More Blue Then Pink!

Michael Smith on Iron Chef America!

2010-01-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

I am so excited, I heard yesterday that my favorite Canadian chef will be on Iron Chef America on January 31st. Hmm, I wonder if he will choose Bobby Flay to challenge and what will the secret ingredient be?

Mario mad!

2010-01-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

Cai is crazy about Mario, he loves Super Mario 64 DS and Super Mario Brothers. He has quite the imagination, he plays with Ellie and Christopher and they think they are all going to enter the pipes in the house and find a magical secret world.

Maybe one day his imagination will create a great novel!

Fort Field Trip

2010-01-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

Cai went on a class field trip last week to the Fort. He was happy his Dad got to come along, one of the only benefits of shift work. I thought is was neat that there were quite a number of fathers who went. They had a nice trip even though it was raining.

Ellie and Griffyn:)

2010-01-19T23:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo I took today of Ellie and Griffyn. I can't believe he is five months now.

Things have been busy with swimming, karate, soccer, preschool, school, homework, ukulele, choir, band practices, ballet and baseball just started this week.

This is Ellie's first time doing swimming lessons, last week she was everywhere in the water but yesterday she was calmer.

Beatlemania! / Music

2010-01-10T13:57:00.001-08:00

They are all going mad for the Beatles at our house.

Liam is into the Beatles right now. I think he has over 50 Beatle songs on his ipod and likes to play the Beatles Rock band on the Wii. He loves his music and brings his ipod wherever he goes, typical teenager.

Cai loves listening to their song Help.

Cai likes the song Bad Medicine by Bon Jovi. I was on I Tunes yesterday with Rhys and Cai and we saw the video for it. They were both laughing their heads off at Jon Bon Jovi, saying he was a woman, not Jon Jon. Cai says no offense, he looks likes like a woman!

We all had bad hair in the 80's that's for sure, times sure do change! Why do men age better the woman?

New Years Eve Throwdown!

2010-01-02T00:28:00.000-08:00

We made pizza on New Years Eve from scratch. Rhys wanted to have a throwdown. He made pepperoni and I made ham and pineapple. They were both very good, but next time we will use less flour in the dough. I think the competition was a tie, ha ha.

January 1st 2010!

2010-01-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Another year just flew by! Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year with lots of happiness and good health!

Miss Bumble Bee!

2010-01-01T00:53:00.000-08:00

Ellie having fun with one of Cai's toys from Christmas. She can be so silly sometimes. When the boys aren't around she is so different, today when they were gone with Dad we had fun playing with her Barbie camper van.

Christmas Day!

2010-01-01T00:26:00.000-08:00

Our family had a wonderful Christmas. We had a lovely dinner at Aunty's. The kids all had a great day. December was lots of fun!

Little buddies Cai and Kurt playing their ds's.

Baby Griffyn:

Christopher, the picky eater!

Ellie and Lilian having their dinner:

Liam,

Rhys excited he got an apron!

Sweet Baby Griffyn!

2009-12-29T00:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of Griffyn hanging out over Christmas! When I opened up the tray to his swing today he tried to get out on his own and come to me.

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

We spent the day going on a Christmas train ride and out to lunch with family.

Little C:

My handsome boy Liam:

Rhys, Kurt and Cai having fun being silly:

Lilian and Ellie:

We didn't decorate the tree until Christmas Eve because the toddler twins like to touch everything!

I had a hard time trying to get a good photo of all 6 of them infront of the tree.

Ellie and Santa.

2009-12-24T00:45:00.000-08:00

I had Christopher and Ellie at the mall last week and she wanted to see Santa again. Christopher would not, he said he already had his photo done with Santa! Silly mom. Oh well, we can put this one in her own album.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T00:28:00.000-08:00

We made our gingerbread houses yesterday with Kurt and Lilian. It was a fun afternoon.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.

Why I love having a mini large family!

2009-12-24T00:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of Christopher playing with Griffyn, it was so cute watching the two of them together. Christopher really likes him! He calls him Griff because he says he is so cute and is excited that they may share a room together. He wants one of those trundle beds so Griffyn can sleep right by him. We are no different to any other family, the kids have their fights and differences sometimes but they also have each other, and that is a good thing!

Santa breakfast and Christmas parade!

2009-12-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

It was breakfast with Mrs. Claus last month and breakfast with Santa this month. Every year we go to the same Santa breakfast, it's fun for the kids! Lyndsey took the photos.

It wasn't nearly as cold this year for the parade. They all had fun drinking their hot chocolate and watching the parade go by. Griffyn and I didn't make it, I didn't want to take him out in the cold.

Preschool party!

2009-12-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

Ellie and Christopher had a nice Christmas party at school. They sang some Christmas songs for the parents and guests, had some nice snacks and Santa made an appearance. Their teacher Mrs. Janet did a lovely job putting the party together for the kids. They both really love her. Christopher was funny, this was the first time we were able to get him to go sit on Santa's lap, when he finished his visit he came over to me and said, he doesn't look like Santa!

Cai as Santa! / Rhys's Choir concert

2009-12-23T23:27:00.000-08:00

Cai was Santa at the school's primary show last week. He had lots of fun playing St. Nick! He did a great job with his lines too, he is full of surprises.

The previous day Rhys's peers had their choir concert. Rhys played a little ukulele solo at the beginning of one song.

We had another concert to go to for Rhys's ukulele group that meet once a week. It was really good, the kids are playing well for only starting in September. I was so mad, I took my camera but forgot my memory card, so I didn't get any video,

I have some cute video of the school concerts though.

Kung Fu Fighting!

2009-12-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Rhys and Cai went for their first belt testing for karate. They were both excited that they passed and got their yellow belts. Belt testing is a little confusing for us, none of my boys have done karate before. Now that they have their yellow belts there are different levels of testing, then they go up to an orange belt. They start a new session of karate in January!

Snow!

2009-12-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

We have snow, the kids sure like, me not so much! It has been really cold too the last week. It is suppose to rain by Wednesday. They had a blast yesterday playing in the snow with their cousins.

Ellie had a pink pair of gloves, but didn't get a chance to wear them, we can't find one. Only time will tell where she put it. Keeping track of all their hats and gloves is driving me nuts.

Here is Christopher in his snowsuit. This snowsuit has been around, it was first worn by Rhys, Cai and now Christopher. Hopefully Griffyn will get some wear out of it too in a few years. Boys are hard on their clothes and it is very rarely they make it through 3 of them.

Has it been 15 years already?

2009-12-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our wedding anniversary. We had a nice day, my husband helped with the housework and mopped all the floors for me. I can never seem to get to them! lol. We went out for dinner and then Christmas shopping, which was really nice, we never go anywhere just the two of us. 15 years and 6 kids later, life is good.

Little Drummer Boy!

2009-12-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

Liam had his band Christmas concert last night. I think it was the best concert we have been too. He is really improving, he looks so comfortable playing the drums. He doesn't look shy at all and he kept twirling his sticks, which everyone thought was cute. This picture was taken after the concert, he had a nice hair cut yesterday, at his request! I can never manage to get a good photo in the dark gyms with my camera.

Little Miss Muffin!

2009-12-10T23:31:00.001-08:00

I made 3 dozen muffins today, they won't last long here. I made some rasberry oatmeal muffins from a recipe I created and some oatmeal chocolate chip muffins too. Those are Liam and Christopher's favorite. They love coming home from school with warm muffins waiting for them. Ellie wanted to help, she loves mixing and mashing. She looks a little mucky, but I had to take a photo, I love that my kids want to learn to do things like this.

Visit with Santa:)

2009-12-08T22:57:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we had our visit with Santa.

I am so happy Liam still wants to be in the photos, it's nice to have one of them all together, not so sure how long this will happen for.

Miss Ellie before we went to see Santa. She was not at all afraid of Santa, she was asking him for her candy cane.

Little Christopher, he did not want to go, he wanted to write Santa a letter instead. He is not too sure about him coming into our house while he is sleeping.

Waiting our turn to see Santa.

Cai kept up with his annual tradition of leaving his list with Santa.

14 Years Old!

2009-12-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

Liam turned 14 last Friday, December 4th.
He had a nice day and was happy with his new IPod touch.

My Six Pack!

2009-12-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

I have my Christmas cards ordered and all the kid's school photos sorted out, I need to take a photo of Griffyn tomorrow. This photo Lyndsey took for us, I love it, she always takes nice photos! They were not very cooperative either, it was like pulling teeth trying to get them to sit still for a minute! Thanks Lyndsey. We have done about 75% of our Christmas shopping, which I am very happy about.

School photos:)

2009-12-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

Ellie - 3 years old, preschool.

Christopher - 4 years old, preschool.

Cai - grade 2.

Rhys - grade 5.

Liam - grade 9.

Observations by Christopher:

2009-11-29T23:49:00.001-08:00

*** Christopher has been making me chuckle the last few weeks with the things he says, I should have been writing them down right after he says then because now I can't remember many. ***

- His Mum doesn't look cute in the morning because she wears her glasses and nightgown.

- There is no need to visit Santa, a letter is perfectly acceptable.

- Santa doesn't have to come down our chimney into our house.

- Max and Ruby's parents are in heaven. (not sure how he came up with this one).

- The steps are too high getting into the van, thumbs down on the new vehicle.

- He doesn't like it when his Mum yells when his siblings or him are naughty, it hurts his ears.

- You can never have enough timbits.

- I am a little stinker at home, but I behave better then my sister when we are out.

- School is fun and I like going.

- He felt it was very important his older brothers went with Dad to get their swine flu shots!

- Potatoes are yucky!

- He loves massages and will sit forever if you rub his back.

My new Ford van.

2009-11-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

After many months of searching we finally found a bigger van, it looks like this.

It is going to take a while to get used to, it's a little larger then my caravan, but we can all fit in it comfortably.
Here is a photo of the kids with their cousins, Liam is missing, he was at his soccer game. We went to breakfast with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, all the kids enjoyed it. Our first Christmas activity of the season.

Liam is doing well!

2009-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

This photo of Liam was taken by Lyndsey a few weeks ago, I just love it!

Thanks Lyndsey.

Liam has been having a great month! He got his report card and made the A honor roll! 4 A's and 4 B's. I know he has been working really hard with his school work. We are all very proud of him, those grades were earned for sure.

He completed his swimming badges, he didn't want to do it, but we "convinced" him to. I don't think he knows anyone else who has finished them all. It's something to be happy about, many summers of swimming lessons were all worth it. I am hoping he will do some lifegaurd courses in the new year. Fingers crossed.

His soccer coach let him play goal last week for half the game, they won 1-0, he did a great job. They didn't do so well today, they last 3-0, but it's all fun.

He's a pretty busy boy with school, soccer and band. He is looking forward to a band trip to Seattle in January.

Cai - A Star In Grade 2

2009-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time for updating my blog in a while. Cai got a star award at school a few weeks ago. He was pretty excited, it was nice because cousin Kurt got one too!

My Big Boy:)

2009-11-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Liam's 2009/2010 soccer photo.

Soar throats, fevers and H1N1 shots, oh my!

2009-11-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

It's been one heck of a week. We all got our H1N1 shots. Cai, Christopher & Ellie need a second does in 3 weeks. Griffyn couldn't get one as he is under 6 months of age. Rhys and Liam haven't been well with fevers and soar throats, Ellie and I have head colds and the swine flu shot knocked the stuffing out of Christopher. So far Cai has been the best with one day of fever. He did have a few days off school, along with Rhys. I think they know how to get sympathy from Mom! Friday their arms hurt too much and they didn't feel well from their shots. I have been administering many doses of Tylenol and Motrin. This week I have been playing the role of nurse.

I have been on Christopher's case about not touching Griffyn's face or soother, explaining we have to try to keep Griffyn healthy. I told him Daddy and I wash our hands before we pick him up. I was downstairs yesterday looking after Liam, when I came upstairs he was holding Griffyn's soother in his mouth. I started to tell him off again, and he interrupted and said, but I washed my hands. My little 4 year old actually went into the bathroom, washed his hands and came back out to look after his baby brother, I was very impressed. He was actually listening to me!

But of course, there are two sides to this little boy, we have been looking for Ellie's bear for the past two days, we found it tonight under Christopher's pillow.

November 10th!

2009-11-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

Bon Jovi's new album comes out.

It will be nice to listen to something different in the van.

Adding this post will remind me to pick up my copy.

Sugar Bowl Boy;

2009-11-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend the clocks went back an hour. Christopher was a little stinker Sunday night. They got too much candy, Christopher and Ellie can't control themselves, they are constantly trying to eat more, more and more. Maybe no trick or treating for them next year?? Christopher didn't want to finish his dinner, pork chops and mashed potatoes. He hates potatoes, strange, isn't it? That is a major staple in our house. They others wanted a popsicle after dinner, so they were allowed once they finished their meals. Christopher was not. While I was downstairs doing some laundry, he comes down, telling me he ate his food and can he have one too, all he did was put his food onto Ellie's plate, so no popsicle. I am later feeding Griffyn in the living room, he comes out of the kitchen and over to talk to me. You should have seen his face, he had sugar all over it, from under and over his eyes, to the bottom of his chin. He had been sticking his face into the sugar bowl. All his hands and arms were covered with sugar. Two cups of sugar in the bin. I have been after him many times to leave the sugar alone. Even though it wasn't even 6 o'clock yet, I told him he was going to bed. I washed him up and took him to his room, pull back the covers and all his Halloween treats are under his sheets! I didn't even notice when his bucket had left the counter, he is a sneaky little boy. He is sure keeping us (me) busy.

Halloween 2009!

2009-11-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Another Halloween has come and gone.

Here are the five of them with their pumpkins.

Rhys was a little miserable and didn't want his photo taken, can you tell? lol.

Liam was a great help by answering the door and handing the candy out to the trick or treaters. Not sure how much longer he will do this for me!

Ellie, Christopher and Cai before they headed out. I couldn't find the boy's halloween bags I bought, they still haven't showed up. Not sure where they went. Ellie wouldn't use hers because she wanted a bucket like Christopher.

Ellie in her monkey costume.

Cai, Christopher, Ellie and cousins Lilian and Kurt.

Halloween Parties:

2009-11-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Ellie and Christopher had parties at school last week. Ellie's was on Thursday and Christopher's was on Friday. Those two are like night and day, Ellie is so outgoing and Christopher is so shy. He is totally different at home. He wouldn't even eat anything until I got there. Christopher was a little pirate and Ellie wore a dress up dress and was a "princess". She was a monkey on Halloween night, it was warmer for her when trick or treating.

Preschool Photos:)

2009-11-02T19:42:00.001-08:00

Mr. Christopher, aka, Sugar Bowl Boy, 4 years old.

This is his first school photo, he missed them last year because he didn't start preschool until January.

Little Miss Sunshine, Ellie Alicia Paige, 3 years old.

More to follow, waiting for Rhys's and Cai's.

5 sets of photos!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:10:00.001-07:00

Today is the "big" day. Everyone is excited for trick or treating tonight. Hoping the weather will cooperate, fingers crossed. I have to go through my photos from the preschool and update when I have a spare minute!

Treat bags are all ready for the goblins tonight!

Today calls for pumpkin carving and bread making!

Dentist visits:

2009-10-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week with dentist appointments. Patrick went and the older three boys went to the pediatric dentist yesterday for their 6 month check ups. Thankfully no cavities. Is it just me, or are most children being advised to see an orthodontist now? The dentist would like Rhys to see one. It is just outrageous what these specialists charge, even with coverage, and they want the money up front, we have to wait for reimbursement from our insurer. I still need to get the toddler twins and myself in sometime. I can't imagine trying to get your children to the dentist with no coverage at all.

Movies

2009-10-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

As a soccer fundraiser the family saw Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on Sunday. Everyone had a great time and thought this movie was good. Patrick won the 50/50 draw, which was a surprise, our family never wins things.

Ellie and I didn't go, she is a bit too young to sit through it all, so we had a nice quiet afternoon together with Griffyn.

One book completed!

2009-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took Liam down to the health unit for his final vaccination. His baby immunization book is now complete. It just seems like yesterday when I took him for his 2 month shot. That was back when they only had one shot at a time and the 18 month shots were a "big" deal, they needed two. He is good now for 10 years when he will need a tetanus shot booster.

Liam's team lost their soccer game on Saturday, 5-2. There was a parent yelling at the kids as if he was the coach. Well everyone knows the coach can't stand that. Finally one of the players yelled at him and told him to shut up. The parents and the players had a talking to at the end of the game. Why must some take things so seriously? It's just a game, as long as they try hard and have fun, it's not like they are all going to turn professional. Liam tired so many other things, I am glad he found "his" thing. It will be nice if the team stays together until they finish school. They have their Hawaii trip to look forward to as well.

He is sure growing and eating. It's a challenge now to fill him up. I am glad the boys are spread out in age, imagine trying to feed and fill up 5 teenage boys at a time?

C is for Christopher;

2009-10-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Christopher is still working on printing his name. It's getting better.

He loves drawing.

His preschool teacher today said he was singing as he was playing in the little kitchen. Too funny!

Pumpkin Patch;

2009-10-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday our preschool had their field trip to the pumpkin patch, all classes went at the same time so it worked out well, Ellie and Christopher could go together. It was the same pumpkin patch we have gone to since Liam was 3, (11 years ago now). It was a fun day, even though the weather didn't cooperate and it poured when we were picking our pumpkins. Christopher is so shy when he is out, nothing like at home, he was too scared to even put the animals in the barn. Ellie was in there like a dirty shirt. Halloween should be fun this year for them both, they are getting excited.

Fresh Bread. :D

2009-10-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

I have been tweaking my 50/50 bread recipe. Everyone really likes it, it has more flavor and is better for them!

I made my own chicken broth today for the first time. Tomorrow we make homemade chicken noodle soup. (Thank you Michael Smith).

Little G!

2009-10-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Griffyn we took the other night. He is doing really well. He is 10 weeks old on Friday.

He doesn't understand.

2009-10-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

For at least 30 years, since I went to the boy's school, children have always worn their Halloween costumes on Halloween.
It was a fun day with a carnival in the gym.

Our newsletter last week said they are discouraging the children from wearing costumes this year and to wear orange and black.

Cai is very disappointed and confused. He was so excited when he got his new Batman costume.

There will be no carnival either due to the older children moving to the new middle school.

Why do they have to change everything? Can we not keep some traditions?

I have never heard of any problems in previous years nor have I seen any inappropriate costumes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving,

Here is some work Cai did at school this week;

I am looking forward to cooking our turkey dinner tomorrow. Rhys and I are going to try cooking some sweet potato with apple and cinnamon, I am trying to get my family to try different veggtables.

We all have a lot to be thankful for, including our 6 babies who are all healthy and happy, (for the most part). They can drive me crazy sometimes but I can't imagine life without them. I am also thankful for a husband that helps me so much, works hard and does so much with very little sleep.

A Wooden Box;

2009-10-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Liam brought home his first project from woodworking class yesterday. It was a really nice box. He did a great job and received an A. I have been asking him if he can make a coffee table next!

He is sure keeping himself busy with soccer and jazz band and choirs after schools and in the mornings. He is having a good year in school so far.

Plating a 10!

2009-10-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Our show was on tonight, Iron Chef America, Rachel Ray was on there against Bobby Flay, a duos match. Rhys decided to make a snack when it finished, I go into the kitchen and see him making this for himself, I thought he did a great job with presentation. He knows about plating. We had a good laugh over it!

Fancy is the new retro.

2009-10-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

I had a little laugh yesterday, Rhys told me something he would like for Christmas. He says, you know those fancy roller blades? The ones with the 4 wheels and laces? He didn't realize they have been around for years, they are retro now, since inline skates came out. I was telling him I had them 30 years ago! Anyone else remember the roller rinks? lol.

First spelling test of the year;

2009-10-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Cai had his first spelling test in grade 2 last Friday. Fridays are spelling test days. He did a good job coloring his picture, he used to rush his work sometimes. I have noticed so far this year his printing is a lot better. Cai is a lefty, it's a little harder writing in books and using the scissors. Our world is definitely made for right handed people. Our Ellie is left handed too.

October already!

2009-10-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

I can sure tell fall is here, the leaves are falling off the trees and there is a chill in the air.

Things are really busy, the only time I sit down is when I am feeding Griffyn or updating my blog, which isn't often. It's a full time job just keeping up with the laundry. There is so much I want to get done but can't fit it in. I wish I could do more baking and cooking, it's relaxing, but will have to wait, I get my fix watching the food network when I am feeding the baby. We all enjoy watching Bobby Flay and just started watching another chef, Michael Smith from P.E.I. He is awesome too! I need to make some more bread this weekend and want to try a new brownie recipe today. I broke down a few days ago and bought a loaf of wonder-bread, yuck, $2.99 too! This is the cookbook I ordered today as well as a Bobby Flay one. Sounds funny, but I find it exciting!

I bought Griffyn a rattle last week. We lost it the next day, Christopher said he didn't take it. (I knew different). Griffyn was in his swing on Thursday crying, C was trying to calm him down by putting his soother in, it didn't work. He took off running into his room and came back with the rattle! He also had Ellie's Bear Rabbit, which is her comfort toy when she goes to bed, it was gone one night and showed up a day later lying on her bed. I guess it is a pack instinct having 5 other siblings, "survival mode". We have to see the funny side of it, I am sure or hoping he will outgrow this. He isn't fighting as much with Ellie now as they have their breaks from each other alternating preschool days.

Ellie lost a fight with the edge of the piano on Wednesday, she was running around the living room and fell into it. Gave herself quite the bruise/line on the outside of her left eye.

Liam is trying out two choirs at school now while still doing the band classes, praying this gets him out of his shell a little more. He has a soccer game this morning.

Rhys and Cai are grounded this weekend. They are in need of major tune ups. We seem to go through this yearly when they go back to school being around the other kids.

We had meet the teacher night on Wednesday for Rhys and Cai. They both have really nice teachers. I was very impressed with Rhy's teacher, he has a male teacher which I think is great. Now the homework begins, Rhys is good, he does his on his own, Cai will have his reading and writing daily and learning a set of spelling words each week.

I missed the grade 9 parents meeting at Liam's school, Patrick was working. I have to get him to ask the principal what went on. One benefit of him being on the PAC.

Mr. Dressup in training.

2009-09-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

Rhys loves little people. He is amazing with Christopher, Ellie and Griffyn. In school he is monitoring a class of younger children at lunch time. I think he will make an awesome teacher one day. He was meant to mentor children. These photos were taken at Ellie's birthday. I thought they were cute, his siblings and cousins were all enjoying his circle time.

Ellie's 3rd Birthday!

2009-09-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

Our baby girl turned 3 on the 18th of September. She had a lovely day. All she asked for was cake and balloons. She has been waiting a long time for her birthday. She asked that her cake be pink, which I loved. She enjoyed all her presents, but we have to watch and make sure Christopher doesn't nick them. He had her little doll with the cold hiding in the bottom of his bed a few nights ago.

New cd coming out November 10th.

2009-09-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Learning to write his name!

2009-09-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Christopher is learning how to write his name in school. He gives it a good try. Poor boy, he has 11 letters in his name, the same amount of letters as Liam, Rhys and Cai put together.

He really likes going to school. He loves painting and drawing. It's lots of fun for him.

My little ballerina!

2009-09-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Ellie started a little dance class this month. It's once a week and she loves it. All the little girls look adorable, I love all the pink. Before I had Ellie this was one thing I really wanted to do if I was ever blessed with a daughter.

Back to school 2009!

2009-09-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Well better late then never.

The kids have been in school for a few weeks now. Things are a little hectic at the moment but fun.

Liam started grade 9 and is off to a good start. One of the courses he is taking is wood working, which he really wanted to do. He is playing the drums in band and jazz band and playing soccer again. The team is still fundraising for their trip to Hawaii.

This is Rhys's last year at our elementry school, he is in grade 5. He has joined the ukulele club on Wednesdays and is part of the school choir again. He is really good too, he gets up on his on early to make the morning practices.

Cai seems to like grade 2, he thinks he is a big kid now.

Rhys and Cai decided to give soccer a miss this season and try karate instead. They both go twice a week and love it.

Christopher is in his 2nd year of preschool. It's so unreal, next year he will be in K. He is going 3 mornings a week.

Miss Ellie has started her first year of preschool two mornings a week. She has been very excited about going. She went really easy and didn't even say good bye to Patrick when he took her the first day.

It is working out well with Ellie and Christopher, one or the other is at preschool in the morning, so they get a little break from each other. They have been enjoying that.

Welcome to the jungle!

2009-09-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Patrick is working today and things get busy in our house when all 6 kids are home. This morning Liam was at his soccer game and Rhys was playing with his friends. I was bathing Griffyn in the kitchen while Ellie and Christopher started fighting over a tennis ball. Those two can't get alone to save their lives sometimes. It was getting pretty loud in here, then I look over at the computer, Cai is on there, I hear the music and he is dancing to it. What song was he playing? Welcome to the Jungle! It just seemed so appropriate for the moment, instead of getting frustrated with the chaos I had a good laugh!

Cai is going to be a little headbanger I think. He likes most of my music, but he likes a lot of the stuff Patrick listens too. (yuck! he he). I guess it's a good thing he likes a variety of music, John Rich to Gun's and Roses!

Baby in a basket!

2009-09-10T13:13:00.001-07:00

Little Griffyn:

2009-09-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

3 weeks old now, our little baby is more alert and awake more often.

Christopher:

2009-09-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Christopher was "helping" Daddy in the garage the other day. He borrowed Liam's apron to work. Time sure flies, it just seems like yesterday when that apron fit Liam. I love Christopher's dimple, makes him a little more special. :D

Only from a nearly 3 year old!

2009-09-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

I was doing dishes in the kitchen and Ellie walked in holding Griffyn. She had picked him up from his car seat. She says my brother crying, here Mom. Wow, she had me in a panic, I decided to play it calm and not make a huge deal out of it, because then she may try it again just to aggravate me.

This afternoon she wanted me to read Richard Scary to her, great, I love those books, but she was arguing with me about the title page. She insisted there was something on there to read and was getting upset because I wouldn't read anything on that page. She was treating the book rather roughly and bending the pages. By then it was time to take the books away. These books are 14 years old, I bought them when Liam was born, she wasn't going to wreck them on us.

She is something else, we love her to bits, but boy is she hard work sometimes!

Is It Tuesday Yet?

2009-09-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

I think we are all more then ready for back to school. I have been flying solo the last few days as Patrick is back to work. They are all getting bored and getting on each others nerves, ect. They think the kitchen is a walk in diner and want to constantly eat. This morning it took from 8 am to 10 am to give them all breakfast, as they get up and ready at different times. Come a few weeks my kitchen is going on a stricter schedule. Then the older ones are never satisfied with a sandwich for lunch, Liam was cooking noodles for him and Cai and spilled a boil of them all over the floor. He likes to crush them into tiny bits while he is cooking them, so you can imagine the mess, they were all over the place! It took me a while but I think I got them all up and floor mopped. I know it was an accident, but when you are tired and see this mess on the floor you can't help but be a little miffed!

Griffyn did well last night, I had him in bed at 11:30pm and he slept until 3:30 am, back in bed at 4:30 am, then he was up again at 6:45 am. He would have slept longer but Ellie came into my room and woke him up.

Baby Griffyn

2009-09-03T08:17:00.001-07:00

I can't believe he will be 3 weeks old tomorrow. Time sure flies. We would do better in the night if we didn't fall asleep during feedings. Last night up at 2:30, fell asleep and didn't get back to bed until 4, then up again at 6, then Christopher and Ellie up at 7!

Cai - Big Brother :)

2009-08-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Cai asked to hold Griffyn on Saturday night, he hadn't held him before that. He was so cute with him, after he gave him back to me he says, that wasn't so hard. I think he was just afraid to hold him before that. Maybe he thought Griffyn would break? Not sure, but I was pleased to get some photos of the two of them.

Poor Cai had a rough day yesterday, he was outside playing and was attacked by some wasps, he was stung on his arm and leg. He was terrified, they were flying around his head and really shook him up. I felt so bad for him.

Putting ice on the stings and advil seemed to help, but I am sure if he sees anymore wasps now, he will freak right out.

Just because.... / toddler twins!

2009-08-29T18:00:00.001-07:00

Rhys and the Ukulele!

2009-08-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

Rhys has been at an ukulele camp all week, he had a blast. Last night they had a concert to show us what they learned. We have signed him up for the ukulele program this school year, it's once a week and he is really looking forward to it.

Wednesday;

2009-08-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well the day started off great and crashed around 6 p.m. The older 3 were outside playing after dinner with the boy up the street. All of a sudden Rhys comes screaming and running into the house. His nose was bleeding and swollen. We never did get to the bottom of what happened, Liam says he tripped and fell into his knee and Rhys says Liam pulled him over. From what I can gather, Liam was trying to get Rhys to lift him up. Liam is 135 lbs, pretty heavy for a boy like Rhys to lift. All I know is it wasn't just a slip, he was banged pretty good. We iced it right away and it was only a little swollen this morning. I felt so bad, you could see how much it hurt. Boys, I swear, I don't know what they are thinking sometimes.

We are so ready for them to go back to school, less then two weeks now. It will be so nice to get back into a routine.

Fun With My Six Pack!

2009-08-26T09:06:00.001-07:00

Today is the first day I am on my own since having Griffyn, Patrick is back to work today. I wish he could have taken more time off but it just didn't happen. We do have to pick Rhys up from Ukulele camp later on but other then that it should be a pretty quiet day, hoping and keeping fingers crossed.

Building a Barrier

2009-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Christopher does not like to go to sleep with the door shut. Everytime we shut it, he sneaks back out of bed and re-opens it. I will close his door before I go to bed and wake up later only to find it open once again. Well last night I had a chuckle, I walked by his door to see this, he quietly built it, thinking we wouldn't be able to shut his door now.

One Week Old Already!

2009-08-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Baby Griffyn Cole was one week old yesterday. That week sure went by fast.

He is doing very well, his first little fussy episode was last night, poor baby had some wind he couldn't get rid of.

Christopher and Griffyn. (Milkie).

2009-08-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

Christopher has told us he can get used to the name Griffyn even though he had his heart set on calling the baby Milkie. He has been so cute with him and is excited that he may sleep in his room. He was so good when Patrick brought him down to the hospital to see us. He sings I love you to Griffyn.

The Curious George in the bassinet is another story, Liam is insisting on giving this stuffie to Griffyn, it's sweet of him to give him this special toy, when he was little he loved Curious George. Everytime I turned around the silly monkey was back in Griffyn's cradle.

Our family has grown by another two feet!

2009-08-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Baby Griffyn Cole!

Baby Griffyn was born on August 14, 2009 at 4:46 p.m.
weighing 7lbs 5 oz.

For my 6th c-section my doctor told me things went very well, better then the time before, no major blood loss or drain required this time, unfortunately I had to have general anaesthesia which I was not prepared at all for.

He was back up to his birth weight yesterday and is doing very well.

Baby Griffyn is one very loved little baby boy!

Fun At The Fair.

2009-08-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Liam, Rhys and Cai went to Playland with Dad on Friday. They had a blast. Cai says it was the best day ever! Funny boy. They were in there all day riding all the rides. Cai's favorite ride was the roller coaster. Rhys rode most of the rides too, which is a switch from a few years ago. I am hoping they will get into the PNE to watch some of the shows this year too.

Maybe next year we will make it back down to Disneyland, we will see, Liam is fundraising for Hawaii with his soccer team the Rhys and Cai want to go too!

Only 35 days to go!

2009-08-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, we still have 35 days to go until back to school. yikes! We started out strong but have been slowly sliding. Summer break is just too long, I wish they would shorten it and add a week to Christmas and Spring break.

A bit of cajun fun!

2009-08-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

For dinner tonight we thought we would heat things up a bit. We put a cajun rub on our steaks. It was one of the best steaks I have ever had, went great with fresh corn. The kids were really funny, it was a little hot for them. We had to give them lots of water and ice. Poor Christopher was so cute, after he drank his water he was saying, "but it's still burning". We left Liam's plain because he won't even eat barbeque sauce, but he wanted the seasoned meat too. They must have liked it, because they ate everything.

Rude People!

2009-08-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Living next to a donkey! (that's being nice).
Please keep your huge dog that is scaring my children in your own yard!
Don't you know how to be a good neighbour? Telling me your dog won't hurt anyone doesn't make me feel better and swearing and yelling at me only makes you look like an uneducated nitwit.
Be a responsible pet owner and contain your animal!

Only 12 Sleeps to Go!

2009-08-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

Only 12 more sleeps until my c-section. I wish the 14th would hurry up and get here, I want this baby out. I am not sleeping well, up every hour, everywhere hurts, just call me done. I couldn't get Dr. D. to go any earlier. He is such an awesome Dr. I have to trust him. My feet and legs are starting to contain excess fluid, which I always have a huge problem with, I have been trying to drink more water and keep them up, which is HARD with 5 kids.

Patrick only had 5 more shifts until baby is born, time is going to fly by.

Kids are getting excited, Liam and Cai would like another brother, Rhys, Christopher and Ellie would like a sister. We shall soon see!

Buckle up your pets in the car!

2009-08-02T20:54:00.001-07:00

On his way home from work tonight, Patrick was behind an elderly man driving a honda civic on the freeway. The driver had a little lapdog sitting in the passenger seat hanging out the window. Well, the poor dog fell out the window, landed on his feet and skidded. He was very lucky he wasn't run over, the driver managed to stop to get him. I bet his poor little feet are hurting tonight. With the weather so hot, people are driving with their windows open, but pets should be buckled up, especially on busy freeways.

Baker in training.

2009-08-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

"Let's bake some bread", is what Ellie and Christopher usually say when you ask them what they want to do today. I made some bread a few days ago and Ellie was in there like a dirty shirt.

What is a sin?

2009-08-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Christopher asked Patrick today what a sin was. I guess he really was paying attention to the lessons at the soccer camp. We explained to him the best we could for a 4 year old. He told Liam God loves everyone you know, how cute it that?

Liam

2009-08-01T00:24:00.001-07:00

Has been a big help, helping me out with the toddler twins. He was playing blocks with Ellie this afternoon and wanted me to take their photo for my blog.

Summer school has come to an end.

2009-08-01T00:19:00.001-07:00

Thursday was Cai's last day of Summer Reading. He enjoyed the program. We are so glad he kept his reading skills up and had something to keep him busy for the first four weeks of summer.

Now to find something for him to do until back to school September 8th!

Happy 4th Birthday Christopher!

2009-07-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

My 4th baby boy turned 4 on July 29. He had a really nice day, even though we were right in the middle of a heat wave. The only thing he asked for was a doctor's set.

Rhys having his physical.

We treated Christopher to a visit at Build A Bear, he made a cute dog he named Scruffy.

We had family over after dinner for cake, but boy, was it hot!
It was a great day.

Fair Days and Parade Last Weekend.

2009-07-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time to update my blog this week. Last weekend was the town fair and parade. It was so very hot but the kids had a ball. They had a great day with their cousins and enjoyed all the candy.

All the photos Lyndsey took with her camera, she takes awesome pictures!

Here are some from the fair, Amy was working up there, she was in charge of the kids zone. There was lots of stuff for the kids, they loved making thier hats and seeing the reptiles and animals. I can't believe the girls weren't scared to touch the reptiles.

Air Vent

2009-07-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

No, the air vent is not a garbage can!! I could not believe all the rubbish my toddler twins had down the one in Christopher's bedroom. They can't even be left alone in their own rooms for a minute without getting into trouble.

A little laugh for the day!

2009-07-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

I had to call my Ob's office to make an appointment for next week. Well, she told me there was only Monday or Tuesday available, Wednesday and Thursday were booked up and Friday was a surgery day. Oh, I say, my husband does shift work and he isn't off until Wednesday, I don't really want to bring my five children down to the office with me. Right away she says, how about Wednesday at 2:30? Perfect! Let's just say the office staff is not kid friendly. Funny, for that type of practice, I am sure most mums would have to take their children with them if their husbands worked regular hours. She told me they booked my c-section with the hospital for August 14, it won't be long now.

I have 3 weeks left to get my things done, we got a lot accomplished the last few days. Still no names picked out, but I guess that's okay, usually by now I have first and middle names chosen.

My little Christopher turns 4 next week. It seems like yesterday when I brought him home from the hospital, he was so tiny with his curled up legs.

A little bit of a devil.

2009-07-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

At times Christopher can be a bit of a stinker, let's say trouble maker. He came into the living room today and told me Ellie peed in his bed. Well, he knows I am going to be upset, (freak out), I am a tad frustrated and go walk down the hallway into his room, he innocently follows me. I get there and ask him where she peed, he points to a spot on the mattress, it is dry. I ask him again, where is it? He has this poker straight face and tells me he was joking. What a little rotter!

Yummy Bread!

2009-07-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

My kids love homemade bread. Tonight I made white and honey oat. It is so cute to see them eat it for breakfast with my homemade jam. I don't think any of them now would appreciate store bought and the price of a loaf of bread is insane! It's hip to bake from scratch.

Christopher's Top Baby Names

2009-07-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Christopher thinks we should call the new baby "Baby", or "Milkie", because he/she will like milk.

Silly boy!

Some photos from the weekend.

2009-07-20T21:58:00.001-07:00

Here are some from the weekend, it has been so very hot the last fews days.

Liam has been a HUGE help to me, I am so very lucky, he keeps the yard clean and gets their pool ready for me. Tonight we came home from swimming lessons and he had all the dishes done! Thanks Liam!

July 20th tomorrow.

2009-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by, this week Cai has summer school, Rhys, swimming lessons and a ball hockey camp, Christopher is trying out a preschool camp and Liam will be doing swimming and rugby. He is the hardest to keep amused, there isn't much available for kids if you are over the age of 12. There is a soccer camp the following week which he has signed up to volunteer at. Hopefully it won't be cancelled due to low registration like last year. He has been a great help around the house though, most of the time he just does the jobs without being asked. No swimming times available for Cai and C, they will have to wait another week. Daddy will have to take them swimming when he is off! When I take the older ones to the indoor pool, it's a pain in the butt to get them out. They love it in the water.

Computer artwork

2009-07-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Our local fair is next weekend. Rhys wanted to enter a Lego project, he was a little upset because they put a limit on the size of the display. Not sure what he thought he was going to enter, he was orginally talking trains, entire city, ect. There is a category for computer artwork, I was telling him to do one of his pictures, this is what he came up with last night.

Cai was talking about entering a sewing project, however, he can't sew so that's out. Perhaps some cookies.

We will see what they both decide today, the deadline is tomorrow.

Waterslide fun.

2009-07-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

The older three boys went to the waterslides yesterday. Every year Patrick's work does a free family day for their employees which is really nice. Daddy couldn't go, he was working. Luckily their Aunty Amy took them. They wouldn't have gone this year otherwise, I just couldn't do it. They all had a blast and their cousins, aunt and uncle were there too!

Liam burned the tops of his feet, we slapped the sunscreen on before they left, but he had socks on and didn't want to do his legs. Rhys and Liam drive me nuts, they refuse to wear sandals or flip flops, strange, how they can go swimming and put socks and runners on right after, just doesn't seem right?

Ellie and Christopher were ticked they weren't going at first, but they got over it. They had their own fun in the backyard with a slip and slide. Their turn will come.

Here are some photos from Aunty Lyndsey,

Who said summer school wasn't fun?

2009-07-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

He was allowed to take his water gun to the pool, he had a blast squirting everyone. He is a boy who loves fun!

Cai has been having a blast at the summer reading camp, it's half over now, two more weeks/eight days left. His class went swimming yesterday and today they all dressed up as pirates and had a treasure hunt. He is keeping up with his reading which makes us all happy, his two Roscoe Riley books came yesterday so now he has 1-6, #7 will be mailed out next month. He is really enjoying them.

Soccer Camp

2009-07-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Rhys and Christopher are really enjoying soccer camp. It is making Christopher a little tired, he has swimming in the mornings this week as well. He told me it was just like school! The t-shirt is a little big, it comes down to his knees, but he doesn't mind. The sole off one of Rhys's cleats came off today, luckily we have a pair of Liam's that will fit him for tomorrow. They are still like new, nice red and black ones. They were all washed before going into the storage tub. Liam and Cai will need new ones before September.

Cai had to miss out on the soccer camp because he is still in the summer reading program. He is having a blast, they make it fun for the kids. They are going swimming tomorrow.

This is pretty cute!

2009-07-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Liam found this video on you tube last night.

Harry Potter

2009-07-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

Liam has been reading non-stop this past week, he has gone through the last two Harry Potter books. I am going to have to find him some other books to keep him busy. That is the hard part, finding something he will enjoy.

Friday's Backyard Fun!

2009-07-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos Aunty Lyndsey took of the kids playing at her house. They all had a blast playing in the water and getting wet. What a fun way to cool down. It was a pretty hot day. My kids love their cousins. Cai wasn't too pleased when his sibblings came down, he likes to have his cousin Kurt all to himself! Cute boy.