Are they ALL yours???

28 weeks!

2011-12-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Thought I would post a bare belly picture before it got to scary :-)

Please disregard my messy house in the background...its Christmas break ok?!

So ya, 28 weeks and overall feeling pretty good thanks to my chiropractor.

I can still move around fine sitting still or laying still is another story.

I've gained a total of 10kg (22 lbs) and right now my belly measures 44cm.

The babies are almost 3 lbs each!! They are in the 100th percentile for singleton babies!

I have a very long appointment at BC Women's Hospital in a couple weeks where I will be attempting to convince them to let me deliver vaginally...so far it's looking like a 50/50 chance.

I'm getting a little tired of people asking me if I'm ready to give birth any day now. I have found a fun way to amuse myself with these folks though. The conversation usually goes like this...

Them "Oh wow looks like you're due any day now!!"

Me "Nope."

Them "Oh really?! When are you due?"

Me "March 13th"

Them, mouth wide open at a loss for what else to say, slowly backing up...

I used to explain its triplets but I Chilliwack is kind of a small town and I was running into people who knew I was having triplets that I didn't even know! I'm like a celebrity in Chilliwack :-D

Anyway 7 more weeks is my goal and I really feel like I can make it with the help of my Chiropractor.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

23 weeks

2011-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Alright here it is...a new picture. Looks like I've grown a little to say the least. I'm also including a picture of the day I gave birth to calleigh so you can compare it to 23 weeks pregnant with triplets :-)
At my last Dr's appointment the babies looked super! Every appointment I go to is better and better. Babies A and C weigh in at 1lb 2oz and baby B who's stuck in the middle is smack on 1lb. I'm so proud of my little girls they seriously couldn't be any healthier. I may have even found a Dr who will consider letting me deliver these little one vaginally!! YAY!!
Ok so here are the pictures. View at your own risk.

42 weeks pregnant with Calleigh, baby #5

23 weeks pregnant with triplets!

19 weeks

2011-10-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Look I fit in the little mirror again!

Nothing much to say about 19 weeks...I feel fat, and tired but still very blessed.
I am constantly being ask how I'm feeling. My only answer is, "like I'm pregnant with triplets"
Because really that's the only way to describe it.
Big ultrasound on Friday. I think its supposed to be about 2 and a half hours long. Should get some cute pictures :)

An ultrasound to remember

2011-10-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

I wanted to come up with some interesting way to announce that we have THREE GIRLS on the way but I am still completely speechless.
I love dressing girls, I love doing hair, I love little girls.
Lord help me when I have 6 teenage girls menstruating at the same time...
Baby B, and C were all cuddled up in their placentas so we only got one good picture of baby A's face.Anyway...Pray for me ;-)

She was thinking about something :-)

A treat for all my wonderful blog readers

2011-09-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

This is last years preschool picture. Whoever guesses which precious girl is mine get a prize :-)
The prize is getting to look at this picture and laugh, and laugh.

16 weeks

2011-09-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well here we are at 16 weeks. Not much new. I let Xavier skip school on Friday to come to my ultrasound with me. We were hoping to find out a gender or two, or three but no luck. We knew it was kinda early but we were still hoping :-)
Baby A's placenta is still covering my cervix. No one seems worried about it which I like. I've even given up worrying every time I start bleeding.
Round ligament pain is the new evil for this week. Wow if you've never had it I wouldn't bother f I were you! IT HURTS! All three babies are more sitting on my left side leaving me a weird shaped belly and very stretched ligaments on the one side. TO be honest I thought I was dying when it first started hurting but it was gone within 24 hours just as quickly as it came.

I had my first positive conversation with one of the nurses at my Dr's office about giving birth vaginally. She seemed to think if we planned it all out right and found the right Dr. to deliver I actually have a chance of giving it a try. She said I would have to do it in a surgery room prepped for surgery which is totally fine by me. It was nice to hear someone with something positive to say about it that's for sure!

Since everything is going so well we don't have to go back to the Dr. until October 21st. We have our detailed scan then and hopefully the babies will co operate so we can see if we have boys or girls or both!

CLOTH DIAPERS

2011-09-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

If there is a cloth diaper company out there who would like to donate amazing fail proof, idiot proof cloth diapers to a mother of triplets look no further! I will advertise for you every way I can and I make really cute babies you can use to advertise your products :-D
PLEASE!!!!!!
I shouldn't have to sell one of the kids I already have to pay for cloth diapers for my babies!!

15 weeks

2011-09-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Being pregnant with triplets is like normal pregnancy but on steroids. Everything is bigger and more and faster and stronger and like people on steroids unpredictable and slightly dangerous. Its funny because when you're pregnant with one baby the whole pregnancy goes sooooo slowly and you just want to be things to happen faster. With triplets its so much faster! You get BIG, FAST. You get every symptom bigger and faster and longer. But...its super exciting and triplet ultrasounds are literally three times as cute for reals!!
Okay so I'm starting to regret taking weekly pictures :-S Remember the camera adds 10 pounds.

Notice I had to move the picture taking to the BIG bathroom mirror. Ya the other one just wasn't cutting it.
I have an ultrasound on Friday. I'll be 15 weeks and 4 days. I want the to be able to see the genders soooo badly but I'm trying not to get my hopes up because I know its kinda early. If they can't see it on Friday I may have to wait a whole month to find out!!
Anyway, the puking has definitely gotten better yay! I'm tired but I can manage even on days where I don't get a nap. I can feel the babies move on occasion but not regularly.
Well dinner is almost ready and I can't really think of anything else to write anyway so buh-bye for now!

Breeding addicts?

2011-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Meet 4 year old Calleigh, she's an addict. Calleigh has been addicted to these two fingers for over 4 years now. She claims they taste like strawberry flowers. Finger sucking consumes at least 18 hours of her day. She is ridiculed by her peers and even some of her own family. Calleigh needs help. She can't so this alone. Being the concerned parent I am I have been researching toddler rehab facilities...so far no luck.

I bring this up not because I am actually concerned, I'm not, but....I had an ultrasound today and to my amazement I watched one of my 14 week fetuses make a thumb sucking fist and put its minuscule thumb into its mouth!! 14 weeks!! Last ultrasound the baby barely had a spine, today its sucking its thumb!! WOW is all I have to say!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

An interview with Calleigh

2011-09-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I thought I would sit down with Calleigh after her first day at four year old preschool and ask her a few questions.
Here's how the interview went:

Me: So Calleigh how was your first day back at school?

Calleigh:

Me: I see...um, did you make any new friends?

Calleigh:

Me: Ok...Are you looking forward to going back on Wednesday?

Calleigh:

Me: Thanks for your time Calleigh it was great talking to you.

There you have it. An in-depth interview with Calleigh after her first day back at preschool :-)

14 weeks

2011-09-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

wow, ya that's my belly :-S
I've been feeling much better this past week as far as puking is concerned. Well that is until Saturday when I threw up so hard I burst a bunch of blood vessels around my eyes. I tried to take a picture of my eyes but my camera is kinda crappy at up close pictures.
So all in all I feel like I can probably survive another 20 weeks. I can't wait for my next ultrasound on the 23rd! I'm hoping they can see what sex the babies are so I can start to prepare!

Anyone else DESPISE making the kids lunches??

2011-09-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

Over the last 7 years I have been on a quest to make making lunches easier. I have taught all my kids very young how to make their own lunches but still its always such an ordeal it seems. This year I have narrowed it down to the fruits and vegetables who cause the problem. I make the kids sandwiches and they do the rest. They take apple sauce or yogurt, a sandwich, a fruit, a vegetable, and ONE packaged snack. Here's what I'm trying this year in order to eliminate the fruit/veg stress:

That's small snack bags of grapes, strawberries, oranges, cucumber, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas.

It took me about 20 minutes to prepare and last week I really believed it saved us 10 minutes/morning!

Anyone else have some lunch making tips??

Baby A must be a girl

2011-09-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment with my specialist Dr. Still today who I love love love! He's old and grandfathery and always knows exactly what is going on. I have great confidence in him.
My appointment today was just a regular prenatal appointment but due to some bleeding and cramping over the last couple weeks he decided to do an ultrasound. Now keep in mind this is the third one i've had over the last couple weeks so I am pretty convinced he won't find anything like the people at the Surrey hospital and the people at the Chilliwack hospital. In true Dr. Still fashion within seconds of placing the thingy on my stomach he saw the problem. It looks like baby a is threatening to vacate my uterus and take its placenta with it if I don't SLOW DOWN. Baby A's placenta is starting to separate from my uterus. It sounds dramatic and after 20 weeks can be BUT prior to 20 weeks the placenta can actually heal itself and this could all be forgotten. Dr. Still suggested 10 hours of sleep at night and 2 hours of straight laying down in the morning and 2 more hours in the afternoon. With most of my kids in school full time I think I can do it! I want these babies in as long as possible and if that means no more after school trips to the beach then so be it!

Back to school

2011-09-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here they are all dressed and ready to head out the door! Calleigh is not a morning person but she did crack a smile at one point when I told her she could finally wear her new 'skinny' jeans.

I had to include this picture I took at the back to school assembly. What you see here is the schools entire staff! The school we go to is very small and so wonderful!
The kids are all excited to be back and can't wait to stay the full day tomorrow :-)

13 weeks and another trip to the hospital

2011-09-05T13:55:00.001-07:00

There's the belly @ 13 weeks. I really can't imagine what it will look like 20 weeks from now!

I've been feeling pretty good this last week I even think I managed a couple days puke free! Then this morning I got up at 5:00 am to go to the bathroom and I was bleeding. Not spotting, bleeding. Luckily I was too tired to panic and just laid in bed and waited until the kids got up. I couldn't decide what to do. It was a pain and very costly taking all the kids out to surrey with me last hospital visit and they weren't very helpful anyway. I eventually decided to just go to my local walk-in clinic and see if they can check me and try to get the babies heart beats. When I got the the waiting room was completely empty which is seriously unheard of in a town with only one walk-in clinic open during the day. They got me in and checked me. The Dr. said she could see my cervix bleeding a little. She wanted to get an urgent ultrasound done. I told her I had no one to watch all my kids so she would need to organize it so i could just go in get it done and leave with no waiting around. She called out local hospital and they said to come right over and they would do it right away. We got there and the hospital was empty. Apparently people take the labour day holiday pretty seriously around here. I was in and out in less than half an hour. She didn't let me watch her do the ultrasound which really bothered me but at the end she told me they were all fine and my cervix showed no change. Yay! Another disaster averted!
The Dr. I saw asked me if I was taking it easy and I said yes but now thinking about it I cleaned and reorganized my whole house this weekend. I'm thinking just because I slowed down for me doesn't mean I'm actually taking it easy.
After the hospital we picked up groceries etc. and now we're home and committed to just chilling out for the rest of the day. I'm beginning to think this pregnancy isn't going to be as easy as I had originally assumed.
**I'm dedicating this post to my amazing kids who never whine or complain when they have to tag along on these boring trips to the hospital. These kids seriously rock!**

The last day of summer break :-(

2011-09-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here are my babies on their last day of summer vacation. Boo hoo!!! I love hanging out with my kids and I feel like between me being in school and them spending almost a month with their dad I haven't got a lot of time with them. They are all excited to go back. I have 4 in full time school this year! I can't believe how quickly time flies! I'm so happy to be done school now and able to be home now with these awesome kids!
I'll post some more photos tomorrow when they go to school for an hour *rolls eyes at the pointlessness of going back for an hour the first day*
Happy back to school everyone!!

**Note: I do not dress my kids alike...anymore!! I used to try but I gave up last year. Seems to me like the moment I gave up they all started doing it on their own :-)**

What's new in babyland?

2011-08-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with some pretty decent cramps and after drinking a lot of water and having a hot shower they were still there. Now I'm not usually one to worry but...THERE ARE THREE BABIES IN ME!!!
So I called my Dr. who sent me out to Surrey memorial hospital.
Side note-SMH is a joke!! Their pay parking takes change or credit cards. If you do not have $11.75 in change or a credit card you can proceed to the one place in the massive hospital who give change, and good luck finding it because no one really knows where it is. Once you get your change make you way back to the pay station 2 levels down and half a massive hospital over and pay your $11.75. And if you're me do it while cramping with 5 kids following behind.
OK back to the babies. After sitting in the waiting room for over an hour I finally went up to the desk and told them I was going to go elsewhere if the Dr. didn't take me in soon. Conveniently enough the Dr. just happened to be ready at that exact moment. Went in checked urine, checked cervix, ordered emergency ultrasound and left again to wait.
One more hour in the waiting room with extremely patient kids and I go back to the desk and ask when this emergency ultrasound will take place and believe it or not when they called down to ask it was conveniently my turn.
Ultrasound was good babies are snug and adorable. Their little arms and legs were waving around and one baby even did a flip lol!
Back up to the maternity floor to wait for the results.
45 minutes pass and I go back to the desk. "Oh you're still here?" they say!
"Yes, may we go now please?" I say as calmly as possible.
"Hmmm, we're just waiting for your results, let me check if they are here"
she goes to a pile of papers that came up over half an hour ago.
"Oh yes here it is!"
I bite my cheek so hard I taste blood.
She goes to find the Dr.
I have a brief thought about lighting a fire.
The Dr calls me in.
"Everything looks good" he says "just try to take it easy"
"Can I leave this place now" I say very very calmly
"Yep we'll see you in a few months!" he says cheerfully
I laugh.

So ya I gather my kids and spend the next half an hour telling them what amazing kids they are and how proud of them I am.
I must admit I bought chips, chocolate, and suckers on the way there to keep the occupied but still, they were amazing!
I'm so glad the babies are ok and I'm glad I went even though it was a nightmare. These precious little babies are making me a little on edge compared to my other pregnancies. Its uncharted territory and its messing with my head a little.
Oh and one other thing. The crazy Dr asked me if I was planning on continuing on with the pregnancy with ALL three babies. WHAT??? What do you mean crazy Dr?? When I said yes of course I plan on keeping all the babies he proceeded to tell me all the risks involved etc. Wow Dr. Crazy, you're crazy!

my current obsession

2011-08-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

I can't stop reading blogs about triplets. I have spent more time on my computer in the last 2 weeks reading blogs than I have in the last 6 months! I find a blog I like and read through the WHOLE thing, sometimes years of blog posts. I love to read about the pregnancy and births. If its a really good blog I keep reading past the birth but mostly I love the part I can relate to currently. I've added a few of my fave's to my blog list check them out! My personal FAVORITE is jeff and brandi's big happy family. Jeff writes the blog and it is HILARIOUS! I highly recommend reading it from the very beginning. Hope you guys don't mind the shout out but I had to share :-)

Tired, Bored, and Grumpy

2011-08-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

You assume I'm talking about the kids don't you? Well I'm not lol! I just have the three youngest home with me today and its a beautiful day yet here i sit...
We went to church this morning and I enjoyed myself but its annoying that I can't stand through the whole singing part. Just from going to church and a quick stop at the grocery store I'm exhausted! There are so many things I want to do today but I'm trying really hard to listen to my body. I've read a lot of blogs in the last month about triplet pregnancies and the general consensus seems to be SLOW DOWN and listen to your body. The less I do the longer the babies stay in, the healthier they are.
I laughed at my last Dr. appointment when the nurse said with concern in her little voice, "you aren't exercising are you"
"No ma'am do not fear I will not be doing a drop of exercise"
Well..I totally would usually but you know high risk pregnancy and all I guess I'll have to stop that marathon training I was doing...

Princess Party Fundraiser

2011-08-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today the three youngest kids and I went out to White Rock for a big Princess Party Fundraiser. Klausine was already there helping grandma set up. I think they were raising money for local firefighters??

Anyway there were about 150 little princesses there all dressed up and looking adorable. There were tables set up where they got sparkle extensions and a sparkle make-up booth. They got to do a cake walk, make cookies and a few different crafts. There was also an adorable interactive play date with Cinderella where she danced and read books with all the girls.

A big thanks to the kids grandma Jeanette for inviting us!

I took bunch of pictures and some video, here are the highlights

getting sparkly hair

Calleigh getting make-up

Klausine getting make up

Georgia waiting patiently for make up

Beautiful princess Georgia!

Cousin Charlette getting make up

Princess Calleigh

Pictures with Cinderella

Charlette thinks I'm funny :-)

A sea of princesses

The Prince ;-)

Dancing

She said she wasn't tired but her time out in my bed turned into a 2 hour nap. Silly Princess.

Belly 12 weeks

2011-08-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so in case you were curious here's what a 12 week belly full of triplets looks like ;-)

Triplets!

2011-08-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ok so I don't have much time but I wanted to get this post up. Are you ready? I'm pregnant...with 3 babies!! Yep triplets my friends. Gods way of giving me the even number of children I desired. I would have been happy with six but eight will be just as even :-)
I had an ultrasound today and heard little heartbeats. The ultrasound took over an hour so I got to lay back and watch them swim around on the big screen. It was AMAZING!
I'm really happy with the Dr. I have and look forward to getting to see him every 2 weeks!
My next ultrasound will be on the 23rd of september and I am hoping to see genders by then!!
All the babies are progressing perfectly and the Dr. said I am the lowest high risk possible lol, whatever that means.
So here are the pics more info to come after my next appointment.
Oh I'm due March 13th but will likely deliver in February.

Baby A

Baby C

Baby B

All three babies

Xavier is 10!

2011-08-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

So I thought a great way to get back into blogging was to start with updating you all on my kids. What better day to start than today with Xavier on his 10th!!! Birthday!!!

I'll do TEN things about him since he's TEN!

1. Xavier is a genius and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom, for real.
2. Xavier loves his siblings but tends to complain a lot about being the oldest.
3. Xavier loves anything with wheels that he can drive. The faster the better.
4. Xavier loves to build lego more than play with it.
5. Xavier loves his momma very much and will do anything to make me happy.
6. Xavier is more stubborn than anyone I have ever met in my life.
7. I am often almost envious of Xavier's confidence and try to encourage it as much as possible.
8. At 10 years old Xavier is about the size of the average 7/8 year old but he makes up for his size in attitude.
9. Xavier does not like any sport that makes him tired.
10. I know for a fact that Xavier will be a very successful adult no matter what he does, and again I;m not just saying that because I'm his mom.

I bought Xavier a wicked BMX bike for his birthday and we had a cul de sac party with the 12 kids in our neighbourhood. I fed them all chips and hotdogs but no cake yet.
So there it is post number one in 2 1/2 years!!
There is a ton of exciting stuff going on in the Hicks house right now and slowly but surely I will blog all about it!!
Check back often ;-)

Perfection

2009-05-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Charlette Marie, born May 30th

8lbs 11oz

This child is seriously adorable!! I took so many pictures in the hospital yesterday I felt like the paparazzi!

Carl's sister Laura had a pretty rough labour but well worth it I think ;)

Niece or Nephew??

2009-05-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Either way this is going to be one loved cousin!!

Corrections

2009-04-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

I got a job!!! After months and months of interviews, and waiting, and interviews, and waiting I am pleased to say I have officially started my training as a correctional officer. I am part way through my online training and will begin my 2 months of full time school in a couple weeks. I will be working in one of the 4 federal prisons in our area. To be honest I am completely terrified. Strangely enough it is not the actual job that scares me it is the fact that I will be working at least full time ( there is a lot of opportunity for overtime) and still have to keep up with life!! I have never really had a real job and I'm crossing my fingers, hoping I'll be able to do it. The training so far hasn't been too difficult but I am having a little trouble remembering how to learn things. Luckily I have quite a few friends in corrections and one really close friend who just finished her training so the support is definitely there. I probably won't be blogging much because once this online stuff is done I'll be at school full time. I'll try to post some pics every once in a while but I can't promise anything ;-)

LOVE IT

2009-04-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

I watch this everyday!

2009-04-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Harder than I thought

2009-04-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today is Calleigh's birthday. My baby is 2. I will never have another baby. This is a truly devastating day.

Happy Birthday Auntie Bari!!!

2009-03-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sickies

2009-02-28T20:08:00.001-08:00

My baby and I were sick yesterday. We spent the day sleeping on the couch and watching TLC. I would take a sinus infection any day if it meant getting to cuddle like this with my baby!

My new favorite Calleigh picture EVER!

2009-02-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we got almost a foot of snow out of NOWHERE. Since our van sucks in the snow, (and we were super sleepy this morning) we declared today a snow day! After breakfast and some serious lounging we suited up and went over to the park to hit the slopes. I posted all my pictures of the day on facebook but had to post this one here....

Your advice....

2009-02-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

I know I don't deserve your advice since I have been such a lame blog buddy but I need some experienced opinions.
Now that my kids are getting older they are spending more and more time going to their friends houses ALONE! I can't really tag along on the playdates anymore without looking like a total moron. I have always been very strict with my kids when it comes to manners but wonder if it has gone in one ear and out the other like it seems is the fate of so many other lessons. I always ask how they behaved and if they used their manners and I have never heard anything bad but I know I wouldn't tell another parent their kids is a rude brat!
So anyway here's my question:
What do you do to ensure your kids are on their best behaviour when they're away from you?
How do you give your child the tools to be the good influence in a situation rather than being easily swayed?

I'm excited to hear all your wisdom...if anyone's out there...hello...anyone....hellooo

My Valentine's

2009-02-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

Aren't the precious??

BAD!!

2009-02-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

I am such a bad blogger!! Have you all given up on me yet???
Moving has really taken its tole but reminded me how much I love having a clean put together house. I think we were in the other place too long and I forgot how to clean and organize. Now that we are here I am spending my evenings painting, fixing, cleaning, and organizing instead of blogging. Maybe soon I'll be so efficient I can do both but for now this is all ya get lol!

Auntie Jaime

2009-01-11T22:27:00.001-08:00

My little sister Jaime is by far the cutest, coolest, nicest teenager I have ever met. Since she lives almost 2 hours from me I haven't been seeing her very much. this year I have resolved to hang out with her WAY more often! Lucky for me over the Christmas holidays I have had quite a few chances to hang out with her. The kids love their auntie Jaime and I know they're as excited as I am for our monthly (hopefully ;-)) sleepovers. Here are a few pictures from our first weekend together pretty much since I was in high school!
PS to Jaime-Had a blast today getting pedicures!! Just ASK HIM!!! Love you :)

Internet-less

2009-01-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive!! I have been internet-less since Christmas! We're all moved in to our new house. I'm working on not being bitter about the fact that of all the "friends" we have only one person showed up to help us move. So picture trying to move a 5 bedroom house, with 5 kids, a rented Uhaul and 3 adults, one with pnemonia! I am honestly still exahusted but when I get back into the swing of things I have lots to blog about.
Hope you're all having a great New Years!!

Christmas in pictures

2008-12-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

Sledding

2008-12-23T14:12:00.001-08:00

We're just full of fun and holiday cheer around here! Yesterday we spent the day in the snow. The kids had a blast sledding and then coming home and having hot chocolate!

My pictures are backwards so start at the bottom.

PS. This is my 650th post!

Hi Daddy!

Mmmm....hot chocolate!

First time mommy has allowed them to have hot chocolate :-)

Hyped up from sledding!

Who needs a sled?

She really makes a perfect angel

Not an outdoorsy kinda guy!

Mad because she's stuck in the stroller and wants to hit the slopes!

Snowed in

2008-12-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

Since the weather outside is rather frightful we decided to stay in today and do some Christmasy stuff that was quite delightful! HA HA!

Anyhoo...

We started the day with some exciting box packing and kitchen cleaning. When all the work was done the play began. I baked a bunch of Christmas cookies and printed off a tonne of Christmas colouring pages. While the cookies cooled the kids, and Carl, coloured up a storm! We listened to Christmas music and even had the fireplace on!!
Since I wasn't really in an artsy mood I opted to wrap presents and blog ;-)
When the colouring was done I iced up all the cookies for some fabulous decorating. The kids did a great job and were rewarded with the left over candy.
I am posting a picture of my Merry Christmas cookies even though the H is missing. Please don't laugh, it's not funny, it broke.....OK...I forgot it....but then I found an extra....and it broke!
Not to worry though, I made a new H...It's in the oven...still....oops....I need to go take it out now....brb...
So Cristmas this year is going to be H-less...get over it!!

My obsession

2008-12-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

Even the dogs love my grandparents! I think the constant supply of scraps from great grandma help!

If you couldn't already tell I'm a little obsessed with my grandma and grandpa. They are an amazing couple and living the "High" life in my opinion! I love getting together with them every week and I love the fact that my kids know them so well and are so excited to see them!

Weekly favorites

2008-12-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

Calleigh fell asleep in the shopping cart one night and when I picked her up she cuddled in like a little newborn!

BIG puppy!!

The new feeling sorry for myself face!

Christmas concert

Our outside cat who feels the need to be an indoor cat all of a sudden.

What a ham!!

Christmas Dogs

2008-12-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

Klausine thought Jonah was cold the other day so she put her scarf on him! Too bad he's a boy lol!!
Thought I should throw a picture of Ali in too just because she's such a pretty dog :-)

Babies on the bus

2008-12-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

We took the big yellow school bus to the mall for the field trip. The two little girls were pretty excited!

A few pictures with Santa

2008-12-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Very intense conversation with Santa!

"NO SANTA!!!!"

Last week Klausine's kindergarten class went on a field trip to the mall to have their pictures taken with Santa. I volunteered to take the pictures with my new camera. All the kids were so cute and I had a blast taking the pictures! Calleigh was not too impressed with the jolly old guy! She kept screaming "NO SANTA", even after we were a safe distance away lol!

Preparations

2008-12-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

I am excitedly preparing for a new baby in the family. My SIL Laura is pregnant!!! The baby is due in June and I'm guessing it's a boy. I am almost as excited as I would be if it were me having the baby. Laura and I have known each other since elementary school . She has been an amazing and constant support to us and I am looking forward to returning the favour. In all honesty I'm hoping she gets tired of the baby and gives it to me but apparently she's pretty committed :-P
I learned the joys of aunt hood last year when my niece Liliane was born. At the same time I learned the anguish of long distance aunt hood :-( I wish I could convince Theresa and Stephane to move here but apparently they're pretty committed to their life out in Montreal! What's a girl gotta do to get a baby to obsess over???

Pretty pictures

2008-12-14T23:41:00.001-08:00

I'm so in love....

Introducing.....

2008-12-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

My new camera!!! Here are some shots taken with my beautiful NIKON D40....

Giving in

2008-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

So we finally gave in and went to the Dr. Everyone has been coughing for about 3 weeks, Klausine had pneumonia, did the antibiotics, and is still sick. Six of us went in and six of us came out with prescriptions. We have a variety of infection, ear chest, tonsils....
I'm glad we finally went and will finish our antibiotics before Christmas.
I'm going to get Xavier from school and take him to the clinic and more than likely get him a prescription too.
We really held off a long time this year with0out being too sick. I am actually really proud of our immune systems!!

Wake up!!!

2008-12-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ok everyone I have my other blog up and running! There were 26 of you who wanted to be invited but I only recieved about 15 email addresses. So get on it people :)
email me @ jenandcarlhicks@yahoo.ca for your invite.

Our dawgies

2008-11-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

I thought it was about time to give you a puppy update!! Jonah is getting soooo big! He's a really good boy and loves to play with the kids :) He's so gentle and rarely ever bites. He does enjoy chewing but will only chew things that get him into trouble when he can't find a toy of his own. Ali seems to be getting over the fact that we betrayed her by keeping him and is almost enjoying his company.

Teethies!!

2008-11-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

Is there really anything cuter than a baby brushing her teeth??

Email addresses

2008-11-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

OK apparently I need you email addresses to invite you to my new blog. You can email me at jenandcarlhicks@yahoo.ca.
PS I have nothing against blog stalkers....I was a blog stalker for at least a year! Feel free to come on over to my new blog even if you've never commented :)

Thanks friends!

Halloween

2008-11-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

A little late but whatever!

Hey friends!!

2008-11-24T14:48:00.001-08:00

I'm staring a new blog!!!!
I'm really excited and hope ya'll are interested!
It's going to be private but even if you're a blog stalker ;) drop me a line and I'll hook ya up.
I am going to keep this as a family blog for pics of the kids etc. This new blog is just for me...and you ;)
I'll get the invites out as soon as enough people show interest.
XOXO

Question of the weekend

2008-11-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

I want to hear you honest opinions....

When you hear the word bipolar what do you think?
If a friend told you they were bipolar what would your honest opinion be?
I'm not interested in the fake, "oh really??, I would have never guess..." I want to know what goes through the uncensored part of your mind!

Here is my 100% honest answer...

As I have said on here before I struggle with being judgmental. I guess even mental health issues aren't safe around me. In my adult life the first time I heard bipolar my very first thought was "crazy". My 2nd to 10th thoughts were also "crazy". In all honesty I even went as far as to compare it to schizophrenia, and multiple personality disorder. Now, I never said any of these things out loud but they were in my head. Until I had completely researched bipolar disorder I had these thought. I'll admit I was so disappointed in myself when I learned what it was and how many people are silently suffering from this disorder. Have I just grown up a little more sheltered that the rest of the world or do other people feel the same way? Please be honest in your answers, my blog accepts anonymous comments so feel free. This is really important to me and your honest thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks :)

PS. Who stopped following my blog!!!! I'm so sorry! I've been a bad bad blogger but I promise to try harder if you'll just come back! I can't stand odd numbers and you have dirtied my blog with a 19! OK...if you come back I'll have a contest...k...you'll get 2 ballots just for coming back! The prize will be phenomenal!! Hey?...Do you prefer painted canvas or crayoned?

LOVE XOX

A MUST read!!!!

2008-11-15T19:39:00.000-08:00

This blog is so funny!!I was Having a pretty lame nigGHT and This post made me forget my Troubles for a moment, and These days That's really all I ask :)

PS. sorry for THe random CapiTalizaTion. My CGHT keys on my lapTop only work wHen I press sHifT...ya...awesome....

the gang

2008-11-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Well...don't think I can drag it out any longer, these are the last pictures from my shoot with Val. Guess I'm going to have to do a real post after this lol!

Princess Klausine

2008-11-05T20:15:00.001-08:00

Lunden

2008-11-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

Georgia

2008-10-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

One at a time

2008-10-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post this AMAZING photo shoot by Val one kid at a time so you can take time to appreciate their utter perfection ;)

Calleigh

A little Xavier for Auntie B

2008-10-28T09:27:00.001-07:00

Any other requests?

Two for Tuesday

2008-10-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

I'm playing along with deanna on this beautiful two for tuesday! This is my oldest Xavier and my future daughter in law Madison :)

Now head on over to eight is great to see who else is playing!!

J-J-J-Jonah to the rescue (a post for Shae)

2008-10-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

This puppy is just too funny!! I've been wanting to do a post about him for a while but can never catch him long enough to get a good shot. Lucky for me my buddy Val is a genius with her camera even when It come to 9 week old puppies. Is there anything you aren't good at Val??!!
Anywhoo back to Jonah! He is growing very fast probably due to the fact that he eats all his food and most of Ali's! He is almost 14 lbs and I am sure has at least 100 lbs to go!
Jonah is a very healthy pup. He's had all his shots, $400 later :S, but I think it will be money well spent :)

QUESTION OF THE DAY

2008-10-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

I'm borrowing this idea from tiara's and tantrums because I need some help. The last few months I have either met, opened up to, or just plain become friends with a lot of great people. After getting on the medicine for depression I realized if you invite people to do stuff they usually will! I used to think no one liked me but I realized I wasn't giving anyone the opportunity to get to know me. I have had many girlfriends over for coffee and had a great time. That leads me to my question:

What do you do for fun with your friends? (kid friendly during the day kinda stuff)

Thanks y'all!!

Blog spree

2008-10-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

This blog spree is dedicated to my friend Christine who I know likes to read my blog. She watches the kids for me at the drop of a hat(or pinched fingers in the door ;)) I really appreciate all your help, and you letting me pay you in cheese strings lol!
Here are some pictures from the eye Dr, bowling birthday parties, swimming lessons, grandma's house, SDF, ballerina girly, cutie hair baby, wild life from my trip to jasper to pick up Carl...

Passed out on the couch after having her chubby little fingers slammed in the door jam :( To make matters worse it was the all important sucking fingers *gasp*

Un-thankful

2008-10-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

In light of all your recent lists of things you're thankful for I have come up with a list of my own. Now don't get me wrong, I am thankful for a lot of things, just right now I feel this list is needed to help balance the universe ;)
Since Canadian Thanksgiving is over I am free to write this list of things I am certainly NOT thankful for....

Poo...in all forms. Least favorite is the kind that needs some kind of wiping up from yours truly.

Hungry kids...why can't they live off one meal a day like me??

Arts and crafts. They're messy and time consuming. The thought of them brings on such intense guilt because I should encourage them more in my house.

People who love doing crafts with their kids.

Dogs who shed.

Vacuum sales men on thanksgiving day just hours before guest arrive. At least he left crying....

Laundry...I wish it would DIE!!!

Empty water cooler bottles.....so so so thirsty....send help....

My sister hoarding my only niece in Montreal...even on her 1st birthday!

People who don't realize I own the road. MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!

Clean laundry that needs to be hung up....you can die too....

Whining...Grrrr!!!

My stupid forgetful stupid memory! I literally forget every other thing I need to do.

Money...you can die along with laundry.

The child who draws on the cupboard beside the toilet paper roll in poo.

The child who uses a toothbrush covered in toothpaste to clean the mirror.

Lego and all it's painful corners

Socks with out matches. From now on you will be burned immediately.

Vasectomies and their power to dash a person's hopes and dreams.

Paint.

Felts.

Glitter glue.

sparkles.

Balloons.

scissors and their ability to cut baby hair :(

Unidentified puddles in the house.

Feeling sorry for myself.

Hope you're all having a great evening in thankful land riding unicorns and eating chocolate covered rainbows!!!

PS. Don't send in the clowns, I'll be fine ;)
This too shall pass......

Excuses, Excuses....

2008-10-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say I'm still alive and really appreciate your kind emails and comments! The blogging world is such an amazing support system for me and all your thoughts and well wishes do not go unnoticed. I'm still feeling a little down and a lot busy. I feel like there is so much up in the air right now and my way of dealing with it seems to be cutting everyone off! I'm really sorry and I'm sure in the next couple weeks my head will stop spinning and I'll be back at the daily blogging! I am still blog stalking you all just not quite as frequently as usual. Again, sorry and thanks for the love be back soon!!

I'll leave you with a few baby pictures :)

The blues

2008-09-29T18:49:00.001-07:00

I'm in a bit of a funk right now and am finding it very difficult to blog! I am EXHAUSTED!! Carl is coming home on Wednesday and I'm wondering if I'm going to make it! Poor me blah, blah, blah!
Here are some Hicks pics!!

GEORGIA'S TRIP TO THE DENTIST

Lunden's trip to the dentist

2008-09-26T00:09:00.001-07:00

This weeks trip to the dentist for Georgia and Lunden could have been worse than last weeks trip to the vet but as luck would have it we came out unscathed. To tell you the truth, after the trip to the vet last week I have made a real effort to increase the discipline and decrease the going out. My hard work paid off because we spent an hour and a half at the dentist with minimal screaming and ZERO soccer playing!! I was so impressed with Lunden's behaviour. He listened to the dentist and didn't complain even when they did the fluoride!

Bath babies

2008-09-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Is there anything cuter than babies in the bath?

Get used to this face

2008-09-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

He's here to stay so get ready for 15 years of Jonah pictures!

Respect

2008-09-25T17:32:00.001-07:00

Do you respect people with glasses more than people without? I finally got glasses and am loving the respect I am getting where ever I go!! What do you think??

~collage crazy~

2008-09-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

Swinging Calleigh

Puppies for show and tell

Xavier and Jonah

SUPER DADDY!!

Jonah the puppy and the new kittens we welcomed on Sunday

Daddy and Ali

Calliegh and Ali

Georgia's gymnastics and ballet

Grandpa's girls

Technical difficulties

2008-09-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

I've been having some computer problems but I'm all fixed up now and am dedicating this afternoon to blogging. See ya soon ;)

turned off

2008-09-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I am turning the computer on since early Friday!! I didn`t even mean to not turn it on it just happened. I promise to post my 9806 pictures I want to post but I just don`t have the energy now. I am however going to go read all your blogs right NOW!!

A lesson learned

2008-09-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

THE LESSON: Impromptu trips to the vet clinic are not well received by three youngest children

THE STORY:

This story begins last night with a wonderful evening out with my mom. We went to a women's event in Langley at CLA that my long time friend Shawna had put together. We had a great night and suggest to anyone in the area to come out next month and enjoy a girls night out. While we were out livin' it up the kids were home with a babysitter. This is a pretty rare occurrence in our house and at bedtime the kids were NOT so happy! I guess they were up pretty late last night and early this morning so we had a pretty grumpy start to the day!
I got Xavier and Klausine off to school then decided to pop in to the Vet clinic run by Klausine's BFF's dad. We still have one puppy left and no one seems to want him except my hubby! I have resigned myself to keeping him so I wanted to get all his shot etc. I wasn't sure what time they opened and was happy to see they opened at 8:30am. Sweet! I though only 15 minutes until they open. I gave the kids a cookie and we waited. At 8:30 we took the puppy in and the receptionist started taking our information. She proceeded to tell us the Dr. doesn't get in until 9:00am so we would have to wait. I wasn't in a hurry so no problem! Within 5 minutes the three little angels were all crying for different reasons and it just went down hill from there. Because of my own poor planning and apparent lack of care for Ali we ended up being there for 2 hours!!! The kids managed to thoroughly embarrass me by screaming, hitting, throwing fits, playing soccer in the very small exam room, and needing to go potty every 5 minutes!! Tim, the vet, is such a nice guy and was very understanding but man did I feel like an idiot :( So now the puppy, Jonah, and Ali are all healthy and after a couple more shots for both of them they will be all up to date!!

PETS?

2008-09-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one out there with pets? Seems to me like y'all are hiding your little creatures. I take pictures of my animals all the time and I'm starting to wonder if I'm weird??
Instead of dwelling on my apparent weirdness I am instead inviting all of you fellow bloggers to join in sharing pictures of your pets. Hundreds of you visit my sight everyday so I'm expecting a big turn out here ;)
Leave me a comment letting me know you care...I mean are playing along ;) and I'll link ya at the bottom of my post!
And now...Ladies and gentlemen...Here is my furry BFF....ALI!!!

Here's who's playing along and my new favorite bloggers ;)

cassandra

della

Waiting

2008-09-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

I am NOT a patient person!! I despise waiting for people and today I feel like I've been waiting all day. I had 2 people interested in coming and looking at the last puppy. Both were supposed to be here around 4pm so we waited. I didn't want to get too into anything because I knew they would probably show up right when I couldn't stop what ever I was doing. Neither of them showed!!! Then I spent the rest of the night rushing to help the kids with homework, make dinner, lunches, blah blah blah!

I promised Xavier I would dye his hair over the summer but never got around to it. I can't stand when people don't follow through so I bought the hair dye today, better late than never. So here I am waiting AGAIN!! At least the house it quiet :)

I have a question for all you momma's out there...
My kids are becoming SPOILED!! They complain A LOT! and always get so upset when they don't get what they want. I take full responsibility but don't know how to turn it around. I know it won't be easy but I really miss my grateful sweet kids! Any idea?

Cute picture update

2008-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

I can't find the time to post everything I want to so here are the picture highlights. Be sure to make up your own witty stories to go along with each one ;)

So popular!!

2008-09-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am so feeling the Tiara's and tantrum's love this week!! I have been given this fabulous award.....

...But there are rules in accepting this award. I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others! (RULES, always rules)
The questions are as follows:

1. Where is your cell phone? VAN
2. Where is your significant other? 2 FAR
3. Your hair color? WHITE
4. Your mother? SUPPORT
5. Your father? WORK
6. Your favorite thing? COFFEE
7. Your dream last night? SHORT
8. Your dream/goal? HOUSE
9. The room you're in? MESSY
10. Your hobby? BLOG
11. Your fear? HUMILIATION
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? CARL
13. Where were you last night? HOME
14. What you're not? CONFIDENT
15. One of your wish-list items? CLOTHES
16. Where you grew up? SURREY
17. The last thing you did? COFFEE
18. What are you wearing? JEANS
19. Your TV? USELESS
20. Your pet? BFF
21. Your computer? DIRTY
22. Your mood? ANXIOUS
23. Missing someone? DESPERATELY
24. Your car? EXPENSIVE
25. Something you're not wearing? UNDERWEAR
26. Favorite store? SAVE-ON
27. Your summer? RELAXING
28. Love someone? VERY MUCH
29. Your favorite color? PINK
30. When is the last time you laughed? MORNING
31. Last time you cried? WEEKEND

And my seven chosen blogs are:

CINDY(I miss you ;0))
CASSANDRA
VAL
CATHY
DEANNA
SUSAN
CHRISTINE

3 down 4 to go

2008-09-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

I have sold 3 puppies and have had many calls and emails about them. I haven't even put them in the local paper yet!! The family who came tonight to pick one up paid me in $5 bills!!! $300 in $5 bills is a big stack of cash LOL! I feel a little like a drug dealer! I can't decide whether to keep one or not...Carl really wants one...easy for him to say, Mr only here one week a month :S If there is one left when he gets home in October I'll consider it but puppies are a lot of work and I'm barely keeping up as it is! I'm worried these people who picked up a puppy tonight are going to be banging on my door in the morning demanding their money back! They asked so many stupid questions, they have no clue what they're getting in to! I tried to explain it's a big adjustment for a puppy to leave it's brothers and sisters and it would probably cry all night. I have a feeling my warnings may have fallen on deaf ears! Better go make sure the front door is locked :)

Meme pic

2008-09-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add the picture to my last post LOL! I know this isn't me with ALL my kids but it's still one of my favorites and I'm too exhausted to look through pictures right now;)

Mom meme

2008-09-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Tiara's and tantrum's for a very cool meme:

Post one of your favorite pictures of you & your children and answer questions . . . afterwards tag as many as you'd like! Okay, let's get on with it:

1. How many kids do you have? 5, 2 boys 3 girls

2. What are their ages? 7, 5, 3, 2, 1

3. What time do you usually start your day? As late as possible, but should be up by 6:30am to get everyone ready ;0)

4. What do they eat for breakfast? cereal unless there's no milk, then Eggo's.

5. Do they get to watch T.V.? They could if they wanted to but the blue screen gets boring pretty quickly! (We don't have cable)

6. What's their favorite activity? having a bath or shower. They ask me for a bath all day!

7. Do you get a break during the day for some "you" time? I have me time while I'm sleeping at night :)

8. How do you end your day? laying in bed wishing I had turned the overhead light off before I got all cozy!

9. What's your best parenting advice or tip? Your kids attitude is a direct reflection of your own. If you're a spaz, they're going to be a spaz!!

10. Tagging the following:

my sister
jill
andrea
Cindy
Cassandra

little piggies!

2008-09-09T13:21:00.001-07:00

The other night I made spaghetti for dinner much to my kids delight. I always forget how much they love it but was instantly reminded when I set their plates down!! Now usually I would get after them for eating like little piggies but they were enjoying themselves so much I just sat back and took pictures :)

Falling apart

2008-09-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

So September is here and all the activities are getting underway. My goal this year was to get on top of my scatter brain and not let myself get overwhelemed. Fat chance.....
I lost Lunden's gradual intake newsletter for school telling my when he needs to go.
I forgot to take Klausine to her hour of kindergarten today.
I couldn't remember half of the stuff out financial advisor asked us and looked like a complete fool.
I spent an hour trying to find some reciepts I desperately needed to mail.
I ran out of cheques half way through writing the dance studio all thier post dated ones.
I forgot about our meeting with the financial advisor until about 4 minutes before he knocked on the door.
I could go on and on!!

I feel defeated....
This is not the begining of the school year I was anticipating :(

I need some help from you other moms out there! What helps you stay organized??

Mysterious ways

2008-09-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

So the place next door for Carl to work didn't pan out. They were offering about half what he makes now and no chance of overtime. But here's the thing...I didn't feel disappointed at all! That's a big deal for me :) I feel at peace with the fact that there is a plan for us and we're pretty much just along for the ride! I am really impressed that Carl even agreed to go over there and talk to the guy. He really enjoys his job at the mine and feels he is finally providing for his family the way he should be. I can see he is torn, he doesn't want to like working up there because he wants to be with his family but in the end it's the job he's sticking with. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I really felt your support. Even though the outcome wasn't what I thought I wanted I actually feel really good about it.

In 30 days of nothing news, we have a financial advisor coming to our house to meet with us tomorrow!! He is a very trusted friend, of a very trusted friend of mine. I'm really excited to finally learn how to be a grown up with money!! I still have this underlying fear that he's going to get here and laugh in my face before I even pour his coffee, buy hey, what can I say, at least I didn't cancel!

In picture news, I can't find my dummy camera cord!!! I know ya'll are dying to get your hicks family fix, but keep your shirts on if I can't find it by tomorrow I'll borrow a friends. See how I said borrow a friends, not buy a new one! I'm learning....

In birthday news, my birthday is now over and I will post all about it tomorrow ;)

Love you guys!!

Prayer

2008-09-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

OK ya'll this is my 600th post and I need your help!! The building not 100 steps from our house has a sign outside asking for a welder! Carl is a welder. He went in and the owner wasn't in yet so he's going back later. You guys I desperately want him home! I know he makes good money where he is but I can't stand him being thous ads of miles away. Please pray that this a God's plan for him! Today is my 27Th birthday and I can think of no better present than to have him so close to home. Thanks!

LOVE

2008-09-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of you. I've been feeling so much love from the people in my life these days! I can't begin to express how great it make me feel to have the support of this great blogging communtiy and my great friends I see day to day. You guys rock and have really changed my life :)
****HUGS****

Val to the rescue

2008-09-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

My buddy Val is one of those people who can pretty much do everything LOL! Every time I turn around she's fixing something, making something, helping someone blah blah blah!! Just kidding on the blah's! Not only are our kids in love, I really like hanging out with her ;) After seeing my embarrassing scabby foot picture Val took it upon herself to do her photo shop magic and fix the picture. Val, seriously you rock and I'm really excited to be your daughter's MIL in 20 years :)

Before

Val-a-rific!

Hmmmm.......

2008-09-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

OK so here are some questions about necessity or not:
1. eyebrow waxing? I can't pluck for the life of me and I'm kinda starting to look like a guy :)
2. My weekly pound of coffee from Starbucks? I brew it at home and no I can't get anything cheaper, I'd rather so with out if I have to.
3. New runners for Xavier? His old ones work but they're so darn ugly and will make his new clothes look terrible.
4. Haircut for Klausine?
5. One last pedicure for the season?
6. Movie rentals because the weather sucks and we have no cable?
7. Toys and candy for the kids because I want them to love me? OK just kidding they're so spoiled and this will be a great month to get that back on track!
8. Shredded cheese instead of a brick? I despise shredding cheese almost as much as I despise putting sheets on bed!
9. Am I supposed to start drinking tap water??? We have a water cooler and buy bottled water every few weeks.
Ok I'm going to stop before I get carried away ;)

Here are a few things I am changing this month

We are walking to school everyday rain or shine (25 minute walk each way)
We are NOT eating out
We are not driving around for hours saturday morning buying other people junk at garage sales
We will not let the kids have more than one bath a day. (they love baths and can sometimes have 2 or 3 each!!)
I will turn off the air conditioners at night
I will fire the lawn mowing guy :( Guess the grass will just have to grow!

THat's all I can think of for now but I'll keep ya'll updated :)

Living on less

2008-09-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm taking the challenge to live on less! Eeeeek!!! I am not so good at going without and I have a bankruptcy on my credit to prove it :( Carl has been working at a rather high paying (for us) job for almost a year now. At first we were saving money even managed to save up enough to go on a trip to Disneyland in April. Then I started feeling really depressed and tried to cure that with stuff. I pretty much buy what I want when I want and I feel like crap about it! I have the number of a really great financial advisor but for some reason avoid making the call. I think this stems back to my issue's with not thinking I deserve happiness. I can see us becoming financial secure and buying a house but then my dream would be reached and I would be happy...can't let that happen! I am in complete control of our finances. My husband couldn't tell you the first thing about our bills or expenses. He would rather not know where the money goes because then when we're broke he is completely blameless. I have told him time after time I need help with it, someone to be accountable to but he's just not into it. After reading Fawndear's blog post about the 30 days of nothing challenge I decided to be accountable to you guys. Carl's never going to be into it and I need stop using that as an excuse to spend frivolously. Time to take control MRS. H!!! But here's the catch, I have never been good with money so I need your help. What should I be spending, what is unnecessary??? HELP!!

Already???

2008-08-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

Calliegh has started throwing little hissy fits if I don't let her pee on the potty after Georgia. She turned 1 in April!! Now as I recall it's just a matter of months after these little fits that I have my babies potty trained! Am I ready for this? Can it really be time to let go of diapers for good?? It's a sad time but look how cute she is....

Back to school!

2008-08-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite outfits of Kalusine's. She's so cute and girlie this is a bit of a stretch for her but we both love it! Lunden is working on wearing big boy pants this school year. He loves jogging pants but me, not so much. Jogging pants are OK for playing in but I kinda prefer they look a little nicer for school. He's handling the change very well and actually cried when I told him he couldn't wear his new clothes until school starts! Xavier refused to pose for pictures but the babies were more than happy to share their new clearance Dora bathing suits!

Beat On

2008-08-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

***WARNING FLESHY PHOTOS TO FOLLOW***

Tonight, despite my pounding headache, I'm going to stay up all night to find out who's been beating me in the middle of the night. I know it's not my hubby because he's never here and I'm pretty sure the kids aren't heavy enough to make that hue of bruise. I will admit to being pretty clumsy and forgetful but really I think I would remember falling down the stairs or whatever caused these and all the others. My guess is my dog Ali. She is always asleep on the floor in my room when I fall asleep but when I wake up she's at the foot of the bed! What goes down while I'm getting my beauty rest???

Stars

2008-08-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

This would be such a cute picture if my disgusting scabby toe wasn't in it ;)

Ouchie!!

2008-08-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have a massive migraine that I am pretty sure is steming from the two grand I have spent on back to school. Funny thing is the kids didn't really need much until I started then all of a sudden the list kept getting longer and longer. This year I decided to spend the extra money on quality clothes. I would like to not have to buy them anything else until next summer so most of their stuff was rather expensive compared to my usually bargin basement bargains! Xavier is small, decivingly small. The only pants we could find him that fit nicely and didn't look like he was swimming in them were the $45 ones at the GAP. I love that they have the size 5 in slim and the adjustable waist I will say they are nice and thick and look really good on him but $45!!!! Klausine got the most stuff because she was really lacking stuff the matched. She had a lot of odds and ends but not many nice outfits. As of this afternoon she has more nice outfits than I can count.
Yesterday we did the bulk of the shopping with my mom. I was so happy to have her with me. We're really past the age where you can just buy the kids whatever and it looks good. We have entered the phase of trying on a million different kinds of pants and man was I glad my momma was there to help button buttons and snap snaps.
I'm really looking forward to back to school now and if I didn't have this migraine I think I would be in a really good mood! I have managed to bleach the floors and get a lot of clothes and toys put away. I would be really happy if the house was spotless for the first week of back to school so I can concentrate on getting the kids where they need to be :)
Ok time to get all the furniture back on the clean floors. I have some pictures to post of cours but I don't wanna right now ;)

How we roll!

2008-08-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

My friend teresa at tiara's and tantrum's did a post on her ride. She claimed it was messy but the pics posted looked to me like a brand new car ;) To insure Teresa I wasn't just being nice and since I already came clean today about my judgement issues I thought I may as well play along and come clean with pictures of my ride. Keep in mind we just got home from a week long road trip and Carl is out of town and I don't really drive anywhere since we're still on summer break. Who am I kidding, I have never in my life been able to keep a vehicle clean. The pictures of the outside of the van show some of my recent run in with poles, post, rocks, and what have you. Keep in mind we've only had this van 6 months so it is practically brand new. If you have never driven a 12 or 15 passenger van you wouldn't know how difficult it is to judge distance from poles and other potential dent making hazards. A couple weeks back I was in the grocery store parking lot and knocked over a large cement post holding a stop sign! Funny thing is I didn't even notice, Xavier was the one who pointed it out! LOL!! Anywho here's my ride in all its puked on, toy covered, dented up glory!