Thanks, My Fairy Godmother!

So, I was doing homework with Ethan yesterday, and I started opening the mail. In there was a huge surprise. I was immediately brought to tears, as I realized that I must have a Fairy Godmother! Some people are so thoughtful, and as I sat there speechless, in utter confusion and awe, I realized there would never be enough words to express my thanks and appreciation! I just do not know what to say. Except thanks, a million time over. Whoever you are, your sacrifice has been much appreciated. I can't even express in words my feelings....I could go on forever about this thoughtfulness, but I do not think that there is enough tribute that I could give.

So, this weekend we are going camping. Yes, the Smith Family is actually getting out of Bakersfield! I know, it is a miracle. I have been looking forward to this trip forever, (and Steve and I had actually had decided that we couldn't go.....up until yesterday.) I haven't even told the kids we were going, because we have had to cancel too many outing lately, and I cannot handle the disappointment on their faces. So, as an extra surprise, while the kids are at Pappa and Grandma's on Friday, I am going to pack the truck and get everything ready. When they come home on Saturday morning, I am going to tell them that we are going on a drive, so hurry up and get into the truck. Then, when we finally get out of Bakersfield, I'll surprise them with the news. I can't wait to see the look on their faces, or hear the excitement in their voices! So, whomever made this possible, I pay tribute and give you a huge Thank You!!!!

So, as for another thought.....I just have to say that I feel so lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful husband. Not only is Steve a hard worker, but he has always pulled his weight around the home. I think there is nothing more sexy than a man who will change diapers, cook, and whom isn't afraid to fold laundry! Oh yeah, and vacuum, clean bathrooms, help kids with their homework, mow the lawn, wash the cars....etc Anyways, Steve has been nothing but supportive of me lately in my quest to beat this lame autoimmune disease that has taken over my body. He has literally done everything he can to make sure that my environment is stress free. I haven't cooked a dinner in over a week! He never complains, and at the end of the evening, he always finds time to massage my aching muscles, give me a foot rub, and tuck me in goodnight. I am so lucky and blessed! Oh yeah, and he even reads the Twilight series, (more than once) so we can have some good discussions. Anyways, I love you Steve, and appreciate you more than I can say. Oh yeah, did I mention how sexy I think he is? LOL!!!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. The boys were so excited that they didn't even finish their breakfast. They are so ready to go back to school, and have learned not to say, "I'm bored!" around me, cause I put them to work! Gavin will have quite an adjustment going from kindergarten to first grade, and being at school for more than just four hours. Ethan was a bit hesitant as he entered his new classroom. I think he has some anxiety about a new teacher.

We walk to school always on the first day, and usually after that until it gets too cold for Averi and Wyatt. I enjoy doing this, because it always gets me up and going in the morning.

As for me....well, I had...lets just call it a little breakdown on Sunday. With these health problems I have been having, I have been doing really good about staying away from certain foods, mainly caffeine, MSG, and chocolate (even though that has been the toughest). However, I still haven't managed to learn how to stay away from stress. These last two weeks, since I started my medicine, I have felt pretty well, except for an MSG incident, and I have been out of pain for the first time in four months! It has been so nice. So, on Saturday, Steve and I started talking bills, life, etc, and I immediately started stressing out. Pain started shooting down my arms and legs, and lasted through the sleepless night, along with a major headache. On Sunday, I skipped church to get some rest and try to overcome this episode. I ended up throwing up a PB&J, immediately looking to see if I had eaten any MSG, which I hadn't. I tell you...these autoimmune disease are weird! Anyways, it was one fun two days for me. I am feeling better now. I just have to master stress! And anyone who knows me, knows I am ornery enough to learn how!

Fun For The Kids

Averi falling in love with Kyler for catching a butterfly for her. She loves butterflies!

Breanne and Ethan under the trampoline (yes, the grass is really that long!) shooting at the bad guys!

Talented Kyler catching butterflies, and impressing the rest of us with his ability to do so!

All the children on the war plane.


Yesterday, Marlo called me and asked me if I could watch her children while she took Kaden to the doctors. I was thrilled, thinking that my kids would have someone to play with and keep them occupied for awhile. It has kind of been the end of the summer blues around here, with the kids always bored, just waiting to go back to school. Anyways, it turned out to be a really fun time for me too. I got in a good game of hide and seek, and I could not resist grabbing my camera when all the kids turned the backyard into a WWII battle ground (I wonder if Ethan had any influence in that game, lol....) Anyways, thanks Marlo for letting me borrow your kids!

Gavin and Averi's Party

Ethan, Gavin, and Ben in the pool.

Wyatt, happy as can be.

Gavin opening presents.

Averi opening presents.

Uncle Matt and Aunt JoJo's.

Easton and Gavin in the Black Out Tunnel.

Averi, Ben, Jared, and Ethan in the pool.

So, here I am backtracking again. Actually, my computer got a virus, and I had to reboot the whole system, so I just got around to downloading these pictures. On July 19th, we celebrated Gavin and Averi's birthday at my parents house. I had rented a giant inflatable water slide, however, the company would not deliver it because I planned on putting it into the cul-de-sac, and they wouldn't let us. Anyways, we made do. Luckily, Steve and I had gotten a slip-n-slide for Gavin, so we opened it, and then blew up a small pool that my mom went and bought really fast. I think all of the kids had fun, even though it wasn't what we had originally planned. Here are some pictures.....

Averi's 3rd Birthday!

I can't believe my little 'Pumpkin Pot Pie' is three. Her birthday was on Tuesday, and we had a family dinner, and I made a Dora cake, that Averi wanted. Her brothers gave her a couple of 'princess' presents. I had to hurry and have Steve take pictures while she was dressed and had her hair all done up pretty.

Backtrack

O.k. so I finally got my hands on all the pictures that Steve has taken lately, and downloaded to his computer. Therefore, this blog is going to back track a bit.

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Growing up in a small town made it special, because in Ojai, they really celebrate the 4th! Were talking....pancake breakfast, hokey parade, festivities at the park, and finally the fireworks show at the high school...that is FREE! I love living in Bakersfield, but I do miss the small town atmosphere this time of year. This year, we took the kids swimming at the gym, then a b-b-q at Pappa and Grandma's, finished off with a street fireworks display. Here are some pictures!

That ONE Thing!

O.k., so this funny thing happened today, and I was actually debating whether or not to put it on my blog. But, it so typical of my life, that I just couldn't resist. There will be no pictures for this story, and you all will understand as you read on....

One of the most difficult things I have found as a mother is taking all four children to the grocery store! Especially if you need just ONE thing! So all week long, I have been procrastinating that ONE thing. However, Steve has been working nights, and there just isn't any time to go by myself. Therefore, I made the decision to just get the job done. All I needed to get was a card for my cousins baby shower on Saturday. Just to give some background......Since it has been so hot lately, I took the kid to the Beale squirt water park downtown to cool off. As we were leaving, Averi had a drink in the backseat, and proceeded to dump it all over her car seat. She hates being wet while wearing any clothing, and will change as soon a a drop of water gets on her. Anyways, I forgot about this car seat incident earlier, and just proceeded to get all four kids in the car to go to Walgreens. Once we got there, Averi was complaining that her pants were wet. I told her, " no big deal, we just need to get ONE thing." So with Wyatt in his carrier and the other three kids walking behind me, I reminded them again to just follow me, we need only ONE thing, and then we will be done. Oh yeah, don't touch anything! So, feeling like Super Mom, I went to the card section and immediately got the first card I found. I was going to be out of that store in 5 minutes tops. Ethan then taps me on the shoulder, and says, "Uh, Mom....we have a problem." So, I'm thinking we will deal with whom ever is fighting, or what ever problem we have when we get home. However, when I turn around, I see the real problem that needed to be dealt with right then! Averi, had taken off her pants and underwear, and was walking down the isle, away from me, NAKED! I couldn't believe it. I, not feeling like Super Mom anymore, frantically searched for her pants, which she conveniently had discarded on the other isle! Honestly, how long was she walking around like that, and how ridiculously preoccupied with that ONE thing to get was I that I didn't notice?
Anyways, I think the moral of this story is....Maybe that ONE thing isn't worth getting arrested for indecent exposure of your child!