Ella's Second Nanny McPhee Tooth!

A couple weeks ago Michael noticed just how funny Ella's second big front tooth have gotten. It was sticking out and it had started to point toward her other adult tooth that was coming in. He was afraid that she might end knocking it out and it might take a chunk of her gums with it. So he decided it was time for it to come out. 

When she pulled the tooth to the side you could even see the dried blood from inside that tooth. It was super wiggly. It always amazes me at how wiggly a tooth can be and how it can still just hang on for dear life. I had to help Michael hold Ella down since she was not really interested in having her tooth pulled. She was crying and it was so sad. 

Michael finally got it out and it fell into her mouth and she spit it back out into her hand. She did not want to swallow it and miss out on it growing money! Michael made sure to have some nice snuggle time with Ella. When Michael was talking to her and explaining about how it really needed to come out she even commented that she was SO glad it was out now! 

Cute girl can get herself so worked up. She is a pro at those crocodile tears! 

The crazy thing is her new tooth was already showing! It was really really really ready to come out! 

My Little Entrepreneur!

 A couple weeks ago Owen decided to make some money off his siblings. 

He posted a sign offering "Roller Coaster Rides" on the red wagon. The price was .2 per person per ride or .5 for two people to ride at the same time. It was fun seeing the kids get their piggy banks and shake them out. They were so excited to get pulled around by their big brother! I let Ella know that she'd save herself some money if her and Zeke just rode separately, but she was pretty set on riding with Zeke. 

Owen pulled them all the way down to the edge of the "safe zone" aka the area we let them ride with their bikes and Power Wheel toys. 

He was getting pretty tired by this point because he had been giving rides for a while by the time I got the camera out. 

Happy girl! It was definitely money well spent! 

Down to the other side of the "safe zone". 

And back up! 

He was done! 

Pulling into the driveway. Please keep your hands, feet inside the ride until it comes to a complete stop!!!

Fire & Friends!

Two weeks ago we had a busy Saturday. First off I got a text message from Jen at 9am asking if her and Logan could come spend the day with us. I was so excited and so was Ella. Of course I didn't even think to take out the camera and get a picture. Ella and Logan just picked right back up where they left off and played and played and played. Jen and I just hung out and talked and talked and talked! It was FANTASTIC!!! 

With all this girl stuff going on Michael jumped ship and took the boys down to a park, DQ, the beach and then they came home with MCD's and got to watch Big Hero 6. 

Later in the day Lance & Rachael came over and dropped the girls off so they could go on a date. Of course when you have lots of stuff to do a date entails running errands and being so happy you don't have 3 kids in tow! So instead of just one friend Ella had 3 friends to play with. Reagan is still a little girl so she doesn't really play with the bigger girls yet. 

Jen and Logan ended up staying until 5pm and then they were off! So glad that Jen decided to ask if we were available even though it was short notice. I'm sure even if we did have plans we would have changed them. 

When Lance and Rachael came back to pick up the girls we got to chatting and then I invited them to stay and join us for smores. 

We got all the new chairs out and all the fixing for smores. The kids were so happy! Reagan just loves Zeke and normally he doesn't want anything to do with her. Thankfully he was willing to share his chair with her though. 

It was so fun just chatting around the fire, eating smores, drinking beer (Lance & Rachael) and watching the kids play. These were the only pictures I took that whole day and I'm actually kind of glad. I think sometimes we get too wrapped up in capturing the moment that we forget to stop and actually enjoy the moment! Life is short...live it! 

Organizational Updates!

After getting the boys room all organized I just felt like I could get the house into better shape. The first thing I did was organize the toys. I'm done having all this random crap. We are going to have main staples in regards to toys. Barbies, Duplos, LEGOS, Hot Wheels, Imaginext. No MCD toys and other random trinkets! 

The first thing that we had to do was say goodbye to the Cars Table. Zeke got this for his 2nd birthday and he loved it! He really did, but he's kind of grown out of it. He still loves Cars and Hot Wheels, but he just wants to drive them wherever not specifically on the table. The table had just become a place for the kids to pile things on or shove things under when it was time to pick up the toys. 

I posted the Cars table on the FB Buy Nothing Des Moines page and it was picked up by a lovely couple about to have their second baby and their first son is 2 years old. It went to a good home! 

The cabinet that I had moved to the boys room is directly behind Michael in this picture. It held a bunch of stuff for the kids...play doh, bubbles, scrap paper and then of course things like computer games, mortgage paperwork, spare pictures frames...etc. You name it it was probably in there. Since that cabinet got moved upstairs I knew I needed to get something to go there. I actually bought this before we even moved the cabinet upstairs....I like to be prepared!

Here's a picture of what this section of the dining room looks like now. I found this awesome IKEA cabinet on Offer Up for $80 and it included 8 baskets. It was a screaming deal. I made a full price offer hoping that it wasn't sold already, but knowing my chances weren't good since it had been on there for 4 days already and come on it was a great deal. About 5 minutes later I heard the familiar cha-ching of the app saying I had a message. The response to my full price offer was...."How about $50?" At first I started coughing and then laughing....I told Michael what was going on and then I said, "Who does that?" Who offers lower than the price they wanted when I was giving them a full price offer. Then I stopped and looked at the picture of the person selling it and noticed that it was my friend Kristen who I used to go to church with! She was so sweet to let me buy it for $50! It was quite funny getting it home since it wouldn't fit in the van we had to bungee it to the luggage rack. We did go on all back roads on the way home, but still I was a little nervous. I must say though that I LOVE it. It holds so much stuff! It's all nice and organized and it honestly is what made the rest of the organization of the house possible. Why would I need to organize anymore you might ask....well after getting this cabinet in here Michael just mentioned that our dining room was wall to wall furniture and he couldn't wait for it to actually feel like a dining room. 

Se here is a picture of the other side of the dining room. On the left side in the back corner is my craft desk and then all those plastic drawers that are right next to the hutch are for my crafts. What you can't see and I couldn't find a picture for is just out of this picture on the right is another desk that I had full of my stamp sets and it's where my computer was. So yes...there was wall to wall furniture. 

I first started by going through my computer desk and I was able to organize all my stamps, envelopes and cards into this one video cabinet that I used to store the kids craft supplies. I say used to store because now those are all nicely organized in the new IKEA cabinet. I moved my computer desk into the kids play room downstairs because after organizing all the toys and getting rid of the Cars table I realized that a lot more toys could be moved to the upstairs playroom. After I moved my computer desk I just kept going and I was able to get ALL of my craft supplies and my desk moved into the playroom. It was a crazy couple of days let me tell you! 

So now the playroom is a playroom/office. In this picture I was still in the process of organizing. I have great natural light and now when I'm crafting I still feel like I'm part of the family since they are all typically in the living room which is where I'm standing taking the above picture. I was actually able to go through every drawer, every plastic container and I really got my craft stuff organized and got rid of stuff I didn't need anymore. I love it!

It's a little dark, but now you can see that back corner is all clear and there are no plastic drawers on the side of the hutch. It feels huge in our dining room. It feels like a dining room! 

Here is the wall where my computer desk used to be....it was really crowded right through here. 

Here's the finished room after I got rid of even more stuff. The plastic drawers on the left of my desk are toys, but the rest is my stuff. The wooden hutch on the left is still filled with toys too. We want to make it a slow transition to moving all the toys upstairs. So far the kids have loved it and have even played more with the toys that are down here. 

One last shot of the dining room. I'm standing where my craft desk used to be. It's so bright...even though my phone makes it look darker. It's so open and it's actually a little hollow sounding. We are going to bring the extra recliner we have in the basement up and put it where I'm standing just to add a little cushion to the room. I'm so happy with how all the changes worked out. I love constantly evaluating our house and making changes if it's not working for us the way it is. I honestly feel like that's a very important part of my job as a homemaker. I want to make sure that our house runs best for all of us. 

Plant Babies!

It has been so nice these last few weeks getting to see the fruits of our labor in regards to our yard. We did plant some plants, but then we planted a ton of bulbs. Everyday we go out and check for more "plant babies" as we call them. 

Some of the bushes we planted are starting to bloom. I have no idea what this is, but it's beautiful! 

It is so fun to see them poke up out of the ground and then watch them get bigger and bigger every day. 

We also have been taking advantage of the nice weather when we go outside. Zeke loves to come with me and swing on my bench while we listen to the lovely sound of water from Penelope! 

This is my golden something azaleas....it's so gorgeous! 

More bulbs poking through! 

This is one of our ground covers. It's amazing at how often they bloom! 

I can't wait until the yard is in full bloom....I will definitely have more pictures! 

Board Of Education Recognition Night!

A few weeks ago I got an invitation to the Board of Education Recognition Night due to my volunteer work at the kids school. At first I wasn't sure about it....I do not mind being up in front of people at MOPS, but being recognized made me a little nervous. The letter didn't say anything about a + 1 and I had no idea if this was a formal event or not. The letter did say I needed to let Mrs. Sharon in the school office know if I was going to attend or not. I just happen to need to stop at school to drop off a letter so I asked Mrs. Sharon if it was okay to bring my husband. She said....Of course! Bring your husband, your kids....anybody! That made me feel better about it because I was sure now it wasn't going to be super formal! 

I had already scheduled the LEGO mini build prior to getting the letter and it fell on the same night. Luckily the mini build time was at 4:20 and the recognition night didn't start until 6pm. I did go ahead and make our dinner ahead of time....we were having tacos....so we could eat really fast and get going. We also got to the LEGO store earlier than our scheduled time so we could make sure we were out of there as early as possible. 

We got to the event at 6pm. I figured the real festivities didn't start until 6:30 because they know people aren't going to show up on time. Yep I was right! They did have refreshments that helped to keep the kids occupied while we waited. They were super clear about how the evening was going to run and we would for sure be out of there by 7:30! There were 6 schools being recognized. It was for students, staff and volunteers. Woodmont was the 4th school to be recognized. 

There were 7 students recognized first, one staff member and then 2 volunteers. I was the second to the last person called for our school. Michael said that I must have been running when I shaking hands and getting my certificate! Of course when our school was up would be the time that Owen would spill his lemonade. Michael was dealing with trying to clean that up when I was called up. He said I passed by him and then by the time he got his phone out to take a picture I was already almost at the end of the line. I guess I'm a speedy hand shaker! 

Here's the group shot of the all the Woodmont peeps including our principal and vice principal. 

I got this certificate, a FWPS school pin, a note of thanks from the principal and a $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble! I have received numerous awards in the past before from school and even from my old job at Safeco insurance, but I have to say this is my most treasured one. When I was working at Safeco the idea that insurance is something that you only need IF something goes wrong just never sat well with me. I didn't really feel like I was doing anything to help make the world a better place. I know that insurance is necessary and when someone does have something happen they are so happy they have it, but still! This award, this recognition that I'm investing my time helping the people that work so hard day in and day out to teach our kids....this award matters! The fact that I get to have an impact on these kids even though it might only be a high five while they are at track practice or a "good job" when I'm walking around the classroom while they are working on their writing assignment. I love helping these kids! I love seeing them smile knowing they've done a good job. This work, this time....it matters! 

I love that every Thursday I get to pack a lunch and go to school! I honestly can not wait until Zeke is in Kindergarten because I will be there as much as I can....hopefully getting paid for it, but if there is nothing available I'll just keep right on volunteering! 

Anniversary Celebration & Mother's Day!

This year our anniversary fell on Mother's Day so we celebrated the night before by going out to eat at Red Lobster and then seeing the movie Miracles From Heaven. My mom had offered to stay at our house after we went to the Mill Creek garage sales...thanks Mom!

Michael got the Ultimate Feast and it sure was....lobster, crab, shrimp, prawns, rice pilaf, baked potato and salad!

I love mussels so I just got an appetizer. It's so yummy! I did eat some of Michel's salad since in his words...."Why would I want to waste stomach space on salad!" 

The movie was nice....it was a slower, but a great story! 

The next morning Michael ran out to get me donuts for breakfast...I had been wanting them the day before. He went to both Safeway and Fred Meyer's and neither of them had any Boston Cream donuts! He got the regular maple bars, old fashion and chocolate donuts instead. It wasn't exactly what I was wanting, but he promised me he'd pick up a Boston Cream donut for me later this week. 

The kids presented me with their cute school made gifts. Owen's was a paper cut out of the word MOM, Jack's was a bird house that said, "You're so Tweet!" He also wrote on the back what his favorite thing was about me and he said my cooking! Ella had cut out a watering can that said 'Seeds of Love' and there was a seed packet inside. Each of them also wrote a few things on a 12x12 piece of paper or in Zeke's case Daddy helped him trace around his hand.  

Me and my goofy bunch! Jack's face is just killing me!!!! 

My Mom and Dad came to church with us and they had this fun photo area set up. I'm so horrible at remembering to take pictures anymore so it was nice to have a designated area so I didn't forget. After church we wanted to go out to lunch even though it wasn't even 11am yet....we thought we might beat the Mother's Day rush. We tried the Black Bear Diner first and that was an hour and a half wait. I called Black Angus because we had past by on the way to BBD and the parking lot wasn't full at all. They said they couldn't get a party of 8 in until 8pm that night! Ha! Mom called Roasters in Seatac and they had lots of space. I swear that place is NEVER crowded when we go. They must be slamming for dinner because I have no idea how they stay in business judging from their lunch crowd. Lunch was yummy and the kids did great! They are such a joy to take to restaurants now. 

After lunch we came back to our place. Dad hadn't seen all the changes we done to the house so he wanted to check those out and I needed to give Mom her Mother's Day gift. 

Let's start off with....I can not buy flowers...I just can't! I've never been a flower lady...I would get mad at Michael if he bought me flowers! In fact once he brought home tulips and I was looking at him like...'you spent money on those'. He actually won them so that was great! I just don't see the sense in them since they die! Now I wouldn't been upset if someone else bought me flowers. In fact I have 3 distinct memories of flowers being given to me and I was overjoyed. The first was when my Dad brought flowers to the hospital when Owen was born. I'm sure he brought flowers for all the other kids as well, but this is the one that sticks out in my mind. Probably because they came in this cute fire truck which is still in the boys room to this day. The other two times were from friends. Starr brought over the most beautiful bouquet of sunflowers since I was having a rough day. The best surprise ever! Then one time randomly Jen brought flowers to me when she picked up Logan. I was having a seriously difficult day and she didn't even know it! I say all of this because I just couldn't buy my mom flowers that were going to die. So....I bought her a big Perennial plant instead. It's going to be gorgeous and the best thing is it's going to come back year after year. Dave Ramsey would be proud!  

The rest of the day was spent doing normal things like dishes, laundry and then lounging around watching Michael put together a Marble Run that I got the kids at the garage sales for $3!!! This exact same marble run was at Costco at Christmas time for $29.99. It was frustrating for Michael to put together and it was missing one part...not bad really. He's an awesome man though and was able to fabricate a piece out of wood. 

 I did get a fire in me and went out to cut down some of the dead branches that are on one of our trees in the backyard. I refilled all the lunch containers for the kids lunches this week and then made Michael and I Cream of Wheat for dinner. After the kids went to bed we watched a couple episodes of Hell on Wheels. All around it was a nice mixture of a normal day and a celebration day! 

Ella's First LEGO Build!

The last time I took the kids to the Free LEGO Mini Build I didn't sign Ella up. I thought for some reason you needed to be 7, but you can actually participate once you are 6 years old. So for this months LEGO build I signed Ella up. She was nervous because she doesn't really know how to put them together, but I assured her that I would help her along. 

This months build was a cute little hedgehog! Ella had so much fun and she really felt included since it's been something only the bigger boys have gotten to do. She's part of the LEGO club now! 

Owen wanted to pretend to eat his hedgehog! Jackson was still working on his hedgehog and I was trying to keep track of kids in the mist of chaos! The kids were each hoping to buy one of the Disney Mystery Mini Figures, but they were sold out. So the 3 older ones decided to pool their money and they each got one mini figure....you have to buy them in a 3 pack. The fun part is you get to choose all the part to your figure. Owen made a constable and his accessory he chose was this fun tech piece that he could add to one of his many ships with blasters and such. Jackson made a cool guy with awesome looking blond surfer hair and his accessory was an ax. Ella made a cute girl with Wyld Styles hair and her accessory was a cat! 

We've really had lots of fun going each month...thankfully Kim reminds me on the 15th of every month to sign up for the next months mini build or I'd probably miss it every time! :)  

17 Years Of Memories!

17 Years ago I said "I do" to the man of my dreams. Little did I know that he would be so much more than just that! Michael in a nut shell is my rock! He is my anchor that keeps me stead in the storm. He's the one that swept me off my feet and proposed to me at 17 years old!!! I think about that now and it's just CRAZY! I do not think that getting married at 18 is for everyone, but we knew! There is honestly no one else for me. He is the one God chose for me! 

I thought it would be fun to look back this year at all the professional pictures we've had taken over the years that have been documenting those big milestones over the span of 17 years. 

May 8th 1999...the end of a millennium and the start of our married life together. 

February 2007....Owen Michael. 

We had professional pictures taken in between 1999 and 2007, but I can't find them. Between those almost 8 years of time were a lot of fun times....camping with family and friends, many trips to Disneyland, a cruise to Alaska, one trip to DisneyWorld and one to San Francisco, but also a lot of yearning and tears. Praise the Lord He is faithful! 

April 2008....Jackson Daniel is on his way! 

It has always been fun documenting the different phases and sizes of our family. I will say that Jackson was one of the biggest and best surprises to happen to our family! 

January 2010 - Ella is on the way!!! 

Michael had been laid off, but he was trying his hand at selling insurance. Lots of uncertainty laid head of us during this time. My friend Starr took our pictures at no cost to bless us!

March 13th 2011....My brother's wedding day!!! 

Michael had gotten hired at the Water District 13 days prior to my brother's wedding. We were starting a new adventure and I was pregnant with Kyan in this picture...no one knew though. About a month later we found out Kyan had died. 

April 2012...Zeke Russell is on the way!

My dream to have a family of 4 was being realized. Zeke was the most planned for kid. He was also the only one we didn't find with out until he was born. 

November 2012...The first of the Annual Christmas Pictures! 

A family of 4....our dream come true! I love how Zeke looks like he's growling at something!

November 2013...2nd Annual Christmas Pictures.

Kids growing, changing stages, potty training and home schooling. 

November 2014....3rd Annual Christmas Pictures!

The kids are getting older and it seems like Michael and I are able to focus on each other more. More date nights and more quality time!

October 2015....4th Annual Christmas Pictures!

Life feels good!

I could not have even imagined the amount of fun, love, challenges, growth, faithfulness, anger, fear, success, adventure, memories and joy we would experience when I married this man 17 years ago. Our journey has been our own....a road we have always traveled together no matter how steep. Marriage is work, but it's the best kind of work. 

Michael you are the love of my life. I feel so blessed that God brought us together. People thought we were nuts for getting married so young, but I'm glad we didn't wait. I'm glad we just jumped in....we grew up together, we learned how to be adults together. Life gave us obstacles and we overcame them together. I know that some marriage have been destroyed by way less than what we've encountered, but we just clung to each other that much more. You are my rock and my safe place. You've had my love since I first kissed you on Thanksgiving day 1997 and you'll have it for the rest of my life!

Happy 17th Anniversary!!!