about 9 weeks ago so I guess it was time for one!

I love love love this little guy! He is in his 3 to 6 month clothes and has thigh chubs and laughs and rolls over occasionally and loves to snuggle with his Mommy! His hair is falling out, still has a little, but you can see his super blonde hair growing in underneath it all. His eyes are getting lighter so hopefully we can have a blue eyed blonde. We have about ever other combination! My little Acer Baser is the best!

Miss Odes

2011-11-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

At her finest!

9 weeks

2011-11-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

AND TO DARN ADORABLE!!!!

At least I am getting my moneys worth out of the diapers!

2011-11-30T09:29:00.001-05:00

I leave him alone for 2 seconds.......

2011-11-30T09:25:00.001-05:00

...... and come back to this. How did this happen Ace!!??

I thought it was a good idea at first......

2011-11-22T20:41:00.005-05:00

........but now when I put him under there, I think other people might think I'm crazy. I laid him down on the floor and it was insane to keep him protected from "the others". I put him under the swing and not quite so many attacks. He actually loves it cause I can hang toys from the swing and he already grabs at them and puts them in his mouth and talks to them and kicks them with his feet. He looks like he is on the verge of rolling over to. He will be 2 months on Thanksgiving. Can't my babies just stay babies!?

HE IS SOOOO HANDSOME!!

Check out that awesome smile!! He LOVES to smile and I love it when he does!! All of my babies have been so serious and never smiled but Ace gives them away freely and easily! This Mommy loves it!

Babies

2011-11-22T20:39:00.001-05:00

Piper wanted to take a picture of "her" babies!

Personally, I think mine is cuter!

Crazy Driver

2011-11-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

LOOK OUT MARIO!

Random pictures for Meme

2011-11-19T15:28:00.002-05:00

Lunch Date

2011-11-18T15:58:00.002-05:00

I was able to get a sitter for my kids and surprised Sam with lunch! We went to a little brunch place in downtown South Bend. Dinning out is so enjoyable when you aren't refereeing 4 kids, or sharing your meal with 4 kids, or entertaining 4 kids, etc etc. I got to enjoy my husband and have an adult conversation. It was wonderful! I do truly love my husband and want to be with him all the time, but with 4 KIDS it just doesn't happen often enough! So I was so thankful I got the opportunity to surprise him and be with just him!

Love you Sambo!

NO comment

2011-11-17T14:10:00.002-05:00

In the last 6 posts, I have had no comments but over 180 people have looked at my blog in the last 10 days. Mysterious.

Ace of Base

2011-11-16T15:03:00.003-05:00

You have to remember Ace of Base. It was one of my favorites in the 90's! Well I named my son Ace so naturally I started calling him Acer then I started to sing him all the songs I knew of Ace of Base. Piper told me to stop singing them, but Ace loved the songs. OK well he probably just liked me singing to him, but anyway, so now I call him Acer Baser, at first to get a rise out of Piper but now it stuck and we all call him that! Thank you Ace of Base for the weirdest nickname I have come up with to date! But honestly, the songs are still awesome!! One of the songs is entitled "All that she wants". The lyrics go "All that she wants, is another baby, she's gone tomorrow boy, all that she wants is another baby......" I can promise you, I don't!

Craft time

2011-11-14T20:36:00.001-05:00

We made masks at craft time today. The favorite was the kitty cat! We all had to take a picture with it. (Teebs refused)

The girls look really cute....

Me?? Not so much!

Kings and Queens

2011-11-14T20:30:00.002-05:00

Sam and I took the kids on an "adventure" the other day. An "adventure" is just where we take a walk and look at things and discover things, but on this adventure, we took some of our friends that live next door. We might sound crazy but we took them on a walk to Toys "R" us. (We fortunately live within walking distance of anything you might want to see, do or eat in Mishawaka/South Bend.) They were all terrific. No fussing, no fighting, no whining, and they all stayed close and listened really well. Then we walked across the parking lot to Burger King, (they had a play place!!!) had lunch and came home. The adventure lasted a little over 2 hours and they all did fantastic and we all had a marvelous time. Even Sam and I!

We had 6 kids 6 and under...... flash forward of our lives maybe??

Bedtime

2011-11-14T20:27:00.002-05:00

I was bathing Teebs and Odes and take my eyes off the other 2 for one second and this happens. It was at the time of night that if someone falls asleep be time is rough, so unfortunately it was really rough, but they looked so cute I let them do it for a couple of minutes!

Grandpas visit

2011-11-14T20:23:00.002-05:00

Sam's Dad had a business trip down in Indianapolis. After his trip was over he came up and stayed with us for one night. It was fun to have all the grandparents came to see us in just one months time. Grandpas visit was short but we still managed to have a great time with him.

I thought was getting bigger. Getting some chunks on his thighs and all, but when Grandpa held him with his 6 foot 3 stature, he looked smaller than the day he was born. Luckily, he is cute either way!

My kids today

2011-11-10T09:47:00.002-05:00

Piper loves to hold Ace and Ace loves to be held. Ace's two little Mommies My crew this morning

Jealousy

2011-11-06T15:04:00.002-05:00

Well it's hit, the darn jealousy!

Odi was fine with Ace while Grandma and Meme where here, but now that everyone has left and it is just me and the kids all day, she realizes just what is really going on. She will climb up next to me try to push Ace aside or off my lap. She says to me "Ace go, Ace go Daddy." Meaning she wants Ace to go to Daddy and have me all to herself. She still loves Ace. Wants to hold him and kiss him and help with him, but she wants her Mommy all to herself! I try to hold her as much as possible but between holding Ace and all the household chores and the other 2 kids, she just never seems to get held enough! Daddy is willing to hold her, but it HAS to be Mommy. Which is exactly what Ace thinks to! What to do what to do!

6 Weeks

2011-11-05T16:23:00.001-04:00

Man, time is flying!

I like the way he is looking at the pirates hook! ha. ha.

Cozy

2011-11-03T20:47:00.001-04:00

They look like they just did something mischievous doesn't it?

Photo Shoot of love!

2011-11-03T20:43:00.001-04:00

Piper had Ace smiling so big and cooing at her. I tried to get a good picture but could never get one with a huge smile on his face! It was so sweet and tender they way she would talk to him. You can tell she loves him and you can tell he LOVES her!

Bathtime

2011-11-03T20:40:00.001-04:00

We finally took a bath this morning where he didn't scream the entire time! YAY!!! Odi helped with the water and Piper took the picture. They want to help me every time we do anything with Ace!!

Halloween

2011-11-03T20:35:00.001-04:00

2011-11-01T14:05:00.000-04:00

HA. HA.

2011-11-01T14:04:00.000-04:00

Baby Ace update

2011-10-27T19:54:00.004-04:00

So my baby is now 1 month old and amazing. He was losing weight and at 3 weeks and was half a pound lighter than at birth, the doctor had me supplementing with formula after I nurse him. In one week he had gained 9 ounces!!! YAY!! I was really struggling with nursing. I had scabs on both nipples, and had started to bleed from my nipples (tmi?) Once I got past all that and I thought we had finally got the hang of it all and the pain was going away, I woke up one morning with a high high fever and stabbing pains in my breasts. You guessed it, I had mastitis!!! I had it with Thad and just went to formula. But after the scabs and tears and bleeding and all the pain and tears I went thru to get to this point I was determined not to let it beat me. So I called my doctor right away and got on antibiotics. I have taken them for one day and already the fever is gone the headaches are gone and most of the pain is gone!!! Hopefully this is our last nursing battle we will have to overcome! He already smiles at me, follows me around the room with his eyes, holds his head up without bobbing, and can read!! OK he can't read but almost!!!! He sleeps 7 straight hours at night and is up most of the day. Which means I get some sleep but get nothin done during the day. Keeping up with 4 small children keeps you pretty busy. It doesn't leave much time for laundry, or dishes, or vacuuming, or grocery shopping, or regular showers! Can't complain though! I have to be one of the luckiest women in the world! I have 4 amazing children, a husband who bends over backwards to make me happy and a Father in Heaven who died for me! What more could a country girl from Kansas ask for?

Ward Halloween Party

2011-10-22T20:24:00.002-04:00

We had our ward Trunk or Treat this past weekend. Ace and I stayed home, but everyone else went and had a blast! Teebs was Spider man, Odi was Cinderella, and P-Do was Blueberry Muffin from Strawberry Shortcake! Sam was of course Thor. He grew out his beard for 4 weeks to complete to outfit! He actually looked pretty cool. Creepy but mostly cool!!! Odi's first impression of Thor was terror!! She cried till Daddy took of the wig. SHe eventually got used to it. I think getting candy helped!

What we have been up to.....

2011-10-18T21:33:00.002-04:00

Sam has decided to be Thor for Halloween. He is growing his beard in preperation. Can't wait for that to be gone!! Teebs built a Lego Robot taller than him. He enjoyed knocking it down more! Odi sat on the potty and pulled all the toilet paper out. She was so excited to flush the potty and even said bye to her poop as it went down!

Pretty exciting stuff huh??

Grandma's visit

2011-10-13T22:07:00.002-04:00

Grandma Richardson came to visit and help and WE LOVED IT! It so was wonderful to have Grandma here. I think we are all still a little sad she was only here 2 weeks!We tried to get a good picture of all of the kids with Grandma and we almost got one!!

Thank you Grandma for all your hard work and love and support you gave us while you were here!

We love you!!

Fall Fun

2011-10-13T22:02:00.002-04:00

Just in the past week all of our leaves have turned colors and fallen. So what else are you supposed to do but rake them up and jump in them!!??? Thad wanted to help Piper wanted to roll And Odi didn't want to get dirty! To much of her Mommy in her!

Story

2011-10-13T21:04:00.004-04:00

SO I know I have been MIA lately, but with 4 kids 4 and under, it gets kinda crazy here during the day and once the kids go to bed and Ace is taken care of I am completely wiped out! But here's Ace's birth story if I can stay awake long enough to write it all. Lots of long blonde hair that he is slowing losing but hopefully will come back blonde. Odi was talking to sweetly to him. SO cute! Friday the 23rd we were together as a family at Target getting the last few baby things I needed and I had a major contraction (I had been having contractions for over a week) and then I felt a little wet. For the rest of the day every contraction brought on a little wetness, so I was sure I would go into full blown labor but it never happened. So I went to bed and had a terrible nights sleep but that was normal. On a side note Sam and I had a niece that was a week behind me in our pregnancies and she lost the baby at 37 7 weeks. So when I woke up the next morning and I had felt him move since yesterday afternoon, and with the contractions and leaking, we both just kinda freaked out and I called my doctor. He said to come in and get checked out. So we did and I was having contractions while being checked but nothing concrete and they were going to send me home and decided to check me real quick since I was a 3 at my last doctors appt. over a week ago. They checked me and I was at a 6!!! Thad loves to "teach" him about Spiderman and blocks and pretty much everything. When he is awake he looks like Odi, when he is sleeping he looks just like Teebs did. They quickly changed their minds and decided at admit me. I wasn't having any really strong contractions or really any pain. I tested positive for Strep B this time so they admitted me and put me on the antibiotic that the baby would need. So after 4 hours they check me again and was going to break my water but the baby and the water weren't positioned right and the doctor said we would give it another hour or so and that he would put me on pitocin just to get my contractions regular so my water would break on its own cause I was still not having regular strong contractions. Well about 10 minutes on pitocin I was in pain. I asked for an epidural and they told me I needed to go to the bathroom first. SO I stood up and the pain got 100% worse. Thankfully Sam was there to hold me up or I would have fallen to the floor. He pretty much carried me to the bathroom, helped me go potty and then carried me back to the bed. (I love my husband!) At this point I was in A LOT of pain. The doctor looked at me and said "let's check you before your epidural" He checked then looked at me and said your fully dilated. If you push you will break your water and have a baby. SO I pushed, and the water broke. I pushed again and his head came out. When his head came out the rest of the water broke and gushed ALL OVER Sam's arm and leg and the doctor. With the rest of the water came the rest of the baby.

If I would have just stood up earlier I wouldn't have had to wait so long! They put him directly on my chest where he stayed for a good hour while I just held and nursed him.They have always whisked my babies away and got them clean and I got him about 20 minutes later, but this was way better!!! I didn't even tear at all this time which has made my recovery so easy and awesome! Although I have paid my dues in the nursing department. He is a good eater and has latched on awesomely, but he has a little mouth and wasn't getting enough and I got sore and blistered and scabbed. I was fine with the horrible pain till I started to bleed FROM MY NIPPLE!!! (sorry probably to much information) and on top of that he is losing weight so I have to start supplementing. All that pain and torture and tears is for nothing!!! I shouldn't be surprised though, the same thing happened with Odi. So far all the kids LOVE LOVE LOVE him! They fight over who holds him and they all want to constantly kiss him and get him a diaper and find his pacifier! I don't know how I got so lucky with my kids liking and LOVING each other, but I don't ask questions! Ace was 9 pounds even and 20 3/4 inches long. From the time I stood up to go potty to where I was holding him on my chest was about 4 minutes. 4 minutes of intense pain compared to some who are in pain for days, yeah I think I can handle that! Here we are right before we left the hospital with my improved family!

Baby Ace

2011-09-25T14:17:00.002-04:00

Nikki asked me to post some pictures of Baby Ace. So here he is.

Brown paper packages tied up with string......

2011-09-22T19:46:00.003-04:00

You might be wondering why this is one of my favorite things?? My kids playing with trains, I admit, not that awesome, but in the background is my 4 year old. Who would rather read a chapter book than play with trains. When did she get so big??

I love this smart "big" girl of mine!

New Doctor

2011-09-18T21:26:00.002-04:00

We had a horrible pediatrician! We waited a minimum of 3 hours to see him every time. We had been forgotten about a couple of different times and the doctors and nurses were just rude! I had finally had enough and took a recommendation from my OB's office and got my kids into see a new pediatrician. I LOVE IT! They cared about my kids and answered any questions that I asked or didn't ask. Spent time with us and the best part, we were in and out in less than an hour!!! anyway, I found out that Odi is back up to 22 pounds and is the 50% for height and weight. Thaddeus is off the charts for height and in the 85% for weight and my BIG girl Piper is off the charts for height and weight! The doctor said she would be in like the 110% percentile! And someone finally listened to me about Thad's asthma. Thad has had a terrible cough and wheezing every time the weather changes. NO doctor would test him or even believe me little lone give him medicine. This new doctor just believed me and gave him an inhaler and is a brand new kid that is able to sleep threw the night now and not wake up coughing so bad he gags!!! YAY for a breathing son! SO thankful for doctors who like people and like making them feel better!

Preschool

2011-09-13T19:34:00.002-04:00

So P-Do is 4 1/2 and I have been asked why I haven't put her in a Preschool this year. I ask myself that question all the time. For one I would miss her and I want one more year with my baby. But manly because if I put her in, it would just be for a play date twice a week. I don't want to spend money for a play date. She can count and do fractions, write all letters and numbers, write sentences and READ anything you put in front of her. Even if you spell it she can still figure it out! What will they teach her that I haven't already? I just can't justify spending so much money on it. She would LOVE LOVE to go to school and play and meet new friends (she is very much a social butterfly) but can't she go to a dance class and meet new friends for less? I guess I am struggling with more guilt than anything. I know she wants to go, but I didn't want to spend the money.

Bad Mom????

Getting busy.....

2011-09-13T19:27:00.002-04:00

SO I only have 13 days left and things are getting pretty busy. I was up all night with contractions and it freaked me out a little. I have never had a contraction that wasn't medically induced so it got me to thinking that I could actually have a baby at anytime! I like when I go to the hospital, they hook me up, my water breaks and they clean it, and then I have a baby. This not knowing suspense could drive me insane! I decided it was finally time to get things ready for our little guy. I got his clothes out, got him his new swing and found the new baby car seat I want. I just need a good nursing bra. I have yet to find one that fits good and gives enough support. They don't carry the size I need in stores so I have to order it online which means I never know exactly what I am getting. If you have found one that has great support and wont let me sag to my knees I would love to hear it. anyway, I am off to set up the bed and get things organized! I bet he still doesn't come for another 2 weeks, but better safe than sorry right!?

21 Days to go.....

2011-09-06T16:17:00.001-04:00

My Teebs

2011-08-28T20:22:00.003-04:00

Just 2 weeks ago, he needed help with shoes, and getting dressed and buckling himself in the car seat and he was still wearing diapers! Now he is my BIG BOY and doing it all!! I can't believe how easy it is to potty train him. I will probably eat my words now, but once he decided he wanted to do it, it is a piece of cake. We have had a few accidents, but only 4 in the past week. I took him shopping in Wal-Mart and he didn't have any problem. I took him to Nursery and he did awesome. Even held his poop till I came to take him potty. Every time I take him, he can pee for me! And if he poops he gets fruit snacks. Needless to say, he tries to poop every time! He is in his "Spiderman" undies all day and in a pull up at night! I forgot to take him this afternoon for about 2 hours and he held it in!!!! He hasn't came to me and told me he has to go yet, but I usually take him about every 20 minutes. I didn't have to do a sticker chart or bribes or anything that I had to do with Piper. He just said one day, "Papa goes pee in the potty, I want to." That's all it took! He is just so big all the sudden! He talks non stop and wants to be my big helper and listens so well! He is an amazing little boy and I fall more in love with him everyday!

I love you T-Bud!

Why can't we be normal and just watch TV?

2011-08-28T20:15:00.002-04:00

I don't let my kids watch a lot of TV (if they do it is usually a movie) So instead of a show what else to do but cause craziness. I wish the picture wasn't so dark, but all 3 got in on the fight. Even baby Odes needed to get some craziness out! She held it wrong most the time, but we are learning! Causality of war. (Sorry about the boy. We are potty training) Daddy means business Sam's new trick.

Why can't we just be normal and watch TV??

I saw it and couldn't resist!!!!!

2011-08-25T13:44:00.002-04:00

It says "Save Ferris" How could you not walk by this and not buy it!?

Summer Days

2011-08-24T19:59:00.003-04:00

Summer is winding down, unless you are a member of my household!!!! None of us are going to school till next year, so we can still party!!! Why not celebrate that with a sprinkler!?

I told the kids to say cheese and instead you get yet another crazy face from Teebs and dancing from P-Do. What can I say, they are their fathers children!

SO CUTE!!!!!

What is a day outside without scooter riding. She is getting really fast!

We were twirling in the water. Odi was doing it 2 seconds earlier with her, but of course I am never fast enough! It looks like Teebs is escaping on his trike!

***Oh and we are on day #2 where Teebs woke up and wanted undies, and Day #2 of no accidents!!! I don't know what changed that kids mind, maybe he will change it again, but so far he goes every time I take him and is excited to be a big boy!!

YAY FOR NOT HAVING TO DO ANYTHING!!!

The talk

2011-08-23T15:24:00.003-04:00

So a few things have happened that has made me think about having a talk with my kids. Not a sex talk, hopefully I can avoid that one a few more years, but one about not taking off our clothes or letting anyone touch our bums etc etc. Most kids that get molested, get molested as little children, like 2 to 4. So I decided to talk to my kids about what is appropriate and what isn't. Sam and I have always had a strict rule about diaper changing. If I am able, I do all the changing. No matter who is volunteering. Anyway, most kids that get molested are molested between the ages of 2 to 6 by someone their age or close to. So I might not be able to stop live from happening but I can try to prepare my kids for certain things. So after dinner last night, I brought up a few things like, not letting anyway touch our front or back bums, getting us to undress, or getting in a car with someone, or even letting a friend convince us to play in the street. We taught them to yell "NO" if something is happening they dont like or dont want to do. I HATE having this conversation at all. I don't want them to know things like this even happen. We tried not to scare them but make them aware that they don't have to do anything they don't want to do, except take a bath on bath night.

Have you or would you have this talk with your kids? What pointers would you give me?

35 Week appt.

2011-08-22T14:22:00.002-04:00

I will be 35 weeks tomorrow. This whole pregnancy I have been measuring big and since we are getting closer to my due date they wanted an ultrasound to see just how big he was. Well his body and organs were measuring between 37 to 38 weeks. His head was at 40 WEEKS and he was measuring in at 6 1/2 pounds! That is a full term baby in there!! He should be this size 5 weeks from now!!!!!! They also said that I had a lot of fluid. Isn't the problem usually not enough fluid? They told me to watch my diet and and we would have regular ultrasounds every other appt./week till he was born. We always knew he was going to be big, but having his head measuring 5 weeks AHEAD of schedule is a VERY VERY VERY SCARY AND PAINFUL THOUGHT! I plan on doing this labor medication free or do I?????

Snails pace

2011-08-22T14:16:00.002-04:00

Thaddeus has stopped taking his afternoon naps which is awesome cause then he is begging us to go to bed at 6:30 everynight and is usually asleep before we are done reading scriptures. THis afternoon I laid Odi down and came down stairs to vacuum. When I am done I notice I haven't seen Teebs for about 15 minutes. That usually means he is into something. I go searching for him and he is sleeping on Sams side of the bed!!!!! Usually I would be put out cause bed time wont be as easy but then I realized that I would get a good hour of just Piper time!!! This time next year she will be in Kindergarten!!!! I will lose my Piper!! So instead of doing dishes or finishing any other chore, I just sat and colored with her for over an hour! We made up stories and colored pictures to the stories. It was great!!! I don't mind if this year goes at a snails pace!!!!!!

Sunday fun

2011-08-21T21:25:00.000-04:00

Why do I spend all that money on toys??

Our trip!

2011-08-21T21:04:00.010-04:00

So in attempt to try to escape my reality and what my life is about to become, I ran to my folks house for a couple of weeks. We had a great time!!! It was over to soon, but we all missed Sam and I have to face what the next few weeks have in store for me sooner or later. We did so many fun things and got so many fun new toys (Thanks Meme) and Mommy got to relax!!! I have about 1276 photos but I will only post a few. There are a few more on my Facebook if you are lucky enough to be my "friend"!!!!!

All Teebs had to do was say "I love you Meme" and she was ready to get out her check book! She had him wrapped around her finger!

Relaxing on the deck!

I dare you not to fall in love with these faces!!!

This was a constant battle! They are both climbers and "investigators". Made for two fun exciting weeks!

We then found this bouncy house place in Joplin. My kids had a blast!!!!

This was Teebs favorite of course! He loves Alligators (thanks Captain Hook)!!!

I asked him if he wanted his picture taken. He said yes then made this face!! He makes me laugh about every 3 minutes! He just zoomed up this thing. Not a bone of fear in his body!

Little guys get tired after about an hour. She started "resting" anywhere and everywhere!

Then she had some company! My goal was to wear them out and needless to say, bedtime was not a problem that day!

My grandpa aka Papa E

These kids keep me going! I am one blessed Mommy to have all 3 of them in my life!

I would like to introduce the best part of visiting my folks, the most popular dog in my kids hearts, COCHISE! Odi was sad and kept asking for him after we left. Piper told me just to day she missed Cochise and then she cried a little cause she missed being with Meme and Papa and Cochise. And Thaddeus is completely head over heels for this dog! I don't know how he wont their affections so whole hardheartedly, but he did!

Hide and seek. If Teebs could stay quite and not giggle the whole time, he would be a pretty good hider. My mom made the kids (including Ace) super hero capes! They love 'em!

We put their initial on the back. The personal touch is so cute!!

Thank you Meme and Papa (and Cochise)!! We had a marvelous time!! We already miss you and can't wait to see you all in October! Thank you for the laughs, the toys and all the hugs! We couldn't ask for better grandparents!!

Love this girl!!!!

2011-08-21T21:04:00.001-04:00

To bad Odes was sleeping

2011-08-04T20:28:00.001-04:00

Lots of LOVE!

2011-08-01T13:49:00.002-04:00

Odi has really started showing her Daddy lots of love! She cries when he leaves. Cries for him when she gets hurt, and runs to him when he gets home from work everyday! Sam is also LOVING it! This is her SUPER BIG hugs!

Morning HUGS!!!

New ride

2011-08-01T13:47:00.001-04:00

Odi LOVES it!

LOOK OUT CAPTIAN HOOK!

2011-08-01T13:43:00.001-04:00

We had to duct tape one sword due to Thaddeus eating it. "Our" favorite activity lately is sword fighting with Daddy. Nice huh?

Role Reversal

2011-07-22T20:41:00.002-04:00

This has been my life the last couple of years and it is nice to see Sam getting to enjoy it as well!

Pictures I couldn't help but post!

2011-07-22T15:07:00.005-04:00

What mother doesn't love her children and want to show them off? That is pretty much the only reason I have this blog. So with that being said.......

(I put this picture on just to show how dark my baby has gotten this summer. She started out pasty white like her mommy and has ended like her olived-skinned Daddy! You can really tell if oyu look at the bottom of her feet!!!!)

Piper put on her white tutu and pretended it was a veil. SHe was suppose dot "marry" Teebs, but he wasn't having it!

My new pantry

2011-07-21T09:24:00.001-04:00

Odi loves to help me in the kitchen at dinner time. Yesterday she decided to move our pantry. It kept her happy and out of my way for a full 20 minutes!

Coloring

2011-07-19T21:30:00.002-04:00

Our favorite activity!!!

Odi still isn't to interested in coloring as much as just emptying the colors out of the box. But at least she isn't eating them as much any more!

I know it looks like she is in pain, but I promise she is laughing and having a great time!

Dress-Up

2011-07-16T21:20:00.003-04:00

I don't know what Piper wanted to be, maybe 3 different things? Thad was a a Dalmatian, and Odi was a Transformer. Odi thought Thad's outfit was hilarious! She kept following him around laughing and barking!!

Odes and Teebs are both panting like dogs for this picture!

Here he is reading 101 Dalmatians.

Odi is famous for the nose scrunch. She look so cute when she does it!

Love 'em!

2011-07-16T21:19:00.000-04:00

Cooling off

2011-07-16T21:16:00.001-04:00

Went outside today to enjoy a Popsicle. I like the first picture but I realized you could see me in the door behind them! OOPS!

Wish List

2011-07-14T22:48:00.006-04:00

I want one!!

Anyone want to donate $32 plus shipping????

A day in the life of Teebs and Odes

2011-07-14T20:08:00.002-04:00

Teebs and Odes have this strange relationship. Maybe just a brother and sister thing, or maybe because they are so close in age, whatever the reason, they really love each other and really hate each other. Odi doesn't care if I hold someone else UNLESS it is Thad, the other one only wants what the other has. But other times, I find them giving each other a hug, or sharing so nicely with one another. This morning Thad was reading a book to Odi. He read to her for about 15 minutes. Then shortly after they were done they start to have a biting match cause Teebs sat in between Piper and Odes and Odi wanted to sit next to Piper. Before I could get to the "fight" and break up it up, Piper had to calmed down and settled the situation and was comforting Odi. It was so cute! Odi just let her cuddle her and Piper was saying such sweet things. Odi didn't even want me, she was content with her big sister! I thank Heavenly Father for my Piper-Do more and more everyday!

Things you can only learn from a Daddy

2011-07-11T13:23:00.003-04:00

I am the main care giver to our kids. As is any stay at home mommy. But Sam some how manages to spend enough time with the kids to teach them the most important things.

For one, THE BUM BLOCK. (It's where you stop suddenly in front of someone and stick out your bum so they run into your bum.) My kids love it and do it all the time!
The next is when someone is standing there or walking by you, you swipe their legs out from underneath them and yell, "TAKE OUT YA LEGS".

It was all super funny till Thaddeus went up to Odi and did it to her as she is standing on the end of Thad's bed. Daddy and Teebs were proud of themselves. Mommy and Odes, not to much!

Spoiled???

2011-07-10T21:11:00.002-04:00

When Sam was growing up, he only got a new toy on his birthday or Christmas. I guess that is a con to being one of 8 children. I don't buy my kids everything, but occasionally I do buy them small things here and there. Most of the time I tell them if they want a toy they need to save their money and if they still want the toy in 3 months, then I will get it for them. Usually they forget or we just put it on our "list" of things they want. Well Thaddeus and now Piper and now very much Odi, LOVE LOVE LOVE Lion king. We were at the Disney store a couple of months ago and they saw a Simba and Nola stuffed animals. They were $10 a piece so I told them we would have to put it on our list and save our money. Every time we went back they would hold them and hug them and put them back and tell them that they were saving their money and they would eventually take them home. Well after 3 months I said that we had saved enough money and could go back and get our animals. We went to get them and THEY WERE SOLD OUT! They were sold out for a month!!! My kids never got mad, they just said we will check next time and keep saving our money. Finally, we checked on Saturday and they were fully stocked! Of course the price was now $14 a piece due to the movie coming out on video in October. But a promise is a promise and they "saved" their money and we got them. OK so I told you that to tell you this. Sam thinks I am spoiling the kids and they are greedy and have the "gimmies". My parents didn't shower me with new toys every time we went to the store but occasionally we did get a new toy. My kids are thankful and and they were patient and never once threw a fit for it, even when they were sold out. Do you think my kids will get the "gimmies" from an occasional toy? I thought it was teaching them patience and appreciation and the value of the dollar? They haven't put them down since we got them and my only regret is that I didn't get Odi one! She loves them more than the other two!

SUPER BIG HUGS!!!

Even Odi can steal one away long enough to give hugs!

So back to my question..... Will an occasional toy make my kids greedy and have what we call the "GIMMIES"?

Cooking

2011-07-10T21:08:00.002-04:00

When we are at my Moms house and Piper helps her bake, she always pulls out aprons. Piper thought it was really cool and wanted her own at home. I wanted to pick out her fabric and make one with her, but still no sewing machine. So we bought a plain one at the store and ironed on some cupcakes and we were going to paint her name on it, but can't remember what I have done with my fabric paint. So until I find that, she says this will do!

Cleaning the church

2011-07-09T11:16:00.002-04:00

We cleaned our church this morning. One of the toilets was clogged, all the bathrroms smelt like a latrine, and lucky Sam got to deal with it all. I felt horrible! Normally, a wife should relish watching her husband scrubbing and mopping and wiping and plunging a bathroom, but it made me want to cry! I kept trying to take over but he wouldn't let me. It's kinda like if I went to work and Sam stayed home with the kids. It felt backwards and I work hard so Sam doesn't have to do any cleaning. Watching him do it was heartbreaking. It was the first and last time I hope Sam has to clean a bathroom while we are married and I plan to be married to him for the rest of my life!!!!

How we spent our 4th

2011-07-04T22:27:00.005-04:00

Since we don't have any family around and Sam had the day off, we went to the county fair to celebrate the 4th! It was WONDERFUL!! None of our kids had a melt down and threw a fit! We were all happy all day. We got there around noon and stayed till 6:30. We planned it so they would all fall asleep on the way home and 2 out of the 3 did. Piper knew there was fireworks and she really wanted to see some. So we let her stay up till 10:00 to see some. She said it was the best night ever! Can't beat that! Checking out the livestock Riding the swings Driving a car Riding a motorcycle

Fishing Chilin Playing our horns we won from our fishing trip Watching acrobats doing dumb things There were no nets or ropes. She was 100 feet in the air doing a handstand!!!! INSANE!!! She later hung from her head/neck while the bike went around way to fast! All I have to say is HAHAHAHA! The story of our lives! Then we finished the day with a train ride! The kids did awesome and so did Sam. If we walked that much in a store or mall Sam would have been throwing a fit but I gave him enough ice cream, he didn't mind! We of course ate tons of junk but it was fantastic!! We went on the right day to. It was only $4 admission instead of $8 and only 1 ticket per ride for all rides and only $1 a ticket! It was great! Piper is already talking about next year!

Computer time

2011-07-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

I promise eventually, I will get a shirt on that son of mine...... eventually