December 9, 2008
The Roberts' Hit Disney!!
It's been a long, fun, exhausting, exhilarating, day. My chest congestion and throat are crummy. The kids are having an absolute BLAST with their cousins. We shut down the park (California Adventure) at 9:00 P.M. after spending most of the day at Disneyland. Tomorrow we are starting at CA and then shutting down Disneyland. We were on Main Street tonight when they lit up the castle and it started snowing - probably one of the most magical moments on record!! My camera was packed on the stroller which was stuck in traffic behind me so the photos of that will have to wait. Gonna hit the sack for tonight but I'm leaving you with one of the first pics of the day ... of the Mouse himself :)
December 8, 2008
Joy to the Girl
It's been a long day and I've had a pounding headache for hours, but I had to post two of my fave pics from today. We woke up and prepared to make the long drive to the L.A. area to go to the American Girl Place. Steve stayed to play golf with Paca and Grammy came with me and the kids. None of the girls have AG dolls so they saved their birthday money all year and after seeing the movie Kit Kittredge they knew they wanted to spend their money on dolls. Of course they didn't have enough money for all that they wanted - nor did they GET all they wanted - but we supplemented their funds so each could get a doll, an extra outfit, and a tote bag for their doll for Christmas. The next few weeks will be torture waiting to play with them (since they have to wait until Christmas)!! We started with lunch at the Cheesecake Factory where we were obviously a "bother" to some with our 4 kiddos ... one couple was seated by us and got up to move in less than 2 minutes! We finished the shopping trip with a stop to see Santa. I thought that Cougar would scream for sure but he climbed right up and even "talked" to him. He was a great Santa and was wonderful with my kids. It was well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive to get there just for these pics :)
After our shopping and Santa experience we headed to Anaheim. It took us about an hour from where we were at. I think the headache started in the L.A. traffic. I could never live in a place that had traffic like that every day!!! We arrived at the hotel and waited for others to arrive. Steve, Paca, and my sister Kristin and my brother Bryce's family arrived not long after and we were off to Disneyland to play!! DL closed early tonight for their cast Christmas party so we got almost 3 hours over in California Adventure! I'm sure I'll have plenty of Disney pics over the next few days ....
After our shopping and Santa experience we headed to Anaheim. It took us about an hour from where we were at. I think the headache started in the L.A. traffic. I could never live in a place that had traffic like that every day!!! We arrived at the hotel and waited for others to arrive. Steve, Paca, and my sister Kristin and my brother Bryce's family arrived not long after and we were off to Disneyland to play!! DL closed early tonight for their cast Christmas party so we got almost 3 hours over in California Adventure! I'm sure I'll have plenty of Disney pics over the next few days ....December 7, 2008
Connecting with Cousins
After another night of VERY little sleep I woke up feeling pretty crappy ... a load of junk sitting in my chest. I guess my week of dealing with my sick ones is trying to take a toll on me. I refuse to give in! I went straight for the Mucinex and Emergen-C with hopes that I can fight the good fight and head into this fun-filled week with plenty of energy to enjoy the long days ahead ;)
We headed out about 9:00 A.M. and arrived at my parents' place with perfect timing. Everyone was still at church so we got some lunch together and waited for their arrival. We haven't seen my brother Ryan's family in over 2 years now ... far too long! His boys are all growing up so fast and we finally got to meet little Danny for the first time. The kiddos were a bit stand-offish at first - they obviously don't get to spend as much time around each other as we'd like and Ryan has boys - we have girly girls (with the exception of Cougar, or course). Within an hour they were running around with each other, making up games, playing Chutes and Ladders with Aunt Kris, watching movies, sharing websites, laughing, etc. It was so fun to watch them fall right into the fun of family. It reminds me that friends change, move, and grow apart, but family is FOREVER regardless of miles! Here are a few pics of the fun times with Russell, Zachary, Andrew, and Daniel ... we can't wait to meet up with Bryce's family tomorrow for more fun with even MORE cousins!!!
We headed out about 9:00 A.M. and arrived at my parents' place with perfect timing. Everyone was still at church so we got some lunch together and waited for their arrival. We haven't seen my brother Ryan's family in over 2 years now ... far too long! His boys are all growing up so fast and we finally got to meet little Danny for the first time. The kiddos were a bit stand-offish at first - they obviously don't get to spend as much time around each other as we'd like and Ryan has boys - we have girly girls (with the exception of Cougar, or course). Within an hour they were running around with each other, making up games, playing Chutes and Ladders with Aunt Kris, watching movies, sharing websites, laughing, etc. It was so fun to watch them fall right into the fun of family. It reminds me that friends change, move, and grow apart, but family is FOREVER regardless of miles! Here are a few pics of the fun times with Russell, Zachary, Andrew, and Daniel ... we can't wait to meet up with Bryce's family tomorrow for more fun with even MORE cousins!!!
December 6, 2008
One Down, One to Go
Today Brinley and Ashton had a piano recital at a local nursing home. I love when they have the opportunity to play at events like this because it is a wonderful lesson in service and bringing joy into the lives of others. It was fun to hear the sweet residents singing along to the familiar Christmas carols that the children were playing. The girls were thrilled to finally get to wear their Christmas dresses and I think they looked beautiful ... considering the morning we had (remember - Steve was out of town)! They did a wonderful job and I am so proud of how much they have learned. Here they are with our friend Kayla. Their "big" recital will be next week so I will hopefully have a video for you when I've got Steve's hands along to help out!!
Now I'm off to frantically finish getting ready for our trip! I'm still hoping to get my photos posted daily, but if you don't see anything for a few days just know we are having a FABULOUS time ;) Besides ... you're used to only having to check my blog once a month for updates - this may give you a chance to get caught up on the past week of daily posts!!
Now I'm off to frantically finish getting ready for our trip! I'm still hoping to get my photos posted daily, but if you don't see anything for a few days just know we are having a FABULOUS time ;) Besides ... you're used to only having to check my blog once a month for updates - this may give you a chance to get caught up on the past week of daily posts!!December 5, 2008
Thanks to our Troops
Today we had the opportunity for Ashton to sing at the tree lighting ceremony on a local military base. We often see military personnel around town in their uniforms but it was an awesome site to see so many of them gathered for an event like this. I watched as they stood in a long line to collect vouchers for Christmas trees that were donated and wondered what their stories were ... had they recently returned from Iraq? Were their husbands or wives deployed? Had they spent the holidays away from their families before? Were they friends with any of those soldiers who had lost their lives in the war? I noticed women standing with their children and imagined them "doing it on their own" while their husbands were deployed while I was frustrated with the idea of my husband being gone overnight. At 5:00 P.M. the national anthem began to play over the loud speakers on base and everyone turned toward the flag and those in uniform saluted while the rest of us placed our hands over our hearts in respect. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the men and women who willingly serve our country and am grateful to have had the experience to catch this glimpse of "reality."
I walked out of the house without my "good" camera and was left to use my dinosaur point-and-shoot camera. It is a painful reminder that I need to get a new one!! I hate to spend the money on a P&S when I'd rather invest in new lenses and a flash for my Nikon but I love having a smaller camera to keep in the diaper bag or my purse for instances just like today ;) Perhaps I should have Santa take a look .... The choir did a fabulous job and performed for almost 45 minutes! After that the girls wanted to go over and play in the snow they had made for the celebration (with the billions of other kids). They each threw one snowball and were done - guess we truly are warm weathered!
A quick follow up - Cougar went back in to the doctor today and we were told he sounds much better! He had his last dose of antibiotics and oral steroids today and only has to use his nebulizer for steroids once a day now (vs. twice) and we will only have to administer Albuterol breathing treatments as needed!! His doctor said his pneumonia was a mild case and that we caught it early so we felt very fortunate for that. She had no concerns about our upcoming trip and will order a follow up chest x-ray when we return just to make sure everything looks clear. Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes on his behalf!
I walked out of the house without my "good" camera and was left to use my dinosaur point-and-shoot camera. It is a painful reminder that I need to get a new one!! I hate to spend the money on a P&S when I'd rather invest in new lenses and a flash for my Nikon but I love having a smaller camera to keep in the diaper bag or my purse for instances just like today ;) Perhaps I should have Santa take a look .... The choir did a fabulous job and performed for almost 45 minutes! After that the girls wanted to go over and play in the snow they had made for the celebration (with the billions of other kids). They each threw one snowball and were done - guess we truly are warm weathered!
A quick follow up - Cougar went back in to the doctor today and we were told he sounds much better! He had his last dose of antibiotics and oral steroids today and only has to use his nebulizer for steroids once a day now (vs. twice) and we will only have to administer Albuterol breathing treatments as needed!! His doctor said his pneumonia was a mild case and that we caught it early so we felt very fortunate for that. She had no concerns about our upcoming trip and will order a follow up chest x-ray when we return just to make sure everything looks clear. Thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes on his behalf!December 4, 2008
A Boy and His Toys
First I must say that I know I have four kids. My blog seems to have been taken over by Cougar this past week. Guess that's because he is home with me all day, every day. Brinley and Ashton are at school most of the day and Kendyl goes to preschool twice a week. Cougar is the easiest to catch in my photo a day. I already know what I plan to photograph the next few days and it WILL include my other children (to set your minds at ease about any favoritism that I may have).
Today Steve and Cougar set up the train under our Christmas tree. We bought it years ago and it is always such a hit with not only our own children but with all who come to our house during the holidays. Last year Cougar didn't "get it." This year he went back and forth to the guest room (where we store it) bringing out pieces of track and all of the cars! I can't tell you how long he sat and watched the train go around but he sat there with wide eyes saying "choo choo" and "Danta" over and over again. Steve is just as big a kid ... he laid on the floor teaching Cougar how to control it! I *LOVE* watching these boys with their toys :)
Today Steve and Cougar set up the train under our Christmas tree. We bought it years ago and it is always such a hit with not only our own children but with all who come to our house during the holidays. Last year Cougar didn't "get it." This year he went back and forth to the guest room (where we store it) bringing out pieces of track and all of the cars! I can't tell you how long he sat and watched the train go around but he sat there with wide eyes saying "choo choo" and "Danta" over and over again. Steve is just as big a kid ... he laid on the floor teaching Cougar how to control it! I *LOVE* watching these boys with their toys :)
December 3, 2008
A Sister's Love & More Holiday Happiness
Before I get to my photo for the day I have to document this: the love of a sister. Brinley shares a room with Cougar ... not always an easy thing. Since he learned to climb out of his crib the bedtime ritual has grown to include putting him BACK in his crib numerous times, locking him inside the room (since he thinks it's a game to come out of the room, tease Kendyl on the bottom bunk in the other room, and run to hide from me when I discover he has escaped). The routine went as usual tonight. When I went to unlock the door and check on them, this is what I found:
Cougar had apparently climbed out of his crib one last time without coming and yanking on the door to let me know he was out. I'm sure he then climbed up to play with Brinley, tried to snuggle in, and she gave up her bed ... pillow and all ... to her brother. She never complains about having to share a room with him. In fact, she feels "lucky" that she is the one who got "chosen" to share with him. I hope one day that Cougar understands just how much his big sister loves him and is willing to sacrifice for him.
Along with the sights and sounds of the holiday season I ANXIOUSLY await one other thing ... the *tastes* of the season!! November 1st signals the shelves being covered in all things mint chocolate. Oh, how this gives me pleasure!!! Dreyer's Slow Churned Peppermint ice cream is a staple in our freezer from the first time I see it in the grocery store freezer to the day I dry my tears because it is no longer there. I lose count of the number of bags of mint M&Ms we go through this time of year. I mourned the loss of mint Kit Kats last year - I checked every store in the area for them to no avail. Oh, and did I mention Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshakes from Chick-fil-A? Yup ... they're delish :) My ALL TIME fave this year was an unexpected find.
Not only are they beyond delicious (so smooth, creamy, and perfectly minty) but they are *beautiful* ... a pearly metallic mint green color and chocolate brown. The best part about these little goodies? They are NOT only available during the holidays!!! I actually stumbled on them this summer and simply can't get enough. I'm pretty sure I buy a new package every time I am at Target (unless I already have a back-up in my pantry). The bad news about them? They are NOT only available during the holidays!!! Guess I'd better get running ... I hear my treadmill calling ;)
Cougar had apparently climbed out of his crib one last time without coming and yanking on the door to let me know he was out. I'm sure he then climbed up to play with Brinley, tried to snuggle in, and she gave up her bed ... pillow and all ... to her brother. She never complains about having to share a room with him. In fact, she feels "lucky" that she is the one who got "chosen" to share with him. I hope one day that Cougar understands just how much his big sister loves him and is willing to sacrifice for him.Along with the sights and sounds of the holiday season I ANXIOUSLY await one other thing ... the *tastes* of the season!! November 1st signals the shelves being covered in all things mint chocolate. Oh, how this gives me pleasure!!! Dreyer's Slow Churned Peppermint ice cream is a staple in our freezer from the first time I see it in the grocery store freezer to the day I dry my tears because it is no longer there. I lose count of the number of bags of mint M&Ms we go through this time of year. I mourned the loss of mint Kit Kats last year - I checked every store in the area for them to no avail. Oh, and did I mention Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshakes from Chick-fil-A? Yup ... they're delish :) My ALL TIME fave this year was an unexpected find.
Not only are they beyond delicious (so smooth, creamy, and perfectly minty) but they are *beautiful* ... a pearly metallic mint green color and chocolate brown. The best part about these little goodies? They are NOT only available during the holidays!!! I actually stumbled on them this summer and simply can't get enough. I'm pretty sure I buy a new package every time I am at Target (unless I already have a back-up in my pantry). The bad news about them? They are NOT only available during the holidays!!! Guess I'd better get running ... I hear my treadmill calling ;)December 2, 2008
Santa, Baby!
I'm sitting here updating my Christmas playlist on my iPod and am thoroughly enjoying the idea of getting to listen to holiday music "guilt free" for at least a month :) I could really listen to it year round ... especially the Three Kings album by Eclipse - a definite *FAVE* (you can also download it from the iTunes store). Love me some A Capella music!!
Last year I took a photo of Cougar with a Santa hat on and it ended up being one of my favorite images from the Christmas season!!
I decided to try and catch a new one this year and while he was no where near as cooperative as the little 8 month old who could do no more than sit on the stairs and look cute last year, we did have a fun time chasing each other around and hiding in the trees while trying to get him to leave the hat on long enough to snap a picture. It was great to see him laugh and smile after all the tears and screaming we've endured during breathing treatments and dispensing of meds. His playful little personality really shines through and I love that he wanted to wear -yes, he chose it- his glow-in-the-dark flaming heart shirt from Halloween ... it's the one he always picks!
Last year I took a photo of Cougar with a Santa hat on and it ended up being one of my favorite images from the Christmas season!!
I decided to try and catch a new one this year and while he was no where near as cooperative as the little 8 month old who could do no more than sit on the stairs and look cute last year, we did have a fun time chasing each other around and hiding in the trees while trying to get him to leave the hat on long enough to snap a picture. It was great to see him laugh and smile after all the tears and screaming we've endured during breathing treatments and dispensing of meds. His playful little personality really shines through and I love that he wanted to wear -yes, he chose it- his glow-in-the-dark flaming heart shirt from Halloween ... it's the one he always picks!
December 1, 2008
Our Sickling
Cougar is definitely our most sickly child. He's gotten more junk than the girls ever seemed to get. We found out when he was 9 months old that he has a slight heart murmur that we are still monitoring. It doesn't seem to be a problem but our pediatrician listens for changes at each of his well checks ... so far, so good. He hasn't been too prone to ear infections, luckily, but runny noses and coughs seem common ground for him - especially in the "winter." Back in July I talked to his doctor about my concern over his rattly chest. He seemed to always have congestion in his chest ... rattling, wheezing, etc. He has what they call "reactive airway" which is basically what they call asthma before they can "officially" diagnose it at age 3 but does not always indicate they will indeed have asthma ... many children outgo the problem. It was then that we were given a nebulizer and Albuterol to treat his breathing problems.
He's had a cough and snotty nose again the past few days so I decided to take him in to the doc to have him checked out before our upcoming trip so we could make sure his ears looked good and so we could treat anything that might need treating so he's in good shape when we travel. After a breathing treatment in the doctor's office we were sent out for a chest x-ray. They sat him on this little seat like a bicycle seat and wrapped these plastic body forms around him to hold his body and arms in the right position. He wasn't too upset about it at first but then he realized that this wasn't supposed to be a pleasant experience and kind of lost it. It was heartbreaking!!! Here are a few pics of that super fun process:
The news came about 5:45 P.M. ... PNEUMONIA!! My sweet baby boy has pneumonia :( He is now on 5 medications including 2 different nebulizer treatments, an antibiotic, a HORRIBLE steroid (that he does not want to take AT ALL), and allergy meds. Ah, the joys. Say a little prayer for Cougar so he's feeling great, breathing well, and ready to live it up at Disneyland!!
He's had a cough and snotty nose again the past few days so I decided to take him in to the doc to have him checked out before our upcoming trip so we could make sure his ears looked good and so we could treat anything that might need treating so he's in good shape when we travel. After a breathing treatment in the doctor's office we were sent out for a chest x-ray. They sat him on this little seat like a bicycle seat and wrapped these plastic body forms around him to hold his body and arms in the right position. He wasn't too upset about it at first but then he realized that this wasn't supposed to be a pleasant experience and kind of lost it. It was heartbreaking!!! Here are a few pics of that super fun process:
The news came about 5:45 P.M. ... PNEUMONIA!! My sweet baby boy has pneumonia :( He is now on 5 medications including 2 different nebulizer treatments, an antibiotic, a HORRIBLE steroid (that he does not want to take AT ALL), and allergy meds. Ah, the joys. Say a little prayer for Cougar so he's feeling great, breathing well, and ready to live it up at Disneyland!!
Joke is OVER!!
I think I finally figured it out ... one of my faithful readers decided to play a funny joke on me and took my November. HA HA HA - can I have it back now?!?! It was actually a really good month that went completely unrecorded. A few of the highlights included:
* More golf lessons for the girls
* I lost count of the number of birthday parties the girls were invited to (somewhere around 6-8)
* Taught a lesson at enrichment night on inexpensive gift ideas for friends/teachers (handout to come if you're interested)
* Attended Time Out for Couples AND Time Out for Women and Girls - AWESOME!!
* Went shopping for jeans and had a GREAT time ... not the norm for jean shopping ;) Splurged on 2 pair!!
* Got all of the e-mails and lessons for Jessica Sprague's Stories in Hand class (now to find the time to complete all of the amazing goodness that she put toghether!!)
* Spent a weekend in Sedona - KID FREE - for Steve to attend continuing education classes
* Almost killed myself mountain biking in Sedona. Nothing a newfound treat from Starbucks couldn't fix ;)
* Started planning Girls' Camp for next summer ... it's gonna be SO fun!!
* Taught a lesson in Relief Society on Righteous Traditions
* Had my parents and our good friends for Thanksgiving dinner - it was so nice to "share" the workload and the results were fabulous!!
* Was invited to be on another creative team (thanks, Alma!)
* Created MANY projects for my 3 creative team assignments
* Got the house decorated for Christmas
* Bought season passes to Disneyland - can't wait to get there!
* Finished ALMOST all of my Christmas shopping ... even have ideas for the other gifts I still need to get
* Oh ... did I mention I started babysitting 3 days a week? A 4 month old :)
See? We really DID live it up in November!! I know we did more but it's lost in my jumbled mind by now ;) I've got pictures to prove most of it and may even have to think about putting together a slide show or something fun like that .. I feel like I haven't shared many pics lately with all of the projects I've been working on. Then again since I haven't posted for over a month I guess I haven't shared much of ANYTHING - pictures or otherwise!!
I've decided to capture my December a little better. I am doing a "Photo a Day" project this month. Hopefully I can keep up with getting them posted daily but may have to play catch-up every once in a while. I love the month of December ... and not just because it is my birthday month ;) It is a wonderful time to teach my kiddos to think of others and remember the Savior in all of the madness that can take over during the holidays. My photo for today actually happened by accident but I love it. I was taking pics of things around the house and Kendyl asked if she could take a picture. This girl *LOVES* to take pictures!! I'm always hesitant to let her use my "good" camera but decided to let her take a few. She wanted to take a picture of my nativity set. This is the photo she took just as it came out of the camera (minus the date I added). I love the focus on the baby Jesus and Mary. Although I know Kendyl didn't snap it to be intentionally perfect, I thought it ended up being the essence of what the holiday season is about. Thanks to Kendyl for the perfect start to my PAD project!!
* More golf lessons for the girls
* I lost count of the number of birthday parties the girls were invited to (somewhere around 6-8)
* Taught a lesson at enrichment night on inexpensive gift ideas for friends/teachers (handout to come if you're interested)
* Attended Time Out for Couples AND Time Out for Women and Girls - AWESOME!!
* Went shopping for jeans and had a GREAT time ... not the norm for jean shopping ;) Splurged on 2 pair!!
* Got all of the e-mails and lessons for Jessica Sprague's Stories in Hand class (now to find the time to complete all of the amazing goodness that she put toghether!!)
* Spent a weekend in Sedona - KID FREE - for Steve to attend continuing education classes
* Almost killed myself mountain biking in Sedona. Nothing a newfound treat from Starbucks couldn't fix ;)
* Started planning Girls' Camp for next summer ... it's gonna be SO fun!!
* Taught a lesson in Relief Society on Righteous Traditions
* Had my parents and our good friends for Thanksgiving dinner - it was so nice to "share" the workload and the results were fabulous!!
* Was invited to be on another creative team (thanks, Alma!)
* Created MANY projects for my 3 creative team assignments
* Got the house decorated for Christmas
* Bought season passes to Disneyland - can't wait to get there!
* Finished ALMOST all of my Christmas shopping ... even have ideas for the other gifts I still need to get
* Oh ... did I mention I started babysitting 3 days a week? A 4 month old :)
See? We really DID live it up in November!! I know we did more but it's lost in my jumbled mind by now ;) I've got pictures to prove most of it and may even have to think about putting together a slide show or something fun like that .. I feel like I haven't shared many pics lately with all of the projects I've been working on. Then again since I haven't posted for over a month I guess I haven't shared much of ANYTHING - pictures or otherwise!!
I've decided to capture my December a little better. I am doing a "Photo a Day" project this month. Hopefully I can keep up with getting them posted daily but may have to play catch-up every once in a while. I love the month of December ... and not just because it is my birthday month ;) It is a wonderful time to teach my kiddos to think of others and remember the Savior in all of the madness that can take over during the holidays. My photo for today actually happened by accident but I love it. I was taking pics of things around the house and Kendyl asked if she could take a picture. This girl *LOVES* to take pictures!! I'm always hesitant to let her use my "good" camera but decided to let her take a few. She wanted to take a picture of my nativity set. This is the photo she took just as it came out of the camera (minus the date I added). I love the focus on the baby Jesus and Mary. Although I know Kendyl didn't snap it to be intentionally perfect, I thought it ended up being the essence of what the holiday season is about. Thanks to Kendyl for the perfect start to my PAD project!!
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