Attempt at Family Pictures

Ok, so I have been mentally prepping myself for the reality of what family pictures entail. It would be pulling teeth, hands and feet to take Nathan (and kids) to a studio, so I settled for 2nd best, Mandy. What helped me persuade my 7 year old into his matching sweater was that Mandy is a 'photographer' because she has taken a photography class. (she and I took it together that is why our photos are so amazing!). Right?
It worked. Tanner wore the sweater then literally ripped the thing off when we were done. I prepped Nathan ahead of time to help me out and be a good sport. I can guarantee you, Mandy helped by her presence being there to cover up his real feelings.
We managed to capture some that will have to work until next year when there is another pulling teeth, hands and feet to attempt this. Perhaps it will be them pulling mine because I will be mentally drained from the emotional trauma this causes me! Just kidding they did pretty good, sort of.

We began our adventure in our neighbors back porch by her pile of wood. After a few clicks of Mandy's magic touch, the husband declared "good we are done!". I said yeh right buddy!

We then trampled into her house and took some from her fireplace. Nathan said "ok we are done how about a piece of candy kids? I declared, NOT YET!

He said to me "Mandy does not want to spend all day with us" I told her yes she does. So we got one last outdoor attempt with the kids in Tanner's snow fort.

I think some turned out OK! For the rest of the day I was just so thankful we got them done! If you want to see all of them (which I know you do) leave me a comment requesting so and I will gladly fill your need!

Savannah the dancing queen

Savannah has been in dancing. She has enjoyed it quite a bit (surprise anyone?).
She had her little dance recital and looked extra cute. (biased opinion).
She missed the last practice due to pinkeye so she is a little off, but still...she is a budding star.


I did not get the video of the end pose.
So here is her picture. (this blog is probably a lot more interesting for G and G's).

Corbin had a great time. He got to sit back in a cool chair and eat some Teddy Grahams.

Pretty pumped you think?
She had a fun time, after she felt comfortable. Corbin got up and danced in the aisle, Tanner took lots of pictures with his camera. Nathan asked after each little age group "are we almost done?" (bop him on the head!) We are well on our way to a supportive family for a budding actress!

Pinkeye and all sorts of fun!

So, we returned from Thanksgiving giving lots of thanks and such to support the poor underpaid doctors!
Corbin started the fun with a cold and partying with me all night Saturday night, thrashing around the bed "ouch ears" I knew the dreadful was happening. Unfortuntely, the Dr.'s office was closed on Sunday (obedient people!). But, I got around a Dr's visit. My friend (foot doctor) wrote him a prescription. Walgreens saved the day! Savannah was very concerned about going on a Sunday. I agree. But, ear infection???
The next day he woke up with the pink and goop from his eyes. Nice.

No, this is not a picture of pinkeye Corbin, just cute Corbin.
Monday, Savannah woke up with pink goop and eyes sealed shut. Sweet. Kid #2 bring on the fun!
I took Savannah and Corbs to the Dr. to see if it is bacterial or virus. Yep, bacterial. I was there for quite some time as the Dr. discussed Corbin's illnesses. (head cold, double ear infection, massive adenoids and tonsils, white spots on the throat and pinkeye). Savannah left with spots on the throat and pinkeye. I left the day spending gallons on meds.

Right before we started FHE, Tanner did some serious complaining, "my ear really really hurts mom" I replied with "what? no it doesn't, you don't have a cold, you are healthy". He sat in the chair the rest of the night and ended the night with a 102.5 fever. Sweeeeet!
What did we do the next morning? Took Tanner into the Dr. (Nathan so so kindly did so I did not have to drag all infested kids back to the Dr's office). Tanner came home with an ear infection and spots on the throat and KABOOM, Pinkeye!

So, today (Tuesday) I have three kids home and I want to pull my hair out!

Savannah you got that right!!
So, here is our final result. Three sickies and so many meds we must be dealing from our house!

During this season of thanks, I am thankful we do NOT have the flu!

Halloween Kiddies

I have yet to tell the details of Halloween. We were absolutely pounded with kids trick-or-treating! I had 250 teeth fangs and spider rings. It took 1 hour and 30 min. and we were wiped out completely dry!
The traffic was so horrendous here we did not leave our house except to trick-or-treat our street. I had the kids hang right near me, so so many people out it blew us away!
But, this is what our kids dressed up as.

What is great is that Savannah's monkey outfit belonged to Tanner and he wore it for 2 years then Savannah this year. That is getting your money's worth!
Corbie's little frog costume was borrowed and Tanner is always 'camo'd up.
tell next year!

It's a puppy!

I am 22 weeks today. Over half way! Who would have guessed this girl at the sweet age of 4th grade and a sweet hair do


could have three little rug rats

as cute as these three then to have one more!


can you tell what we are having??

We are very excited!
We took the kids to the Dr's appt. today. Tanner exclaimed "YES!" Savannah said "ohhh" with a sad sigh, and Corbin said "It's a puppy!".
Well, we at least this little new fella will make Tanner happy, Corbie think he is getting a pet and Savannah just wishing for a girl everyday.
But, we are all happy, baby is very healthy and while on the ultrasound waved to us. He is meant to join our family.

many uses of cardboard

We ordered our new chairs from Target.com for our new refinished kitchen table. The chairs came in big boxes. Oh the fun the kids have had! Boxes were everywhere!!

Savannah's "house" and "cottage" and "baby bed". Couch included. I finally talked her into moving it downstairs (tears involved) we accomplished the task. Whew, I was able to have my living room back.


Savannah has had many different sleeping houses with these boxes. For a Sunday nap, she slept in her "cottage". For her nighttime sleeping, she first started sleeping on the box, insisting "it will simply take getting used to". I wedged the purple princess pillow between her and her bed so she would not slip under her bed.


She then went back to her regular bed only to come up with a new bed idea. "it will take some getting use to". She now (to this day) sleeps in the new and improved bed. She has to crank her head to the side and bend her knees and loves it!!


Tanner and Savannah have found the boxes to be a wonderful ride down the stairs.



Savannah cautiously takes her turn

Who needs Christmas when you have boxes!

Back in '82

High School Days
Here's a tag about High School:

1. Did you date someone in high school? I wanted to date a few boys. But, I will not name them!

2. What kind of car did you drive? I drove two different cars. One-a station wagon, tinted windows and it was a baby hearse. It could pack the people in there!! It drove terrible in the snow though. The other car-a teeny tiny gutless Izuzu Mark II or something like that.It was green and a stick shift. It took a lot of urging and begging to make it up any hill! We called it The Stink Bug.

3. Did you pass your driver's license test the first time? you bet I did, if not that would put a horrible label on the driver's ed teacher! He was my father. I will say this, I did not pass in flying colors. Just passed. Whew!

4. Were you a party animal? Partied with the best of them. You know things like going for walks, 4-wheeler rides, making brownies and watching our homemade friend videos. the only thing missing was the red bull and cigs.

5. Were you considered a flirt? Perhaps a wanna be.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope, I was in a singing group with my 6 friends, but I was the one who mouthed the words. I did do drama and by george, I was the best Rachel Lynde from Anne of Green Gable ever!

7. Were you a nerd? Nope, a 'jock'.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? All that were available.

9. Did you ever get expended or expelled? No, I am sure my Dad, or my conscience would have gotten the better of me!

10. Can you still sing your fight song? "Schools of school we dearly love, is our proud old West Side High, flowing banners proudly wave, beneath God's peaceful country sky...(cheerleaders are kicking one leg up and then turning, pom pom's in hands)

11. Who were your favorite teachers? I had a few. Some I was not so kind to, others I had a blast with. Dad was fun, although, i fell asleep in his class and he brought it to EVERYONE's attention and then had a student drop his thick History book on the ground right next to me. I jumped a mile. All my Dad said was "Stay awake!".
I did some sneaking out of the classroom windows, stuffing candy wrappers in the wall behind the desk, getting away with all I could, except getting in trouble.

12. Where did you sit at lunch? With my friends at whatever table. no specifics. Would not touch the fish patties and I de-greased the chicken patties and fries before eating them.

14. School mascot and colors. Pirates. Maroon and White (although the refs would say "purple and white" or "red and white". It frustrated me so bad! I often corrected them.

15. Did you go to homecoming and who with? yes, i did. Junior Year: Val B, Senior years, Troy A.
On one of those dates, I was in heaven!

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Some of it was really a lot of fun, other parts were not so. Kids are brutal and trying to find who you are is really hard! But, I had such fun times as well.

17. What do you remember most about graduation? I remember the presents and sort of feeling like I was in a wedding reception. All 44 graduates were around the church gym and those attending would congratulate us and hopefully give us money! I marched in with my cousin, but it was pretty lucky he was there. Even graduated at that! So, I was almost coming in solo.

18. Where did you go on Senior Skip Day? Did not skip one day of school! But, when the rest of the (200) kids went skiing, a couple friends and i went and played. One friend receiving a concussion and ending up in the ER. I always get caught when I am toying with trouble!

19. Were you in any clubs? I highly doubt it. But, was on the Honor Society. Is that club?

20. Have you gained weight since then? Would I be abnormal to say no? Ok, I am normal. But, I will say not a whole lot.

21. Who was your prom date? Sophomore Year: Brandon S., Junior Year: Troy A., Senior Year: Lincoln M.
One of those dates, I wore the SAME dress as another girl, which means she went to the same rental place as the rest of the Valley!(Logan to Preston and beyond)-can anyone name the place???

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? That would make me younger then I am. But, I was not around for the 10 year. We are sort of planning a 15 year. Sheesh, is that for reals? I wonder if all 44 kids can be rounded up!

23. Did you have a job while in high school? Yes, I did. I had a lot actually. I worked at a tree farm, worked all through HS as my Uncle's cleaning lady for his office, took on the Park and all that, that entailed-cleaning up bathrooms, plugged sprinklers, jammed mower blades, breaking water lines, but the best was working with my Dad (although at the time it was not quite as fun).

That is the end of this wonderful glory days. I could go on, but must stop. I think Napolean's Uncle is approaching and he is talking about being back in '82.

I tag all those who want to go back in time...

Where did Tanner go?

We ventured down a road not paved. We went and picked our own apples from a tree. Then came home and Mandy(friend) and I worked our tails off doing anything and everything you can think of with apples. (except dehydrating )
We do not recommend applesauce. That was too much work. But, the pie filling and preserved apple slices was fun.

This is Savannah picking apples. She reminded me of a little farm girl.

Here is Tanner. Can you see him? Look closely!


He loved picking apples and really wants to be like Johnny Appleseed.



we picked the entire heavy tree and it was neat to see the branches lift as we pulled and picked.
Now we have apples on every shelf and in every night time dream or nightmare...apple pie anyone?

Do you want a punch?

Nathan always teases the kids if they want a punch. Which of course, the kids say "NO!" So, the other day he went to the store and returned with something behind his back. He asked his usual question-"Would you like a punch? A Hawaiian Punch?" The kids did not know what that meant, so they said "NO!" He then pulled a Hawaiian Punch Soda from behind his back and said "ok, sorry". Oh the kids caught on quick! So, here is Tanner and Corbin sharing their Hawaiian Punch together.



The jammies Corbs has on in the Hawaiian Punch picture he had on all day long, again. We went to Target and he spotted and ran and clung to those Thomas jammies. I am not a give into type person, but oh the look on his face! AND he needed new jammies, right? So, I suckered in and he has new Thomas Jammies that he wears all day long, until they are in dire need of being washed.



Here he is clutching and showing us his NEW jammies fresh from the store. They stayed in his hand until he got them on.
He looks stinkin cute in them, what you going to do?

Savannah has found the famous Hannah Montana and can be found singing and dancing anywhere. She was found dancing on her table "rocking" to Hannah. I, once again, turned the camera sideways to get her full view, but cannot turn it back. Sorry for the kinked neck, but I think she is having fun!
We went on a date the other night, her choice: go to the library get some books, videos and Hannah Montana music CD and then get an ice cream cone.
That we did and she has been jamming out to the Hannah Montana CD like crazy!!

I will do this

I am...always bending over and picking up toys wondering if anyone is noticing and can pitch in a little, just a little!

I think...this being 4th pregnancy, I am packing it on pretty fast.

I know...a lot of very important facts, I just cannot get them out of my brain through my mouth.

I want...to finish this world feeling like I gave it a good hard fight.

I dislike...fighting kids and talking back. Drives me to the funny farm pretty fast.

I miss...the easy going days of grade school, where we could play all the time and live such a carefree life.

I fear...of mean guys and the unknown.

I hear...ahhh total peace and quiet for a moment. The kids have been kicked out to the great outdoors. We will see how long this lasts. Peace. Wonderful peace.

I smell...the table Nathan just refinished. I wonder if that polyurethane smell will ever leave. The table is really awesome. He did a great job.

I crave...Oh man, don't get me started. But, one thing I do crave is a peaceful mountain setting and some sleep. Not to mention chocolate and apple crisp.

I cry...I am pregnant, yes, I cry.

I search...out blogs and spend too much time doing that. I also search out being Mrs. Kravitz. Is that a bad thing?

I wonder...the future of my kids and if they will be honorable upstanding citizens and Children of God.

I regret...not diving into college into something I truly wanted to do instead I went the "safe route".

I love...crisp fall mornings and going out to exercise. The evening crisp air and flowers in bloom and playing outside.

I care...deeply about my family

I always...realize at the end of the day there is always room for improvement and can try it again tomorrow.

I worry...about my parenting, daily.

I am not...a fluffy, sit down and paint your fingernails kind of girl. Never have never will. But, I can play games with the best of em.

I remember...the tree in my yard and reading books up there. I also remember the mountains and our FHE's and cookouts we had.

I believe...we are going to make it in this life and it is all good!

I dance...with my kids, curtains closed, of course.

I sing...at the top of my lungs until Savannah ever so kindly asks me "mom, uh, you sing real nice, but, uh, can you please stop?"

I don't always...get the house clean to my liking. In fact I think it is 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Throw me a life jacket, I am sinking!

I argue...oh man, I do. Mainly with one child and sometimes with a spouse. (I am counting argue as full on disagree, not stating opinions)-the kind that require apologies and 'making up'.

I write...not a whole lot since I email. But, I do keep a notebook for each child and write their funny and cute sayings. I just need to be more diligent.

I win...at volleyball, and all games, you will not lose on my account!!

I lose...at playing "slap knuckle" with Nathan. The anticipation scares me and I lose. I also lose my patience at bedtime.

I wish...for a unified, kind and happy family!

I listen...for child noises at bedtime and try to decide if I need to act or react.

I don't understand...why boys are really careless with messes and girls are really clean. Just our genetic makeup. Don't have to understand but move on.

I can usually be found...on the computer or in the kitchen, cleaning it or cooking or answering requests from little starving famished mouths.

I'm scared...to pieces of "what might be out there, lurking..."

I need...a new body.

I forget...way to much since I am pregnant. I have to write everything down or else. So, what is my excuse after babies?? I will think of one. I am eating more blueberries to help my memory.

I am happy...when kids are in bed asleep and I am in that ahhhhh moment.

I am passing this on to Janie and Jessie AND Mandy

My Corbin

Corbin
Weight-9 lbs. 12 ounces
Beautiful blond peach fuzz and big blue eyes



Corbin had his 2 year old birthday and I have yet to spotlight him and the wonderful little person he is.
He has the quickest smile and his eyes sparkle, they seem to take hold of your heart and pull you in!
When Savannah is dropped off at the bus stop and Corbin and I walk home, he pushing his Tonka Truck, we walk directly to the strawberry patch in our backyard.
We look for "Big Red Ripe Strawberries" I pick them and he eats them, bobble heading his head in a little dance. Then we walk to the tomatoes to check on them, eating a few cherry tomatoes. We venture to the cucumbers picking one and nibbling on it. We head down the garden towards the pumpkin "what is that mom?" " It is a pumpkin Corbs", "A pumpkin?", Yes a Pumpkin. End of conversation. He asks to "pick beans mom" so we pick us some beans and chomp away. Together, he and I. We stop at the flowers and he pretends to smell them talking about the bees. We hold hands and I get to study his little features. I love it!


He is two and has found the power of the word "NO" and "NO WAY MOM!" He uses it with vigor and lungs. Today I asked him to please take his fork to the dishwasher and put it in. His response "NO WAY MOM!".
Ok, so we see who runs this house!
Then he peeks around the corner with those big round blue eyes and that bright blond hair and catching smile "I love you mom". I am captured! And he knows it.
We love to play on the floor tickeling each other and poking each other. He says "squish, squish" when he pokes me, hmmm. when I find his belly button we call it his 'poke a poke' because when he pokes ours he says "poke -a-poke".

Corbie loves Thomas the Trains and plays and plays and sleeps with his favorites. Right now that consists of Percy, Little Thomas and his train tracks that belong only to him. Nathan and Corbin went to the 'Train Store" where Thomas is sold and he got spoiled with his first tracks. Now, those train tracks eat with Corbin, drive with Corbin and sleep with him.

He can get his siblings and Dad out on the trampoline by going over to one and looking lovingly in their eyes "Want to jump on the tramp-o-line with me, Tanner?". He is hooked as Corbin pulls his hand and together they head out.

Corbs is still completely hooked on his Dad and the big Truck parked in the driveway. The last thing Nathan can do is drive out of the driveway in the Truck without Corbin!



The little blond curls, very hard to cut off, I do did not want to.









His 2 year old Birthday Ice Cream Cake from MJ and Clay. He soon caught on and really enjoyed it!


His future sport, only NBA player in diapers!

We sure love you Corbs!

Henry's Lake

Nathan had a phone call from one of the potato plant men saying his company owns an 8 bedroom cabin in Henry's Lake, are we interested in using it for a weekend. How long did that stay churning in my head? We went this weekend and basically LOVED it!
This is the back side of the cabin facing the Lake. It is big and beautiful (the lake is too). That is my sister Janie up on the deck. Her little family came and I am so glad they did!
The dock is right out the back door, this is Savannah looking at the camera and Janie's little 2 year old McKay and Janie fishing off the dock.

Janie was on the dock and the boys were out on the paddle boat when Paul (Jane's Husband) yelled out "My line has a fish on it!", so Jane and I had to do the work (she has a license, I did not) of reeling this 22 inch brown trout bad boy in without the mens' help, (except for the kind words from the paddle boat), Jane reeled and I netted. I was shaking like a leaf and Jane was squealing with delight. She won the takers of first fish caught. Sorry Paul.
(For those who do not know yet, there are two sisters expecting, you guess who)!


This video was taken before the above picture, but I had to point out a few things. Paul and Nathan are in front (first time attempting the paddle boat), Corbin and McKay are somewhere and Tanner and Savannah are on back. Tanner loves it, Savannah is very very unsure of this whole experience and wants off. Her little wave tells it all.
Obviously I turned the camera off when I was needed to reel in the big fish!


Corbin holding up one of the fish.


Tanner holding up the giant for the day, a 24 inch brown trout. He reeled it in and did the work on it. It was cleaned and cooked and tasted to eat, then thrown away so fast. Nathan and Paul said it tasted like 'moss'. So, I guess big brown trout are nasty.

Tanner has a major wish in life and that is to live and survive in the jungle. He takes an arm out and shows his shoulder sort of like the 'junglemen?', so he disappeared for awhile and was near the willows and made himself a hat/crown with willows and a walking stick. He came running into the cabin just a banging his chest like a real jungle man. He made one for Savannah too, but she did not take it to that extent, I believe she took it to the hat/crown is a princess crown and the walking stick is a wand.
The two little 2 year olds had so much fun pushing their Tonka trucks and playing trains, it was neat to see this two little people interact and carry on.
Thanks for going Jane Bird and Paul. Fun was defnitely had by all!

Savannah

I have been a little behind. Corbin's birthday was back in June and Savannah's in August. So, I wanted to post some pictures of her. She is the sunshine in our home always singing and humming about her day. She is a nurturing little mother and takes good care of her brothers and daddy.
Savannah entered Kindergarten and I am not too excited about it, but they must grow up, I guess.


Savannah will always be a princess.
The pictures have no order. I do not have her baby pictures up on the computer they are saved on a disk. So, we will get to look at her from about age 3-5.


Happy Halloween 2007


Savannah and Tanner in 2007