Jaten Family

MIA - in the process of buying a new computer! Stay tuned for updates coming soon!

2011-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Portrait time!

2011-07-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to any time that I can get pictures of the kids. Dance pictures are among my favorite! ;-) I packed up Capri and we headed to the dance studio to get pictures done. They turned out super cute! They were a lot more organized than last year, so it went by really quick. Afterwards, we went to Target and shopped around and got dinner in their little food court. It was a really good "girl's night!" (I can not find where I put the actually portraits, when I find them, I will scan them in. They are super cute!)

Swimming at a friend's house

2011-07-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

So, my dream is to get a pool, some day . . . We went over to our friend's house and went swimming. Isaac stayed home with the babies and I just took the older 2. It was lots of fun. It was just a small pool, so it was pretty stress free. The kids had a great time. Emerson was so hard on himself because he really thought that he should be swimming without any water wings on. I had to pull him out of the pool 3 times. Little stinker! We need to invest in swimming lessons again . . . Capri, on the other hand, was happy with as many floaters she could fit on her!

swimming in the back yard

2011-06-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

We were suppose to go swimming with Isaac's sister and our nephew, but Emerson was throwing a MAJOR fit. He didn't want to wear sunscreen on him tummy, but refused to wear a swim shirt instead. It turned into one of Emerson's 2 hour long kicking/screaming spells, so we didn't go swimming. I couldn't punish the rest of the kids for his fit, so I blew up the mini pool and let the other 3 swim in the back yard. It was so cute! It was Eleri's first time swimming and she LOVED it. We had a wonderful time. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful back yard to enjoy.

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Our little neighbor, Allison, who we carpooled with. She's one of Emerson's best friends.

Emerson graduated from Kindergarten. Holy COW!!!! Time flies. I can't believe I will have a first grader. They did a cute little ceremony and sang some songs. They even gave them little "diplomas." It was really cute. His school also does Kindergarten graduation photos. I think Emerson's turned out SUPER cute. We had a little breakfast party at our house for everyone who wanted to come celebrate Emerson. It was so much fun. First grade here we come!!!

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Capri has been going to Preschool 2 days a week during the school year. I joined a co-op so I had to teach about every 5 weeks and took her to other people's houses the other weeks. It was lots of fun. Capri LOVED it. She actually looked forward to going to other people's houses each week. This next year she will be attending an actual Preschool, so I'm hoping she likes it just as much. Poor thing misses the deadline and will be 6 by the time she goes to Kindergarten. (Dang September birthdays!) We had a great little graduation party, and I got to take all the kids with me. It was tons of fun. We had a little graduation "ceremony" then we had lunch.

Another Zoo Trip

2011-06-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

On the way home, they all fell asleep!

Our Relief Society president, Jessica, had some extra zoo tickets, so she let me and the kids tag along with her. It was soooo much fun. I decided to brave it and take all 4 kids with me. It went really well. It was a pretty cool day and it wasn't crowded at all. (I actually thought more people would be enjoying the cooler weather . . .) The water feature was closed because it was to cold, but we did visit the favorite petting zoo and the Little People play ground. We had a blast. The kids LOVE Jessica and were so happy that we got to spend the day with her.

UPDATES

2011-06-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

Make sure you scroll down, I did 8 updates!

Drive in Movie

2011-06-04T23:14:00.001-07:00

Remember the neighbors I posted about in the previous post? We were able to go with them to their church and attend a family "drive in movie." We all brought our own boxes and decorated them, then sat in them and watched "Despicable Me." They even had treats and popcorn for everyone. It was so much fun! You can just see the joy on the kid's faces! We will definitely be attending this next year. Thank you Debi for inviting us!

Playing outside and Eleri standing

2011-06-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

The neighbor bought some new furniture and had these great big boxes. They were nice enough to let our kids come over and play in the "houses" they made out of them. They even let them help color them. (Their dad even made a small "ramp" for the kids to ride up and down on.) We have the most wonderful neighbors. Funny thing is, we lived next door to each other for about a year before we really even talked to each other. (Even that didn't happen on it's own.) One Saturday morning, I was sleeping in and Isaac came running into the bedroom at about 8am and said, go get Emerson, he's at the neighbor's house! I got up and went next door, sure enough, there was Emerson in his jammies playing with their 2 kids in their bedroom. I asked him how on earth he got over here and he said, "well I was playing in the back yard while Dad was doing yard work and I wanted to play with the kids in this house, so I climbed the fence." Sure enough, he had scaled our 6 foot rock wall (got pretty scratched up in the process) and jumped into the neighbors yard - knocked on their back door while they were sitting at their kitchen table drinking their morning coffee. Luckily they thought it was hilarious and we have become good friends. The kids ride bikes almost every day and Debi and I sit on lawn chairs on her driveway and talk. It's great!

Also, Eleri has been getting more and more confident about standing. She hasn't taken any steps yet, but doesn't mind standing (if you help her get to the standing position) - she is also really good at cruising around furniture.

Mother's Day

2011-06-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

The cake the kids made me.

Also, please notice the bow in Capri's piggy's "hair" and the diaper. . .

Mother's Day was wonderful. We mostly celebrated on Saturday. The kids made me a WONDERFUL cake. (Daddy took them to Bashas.) On Sunday I was able to sleep in and relax while Isaac got the kids ready for church. I have to admit this wasn't much of a change since I am lucky enough to have an amazing husband who usually lets me sleep in on weekends and helps get the kids ready for church every Sunday. I am so blessed to have my wonderful children. I remember always wanting a bunch of kids. I was always the kid who wanted to hold every baby I saw. Motherhood has been amazing. While at the store the other day, I was pulling 2 kids in one cart and pushing the other 2 in another cart. (I find this to be the easiest way to get around a store.) 3 out of the 4 were screaming because I didn't buy them a toy that they wanted. A man came up to me and said "Can I ask you a question?" I have to admit I was a little worried about what that question was going to be. Then he asked "My wife really wants kids and I'm not sure about it. Answer me, right now, is it worth it?" My reply. "100 percent!" I honestly feel that way. The good moments definitely out way the bad.

I love how smart Emerson is. I love the way he is always looking for little ways to serve me. He loves to make my bed or fold the laundry while I am in the shower. He is super helpful with the babies and never hesitates to go get me a diaper or help get kids ready to go out. He has such a tender spirit and truly LOVES people deep down. He'll be any one's best friend. He loves to write letters to people, draw people pictures, or talk on the phone.

I love Capri sweet spirit! Holy cow is that girl a hoot! She is usually pretty good natured. Her best friend is a little girl who has down syndrome. She is so gentle around her and so understanding if she is rough with her. We've never even told her that her friend is "special" - she just knew. She loves to take care of the babies. She will randomly come up to me about 10 times a day and just tell me she loves me. She truly makes me grateful for the day to day.

Cade has always been my little buddy. That kid is so mellow, compared to the others! He is so easy to please and is so easy to talk out of a fit. He loves to just be around you and help out. He already helps me unload the dishwasher and put the laundry away. He will run up and give me 10 hugs a day for no reason at all. He seems to just know if I need to snuggle and will just sit on my lap with his head playing on my shoulder. I love you Cade!

Eleri is my little firecracker! She wants to be held all day long and I'm okay with that. She has been such a fun baby. She has reminded me how to be patient and returns my efforts with the most beautiful smiles you have ever seen. Her first word was Mama (all the others were "dada!") She is a total mama's girl and I love that. She will push her forehead up against my lips and wait for me to kiss it. Oh, baby girl, slow down so mommy doesn't miss any moments!

Sorry this post dragged on, just wanted to remember all the wonderful things about being a mommy on mother's day!!!!

Dancing Queen!

2011-06-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

Capri takes dance once a week and she LOVES it. She takes a combo class that covers tap and ballet. She says she likes ballet better but seems to participate more during tap. Emerson will be joining her at the same studio next month. He has been BEGGING to take hip hop for about a year, but you have to be 7 years old to be in the all boys class. (That's the one he wanted.) They are letting him start a little early. He is SUPER excited. Oh, and check out the adorable outfit Capri has on for dance! This was bought from our wonderful neighbor. She was having a garage sale and let me have first pick of some super cute stuff. :-)

EASTER - Almost caught UP!!!

2011-06-04T21:45:00.001-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL easter. We actually celebrated for 2 days. Saturday we did our Easter baskets and easter egg hunt at the community park. THEN on Sunday we had a family dinner. I made a killer turkey. (I can say that because it's not my recipe.) We had Isaac's sisters and his cousins over. It was so much fun. We have been trying to teach the kids about Easter, so we decided to just tell them that the Easter Bunny was a hoax and just the world's way of taking away from the real meaning of Easter. (Don't worry, we still did easter baskets and eggs - we didn't destroy all fun.) Then our REALLY smart Emerson asked "Well, I understand. That's to bad that people don't want to think about Jesus on holidays. Is Santa just the world's way of taking away the true meaning of Christmas?" Um, not sure I was ready for that one. (Don't worry I just threw some candy at him and avoided answering the question. P.S. check out the AWESOME Easter outfits from my mom. Aren't they wonderful????

Preschool Zoo Field trip

2011-06-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Cade throwing a fit! :-)

We went on a field trip for Capri's preschool and I was able to take Emerson and Cade with us. (Grandma Marcia was nice enough to take care of Eleri for us.) Cade was a bit of a stinker, but calmed right down when we went to the petting zoo. He LOVED it. He could have stayed there all day! The zoo here in Phoenix is AMAZING!!! I think we've been there a dozen times and don't think we have see the whole thing yet. It's HUGE! The weather was wonderful in April as well and it was warm enough to even play in the water feature.

Random March/April Pictures

2011-06-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

One morning while Cade was sleeping and Emerson was in school, Capri decided to play "winter dress up" with Eleri. They had a great time playing together. It really makes having my kids close together when I see them playing together. We are so lucky to have our wonderful children. How perfect is it that we were blessed with 2 boys and 2 girls? Cade and Emerson are only 3 years apart, and Eleri and Capri are only 3 years apart. Hopefully that is close enough that they will be buddies!

Just another cute picture of my girls playing together.

My buddy Cade sitting by me picking up Emerson from school.

No training wheels!!

2011-06-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

The kids both learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels! Emerson first, then Capri only a couple days after him. The weather during the late winter/early spring was WONDERFUL here, so we were out almost every day riding bikes. Both kids have gotten really good and the neighbor even made a small ramp for the kids to ride up and down on. (We ride with our neighbors who have a boy and girl about my kid's ages.) It's great, the kids ride and Debie and I talk. It's so much fun. I am so proud of my little munchkins.

I TRIED to post a video, but it didn't work. I'll try again tomorow . . .

Naughty, naughty! Silly kids . . .

2011-05-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Cade LOVES to sit in the sink and turn on the water. It's going to tough to potty train him when the only thing I want right now is to keep him OUT of the bathroom. Little stinker!

Emerson has been trying to be such a "big boy". He wants to do everything by himself, and most things he's pretty good at. He is such a help to me around the house. I am so lucky to have him. BUT, he hasn't quite mastered the art of buttering his bread . . .

CAN YOU SEE THE TEETH MARKS???? NASTY!!!

Spirit Week

2011-05-09T10:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I have to admit, I was not a huge fan of "spirit" week at school. Kind of a pain because they themes were pretty tough. (Hawaii, twin, crazy hair, sport and nerd day.) To tell the truth, Emerson didn't know what a nerd even was. It turned out cute, though. Only took pictures of a few of the days, though.

Hiking with Grandma and Grandpa

2011-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Look at that sky!

Dad pushing Cade (notice Capri riding on the umbrella)

Grandma holding Eleri

While my mom and dad were here for Cade's birthday, I wanted to go somewhere different. It was beautiful weather, so I thought it would be fun to go hiking. We drove to the San Tan mountains and had a great hike. The kids were troopers and it was so much fun to hike around the dessert. Cade rode in the jogging stoller and I forgot the carrier for Eleri - so she got carried the whole time. (She LOVED that.) Then when we got to the car, I discovered that I had really brought the carrier - it had just slid under the seat. Oops. The sky was GORGEOUS! It was perfect weather. We will have to do it again. The kids have been asking to go again.

Cade turns 2!

2011-05-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Of course Grandma Boren came to celebrate with us. We love her! (Grandpa Boren came to this time! It was soooo much fun to have him celebrate with us as well. That was a special treat.)

Cade blowing out the Candles.

Playing with his Noah's ark from Mommy.

Reading book from Nana. Thank you Nana!

Emerson and Capri helping Cade open presents.

BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

I couldn't believe that my little boy turned 2! It is always bitter sweet on my kid's birthdays. I'm always super happy to see how much they've grown, but sad that their childhood seems to be FLYING by. We had a wonderful little party for our little Cade. Cade has been such a blessing in our home. We have had some problems with him as far as "catching up" goes, but he has taught me so much. It has forced me to be more patient and to learn to cherish every minute. He amazes me every day with the things he has accomplished. His therapist say he is amazing and should be completely caught up by the time he starts school. Keep it up Cade, we are so proud of you!

Super Bowl

2011-05-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Super Bowl this year was super exciting (since I come from the most STEELER obsessed family in the world - maybe a close second would be my awesome neighbors. . . ) We didn't do to much. We had great cookie cake, fun food and watched the game. To bad we lost. My friend Anna brought her kids over and we had a great time. I really thought in the second half that we were going to recover, but no such luck. Maybe next year . . . The worst part was missing my family who I knew was having an AWESOME Super Bowl party. I wanted to be there so much with them. It's so hard to be so far from family.

Cade was not having any part of the picture taking.

Ella Bean in her Steeler outfit.

Capri outside in front of the sign we made for our car.

Handsome Emerson - he was actually really excited to watch the game.

Emerson first lost TEETH!

2011-04-21T11:57:00.001-07:00

At the dentist, all ready!

2 teeth gone! (Can you see the adult tooth???)

His "new" smile. Not much different.

We had a weird experience with Emerson's first lost tooth. I just assumed that baby teeth fell out and THEN the adult tooth came in. Not so with Emerson. He had a loose tooth, but it was loose enough to pull out. I told him to just keep wiggling it. Then one day, I was expecting his "brushing" when I noticed the adult tooth growing in BEHIND the baby one. OH NO! To the dentist we went. I couldn't get the tooth out, so we headed to the dentist to have him pull Emerson's teeth. Turned out that there was another adult tooth ready to poke through behind another tooth that wasn't even loose, so they ended up pulling 2 teeth. The dentist was nice and numbed him and then let Emerson help pull them out with pliers. :-) So, 2 teeth gone! He was super excited that the tooth fairy was coming. Man, did he get a loot too. 4 whole dollars!! Lucky kid.

Randoms from February

2011-04-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

February has to be my FAVORITE month in Arizona. It is perfect weather and I've always been a fan of Valentine's Day. Who doesn't love a holiday all about LOVE! We spent a lot of time outside just enjoying the beautiful weather.

Eleri got even better at crawling. (Don't mind the slime, she was teething - got her first 2 teeth!)

The kids and I had a photo shoot with their Pediped shoes on. Check out their website, their pictures are under "children"

Steelers hat from Grandma Boren!

Poor Capri got pretty sick! She had a rough month with pnemonia and the flu.

Emerson played lots of Mario Cart, thank Aunt Rachel for the fun game!

Motorcycle Riding

2011-04-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Ken came over with his motorcycle and the kids got to sit on it! Best time ever. They thought they were so cool.

Gettin' Crafty

2011-04-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

We've had lots of fun doing "crafty" things around our house. I'm always looking for cute decorations or things that the kids can wear. (I'd love any idea that anyone wanted to share with me!) ;-)

I'm sure you all remember the Steelers outfits from a while back

Made this sign for the living room. I'm actually thinking about moving it to the hall way, though.

Cade's Steelers shirt.

Shirt I made for my nephew Max. Some day I will get it in the mail to him. (Hopefully before he outgrows it.)

Kids painting frames. We made some Valentine's picture frames, and no I didn't take a picture of the finished product. I got the idea off of Tammy's blog.

Randoms from January

2011-04-20T09:39:00.001-07:00

My beautiful babies before church in January.

Cade's new favorite toy - stacking blocks!

My handsome Emerson

Beautiful Capri

Ella enjoying her first biter biscuit

YUMMY!!!

Trying on Emerson's coon hat!

Sitting up all by herself (in January!)

Emerson making Ella laugh. He's such a good big brother!

Beautiful Capri

Sleeping (she looks like she's faking)

January was a fun month. Lots of firsts for Eleri. The weather was beautiful and we spent lots of time outside. Gotta love Arizona during the winter.

Footprints in the snow

2011-04-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

Imagine my dad and Capri holding hands, running in the snow, laughing. :-) This image makes me smile and brings back so many memories of my dad and I doing the same thing. We used to take off our shoes and socks and run in the snow. Not sure why it is so much fun, but Capri loved it and STILL talks about it. :-) Glad dad's around to pass down these important things.

Christmas (yes, a little late)

2011-04-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Ready for the loot!

Poor Cade still trying to wake up.

A pillow pet makes it all better!!!

Cade checking out his gift.

Emerson taking his remote control truck outside for a spin.

Capri enjoying her doll house.

Cade hugging one of his gifts. (PJs from pajama grandma.)

"Merry Christmas!!!"

All 3 kids opening up presents.

Capri looking thru her new coloring books

Linds, Mom, Max and Grandpa

Me and Max (okay not the greatest picture of me, but the only one of me from Christmas.)

Sweet baby Max!

We traveled to Utah for Christmas this last Christmas. We were able to do the drive in 1 day!!! (I know you are all impressed.) The kids actually did very good. It helps that we have a larger car and TV for them to watch. We had a wonderful trip. We did lots of fun things and enjoyed seeing all our family. We also were able to bless Eleri and Max on the same day. (I would LOVE to show everyone pictures, but my camera broke and I was unable to get any. :-( Makes me really sad.) I only have the pictures from Christmas because my dad let me borrow his camera to take them. The blessing went well. Lindsey and I did some beautiful decorations and we had some wonderful deserts. We did Christmas trees on the tables with pink and blue ornaments. It turned out super cute. For Christmas we decided to only get the kids one "big" gift and then one wrapped gift. It turned out great. Each child also got a pillow pet. We enjoyed Christmas around family so much! (Makes me sad that we will be doing Christmas in Arizona this next year.)

Catching Up

2011-04-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

I have not forgotten about my blog. I plan on trying to catch up ever the next week. :-) I know Lindsey will be happy.

Christmas Concert and Recital

2011-02-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

I love that the kids had performances around Christmas! It was a great way to kick off the holiday season. We started by having Emerson's school Christmas concert. He was soooo excited about it. The Kindergartners sang 3 songs. His favorite was "I'm gettin Nothing for Christmas." He practiced every day at home getting ready for the concert. Isaac and I were able to get a babysitter so that we could give him our full attention during the concert. It was so cute to see him up there! His Aunt Kendra was able to make it as well. He was really excited about that. Afterwards we took him to get ice cream. Can't wait for next year!

Capri had a Christmas Dance concert. They performed a little dance to "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" at the Glendale Glitters festival. She did wonderful! It was really cold that night, but she danced her little heart out on stage. It was sooo cute! The video that I got was from her recital. The one from the actual performance didn't turn out because I was to far away. I took just Emerson with me to the recital and it was so much fun! We had a fun time at the carnival as well. The kids loved dancing to our neighbors band (who was performing there as well.) We'll have to go as a family next year for sure!

Emerson turns 6!

2011-02-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

All the kids crowded around Emerson while he opened gifts

Decorations

Cutting the cake!

Taking the candles off the cake

Make a wish!!!

Great cake!

I even jumped around on the bounce house!

The kids in the bounce house

All the kids again

For Emerson's 6th birthday, we decided to have our first "friend" party. It turned out great! We rented a bounce house and he invited a few friends over. There were a couple of people that couldn't make it, but overall we had a great turn out. We did a "pirate" party. (except the spider man bounce house - that's all they had) It was funny because the bounce house was taller than our house! He had a wonderful time and we definitely be renting a bounce house again for a party for sure. The kids LOVED it.

Roasting Marshmellows

2011-02-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Before some of our friends moved, they gave us this awesome fire bit because it would have been to hard for them to take with them. We have LOVED having it. One night we bundled up the kids (it gets pretty cold here at night) and roasted marshmallows. The kids loved it! We pulled up all our camping chairs to the fire and had a great time. We'll have to do it again soon.

Maxwell Noble

2011-02-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

When my sister had her baby in November, I was lucky enough to get to fly out there and meet him. I was so thankful that Isaac was able to take a couple days off work so that I could go meet my new nephew. I went for 4 days! It was wonderful. I ended up only taking Eleri with me. He is soooo cute! There is nothing better than seeing my sister as a mother. They are adoring, wonderful parents. I even got to give him his first bath! It was so much fun. I just LOVE newborns. (Not to mention - it was GREAT to enjoy a newborn without the pain that comes from recovering to birth.)

Just in case you wanted some more recent pictures of my nephew, here they are!!!

Random November Pics

2011-02-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Emerson wanted me to spike his hair, it was a little long, so it looked a little funny - but, he LOVED it!

Cute Ellla Bean

She LOVES her bouncer

Capri doing her chores

Cade hanging out watching a movie

We took our friends kids for a weekend. They all watched a movie together in the toy room. It was a fun weekend. (Except I had a root canal and was allergic to the pain meds they gave me and through up like crazy for about 6 hours straight . . .)

I just thought this was sooo cute! Isaac is so sweet with his little babies. She wanted to be in the "action" watching what was going on and Isaac let her hang around and watch him vacuum. (He wasn't to happy about the picture, but oh well!)

Crazy hair!

Another crazy hair!

Emerson all dressed up watching a movie (in his knight costume . . .)

Halloween

2011-02-07T07:40:00.001-08:00

On Halloween (or I guess I should say - the Saturday before Halloween), we took the kids to Bashas to do some crafts. Bashas is the local grocery store here and they let the kids decorate a cake and trick or treat around the store. I only took Emerson and Capri. We ended up taking the kids actual trick or treating on Sunday (the actual Halloween) because Isaac's sister was in town. We went around Isaac's parent's neighborhood in Mesa. All the houses were decorated so cool. They got soooo much candy. So they actually went trick or treating 4 times! (Our ward, Isaac's parents ward, Bashas, and around Isaac's neighborhood.) It's February and I STILL have some candy from Halloween! Crazy!

Ward Halloween Party

2011-02-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter and a Fortune Teller

Our friend, Kim, and Eleri (pumpkin)

Mommy and "Jessie"

Mommy and our "vampire/Zorro"

Batman

Isaac and his "nail through the finger" - which had nothing to do with Harry Potter, just something he wanted to do . . .

Emerson and his friend Madaline

Back to catching up! Can't believe I'm soooo behind!

We love that our ward does a Halloween party every year. This year it was trunk or treating and a chili cook off. It was so much fun. The costumes were great. For the ward party we all dress up. Isaac and I LOVE dressing up. Halloween has to be one of our favorite holidays.

Emerson Hip Hop class

2011-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Emerson took a Hip Hop class at the community center this fall. He loved it. We are going to start him in the boys hip hop class at Capri's dance studio when he is good enough. He really enjoys dancing a lot, so we think this would be good for him. He really enjoyed that class and got along great with the teacher and other kids. The battery died during their recital, but I did get some good pictures.

Cheer recital

2011-02-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

BACK TO CATCHING UP!!!

In October Capri had her cheer recital. She was taking cheer leading and LOVED it. We need to get started on community classes again this summer. We have a lot going on with school and dance right now, but come summer we will need something to fill the time! It was so cute to see her come out of her shell and dance her little heart out. The teacher was great with the girls and worked really well with them. I think the little routine was perfect. Enjoy! Also included are some picture of her at her cheer class. Right after cheer she took a little cooking class, which she LOVED as well. One of the pictures is from that . . .

Steelers!

2011-01-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

Capri needs to wear leggings, and I need to make the tutu a little fuller so it's not see through . . .

Cade was in quite the bad mood!!!

I wanted to buy the kids Steelers stuff because they have all outgrown their stuff, but since they are so close to the super bowl, I was unable to find ANYTHING in their sizes and for a reasonable price. So, I made my own stuff! I made all the kids something and only spent $10 to dress 4 kids in Steelers stuff! I'm half thinking about selling some stuff on E-Bay if they go to the Super Bowl. They turned out super cute. I like Cade's the best, I have to admit. I'm still working on Eleri's tutu and onesie and also Capri's shirt. But, I wanted to show off my handy work!

Bella Bean and Cader Raider

2011-01-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

As I've said before, my babies are so much fun!! Eleri has started scootching across the floor - but only in reverse. It's pretty funny. She can also sit all by herself. She is super active and fidgety and so curious about the world around her. We have not done her 6 month appointment yet, even though she is 7 months, so I don't know how much she weighs, all I know is that she is a small little thing and still fits into most of her 0-3 month clothes. She LOVES baby food and biter biscuits. She still nurses about 3 times a night. I've been meaning to try to cut that down, but she has such a bad temper!!! For now, I don't mind getting up with her. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the quote my sister put on her blog about waking up with babies at night. I especially appreciate it since this is my 4th baby and I KNOW how fast they grow! ". . . and when you don't put him down, hold him with your heart, too, and relish every gurgle, flutter, and every sighing breath. Trust me when I say, you will miss this. You will. Even the dark, exhausted nights will take on a certain kind of romance in your memories, and they'll bubble to the surface when your baby drive off in his first car, graduates from school, gets married, has his own baby." Hearing about the loss of a child and the heartache a parent goes through, or hearing of a sick child, or any number of things going on around me has made me extra patient, extra appreciative of every moment. It has made me think about every little blessing, cherish every smile or tear, it has made me step away from things of no importance to spend time with my little ones.

Cade has been doing remarkably well. His therapists are both amazed at the progress he has made in the past couple weeks. Which is an answer to prayers from many people who love him. There was a point where we weren't sure where things were headed for him. Recently he has made it clear to us that he is just taking his time, but will catch up. We are so happy for him and notice new little things he is accomplishing every day. We love you, Cade, keep it up!

Capri Photo Contest

2011-01-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

We entered Capri into a Gap Modeling contest. You couldn't use any professional photos - which is great because I'm not a very good photographer! Capri and I had a great time taking pictures. My camera was acting weird, so the pictures didn't turn out very good, and we didn't win the contest. But, I still think she is the cutest 4 year old girl in the world!!

Random Pictures

2011-01-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

These are just some random really cute pictures taken of the kids in October.

Oh, and here's a great video of Emerson Hip-Hop dancing. (Or whatever it is - that's what he says it is. :-)

"Kid" Picture

2011-01-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

Last year, I took a family picture every month for the entire year. I LOVED having them. I plan on trying this again this year. This "kid" picture was taken in October right before church. It is soooo hard to get all the kids smiling at the same time!

Playing Outside

2011-01-07T09:42:00.001-08:00

One of the best things about winter/fall/spring here is that we have so much wonderful time outside! It is hard and hot during the summer, but we have so much good weather to make up for it. I love going outside and taking pictures of the kids playing outside. These pictures were taken at the beginning of October. I love our fully fenced yard. It's a great place for the kids to get out all their wiggles!!! Sorry about the picture overload, they were all so cute!!

Capri's Birthday!

2011-01-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Capri trying on all of her dress ups that she got for her birthday.

Eleri all ready to party

Emerson enjoying some yummy birthday cake

Yum!!!

Cade enjoying him cake. He made a mess!

Pretty birthday girl!

Happy 4th birthday!!!

Renee, Kendra (Kenley), Marcia (Eleri)

Happy birthday little one!

This should have been posted in September, but better late than never, right??? Capri turned 4 September 25th! I can't believe that I have a 4 year old little girl. She still seems so little to me. But, I am reminded every day when I look at her that she is not a baby or a toddler any more - she's a little girl. We had a Princess themed party and Capri LOVED it. I used to try and make the kid's cakes, but that when then and this NOW. I NOW let the kids go to the bakery and look at all the cakes in the booklet and pick out whatever one they want. They seem to really enjoy this and it takes less time than making a cake from scratch. My mom came into town and we were able to have 2 of Isaac's sisters and Isaac's parents there. It was soooo much fun. Capri got tons of dress ups and a tea set. (AND of course some really cute clothes and shoes from my mom. You'll notice in future pictures the really cute pink, sparkly tennis shoes - these are from my mom and Capri LOVES them.) She's such a girly girl and I LOVE it!

Time to catch up!

2011-01-02T20:11:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while . . . Not sure anyone even reads blogs anymore with Facebook, but since I kind of use this as a journal, I plan on catching up over the next couple weeks. Probably try to do a post a day, so keep checking back!!! Oh, and just a couple cute photos for you to enjoy!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2010-10-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

I'm totally behind of posting. I have so much to post in the next couple days. Just wanted to wish everyone a happy halloween! Look for updates soon.

Steve and Chelsea Wedding

2010-10-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

My beautiful mom holding Eleri at church on Sunday.

Aunt Geniel and Eleri at Steve's wedding.

Great Grandma Clark and Eleri.

The happy couple!

Mother of the groom.

Steve, Chelsea and me.

Aren't they the cutest?!?!? I loved her dress, it was so beautiful.

Thanks to my wonderful mom, I was able to attend the wedding of my cousin, Steve, and his beautiful wife, Chelsea. I wanted to go so bad and I'm so glad that I was able to be there on his special day. Eleri went to Utah with me and had a wonderful time having all the attention for 3 days. They got married in an outside "castle" and had the Steelers black and gold everywhere. It was a beautiful wedding. I love you guys! It was wonderful to see my family and to see how happy everyone was.

My babies

2010-10-07T13:28:00.001-07:00

I am so lucky to have 2 babies. Cade is doing very well and really benefiting from therapy. He only see 2 therapists now. He is catching up nicely. He is super happy and just enjoys following the kids around. He LOVES playing outside and I am so happy that the weather is cooling down. We plan on spending lots and lots of time outside. He had his 18 month appointment and he is in the 20th percentile for height and weight. (Can't remember numbers, sorry.) He is just a small little one. He still won't even try nursery, but we'll keep pushing it. Hopefully one day he will give it a chance.
Eleri is still a little high maintenance. :-) She cries a lot, but is also smiling and laughing a lot as well. She rolls over now and holds up her head well. She had her 4 month appointment and weighs 12 pounds and is 24 1/2 inches tall. It think that 20-30 percentile for weight and 70th for height. She's a string bean for sure. Enjoy the pics!

Sleeping on the coach. Silly girl.

They were waiting by the door to deliver cookies to a neighbor for family home evening. (Notice the chocolate on Cade's face!)

Trying on the Steelers hat. Still a little big.

Here's a cute video of Isaac making Eleri laugh.

Extra activities

2010-10-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to live in an area where there is a wide variety of fun activities for the kids to do. (At a wonderful, cheap price.) We always have the kids in at least one "extra" activity. Sometimes more. Especially when it's too hot to be outside. Give them something to do. Right now, both the kids are on the community soccer team, which they LOVE. Emerson tried T-Ball and wasn't that into it, but he LOVES soccer. Capri was old enough to be on the team this year and she was super excited about that. They have one practice and one game every week. It is so nice that the weather is cooling down and I love being outside watching the kids play. Capri takes a cheer class and a cooking class. They are both on Wednesdays at the community center right by Emerson's school. I drop Emerson off, we go to Capri's classes and then go pick Emerson up. It works out perfectly. The community center even has a play area for Cade to play in while we wait for Capri. Capri is still in dance (through Desert Star Dance Studio - who we LOVE) and Emerson wanted to dance. We were in support of that and were thrilled to know he wanted to learn how to Hip-Hop. He loves his class and thinks it tons of fun. In a month both Emerson and Capri have recitals, and we are excited to go to that.

Emerson at soccer. He was talking to his "best friend" Madelyn. He looks for her first thing when we get to soccer.
Capri dribbling the ball.

Capri in her cooking class.

In front of the door of her cheer leading class.

Let me explain Emerson's Hip Hop video. He was showing off his hip hop skills one night while my mom was in town. (See, all those lessons are paying off - hahaha!) He is dancing to the "edited version" of Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas. We were talking about the edited version and he thinks the bad word is Butt. Makes me laugh. (Hope this video makes you laugh.) Hope he doesn't plan on making a living as a back up dancer . . .

First day of School

2010-09-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Emerson is in Kindergarten and Capri is in Preschool! Emerson is going to Benjamin Franklin and loves it. He was scared his first day, but Isaac was great at calming him down. I was SOOO sick the first day, so I helped get him ready and Isaac took him to school. I was kind of sad, but I just couldn't get out of bed. Capri is in Preschool 2 days a week. I joined a Co-op with a bunch of great ladies in my ward. It's working out fantastic. Can't believe that 2 of my 4 are in school!!!

Clark Family Renunion - Snowbird

2010-09-06T11:48:00.001-07:00

The family reunion at Snowbird was SOOOO fun. I loved the weather and the beautiful resort. Poor Cade and Isaac were sick the entire time, so they didn't get to enjoy much of anything. :-( We did have a wonderful time seeing family. I was a little overwhelmed with the 3 well children, but my parents were super helpful. Sorry there are so many pictures. I actually wish I would have taken more!

Cade and mom swimming in the pool.
Eleri ready for a swim. (She HATED the water - by the way.)

Emerson and Capri ready for a swim in their new swimming suits.

We were able to see Wendy, John, Eleri and Mariah while at Snowbird. They joined us for lunch one day. It was lots of fun to see them.

John, Wendy and Emerson

Mariah and Emerson right after doing the trampline.

Eleri and Eleri!!!

Eleri, Capri, Dad, Mom, Wendy and Eleri.

Emerson on the trampoline.

My Aunt Wendy and Eleri.

Eleri and sleeping Capri.

Grandma Clark and Capri.

Emerson at the Bounce House.

Mom and Capri on the Alpine Slide. Check out the smile on Capri's face! She loved it.

Dad and Emerson. Dad let Emerson take the controls all the way down. Emerson thought he was so cool.

Capri's first time on a chair lift!

Eleri sleeping in the stroller. It was a little cold!

Emerson and Mom on the chair lift going up to the Alpine Slide.

Dad and Emerson on the Alpine Slide. Emerson was SOOO excited!

Madaline, Capri and Avery. They are all around the same age. (Actually Avery and Mady are - Capri's a year younger. . .) They had fun together.

Emerson and Capri at the top of the Mountain. I wish I could have gone with them, but I was at the Urgent Care with Isaac and Cade. Thanks mom and dad for taking them!

Mom and the kids at the top of the mountain.

Looking out the gondola on the way up the mountain.

Dad's birthday

2010-09-06T11:41:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Dad's birthday while we were in Utah. I really wish I would have gotten more photos, but it's really hard keeping track of 4 kids among a crowd. We had a wonderful party and lots of family showed up. It was dark by the time I finally pulled the camera out - I'm glad the pictures turned out! Happy Birthday Dad. I LOVE YOU!!

Friends in Utah

2010-09-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of the things I miss the most about Utah is my two friends, Paige and Madison. We used to hang out almost EVERY day. I miss them and their kids. They both live in this really pretty apartment complex that has a beautiful lake. We went on a nature walk and got some really great pictures of the kids.

Madison and Eleri
Me pushing the babies on our nature walk.

Isaac giving Anya a lift.

Emerson and Capri posing for me by the fence along the path.

Still the love of my life!

Just another pic of our little "Ella Bean"

Playing outside in Utah

2010-08-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

One of the kids favorite parts about Utah is my parents back yard. It is PARADISE! The kids jumped on the trampoline, the played on the swing set, (that my Dad fixed up just for them -than you!!) and just ran around on the soft grass. It was the first thing they wanted to do in the morning and (if we were home) they played out there until it was dark. Isaac even laid out there one night on a blanket with the older 2 kids and pointed out all the stars. This is why I love Utah!

Cade enjoying the "baby swing" my dad bought for him.

Capri swinging on the swings.

Cade playing with my mom's cat. (She's not as tolerant as our kitty.)

Cade LOVES slides.

Cade playing on the trampoline.

Funny story - one morning, the kids couldn't WAIT to play outside - so they ran out with their jammies still on. While they were playing the sprinklers came on! They were having so much fun, that I just let them play, in their jammies, in the sprinklers. It was a blast!

The kids, all wet, playing "bumper swings" in their jammies.

Just a cute pic of me and Eleri. She's not that into "outside" yet.

Cade playing around on the grass.

Sweet little boy LOVING being outside!

Capri after church in my parent's back yard.

Birthday Buddies

2010-08-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

My cousin Amy and I were both due with our babies around the same time. (Actually a couple weeks apart.) Since Eleri came early, they were actually born on the SAME DAY!!! How fun is that? So, we call them birthday buddies. What's even funnier is that they were about the exact same size when they were born. (Not now - boy has her little boy grown!) It was so much fun to go visit Amy and Dago. The kids had a blast playing at the playground while Amy and I loved on each other's babies. I'm glad we got to see them.
Just a cute pic of Cade sliding on the playground by their apartment.

Me, holding Joseph, and Amy holding Eleri.

Seriously, the HAPPIEST baby alive. All you had to do was look at him and he would burst into this adorable smile. What a cuttie!

Dago holding the 2 babies. (Birthday Buddies forever!)

Utah Part 1

2010-08-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

We really enjoyed our trip to Utah. We spent most of our time outside and really enjoyed seeing friends and family. It will take me a few posts to get all the pictures on here about our trip, so be expecting a little each day. We have been quite sick (our souvenir from Utah), but are slowly getting better.

We were able to visit my aunt Natasha and Uncle Dean in Bountiful. the kids LOVED playing in their back yard and playing with all the snails they found.
Capri and her snail.

Emerson and his snail.

Looking at snails.

Emerson even climbed his first tree in their back yard!!!

We were able to go to Gardner Village for some "home decor" shopping. It was a beautiful day for taking pictures. My best friend, Paige, and her kids were able to join us and we had a wonderful time catching up and letting the kids play.

Emerson, Capri, Erin and Anya by the watermill.

All the kids (Emerson, Capri, Erin, Anya and David), minus the babies.

Emerson and Capri. (Boy I LOVE these 2 nutcases!)

While in Utah, we were in Pleasent Grove and decided to go take a picture of the first place Isaac lived in when he first moved to Utah. It was the SMALLEST house and luckily it was empty and for rent, so we were able to show the kids this itty bitty space where daddy used to live. It was actually smaller than I remember!!

Cousins

2010-08-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

It's great that Cade and Eleri have cousins so close to their ages. (Sorry Emerson and Capri!) We went to Isaac's parent's house and got to play with cousins. I'm glad that Isaac has family in Arizona so that the kids have cousins near. It's going to be Kyson's 2nd birthday while we were in Utah, so we gave him his present early. He loved it! I also threw in some random photos from the past week. Enjoy!!

Peek - a - boo!!

Kenley and Eleri - already best buddies.

Love the look on Eleri's face. She was not happy!!!

Kyson enjoying the train we got him for his birthday.

Cade right before church. Isn't he the cutest???

Sweet little peanut!

"Who's up there???"

2010-07-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

We are trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of summer before school starts. The weather is

still super hot, so most of what we are able to do involves water or the indoors. I can't BELIEVE that Emerson will be in Kindergarten. It's crazy. The public school here started on Monday. Crazy!! We are going to Benjamin Franklin - we felt that would be best for Emerson. We like the strict educational approach they take. We feel he needs lots of structure. We have been on the waiting list for a while and were very happy to get in. We picked up his uniforms last week and he looks so sharp!! We couldn't decide what to do for Capri for Preschool. I looked into several and then finally decided to join a co-op. I'm really excited about it. I only have to teach once every 5 weeks. Should work out great. It will be ideal since I have to take and pick up Emerson from school since there is no bus going to his school. We are going to enjoy one last trip to Utah and then jump right into the school year!!

My new niece!!

2010-07-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Introducing my ADORABLE new niece. Kenley Talia Nhep. 8 lbs. - 20 1/2 inches. I got to hold her when she was only 6 hours old!!! It's so nice that we have family so close and that her and Eleri are so close in age. I hope they are best buddies some day. Kendra looked great and Ken looked like one proud papa! Kyson was happy and bouncing around as well. Such a cute family. Can't wait to get to hold her again.

Pee Wee Play

2010-07-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

So, we have had the kids in different classes for the past 2 years. We love keeping them involved and letting them make friends with kids in the community. Today they had their last "Pee Wee Play" class. It has been one of my favorites because they were able to attend the class together. It was a craft class. Since it's been so hot (see pic), we have loved getting out of the house and enjoying the cool community center. Cade loves just hanging out with me and playing with the other little kids there. I have also loved getting to know other moms. I'm sad it's over. We have them in a bunch of new classes starting in a couple weeks. We are looking forward to that for sure!

Sprinklers in the yard

2010-07-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

It was suppose to be really hot today, so first thing this morning before it got too hot we went outside in our swim suits and played on a new water toy I got at the store. (A princess hopscotch sprinkler mat.) The kids loved it and would have stayed outside all day, but I made them come inside when it reached 105. We are excited to go to Utah and swim when it's not so hot. Enjoy the cute pictures!

Pierced Ears!

2010-07-18T21:54:00.001-07:00

We decided to pierce Capri's ears. We've been wanting to do this for a while, but decided to wait until she wanted to have it done. Well, she's been really into "accessories" lately, so we told her she could get her ears pierced if she wanted. She was so excited!

All ready - they did both at the same time, thank goodness!

OUCH!!!

A sucker made it all better!

My favorite picture. Admiring her "pretty, pink, sparkly" earrings. Gotta love them! She looks soooo cute. She actually hasn't touched them at all and stands really still while I clean them every day. Oh, and I catch her "admiring herself in the mirror" about 20 times a day!

2010-07-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Little Lovey after her bath.

Capri holding Eleri. So sweet. My two girls are beautiful.

Love this outfit!

Garrison (our sweet neighbor boy) and Eleri

BIGGEST bug I have EVER seen!

2010-07-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Seriously the BIGGEST bug I have ever seen. Yes that is one of the boys match box cars next to it. Just glad it was outside and I saw it before I stepped on it. NASTY!!!

Recent Pictures

2010-07-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

We are having a wonderful summer. I am finally getting used to having 4 kids and have gotten back on top of things. (I was very worried for a little bit there . . .)
Eleri cries a lot, but I am finally just trying to tune it out and accept it as background noise. I have an appointment with the pediatrician this week to find out if there is anything I can do to help her. Poor girl. Other than that, she is the cutest thing in the world! Her hair still amazes me, even though I have had hair with all babies. I love to comb my hand through it and have to wash it almost every day. It's crazy hair! She is getting super chubby! I love it!
Cade is doing well with his therapy and I have already noticed advancements in his speech and cognitive skills. He is learning to drink from a sippy and to feed himself, which is great. He is still my overall good baby. He LOVES his mommy and daddy. He just started nursery, early, but seems to enjoy it once he gets over being left with "strangers." We hope being among the other kids will encourage him to walk and talk. :-)
Capri is such a little princess. She has regressed with the new baby and I have to constantly tell her to quite sucking on the babies pacifiers. She is so funny. She loves baby dolls and plays house all day long. We will be starting her in Preschool this fall and she is super excited to be going to school. She is still in dance and also takes a craft class with Emerson once a week.
Emerson is my little helper. He is REALLY into helping me clean lately. Don't really know why, but I love the help. He is also developing a little bit of an attitude. I'm trying to deal with that right away so it doesn't get out of hand. He enjoys earning time on the "Wi Fit." He LOVES to play the snowball game and the skiing. (I have to admit that I LOVE working out on the Wi as well.)

Sweet baby girl hanging out in the swing. Love the chubby arms and the wild hair.

What the temperature was when I headed to the store at 7:30 at night. I think it had been 115 that day. HOT HOT HOT!!!

We went to our friend's house and they have several dogs. The kids love animals and had a great time hauling the smallest one around.

Capri and Tillie.

This is the ONLY picture I got on the 4th of July. Too bad because I had everyone dressed up all festive. Dang it! I'll have to dress them all up again and get pictures of all the matching outfits.

Cade eating breakfast. I was excited because he was doing so well with the sippy cup and actually drank the whole thing!!!!

Capri trying to comfort Eleri. To bad she cries so much because the kids don't really like holding her any more. . .

Another one bites the dust . . .

2010-07-02T19:26:00.001-07:00

Yet again, we are finding ourselves without a camera. I swear we go through a camera every 6 months or so. The problem this time is that we have no idea what happened to it this time. I had just taken a picture then it stoped working. The screen went black and we can't figure out what's going on. Stinky!!!

Moving . . .

2010-06-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

A good friend of ours moved away. It was especially hard on Emerson who really loved her and her kids. He decided that he was going to move into her old house and then she would come back to be with him. It would all be okay because he would still come and visit me because I was just down the road. He packed underwear, clothes, toys, etc. (It was a joy to unpack once I convinced him to stay.) :-) Kids . . .

Chores

2010-06-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

This wonderful lady that I used to know, made a book for her kids that had pictures of her kids doing their chores. Then every day they could look at their book and see what needed to be done with all the cute pictures. I started putting together their books and the pictures are soooo cute! I've never seen them so happy to be picking up toys and putting the garbage in the garbage can. Sweet kids! I am lucky, they are pretty good about doing their chores.

Little Cade

2010-06-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sweet Cade has been such a trooper since the new baby came and "ruined everything." He has done okay with being "booted" from the baby position. He has stopped sleeping through the night and hangs on my legs and cries when I nurse Eleri, but other than that only has occasional melt downs. He is doing well in his therapy and we love his therapists. I was able to get some Young Women from our church to help during his therapy sessions, so we are excited about the help that will bring. We are seeing two therapists: a physical and a cognitive. He LOVES having their full attention when they are here. They are super nice and I've already seen some improvements in his mobility and speech/development. He has started dancing when music comes on. It is super cute. His favorite is Michael Jackson. I got a video, but it's sideways. SORRY! Still cute. . . (Don't mind my squealy voice in the back ground.) WE LOVE YOU BABY CADE!!

Little lovey

2010-06-28T14:53:00.001-07:00

I've been slowly trying to add some pictures. After the baby was born, my mom stayed for almost 2 weeks, and I only got ONE picture of her and the kids. Pathetic. Okay, so I was really tired and spend most the day laying around half awake. Here's some cute pictures of little lovey girl. Also, I was able to get a picture of the doctor that delivered Eleri. She was so nice. I'd actually never met her before, but I might actually change doctors. she was soooo nice. I'll have to put the birth story on here, because it will explain why I delivered with someone I never met. Tomorow, maybe . . .

We are so photogenic

2010-06-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

My kids are super photogenic. I mean check out these pictures. I can't decide which one wins. I think it's between Capri and Cade. ;-)

Getting personal . . .

2010-06-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

It's been kind of funny that the first thing people ask when you are on your 3rd and 4th baby is "are you going to have more?" It's a very personal question, and some people have the best intentions and are just curious BUT others are discusted by the fact that we have "so many kids." It kind of bothers me because it's really none of anyone's business whether we want more children, but it's a question that I have been answering about 4 times a day for a while now. Well, here's your answer - for now our family is good. I have had 4 babies in 5 years and I'm feeling that my body needs to recover. We will probably add a 5th child in a few years. (Maybe even a 6th to keep that 5th company.) Who knows? It's just depends on what we feel in a few years. (Like I said - it's a personal decision between Isaac and I - I simply don't care what you think about it.) I don't know why anyone would care. We own a home, have minimal debt, and have been blessed financially. I happen to think that Isaac and I are good parents. Yes, I am unorganized and my house is not perfect, but I don't think that affects our kids in a bad way. I think my kids are happy and healthy. I think we love them with all that we have, they have everything that they need and a lot of the things that they want - and we take them to church and pray with them every day. Isn't that what's important? So, there you go. Please don't "freak out" if we have another baby in a few years - you have been warned and have a few years to "get over it!"

First Hair Cut

2010-06-18T17:10:00.001-07:00

Cade has been in need of a hair cut for a while. It's been hard for me because he was born with WAY less hair than all my other kids. (Eleri has more hair than he does.) My mom is here to help with the new baby and even she said it was time. So, Isaac cut it. I like how it looks. He looks cute. Older - but cute.

BEFORE PICTURES

AFTER PICTURE

Oh, just had to put on a cute picture of Eleri sleeping in her swing. Capri colored the tray. Isn't that sweet of her? :-)

Love

2010-06-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

I seriously LOVE this little girl! She is perfect and I am so happy she is here in our family.

Eleri Elaine

2010-06-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the World little one!

Eleri Elaine Jaten
7 pounds 8 ounces, 19 inches
June 9, 2010 @ 1:47am

We are home and loving every minute. We are all in love with our little girl. (Except maybe Cade - he's not a fan.) We will update everyone as soon as things have settled down. We are thrilled that they let us take her home (with some medical equipment.) Mommy and baby are doing great! Enjoy the pictures.

Cute pics

2010-05-31T20:43:00.001-07:00

I found the kids asleep like this on my bed. Isaac was out of town, so I let Emerson sleep in my bed. When I went in a couple hours later, Capri had climbed in bed as well. I love how their arms are wrapped around each other. She is going to miss him so much when he goes to school.

My mom got the kids these "airplane" pillows. I found him asleep with his around his neck. It made me smile.

Just had to put on a picture of Cade. He has a great smile!

Capri asleep snuggled with Minnie and Mickey. So sweet!

34 weeks

2010-05-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

We have made it to 34 weeks. I have to say that part of me is glad, but with every ultrasound, I pray she will come early. My back is killing me and I can't believe that I am 6 weeks away from my due date and she is already bigger than Capri and Cade when they were born. She is doing great and gaining weight rapidly BUT I am loosing weight. Go figure. At least it won't be hard to "bounce back" after pregnancy. (Believe it or not - I'm only up 16 pounds.) We are still seeing the OB twice a week and now another specialist once a week. We have an amniocentesis scheduled at 38 weeks and depending on size they will either deliver c-section or induce me. They already booked the c-section because they estimate she is pretty big. I would love to argue, but I feel and look huge. I've quit going out anywhere but doctor's appointments (I won't even go to church). I hate all the comments about me having twins and how big I look, so I just try to avoid that all together. I still wanted to post pictures so that I could remember everything and so that my family could see. Please avoid any mean comments. ;-) We have already decided not to really announce how much she weighs when she is born. I want people to focus on how cute she is, not how big she is. (That's mostly what I got with Emerson - people just amazed that he was - 9 lbs. 2 oz.) We know if I deliver at 38 weeks, she is probably be bigger than he was. I've decided that she better be DANG CUTE to make all this worth it. I'm soooo tired and hungry and just ready to be done.

Lots of updates

2010-05-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

Scroll down for lots of updates. I think I am finally caught up . . .

Las Vegas

2010-05-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

This describes their personalities perfectly!

Sweet baby was so great the whole time.

Emerson relaxing by the pool doing a "find the hidden picture"

Playing at my parents really cool pool.

In one of the casinos after dinner one night.

We took a great little trip to Las Vegas last week. Isaac had a business trip there and we decided to join him. Lindsey came with us and my parents were there for the same convention Isaac was there for. It was fun to get to see everyone. I did not take as many pictures as I should have. I was listening to the doctor's orders and trying to take it easy. We did a lot of swimming, shopping and just hanging out. The last day we were there, Isaac and I took the kids to the Shark Aquarium. Emerson was obsessed with my dad and wanted to see him every day. We wish the trip would have lasted a little bit longer. It was really hard to say goodbye to everyone. Isaac has a business trip to California tomorrow, but I really don't think the doctor will let me go. It's worth asking, I guess. . .

Getting bigger!

2010-05-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken a couple weeks ago. I'm feeling okay. It's been a rough pregnancy. I am seeing the doctor 3 times a week, which is really taking it's toll. The best thing, I guess, is that I'm getting 2 ultrasounds a week. I love getting to see her that often. I really hating having the gestational diabetes, and would kill for a bite of any kind of sugar, but I'm getting used to it. There are a couple other things going on, but I won't bore you with details - we're just counting down the days until it's all over. We are almost 34 weeks! Yeah! I'm really getting sick of hearing "are you still pregnant?", "are you having twins?" and other comments along that line. I'm glad that I'm not going out much any more. Her lungs are not mature yet, so I'm taking it easy and hoping she stays in longer than Capri or Cade did. We are looking forward to meeting our sweet (big) baby in a couple weeks. (At my 33 week ultrasound she was already measuring 5 1/2 pounds . . .)

Sun glasses

2010-05-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

For our trip to Las Vegas, we got the kids sun glasses so I didn't have to listen to them whine about the sun being in their eyes. They were a hit and they look forward to putting them on every time we get into the car. It's really cute!

Last swimming lesson

2010-05-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before, we were taking a pretty intense approach to swimming. After 6 weeks of 4 days a week lessons, the kids are pros! They both passed survival level one and we feel confident that what they learned is a good start to a fun summer full of swimming. They LOVED their teacher, Mister Justin, and really had a hard time when the lessons were over. We were so lucky that Grandma Boren was able to make it to one of their last swimming lessons and be a part of their award ceremony for passing survival level 1. We hope to continue after the baby gets here and we get into a good schedule!

You're Invited!

2010-05-01T13:35:00.001-07:00

You're Invited!

We would like to invite anyone who would like to come to Capri's dance recital. She has been working so hard with her dance team and is super excited. (And isn't the costume to DIE for!) Tickets go on sale next week and are $10/each. They are advance purchase if you want to be guaranteed a ticket. (They do sell them at the door at the day of the concert, but they can't guarantee they won't sell out.) They date for this recital is June 12th at 3pm. Please call me for where it is and if you want to get tickets. We love our our friends and family and just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to watch her perform!

Pictures for my family

2010-04-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

Trying to get a picture of the kids together outside.

Cade just being happy. Sweet baby!

Capri ready to play T-Ball outside!

Cade's new favorite way to drink - through a straw!

Easter Celebration

2010-04-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

Emerson fell down good looking for eggs. Nothing a little candy can't fix . . .

Even Cade got in on the egg finding.

Wow, there's candy in these eggs.

For Easter we went over to Isaac's parents house after conference. We had a BBQ and an Easter Egg hunt. It was lots of fun. Ken and Kendra are living there with their son Kyson, so the kids were able to spend some time with their cousin, which was great. The kids had a wonderful time. We are so glad that Kendra (who has been soooo sick with her pregnancy) is feeling better so that we can spend more time with them. She was sick for almost 3 months! Poor thing. Anyway, the kids had a great time and it was fun to sit outside and watch the kids play. Got to love Spring in Arizona.

Easter Morning

2010-04-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

We decided this year for Easter to get the kids one toy each and then a couple "candy items." It worked out well. I usually end up throwing away in about a week all the dollar store stuff you buy to stuff the baskets, so this worked out better for us. The kids loved it.

Emerson got a batmobile/batman, bubble gum and some cotton candy.

Capri got a princess dress, pom poms and a new wand.

Cade enjoying a bath after eating chocolate.

We decided to put a TV/VCR in the kid's toy room so that the kids could watch movies back there and we could have a chance of watching conference. It worked out pretty good. We got to see about 1/2 of conference, which was more than last time! Cade loved snuggling in the beanbags. It was really cute!

Capri relaxing in the toy room watching a movie.

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

We went to our community Easter Egg Hunt. We had to rush there right after Capri's dance. When we got there they had just started, so we thought it was perfect timing. Know how many eggs the kids got? ZERO! They were so upset and started crying. There were kids everywhere and they just couldn't get to any of them fast enough. Luckily some lady saw that they didn't have any and had her "totally to old to do Easter egg hunt" kids (who had like 30 each) give the kids a couple eggs. They were happy after that. Next year, we will just stick with the big old back yard, I guess. They are so excited about Easter tomorrow. We are bummed because the Easter package my mom sent with the kids Easter outfits didn't make it here even though she mailed it last week. We are sad that we don't have Easter outfits for them. We'll just have to have a photo shoot next Sunday in their cute clothes!

My boys

2010-04-02T13:19:00.001-07:00

Cade is finally confident enough to stand on his own. Won't walk, though because his balance with his foot is really bad. I think it's cute to just look over and see him standing.

Seriously, isn't he the cutest!?!

He likes to stand and look out the window.

Emerson and Cade. Cade will crawl up to Emerson and lay on his lap. They are so cute together.

Cade is obsessed with the vacuum. He laughs and claps whenever I get it out. Maybe he will be super helpful with the vacuuming when he gets older?!?

This was the day we registered Emerson for Kindergarten. He was really excited, but was to distracted to smile for a picture with his mom . . . Can't believe he's going to be in school!

Cader Raider

2010-03-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

So, I just noticed that we don't have a picture of Caders on here for over a month. So, here you go! Cade is just a precious baby. He is very demanding about what he wants and likes, but at least I don't have to guess about what he's thinking. He is my best sleeper and loves taking naps and going to bed at night. (Go figure!) He is also an awesome eater and will eat almost anything you put in front of him. I can't believe he is almost 14 months old! He is my chubbiest baby! I think this is because he is not walking yet. We are going to be working with a physical therapist in a couple months to try to get his foot facing the right direction to make walking easier on him. (We noticed that one of his feet turns to the side and it is causing him to have a really bad sense of balance. We are waiting to work with a physical therapist and get a brace until after the baby gets here. Maybe if we are lucky he will outgrow it??? :-) We are so lucky to have this little angel in our family!

Dying Easter Eggs!

2010-03-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

So, we haven't really even dyed Easter eggs, so we decided to do it this year. The kids loved it! It was fun to see them get all excited when the eggs changed color in the water. I let them put stickers all over the eggs as well. We had a great time. I am excited that Easter is falling on a conference weekend so that we can just spend the day together as a family. The kids can't wait for an Easter egg hunt. I think there is one in the community that we live in and we might try to check that out.

So much fun to get big . . .

2010-03-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love getting big. I can't believe how fast I have gotten big this time around. The doctor says that having 4 pregnancies in 5 years will do that to you. I'm still feeling great, just a lot of back pain. They are moving my due date up by one or two weeks, which just makes me so happy. We have an ultrasound in a couple weeks to confirm the new due date. I had to find a new doctor, but actually am really happy with the new one. She is great. I guess it worked out for the better. (If I look exhausted in the second picture - I am. Sick kids are rough and 6 of Cade's teeth are coming in. Not much sleep in the last few days.)

24 weeks (or 25 or 26 with the new due date)

27 weeks (28 or 29 with the new due date)

Swimming Lessons, again

2010-03-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

So, last year we had the kids in swimming lessons and were not to impressed with their progress. They were going once a week for 6 months and really seemed to be forgetting what they learned in between lessons. We decided to take a different approach this year. We have them going 4 times a week for an entire month (we are willing to go to 6 weeks if needed.) They are doing wonderful! I am paranoid about them learning to swim because every other person here in Arizona has a pool. I love the swim school we have them in and Mr. Justin is really good with the kids. They are the only 2 in their class, so it works really well. We hope they continue to progress like they are. We are thinking this was a better way to spend our money on swimming lessons this year! And yes, I have already admitted that I have a swimming suit problem in a previous post. Capri has too many swimming suits, but my mom has the same problem, so I didn't buy them ALL. . . :-)

Washing the car

2010-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

See, I can be crafty. I made these cute socks for Capri. She loves them. (I need to make her some more because she begs for them every day.) I made some for the new baby as well and loved how they turned out. Don't you just love her Lightining Shoes?? :-)

She decided that the sidewalk was a little too wet and tried to dry it with the towel.

Helping daddy polish the wheels of the car. What a great helper!

Emerson was out there helping as well. They love getting all wet while washing the car. We love that the weather is so nice right now. Soon it will be soooo hot!

Adventures in Parenting

2010-03-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

So, I shouldn't have written that post yesterday, because that just means that the next day would be worse right? This is just to good to not share. It's just laughable!

The new relief society presidency wanted to come and visit. Not a big deal, until Isaac informed me he was working late that night. My kids act fine with me, but get really excited and kind of out of control when people that they have never met come over. They love to show off and talk and I don't really get a word in. Emerson was OUT OF CONTROL! He was jumping on the coach, coming out with different pairs of underwear on his head, talking up a storm, etc. Capri was okay, just a little to touchy for some of the ladies, I think. My kids are really lovey and love to sit on your lap and hug and kiss you and I know that makes some people uncomfortable. Cade was okay, but about half way through the visit started crying and acting like a pain. To top it all off? Emerson started throwing the underwear that was on his head at the ladies from the relief society. I wanted to die! They probably think I am the worst mom and my kids are terrors. I don't know what was up with them. You'd think I gave them Cafe Lattes before they came over. I was praying for Isaac to come home the entire time. (By the way, he came home 5 min. after they left . . .) I was trying to discipline as much as I could without sounding like I was at the end of my rope, but they weren't really hearing me. Before you say that they understand or anything along those lines, let me share this. I don't really have a plan of what to do with the kids when the baby comes and was hoping I could take them to someone in the ward. Well, one asked if we could split them up! I felt like crawling under the coach and dying! Please, mom, make sure that you are here, so I don't have to beg several families in my ward to take my unruly children (who I would need to split up because all 3 are to much work)!!! Hahaha, it just makes me laugh! (Today I can laugh - yesterday, not really.) Luckily right when Isaac got home, I was able to "run away" to my friend Anna's house. We laughed about the whole thing and spent a couple hours eating chips and salsa on her porch and talking. I'm lucky to have such a good friend. Oh well, I think they are cute and glad they don't act that out of control when they are home with me. I can handle it when we have guests, even if I do appear to be deserving of the "Worst Mother Award." By the way, thank you for all my sweet friends and family who have called to ask me how I am doing. I am fine. Hanging in there. Just lonely sometimes. I can't believe that after over 2 years I still miss my old life and my old friends. Pray that the kids take a nap for me today, I sure need one!!! :-)

And I cried . . .

2010-03-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Let's just face it, motherhood is the best and most challenging job in the world. Soooo rewarding, yet draining. I go days sometimes with no shower, get giddy if I get a phone call because I have a chance to talk to another adult, can't remember the last time I got more than 4 hours of sleep uninterrupted, and I actually call the grocery store "an outing." My poor husband was asking how my day went the other day (he is so sweet by the way - and helpful too), and I told him I was tired. His response? "Why are you tired?" I cried - no bawled actually. It's hard being pregnant and having 3 young children. It's even harder when people say "hang in there", "you'll miss these days", or any of those other familiar phrases. How about "ya, it stinks sometimes!" I'd love to hear that! :-) (I think that's why I don't even say anything about having a hard time, because I don't want to hear what others have to say . . .) So, to all you mom's out there. I admire you for all that you do. It's the hardest job out there. Just when you think that you can't take it anymore, you get a wet, slobbery kiss - and it makes it all worth it. Here are some phrases that the kids said that helped me make it through the days lately:

Capri: Can we get something to eat? My stomach is freakin' out with hungry.
Emerson: He found a spider and Isaac killed it. Then Emerson said "just leave the web there, another spider can move in if it wants."
Capri: Mom, koala bears are not mouses. (Okay?)
Emerson: Mom, can we throw a thank you party because you do so much for us?

Soooo Excited!

2010-03-14T16:44:00.001-07:00

So, this is probably up there with one of the most exciting posts I have ever made! My beautiful twin sister is expecting! I always thought that it would be so much fun to be pregnant with her, but when I got to my 4th pregnancy, I thought I might not get that oportunity. She is due in November, so our babies are going to only be 4 or 5 months apart. It's so much fun because I know her and Dan are going to be the best parents ever. She is super excited and I hope that she has a happy, healthy 9 months. Love ya, sis. I am so happy for you and Dan.

Creative Child

2010-03-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Capri is so creative some times. The other day, she decided to entertain herself by making "hanger sculptures." It was so funny. She sat on the floor in the kitchen while I cooked dinner and played with the hangers. It was fun to just talk to her and listen to all the funny things she has to say. Sometimes she gets me laughing so hard!

Some of my favorites lately:

"Daddy, your my bestest boy friend."

"My tummy is freaking out from hungry!"

Oh, do you love the dress and headband she's wearing? I found this little boutique here that custom makes little dresses. I had them make one for Capri and a little one for the new baby girl. They turned out so cute! AND the best part? $12. Yip, that's all it cost for each dress!

Little Nature Explorers

2010-03-01T11:11:00.001-08:00

We have had Emerson in a class at the local nature preserve called "Little Nature Explorers." He has loved it since the first week. We are sad that we only have a couple weeks left. They just go exploring once a week at this giant nature park. They dig for dinosaur bones, look for different plants and animals, and go on hikes. We are so glad that we are able to get the kids so involved. We love that there is so much for the kids to do with year round wonderful weather.

T-Ball

2010-02-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

The neighborhood that we live in started a T-Ball team. We are super excited about it. We have practice on Thursdays and games on Saturdays. Emerson had a great time and got really into it. We had so much fun going to the store and picking out a bat, balls and glove. (To bad Isaac was out of town for this "little boy" moment.) Capri was jealous that she didn't get a "mint" (mitt), but was happy to chase after balls in the backyard while Emerson practiced hitting balls. It's so much fun to see the kids enjoying their childhood. I had lots of fun sitting on a blanket with Cade while Emerson played T-Ball. Capri was able to find a bunch of little girls to play with and was so sad when she had to leave. Isaac is looking forward to the Saturday games because he will be taking Emerson to those while I take Capri to dance. Fun times! The pictures might be a little blurry because I didn't want to get to close and distract him from practice. We don't have much of a zoom on our camera.