Sunday, March 29, 2009

What a Week!

We played soccer in the nice weather.

Enjoyed Oliver's smiles
Listened to some music.
Marki climbed her first tree.
Marki fell and hit her head. Notice the bruise on her forehead. Ouch! (Not on from the tree, she slipped in the bathroom and hit her head on the counter.
Looked for worms, spiders, and bugs
Levi is dressed head to toe in Marki's clothes. Hey, it was closer to grab than his....
We enjoyed the rain for an instant before the sun came out.
Oliver before his allergic reaction.
Oliver after his allergic reaction. This picture does not show how bad it was! Poor little one. He is allergic to amoxicillin like Levi is.
Enjoyed Pressly's birthday party at the YMCA. Pressly is pictured above with the ultra fabulous Kam Taylor, who is the best photographer in the whole world. Photographybykam.com
Marki dressed up.
Marki couldn't wait to give Press her present.
Tracey and her daughter Pieces. I had a great time Tracey! Let's do it again soon.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Fun Facts About Our Children

10 Fun Facts about each of my children.

Let's start with the most recent Benjamin, Oliver Owen.

1) He has the sweetest personality ever. He lights up everyone he meets with his adorable smile.
2) He is afraid of his brother and sister. He loves to watch them play and is fascinated by them but does not like them playing with him. (They "love" him too much!)
3) He does not like it when I look at him while he is nursing. He likes his privacy.
4) He laughs so hard at anything. He is easy to please. He'll put both his arms around your neck and give you the best kisses ever.
5) He is almost sitting up and scoots around everywhere by rolling.
6) Mark got to deliver him
7) He rarely cries. When he wants to be put to sleep he let's you know and you have to put a blanket over one side of his face. He gets angry if you don't cover his face a bit. (Don't worry, Icheck on him constantly and as soon as he is asleep I pull it down)
8) He now sleeps through the night now thanks to Mark!
9) His nicknames include: Olli, Olli O, oo7, Oh Oh, Olli-pop, Olli Bawli.
10) He sings in the morning. I lay and listen to him for a while. I go and get him and he squeals with delight. I love waking up to Oliver's singing.

The middle child, Levi James

1) He loves sports. Any sport. We start the day by playing catch every morning. He loves to watch football on TV. He has called it Gumbone ever since he was 1 year old. If a commercial comes on he brings you the remote and asks you to put the football game back on.
2) He is talented in all sports. He will be a lot of fun to watch when he plays hockey. He already looks like a pro.
3) He is a snuggle bunny. He has the best snuggles ever. Levi is always ready to give out a hug. He does not like anyone to be upset.
4) No one can throw a fit like Levi. He is a pro. Sweet as an angel one moment and than the next......
It's hard for me to discipline him sometimes because of that sugar sweet smile. You know the one where they know they are doing wrong but they also know they are cute and could probably get away with anything.
5) He may love sports and batman but he is not too proud to play dress up with Marki.
6) He makes sure everyone is kneeling when we pray.
7) His daddy delivered him too.
8) Levi is a comedian just like his dad. He loves to make everyone laugh.
9) His nicknames include: Levers, LJ, Lee,
10) He loves motorcycles. He can spot a motorcycle miles away when we are driving. He let's me know if someone is not wearing a helmet.

My only daughter, Marki Lyn

1) She is a Daddy's girl to the max and I love it.
2) She is terrified of Dogs. I mean terrified! She had some bad experiences when she was little that she just hasn't gotten over.
3) She sets goals for herself on her own. I have never met a more determined 4 year old. I believe she can do anything she sets her mind to and she is incredibly independent. You couldn't make her do anything if your life depended on it.
4) She blames her brother for everything. She can have the incriminating evidence in her hands and still tries to pin it on her brother.
5) She wants everyone in her world to be happy. She gave away her most prized possession, a jewelry box that her daddy gave her for her 3rd birthday, to her best friend, Malia. "Malia really liked it mommy and I wanted her to have it because she loved it so much!"
6) She could write a book when she says her prayers. She includes everyone.
7) When she gets a gift she makes sure she writes a thank you. When someone is sick, she makes them a get well card. (She was very upset when her teacher Miss Arisa was sick last year. The ambulance came to the school and Marki was so concerned. She made her a get well card that she just knew would make her feel better.)
8) Whenever she draws a picture of me she always has me holding Oliver. She draws pictures of her and her dad dancing.
9) She tells very bad jokes. One might go like this. MARKI: "Knock Knock" MOM: "Who's there?" MARKI: "Marki" MOM: "Marki who?" MARKI: "How did this get here and how did that get there"
I never get them but I laugh like it was the greatest joke ever:)
10) Her nicknames include Miss Mark, Junior, Bo, Ki-Ki.

I love you all with every fiber of my being. You make me so proud just by being the unique, sweet, fun, caring little people you are.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

If you don't wear green you'll get a pinch!

That's what Marki told me today. I bought her a shirt at Old Navy to wear on St Patty's Day and she tells me there is not enough green on it. "I'll get a pinch mom!" So she wore her Basic 5 race shirt to school instead. I told her that I had to get pictures of her in her pink and green shirt though. That was okay. Here are some pictures from today.
Gettin' ready to pinch

Happy St Patrick's Day!
Marki was full of poses today. Levi and Olli....Not so much.
Ballet Dancing!
Tada. Look how green I am!
Our little Irish babies.
Kissin' the baby.
Okay, I'll smile if you stop flashing that thing in my face!
Levi fixin stuff
Tetertotter and painting
I'm not looking at the camera anymore.
We didn't catch any leprochans today but we did catch the first lady bug of the season!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day Everyone!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Saint Patrick's Day Race 2009

I am proud to announce that this years St Patty's Day race went very well although we did not get off to the best start. It is safe to say that Mark and I are late for everything. We couldn't get somewhere on time if our life depended on it. So, the morning of the race I woke up extra early to make sure everything was in order and we wouldn't have to scramble finding everything. I got the kids up, fixed hair, put layers upon layers of clothes on, made sure they had their hats and gloves and off we went to pick up Malia who was running with us. We were making great time for the first time ever! After we picked up Malia, Mark got really sick so we turned back around to take him home. Still, we had plenty of time to get to the race. Then half way to Boise I realize that Mark had the camera and gloves in his coat. I HAVE to have my camera, I live for their races and HAVE to capture it. So back we went. I pick up the camera and forget the gloves, oh well. We are just going to make it with little time to spare. Lesson: You can never be prepared for life. No matter how hard you try:):):)

Now we are at the race and just barely make it. The kids are all excited. Levi has been practicing his running showing me each night how fast he is going to run. I love it! I love that they love these races. I didn't get my usual starting line photo but I did get some great pictures.

My brother Damon was there to run the race with Marki. She took off like a shot and I am told she ran the race in 10 minutes! She does better than I do!! Levi, Malia, and I got off to a great start as well. I alternated carrying Levi and Malia but they pretty much did the whole thing on their own. After about 10 seconds of me carrying them they wanted back down to do it themselves. I just can't describe how cute these races are. Levi was the youngest and everyone thought he was just too cute. This was his second race. Marki's 9th. They have done this since they were just shy of 2 years old.

Levi and Malia are just about to finish when Marki comes back to cheer them on and run with them. I love how she always comes back to support her brother. After the race Levi got to be quite cranky and Marki and Malia were playing all over the place. They got their sack lunch with string cheese, bagels, water, oranges, and some really gross honey milk. Every year there is a balloon lady that makes balloon animals. Marki always wants to wait in line for her but it takes her 3 hours to make one balloon animal. It was frustrating how we waited in line and she kept making animals for two boys and no one else. We opted to leave again. Or at least I opted to leave.

All in all, it was a great time and I can't wait for the next one. I am so proud of you all. Great job kids!!!
Cheese!

The girls after the race. They were playing hide and seek behind this tree.
I love everything about this picture. It makes me laugh.
Waiting for the stupid balloon lady. Malia packed like 4 waters in that bag to take back to her mom and grandma.
I want to go home now Mom!
Marki and Uncle D
At the finish!
Let's go Lee. We are almost done!
Go baby girl go!
I love her. I love her. I love her.
Lee and Uncle D
Are we going to start this race or what???
Nana and Lee.
Smile
That's my boy! I love him. I love him. I love him!
And they're off!
Wait for me Mom!
We can see the finish line.
Uncle D comes to help Lee finish. Notice the Best friends in the corner:)
Congratulations Girls. You all did such a great job!
Oh. So sweet. These girls had such a great time!
I'm ready to run
Oliver upset with mom. Pick me up don't take my picture!
A job well done.

Tired, cranky Lee. I am so proud of you Levi!