A Day in the Life of the Weenigs

Big bellies and screwdrivers

2010-09-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

This is my cute sister Melissa. She is amazing. Here she is almost 8 months pregnant and still wrestling the kids (Owen). She also runs circles around "hard-core"runners and we get to mortify them by telling them she's 6 months pregnant! Anyway, a few weeks ago, she and her husband Blake and little Ellis were down visiting and Aunt Missy picked up Owen. There was no room for him on her hip and he was feeling crowded. He pointed to her big belly and said very matter-of-factly, "You need to go to the doctor. And he can get a screwdriver and help you get that out." I guess Daddy's been explaining the facts of life. Don't worry, I'll set him straight before he's 25.

We can't wait to meet that sweet little baby girl!

Happy Birthday Baby Drew!

2010-09-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

MY SWEET baby Drew! You started out as this little peanut...

with your big brown eyes

the most mellow, cuddly, good-natured little man...

And you've amazed us all at how quickly you went from runty little peanut, "Little Man Drew"--to our roly-poly, "Mr. Chubs", "Fatso", "Mr. Brew-man", "Stinky-face"

Just look at that Husky boy!

(notice cousin Ellis has no neck either)

You make us laugh--smiling with your big, funny tongue always hanging out!

It's bigger than your mouth!

We celebrated your birthday at Grandma and Grandpa's house with all your aunts, uncles, and cousins...Since both of your "same age cousins" had their birthdays a few months ago, you were experienced at the cupcake thing...

Your CONSTANT smile brightens our world!

We're so blessed to have such a healthy, happy little giggle monster to love!

You are the perfect little brother and son.

Happy 1st Birthday little man!

Morning giggles!

2010-09-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is how I find these two funny boys MOST mornings! For SOME (very odd) reason, Owen, who's 3 1/2, doesn't come out of his room in the morning UNTIL we come in...I know what you're thinking, but there are no threats or bribery involved! We either find him playing in his bed talking to himself, or wrestling his baby brother, or jumping in the crib. And Drew is just BEAMING! He is THE happiest kid alive (all day)! And he thinks his big brother is so funny--especially in his bed in the morning. I must say, these two make it so fun to wake up in the morning...I love sneaking up on them when they don't hear me coming, and then hear them SQUEAL! They usually have about 8 blankets and a bunch of pillows in with them too. I'm so glad they have each other to laugh with.

LOVE YOU my sweet boys!

Beach with the Baggetts and Whites

2010-09-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Baggett cousins were in town and we met them, and Missy and Paul at their beach house in Irvine Cove. It's so peaceful and beautiful there..thanks for the invite White Family.

These cute boys loved showing off their climbing skills.

Avery and Owen were so amazed by the caves--it was fun seeing them so excited to go exploring.

This cute boy, "JP" as he seems to be called now, gets along so well with even his GIRL cousins. We love you JP!

the girls taught each other some new games

We had fun exploring the sea life in the tidepools. We had such a fun time with all the cousins, we hope they visit again soon.

Spring Break in Utah

2010-07-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

I've given up trying to stay current on my blog. So now I am just recapping our Spring Break in Utah...

We got to see ALL of my cousins on the Woffinden (my mom's fam) side!

Everyone was up for my baby cousin, Brett's (aka Bertie) wedding to Tara.

I love all my cousins--we always have a good time hanging out.

My kids got to see real snow (as opposed to the extreme hail piles we had in SD this winter) for the first time! Here's little Owen and his first snowman...I told the kids to "hurry and build a snowman before all the snow melts", and this is what we got...

Poor little San Diego kids were sad when their creations melted away after about an hour!

Cute girls with their sweet cousin Sammy.

"CHEEEEEESE!"

Playin' in the snow in their pjs--I barely got them to put on their jackets and shoes!

Little man D

My sis-in-law Chelsea gave us passes for the Children's Museum up at Gateway. So we met the Baggett cousins and Papa there and had a blast! Such a COOL place--the kids loved all the fun things they could experiment and play with! Thanks Chels! She took these pics 'cause I couldn't find my camera (don't have any of the cousins though).

Of course we had to stop at Rumbi, our FAVORITE (right up there with Cafe Rio)!

Such a fun, busy trip!

Family Photos at Rancho Carillo

2010-07-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Two months ago the Young Women in San Elijo Hills did a fundraiser for camp...

family photo sessions.

Here are a few cute ones taken by my good friend Brooke Brown.

Love this one of my girls.

My adorable kiddos

(even if the oldest 3 are ALL fake smiles)

Owen-3, Avery-6, Drew-8 months, Madison-8 1/2

How did they get so OLD?

Thanks YW!

Let us know when you do it again next year.

Naked buns and such

2010-05-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

"Does this rug make my butt look big?"

Tell me that isn't the most yummy little pair of buns you laid eyes on, in the last few days?

My little man (now 8 1/2 months) has turned from a little peanut, trying to gain some weight...to Mr. Thunder Thighs.

And he thinks he's sooooo big, climbing up and getting into all sorts of germ-infested things! I was making lunch today and thought he was playing with his toys in the family room, when I heard him get excited and giggle. So I followed the sounds and found THIS!

Except when I found him, his chubby little arm was ALL THE WAY INSIDE, splashing around in the water! Ew, sick. Don't worry, I boiled his little fingers and dipped them in Clorox for 40 minutes...or maybe we just let the dog lick them clean.

Fatty-Fatty Foot Face

2010-03-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's grosser...his face or my feet?

The kids and I were laying around being silly before school. They kept begging me to play horsey (bouncing them on my legs as I lie on my back). Then we started trying out different faces on Mr. Mc Bowen...SCAREY.

Happy Birthday little O

2010-03-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY

(last month)

to our Sweet Owen!

We love you Mr. McBowen.

I can't imagine my life without this little man. He is really a JOY to raise!

He can convince me to do anything with his cute little voice (sample for yourself in the video of him singing below-earlier post) and that infectious smile! Even when he's doing something naughty, if he starts smiling, it's all over...

Here are a few pictures of my adorable Mr. O

1 year old

hunting for Easter eggs at Grandma & Grandpa's house

2 yrs. old

2 1/2 yrs. old

Can't get enough of that smile!

Turning 3 yrs. old

Blowing out the candles of his (homemade--no applause please) train cake...No he did NOT make the cake himself...It actually wasn't as bad as it looks. The front side had a tunnel with Thomas the train coming out and a few other trains following...gimme a break, I never said I was GOOD at cake decorating! But that little 3 -year-old was thrilled to have TRAINS & CHOCOLATE...that's all that matters. Thanks to my family. who all made the trek out to celebrate Owen's bday as well as mine.

And last, here is a cute little video of sweet little O (dancing) when he was just barely talking in phrases at almost 2...ENJOY!

Good times with DAD!

2010-02-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

Just a few FUN things Marcus has taken the kids to do recently...

Last month I went to get a pedicure (thanks Allison!) and go out to dinner with some girlfriends so Marcus had the kids for the night. At the end of a long work day, he's pretty tired. So, I wouldn't blame him if he had just taken the kids home to a movie and crashed on the couch (that never happens). But being the fun-loving dad that he is, he took them out for pizza and BOWLING! Even Drew got to tag along (can't you see how much fun he's having-behind the kids in the car seat?)

Owen, who is CONSTANTLY told not to throw heavy toys, had a grand ol' time...and is now really confused.

The kids had so much fun! Pretty lucky kids to have a dad that loves to spend time with them and makes life so fun! Marcus can often be found coaching the whole neighborhood in some cul-de-sac softball on any given Saturday. They just eat it up!

And then the next week...

I was off to get my hair done and see my favorite hair stylist and little sister, Coco. My mom and sis. Jen met me at her salon and took Little Man Drew. The older munchkins were kinda sad they weren't going with Grandma. I told them if they were good for Daddy, maybe he'd take them to a movie...They came back from the mall with PIERCED EARS! Lucky girls! Their fun, spontaneous dad just walked them in and said "who wants to get their ears pierced?" At dinner the previous night Madie had been talking about really wanting to get this done, so she was THRILLED!

Avery actually went first (with much prompting from her dad--he thought she would never do it if she saw Madie in pain).

Such a sad little face...but that didn't last long. She felt like such a BIG girl. She chose some pretty red stones to match her glasses.

Poor Owen. All he got was a pretend ride on the Bob the Builder tractor. Daddy never carries change, so he just sat on it--but look how HAPPY he looks! This totally supports my husbands belief that we don't need to spoil our kids with actually buying something if they are happy with just pretending (just a tip kid--you better wipe off that grin if you wanna get anything out of your old man!) Thanks Marcus for being such a great daddy!

Owen sings Baby Drew a bedtime song

2010-02-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

i just HAD to post this--my kid is soooo stinkin' adorable!

Love his little singing voice.

For Heather...

2010-01-28T23:50:00.000-08:00

I put this song by the Cranberries at the top of my playlist as a tribute to my dear childhood friend Heather, who is suffering through a great tragedy right now...It's her favorite by a favorite band of many of ours--reminds us of our high school days...if only life were still so simple...my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May you feel the love of friends and family lifting you up...Love you Heather.

"Nice dress, Avery..."

2010-01-28T23:31:00.000-08:00

So a few weeks ago I told Avery to go get dressed for school. About 15 minutes later, she came out in this...

Her big sister Madie's INFANT blessing dress (size 3 months)...girl's got some tiny shoulders! Thing is, she really thought she was going to school in it! "ahh, why not mom?"

Gotta love that "O"!

2010-01-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

This little firecracker just kills me! He's CONSTANTLY making us belly-laugh with the things that come out of his mouth...

One day while driving in a quiet car with Mom and Drew, he says in this funny little voice,

"WE use to have that cage when WE were a little mouse family"...?? Guess I missed the part where we turned into rodents?

These 3D glasses he found on the ground at some store and the clerk just gave them to him 'cause he loved them so much...

O loves his little buddy Miley! Funny little story: Her mom (my friend Nicole) told Miley "I love you"...Miley's response..."No, Mommy. I marry Owen"...awww, now they HAVE to.

Yea, I know there's some rule about taking pictures on the john, but...I'm just so excited he can do this and I don't have to hold my breath as I clean up his diapers anymore!

And out of the blue (as everything IS with 2 1/2 yr. olds), he told me,

"You make my heart feel better", as he gave me a big tackle-hug!

(SERIOUSLY? Can I just bottle you up and save you just like you are right now?)

Ok, so after this picture, I went and found his Spiderman costume for him to play dress-up with his sisters...Uncle Jefe, you can relate, right? At least there's no sissy bonnet (and make-up).

Rewind to...Christmas!

2010-01-25T23:21:00.000-08:00

So, here's a clue about how BEHIND I am on this blog...Here's some Christmas pics from THREE months ago.

This picture really captures how I felt after all the holiday FUN was over...we seemed to be going, going, going. And I don't really even have many pictures to show for it...

Avery fell asleep after staying up late at Grandma's

Scary Mommy (with less than 4 hrs. sleep and without her make-up) holding my little man D on Christmas morn.

This kid was sooo in love with his "fwain" table, and all the "fwain fwacks". I could only get this cheesy fake smile out of him...my kids are so "over" taking pictures!

The kids were so excited to have their Daddy home more during the holidays--they miss him a lot when he goes out of town. Marcus got the girl's portraits framed for me! I love the frames he picked--great job, hun!

We were lucky to have Papa Paul spend the night with us Christmas Eve. That night we went to our favorite restaurant, PF Changs with our good friends the Taotafas. And after opening gifts, we headed over to the "other Weenig's" for our annual Christmas brunch--always such a yummy meal courtesy of my sweet sis-in-law Allison! (I need to get some pics from her)

This was my favorite present this year! Our little "Mr. Bvrew" (this is how Owen says his name) is so YUMMY!

My sister, Aunt Jen, took me and the kids to see Disney On Ice! The kids had a great time--they loved the fairies the best--and Owen got a cool hat!

THANKS Jen!

We had a super fun, busy holiday season, filled with caroling, Twelve Days of Christmas (the girls loved sneaking goodies up to the porch), and visiting family. It's taken me 3 months to get over all the craziness and finally post this! But I do love all the fun and great things Christmas means brings to our family.

My Two Babies: A Blessing and a Baptism

2009-11-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

Last month was a big one for our family...

Thornton Family

L-R: Michelle & Chris, Mom and Dad, Jen, Jeff, Melissa, Blake & Ellis, MY FAMILY, Coco, Daniel & Carter, Grandpa Jerry (my kids' great-grandpa).

On October 10th, We blessed this little man when he was 6 weeks old.

It was a great day

Little D has us wrapped around his tiny fingers!

I can hardly keep myself from eating him...SO YUMMY!

Look how big my little guy looks now...already almost 3 months old

And some more big news...Our first baby Madison got baptized also on Oct. 10th. here she is having her first interview with our fabulous Bishop Hazen!

We're so proud of her and the beautiful, sweet young girl she has become...

Here is the proud Daddy and his little girl...growing up too fast!

I love this girl so much...she is such a great kid. She has many divine gifts, one of which is being inherently good and pure in heart, always wanting to do what is right. Ever since she was a little tiny girl, she's had a very sensitive conscience, feeling bad about the smallest misdeeds, and always wanting to set things right and please her Heavenly Father.

Madie was lucky to be baptized on the same day as her good friend, Emily Clifford. My sweet friend Rachel (Emily's aunt) spent a whole afternoon taking these beautiful photos of the girls! Thanks so much, Rach.

We want to thank everyone who came to support our family for these two important events! We had many friends and family members come from all over So. California for us...to name a few: Grandpa Jerry, Mom & Dad, Papa Paul, The Keslers, The McGregors, The "other" Weenigs, The Pittmans, The Meisenbachs, The Carliles, Aunt Jen, Uncle Jeff, The Lambournes, Connie & Jan Krc, and many friends from right here in San Marcos!

Finally some Thornton cousins!

2009-09-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

These are all the boy cousins on the Thornton side of the family...

Owen 2 1/2, Carter (Coco's) 4 months, Ellis (Melissa's) 6 weeks, Drew (mine) 10 days

Don't they look excited to be hanging out on the bed together taking pictures? Owen was like, "SERIOUSLY?! I have no pants on and these guys are screamin' their heads off..."

My parents FINALLY have some more grandkids! For the last 7 1/2 years they have had only one family of grandkids to spoil, but this summer 3 new baby boys came into the picture, starting with Nichole and Daniel's sweet little Carter, then followed by Melissa and Blake's adorable little Ellis, and trailing behind was our own little peanut, Drew! It's been so FUN to see each of them in different stages, see how they change, who they look like, and getting to see my sisters as mothers!

Babysitters Madie and Avery were pretty "fried" after so many pictures and the two littlest babies "protesting" the whole time!

Little Drew sleeping peacefully, 3 weeks old

Taking a bath in Mommy's sink, 4 weeks old...

"Aw Mom, no more naked pictures!"

We love our little peanut head!

Little Man Drew!

2009-09-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Here he is!

Drew Marcus Weenig

Born August 26, 8:26 pm

8 lbs. 3 oz

20 1/2 inches

We went to the hospital Wednesday morning at 7:00 to be induced (so that Daddy, who travels every week, could attend). But around lunch time, we found out that our little stunt-man had turned himself sideways, which meant that his cord was dangling underneath him and in danger of slipping out before he did...So we were given the option to either have the doc TRY to turn him (again, the cord position made this kinda risky), OR go ahead and schedule a c-section. Well, this being my fourth baby (the rest were normal deliveries), of course I was NOT thrilled at this idea...But I decided I'd rather plan for the c-section and have it all be calm and anticipated than have the doc try to turn him and have it turn into an emergency situation. So here is Daddy, all ready in his bunny suit to watch the birth...he looks like he works for HAZMAT or something.

Walking into the unkown...a little nervous

Marcus watched the whole procedure (eyes bulging, constantly checking my face for a reaction to what the doctors were doing to me). He seemed concerned, intrigued, anxious, and excited...And I just laid there waiting to see that my baby was ok. Once he was ready to get the baby out, Doc couldn't figure out where his head was (he moved AGAIN)...so he quickly grabbed him by the feet and out came Little Houdini! He had managed to flip so much he got his cord tied in a knot (WHEW--so glad we decided not to try to turn him and deliver normally)! It all happened pretty fast, and the surgery was painless thanks to good drugs...but I knew the worst was yet to come...

It was kinda strange seeing my baby for the first time while lying on my back...I had to keep telling Marcus to "hold him up--I can't see him"...

I can already tell our Drew is going to be the life of the party--always keeping us in anticipation of his next move!

Proud Daddy and "Baby No-name"

This little guy is worth all the trouble and even the rough recovery.

Big Brother Owen is the only sibling who got to come see Little Drew in the hospital--the girls got sick with fevers (yea, it's been an interesting week) while at home awaiting his arrival with Grandma (MUCH thanks to my mom for handling everything at home for 4 days!)

Check out those rolls...He was our biggest baby by FAR.

Big Sis. Madie can't be happier that he is HOME!

Avery's so excited to help take care of him.

WE LOVE YOU BABY DREW! WELCOME TO THE WORLD!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU so much to everyone who has offered their help and for all the yummy meals...we couldn't have survived this crazy time without all the help from our family and friends!

The Graduate

2009-07-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

We're so proud of Avery...she graduated from Raggedy Ann and Andy Preschool and she's moving on to kindergarten! It was so cute--the kids sang a cute little song about all they learned and shook their teacher's hand as they received their certificate.

I could tell she was excited, but she wouldn't let anyone see her smile...

She had the cutest bunch of friends (a lot from church) that made her days at school sooo much fun! They had lots of fun parties and activities--of course who could forget digging for "gems" in the sandbox everyday!

Avery was so excited for her big sister to come watch her graduation! She can't wait to be at the same school as Madie.

Mommy and Daddy love you little Munchkin--can't believe you'll soon be off to school EVERYDAY! I'll miss hanging out with you and playing games by ourselves when Owen is napping.

(Mom trying to hide her big belly--2 more months!)

We are ALL so glad we got to come see you graduate, little Avery! We love you so much.

Rewind: Spring Break trip to Warner Springs!

2009-06-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so this is from like FOUR months ago...

We decided to get out of town for a quick trip with the kids to Warner Springs back in April...

The kids LOVED the little "cabin" we stayed in and couldn't control their excitement when it was time for bed! Then they were up at "0-dark-hundred hours" ready to explore the grounds...(I do NOT recommend sleeping in one room with three kids and a dog who was nervous all night)

Good thing they're so cute!

We went to breakfast at the golf club (Avery was cold and couldn't part with the blanket)

The kids absolute FAVORITE activity was riding the sweet pony "Toby-Boy"! It was a first for Avery and Owen, and the only time Madie remembers getting to ride a horse...

Of course we swam in the pool and the hot springs (the girls had a hard time getting over the rotten-egg smell of the sulfur in the water), but I still couldn't keep their pink little bodies out of the hot water!

Kids under 3 aren't allowed in the hot springs ( a bit of a challenge keeping Owen out of there when he just wanted to be with his dad and big sisters). Good thing Marcus and the girls eventually joined us in the "cold pool"...

We only had to drive like an hour, but it felt like we were far from home and city-life! We played games in the lodge at night and played hard outside all day...It was a great over-night trip! Thanks honey.

Playin' in the dark and "stick yoga"

2009-06-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know, I know... I stink at this blog thing. I only feel like writing something when i have pictures to go with it. Anyway, after more than a month, here are a few cute pictures of the kids playing out in front of our house...As you can see it's getting pretty dark in this picture, but everyone was happy and getting along so I opted for letting them stay outside 'til we couldn't see anymore (especially poor Avery with her "good eye" patched) and feeding my monkies some frozen nuggets (with a side of veggies)...but see how HAPPY they are?

They all LOVE riding Daddy's longboard, so why not form a train and use this PVC pipe as an oar to push you along! Owen kept on pulling on the girls and they would all fall off laughing...

Here's my handsome little trouble-maker! Just look at that FACE (and that belly)!

NO we haven't enrolled the girls in a pole-dancing class...they were doing "yoga" with these sticks for "exercise". They were sooo serious about it that I had to laugh in secret behind the book I was reading!

This move is called "stab yourself in the crotch with the stick"--that could REALLY hurt. Guess if I was any cautious mom, I would've told my GIRLS not to play with those sticks while extending their legs like that. They were too entertaining though...I love when they come up with these RANDOM activities and Avery totally follows along as if what Madie is instructing her to do is completely legit!

Our little runners and "who's laughing now?"

2009-04-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is old news, but earlier this month, the girls ran in the Carlsbad Junior kids' run. This was Madie's 3rd year doing the run. She's had so much fun doing it each year and she's always so proud of herself after she finishes...BUT, as you can see here, she gets really nervous before the race and always stresses out that we are going to be late and miss it!

Here's our little worried runner--she did AWESOME and was among the first set of kids to finish...

After they run, the kids get a medal and some free samples of healthy foods--like Jamba Juice! Madie was super happy after she finished her run and was so eager to go cheer on Avery! This was Avery's FIRST year running...

Here are the girls running together cause Madie was worried that we wouldn't be able to find Avery when she was done (they hold the younger ones in a big pen until their parent shows up with the matching race number). It was so sweet of Madie to run another 1/2 mile with her little sister after already running 1 mile pumped full of adrenaline! Owen and I ran half the way with them (Owen was strapped in of course), then Marcus met them at the half point and cheered them on.

Here's little Avery running with the five-year-olds (before she even turned 5). As you can see, lots of the kids were much bigger than she was! Marcus and Madie let her run the last 200 yards by herself. We're so proud of you--way to go Avery!

It was so fun watching you at the finish line Madie...Great job for running the whole way!

Avery loved participating this year like she's watched her big sister do these last few years. I know she felt good about finishing on her own...AND she also RAN THE WHOLE WAY (surprised us all). But I think her favorite part was probably the Jamba Juice and cookies!

After the race we drove up to OC to meet some old friends and we stopped at our favorite burger joint--A's Burger! They have the YUMMIEST fried zucchini!

Owen of course ate a whole meal of ketchup with a side of fries!

Marcus dared Madie to eat a whole jalapeno pepper and promised to take her to the movies if she did!

Poor thing--here she is with the whole thing in her mouth...She'll do anything her Daddy asks her to!

And here's sympathetic little Avery laughing her head off that Madie's mouth is on fire!

Owen doesn't have a CLUE what they're laughing about, but it sure was hilarious...

Then it was Avery's turn--she was only motivated by the movie and didn't want to miss out--nothin' to do with pleasing her Daddy!

Not so funny now, eh?

After A's burger, we drove through the car wash...guess my kids haven't experienced that one too often. They were soooo excited and Owen still begs to go to the car wash every time we go under a freeway overpass or anything that resembles a tunnel...

That was a really FUN day!

Baby Weenig announcement...

2009-04-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

We went to our ultrasound today and decided to buy the new baby a gift to find out what we will be having. So, we had the ultrasound tech write down the baby's gender and seal it in an envelope. Then we took the kids to help pick out a new boy outfit and a girl outfit. We brought both outfits to the register and gave the clerk the envelope with our results (to open after we walked away). She then packaged up the correct outfit and we brought the box home to open later that night...The kids were waiting with giggly anticipation ALL night...here we are about to open the gift and find out!

It's a BOY!!!!!

You can see from her face what Madie was hoping for--she says little boys are "just so funny". I was truly SHOCKED--I thought for sure it was gonna be a girl.

Avery is not actually crying because she did not want another boy, but because she had picked the girl outfit and was really upset that we didn't get that dress she picked out for the baby!

Oh boy, are we in for it now! Owen and his little sidekick are gonna wreak havoc on those two Barbie-loving princesses...YEAH, we're so thrilled for Owen to have a brother, and little boys are SOOOOO fun!

5 going on 15!

2009-04-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday, sweet Avery Grace!

Oh, how the time flies by...

And you seem so anxious to grow up and be like your big sister,

but please don't be in a hurry...

you'll be there soon enough (too soon for Mom & Dad).

As the second child in our family, you came to this world with a spunky, feisty, and at times scrappy, but hilarious and strong spirit! There just aren't words to describe all the different dimensions of your great personality! But I have no doubt that whatever you decide to do in this world, you will succeed and do it with flair.

You have a tremendous capacity to love...

I can't begin to count the many times a day you say, "I love you Mommy"

(or as a toddler, "I wuv you tooooooo much!")

or body slam us with a giant bear hug.

You love all things girly, like tutus (the ONLY reason you didn't quit dance before the recital)...

But if it means you get to be with your big sis, and best friend Madie, you'll trade in your tiara for a helmet and race to catch up!

I think being a flower girl for all your aunts' weddings has been like living a dream--you get to be princess for a day. But you didn't like it when someone commented on how beautiful the bride was on her special day...you scowled in disgust and said,

"Uh! I'M not the most beautiful?"

We LOVE you Baby girl! Don't ever stop giving us your giant bear hugs!

Even at age 2, you knew how to be the Queen!

I pray that you will always know how much you are loved by your Heavenly Father

and have the "courage to grow up to be who you really are".

Little Man Owen turns 2!!!!

2009-02-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

So, about two weeks ago (I swear it was), I had a baby boy...and then all of a sudden, he was a man-child! I guess #3 has a much more fleeting infanthood than the others. Owen has always been a true joy and I've LOVED experiencing the mother-son relationship. Unfortunately, he's such a cute little bugger that he almost gets away with anything.

Here's my little man and me when he was just one year old.

We were SOOOOO surprised when he was born and we saw that he was A BOY! We pretty much expected another girl. The girls were equally as surprised, and when Marcus went out to the hall to tell the girls they had a new little brother, little Avery yelled "No! GIRL!" She was in shock for the next few days and refused to believe he wasn't a girl. Here he is before he had any meat on his bones at 5 days old.

In his little monkey suit at 3 weeks...

Marcus and I took Owen on a little trip with us to Monterey when he was about 4 1/2 months old. He was such an easy traveler. He slept wherever he could, and he never complained about being bored when we went walking for hours along the coast.

This is one of my FAVORITE pictures because I love my babies' bald heads, and I love how babies look in these little "one-piecers". I wish I had pictures of the girls like this to remember their little round heads!

Owen loved this little jumper-he could bounce in it for like an hour while I cooked dinner!

What a little munchkin! He started walking about a week before his 1st birthday, and he's been running ever since! Here he is at 15 months.

Since he could walk, he's been obsessed

with skateboards and scooters and he loves to have Dad skate him around on his longboard!

So I wasn't surprised that his favorite things to do are throw stuff, RUN, grunt, and ride on any set of wheels. But we have been recently surprised by how much he loves to talk! We've had so much fun listening to the new things he has to say--and he talks sooooo adorable too. He loves to talk about "disawrs" (dinosaurs), "choo-choos" (trains), and everything else under the sun! I really am impressed by how well he's speaking since I was anticipating him being slower to talk since he's a boy (and a Weenig boy. Marcus and his brother set the precedence for a history of speech-therapy amongst their children). But I understand most things that come out of little Owen's mouth...doesn't mean you will though;)

Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my sweet little man! We love you more than life itself and can't wait to see what cute things you have up your sleeve in the year to come!

Little lovebirds and Birthday fun!

2009-02-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

The beginning of a new year and love is in the air...Owen and his little girlfriend Miley don't put up a fight when their siblings coerce them to give each other loves.

A little Saturday picnic in the...garage(?)

For my birthday Marcus and the kids took me to breakfast at Ruby's...

Ruby's is my FAVORITE breakfast spot, and I didn't hear any complaints from anyone!

Milk shakes, cinnamon french toast, and omelettes...doesn't get any better than that!

Owen was in heaven bouncing on the seat, watching the trains, and helping everyone drink their shakes!

Thanks for a super yummy birthday breakfast--that was a great treat!

After Ruby's, we took everyone to play tennis. Marcus has been teaching Madie how to play...

Here's our little tennis star! She got her own racket and balls for Christmas and has been so excited to go out and hit balls with Daddy!

She's actually getting pretty good.

Avery loves riding her new scooter around the court while we play tennis.

She's even tried out some new tricks. Check out the AIR she got on this one!

Mr. Owen was delighted to find a giant puddle in the corner of the court...

He entertained himself for an hour running through the water...

...and throwing balls in the water!

This month I decided to save a little money and give our dog Joey a haircut MYSELF! Well, just her ears and face...

Our little man is such a big boy now (sob, sob)!

He can get Mommy to do ANYTHING for him with this smile!

We even think he's cute as the slimy green monster-ewwwwww! Snot mixed with green Fun Dip-YUM!

One more picture...

2009-01-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

How could I forget this picture of the girls helping Marcus get the tree to the car! They found the perfect tree without having to look at more than one.

Twelve WEEKS of Christmas--catching up from Oct.-Dec.

2008-12-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

Since I can't get my kids (or MYSELF even) to

OC to see our hair-guru, Aunt Coco, often enough...say hello to the "mom-cut" (NOT the easiest thing to cut a toddler's hair while he dips his sucker in hair & water and splashes all around in my sink)!

Madie and her cousin Sammy-Sue got Student of the Month together AGAIN! Cute little toothless guhls ("girls", said with the "Weenig accent", as explained by my nephew Jake to his classmate, "No, we're not from Boston")...

LOTS of fun times at Legoland...

MORE fun with DAD at Legoland!

These goofy kids don't really pose for pictures...they simply tolerate them!

Owen is at SUCH a FUN age for Legoland! He RUNS everywhere (you've seen it before...his arms flailing wildly and his little feet looking like they never touch the ground)! And you ask him if he wants to do ANYTHING, and his whole face beams in over-exaggerated glee, "YAH!"

He's soooo much happier now that he's tall enough to ride most of the rides now...

Marcus and I got to run in the "Un-Turkey-Trot" on Thanksgiving Day in Laguna Beach with my sister and bro-in-law, Marcus' sister and her family and lots of other locals...we thought it was a 5k, turned out to be a 10k, but hardly seemed like it probably because the scenery was so awesome! It rained A LOT, and we were SOAKED, but it was so fun!

Notice the drowned rat (our little Maltese, Joey)...that's a long story, but somehow, she ended up coming on the run WITH US (AGAIN, we thought it was a 5k), and she physically COULD NOT make it all the way back on her own little legs, so I ran the last couple miles CARRYING this muddy, shivering, fur-ball...I couldn't STOP laughing that whole way back to the finish! Needless to say, I did not end up with the best time (that's how Marcus beat me...but he did drag her behind him for the first long leg)...Funny memory! Here's me with my lil' sis Melissa (who runs marathons like she's skipping through the park)

Going out to dinner to celebrate some birthdays with my girlfriends! We're missing quite a few here though...I love my friends! I feel so lucky to have such fabulous ladies in my life...

Finding our Christmas tree...

This picture sums up their personalities pretty well...

Me and my Mr. Bowen...love this little man!

The girls had so much fun helping Dad tie the tree to the car...

Little Owen gazing at the tree, confused at WHY we have this GINORMOUS thing in our little house...and waiting until Mommy walks away to pull everything off.

Our little Avery, taking her duty to place the angel on the tree VERY seriously...

Sweet little Madie LIVES for these family activities and was just grinning all night!

My "glitteriscious" sister-in-law Allison who won for the most "glitterfied" (she came ready for some serious competition--she had sparkly shoes, body glitter, glittery eyelashes, nails, and LOTS of bling--she's so fun) at the girls' holiday glitter-glam party, hosted by our adorable friends Shayla and Malisa!

Erin, Nicole, and me with our super cute hostess, Shayla...what a fun night we had with lots of yummy holiday appetizers and time to be with the girls and forget about shopping and lists!

Little Miss Avery was SO not fooled by this "Santa's helper" at her preschool party! The poor guy could NOT keep his fake beard up to hide his real brown mustache...it was hysterical! And she (in true Avery fashion) displayed her utter disappointment at the book she unwrapped from the book exchange--"Mom, I don't like Curious George! Why would someone think I like Curious George?!!" But she had a fabulous time doing all the fun crafts and of course was so serious about her singing performance! She's grown up so much this year, and I can't believe she'll be ready for kindergarten in the fall!

Madie lost her other front tooth on Christmas Eve! So the Tooth Fairy and Santa BOTH left something for her the next morning! We thought for sure they must have seen each other...Here she is with Daddy showing off her most grown-up present yet--a new Nintendo DS system! I think she felt so privileged to be considered mature enough for such a big girl gift--she was so cute and soooo excited.

No, Owen is NOT angry about his dinosaur. He was actually scolding it for biting his lip! He was cracking us up...he would push the button for the dino to growl, walk, and chomp, and then make him bite something, and yell, "No, no Dino! NO biting!" REPEAT 14 more times...this was the funniest though when he made "dido" bite HIS lip, and then pulled away, all insulted, and offended, and yelling for him to stop! Owen you are a constant source of comical relief! You make our lives so exciting and FUN!

Madie was sooo excited for Avery to unwrap the gift she had made for her at school...a cute little snowman made from a sweat sock! Avery, being the tactful little one that she is, just made faces (check out this little smirk) and later told her sister, "um, thanks for the snowman even though I don't like it..." As Madie stormed off crying, I had to coach Avery in apologizing and explaining that she thought it was something to play with, and not a decoration....wow, we've got some LONG teenage years ahead of us!

Madie, on the other hand, is always so grateful when she gets ANY gift! She was excited to get some new games for her DS from Grandma and Grandpa.

We headed to Legoland once again when we had to take our car in to the Jeep dealer (right next door)...it was the MOST crowded we've ever seen it, so we did a lot of playing on things we don't usually stop at. Who is that little 4-yr.-old who's too cool for the picture??

Our crazy little Owen Bowen with one of his beloved "didos" from the Land Before Time movie...he is OBSESSED! He asks me MULTIPLE times each day, "watch dido?" Or if we're out in the car, he whines, "home...dido...home...dido" It seems to be soothing for him to see the familiar faces of Littlefoot, Sarah, Ducky, and his FAVORITE, the one who can't talk--Spike (pronounced "Pite")

2008-12-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when the tired little ballerina lets her temper get the best of her...and Mommy forgot about her for a little too long...zzzzzzzz

(SORRY, punkin)

Then later that night....Here are the little chefs helping Mom make dinner....

They love wearing their little aprons and hats and then serving dinner when it's ready!

Crazy dino-boy loves to tackle and wrestle with his sisters...I keep telling the girls to watch out, 'cause he's gonna overpower them by like next year!

Snap, Crackle, and Pop bouncing off the walls at bedtime!

Our Very Merry October!

2008-11-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

October, a very merry, busy, crazy, fun-filled, walk-til-you-drop month to remember!

(*more pics to come when I get copies from halloween)

The annual Firefighters Carnival put on by our fabulous San Marcos firefighters!

They had so many fun, educational activities for the kids to do...

We waited in line for 15 minutes so Owen could have a turn spraying the fire hose at the pretend building on fire...

He really enjoyed it! (if you can't see, he cried like a sissy when they turned the water on. Was it loud? Kinda looks like the firefighter might've bit his finger! Nah, that's just what our kid does when he gets scared)

Now THIS firefighter here forced Avery to save his dummy friend (jk--he's our friend Frank Reade)! Avery was pretty stoked to be able to "bag" this guy and save his life!

Owen kept running to the front of the line to "stop, drop and roll" through these flames! It was hysterical watching him practically steam-roll the other kids to have his turn again! Somebody teach this boy some manners.

Avery also loved trying to escape the flames in a hurry! Pretty tough to do in a mini-skirt...Between the two, we got a lot of laughs from the firefighters...

The girls were excited to meet Sparky, the fire dog (I'm sure his fur is completely fire-retardant)!...Once again, Owen the scaredy-boy runs for his life!

We learned there's a difference between a fire truck and the smaller fire engines. This is the only fire truck in San Marcos.

Owen was so funny--after having a melt-down and we all got ready to go, he calmly walked over and posed until we took his picture with the fire truck...

Of course he was all about driving the off-limits

little service cart!

We also spent a day at the Wild Animal Park...

Owen was not so cool with the birds landing on everyone and getting so close...I don't blame you, kid...I had several land on my head without permission and I was sure I would have poopy (not to mention sweaty) hair for the day! Next time we'll let Daddy take the girls in the aviary and we'll go eat a frozen lemonade!

Madie stopping to rest in some shade...It was about 90 degrees that day, and there's quite a bit of uphill walking throughout the HUGE park!

The kids had more fun taking a shower in this "spray ground" (more like a raining-cats-and-dogs ground) than they did seeing the wild animals...lesson learned--best to go to the WAP in the COOLER winter months.

We had to drain Owen's shoes and strip him down after this. And of course Avery (who surprised us all and got pretty wet in her clothes) would not even wear her shoes after this. Madie, as always, was a trooper and LOVED giving us soggy hugs!

Owen's little monkey backpack/leash (a MUST-have at venues like these) got a little too heavy for him to carry--probably weighed 10 lbs soaking wet.

Our cute little vagabond baby (after soaking two outfits)

Our funny little monkey Avery giggled as she ran away from the water...

Madie and Daddy sat out for this sprayground...That's Marcus with the park map over his face trying to catch a nap...

Let's go home...

And get ready for our ward Trunk-or-Treat at he church! (sighhhhhhh)

This is Owen after a VERY busy day! He was ready for some R&R and a little foot massage...Pretty much sums up how I felt too! We had A LOT of fun though.

Later in the month, the kids got to go pick out some pumpkins at this really quaint little undiscovered pumpkin patch that we happened upon...in the WalMart parking lot! We'd been so busy that we almost forgot to even get pumpkins this year, so don't mock me for choosing the most generic place on Earth (and my most despised retail location) to create our Halloween memories!

These pics were taken with an iphone at sunset, so they aren't the best, but at least I got some (even if I had to YELL at my kids mid-pumpkin picking to get them to stand still)

Owen was waiting for the little scarecrow to talk back to him. He kept looking at him, saying something in "Owenese", laughing, and then bending down to see if the little man would respond.

Notice the girls are still

dressed in their summer clothes in late October...It's been a little warm here to say the very least.

I love these lil' punkins!

We got to take all the kids to the Happiest Place on Earth! It was so fun to see the kids having the time of their lives here at Disneyland. And we got to go absolutely FREE--thanks to Nancy, a friend from Marcus' work, and her daughter! Even though we live an hour away, we haven't been in like 2 yrs.! So Avery doesn't remember ever going and Owen's never been. We LOVED the Monsters Inc. ride at California Adventure and Owen was thrilled to go Bug's Land. Avery got tricked into riding the white water rapids by her mom who told her "um, you might get a little bit sprinkled on..." (shoulda known how that one was gonna turn out). She started screaming--like MAD--the first time she got wet...then it didn't help that some kid on our boat kept telling her "oh, no, watch out, you're gonna get soaked right here!"...and didn't stop until we got off the ride....she's not too fond of getting wet in her clothes. But she does love big rides so I thought I was safe...lesson learned. While we were looking for another ride to go on, we literally BUMPED into our friends the Hazens! We thought that was fun to see them there too--on a school day!

After a few rides, we headed over to Disneyland, where we met up with our good friends the Toomers. They met us up there after school. The kids were sooooo excited--not only did we get to go Disneyland, but we got to go with FRIENDS! Now as I mentioned before, Avery LOVES big roller coasters--the faster and steeper the better--so does Madison. So Marcus and I had lots of fun taking turns riding with the girls (and thanks to the new parents pass--where the parent who had to wait with the toddler can walk right on when the family comes back with, and take a kid or 2--we didn't have a lot of waiting time). Everyones' favorites: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Matterhorn, Owen loved Peter Pan (he better...that was the longest wait of the day!) and he was pretty PUMPED about the animals on Jungle Cruise, the girls adored the California Adventure parade (Awesome), and of course were thrilled to meet a few of their Disney heroes. I was devastated to learn that they got rid of Bear Country Jamboree! That was a family favorite growing up--we would go inside and watch the cute show when we were hot and tired...but, my kids will never get to experience that. Again, I only have a few pics for now which we took on Marcus' iphone (more to come soon--I have to get them from Nicole).

Marcus, Avery, Madie, Jacey, Nicole, and Logan on Space Mountain

When it was our turn to meet Cinderella and take a picture, Madie got all embarassed and Avery was just star-struck!

INTRODUCING...THE NEW AVERY!

2008-11-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

Little Avery got glasses this week! She was soooo excited, counting down the days until we could pick them up! We went to 3 different places looking for some that she liked and she picked these CUTE red ones out herself. The first question everyone asks me when they see her wearing her new glasses is "How did you know?" "Was she telling you that she couldn't see?" No, she never said a word about it. But I noticed a few weeks ago that when she was trying to focus (it was most obvious to me looking in my rear-view mirror as she would watch movies in the car on longer drives), her left eye would wander to the center, and then I saw her blinking and rubbing it to try and compensate for her inability to focus...So, off to the optometrist we went (her Uncle Eric IS an optometrist, but they live in Moorpark and, sorry Eric, that's just a LITTLE too far to drive for regular check-ups). Sure enough, the doctor confirmed that her left eye was substantially weaker than her right, which was making it nearly impossible to focus the eyes together, so her brain would basically shut off her left eye and then it would stray toward her nose...Which I THINK is one reason she has been able to make her silly cross-eyed face since she was like 2 yrs. old!

Here is a picture of what she looked like BEFORE--she was sure that NOBODY would recognize her now that she wears these glamorous specs!

INTRODUCING...AVERY WITH GLASSES (for those of you who couldn't tell who this is)!

You really can't tell in either picture because I tinted them, but her glasses are red with little funky stripes by her temples. Totally fit her spunky personality!

She has not put this cute little carrying case down ALL week (That's not to say she hasn't lost her glasses at least 10 times already). But she loves having another "purse"--we call her our little bag lady, she will carry 3-4 different purses, baskets, lunch boxes on her arm at any given time.

I'm so glad we caught this when we did, so, if she wears her glasses everyday, we can hopefully restore some strength back to her left eye.

Love you cute little Avery! I hope you can see now!

Even a 7-year-old knows it's not right...

2008-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

The other day our little Madison was asking me why we had a Prop 8 sign on our lawn and what exactly were we voting on...So, after explaining that not everyone shared our view of the sacredness of marriage, and then having to chip away at part of her young innocence and tell her about same-sex marriage (at age 7!!), three things happened: 1) she started laughing uncontrollably, 2) she got very concerned and frightened and said, "but Mom, I don't WANT to marry a girl! Are 'they' going to MAKE me?", 3) she revealed her logical-to-a-seven-year-old observation..."so if a dad marries a dad, they can't have any babies, and if a mom marries a mom, they would have TOO MANY BABIES!" Seven-year-olds are so smart...that's why marriage is for a man and a woman only. Let's PRAY that our Prop 8 passes so our children don't become even MORE confused!!!! And let's get out there and inform our neighbors of the consequences to our rights and our children if it fails...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR BABY GIRL!

2008-10-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

Our little Madie doesn't look like this anymore--my baby turned 7! She's still as cute as ever, just much more grown up...This post is 2 weeks late...but so goes my life...

We've been so extremely blessed to have such a loving, compassionate, fun, helpful little girl who always seeks to do what's right. She genuinely cares about other people and is always looking out for what is good for everyone. Even on her birthday when I kidnapped her from school early and took her shopping, she had her heart set on surprising her little sister Avery with something. So she picked out a little toy for Avery to match hers, and was SOOOOO excited to see her sister's reaction. We had a lot of fun--just Madie and Mom...She was so thrilled that I surprised her and wanted to spend time with her alone, i don't think she even cared what we did. I love that girl--she's never greedy about presents and it was so cute how she kept giggling and saying how much fun it was to be out together (it made me realize how much my kids value one on one time with their parents)! Madie has such a great attitude and is so willing to try new things and include new people. She loves ethnic food and seafood and all kinds of healthy vegetables.

Madie LOVES...

-playing Barbies with Avery

-practicing cartwheels

-playing soccer with her dad

-going on hikes with her dad

-reading good books like Junie B. Jones, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, American Girl books

-leading us giving lessons in Family Home Evening

-FHE treats

-going out to eat with her family

-making her baby brother giggle

-swimming

-playing with her MANY cousins

-sleeping over at Grandma & Grandpa's

-taking walks or going shopping with Papa

-SHRIMP!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , MADIE LOU....WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Caribbean Cruise (I HIGHLY recommend it)!

2008-10-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Here is just a preview of our FABULOUS cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with our FABULOUS friends Corey and Nicole Toomer, and Uale (he really isn't a grouchy person, just likes to be a pain in the butt for pictures) and Lee Taotafa...

the men BEFORE they got sunburned.

their beautiful wives

(the only ones on the ship NOT willing to flash their ta-tas to our skinny guide)

This is the day we went on a big pirate ship to snorkel in Turtle Cove in St. Thomas. FUN memories (and some scary visuals of fat drunk ladies showing their big boobies)! Thanks for such an AWESOME trip boys! I'll post more pics when we get them all uploaded...

Living in the moment and...I'm just a pansy!

2008-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

So I've been on the verge of feeling sorry for myself recently with my husband being gone so much for business and what not, but just as I'm starting to give in to the "poor me" thoughts, I am brought back to the reality that I am very blessed! I've been thinking about how I've just been "getting by" and trying to "manage" my household...but that's not what I want to see when I look back on my life. I want to know that I've laughed with my kids and hugged them just because, and taught them about being a follower of Christ. I don't know why I've been so painfully aware that my children are growing up and I CAN'T STOP THEM! I love the story that our sweet prophet shared yesterday in Conference (his talk really hit home and I thought it was crazy that he was speaking of something that's been on my mind so much lately)...The father of two children promised to take them to the circus and when he recieved an urgent call from work asking him to come right away, he answered "no, I will not be coming." His wife reminded him that "the circus will be back again you know"...To which he responded, "Yes, but childhood will not". Too often i think I'm in the "get it done" mode and I hurry through things and only half pay attention to what my kids are doing or saying. And it is them (my playful kids) who have to remind me to stop and play a little and bring me back into the moment. Anyway, I am working on enjoying and living in the moment with my children and counting my blessings. Sometimes I wonder "why me?" Why am I so blessed with sooooo much--3 beautiful, healthy kids, a wonderful husband who works so hard and is the best Daddy, great family (on both sides) who live close by, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a safe home to sleep in every night, not ever wondering IF I can feed my kids, and soooooo much more. I guess I'm just kind of a pansy--I think Heavenly Father didn't send me to a 3rd world country because He knew I wouldn't last--I murmur when I'm alone all week and can't listen to another child whine the word "MOM!" I moan when my dishwasher is not functioning! The thought of watching my child starve to death would kill me...Or hiding out from evil men who rape women and children--I don't know HOW those women endure such things and raise their children in places like that. OK, so this turned really depressing, SORRY! Didn't mean to go in that direction...I'm just really grateful for my life...

My little He-Man

2008-08-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Check out my little beef-cake, Owen! We love him so much and can hardly believe how much testosterone one little guy can have in his 18 month old body! He loves to RUN (as many of you witnessed in church today as he ran up to the stand 3 times), throw everything, torment his sisters (I really think their reaction gives him a thrill), and more recently, hit mommy and then swiftly give me a soft kiss (isn't this too young to be playing mind games?) This summer has been so much fun with him being old enough to run and explore on his own. At the beach he's FEARLESS and LOVES the water, but almost more than that he loved chasing the seagulls...Don't tell Marcus, but instead of surfing, I think he might be a bird-watcher when he grows up!

He LOVES to skateboard with his Daddy (every time we park in the garage he tries to get the longboard out, but Mommy doesn't trust herself riding while holding onto him, so i have to tell him to wait for Daddy to come back in town). Something else Owen loves to do with his dad is go hiking in the hills--he runs into the garage and tries to get into the Kelty backpack, 'cause he knows that means he gets to, #1-be outside, #2-be with Daddy all BY HIMSELF! They'll go hiking for over 2 hours most of the time and he usually just looks around and enjoys the ride, pointing to birds (again with the birds...I'm telling ya) and yelling "doh!"

Here's a short video of Owen on the skateboard--my camera was running out of battery so it got cut a little short...

And heres a little clip of Owen playing with Madie and me...

WE LOVE YOU, Mr. McBowen!

The prettiest bride!

2008-06-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Michelle & Chris!

My sisters Melissa, me (duh), Michelle, Jen, & Nichole (Coco).

My little sister

Michelle got married last weekend (she's 23, not really a baby, just THE baby of 5 girls) in the San Diego temple. She was absolutely beautiful! And it was a really nice sealing and a great reception with LOTS of dancing (more pics to come). 14 hour days ARE exhausting with three kids (one of them who NEVER stops going) and nowhere to nap... but it was a really fun day. We all really missed my baby brother, Jeff (the REAL baby of the fam), who is serving a mission in Cleveland, Ohio. So my sister got a cardboard cut-out made of him (it would've cost more than double-like $250-to have it done life size, so he was cut off at the legs). But my little cousin who is 8 stood in his place and acted as his legs for many pictures...It was soooo funny, everywhere we went, there was Jeff--staring at you from every angle. Many times I really forgot that he wasn't actually there and smiled at him and almost ran over to grab him in a big hug like we big sisters always do. He looked SO REAL--except many people did wonder what he was doing sitting ON the table at the reception. My girls REALLY miss their Uncle Jefe and thought it was really fun to get to take pictures with the cardboard Jeff.

Here's a picture of Marcus and I at the temple. Ya like the special effects? It's not a great picture, I just thought this soft light effect was hilarious! Speaking of my sweet husband, as we were walking in the temple doors, he realized his recommend had EXPIRED recently--can't call the bishop if it's expired, so the poor guy had to wait out with all the kiddos! I had a feeling that was going to happen to someone--glad it wasn't me!

We missed you in there, Marcus--it was the exact sealing room we were married in too. Being in that room reminded me (and all my family members who still laugh) of dear sweet Grandpa Melvin (Marcus' grandpa), who sealed us and I think every one of his Marcus' siblings except the youngest. He was REALLY old, and he spoke for quite a while about Marcus playing football for BYU (he red-shirted before his mission, but we told Melvin on many occasions that he wasn't playing anymore). Still Grandpa went on and on about how he should be careful not to "let those big Polynesians crush his body and injure him!" There wasn't alot of marriage advice--but it was VERY memorable! He was such a sweet, funny man. He passed away months after he sealed us. Anyway, we had a fun day and the girls of course LOVED getting all dressed up in their beautiful pink dresses. Although Avery was not happy when someone said that Michelle (the bride) was "the most beautiful girl" --she was truly shocked and exclaimed, "NO! NOT than me!" Ha. Love that girl.

Happy Mothers Day to me!

2008-05-16T21:58:00.001-07:00

My sweet husband got me the best Mother's day present. A new 24 " iMac computer! Don't really have a clue how to use it yet, but I'm really excited about it! AND he got our family a new camera/camcorder. I just need to figure out which cord I use to connect it to my new computer so I can update our blog (I know it's been so boring seeing the same ol' pics). Our other camera broke a while back and I guess I just put blogging on the back burner for a while! So... more to come soon. And thank you, thank you, Marcus! I love my presents!

Four years old...

2008-04-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our beautiful baby girl!

Avery turned 4 years old on April 13th

(this is sooo late--I'm such a bad mom)

Sweet little Avery came into this world in the midst of CHAOS! Our move to San Diego, Marcus' new job here, finding and purchasing a home, etc. all made for CRAZY times, which left poor Avery with a basket case for a mom! Alas, she learned how to make her needs and preferences VERY clear from the beginning. And when Mommy didn't get it right, she wanted her Aunt Allison (who of course would give her whatever she wanted). "I go my Atson", she use to say in her little sing-song whine. Avery was blessed with a lot of spunk to fend off (more like SCARE) all the boys she will have after her in a few more years! She is my little playful child...I love her evil little giggle and how hearing herself toot makes her laugh uncontrollably! She has a love of music and singing and is always surprising us with how quick she can learn a song. Avery is so very loyal to those she chooses to love. She fiercely defends her big sister Madie and doesn't want to experience anything without her.

Our little Twinkle Toes

She gives us so much to smile and laugh about.

We love our Little Miss Sunshine...Although she has a real knack for dirty looks and grouchy grunts, she is a loving little girl who has always melted our hearts with her sweet little voice as she says, "I wuv you tooooo much!"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVERY BUG! You have brought our family so much joy and laughter. I love you too much too!

New Family Pictures!

2008-03-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Randi Brunt has started a photography business and she was in town last weekend from Washington. So she offered to take some shots of the little munchkins and of our family. So we headed to Laguna Beach--it was SUPER windy and our hair was crazy! The kids had a great time running on the beach and climbing rocks. Randi did an AWESOME job--I love how she captured so many different expressions and angles. She has a real natural artistic ability--THANKS RANDI! You can check out her fabulous portfolio at http://www.flutterpix.com/ and she custom designs picture books at http://www.heritagemakers.com/.

While the big kitties are away, the little mouse will play!

2008-03-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday was just a quiet laid-back day at our house...Owen (little mouse) found a new toy while his big sisters (big kitties) were outside...And there was nobody around to rip his fingers off the stroller, yelling, "NO, OWEN!"

He LOVED pushing this little babydoll around--he would get so excited to be walking that he'd get going way to fast and fall. But he wouldn't let anyone or anything get in his way--he was very determined...I'm having flashbacks from Avery pushing the very same stroller and doll...maybe that boy needs a fire truck or something to push around, ya think?

Madie and Avery found their skates in the garage and decided it was time to learn to skate. They put on their pads and helped each other down to the sidewalk (crawling on the grass)...

It seems theat going over the driveways was too scary, so they crawled across (AGAIN)...soon after Avery took the skates off--she didn't like feeling so out of control...Madie kept at it and started skating pretty well after a half hour.

My sweet baby boy turned 1 year old!

2008-03-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Baby Owen! You have grown into a little BOY in just one fleeting year! I blinked and now you are terrorizing your sisters' toys, throwing EVERYHING--mostly food and balls, and taking your first steps! Each day we fall more in love with you...you're hilarious "cave man talk", your squishy little cheeks, and all the loves (when you'ree not pushing us out of your face). We love you little man. You bring so much joy to us (your parents), your sisters, grandparents, aunts uncles, cousins..and we're so excited for all the fun times yet to come and all the things you will learn. We thank the Lord for sending you to us to care for...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bubby!

We love the beach...in February!

2008-02-10T21:41:00.000-08:00

I love Southern California! Where else could you go to the beach in February and swim in the water wearing a swimsuit? And have no crowds to wade through to find a spot. We had such GREAT weather on Saturday--so we decided to head to the beach. The girls have been begging us to go to the beach for months now. When I got Owen out of the car and he saw the ocean, he starting bouncing and laughing, reaching towards the beach. As soon as we got there, the girls dropped their stuff and ran to the water!

Owen was definitely in his element--so much open space to cruise around--actually, he did the gorilla walk all over the rocks and sand (you know, hands and feet, not knees). He was so intrigued by the sand...and eating the sand...He chased his football all over the beach--it was so fun watching him explore this new place (he doesn't remember coming last summer).

The girls had so much fun riding their boogie boards in the thirty-degree water (sure felt like it)! Avery surprised me and didn't take anytime getting use to the ocean (in the past, she wouldn't go in the water until a few weeks into the summer)...they played in the watere until sunset.
Just in case you were wondering, I DID NOT tell Avery to pose like a swimsuit model (Hope this isn't a preview of her future)!

Avery's Portrait Day

2008-02-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, there is a wonderful tradition in my husband, Marcus' family, to do a formal portrait of each child at the same age. We do our kids' portraits just before they turn 4. So last week, it was Avery's turn in the spotlight,and she just ATE it up! She looked so sweet with her hair all curled (thanks Aunt Coco) and her pretty pink dress. Also, thanks to my sister Coco for watching little Owen while I helped Avery! And to top off the day, Mom even took Avery to her favorite place-McDonalds-for lunch!Here are a few snapshots I took outside the studio...

Our little babygirl, Avery (almost 4-not a baby anymore)...such a beautiful little face.

"Oh, please (posing with a cheesy smile), no pictures!"

Some fun photos...

2008-02-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, since I'm having issues with my camera, I decided to pull some of my favorite old pics...

I just thought these pictures were so funny--just shows how TINY those little baby heads are...and really put into frightening perspective just how FAST my kids are growing up!

Owen (10 days) with his big sistas!

Avery got to go to the Wild Animal Park ALONE with Dad a few days after Owen and Mom came home from the hospital--she had a blast!

Madie got so excited that Owen (2 weeks)fell asleep on her lap!

Cute little Owen at 2 months old!

Hoping for pictures soon...

2008-02-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I'm terrible at keeping up with this blog! I've been out of town and then trying to play catch up ever since...My sweet husband took me to NY for my 30th (yikes) bday (hopefully more pics to come--we've been having issues with our camera). That was a really fun trip--we saw a couple shows and shopped in good ol'Chinatown. My AWESOME mom took ALL THREE of our kids for like 4 1/2 days--thanks Mom--Happy Birthday to me! I'm sooooo grateful to have such wonderful grandparents for my kids--I could call any one of them and ask them to watch the kids or help and they would come running! We're so lucky!

I just posted a few pics that I COULD get from my camera...

Well, this was the closest thing we got to a decent Christmas pjs picture-hard to get dogs and babies to cooperate!

Little Owen is cruising around, holding onto furniture, people, animals as he walks...my little boy is almost 1 (sob,sob)!

New Year's Day fun!

2008-01-12T21:38:00.001-08:00

The kids got Legoland passes for Christmas so we took them on New Years Day. Avery was finally big enough to go on most of the rides, so the girls had lots of fun running from ride to ride and nobody had hurt feelings-yeah! We had so much FUN! Here are a few pictures...I messed up and accidentally hit the button to post them before I explained what they were--HA--I'm such a rooky at this!

2008-01-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Owen was thrilled to just be outside...here he is going crazy in the storybook boat.

Madie's favorite ride is the dragon roller coaster, but I couldn't get a picture of her on that, so here she is on the little knight's horse ride (not quite so exciting). The girls had so much fun --we haven't had passes for the last year and a half. They're excited to be able to go a lot this year.

Avery was causing all kinds of traffic

accidents at the little speedway! Poor kid--she could NOT figure out how to turn. She kept getting herself stuck--it was hilarious! (It WAS her first time driving though) Here she is doing her little chipmunk smile...what a funny girl;)

Here are the little munchkins with the Lego carolers...

check out Owen--he doesn't have a clue what's goin' on;)

Christmas pics

2007-12-30T21:31:00.001-08:00

I'm so LAME! I'm still figuring out this whole blog thing--I did it in the wrong order! So here are some Christmas pics and then don't forget to read on...

"I love the new box I got for Christmas!"

Owen getting tickled by Daddy! He's such a HAPPY little guy.

We're so lucky to have this little love in our family!

Check out Martha Stewart's newest apprentices!

These cute little outfits are from grandma.

They came with real little baking pans and utensils!

Avery is too cute in her new boots! What a babe..

Howdy Miss Madie! (a gift from Papa- to go with her pink boots)

My little man shootin' hoops--he LOVES balls, and THROWING things!

Squishy little Owen just kickin' back...next to Mommy's 4 lbs. of M&Ms!

Avery--she KNOWS she rocks!

the girls...so excited to start their own girly band!

All the kids piling on dad (who's sooo excited to be awake!)

a Hollly Jolly Christmas...

2007-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know it's been too long since I posted anything...but if you're reading this, I'm warning you that I am NOT one of those who adds new stuff EVERYDAY! In fact, sometimes it may be weeks before there's anything new...In this new year I'm really going to try to be consistent in journaling (if for no one else, for my family to read back on)...

This Christmas season has been really fun! Some highlights were:

- watching the kids come downstairs and look to see where the little tree elf (thanks Allison) had hidden each morning after reporting back to Santa the night before!

-watching little Avery singing in her preschool Christmas program--she practiced at home ALL the time! For those of you who have witnessed that girl singing, you know that if you try to sing along with her, she puts out her hand and says, "no" and proceeds with her SOLO! Talk about a stage hog! But she is a good little singer--she was the loudest and cutest one up there (so what if she made up many of her own lines).

-taking Madie shopping for Avery's gift and really wanting it herself, but, being the kind-hearted little sweetheart that she is, deciding that Avery would really like to sleep with it (a big teddy bear).

-puking my brains out the morning of Avery's preschool party (NOT pregnant, just the flu), but not wanting to make her miss it, and not wanting to miss that sweet little face when she sang, I sucked it up (not literally) and braved the pot-luck hell that is the Raggedy and Andy preschool tradition at Christmas time! I shocked myself by lasting the entire 2+ hours without tossing my cookies, despite the many ethnic foods that included big, greasy sausage-looking-things. It was worth it to witness the instant high that girl gets from a simple sugar cookie!

-taking our kids caroling for the first time with some families in our ward.

- my mom cooking for and entertaining no less than 20 people for every family event! Go mom! We love your cooking and the fun we have at your house. And dad always wanting to hold little Owen (or ANY of my kids that will let him)

-my sweet father-in-law who INSISTED on personally purchasing individual gifts for each of his 6 kids, their spouses, AND 20 grandchildren! What a grandpa! Next year it might be easier to do couple gifts or family gifts--whatever you want though--we love you.

-my sister Melissa telling her boyfriend, the adorable Blake, and a few other guys that came to my parent's house, that our family has an annual talent show every year and watching as he did hand-stand push-ups for my entire family! THEN...Nate and Blake reading their own version of a poem entitled "uptown girl"--it was hilarious! And of course Golden playing guitar while my girls gawked at him, and of course my sister Coco's solo.

It was a nice quiet Christmas at our house. Little Owen's FIRST Christmas--he didn't eally get it of course, he just wanted the wrapping paper tube and balls to throw and chase! he's soo fun. So here are a few pictures...

Cheerios are my friend

2007-12-07T00:46:00.000-08:00

So, my poor third child...his mommy likes to put him in the highchair when she needs him to stay put (I can't keep him out of the dog food--Marcus says, "he wouldn't eat it if he didn't like it") Somedays that means WAY too many snacks! But I guess by the look on his face, he doesn't mind that so much...Am I a bad mommy, using cheerios and bananas for entertainment?? (oh, and cookies twice now, too) He's such a sweet LOVE of a baby (just so much busier than the girls ever were)--we're so blessed to have this sweet little man who makes us all laugh with his grunting and growling.

Do ya think he wants to get out?

Check me out!

2007-12-07T00:21:00.000-08:00

My children LOVE to take pictures of EVERYTHING (especially themselves)...So here are a few that Avery took for her portfolio...Here's a kid who is NOT afraid of a close-up!

Thank goodness for Botox!

2007-11-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

here are the pics from oure trip...

Up the coast and back!

2007-11-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, so i jumped on the blog wagon--I know, 10 years later! But I decided to just stop fighting it. So here goes...

The week before Thanksgiving, we drove up to Monterey and met the McGregors for a fun weekend. Marcus had to work the first two days, so the kids and I took long walks, sampled chowder, went to a few museums, and of course--visited the SEA LIONS (for like 2 hours). There's a little secret if you want free, captivating entertainment for HOURS! We walked along a little jetty where there were about a hundred barking sea lions playin' fat dog in the sun! They were soooo LOUD! Madie and Avery would walk to the side to get a closer look, and then jump back when they all started barking at them. And Owen probably couldn't tell the difference between the sea lions and the loud, barking humans (his sisters).We got to go to the aquarium for two days and that was really fun. Of course the favorite there was the great white sharks. And to top the whole weekend off, Papa Paul and Uncle Chuck came up to golf and hang out. And Paul took everyone to Benihana (sp??) for dinner! That was sooo fun watching the japanese chefs cook right in fron of us--it was the kids' first time and their favorite part was the crazy balloon hats...THANK YOU PAPA PAUL!