I'm Free

So I had Kylie outside playing and Marcus was taking Landon to scouts and I had to go to the bathroom really quick so I brought Aria with me. When I came out I found the front door open and looked outside and this is what I saw.



Apparently he likes mom's hat and Landon's boot.

Happy Valentines!!

I made sugar cookies today for valentines day and wanted them to look like conversation hearts. I think they turned out pretty cute, but maybe I think they are cuter than they really are. But hey Marcus said they tasted good, and my kids like them.

Catching Up

It seems that I am finally getting my feet under me. Having four kids has really thrown me for a loop, but now things are feeling much more under control. I think it is getting used to everything. I feel like I am getting a good routine down with the kids. Aria is much more reliable for sleeping. She is still not sleeping through the nights, but I know when she is going to get up, and go down for naps. Tannen is Tannen and busy as ever, but we are managing him as well. Aria can sit very well on her own and enjoys playing with toys. Tannen understands us very well and is working on words very well. New words are clock, sit, k (okay), boo (blue's clues), pointing to Aria's bows and saying cute.

I am really just surprised that it has taken me so long to adjust. Four kids is a lot, but I think having the last two 18 months apart has been really tricky. As hard as it has been I really can't regret it, or wish it was later. Marcus and I felt before we were pregnant with Aria that if we were going to have another one we rather have the baby sooner then later. Today she is 6 months old. I love that we got to have her. She completes our family perfectly. I also have a lot of people ask me if we are all done. And I respond with a resounding YES!! It feels right, and that is what both Marcus and I want to have. Our max number of kids was always four, never more.

I thought about what if I just had two kids. It would have been easier to haul them around, they would both be in school now, and it just sounds easier. But I just can't feel bad or regret having four. I love each of my kids, and they bring joy to me. I love having a big family. I love that everyone has a brother and a sister. I love that they get to share rooms right now. I love working on homework, reading and volunteering at school. I love rocking and snuggling and smelling milk breath. I love watching my kids grow and mature. And seeing the beginnings and the potential for whatever they will become. I love my kids. They complete me, and make me a better person. I am my worst with them, when I yell and am tired of waiting, and when they don't listen. But I am my best with them to when I get to snuggle up with them on the couch or bed, when we get to play cards, when I tell them sorry, when we just hang out and talk and giggle, when they let me wrap my arms around them and love them when they are happy, sad, frustrated. silly, mad, or affectionate. I get to give them the best of me, and I get the best of them too.

I love you Landon, Kylie, Tannen, and Aria!!!

Tannen's Second Birthday

Scraping the bowl


I'm always on the table


I'm ready


"Chooo choo"


Trace my hand daddy


Hey whats that?


Opening presents is the best


Tannen with his new toys


Two


Make a wish

Tannen had his birthday last week. He really didn't know it even though he was told happy birthday and sung at all day long. Even Landon first thing in the morning said Happy Birthday to Tannen. Landon and Kylie were really excited for him.

After we got Kylie to school I let Tannen help make the cake. I just did a box cake. I got my apron, and then Tannen insisted on one. I put his on and set him at the table. He pointed and patted the table until I set the bowl there too. I let him mix up his cake, and he was really cute to wait until I added everything. I had to take a turn to mix, and boy was he mad. I gave him back the whisk and let him mix it again. Then it was time to pour the batter into the cake pans. I gave him the whisk to eat but he was so mad that he couldn't mix anymore so he wouldn't eat it and just kept trying to get in the pans or bowl to mix. But we did get the cake put together, and then he got his nap.

The party didn't get started till daddy got to come home early at 4:00. I was finally able to get the floor mopped and cleaned, so when Marcus came home we were able to start. Actually Landon and Kylie were playing outside so we hung out and waited. Then we took the family out to Chili's. Always an adventure. I shared my dinner with Tannen and he ate a ton of food.

We came home and Grandpa Simons was 15 minutes after us. He came by to drop off his present and watch Tannen open his presents and have cake. Tannen opened his presents and then we had cake. He ate so much for dinner he turned his nose up at the cake. He threw his fork at Grandpa and was done. He loved playing with the vacuum he got for his birthday. And Landon and Kylie played with his other toys. I swear he said grrpa for Grandpa that night. And Grandma and Grandpa Simons got him some Baby Einstein DVD's and he was watching them and said kitty and another word. Happy Birthday my little two year old Tannen. I love you!!!