Fever

Parker woke up with a fever on Thanksgiving morning--of course, we have to be sick on the holidays. Anyway, it has lasted a couple of days, and finally yesterday I told Parker that his fever had gone down a little bit. A couple of minutes later Parker comes to me and tells me his stomach hurt, because the fever went down to his stomach. Then about an hour later, he comes and tells me that the fever has now moved down to his feet, which means he is almost all better, because the fever will soon move out of his whole body. What a funny boy! I forget kids take everything so literally.

One More Picture

Here is one more picture that I love--probably because this picture describes my life...notice Parker between my legs hanging on. Side note: right after this picture my kids almost knocked me completely over.

Family Pictures

Well, we FINALLY had our family pictures taken. Here are some of my favorites...

It finally happened...

I knew it would happen eventually, but today it finally did. Tyler decided he was going to change his last name and move out. Why? Well, didn't you know, Brock and I are the meanest parents EVER!! We don't let him watch TV whenever he wants and we never let him buy ice cream from the ice cream man. (Which, I daily curse the DUMB ice cream man.) Anyway, he said he would rather go play with his friends, change his last name and go live with some of the "nicer" neighbors. Unfortunately for him, I called all the neighbors as soon as he left, so they all turned him away at their doors. When he came back to our house to get a sweatshirt, we told him we didn't give food or sweatshirts to little boys that didn't live with us, so he would just have to stand out in the cold. Well, it took 30 minutes in the backyard with him crying, throwing rocks, crying some more, but he finally yelled through the window that he was ready to change his last name back to Bean. Ahhhh....we have our son back.

Lost Tooth

Well, Tyler finally lost his tooth--but then really lost it. He was at the playground at school and he lost his tooth. Unfortunately he was not aware that he lost it, and when he discovered what had happened, he had his whole first grade class looking for a tiny tooth. Honestly, I am not surprised. The tooth was hanging by a thread, but he didn't want any blood, so he didn't want any of us to mess with it. So he is currently writing the tooth fairy a letter, explaining his situation, so I'm sure the tooth fairy will be understanding.

Three Chipmunks & A Frog

Tonight we had our Trunk-or-Treat, and my boys went as Alvin, Simon & Theodore, and Sawyer as a frog (leftover costume from Tyler). So, the costumes were very easy--sweatsuits at Walmart, but poor Hunter just looks likes a brown-nosed rag-a-muffin. Parker looks like he is actually wearing a legitimate costume, and Tyler looks like he has crazy eyes. Poor Tyler wanted to go around with some friends, but I freaked out and made him go with his brothers, or no one would have any idea what he was. Anyway, I'm already collecting ideas in my head for next year, since this year is just not my favorite.

Parker is FOUR!

Parker turned four yesterday and it was quite the day! He had a "sugar cereal" for breakfast, (not usually allowed during the week), cupcakes for preschool, cookies after lunch, pizza for dinner, (his favorite) and of course cake and ice cream. Wow--what a day! He was bouncing off the walls until 10:30 last night, when he finally crashed on his bedroom floor next to a new toy. Isn't the cake cute? And the best thing was that all I did was pick it up from Costco--it is so good and cheap! I can't believe that Parker is four. I can't imagine our family without him. We really do love every sweet and grouchy thing about him. He is my one child that I know will take his parents in when we are old and crippled. He is very thoughtful and sensitive to others and we love him!

Butthead

Yes, this word has cause much upheavel in our house today. Why do boys think words like this are funny? Well, Tyler and Parker were both warned that if they said the word again, their mouths would be washed out with soap. So my brillant children said it again. The first two pictures are after the soap deed was done. Tyler bawled and Parker was grouchy. The third picture was round two for Parker--he said it a third time. Mercy....



ROUND TWO: PARKER

Omaha

We took a trip to Omaha and had a great time. We ate tons of good food....Brock and I both gained weight. We visited the Omaha Zoo and a really fun pumpkin patch. Below are some pictures of the pumpkin patch. Oh, and you may be wondering how it was traveling with four kids on the airplane....well, it wasn't completely disasterous. Though, you have to love the looks you get as you board with all four kids--you know, the "you guys are crazy" look. Then there is the "oh, thank goodness you just walked past my row" look.

All of the boys.


Sawyer--I love this pic

Hunter--his little legs didn't even reach the pedals all of the way

Parker's First Day of Preschool

OK-so I am very behind in posting, but I have to blog about Parker's first day of preschool. When I went to pick up Parker she told me she needed to talk to me, which is never a good sign. So she proceeds to tell me about Parker's Great first day of preschool. First, they were going over their letters A-Z and around letter 'S', Parker raises his hand and asks, "When are you going to be done because this is very boring." Next, they were outside running around and Parker goes up to Mrs. Polston and says, "Why are you wearing that outfit?" She says, "I don't know, I just picked it out this morning. Don't you like it?" Parker looks at her up and down and says, "It's alright, I guess, I was just wondering why you chose to wear that one." Where did this conversation come from??!! Finally, they were up to the kitchen table doing crafts. Parker was the first one finished and so Mrs. Polston said that he could have his snack first. So Parker proceeds to turn to everyone at the table and say, "Ya hear that stinky bums, I get my snack first!" His teacher then tells Parker that we have to use nice words at school. So Parker thinks for a minute and says, "Ya hear that people, I get my snack first." Yes, that rendition is so much better. I am so embarassed.... It is a darn good thing that he is not my first child attending her preschool or who knows what she would think.

I've Been Tagged

So I have been tagged by Lisa--Thanks Lisa!!
Three joys:
1. My Family
2. Reading
3. Shopping & Going out to eat (I love Outback)
Three fears:
1. Sickness
2. Death
3. Scuba Diving (I am extremely claustrophobic!!)
Three goals:
1. Lose 10 pounds (AHHHH!!!! So far not so good)
2. Travel to different countries
3. Be a better Mom
Three of my Current Obsessions:
1. Ebay--sweepea101
2. Making really good chocolate chip cookies
3. My kids (since with them I really have no life)
Three Regrets:
1. Quitting piano when I was 13 years old
2. Not doing baby books for all of my kids
3. Not traveling before Brock & I had kids
Three Facts about Me:
1. I hate organizing but I like surface cleaning
2. I hate opening mail (like bills & junk mail)
3. I would like to take photography and dance classes

I am going to tag Elise, Rachelle, Janeen, Lynlee, Sara & Rebecca

Slack...

Yes, I am talking about myself. I haven't posted for a very long time now and I will tell you why--ebay! I've discovered I can really only do one extra thing at a time. It can be reading a book, selling on ebay, blogging or something else, but if I do more than one thing my house would fall apart and my kids would be neglected. So lately I have been selling baby stuff on ebay. After four boys I have quite the collection. I have many things to post, so I will work on that tonight, and see if I can get that done before I leave on a Girl's Weekend!!!! Oh, I can't wait....

Little b & Little d

Tyler was reading a book this afternoon, and he has been doing a great job, but sometimes he still confuses lowercase b and d. Well, usually it is not a big deal, I just correct him and we move on. However, today it created a slight problem. This is what was written in the book:

Sam ran to catch the ball.
But he fell into a big ditch. (he put a b on this last word--it was not good)

So it begins...

Well, today I found this sign posted on Tyler's door. This is one of the problems when kids learn how to start writing. I'm wondering what is coming next....probably a hate note to me. And notice that since Parker can't read, he also included an illustration of Parker and a big X over him. Poor Parker.

1st Day in 1st Grade

Well, we made it through the summer and Tyler started school this morning! He was so excited, (as was I). We bought him an alarm clock so that he could wake up on his own and get ready. I can't believe he is going to be going to school for the whole day now. Last year it was just until 11:45, so it seemed more like glorified preschool. And this year he even has his own desk!! Things are going well with only three kids at home, however, Parker does seem a little bored and lonely without his older brother to turn on the Wii, computer games and TV for him. I guess Parker will be forced to bond with his younger brother Hunter, who likes to bite him....

WOW--A lot of candles!

We celebrated Brock's 31st Birthday yesterday and today. It has basically been Brock's birthday weekend. His actual birthday was yesterday, so him and I went out to dinner to a restaurant called Love Sushi. Unfortunately, I do not love sushi, but he does and since it was HIS birthday, I went with him. Then today we had cake and ice cream with the kids and they helped me put on all of his candles. Parker asked me if his dad was "really this many" as he kept putting more and more candles on. So I have made the executive decision that we will no longer be putting on candles for anyone over 20 years old at our house. I seriously thought it was going to set off the fire alarm. We are grateful for him in our family and for everything he does--we love him!

Our First Casualty of the Summer

To preface this story I must say that the snake pictured has caused more fights and headaches this summer than any other toy in our house. Parker has wrapped it around his throat, (and his brother's throats), more times than I can count and the kids constantly fight over this D-U-M-B toy. So why you may ask, haven't I thrown the thing away? Well, Tyler bought it at his school for Hunter last year for his Christmas present, and everytime I bring up the snake and the garbage he gets very upset. The other day the kids were once again fighting over it and so Brock took a pair of scissors and cut the thing in half. (See picture #1). After a while the kids decided it wasn't so fun playing with half of a snake, so they worked together to tape the snake back up. (Picture #2). But alas, that collective effort has since been undone, as they once again argued over it, but this time, Tyler cut it apart himself. All over a $2.00 snake...

A Weekend at the Beach!

Well, we finally did it--we went on vacation!! On the way down Tyler said, "Good we are finally going on vacation. I have been soooooo bored all summer." Our friends Brian and Alicia flew out from Texas with their two kids, so we went to the beach AND Disneyland. So for Disneyland being "the happiest place on earth, my kids were quite grouchy." But overall we had a great time and we are glad we could go.

Hunter....

A very intense sand fight ensued between the boys and Brock. Parker was very mad--also notice the trail of spit coming out of his mouth because he got a big glob of sand thrown in his very large mouth.
The water was freezing--Parker didn't care and Tyler and Hunter kept their distance.
Sawyer hanging out in his carseat.

Me (according to my kids)

So Laura had this on her blog and I wanted to see what my kids say. Any of my fellow bloggers that have kids, ask your kids and post their answers.

1. What does mom always say to you?
Tyler: "Get dressed and hurry up and get off the computer."
Parker: "That I can't watch anymore TV."

2. What makes mom happy?
Tyler: "When I am obedient."
Parker: "When you read us books and when I take care of my brothers."

3. What makes mom sad?
Tyler: "When I wrestle my brothers and make them cry, because I always do even though you tell me not too."
Parker: "When we don't mind you."

4. How does mom make you laugh?
Tyler: "When you tickle me."
Parker: "When you chase me around the house and when you tickle me."

5. How old is mom?
Tyler: "I don't know, maybe 25 or more. You're old."
Parker: "16." (I love him.)

6. How tall is mom?
Tyler: "200 lbs." Ummm...was he not listening to the question!!!!
Parker: "A little bit taller than me."

7. What does mom like to do?
Tyler: "Hug me and when we are good you like to relax."
Parker: "Go to bed all day or go in our car."

8. What is mom's job?
Tyler: "To watch us and get us breakfast and lunch and that's all."
Parker: "To work out."

9. What is mom's favorite food?
Tyler: "Pizza, because we get it all of the time." (Yes, we do order pizza usually once a week....) Parker: "How about salad? You like salad right?"

10. How do you know your mom loves you?
Tyler: "Because you are my mom and I came out of your stomach so you have to love me."
Parker: "Because you hug me and give me kisses."

Tyler's Birthday

Tyler's 6th birthday was 6 days before I had Sawyer so I never posted anything about it. Brock was looking at our blog the other day and he was offended because there weren't any pictures of it--not because he felt bad for Tyler, but because he helped me decorate his cake. We had Tyler's party at a bowling alley, but he wanted a Transformer Cake. Anyway, I wasn't about to pay a bunch of money for one at a store, so we went to Costco and bought just a white-frosted cake, (what a deal), and then decided we would decorate it ourselves. I thought the cake turned out great. I did the road and the writing, Brock did everything else. Let's just say that we would never make any money doing cake decorating. It took Brock THREE hours to do the flames and the red around it. He is such a perfectionist. But I appreciate his help and it turned out WAY better than if I had done it myself.

So Cute...

How cute is this?! Becky has a side business where she does handprints and she did Sawyer's a month ago. I love it!! I wish I had it for all of my kids when they were babies. In the picture they actually look big, but he really doesn't have monster hands. Anyway, I am excited to hang it on his wall in his nursery, (that is still being occupied by Hunter).

Sawyer is 2 months old!!

I took Sawyer to the doctor today for his 2 month check-up.
He is 22 1/2 inches long--76% percentile
He is 11 lbs. 3 oz.--49% percentile
I also realized that I don't really have that many pictures of him on my blog. Mostly because he doesn't really do anything, and at the risk of sounding like Angelina Jolie, he is a blob. However, a cute blob. But for those of you that don't live close, here are some updated pics of Sawyer...Oh, and his hair IS as crazy as it looks.
Most Recent Pics

He is trying to smile....
My attempt at getting his profile
Looks like all my other boys when he cries...
He is starting to hold his head up well

Tyler's Brain is Melting

I have had a serious problem lately, (like the last 4 years), with Tyler just zoning out to the TV. He loves it! So the other day I took some green Aloe Gel, went in and swiped it in his ear and said, "Tyler, what is in your ear??!!" Then I told him that it was green goop from his brain that was coming out of his ears because his brain was melting. Tyler of course freaked out, and I told him it was because all he did was watch TV. At this point I had him hooked. All of his brothers were staring at the goop in awe and Tyler's face was pale. I told him the only way to reverse his very serious condition was to read books. Wow, it worked like a charm! I think this may be my best mothering moment ever....

WARNING--Wii Fit

OK-so Brock bought me the Wii Fit, which I have been wanting for a while. Who created this?? When I stood on the Wii Board, my Mii suddenly ballooned into a fatter looking version of my once skinny Mii. Why did it have to do this? I can see myself in the mirror. Anyway, so it asked my height and birthday, and then I had to take a balance test. Afterwards, it calculated my "Wii Fit" age. It said I was 41 YEARS OLD!!! Ridiculous. In my defense, it never asked me how many kids I've had, or anything that I would find to be pertinent information. So I worked out for just 12 minutes and I was already sweating profusely. My advice would be to anyone considering this Fit unit, work out before you buy it. That way you don't feel like such a fat slob, with horrible posture, when you stand on it....It does not sugar-coat anything to make you feel better.

Fingers & Toes

So I took the cutest picture of Parker & Hunter laying down by Sawyer on my bedroom floor. I wish Tyler would have been there too, but he was busy watching Tom & Jerry....sigh....only 37 more days until school starts.

4th of July

So what a great day! We spent the day swimming and then in the evening had a BBQ and enjoyed some fireworks. Last year, Parker got a sparkler ash caught underneath his sandal strap, so he wanted nothing to do with the fireworks. Hence, the picture with him being grouchy on the blanket. Hunter, our fearless one, loved every minute.

Boys & Pee

OK, so I banished the kids to the backyard and suddenly Parker starts pounding on the sliding door. I ignore it for a couple of minutes, but when it persists I go and open it. He proceeds to tell me that Tyler went pee on his foot. I was so mad!! Luckily, this incident occurred a couple of minutes before Brock was coming home. When I told Tyler that he would have to tell his Dad what he had done, Tyler went and hid. Well, to shorten this story, as punishment Brock told Tyler he could either miss a birthday party the next day, or he could let Parker pee on his foot. Tyler grabbed Parker's hand and said, "hurry Parker, come outside and pee on my foot!" Wow-I was not expecting THAT response. The picture explains the rest, though luckily for Tyler, "nothing would come out" as Parker said.

Sawyer's Baby Announcement

Here is Sawyer's baby announcement. Babies are so sweet-especially when they are sleeping. Special thanks to my sister Rachelle who designed it on her computer and for Elise's creative additions.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

So I am on a search for a really good chocolate chip cookie recipe. I like the recipe I currently use, and they are even good after freezing them into balls and cooking them later. However, I want a fantastic recipe. I've tried some that I found online recently and have not been too impressed. Does anyone have one?

Dress Up??

Here are two pictures of Tyler. So the first one he has an Optimus Prime Helmet on his head, with his pajama shirt and cowboy boots to top off the look. The other picture, he squeezed his body in our Guitar Hero box and is acting dead. Wow--our summer is full of excitement for him.

Scissors & Tape

So today Parker asked me AGAIN how the doctor got the baby out of my stomach. I replied with my usual, "he cut me open and took the baby out," which I figured is a better reply than the truth. But today, I guess he wanted specifics. He asked whether the doctor cut me with a knife or a pair of scissors. Hmmm... I said scissors because it sounded better than a knife. Then he asked me if the doctor "put me back together with tape or glue." I said tape. Who knew that having a baby would sound like a craft project--I wish my body at this point could be fixed with some scissors & tape!!

First Shopping Trip

Last night Brock had to work late and of course we were out of wipes. So clearly, it was an emergency. I decided to go to Babies R Us, even though it was more expensive, but I figured I could run in and run out, and maybe people would not completely stare at me like I was crazy. (though I am)... OK, so all the way to the store I threaten Tyler and Parker that they have to stay by the cart etc... I even bribe them with ice cream sandwiches if they behave. We go in the store and we are in there for 10 minutes total. Tyler smashes Hunter's hand; Tyler and Parker play hide and go seek and are chasing each other around the clothes racks and hiding; Parker finds a bottle cap and a fight ensues between Tyler and him over a dirty nasty cap; Parker climbs in a plastic pool at the check-out and will not get out because I took away the cap so he is mad; Hunter of course is crying the whole time because he is strapped in and wants to run around and as I check out, Sawyer joins Hunter & Parker in the crying. We get out to the car and Tyler and Parker ask when they get their ice cream sandwiches. Are they joking???!!! They should be asking me to spare their lives. I was nervous to go anywhere with all four and now that fear has been justified.

Father/Son Campout

Here are the boys on Father/Son campout. Brock said he won't take our boys until they are two years old, so this year only Tyler and Parker were able to go. But guess what---next year Hunter gets to join the crew and in two years, all the boys will get to go!!