Happy New Year

I did a New Years Post check it out below....and tell me what your favs from the past year are....

Merry Christmaas!

right now

My children are playing the PS2, they are playing the Simpson's racing game. I realize that my children are video game nerds. Neither of them really know how to work the controls. I don't think they even know that its called a video game. Yet, they catch on... kinda. Brennon keeps coming to me to get him "unstuck". And as I type this I hear Emma say to Brennon "I need driving lessons" HAHA. Of course at a friends Christmas party last night Jim got a taste for what the new Nintendo Wii can really do. Of course we both want one...Of course there pretty hard to get (unless your a crazy person who stands in line at 5 am, no mention of names here right Sarah??) But when we do get it they can have the PS2 and Jim and I can have the Wii... then maybe they will no longer be video game nerds. So Jim maybe you should go get in line, how does that sound babe? and okay okay we'll share the Wii with the kids...sometimes

New Year...New Like-ings

So as the new year approaches I began to think about this past year and all the new things I have found/discovered/rediscovered that I like. So here is my list from 2007 and I am looking forward to a new year and a new list!

Dylan

The Color Yellow (who would've guessed?!)

Everyone should try this place, or come visit me and I'll take you there..yummy!!
Not just any lemons, fresh ones straight off the tree from CA, Thanks A. Marian!!
Especially in water

Emma loves them too!



My Overland Donnor bag (thanks sarah for that one!)



Feist


Crop-A-Dile


Postal pick up at your door



Lubriderm Lotion - W/ premium Oat extract



Aveda anything rocks but this year I discovered the Tourmaline charged protecting face lotion

and the Aveda Oil burner



Dove Dark Chocolates



Tea Source - Minnesota Rouser

I am sure there is more but its been a long year. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

question for the moment

As I was draining the last drop of liquid laundry soap from its container so I could do yet another load of laundry I began to wonder whose bright idea was it to put the number of loads I can get from that container in such large print right on front. This might be great for advertising and is somewhat convenient when at the store and making a decision about what to purchase... HOWEVER, this can actually drive a sane woman to insanity when you realize that you have in a very short amount of time done 64 loads of laundry, and even more insane when your adding that now empty bottle to the trash bin and oh...look whats on top of that trash bin, another EMPTY bottle of 64 loads worth of laundry soap.


And as an Auntie of mine once said, We're either very dirty, or very clean.

Christmas Party

So in the excitement of having a kindergartner for the first time I signed up for room parent. Not exactly sure what all that detailed but now I know. Fortunately for me I was not chosen to be the room parent Coordinator. May God Bless those moms or dads who are! Anyway I was only responsible for Snack and Punch and accessories for about 40 people. Yes 40, figure 22 kids plus adults and siblings. So yes the room was hectic and loud and fortunately Brennon was in preschool and Addy was with her memaw. But on the plus side, I am so glad (Emma was too) that I was able to be a part of her class for that long hour. I got to meet some of her friends and other parents. We made gingerbread houses and played bingo. And now when the time comes and I have time to do it, I have some in class pictures for scrap booking!!!!

On the subject of fingernails and toenails

I have to keep up with 100 of them.

Thanksgiving Day

No, I'm not confused I've just been a little pre-occupied and have failed to post the update on my sweet sassy little thing who really does not appreciate it when mom puts pony tail holders or clips in her hair. And who after running all around the house with mom in tow trying to put in these so called hair clips and bows will usually pull them out shortly after. So instead of letting my little biting, hitting, pinching queen look and fit the role of a total ferrel child, we did a bang cut on thanksgiving day.


And can I point out that despite the horrible color in these photos from memaws bathroom she has new pink glasses as well. Which these pretty pink ones that don't fit all the way around her ears, she actually will wear!

Brothers

This is an image that I have to hold onto, because all to soon I'm sure the scene will be more like WWF smack down with blood and crying.

Christmas tradition

Our new found christmas tradition began last year, we vow to do it every year. To travel up to the mountains and cut down our very own Christmas tree! However, this will be the last year we have our 4 wheel drive to travel the rocky snow packed road. (we left Dylan with memaw, it was too cold for a little guy). But next year with 4 kids in tow it looks like we'll be packing 2 sleds and investing in chains for the van. Oh and the doll of a girl in purple isn't one of our's in case I start confusing people. I know its hard to keep up with us and our multiplying family.

Baby hidding

Emma is holding a walkie-talkie, Brennon has the other one. Emma comes to me and says "mom, we want to play find the baby, so can you hide Dylan for us to go find?"



I wonder exactly where she was thinking I would hide him?

one month

yes, well actually due to being MIA for awhile little Dylan is older now, but here he is at 1 month..wow time flys

sadly missing

Oh the trials of moving around furniture and rearranging rooms, OH how sad it is to not have my Internet for a whole week. but oh what joy to finally be back so I bring you some more blogging...

Adam and Eve

Let me set the scene, (and no I'm not claiming to be God, but just the enforcer of rules in my household).

Brennon has a bright blue bag with birthday candy from a fellow classmate. Once in the car he claims, not asks, but claims he is going to eat it all up and share just one piece with Emma. Mommy explains that the candy needs to wait until after we are home and have eaten some lunch.

We arrive home Emma and Brennon head to their usual spot, the step, to wait for mommy while I unbuckle 2 more children from the car and gather all the loose papers and sippy cups that seem to multiply all over.

When arriving to the door I see chocolaty grins from both older children and immediately Brennon points to Emma and says
"Emma said we could eat them"

Emma's Lot

Poor Emma-Jean as fate would have it she got peed on.
The very first day we brought Brennon home from the hospital she was standing on the changing table looking at him and sure enough he peed, had she not had glasses it would have gotten her right in the eye. Of course being so little she freaked out, screamed and well, it was an amazing scene.

Today while changing Dylan, Emma was gazing at him lovingly when he proceeded to take aim and sure enough right in the face again, this time more the forehead then anything. Fortunately this story ends up with Emma and mommy laughing as Emma washed her face and mommy washed everything else.

My letter

Dear Santa,

I know without question that you have placed me on your naughty list. I know this because well, I spent most of this year pregnant. And honestly, we both know that during pregnancy I am not a very kind person. I am sure the rude man at wal-mart has already written you a letter describing my misbehavior to him. But in my defense I would like to remind you that you, being a man, have no clue what its like to be so fat you can't see your feet, okay never mind, you do get that one. But at least you have normal feet that fit nicely into your shiny black boots. Mine were so swollen I couldn't bend them at the ankles and my only shoe option was a pair of sandals and even those didn't always fit the puffy over sized flesh that I had to claim. We also both know, since you claim to watch us when were sleeping, that towards the end of my 9 month sentence I wasn't getting much sleep. Even the makers of Zantac, bless there souls, couldn't ease the heartburn that would keep me in an upright position during those dark hours of quiet while everyone else around me slept. This alone causing me to become a very bitter woman, I value my sleep Santa. So perhaps this year we can overlook the past 9 months of my misery. I promise to be well behaved for the rest of this year. Okay I will promise to try, I am still not getting a lot of sleep you know. But maybe, just maybe since your such a jolly good man, you can grant me one request? Santa, would you please get my husband a vasectomy for christmas this year?

1 week old

Well, officially today he is 10 days old but since I didn't have time the other day to put it up, here is little boy at a week. I would also like to add that the other night after a 2 am feeding session my little boy giggled. Yes, he did! and he is smiling. I know they say its gas but I argue that. The giggle wasn't a complete baby or little kid giggle, think dumb jock kind of grunt giggle.

The Female Body

My oldest child is very excited about the female body. Today while I was nursing Dylan and the other two kids were sound asleep in their beds, Emma and I had a very good conversation about just how amazing our bodies are. First came the question as to what kind of milk Dylan drinks. This is a topic that occasionaly arises around our house since Dad drinks cow milk and the kids drink rice milk. Emma was wondering what kind Dylan drank. So I said simply, mommies milk. But that wasn't good enough, their had to be an actual name to it. So I said, its called Breast milk. Then came a lot more questions which I answered the best to my ability about how when mommies have a baby God made their bodies to make breastmilk to feed their babies. This really excited her for some reason and she started talking very rapidly about how she was someday going to feed her baby (at this point she is pointing at her chest) on this side, then on this side, then on this side again...and suddenly she looks at me with a concerened look and says "what happens when its all gone?"

so which is it?

When Brennon came to the hospital to see his new little brother he came over and asked me "did you bite him, or chew him?"
"did I what?"
"Did you bite him, or chew him?"
"oh, to get in my tummy?"
"yeah"

hmmm....

Now Introducing...

Here is our newest addition

Dylan Che Nelson
October 30, 2007
2:04 am
8 lbs 4 oz
21 1/2 inches

We went into the hospital at around 9:30 am on monday with contractions about 5 minutes apart and as is usual for me once we stepped foot inside, everything stopped. We almost decided to go home but since his heartbeat kept dropping they made us stay and finally after a very long day little man decided to arrive. So far we are all doing well and adjusting to a 4th member of our family. Yup, our minivan is officially full.

She's the big 2 now!!!

Its official, my little Addy Joy is now a 2 year old. And she has made the complete and smooth transition into the official terrible two's. She is so smart! She knew exactly how to go from sweet 1 to 2. Biting, hitting, kicking, saying no, everything is "MINE", running into the street, throwing food, she has temper tantrums down perfectly. We couldn't be more proud! Of course those are only moments, the other moments she is snuggling against us sucking her thumb, talking in her sweet little voice and yes even comforting big brother and sister if they are hurt and crying. So here she is my littlest girl up at Poudre Canyon ignoring us as we try to get a good picture of her.

Baby Belly

While I seem to have the time to post (wow, thats so rare these days!)

I will post the ever growing baby belly that some of you have been wanting to see!!

By the way this picture was taken up at Trailridge road, so yes, the whole "if you go high in altitude you can go into labor" is a MYTH!

Frog Catching

Actually I think they are toads. But apparently our backyard is home to them on this particular day we counted 8.

Brennons Turn

Finally after 2 years of watching his older sister get to go to a super fun classroom with new toys and activities Brennon gets a turn! His first day of school was Sept 5 and he loved it! Although Miss Jennifer said he wouldn't talk, she only got 2 words out of him, once he was home he had a lot to say. He loved the large bucket filled with water and toys to play in and of course playing outside on the playground.

I tried to get a better picture of him before school but my busy boy would hardly stand still for the one I got!

Sneaky

So my three year old son is very sneaky. I know that, however he is becoming better at it everyday. Nap times are non-existent these days. Oh I try, trust me I TRY!!
He likes to sneak out of his room during nap times and find other things to do...Like switching out my laundry, playing in my bedroom, playing in the bathroom, which includes toilet paper castles and dumping hand soap out of the container and filling it with the clear soap from the faucet, (he is just trying to be helpful). Since he is downstairs I don't always hear him and his mischievous ways. However, I can't help but crack a smile when I see him sneak upstairs and hide behind a chair. I do however let him stay there for awhile pretending like I don't see him. It keeps things quiet around here for a little while longer.

Today however, after returning home from picking emma up from school I didn't realize that my purse was missing. Not until I see Addy and Brennon with big cheeks and blue gum bulging out their little mouths. So I try fishing the minty gum out of my little Addy's mouth which only led to bite marks on my fingers and her swallowing it. (I really think that with each child a person has God makes that child's throat a little larger, considering all the things addy has swallowed that technically she should have choked on). The gum wrapper trail led me straight behind the chair. My purse and its contents dumped in a heap behind it. And I laugh when I think I was probably right in front of my two gum chewers as they were rapidly feasting on my Extra winter fresh treats.

Mourning my Mornings

So knowing that kindergarten was quickly approaching I realized that I wasn't as sad to see Emma-Jean off to "big kid school" as I thought I might be. She is definitely ready for it. I was really lamenting my lazy lazy mornings. Really this summer we had no plans no schedules. Last summer we had park days, swimming days, library days etc.. But perhaps my bulging belly and swelling feet had something to do with my acquired "lets sleep in and watch cartoons". Maybe that's just my excuse?! Anyhow the thought of getting up at 6 am to get myself and three kids ready and out the door so my oldest can be to school by 7:45 frightens me. This morning wasn't so bad. Most likely because Emma was excited to get up and go to school, more likely because Dad went in to work late so he could see his little girl off, which means I had help. Tomorrow will be the real test. Of course I can't complain this is much better then afternoon kindergarten especially considering Memaw will be taking Emma to school once we get this drop off thing down. WHOOHOOO I'll only have to have Emma-Jean ready bright and early the rest of us can still be sleepy eyed and in PJ's. At least until Brennon starts preschool....

So here's my little babe. Not so little and looking very much the adorable little blond prep in her school colors!

Do you see Emma off to go slide? Do you see other moms hanging out with their kids? Do you see me anywhere? I was told by another mom that we could stay and walk them into their classrooms since it was the first day. So I asked her if she wanted me to stay with her or go.

"you can go home". Gulp!

So thats Emma off on her own, and me taking the picture off on my way home!

Preschool summed up

Emma and I were talking about kindergarten and she was mentioning how great it was going to be because school is fun and you get to play. So of course I take this opportunity to remind Emma that school is indeed great and fun but she will also be learning a lot of new things, because she is a kindergartner now.
"like how to read?!"
"yes Emma and lots of other things too"
"Do you know why I went to miss Jennifer's class? (preschool) So you know not to pick your boogers"

Belated Birthday

Here are finally some shots of Emma's 6th birthday party. It was a pink princess partying good time!

Flower Girl

Everyone knows that the wedding day is really all about the bride. Oh how beautiful the bride looks, oh what a beautiful wedding she has. Oh what pretty colors and flowers the bride picked out...
Well, its all about the bride, it is her big day, let me say she was gorgeous and lucky the man who won her heart! although I hear he's a good guy and never mind that he looks good as well.
BUT, when your the mom of the cute little flower girl all the pictures on your camera are mostly of her, in her beautiful little pink dress with matching shoes. Of course try as I might I didn't seem to get a decent one of her walking down the aisle. Maybe in 25 years when she is the one wearing white I'll worry about those then.

Today

A bubble bath for the trouble makers.
No, we don't actually own the proper soap to make a proper bubble bath.
However, today while I was busy getting lunch ready and Brennon was suppose to be spending a few moments in solitary confinement, AKA: time out. My little Addy decided to entertain her brother by sneaking a bottle of liquid dish soap, which they proceeded to squirt all over the floor and rub all over themselves. So two soapy kids can make a really nice bubble bath and getting half a bottle of dish soap out of carpet is a nice afternoon activity for mom.
Also, may I point out that Brennon's eye is not due to his mischievous ways but rather, that is what happens to my poor little guy whenever he gets bitten by a bug.

Yesterday

right after breakfast while helping clear away the dishes

Emma "mommy, I'm gonna be a good listener today and help you do everything!"

Brennon "well, I'm not gonna be a listener!"


And both of them told the truth.

Nicknames

I have assigned my children nicknames. Now I have done this in the past so I am sure that the names I have assigned at this point in time will change at a later date. But right now I can't seem to think of any other names more appropriate than what I have given them.

Emma-Jean: Not having reached the age of 6, yet acting very much like I anticipate most pre- teens to act she is now "Drama mama". And as her daddy pointed out at last nights T-ball game. She may not outrun them when she gets to be in school, but she'll out do all of them in Drama!


Brennon: Being the mischievous little boy with the super cute face and grin, not to mention how quick he is at puckering up for a sweet kiss for mommy right at the moment of trouble, he is "Catch" as in Catch 22. He drives you crazy....but you love him to death!

Addy: Now she is teeny and super petite. Almost fragile looking, can you break her... well 2 trips to the ER to have her elbows set back into place tells us that you can dislocate her. Break her...probably. But if you tried, you would probably look as though you got into a massive attack with a dozen of cats...and lost. She is a biter, scratcher, pincher, and hitter.
So she is "scrapper" many run ins with her older siblings and she usually ends up making THEM cry.

Puppy Love

My Aunties Cocker Spaniel had puppies so of course we had to take our children to go and visit them. They are so cute when they are small, and so whiny while they were outside, they just wanted attention and to be held. So I guess they are a lot like kids, I mean you also have to make sure there being fed, and clean up after them. So perhaps I can look at it as though my poor auntie has 6 babies and at least I only have 3! Emma has already stated that she wants to visit them again. For the fact that my kids are animal leery I am glad they all liked them and actually held them!

Game Night

Tickets behind home plate: Free
4 foot long hot dogs: $19.00
1 french fry: $4.75
4 drinks: $19.00
Parking: $11.00

Taking 3 YOUNG KIDS to a Rockies game with a 1hour and 20 minute rain delay: Ummm...Priceless???

Our 4th of July

Infectious

There are a lot of things about my Addy Joy that are infectious, like her little laugh, her smile, the way she says ug, and puts her arms around your neck for a hug.
Her energy, the girl is my climber she scrambles up anything and everything like a little goat, yesterday she quickly ascended the changing table then managed to pull herself standing in the window, yes, the little small window in her bedroom, clinging to the glass, feet on the window sill. But another thing about her that is infectious is her germs. Particularly the germs from her mouth, see if she is pulling herself up on something she will often times use her teeth to help her achieve her goal, well last week her goal was climbing me. I received two little teeth marks in my left shoulder that resemble more of a snake bite then anything.
well, thinking nothing of it I didn't take care of it properly. So a few days ago I realize that its really red, and sore and that actually my whole shoulder is even sort of stiff and sore to move. Not to mention the pockets of puss and the red lines branching off from it. But have no fear Dr. Danyelle has been treating herself successfully and it seems to be improving. However, this has been a good lesson for me on Addys infectious capabilities.

Girly Girl

Last night we decided to try eating at Noodles & CO.
EmmaJean was loving her mac and cheese and exclaimed,
"this is were I will always eat after shopping all day!"

A.B.C.

Whats grosser then gross?

Realizing as you walk through the grocery store, that your son is chewing a piece of gum, that you did not give him.

Achieved

I think I can safely say that we have achieved success. Which of course now that is said I am sure some set back somehow will occur. He does super great at home, nap times, bed times and in the car. And when away from home and afraid to use a public potty, well, so far he seems to hold it well! We have not had any diapers for a whole week and I was so thrilled when I went to the store and only had to buy 1 package. Which of course I will only get to enjoy this feeling for so long before I am back to 2 I know, but for now we will enjoy this luxury. Way to go Brennon, who knew the sound of urine streams and plops in the toilet could make a mom so happy!

P.T. Day 5

We have achieved overnight dry success!
But I have to give you yet, another conversation which of course, involves poop.

Two tiny little poops fall to the floor as brennon is getting on the potty

"Oops, Brennon did we have an accident?"
"nope, they just fell out a little"
"hmm, I see that"
"I think we should put them in there" (pointing at the toilet)
"yes, do you want to do it? or should mommy"
"ummm, I think mommy, because poop is yucky and we don't eat it right?"

P.T. Days 2-4

So I've waded my way through the pile of laundry and have found a moment to give you an update. Let me first say that the bribing of M&M's was only effective for EmmaJean. Who took it upon herself to remind us to hand out the M&M's to everyone each time Brennon completed his task. Which then lead to her taking on the role of mother by asking brennon every few minutes if he had to go, then trying to watch him in the bathroom to make sure he did. We have now put a stop to that, the poor boy needs his space. Still, so far so good. I can't complain to much, the only car accident we had was due to the fact we were stopped by a train, dang train!

Today was a milestone day. After 4 days of not pooping, and then this morning complaining that his tummy hurt, and me explaining why...whoohooo he made it!!!!
which then lead to this conversation:

"I think my poopy is ice cream"
"why do you think that?"
"because its brown, like ice cream"

P.T. Day 1

So far so good. I am actually pretty pleased with this day one. my worry is days 2 and 3. We decided to abandon any social activities this weekend and focus on Brennon and potty training. So as I said...So far so good.

"Brennon, is your pee coming out?"
"Nope, I think my penis is mad"

Done Days

Our preschool days are done. EmmaJean is no longer a preschooler. She has officially joined the ranks of elementary school kids everywhere. She has become a kindergartner. Yes, mom is full of emotions. My first little baby is going off to school next fall. She will be left alone from me all day long. Goodbye small classroom of 11 kids and one super neat teacher. Hello big kids and finding your way around and figuring out how you fit in and where. Ahhh... This is merely the beginning of all sorts of things to come, and let me tell you I am not so excited about that!

Teaser

My kids have become quite good at teasing. I love it, well, unless one kid ends up whinning or crying because of it. But it has been so much fun watching their little personalities take on this new trait. Emma teases mommy and daddy, Brennon teases Emma, and Addy teases them both. Emma likes to hide things and pretend she doesn't know where they are. Or like the other day while I was waiting in the car here she comes from inside the gas station hands on the side of her face wiggling her fingers and sticking her tongue out at me. She thought this was really hilarious, and it was fun to do it right back to her. Today she has brought home some school artwork and one is of a "scary" spider that she plans on scaring daddy with when he gets home this afternoon.
Brennon's teasing is sometimes not so fun for his poor sister. He'll swipe a princess doll or some other near and dear toy and claim that it is his. All the while running from her while she starts screaming and crying that its not his and he is laughing because to him, its a game. His new thing lately is to claim that the cat is his. This really irritates Emma-Jean and she'll state matter of factly in her huffy drama voice "NO, its MINE I got it for my BIRTHDAY!"
Addy's teasing is a little more subtle yet, its definitly there. Of course Addy's teasing method mimicks that of her brothers which involves taking a toy and running away. Often times this toy belongs to brennon, I don't feel to bad for the boy since well, that is something he has tought her.

Unsupervised

Easter