A Weird Week....

This past week was weird. Porter had no school for two days and missed one day because he was sick and everyone got some version of a cold or croup. On Monday I attempted to take the kids downtown with a friend to the science center because it was free day (normally $15 to get it!!!), I don't know what I was thinking. FREE day means everyone and their dog will be there. We walked in and immediately felt it was time to go. Tessa had her hands on her ears the whole 10 min we were there. We left and I got my money back at the parking garage. So to redeem myself I took the kids to Malley's. When we pulled into the parking lot Porter said "watch out fudge, here I come!!"




Marin is so good to just go along. She is already out growing the car seat!!!

On Tuesday two of the young men in our ward came over to our house as missionaries. They received mission calls to Mongolia (our house because that is where Andy served for two years). I made dumplings and rice for dinner and yogurt with Zuko. We also got out Andy's Mongolian stuff and decorated the house and we all wore something from there. It was a fun night and great to hear some of Andy's stories from the mission.



Also this week I had a great craigslist experience. We have been looking for a futon to put in the basement because we haven't had anywhere to sit. We finally found the right thing for a super price. We ended up with this beauty from IKEA...


It came with some awesome sparkle pillows that really are not my style, but they seem to be Carlee and Tessa's style.


We had to have a sleepover on it last night. I cannot believe how easy it is to use, Porter can do it all by himself.

So, I think I am finally caught up on pictures. I have been in a "funk" lately and taking the time to do this has not been the priority. But now that I have done it, I realize how much of a priority it should be. I love looking back on past posts and the pictures we have, it is so much fun, and the kids like it too. Okay, now that is all done, moving on to my Saturday and being a mom.....

My little peanut is 5 months old....

I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by with Marin. I feel it happening, the whole "4th child thing". You know where you don't take pictures of them, don't make them a scrapbook, things like that, and I don't like that. This post is all for Marin. She has been changing so much so fast. She is now starting to sit up, standing (partially bent over), grabbing toys, eating paper (particularly Porter's homework), sticking her tongue out when she smiles, and arching her back while attempting to roll over. Marin is such a happy baby. Andy and I decided last night that her first word is going to be "hi" because we are always saying it to her when she smiles at us so big (I think she has already said "hi" a few times but don't know if it is possible for a 5 month old to say anything). Oh, and we call her our little peanut. Porter was our mister man, Carlee was my sweet potato or chunky monkey (she really got that name from the Shauberger's), Tessa was The Chub. It's funny how we have named each child twice.

Here are some pictures of Marin helping me with dinner. I love the bumbo seat (thanks Jill for letting us borrow it!)







The next few pictures are of Marin when we were cleaning her room. I found this cowboy hat that we bought for Porter and now each kid has had a turn wearing it. Marin was all smiles and talking until I put it on her, then you could tell she was not so sure about what was touching her.










Porter is seriously the best big brother, I think they look alike here.


Carlee of course had to run in for the pic. Poor Marin lives her life being smothered.


Always playing, Marin loves the raspberries on her belly.

I am just so grateful for this little peanut in my life. She brings so many smiles to my face each day. I love her eyes, they are truly filled with joy. I love her Donald Trump hair that everyone says I should cut (which I am so not doing), I love her big rolly thighs, and I love her dimple, oh that dimple has major ability to melt any heart. As I am writing this, she is sitting in the high chair behind me and I keep looking back at her, each time I do, she is smiling at me. I am so loved and so is she.

**5 Month Stats**
Weight 15 1/2 pounds 90%
Length 25 1/2 inches 90%
Head 41 cm 50%

Carlee Pre-School...

Carlee is not attending pre-school this year, but I do a co-op thing with some of my mom friends, it works out great with all of us taking turns, and there is no pressure. We tend to do whatever we want, it's great. I wish I had more pictures of some fun stuff they do at home, but I forget. The past couple of weeks we have gone to the nature center and swimming. I don't know if that would be considered pre-school, but who cares, the kids are loving it.


Carlee loved this duck and it loved her too, it gave her a love bite a few times.


Boys: Tanner, Seth, Wes Girls: Tessa, Ella, Carlee


Carlee and Ella swimming


Tessa and Tanner were not sure about being splashed.

Porter Star Student....

Porter was the star student the week school started after the Christmas break. He was so excited to be line leader, have lunch with the principal, and to read a book to the class. The last day of the week, the girls and I went into the class and I brought star shaped sugar cookies for everyone. I was so lucky to be there while he read the book to the class. Usually the parents come in and read the book, but Porter decided that he could do it and I was fine with that, more power to him.


Carlee was protecting Marin from all the curious kids.


Porter with his sisters, such cute kiddos.

Here is Porter reading David Gets In Trouble to his class....


I am so proud of Porter and what a good kid he is. He really is a STAR!!