The Grasteits

Update!

2009-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

So my cameras broken so I haven't posted lately but have these old pics I thought I'd post. Here's a pic if the tree house Ben's building. He's actually almost done but, like I said the cameras broken. It now has a custom door, shaker shingles and real windows. Now he's deciding on the safest way to get up there. I freaked out a little about a ladder, its like 10 ft off the ground. I was thinking an elevator?

Haley got student of the month a while back. She was so excited. Okay and so were her parents... a little.

Isn't she cute. I really like her. She's such a good kid. She just finished her science project and was one of the winners. She worker really hard.

Here's my Addy boo boo, as Claire and Haley call her. This kid is so sweet. shes just the best baby. I just stopped nursing her and I think it was harder on me than her. Shes getting chubby and is always so happy. Love her.

Oh my Claire, turning into such a sass a frass. Shes so spunky and she cracks me up. We're close because I'm a softy and let her sleep w/ me every night. I swear I'm gonna stop tomorrow. Love her and she gets prettier everyday...scary.

That's about all that's going on. Just staying busy w/ Kids, Family and Friends.

2009-02-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been thinking of all the things I don't have and worrying about all the worldly things going on and then Haley asked me to play her church songs from Youtube. We found this one and love it. I know this is weird coming from never serious, always crazy Melissa but, for me this puts everything in perspective and also make me feel lame for all the things I spend time worrying about. This is one of my favorite songs.Watch it if you want. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFibyjcyYsE

I've Been Shot!

2009-02-20T17:04:00.000-08:00

So, I was sitting at the computer w/ Addy on Thurs night and I heard a popping noise and then felt something whiz by me and hit the computer screen. I thought somebody threw something at me or shot at me. I got scared and yelled for Ben. I told him what I thought and said maybe it came from the back door(I had it open to air out my flu infested house). He kinda smirked and said. "Did you find anything?" Well, no I say. "Meliss, It was probably a moth." A MOTH! I tell him I know what a moth sounds like and it wasn't a moth whizzing by my ear. By this point I was doubting myself and Ben was making me feel stupid, so I dropped it. Well, the next morning I'm cleaning the kitchen and I find these holes in my windows. (see below evidence) You may have to make the pic big to see it well but, its in the upper middle , left area. This is where it entered.

It shot through to my bay window and this is where it hit there. Then it ricocheted off the window and flew by me to the computer .

The window it came in is behind me and that's where the computer is. Anyway, I thought I'd blog this so in the future when Ben tells me I'm being dramatic I can say " what about the killer moth?" I'm not going to lie I was pretty shaken after I realized what happened because my sweet baby Addy was on my lap. I was thinking "what if" and made myself cry. I've decide to close my curtains at night from now on. I also bought a sling shot and am gonna sit up tonight waiting for the shooter to return:)

Arizona!!!

2009-01-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, where to begin about my trip to Arizona....well let me start by saying it was all worth it to see my sisters and friends. We left for Az on Thurs. It was supposed to be my mom, dad and me and the kids but, my moms back was sore so it was just me, the old man, and kids. The trip there wasn't bad but the next day Holly and I went to go somewhere and my van tire was totally flat, like off the rim flat. Luckily my bro in law is handy and fixed it enough to drive back to the house. That night we went to see the Christensens and poor Holly sat on the floor of her van so we could all fit for the hour drive. Claire started getting whiny and by the time we got home around 10pm she said her ear hurt. Now, my kids have never had an ear infection and I was just bragging about this to my friends. Well, off to Urgent care at 10:30 pm,which was super nice and friendly. Turns out Claire has a double ear infection and pink eye. That night she did not sleep well and neither did the baby. So the next day Holly was going to take pics of my kids. I was tired and didn't eat much all morning and started to get a headache. By the time we got to the park and got on the golf cart to find a good spot, I was feeling really bad. After a few pictures I felt like I was going to be sick and my head was pounding. My sister Paige offered to watch the kids while Holly drove me back. I'm not an artist but, the pic below shows how we looked driving through the park on the golf cart. Holly holding my baby and me blowing chunks out the golf cart and back into my hair.

After a nap and some food I was feeling better. The rest of the trip was better. I got to hang out with my sisters and eat Holly's good food. Here's Addy and Aunt Paigie playing together.

My dad and Addy watching the Cardinals game.

Barbara Christensen is so sweet. She had this goose at her house that you can dress up. It was so funny, the kids loved it so she brought it for them to play with. Here's Haley with the goose she dressed up.

Here's me and Lisa. It was so nice to see her. We have so much fun together. Maybe I'll post some of our other flattering pics together.

Awww, the whole reason the trip was good. My and my sissy's.

Okay, I'm not done yet...So my dad and mike got 2 of my bad tires fixed and we were off on our way home. We were almost to Indio when a guy pulls along side and tells us we've got a flat. There are no close exits so we pull off a frontage road. Sure enough the tire we just got fixed is flat. My dad decides we have to change the flat. My poor dad doesn't get to much exercise so the physical exertion of doing this makes him huff and puff and wheeze, I thought he was dying. We put the donut on and we are on our way. We stop about 5 times looking for a place to fix our tire and finally in palm springs find a place. They fix the hole and we are on the road again but, not before spilling a soda and orange juice all over my car and some of my dads blue prints. We finally make it home and I almost cry. My dad was really patient with the whole situation but, has decided to fly from now on. I got home and got sick and lost most of my voice. As I type this Claire just fell and busted her lip and is bleeding all over...it just gets better. Oh, but at least shes potty trained now.....yeah! Anyway, sorry for the long post. Holly if you want to see me you have to come here!

Snowin in Simi

2008-11-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

This past weekend my nieces came over so I had to think of something fun to do so I could be the favorite:) I found the Simi mall made it snow so we thought we'd make the drive and check it out. I'm glad we did. First, the girls saw the train go by and Claire loves trains(you can read the happiness on their faces). This one isn't on a track, the girls loved it. I loved watching the peoples annoyed faces as we honked at them when they were in the way. Choo Choo!

Then they made the snow by the big Christmas tree. It was so fun, they played Christmas music and the snow(sudsy bubbles) came down.

Only in California when its 85 in Nov do we get excited by bubble snow. It was really cute watching the girls get excited. Haley kept trying to eat it and when she finally did was gagging.

Here's a pic of the ladies with snow still in their hair. After, we got some food and headed home. It was a fun night, I'm the greatest aunt ever(sorry Poppy). I would suggest anyone who lives close by go check it out.

Halloween

2008-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

This is us at our ward party. Ben and I recycled old costumes because we were to cheap to buy new ones. Haley has had her Giselle costume since last Christmas and has been dying to wear it. Claire's we got a while back on sale and Addy borrowed hers, so we didn't have to spend any money this year. We still cleaned up pretty nice.

Here's Addison with Grandpa Kuhn. People keep telling him she looks like him so now shes his favorite, sorry Claire. Look how excited she is.

Here is Claire with her wings on, the only time at Halloween she wore them and shes even trying to take them off here. Her attitude is perfect for Tinkerbell....sassy!

Haley had to keep correcting everyone who called her a bride. I explained to her that this was Giselle's wedding dress but, she still didn't like it. The mom of a boy in her class who likes her said "You should have told me she was gonna be a bride, I would have dressed Diego in a Tux, a glimpse into the future" Ben wasn't happy with this comment...Haley loved it!

Punskin Past (said like Claire)

2008-10-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the pumpkin patch last night. I remember when it used to be pumpkins and a few cut outs to take your picture next to. Now its like a full on carnival. Don't get me wrong it was fun but, nothings cheap anymore. The one fun thing was we let Haley go on one of those bungee cord jumpers. It was so funny , she kept trying to flip but, would get caught half way around and snap back. She loves that scary stuff...shes like her father.

Heres us and the Peraltas on the Hayride. It was real farm like driving next to a parking lot and Victory St. But, the kids liked it.

"Make a pretty Face" This is what I get!

Question?

2008-10-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

How do I post a video? I tried uploading one from my camera and it literally took all day...like 6 hours. Then it froze up and I had to restart the computer. What am I doing wrong?

Haley's 5!

2008-09-22T13:20:00.001-07:00

Haley's Birthday was yesterday, she had a Camp Rock party. OK, I wouldn't call it a party, it was grandma Kuhn having us over for Haley's favorite dinner(tri tip, salad and mashed potatoes and gravy). All of Haley's preschool friends are gone so we didn't have a big party this year. Ive told her next year for the past 3 years but, I'm serious this time. Her Cousin Kylee and friend Zoe did come. It was very mellow. I've decided I should post some pics of me with my kids so when they look back they will know they had a mom

Here is Haley at her little table with Zoe and Kylee...bunch of DIVAS!

So I tried to make a barbie cake for Haley. It turned out OK. I just get mad when they don't turn out perfect, but I'm learning. Wait till next year, I'm practicing. Nice smile Haley

Today I made cupcakes for Haley to take to school. Didn't they turn out cute. What a difference piped on icing and a cherry ball makes.

I love my big girl. She is a real good kid, very sensitive to others and that's important to me!

My Benny!

2008-09-17T08:45:00.001-07:00

So I never give my hubby much blog love, so this blog is for you Ben. (he will never read this)I feel bad because whenever Ben decides he wants to do something I throw a fit. For example, the entertainment/bookcases below. One day he brought home a book on how to build bookcases and said he was going to do it. I got mad and said he would destroy the living room and wood would fall on our children etc. It took him only a few days and this is what I got. I know I'm a jerk. Then I went to Arizona to visit my sis and came home to this. I always said I wanted a laundry room and he and a friend did it. Its right outside my door leading to the garage. Its a perfect little room to hide my laundry mess. I love it!( the counter and under shelves go all the way across. They wouldn't fit in the pic)

So, yes, I'm a lucky lady. He also always takes care of the older girls. He always gives them baths
and does the whole bedtime routine, books, scriptures,prayer and a song. Ben has a great voice and sings church songs to them. The rare times I do it the girls say "sing a song", when I start they so "oh its okay mom, never mind" Ouch! Anyhoo, My girls adore him and so do I. Maybe I'll show this to him to prove my undying love.

Growing up!

2008-09-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here is Haley on her first day of Kindergarten. My baby's a big girl now. I have to say it was a little hard for me to let go. But, she got a great teacher who is actually Mormon so I feel better. She did well her first day except, she didn't get the concept of a snack. She ate her whole lunch for snack and had nothing at lunch. Poor thing, we've gone over it since then.

Claire had a hard time as well. She misses her sissy all day and repeatedly asks when we get Haley.

Today I heard here talking to Haley but, Haley was at school. I came to find her putting her big dolls to sleep and asked what she was doing? She said Haley and me are taking a nap. She pointed to the doll. I guess she really does miss her sister....I'll remind her of that next time shes punching her!

My sweet Addy was blessed 2 weeks ago. She is such a good baby. I am really blessed. Here she is doing what she has grown to do often, sucking her fingers. Everyone tells me shes hungry but, she does it all the time even right after I feed her. I think its kinda cute...for now. Oh and thanks for the bow aunt Holly.

Here's the family. It is so weird to think I have 3 kids. I feel old.

Siz-zummer Fizz-un!

2008-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Okay this is like my longest post. I thought I'd end the summer with a bang. Here are some of the things we have done this summer.... Played outside with the new sand water play thing Grandma got Claire.

A lot of hanging out at home with the baby, its good for bonding and keeping mom sane.

Going to Rincon beach with the fabulous people in the ward. I didn't get to go both times, new baby and all. But, I've been promised another trip.

Haley and Claire love the beach! They ask everyday to go. Here is Haley with her friends Kate and Loni being mermaids.

Going to Dodger games. Here is Haley with her Uncle Jonny at the last game. She loves going to the games, mostly for the food.

Here is Haley and Claire showing off their ballet moves. Love the bow Haley. (Okay so I wont let Haley watch High school Musical or Hannah Montana but, because I think the Jonas brothers are such cute and nice kids I let her watch "Camp Rock". Its so funny because now she wants to write music and she makes up songs and sings with such flair and tries to play my moms piano. Its funny because she is so serious about it.)

Our final Hoo-ray of the summer was a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. I was nervous to take all 3 but, it was great. The baby was so good, like always. (She sleeps so well. She sleeps like 12 hours at night and only wakes up once .) We stayed at a hotel so we didn't have to squeeze it all into one day. It was our last time to use our Passes and hotel points(a cheap trip).

So Claire was scared of all the characters except Aladdin. It was funny because Aladdin was pretty darn attractive and my girls new it. Jasmin kept trying to talk to them but they ignored her and just talked to him. She asked for a hug and they said no but as you can see they were more than willing to hug Aladdin.

As we were walking away I told Haley I thought Aladdin was pretty cute. She agreed but ran and told Ben "Moms in love with Aladdin" He looked at me and rolled his eyes. I gave Haley a dirty look and told her to zip it!

Here is Haley absolutely loving the Parades. I have to say it makes me so happy to see how excited she gets. When her favorite princess Aurora come off the float to hug her I thought she would burst. I'm so cheesy but I almost wanted to cry.

And then there is Claire. I know she liked the Parades too but, from looking at her you would never know it. Characters would try to high five her or wave and she ignored them. She just studied everything with this serious face. I asked her later her favorite thing and she said the Parade. But she said she didn't like the scary puppy.(Pluto tried to say hi to her and she cried.)

It was a really nice trip until we got a call that we had been robbed while gone. It was like deja vu. The same thing happened to us last year on memorial day weekend. Sadly we think it has to be someone who knows us since this is the third time. (they also stole tools from our garage at the beginning of this year) Luckily, my great sister in law stopped by to water plants and get a package off our porch. We think she may have scared them away. Our new flat screen TV was off the wall sitting on our living room floor and the TV in our room was all disconnected. Sadly they got the new video camera I just got to replace the one that got stolen before. Needless to say we will now be getting an alarm system. Its sad because we moved here because its supposed to be a nice neighborhood. Maybe we should move back to the ghettos of Granada Hills. Anyway that's our summer. Now my baby will be starting kindergarten and I she has to be at school at 7:55 am...fun's over.

Haley's Q & A session!

2008-08-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

My sister had this on her blog and said I had to do it. It was pretty entertaining. Here are Haleys answers.
1. What is something that mom always says to you? Love you Babe!
2. What makes mom happy? When I say I love you and when we don't lie.
3. What makes mom sad? When I lie.
4. How does your mom make you laugh?By tickling me.
5. What was your mom like as a child? A girl.
6. How old is your mom? I don't know, tell me Mom
7. How tall is your mom? Sooo tall (with exaggeration)
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Read
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Play with the baby and watch TV.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Cause you like yourself.
11. What is your mom really good at? Playing sports.
12. What is your mom not so good at? Not eating Popsicles, you don't like them.
13. What does your mom do for her job? Your job is to pay bills.
14. What is your mom's favorite food? Meat and bread.
15. What makes your mom proud? When I give you a hug and a kiss.
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?Ariel
17. What do you and your mom do together? paint our toes and watch Pride and Prejudice. 18.How are you and your mom the same? Because you are white and I am white.
19. How are you and your mom different? You have a different color hair
20. How do you know your mom loves you?By saying I love you.

The Ladies

2008-08-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

There is not much going on here. I'm just adjusting to being a mom of three. It's not bad. Haley's in summer school 3 days a week and Claire and Addy just hangout with me. My family has asked me to post more pics of the baby. No one here knows who she looks like. Everyone says "She doesn't look like Haley or Claire". What do you think? Is she the mail mans baby? There's another pic below to help you decide.

Claire is going through a phase where she has to have the same hair as Haley. Let me tell you it is really hard to get my fat fingers to braid that little hair. Her pigtails stick straight out but, that's the only way she'll let me do it.

Here is Haley laying with Addison. The whole time the baby laid on her she wouldn't move, she kept her arms totally stiff. She didn't want to disturb her she said.

Claire Bear's 2!

2008-07-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Claire's Birthday was on July 7th but, we had it a little late. I was still recovering from having a child...I'm surprised I even remembered. We had a elmo party just like Haley did when she was 2.She thought it was weird when we all sang Happy Birthday to her. This is the face she made the whole time we sang. Maybe she's just disgusted by our voices.

We got Claire an Elmo car and she was really excited about it. This is a picture of my sweet princess ripping Chase off her new car..... sharing is caring is her motto.

This picture shows how much Chase is like his father, trying to get a peek. And how Mila is like her mother by letting him.

My poor husband, I make him do everything

She's Here!

2008-07-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you that didn't know I have birthed my baby. Addison Jean was born on June 30th. Everything went really well and fast. I got to the hospital at 9pm and had her at a little after 11pm. I made sure it wasn't too fast to get my epidural. I still felt a lot and have a whole lotta respect for those who do it natural.

She was a big girl 9 pounds 7 ounces and 21 in long. I could have sworn she was going to be small but, the word small and Melissa don't mix. She's a really good baby, she just still has her nights and days mixed up. I'm staying at my moms which is a huge blessing. She watches the other girls while Addison and I nap. I dread going home. Anyway, I feel really good, better than with both other girls. I just keep thanking the Lord for how well everything went. Ben says it's so easy we could have 4 more...He's still recovering in the hospital.

Here's my cute little family on 4th of July. I was so lonely while they went and celebrated without me, I kinda like them a lot!

Going for a Record!!

2008-06-24T11:01:00.001-07:00

I know...can you believe it..2 posts in one month. Its a record breaker. I know when the baby comes I will be bad again so I thought I'd try now. These pics are all out of order but, I still dont compute well enough to figure out how to blog correctly. Anyhoo, Some have asked to see how big I've gotten and this is as good as it gets. I dont really like my pic taken as it is but w/ an extra 25 pounds Im even less than thrilled. This is about the only profile pic I have and Im not taking one myself, they are too close.
Here we went swimming at Ben's moms house. Its like 114 degrees outside and I love feeling weightless in the water so we swim more now.

This is my cutie Claire bear. She is so baby obsessed. Im more worried about her than having a baby. Any baby we see she wants to hold and poke and kiss. I keep finding her in the infant seat and bouncer. I need to hide them better.

Happy Fathers Day. Bens gonna love me for putting this flattering pic of him up. We made him breakfast, which the girls mostly ate. He got a Flat screen for his birthday/fathers day gift. He's such a good dad and husband. In the last couple months he has built me a entertainment center, a laundry room and a patio cover. Im gonna post pics of all of them soon. My girls adore him and so do I. Okay, enough about him this is my blog! Dont you love Cliare's second day pig tail hair.

*REMOVED FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT*

(Ben in his underwear)

My Baby girl graduated from preschool. Shes so big now. Next year she will go to kindergarten full time(8-2). I think Im more nervous than she is. I dont have too many pics because it was a great ceremony...Short! Sing some cute songs and have some food. Just how I like it.

Anyway, Thats all Ive got for now. My babies due next week some time and Im just trying to get ready. Like you can be prepared for a third child. Im just very...tired. I cant wait till my friends have more kids so they will understand my flakiness more. I love you guys by the way. Thanks for sticking by me when I never answer your calls. I'll try and do better....no I wont!

Summa Time!

2008-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Summer hasn't officially started but, it seems like it. We've been enjoying the nice weather,bar-b quing and good summer food. As you can see here Claire loves watermelon! My kids cant get enough fruit and I confess neither can I. We love the farmers market. We are all very regular! (TMI)

Haley's favorite past time is playing ball with dad in the backyard. She'll be just like me and be the son her father never had. I have to say she is really good. She has hit the ball over the house a few times. I think I'm gonna put her in T-ball.

Ben took us to his secret beach spot. It was a beautiful day. There were tons of dolphins and the beach was practically empty. Near the end it got a little windy, Ben's girls cant be cold so he dug a big hole, took my blanket for them to lay on and got an umbrella to stop the wind and shade their delicate eyes.....I just sat there shivering!!

I enjoyed the trip because I got to sit back and relax while Ben entertained the girls. The only low point is when I went to sit down by the water and a bunch of people came running and tried to roll me back into the ocean!! They all kept yelling something about save the beached whale!!

Don't Get Too Excited!

2008-05-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

It is just Holly, the best sister ever... with permission to be on Melissa's blog this time. So Melis said I could spruce up her blog a little and while I was at it I thought maybe I would post something so people can comment on her blog again. I think we shall entertain Melissa as well as ourselves with some good memories of times with Melissa. Instead of writing a book for each comment I figure just a few words so that she will remember your fav memory. I will start...

menthol tissues and Melissa's crotch

Easy enough, right?

Here is another one...

Arby's, the food tray, and the trash

That will have to do. Have fun with this. I would like some creativity on this!

Im Back.....for now!

2008-03-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, I dont wanna hear how I never blog, some things just lose their excitement and the fact that I still don't have a computer. If you want me to blog , give me the name of someone who can fix my computer and charge me less than the value of the stupid computer! Anyway, I'd like to clear up the misconception that I am having a boy, it's a girl. Holly likes to confuse people with her comments. I'd also like to say Im very excited to be having a girl. Im sick of people saying "oh no another girl!" I come from a family of 4 girls and love it. I don't need a boy to be fulfilled. Im feeling so much better these days. I guess it was good I was sick, it makes you appreciate feeling good that much more. I haven't been doing anything exciting, just getting my house ready for a third child and cooking and cleaning. Im trying to be a good housewife and mom.....it sucks!! Well your not missing much when I dont blog. Here are a few fun pictures of me and the girls.

So my fabulous brother in law Ryan(AKA BFF) emailed me that I needed to go check out this place in the hood of Van Nuys. He wouldn't tell me what it was, just to bring a camera. I gave him grief and told him about gas prices but he said "trust me, you'll like it" So I went. Im driving along getting mad cause I dont see the big deal about a bunch of warehouses,then the clouds part and I see a Dunder Mifflin sign. He lead me to the lot where my favorite show "The Office" is filmed!! I was so excited. I get out and find a small open gate and sneak in. It was great. I walked around like I knew what I was doing until I opened my mouth to ask a man where they filmed the office scenes and he turned out to be the head honcho and kicked me out for being a liability. A pregnant women and a small child....whats the liability. Here are some of the pics I got. You better believe Im going back soon with a hardhat and tool belt. Thanks Ryan, you da man!

Isn't that a sweet face. Love this kid!

Haley playing the role she plays best....a little princess!

Okay, is it just me or is Haley giving the camera the finger. They are both such Hams.

I have no 3rd sister!

2008-01-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

I did not post this last post!! My sister Holly (the evil one) has hacked onto my blog and posted this horrible picture. I just discovered this and have decided to disown her. She is now dead to me.

New 5-D Ultrasound picture!!

2008-01-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

YOU CAN SEE WHAT THE BABY LOOKS LIKE WITH THIS NEW MACHINE ........

Sorry to inconvience you!

2008-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry I haven't blogged in so long. I have three valid reasons:

1. I was sick a lot( baby & other)!
2. My stupid computer is broken for the second time in a year.( it's practically new)
3. I burned out on blogging!!

As soon as my computer is fixed and I feel like it, I will blog again and make all your lives worth living. I'm also sorry for not commenting, I thought I was on deaths door. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Are you donating???

2007-12-05T12:55:00.001-08:00

I hope we are all donating to the oldest free soup kitchen and coat facility in the northwest!! I guess Justin Timberlake is good for one thing!! I hope this brings you all the holiday cheer it has brought me.

That's Hotter!!

2007-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is Ben and I on Halloween. I just got these pics from a friend. I was sad because no one at the ward party noticed we dressed up. They never said nice costume or anything. I don't get it. Oh well! I was a little sad because my poofy bangs went flat. Nice Gut!! Not so Hott!

This is what happens when you give your kid a small chocolate covered pretzel in the car. Claire fell on the way to the car and was really sad so I gave her one of the pretzels I had grabbed. When I opened the door of the car I saw this face. And that's not all the other half of the pretzel was all over her car seat. It was seriously a mini, tiny pretzel. What is she Houdini!!

All Hallows eve!!

2007-11-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

We were really excited to go to the pumpkin patch but, as you can see by Haley's face it didn't last long. Haley decided to go down the big slide first. She went down once and then said "uh oh mom" I guess the slide was a little too exciting for her. She had a little accident. Poor kid, she was so upset we had to leave. I made her take a quick pic w/ me and if you look close you can see wet spots on her leggings.....I bet you will all look!!

Claire loved the train! You can always read her emotions right on her face.

My cute witch and cowgirl! Claire wouldn't put that darn straw down

All the kids at the Marlows.Claire, Dallin, Chase, Milana, Zoe and Haley. What a wild bunch!

Knocked Up!

2007-10-31T11:23:00.001-07:00

Don't be offended by my title, I know some people don't like that term....but, I do! So, yes I'm pregnant, but only by like a day. I was going to keep it on the low down, but I told my dad (big mistake) and I had like a dozen people come up to me last night at the Halloween party with Congratulations ....thanks dad!I have to say I was very surprised. I thought it would take us from 6 months to a year like Claire. Not this one, it only took one month. So now Claire and this baby will be almost exactly two years apart. I'm so scared! Anyway, That's all I got, now I just wait to get fatter!!

Carpinteria!

2007-10-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is a long post because I don't know how to shrink pics. Every year our family gets a beach house in Carpinteria for a week. This is the first year I've stayed the whole week. Let's just say sleeping with both kids in a small bedroom doesn't make for much sleep. I barely survived. Otherwise the weather was perfect and we didn't have to breathe in Ash all week. Overall a wonderful time!!

Haley and her cousins on the Beach. Notice my child is the only one who cant give a normal smile.

Claire loved the beach, but she loved suckers more. This is why she rarely gets one. She kept dropping it in the sand and would scream while I took it to rinse off. I finally let her suck on sand.

I had to post this picture because rarely does Haley do a normal smile or face. Doesn't she look sweet here? Looks can be deceiving!!

So, Ben and his brother decided to go fishing. They got some poles and a little blow up raft and went out to sea.....far out! They went 3 times and spent a cumulative 10 hours fishing........this is what they caught. Poor babies! One lousy little fish. See how proud Ben looks. Of course I made fun of them.

We went and visited our friend who has a pony ranch. Haley got to ride Pebbles. She's a pretty good little equestrian. Now she tells me she wants a pony for Christmas.....yeah that's gonna happen!

We went to the Santa Barbara Zoo which, I usually enjoy, except this time. Isn't a Zoo supposed to have animals in enclosures? Not this time, this time it was just enclosures. Yes, we only saw about 1/3 of the animals, they must all be in Rehab or something.

My wonderful friends came down to visit me. It was so fun we got to watch our kids, type Ben's paper for him and wake up with our kids in the middle of the night. The best time was when the kids went to bed...

Because that's when we got to watch The Office together and eat slice and bake cookies. I love womanly bonding. I'm going to plan a women only get away every year now. Start preparing your husbands!!

A Burning Sensation!

2007-10-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Don't try this at home!! Anything with a marijuana leaf on it is bad for you!!

Exhibit A:Vanity is a wicked, wicked thing. I will be going to our beach house this week so I decided this year I would have a tan. I'm usually okay with my pastiness but, my bodies not the same as it used to be and I heard a tan makes you look slimmer. Im usually anti tan but Ive gotten vain in my old age.The man gave me a free sample of a lotion guaranteed to make you darker. I tried it on my lower legs. Exhibit B: He said it would cause some redness and tingling. Tingling my *&%. It was a full on fire. My legs were burning so bad. And these pictures weren't taken right away, this was after they had gotten better. I'm all for tigling, just not on my legs(wink, wink).Im just putting this out there so none of you are tricked with the line "a little redness and tingling" Thats what I get for trying to fake bake.

Disneyland

2007-09-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

For Haley's 4Th Birthday we went to Disneyland for 2 days. It was so fun! And I have to say Haley was perfect. No whining, went on every ride, and was happy to be there. I watched all the other kids crying and throwing fits and I was very grateful. Ben and Haley are clones, NO FEAR! They went on every ride, I sat at the exits when they were too scary or would make me vomit. The only one Haley didn't like was the snow monster on the Matterhorn. Every ride after that she would ask "Are there any white gorillas on this?" Overall a great time!!

Here's Haley and Ben after our first trip down splash mountain, not too wet. The next time Haley was soaked. Her favorite rides were Pirates of the Caribbean(3x) Jungle Cruise(3x) Space Mountain(2x) and Splash Mountain(2x)

The little Mermaid was checking out Haley's Birthday manicure. Haley was in awe of her, she could hardly speak. The mermaid was super cute! I told Ben to wait around the corner!

This is a funny picture of me playing at the pool trying to get some sun!!

Carl's Bad!

2007-09-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip down to Carlsbad to visit Dianna, her sister Val and their families. It was really fun. I wish it could have lasted longer. Here's a random, non planned pic of my family gazing out to see holding hands!!

This is how you watch your kids at the beach. 1. Dig hole 2. Place child in hole 3. Dig them up when its time to go. We almost forgot to do # 3!

What a good lookin group of Mama's! Notice Haley heard the word camera and couldn't help sticking her little cranium in the pic. What a HAM!

Reunited!

2007-09-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

This Picture brought a tear to my eye(sniff). All these wonderful women have been my bestest friends. Im soooo lucky(sob) to have them and... Holly to steal them from!! Seriously , though I love you guys.

I put this pic up because Haley looks so funny. She likes to roll her ballet tights until they look like biker shorts. Its all the rage now!!

No nose bleeds this time!

2007-08-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Someone Ben's doing a job for gave us these tickets. What a difference good seats make. I actually got into the game because I could see the players. It was fun. I also liked looking for all the famous people in the fancy seat section in front of us. To sit there you had to have had Botox done.

We were so close (this is not zoomed). See that lady down there. That's doctor Quinn medicine women. She stood up like 20 times during the game. Need some attention?( I didn't take this pic because of her, she was just always there)

Camping in Carp!

2007-08-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Haley loves the tide pools! She likes to poke the squishy anenamies(?) and have them spit at her. I told her I'm squishy and I'll spit on her but she said it's not the same.

Ben likes to show off his cooking skills. He'd grilled up some tasty shrimp. I wish he'd show off at home. Nice face too!!

Claires new favorite thing is to dip...her food that is. So she loved the beach, it was one big bowl of dip to her. Everytime she took a bite of chip she had to dip it in the sand first. Yum, fiber!!

Laguna Beach

2007-08-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

For our 5th Anniversary we went to Laguna Beach. We've done this almost every year. We had a good time. We played on the beach, shopped, ate at some good resturaunts and swam alot. Our hotel was right on the beach but, we didn't like it very much...dirty! Ben got me a massage where I fell asleep and woke myself up snoring...not too pretty. The kids got to eat junk food so they loved it. All and all a good little vacation. This is our only family pic, it was late and we were learning how to use the timer.

Poor Claire couldn't get a nap, so she slept where ever she could! Including Dad's shoulders. Ben loved it, all the women would say"oh, that is sooo cute". I just held down my lunch.

Haley found a sea slug at the beach. It was pretty gross, it gooed all over her. Haley felt cool because all the kids came to look at what she found. Then these older kids came and took it from her and stole her thunder. So I did what a good Mom should, I threw sand at them!!

We went to the Marine Rescue place and Haley bonded with a baby seal named "Nick", isn't he sweet. I asked if I could leave Haley and take Nick...they said No!

I've Been Tagged!

2007-08-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tag! You're it!This is just like one of those "get to know your friends better" Tagging means that I do my "top four" in the following categories, and then tag four more people.

Favorite 4 jobs I've held:
1. Special ed Aide
2. Subway Sandwhich Artist
3. GAP girl
4. Banana Republic girl (its all about the discounts)

4 Movies I can watch over and over:
1. Pride and Predjudice(A&E version)
2. The Holiday
3. Pride and Predjudice (new version)
4. Sense and Sensibility

4 Places I have lived:
1. The hills of Granada
2. Fresno, Ca (for like a week)
3. Spanish Fork and Provo, Ut (yuck)
4. Woodland Hills, Ca

4 T.V. shows I watch:
1. The Office
2. Heroes
3. Top Chef
4. Real world/ Road rules Challange (Im sorry)

4 Places Ive been on vacation:
1. Kauai
2. Laguna Beach
3. Carpinteria
4. Utah (what a sad list)

4 Favorite Foods:
1. El pollo Loco salad
2. Fried Zuchini
3. Biscuits & white gravy
4. Fish Tacos

4 Websites I visit:
1. Blogs
2. Wells Fargo
3. Stephanie Meyer ( she writes the books I love)
4. Go city Kids

4 People Im tagging now:
1. Valerie
2. Laura
3. Holly
4. Lisa

That's Hot!

2007-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

I try to get Claire to take swim lessons with her sister but, she says she can't because she can't find goggles that fit. What a diva!

Swim Lessons??

2007-08-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

So Haley has been taking swim lessons, if you call it that. The teacher will ask Haley to do something and she will say"No, it's okay" or she'll take the things she's supposed to do and change them to her liking. For example, the teacher told the girls to drop the rings to the bottom of the pool and try to get them. Instead Haley took them to the step and did it from there. Much easier as you can see in the pictures!!

Must Read!

2007-08-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I must share with you, my fellow bloggers, something that has made me very happy. I want you to also have this happiness in your life. You must read Twilight. I should warn you that it is addictive. Its a good idea to buy Cheerios to throw at your children so you don't have to stop reading. I have given the gift of happiness to my mother and she hasn't spoken to me in 2 days, she's obsessed with it! So please read and try to prove me wrong...I'm serious, go get it!

Our Balls and Minds are in the Gutter!

2007-07-30T15:13:00.001-07:00

We took Haley bowling for the first(and last) time. Let me tell you it took forever. We tried through the legs, beside the leg, over hand, and underhand. Nothing made that ball go fast. Each time she bowled it took like 5 minutes and then it would just fall in the gutter.......and it was bumper bowl. It reminded of "Uncle Buck" for those of you who remember. We'll try again next year!

2007-07-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Claire bowled a 230. She beat us all.

Here she gets a high five after she bowled 3 strikes in a row. It's a turkey! (I know my bowling lingo)

Pucker Up!!

2007-07-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

I felt like I was neglecting my poor, homeless naked child so, I had to post a pic. I swear she does have clothes. How could you not kiss those lips? That's her boyfriend Ken's leg in the picture with her.

Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium

2007-07-20T14:22:00.001-07:00

Three tickets to the dodger game= $33.00

2007-07-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Dodger Dog, a root beer, and a ice cream= $75.00

2007-07-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the nose bleeds and not finding your car at the end of the night....priceless

So worth it!

2007-07-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Im going to get a little corny...Having kids can be tough sometimes. Yet the good always out weighs the bad. Like today when the girls were being really quiet I got worried they were up to something. Then I come around the corner and see Haley reading a touch and feel book to Claire. It was soo sweet. It melts my hard little heart. So to all my friends with one child....get busy!! It gets better with each one.

Melissa Jolie

2007-07-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

I just want everyone to know Im doing fine after my enhancement surgery. Everything went beautifully and I think I look fabulous. Haley really wants hers done as well.

Meana Ballerina

2007-07-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Haley is a ballerina diva. She must not have a hair out of place or she makes me fix it. I feel like a pagent mom following her around with a can of hairspray. She loves ballet and she listens so intently to her teacher. Maybe I should wear a tutu and she'd listen to me

2007-07-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Haley is such a girly girl but, suprises me when she does stuff like this. She was the only kid in our group at the Bug Fair willing to hold a millipede....and she loved it.

2007-07-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Can you tell by her excitement that this one was
her favorite??

2007-07-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

2007-07-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

My Clair Bears One!

2007-07-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Claires birthday was on 7/7/07 and she's not even old enough to appreciate it. It has gone too fast. She's my baby, everytime she tries to walk I push her down so she won't grow up! She was a little sad on her birthday because she's getting her molars and her sister gave her a fat lip that morning (accident...I hope). I was so disappointed when we gave her her birthday cake and she didn't dig in. The kid loves food but, unless we pushed her she ate like a lady. I guess I should be happy. To all my friends with babies, enjoy them, don't be in a rush to make them grow up. Sniff, sniff it really goes so quick.

2007-07-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

My baby girls. Some people may call it cheesey but, I like to dress them alike once and a while. How do you other bloggers feel about this? Cheesey or just darling?

2007-07-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I stopped being a follower after highschool but, I guess I was wrong. Im doing this because my friends are. I might as well start wearing daisy dukes and white eyeliner again. But seriously, Im doing this because I enjoy looking at everyone elses and I have some free time at night since all my shows are off TV. Once The Office and Heroes are on again you won't here from me. Im very slow when it comes to this technology thing so I hope I can figure this out. Pictures to come soon.