The Saavedra Family

Simon Screamed! We All Screamed for Ice Cream!

2012-02-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

Last night, when most of the kids were asleep, Brad and I got our secret dessert. Tonight it was ice cream. Simon was still awake and crawling all over the living room and kitchen. When he saw that I had taken ice cream out he followed me into the living room screaming at me. He was one fussy boy, but you wouldn't see that in these pictures now would ya! Next time he fusses over teeth breaking through or something I'm getting out the chocolate chip ice cream!

Oh, The Places You Find Simon

2012-02-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

Simon and Nathan Watch Mickey Mouse Together

2012-02-11T22:07:00.001-08:00

Simon Chowing Down on a Lemon

2012-02-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Aquarium of the Pacific

2012-02-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

We're proud owners, once again, of annual passes to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Highlights of this particular trip: 1.) Certain creatures are either hiding most of the time or just sitting at the bottom of the tanks. This visit we got to see the sea turtle swimming and the octopus made an appearance! 2.) When Nathan wanted to tell me something about a certain fish in a tank he would say, "You know, the fish that swims like this..." Then he would move into the middle of the aisle and start dancing around to the fish swimming. He would wiggle his hips and open his puckered lips like a fish. He was funny. 3.) We visited the exhibit about water shed. You can push a button to make it rain on a model of the Los Angeles basin. Nathan had a great time pushing the buttons. I turned my back for a second only to find Nathan trying to crawl on top of the model! I yelled, "What do you think you're doing!?!" He said, "Well, I wanted a drink! Alynna's getting a drink!" I turn to the small pool of water that represents the ocean and Alynna's got her head in the water guzzling down a drink of refreshing recycled aquarium water!
Sigh. Why I leave the house I'm just not sure.

2012-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

They're playing a game of multi-choice at the Aquarium of the Pacific. It's the closest Kaeley's ever come to taking a bonified test. :)

Kaeley Turns Eight Years Old

2012-02-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

The following is an interview I did Kaeley in celebration of her birthday.
Mom: What do you wish your name was?
Kaeley: Susan, because I think it's pretty.
Mom: What is your favorite thing to learn about?
Kaeley: History, because I like learning about new people and it's exciting.
Mom: What is your favorite book?
Kaeley: The Magician's Nephew, because it's a book about God.
Mom: What is your favorite food?
Kaeley: Hot dogs, because (here she leans over to whisper) it's not good for you! heeheehee
Mom: What do you like to do with your free time?
Kaeley: Knit, Play with Littlest Pet Shops. Play with my brothers and sisters.
Mom: What is your favorite day of the week?
Kaeley: Saturday, because I have lots of free time.
Mom: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Kaeley: Explorer.
Mom: Why?
Kaeley: Because... they explore! Yes! It has lots of exciting things like the tropical rain forest and the world is full of new things! You want to see new things so you can make books and tell other people what it's like!
Mom: What would you do with a million dollars?
Kaeley: Spend it on Pillow Pets. All Pillow Pets and nothing else!

She's my little gift. She's precociousness. She's goofy. She likes to hum at all times. She is wonderful with Simon. She's a huge help to me. She is generous with her time in help of us. How I love her! How I get frustrated with her! But how I love that little girl! She's is unique. She is my old soul.
She always seems so grown up to me until a birthday passes. Now I look back at seven and think, "Oh no! What did I do!?! She was just a baby!"

Just to put it in perspective here she is at one month.

The Ham, Part 2

2012-02-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

The Ham

2012-02-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

I now have no problem getting a smile from the baby. Just put a camera in front of his face and you're done!

The Mess That is Simon

2012-02-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing I use coupons and pay very little for boxes of tissues. Another one bites the dust.

The boy likes climbing into the box of Legos. I don't know what the attraction is, but he likes it.

A Fun Toy Worth the Batteries

2012-01-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

Can You Say, "ER Trip Waiting to Happen"?

2012-01-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today I heard Kaeley call, "Mommy! You might want to see this!" Sure enough, the boy had used a nearby chair to climb onto the tool bench. He was quite pleased with himself.

I moved the yellow chair you see in the picture where it belongs, took the baby off the bench, and walked out of the room.

When I walked by the room a few minutes later what did I see? Simon on the table! He used the chair I just moved to climb onto the table!

Like I've said in another posting, he is an activity all in himself. He's one happy bouncing little boy.

The Rain Forest Cafe

2012-01-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Last week Kaeley enjoyed some library books about the rain forest. She started many sentences with, "Mommy... did you know..." and most of the time I would answer back with a sincere, "No, I sure didn't!" Well, I did know why God gave us the rain forest... for the cocoa beans. :) This particular day Kaeley read the books for pleasure. This led way to drawing what she saw in the pictures. She drew pictures of monkeys (What kind? I don't know. I didn't read the books.), parrots, and flowers. The paper and markers led her to start writing. I feel like I'm writing a "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" story.

If you give a girl a book, she'll probably want to read some facts. If you give the girl some facts she'll probably want to draw pretty pictures out of what she's learned. She'll ask you for some markers and papers. If you give her markers and papers she'll probably want to imagine she's in school. Thinking of school will remind her of desks they use in public schools. She'll ask you if she can take over the kitchen. You'll count the cost of what she's asking you and decide it's worth the imagination and focus she'll invest. It's cheaper than a baby sitter, so you say, "Sure, but you're cleaning up all the mess." She'll start setting up an "office" with the kitchen furniture. Setting up the kitchen furniture to be a pretend class room will remind her of a restaurant. And if she decides to set up a restaurant she'll probably want a rain forest to go with it. Add a rain forest to a play restaurant and what do you have? The Rain Forest Cafe!

I don't know. It went something like that. Before I knew it the kitchen was taken over. There was a cashier, a chef, and a server. Simon tried with all his might to get into the "no zone". Of course, it didn't take him very long. Kaeley, our young lady with an old soul, decided the drive-thru was the way to go, so she squished herself into a toy bucket and scootered herself all over the kitchen floor. The bucket was her car.

If you're going to have plastic kitchen toys you have to have water and Cheerios, right? So that's what they got out. This play time lasted us about an hour? That's not bad, right? An hour of play time with no TV. An hour of active imaginations at work. An hour of siblings playing happily together. An hour somewhat to myself, so I cleaned the living room. An hour of play. Can you guess how many hours of clean up this took? I think by Sunday it was all cleaned up. Then there was dinner on Monday. Before I knew it there was bits of baked potato on the floor. Back to square one. Hmm... when I think about it my house is rarely clean, maybe I could just surrender and know our Square One these days is actually a mess after all. So really we went from mess to mess. Nothing lost and much gained, right? Did that train of thought make sense to you? We'll just go with it.

PS. Notice the yellow bowl of blue water? One day the Preschoolers and I did an experiment with water. Sure enough, water put in the freezer actually does turn to ice. This simple experiment through Kaeley for a loop. She was so excited to see what would happen if she put blue food coloring into the water before freezing it. Well! If you give a girl a bowl of frozen blue water she'll probably... long story short it was first a bowl of blue ice. Then it turned to a ice rink for a Polly Pocket doll (to play with outside) and from there a swimming pool surrounded by plastic palm trees. Within an hour Kaeley came back into the house with bluish-purple hands. That was fun. :)

What We Do While Alynna is in Ballet

2012-01-31T15:47:00.000-08:00

The rain boots were just priceless with her tutu. She has quite a fashion sense.

What to do for half an hour... here's what the three did while waiting for their ballerina prodigy to be done with class.

Our old soul knits while listening to her iPod. Sometimes she has her school work with her, but this is not the ideal as there are many distractions.

After ten minutes of waiting for Sissy the boys were set free outside. Both males seemed to breath deeply while crawling and climbing through the bars of the bike rack and the bushes.

Simon's Favorite Game

2012-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:00

I sure hope this stroller will survive the beating it gets from Simon. He has a preference and likes to make this known.

Simon is Ten Months Old

2012-01-27T22:50:00.000-08:00

He looks so proud to be in the double digits!

How to Homeschool with a Baby In-Toe (for fun, not for real advice)

2012-01-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

If you have ever wondered, "How do homeschooling moms of babies do it?" Have no fear. I ask myself that question often. Well, sometimes my question is, "Why would..." Never mind. :) Yes, it's crazy, and it's loud, but if you love homeschooling, and you love your baby, rest assured the two can coexist. Here are some helpful pointers:

1. While the older kids work dutifully on independent study spend some time having fun with the younger students in the family. Get out one or two good hands-on activities for the younger age kids. Here the youngers and I were reading "Mr. Popper's Penguins". I had a Tupperware for both preschoolers filled with ice and polar animals. Always make sure that activities done on the floor are safe for babies who put everything in their mouths. In this case a small plastic whale made a good teething toy. That's when you can add, "Simon, can you say orca?

2. Nurse for as long as humanly possible. This can sometimes be a life-saver while you're trying to read library books and the baby throws a temper tantrum on your lap. Nursing can calm the baby and bring peace back to the couch of books and children. In my house nursing often puts the baby to sleep. If you have friends who like scheduling babies and tell you often that you should have encouraged structure with sleep-eat-play, this is the time to tune their judgement out and enjoy the peace that a sleeping baby can bring. In the above picture he fussed on my lap until he nursed and fell asleep. A small cat nap can do wonders for both mom and baby! And about that schedule... better luck next time, right? If you can't nurse the baby and bring quietness to the reading hour... read louder.

3. Legos can be one of those great hands-on during Math lessons. While Kaeley works on Math by herself Nathan will often pull out the Legos. He studies weaponry and aerospace as he builds spaceship after spaceship and throws in the occasional dagger or gun. No, Legos are not the safest thing for babies to experience, but those large-enough pieces also make a good teething toy. Adult supervision is a must in this situation. The almost five-year old doesn't count as "adult" supervision. I wish. Another great opportunity to encourage child-prodigy, "Can you say square, Simon?"

No, I did not put him in the box. That comes naturally to Simon at this time.

4. Every day items can bring much joy to a baby. A brush. A measuring tape. Real Scotch tape! No, I did not say duct tape.

5. Always keep the bathroom door closed. Your living room will be TPed many times if you are not vigilant on this point. I've lost whole rolls of toilet paper due to the failure of implementing this rule. While you don't want your living room TPed more than maybe once a week know what messes the baby enjoys that are easy to clean up. For example, in our house the baby can throw down books from a particular bookshelf. It's great fun for him sometimes and will often buy me five minutes of quiet time. The clean up is minimal. Note that libraries don't appreciate this method at all! Other hot topics: DVD cases, coupons (a huge no-no in our house that he still partakes in), computer wires that connect your house to the internet (a huge, huge no-no in our house that still happens about twice a week), mixing bowls, etc.

6. The greatest tip of all... enjoy the craziness while it lasts. One day this baby will be a full-fledged student of his own right who will most likely complain over having to do a certain subject in school and there will be a whole new craziness at home.

Want tips on how to keep the house clean during this crazy season?
Me too.

When the House is Always Messy

2012-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Don't worry I had just emptied the trash. Simon spotted the shiny glint of a jingle bell at the bottom of the pail.

Ah, my precious.

This area was clean before Simon had a field day in it.

Alynna the Ballerina

2012-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Alynna is in her first ever class all by herself. She's in a little ballet class through the city. It's fun for her to get dressed up and prance around with other little girls. She picked out her own outfit, which hopefully explains the dark brown tights with pink leotard. As you can tell the kids get very excited about posing for pictures.

Isn't she just too much?

This picture make me laugh out loud.

While Alynna spends half an hour learning the delicate art of ballet we bide time as best we can. The first week I let Simon out of the stroller. This week I took the half hour off and left him strapped in the stroller. Poor baby. Next week I'll a nice mommy.

This is Nathan playing my iPod while we wait. Brad says the caption should say, "I'll try to schedule you in."

Here Kaeley copies out the book of James for Reading. It was a rough morning with her, so this is school/discipline. She made it through half the first chapter.

After class we always go to the pond out back and say hello to the coy pond. I had to tell Nathan to get his hands out of the water. I found out later that he enjoyed pushing the basking turtles into the pond.

The Lawyer in Training

2012-01-21T13:56:00.001-08:00

Kaeley taught Alynna how to climb onto the counter to get herself a cup of water. She explains every single step and motion. She says... and I quote... "You can either put the cup on the counter or throw it into the sink. I would advice..." I don't know what she said after the "I would advice..." I would advice?

The Japanese American Museum

2012-01-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Tuesday the kids and I went to the Japanese American Museum. I had never even heard of this museum. It was a great learning experience for all of us. Well, for Simon I have to say it was a great work out. This is not the season for a relaxing museum fits with children.

Alynna wasn't feeling very well, but she felt good enough to try on this kimono. Isn't she just too cute?

Nathan, as always, listened intently and talked constantly. At least I have evidence of him waiting his turn. Never mind the fact that his mother was right behind him whispering, "Nathan, stop interrupting!"

Here the younger children listen to an actor telling a Japanese fairy tale.

Kaeley went with the older group. While the younger ones learned a little of Japanese culture, Kaeley learned about the Japanese Interment Camps during the World War II. Later we met up and learned to make a box from Origami.

After the official field trip was over we ate a picnic lunch in the plaza of Little Tokyo.

Here we experience the Japanese culture in full force with a serving of Mochi. I have to say that we'll be sticking to Breyer's. Mochi's consistency was very odd. But, hey, we tried it! Then we went back to the museum and learned a bit more while Simon finally slept in the stroller.

For His Glory...

2012-01-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

I've come to see that I've sculpted myself a beautiful little idol. It's dressed in fashionable clothes that work for playgrounds and sitting cross-legged on the floor, but fancier than sweat pants. It enjoys getting out of the clean house to go on adventures. It finds peace in quiet surroundings. It looks forward to quiet time and routine. It looks for comfort. This little golden calf of mine looks an awful lot like me. Well, not exactly like me per-say. It looks like what I like to pretend to be.

This year I've felt a calling to go deeper in Christ. Good. That means more Bible studies besides what I'm already doing, right? Um, I think He's answering gently, and some what firmly, the answer is no. I'm hearing that familiar whisper that pulls on hearts, "Go home." How more of a stay-at-home mom can one get? I don't work outside the house and am with the four children almost constantly. As it turns out I've got a long way to go.

Today instead of the usual Friday park day with friends that can last for hours and hours I stayed home. This is a huge change for me, because I love park days. I come home ready to conquer the rest of the day. My friends remind me I can keep fighting the good fight.

Today at home there is more laundry than I have quarters for. The house is in shambles. Clean laundry, toys, trash, pillows, groceries bought yesterday, and learning supplies litter the floor. As I write Simon is shaking a box of colored pencils in the air. Pencils are dropping to the floor. Oh well, it's buying me some peace.

What is this peace that I thought I've felt before? Maybe it was a level of peace the LORD granted me as He waited for me to want more. Today, in the mess, I spent much time with Alynna and Nathan. I was often chased by a crying baby whose shirt is soaked in drool. I checked in on Kaeley who took a good three and a half hours to do one page of Math and copy one poem. I've visited my friends: the washer and drier. I have a load and a half done and there's plenty more to go. Actually the clothes I'm wearing now will be going in the laundry hopefully before Brad comes home. I find myself asking, "Since when have I become a canvas for baby food and boogers and slime?" The whisper says nothing, but I can feel the serious look of a parent who gives a child a stern look to warn that a line is about to be crossed. I am humbled. Since when did I see myself as some sort of queen to be coddled?

I am intensely aware this morning of my need for a Savior. I want to say I'm ashamed of what I've understood as servanthood, but at the same time I can honestly say that I'm excited. That seems a bit extreme even to me. Excited? Maybe filled with anticipation. The old must be pruned away to make room for the new.

My day is not much different than yours. Do you also feel a thrill of happiness to serve children for whom you've prayed for and also yearn for a quiet corner of a Starbucks? Don't you also wish the house could just be clean all the time? My life is privileged. Yet the chores and obligations pierce my heart in a new way today. As I complain I know this is God's loving way to wake me up and save me from myself. He draws me into His arms as I drown in apathy and comfort. May I find joy in His pruning away all that I've identified as success. I will learn to seek Him first rather than family or friends or Starbucks. :) He and I will talk through out the day, because there will be no one else to turn to when I look towards home. And may He be glorified through my story this year. May I learn to live with hands and schedule open. May I be taught to live in simplicity rather than entitlement. And, lastly, may I find joy in Him over all and in all. Amen!

How Simon Spends a Field Trip

2012-01-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

Today the kids and I went to the Japanese American Museum. It was a beautiful museum. We all learned a lot. I must say though... things are not as easy as they used to be. I day dreamed about Brad being able to join me on these field trips. Simon is just so very active. It's crazy! Here he is crawling under chairs while the older kids listened to a Japanese fairy tale.

Here he is visiting his friend who sits nicely in his stroller. Well, okay, his friend can't crawl yet.

Here the boy crawled up to the storyteller's easel so often that he decided to keep the baby with him.

Here we tried learning about taiko, a Japanese drum ceremony. That was a lot of fun to listen to and to do. Simon enjoyed the art of climbing stairs and turning circles in my lap!
Field trips aren't impossible at this point, but they can sure be difficult.

Boy, Are We in Trouble!

2012-01-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

The boy learned to climb ladders!

We've had to take Nathan's bunk bed ladder down. The first time I heard Nathan yelling, "Mommy! Simon is on my ladder!" I found Simon on the second rung. A couple of days later, "Mommy! Simon is on my ladder!" I found the baby in the middle of the ladder. A few days later "Mommy! Simon is almost in my bed! Quick!" In I run to find Simon seriously almost in the boy's bed! Think! Risk it all to get the camera or get the baby immediately. I got the baby. :) Isn't he just too cute!?! I just want to eat him!

The Fourth Kid

2012-01-17T20:42:00.001-08:00

He's eating a chocolate chip cookie.

Life with Young Children, Part 2

2012-01-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday afternoon I finally called the doctor's and made an appointment regarding the rough rash that Simon had over much of his body. It was made for the next afternoon.
Thursday morning. Never mind the morning school, which usually starts at 9:00am. At 9:30am we ran to a local store for a quick produce run. Then to the library for books on the solar system and some Planet Earth DVDs. Then it was time for Alynna's first ballet class. It was fun watching her run around with other ballerinas. She is almost always with family members, and to see her face glowing with excitement as she flew around the room made me tear up!
After class we looked at the fish pond that was outside the building housing the ballet class. An hour at the doctor's appointment. It wasn't hives. It was eczema. We talked lack of sleep. We found out Simon has an unusually large cranium. Dad, the legacy continues. :)
At one o'clock we drove by In-N-Out. The drive-thru was ridiculous! It hadn't been my first choice, but we parked the car and ate inside. We lined up at the bar seating, which left one seat available next to Nathan. Nathan, our Chatty Cathy, befriended any man who would sit next to him. He would ask if they would be his guy-friend. How had their day been? Why were they eating here? Who were they here with? How was their work going. To one grey haired gentleman named Jim he asked, "Were you at Uwajimaya?"
We were finally at home by two o'clock. It was a long, long morning, but full of little treasure along the way.
Now if only I can hang on to those treasures as I listen to endless arguing and complaining from the oldest this morning, Lego guns shooting from another, whining and loud playing noises from the next, and a fussy baby who's not allowed to fall asleep yet!

Life with Young Children, Part 1

2012-01-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

Monday and Tuesday were beautiful days. There were great attitudes, new experiences (piano lessons for Kaeley), and they were just overall good days.

I had been looking forward to Wednesday for a week or two. It was the beginning of my morning Bible study at church. All of the children now go to the children ministry classes, and Kaeley even volunteers in the classroom, so I get two hours in the morning to chat with fellow Believing women of different ages and life stages and listen to a great speaker. I couldn't wait!

Wednesday morning Simon woke at 2:30am and fell back asleep. Then he woke at 4:30am. Then he woke at 5:30am. By 5:30am I gave up. I had Brad cuddle with him while I took a shower. By the time I was out of the shower, as to be expected, Daddy and Son were back to sleep, which was good. By 7:00am that morning I had started two loads of laundry, done my daily reading, and had finished cutting a frustrating amount of coupons.

The kids woke up and I served breakfast. I got dressed all fancy in celebration of my morning Bible study. I had on my grey leggings, my new boots, and a tunic top. I even unwisely topped it all off with a very non-mom necklace. The necklace is so my style, but it's large and dangly and has already been broken once when I was changing a diaper on the floor and Simon got his foot stuck in the loops of the chain. But what did I care? I was on top of the housework, felt great, was really tired, and was going to be at Bible study within the next two hours. I even planned on going to Jamba Juice with a good coupon so I could enjoy a special treat.

By 8:30am all of that loveliness had faded. I was tired. Kaeley felt her usual page of Math was torturous. She was so excited about volunteering with younger children that she filled the house with an air of "Who cares about YOU, Mom? I'm going to help OTHERS!" Arguing ensued at every point. As a last draw I threatened she would be in the sanctuary with me and her school work if she couldn't change her attitude.

I thought for sure that would whip her into shape. Well, while it was a good scare, it wasn't enough. She was in class with me that morning. And I left the house late, quite frustrated, and no time for Jamba Juice.

Oh well, I could at least have the three youngest in their classes. I dropped them off and tried to calm down while chatting with friends. I felt like I had just downed three cups of espresso. Within five minutes the head of nursery came inquiring about a rash that Simon had all over his tummy, upper arms, and upper legs. I said it was fever-related hives and no one else in the family had caught them. She asked if I had been to the doctor's. I hadn't. I kept thinking they would eventually go away. He's had hives before and they eventually healed up.

Within five minutes of being at study I had two children in sanctuary with me. I had baby food on my leggings. Every time I moved from my spot on the floor my boots scraped together and made noises. I had some white stuff in my clean hair. I spent the first twenty minutes of Bible study chasing after a very active baby. I finally told Kaeley it was pointless. I told her to pack up her school. We were going home. I was on my way out trying to fight the tears of disappointment.

Thank God, the leader of study offered to hold Simon so I could listen to the lesson. She took Simon away where he could play and crawl and I stayed just long enough to finish the lesson. I was so thankful for the woman who took Simon.

I came home humbled. What a morning of aggravations and broken expectations. Yet I treat these "hardships" as the worse possible fates in life. I am quite spoiled. The LORD, in all His goodness and mercy, is working on my heart. I can already feel the difference. I, of course, didn't get a nap, but I got a rest on the couch for a little while. Nathan didn't take a nap, so he and Kaeley helped me clean the house. (After all that complaining from a seven year old I thought the least they could do was get more chores.) We left for Small Group and I was quite amazed to feel my heart soften. In the past I probably would have still been playing the victim card, but what annoyances have I faced that has not already been faced by humanity? What larger and deeper problems are missionaries facing as they pour out their lives for their fellow man?

The morning was not fun, but it wasn't the worse either. It is what it is I suppose.

I can tell you that the first thing I did when I came home was change from my fancy, high fashion outfit, which was dirty anyway, into some comfortable jeans and tennis shoes.

My Night

2012-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was at a doctor's appointment for Simon when I thought, "What the heck? I'll ask just in case. Do you happen to sell miracles? My son doesn't sleep." He smiled. He began asking questions about his normal routine. "What time does he go to bed?" "What day is it?" was my answer. Babies his age do begin waking up at night even if they used to sleep through the night. He asked about Simon's waking habits and it was decided by both of us that he indeed was waking up more than usual. :)
Long story... too late... yesterday was a very nice morning with the kids, but very full. We didn't get home until 2pm. Simon still hadn't fallen asleep for a nap. The doctor suggested not allowing him super long naps after a rough night, because it perpetuates the problem. SO... long story... anyway... Simon didn't take a nap at all.
He went to bed fairly easy that night. He went to bed in his crib, which is at the foot of our bed. He usually starts sleeping in there and when he wakes up I'll pull him into bed with us. He sleeps horribly anyway, so what's the difference? But I thought I'd start the habit of putting him back into his crib. I think he went to sleep around 9:45pm. By 10:30pm he was awake. I think that time he went back to sleep when he was picked up and patted on the back for a while. At 1:30am he woke up again. This is after no nap. Not only did he wake up at 1:30am, but at 2:30am I woke up in our bed with him nursing. After a while of thinking, "Okay, I'll get up in two minutes." I finally got out of bed and put the sleeping baby back in the crib. Every time I put his body down he began crawling towards the sides again. I must have tried ten times to put him back on his tummy to sleep. I hate the crying it out method. In my experience and my kids there is no fussing or crying. There's screaming until the babies are so worked up they couldn't fall asleep if they were sedated! I kept trying to put him back in his crib, but after he consistently wold get up and start crawling back to my arms I figured it was too darn late to keep trying this madness. I brought him into bed with me.
By this time while Simon was sleepy he was awake. It was a very sweet time watching him in the darkness and perpetually smile at me. He played calmly with my fingers, touched my face, kept smiling. I thought it was so sweet, but by this time it was 3:30am! I finally enlisted Brad's help. He took the baby into the living room and I fell asleep eventually. Now it's 7:30am and the whole family is awake and active.
The doctor had said a baby this age should be sleeping a full amount of 12 hours in a 24 hour period. After no nap during the day and a restless night I knew for sure that 12 hours happened for no one. I'm going to try to be more vigilant about naps that aren't too long, and I have no idea, but whatever I can do to encourage more sleep I'll do.
I must say that when Brad sleepily walked out with the awake baby I thought, "He's the Energizer Bunny reborn!"

The Los Angeles Farmers Market

2012-01-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad, here's your thank you card for our family outing to the Los Angeles Farmers Market. I'm happy to say that Kaeley put your picture in her backpack before we ran out the door. I'm sorry to say that she forgot to take you out, so you and Dad were in the car for our entire trip. HOWEVER, we certainly thought of you a lot! And for the pictures we always said, "Thank you, Grannie and Papiiiiiiii!"

TinTin was a great movie! Every member of the family really liked it. Simon didn't seem very impressed, but everyone else enjoyed it a great deal. I look forward to you being able to see it.

Simon Finally Likes Baths

2012-01-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

I turn the water on full blast. Children behind me start stripping clothes. Alynna is usually yelling that she wants a bubble bath. Nathan then yells that he wants a "plain bath". Kaeley always makes sure that she is getting a shower. Midst the yelling, shouting, and stripping I hear the slapping and thumping of little hands and knees coming my way. Here comes the baby. He holds on to the side of the bath tub as I wash hair and fill the tub. He kicks his leg like a happy canine. I wonder if this will be "the time". When I'm done with the two bathers I take off the baby's clothes. He still kicks and looks on in interest. In the naked baby goes. As soon as a toe touches the water he's screaming and thrashing to get out. I quickly wash him. I'm always amazed that the once curious and amused baby is now a very unhappy little soul.

When Simon was sick with his nasty cold I took a bath with him. He loved it. Last week, after I had finished the bathers I looked down on the happy little tot standing on dry land and splashing his hand in the water. I thought, "Well, he'll scream, but here we go." I stripped him naked. While he's in mid air Alynna says, "He's gonna scream, Mommy!" The toe touched. Then the ankle. Then he was in! He liked it!

He's been a fan of baths ever since! I have to hold onto his torso due to his constant wiggling. He'll splash until I don't have to give him a shower. It's been a nice change of events.

Some of Nathan's Art Work

2012-01-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

While some might think this is Santa Claus it is actually Kaeley. Nathan said it's Kaeley with lots of presents. And he wrote his name! I had to show him what letter he was writing, but he copied it on his paper by himself. I was very impressed. He drew this on my request for a thank you card. That was about all I could squeeze out of him. He's just much into drawing, so it was like pulling teeth! I enjoyed this picture and then called it quits.

My Beautiful Boy

2011-12-31T15:55:00.001-08:00

Sleeping Babes

2011-12-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

Nathan doesn't usually play with his doll, but if it's good enough for Kaeley it's good enough for him.

Christmas Morning at Grandma's House

2011-12-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

Simon sitting with his loving grandma.

Kaeley with her beloved Josaphina. She finally owns an American Girl doll. She feels quite grown up now.

Alynna... the Fashionista

2011-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

I love how she dresses!

Kaeley's Keyboard

2011-12-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

Kaeley has mentioned to us a couple of times how she would like to learn the piano. After a little bit of research on the topic we knew we would need to purchase a small keyboard to keep at home if we wanted her to excel. I told Kaeley to pray about it, because I knew that God was more than capable of providing a keyboard to us. We started praying before Thanksgiving. Then it was forgotten for a while. Brad and I discussed a couple of times whether to buy one during the Black Friday sales. Finally, several weeks before Christmas our old friend and music teacher, Pastor Charley, contacted me. I had written him when I was researching prices and teachers and whatnot. He told me someone had given him a keyboard. Did we want it? :)

After finding her big present "from God" she got all teary eyed. I love that about Kaeley. There's been a handful of times this year she's cried from happiness: when we found out Simon was a boy, after Simon was born, finding Christmas lights hung in her room, and now... the keyboard.

She is very excited about learning the piano. She told me that the only reason she wanted to learn the piano was so she could one day learn to play the violin. After receiving her keyboard she decided she doesn't need to learn the violin at all, because the keyboard has a "violin" button. :)

Simon is Nine Months Old!

2011-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Here is my little pride and joy. Nine months old. Here he is signing the only sign he knows: all done. He uses this a lot. I try to feed him food and after a couple of bites he'll sign all done. Sometimes I can tell him how cute he is and then keep feeding him, but it's rare. Speaking of food, he is so different from the other three kids. I thought women who bought jar baby food were crazy. Why spend $0.89 on a jar of carrots when you can spend twice that on a huge bag of carrots and make a case full of baby food? It always seemed silly to me. Well, this little guy eats pretty much only jarred food and rice cereal. In a typical day he might make it through one jar of food. Maybe. I keep hoping to stuff him full of food so he'll sleep longer. It never fails, too, the time I can enjoy the rare night he'll eat a lot of food and he'll STILL wake up several times a night! I think he's gassy sometimes if he eats too much. Obviously you can tell from his girth that he suffers from hunger not.

Isn't he just the cutest!?! We'll get that silly smile from him sometimes when he's in an extra good mood. He's also very hammy when the camera comes out. He still tells his "joke". He'll gasp in his breath making a huge sound like a horn. He'll then look around for someone to laugh with. He and Alynna will do that together until she can't breath from the laughter. He's just now beginning to give kisses too, which can bring me to my knees in love.

He's one of our cuddliest babies. So he doesn't sleep well, but when he does sleep he sleeps best when in someone's arms. How we trained him into that I don't remember, but when I can remember that this time will go by fast I cuddle in closer. The other night I shed a few tears as a character on a movie miscarried her third baby. That night I went to sleep for about ten minutes before Simon woke me up. I pulled him into bed with me and cuddled him and sucked him in. How I loved kissing on his face. This little boy that almost wasn't. How we suffered those two losses and then rejoice in our four health children.
Yes, sleep is precious and precious little these days. I haven't slept through the night in a year. I haven't slept more than four hours at one time since he was born and THAT happened because he was drugged up on Benadryl. Can you believe it? Four hours was the most he's ever slept at one time and it was because he was on medication? How I was "blessed" with a non-sleeper when I have three other children to take care of I'm not sure. However, Brad and I do love cuddling with him and are very much connected to our cutie.

He now has seven teeth! After breaking teeth through those little gums of his pretty much back to back, it's slowed to a stand still. No new teeth that we can see. He will sometimes bite if the kids get too close. He bit my neck once quite hard and I complained about it out loud. Kaeley, who is always quick with the parenting advice, said cheerfully, "Oh, Mommy, he's just giving you a kiss!" That evening she was bit on the finger. She was in tears. It took a bit of control not to say, "Oh Kaeley, it's just a baby kiss!" :)

This is another thing he likes to do. He'll crawl around the floor with something hanging from his mouth. I like to whistle at him sometimes while calling for the little puppy dog.
The said boy is now screaming for me, so that's the end of the blog posting.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Grandpa and Grandma Clore sent each grandkid a collection of the state quarters.

This is the new Snow White doll from Grannie and Papi. Alynna is so cute I want to bottle her up and save her for years to come.

It only took us a week to recover from the new toys, the Christmas decorations, the vacation, etc.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Before opening up the presents Brad reminds the children of the real reason for Christmas. Happy birthday, Jesus, our gift of salvation to an unbelieving and sinful world. You wooed me when I hated You. As for this household we will serve You, LORD.

Simon the Sicko

2011-12-30T20:57:00.000-08:00

Simon caught a pretty good cold on Christmas. It wasn't his first, but I'm not yet used to seeing him sick. He was a pathetic sight indeed. We spent many a time in the steamy bathroom, used much a slap of Vick's, and cuddled much with our precious little sicko.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

This was the first year in our ten years that Christmas Eve wasn't spent with family. This is the first years I could start a family tradition of our own and look forward to to it all year. Our kids could talk about what they did on Christmas Eve for years to come. Well, the pressure of finding the perfect tradition stumped me to the max. The most creative thought I had... Christmas Eve service at church, In-N-Out on the way home, and picnic dinner in front of a movie. I just couldn't think of anything else! It felt lame and irreverent, but that's what I had.
At church other families talked of their traditions of spaghetti and ethnic dishes and so on. Burgers and a movie. Sigh.

Well, so the idea wasn't very creative. The kids had fun watching "Elf" and I didn't have to do dishes or clean up anything besides shaking out a blanket. I still might spend the year thinking of something better to do.

For a while this was the way Nathan had to watch the movie.

Simon is still learning this whole solids thing. He's not a huge fan. He seems pretty picky about textures. On Christmas Eve he enjoyed some very water carrots... through a straw. He's the most he's ever eaten. Did he sleep through the night? No! What? Did he think it was Christmas for Mommy or something?

My Boys

2011-12-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Walking the Christmas Lights

2011-12-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

This is our extended family related by souls and not by blood. The man in the red jacket is my twin brother separated at birth and, um, by a few years.

The Tree of Trees

2011-12-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

Brad and I, for some reason, enjoy having our little Christmas trees. Last year, in a fit of desperation (and a lot of frustration) we broke down and bought a fake tree from Joann's. Talk about stress-free when Brad went down stairs, brought up our box, we fluffed the branches, and plugged it in. Done! No more expense. No more time needed. It was great! My kind of tree! Kaeley thinks we do fake trees now because the other trees shed too much. It was just too tricky keeping a little tree alive, because they never came with stands, so we'd go shopping later, and get stuck paying $30.00 and up for a little tree. Ha! We out smarted them! Ah, it feels so good.

So there's our happy little tree. No more hanging ornaments that someone tiny and fun-loving can grab and smash. The kids decorated the entire thing. Kaeley keeps making new ornaments for it out of yarn and paperclips and anything else she can get her hands on. Brad likes the tree, but misses the tradition of picking out the perfect tree from a lot. Speaking from my point of you, mind you I grew up on fake Christmas trees, why not make a tradition of walking downstairs to storage? We can even sing "Oh Christmas Tree" while you dust off the box! Besides, those real trees shed so much!

PS. If you still like real Christmas tress, have you ever read Hans Christian Anderson's "Little Fir Tree"? It makes me want to join PETF... People for the Ethical Treatment of Fir Trees.

The Yearly Ornaments

2011-12-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

Every year the kids get a new ornament that best represents their big milestone.
Alynna: frilly unicorn for the love of girly things

Nathan: poor little guy was originally bought a shoe kicking a soccer ball. Within days the baby had grabbed it and smashed it to smithereens. Nathan was in tears. One night Brad took him to Target to get a replacement and, of course, there were no more soccer ornaments. Brad convinced him to buy this cool lobster. Within hours of it being on the tree the legs had broken and the eye for a hook had broken. I did my best to glue it back together and place it gently on the tree branches. Then a huge salt-dough ornament he made last year broke. That was it. The little boy was found in his bed crying (his new hobby) about all his ornaments that had broken. Next thing you know he'll be standing at the edge of his bed with a bloody lip, a family that's praying for him, and an angel named Clarence sent to help him see life in a different view.

Simon's this year was super easy. The duck represents the baby of the family. Simon's first Christmas.

Kaeley's was a beautiful cross, because this year she was baptized. When she saw the ornament for the first time she gasped and just melted. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. We don't get out much. Just kidding! It's right up her ally.

Sweet Simon

2011-12-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

This is now Simon's favorite spot. He loves standing or sitting outside watching the big kids play. Can't you just see the longing? Can't you see the desire? Poor little guy. It's so rough being a baby.

Sand toys are for playing on cement, right?

Our "Free" Trip to the Aquarium

2011-12-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

Finding Grannie and Papi on the most awesome glove ever! If I had an extra several hundred dollars hanging around I would LOVE to buy this globe! Where's Santa when I need him!

I got all verclempt at the realization that this was Simon's first trip to the aquarium. We probably started coming here when Kaeley was his size.


			Our "free" trip to the aquarium starts with Rob Rimmer. (Hi, Rimmers!) He was passing out free tickets the members of our small group. We hadn't been there for almost a year, so all the kids were very excited about going. That night Simon had not slept well, so by mid morning he was serenading us with loud screaming. I escaped that horrible situation by flying out of the house as soon as possible. By the time I got to the aquarium I had talked myself into a coffee, so I spent my five bucks on something I could have made for much cheaper at home had I had the time to make it. The kids ha a wonderful time on our little adventure. Alynna even smiled at a docent as she said that a lorakeet had peed in her eye. While enjoying all of this I convinced myself that we needed a book about polar animals. Can you say "library"? Obviously I can't. Ten dollars later... I packed up everyone in the car and drove up to the parking attendant. She nicely told me that the voucher I tried giving her was no longer good. I now owed her $8.00! I sighed and handed her a credit card. They only accepted cash or check, which I had neither of! I had to turn around, park, get all four children out again, walk to the aquarium, spend $20..00 on a pack of parking passes, get back in the car, and finally was able to drive home. We sure did have a good time on our "free" trip to the aquarium.

2011-12-16T21:05:00.001-08:00

My Only Blue Eyed Babe

2011-12-13T16:53:00.001-08:00

Let the Baking Begin!

2011-12-13T16:10:00.001-08:00

The Police Station

2011-12-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

It is a family tradition to bring baked goodies to those who faithfully put their lives on the line to protect us and keep our community running. We've done the fire station a couple of times, our local police department once, and the local military office twice. Last week we brought goodies to the fire department and lucked out! (This is a shout out to Uncle Billy... Hi Uncle Billy!) In the past the men have been very good to us and have showed us around the garage. This year, however, their schedule was pretty open, so we got a full-back-scene tour of the department! I learned a load! For example, I asked how they were able to use their leisure time. We learned that they are required to study, go to training, or check engines during the day. It wasn't until past seven in the evening when they were allowed to turn on TV or just mess around. I got to turn to Kaeley, place a hand on her shoulder, and say lovingly, "See? School never ends. Welcome to life." :) We got to see the garage, the trucks, and upstairs where and how they lived. We even got to be there for a call-in and see the engine leave with sirens blaring. When asked if Kaeley was in school I was blessed enough to answer, "Yes. You're it today!"

So today we visited the police. A friend from church gave me her husband's contact information. It just so happens her husband is in the public relations office, so his specialty right now is tours. We got to see everything! The kids played in cars, turned on the sirens, talked on the intercom, sat in the lap of the supervisor over the dispatch, were fed cupcakes and lollipops, and even see the shooting range. I think the only thing we didn't get to do was fire a gun for ourselves. However, leave it to my girly girl (the three year old in all pink today) to pick up the loose shells from the range floor and bring home four targets. As long as they don't use the parents faces on the targets I'm good!

Kaeley was still happy to tell our friend's husband, the police lieutenant, that she would rather be a fire woman. We did catch her fancy for a moment though when she heard, "That's just the detective department." She piped up, "Detectives? Can I see one?" She didn't think detectives were real. The only ones she'd heard of was Nancy Drew and Tin Tin. I thought we'd win her over, but I guess the sight of all the cubicles wasn't as exciting as she would have thought.

My Sleeping Men

2011-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Alynna's Fashion Sense

2011-12-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

Alynna wanted to wear an Indian headband to church the other night with a long scarf. The headband was too cute to say no to. Last night she went to bed with three pajama shirts on, leggings, and a tutu.

Sleeping Simon

2011-12-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Simon is sleeping better these days. He sleeps in three hour chunks, which is fantastic in Simon-terms. Even eating a nice full meal backfires on us as he spends the night tossing and turning and tooting. He's begun to sleep in our bed more, because it means less on me getting up to sooth him. It is nice sleeping better through out the night. It's sweet waking up to smiles from him even before his eyes are open. It's sweet seeing his little body in our large bed. One day we'll get our bed back, and while I'm sure we'll enjoy it! I bet we'll also miss his presence.

Let Advent Begin!

2011-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

I bought the kids their first ever chocolate advent calendars. I grew up with these. It was one of the joys of Christmas. I blame my love of chocolate on these little daily treats! Every day the kids have opened a little door to find a tiny little piece of chocolate. Alynna was surprised for the first four days that there was chocolate behind the door. It was so cute. I don't know what else she might have been expecting, but for those first four days she would say, "Oh! It's toklet!"

Here are the kids starting their lapbook on "The Legend of the Candy Cane".

Here the girls are sitting sweetly and nicely listening. Alynna is usually speaking, talking, laughing, or whatnot really loudly, so this picture should be savored. Nathan is trying to get something from Simon. Simon... well, I don't know what he's doing. He looks likes he's about the spit green slime or something.

Joy in Small Pleasures

2011-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Last week there were wind storms that were pretty unusual for our area of the country. Near our house half a tree broke and landed on an unfortunent car. The first time we drove by Kaeley hadn't seen it, so I drove by again. She gawked at it and then gawked at me as I drove past again. She was indignant over the fact that I would just drive by without helping. I asked her what I was supposed to do. I didn't even know what I would do if a car fell on my own car. I have no cell phone. I have nothing. Boy, did I lose points with her! Well, we drove home. Our car port was filled with debris. To earn some points again... I guess I'd break even with a whopping zero since I'm still her mom... I think you earn all your points back when your kids move out and have kids of their own... anyway... I said, "Well, if you really want to you can help Mrs. Katie sweep the car port." Katie is our apartment's assistant manager and it's her job to keep the back roads clean.

The next day Kaeley could not WAIT to get outside and help Katie! Katie even told her she didn't need to help, because she wasn't planning on cleaning until the weekend. But, no. Kaeley was dead-set on sweeping. So the family got to work. As you can see Simon's job was task managing.

This is Alynna "babysitting".

We city kids got to jump into a pile of leaves! This picture made the hour and a half of sweeping and raking totally worth it! It was fun working outside with the kids. They were determined.

Words just can't express the joy. :)

Teething is a Bear!

2011-11-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

Simon is currently breaking through two teeth! This means he wakes up about every hour. It's okay with me. I've come to accept it. It turns out I work pretty well on very little sleep. If I have a great night's sleep I wake up expecting the day and children to be perfect. It usually ends in frustration. So I'm thankful for the LORD's help after a very wakeful night. I do look forward to sleeping through the night though; don't get me wrong. But anyway, Simon doesn't sleep well while in pain. Instead he rests his weary head about an hour after he wakes up. But look at the grumpy look on his sweet little face!

My Precious Gifts

2011-11-30T15:58:00.000-08:00

The children are just a tad bit into dress up these days. :) Simon loves being in their company, so he'll often crawl into the appointed bedroom to spend time with them. Sometimes, as in the times of dress up clothes, they yell and squeal praises over him and coax him closer. There are other times when they are playing with little dolls or Legos that they all start yelling, "Oh no! It's the giant! He's going to destroy everything!"

The Power of Simon

2011-11-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

Simon and I were sitting on the couch the other day when he started pulling on the light. We've had this lamp since we were newlyweds. It's been through three children. The boy pushed it over, on to the floor, and broke it in many pieces. Thankfully it still works. Some people go for the Shabby Chic look. I'm going for the Shabby look.

Simon is Eight Months Old!

2011-11-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

Simon is very happy to be turning eight months old. I think he can tell he's matured. It might be that he's already in size 12 months clothes that has tipped him off. It could be that he feels that fifth tooth coming in! Whatever it is we are all very thankful and excited to have an eight month old in the house.

The boy has super-hero abilities to get by on very little sleep. I've thought, in the wee hours of the morning, what I could cal him if he were a super hero. Maybe Sleepless Simon. Or Night Boy. I would be a great arch-enemy too, but my villain name has already been taken... Grumpy. :) No, it isn't that bad. I've learned to get by on pretty little sleep these days. I can still get school done and have learned not to use my sleepiness as an excuse for bad behavior. It's hard to get up in the morning and I might need a little snooze in the day time, but I can hold out pretty well. I give the glory to God for that. When I am weak He is strong.

Isn't he sweet? He loves being around his siblings. Even they aren't playing directly with him he likes playing in the same room they are. He loves Kaeley and being held by her. He is very active. He loves exploring and crawling and eating paper he finds on the floor. I have to make sure the front door is close at all time otherwise he'll crawl out the front door.

Our little Simon. How happy we are that he's part of our family. He's such a sweetie pie. But beware... he bites!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

One little... two little... three little Indians.
One little turkey boy!

The Mayflower

2011-11-22T22:19:00.000-08:00

We made ships in honor of Squanto and Thanksgiving and Pilgrims and so on. Well, let's be honest, I bought a pirate ship model from Joann's, but we called it the Mayflower. :) It turned out to be much tougher than I was thinking. Brad ended up putting Nathan's together.
I love my kids. I think I'm living out my dream.

AYSO Soccer's Last Practice

2011-11-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

It has been determined that Nathan, my little pleasure, is not yet into soccer. I thought it was hilarious watching him on the field, but Brad, who took him to soccer practice every week, was less than impressed. While Nathan is not skilled in soccer as of yet, he used his God-given skills like talking and joy. He didn't understand the game, but he loved running. He would run with the pack of boys and just enjoy running in a pack of boys. It was like he didn't realize there a was goal beyond running. One week he was running behind the pack, caught up with the pack, and then got in front of the pack. His little face lit up when he realized he had "won" the race. In a second his expression turned to shock and fear as he realized he was about to be run over! I'm signing him up cross-country!

Well, if Nathan doesn't win the World Cup for us there's still hope.

AYSO Highlights for Nathan:
-the snacks Daddy brought to field
-slurpees at 7-Eleven with Daddy after practice
-playing with the orange vests
-poking the boy standing near
-talking to coach when he walked by

My Beautiful Boy

2011-11-22T21:35:00.001-08:00

El Dorado Nature Center

2011-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know if this was really kosher, but I saw this large class having a docent do a presentation. I asked Kaeley if she wanted to sit on the side and watch. She politely decline. I asked if she was sure; many of the children looked her age. She shrugged an okay. I sent her out and then turned back to get the younger children from where they were. I came back to find Kaeley sitting in the middle of the class! The adults were very polite. No one gave me any dirty looks for mooching off their field trip, so we stayed. Don't worry. I didn't follow them on their nature hike. That might have been a little too much. :)

Our one mile hike took as long as an adult walking a five mile hike I'm just sure of it! But the kids had a good time. I hadn't eaten before we left. I thought for sure we would be back right as I began to grow hungry. Instead I began to be hungry about half way, if I'm lucky, through our hike. The kids went from playing Pilgrim and Indians to Lost in the Woods to being squirrels in search of acorns and hide outs. It took us quite a long time to get through the hike. Kaeley is looking forward to going back in a couple of weeks.

Alynna... the Mini Brad

2011-11-16T18:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Alynna was playing on her little pink play lap top. No joke, she hit the thing and moaned, “Come on! Come ON! Come on now! Argh.” Hmm…

Needs a Star Wars 101

2011-11-16T17:55:00.001-08:00

I remember when I was resting after Alynna’s birth. Brad was on full-time daddy-duty and used the opportunity to feed the kids junk and introduce him to his childhood love… Star Wars. It’s been three years and Nathan now knows what guns and space ships belong to which movie. He even knows if this is number three and so on. I don’t even know that!

Yesterday he used his usual really loud voice to ask the librarian to help him find the Star Wars books. She showed him to the display and offered him a book. She probably thought handing him a book would answer his question and the loud little boy would stop disturbing the library. Wrong. “No. That is number three. Do you have the book that has the…” and then he went on to describe in detail some star ship with this and that and what not. He came home with three Star Wars books.

That’s impressive, right? Yeah. I thought so too. That is until I heard him at lunch that day tell Kaeley, “Yes! He is the one who tells Luke, ‘Come to the dark side of the forest, Luke!’.” Then this morning he takes out the number whatever book and tells Kaeley, “This is number (Mommy has no clue). It is the fight of the clowns.”

It’s been a three year education of Star Wars and my son has failed!

Or has he. :)

My Poor Baby!

2011-11-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Last night we stayed home from our weekly Bible study. Brad was sick with a cold and the baby was teething and the Mommy was tired. We had a delightfully comforting fall dinner of Chicken Chili Chowder and Pumpkin Bread. We even ate in the living room to give Brad an even more relaxed feeling. Then it was bath time... and it all began with bath time. Let's just say I will never look at the metal shower door rollers the same again. They are now the death trap! Our poor little Nathan ended up with a small gash in his thigh. As he screamed and tears rolled down his cheek Brad told me this was ER worthy. Our first trip as parents into the ER.
He helped me bundle Nathan, who was still crying, into the car and I rushed off. About five minutes into the drive he calmed down and started making music choices. That boy of ours was a crack-up. After the initial shock of the wound had died down he went right back to his really energetic, talkative, silly self. I was amazed. When I was ready to whisper sweet nothings in his ear he was yelling excitedly about the leopard sharks on the TV. We read together. Nathan chatted with the nurses helping us. He only whimpered when they had to move the paper towels and ice pack off the wound. Later they put numbing cream on his leg. That's when I gave him the iPod to play on. The little boy made noises and laughed and told me what was funny.

Nathan did cry again for the Novocaine shot, but after the few seconds of that pain Nathan was back to being silly. In this picture he's telling me for the third time that he likes me. It was like they had drugged him, but it was just his joyous personality.

The Saavedra's first experience ever with stitches. He got five.

A church friend who works as an RN came to visit us. He made Nathan feel like a war hero! The man offered him a Popsicle at 8:00pm. At 10:00pm, when they were finally stitching him up Nathan was still asking about that Popsicle. When he finally got one he asked the RN how he made those delicious Popsicles and where she got them and why we hadn't seen her at the grocery store. That little boy was a pleasure to be with under such circumstances.

Halloween Highlights

2011-11-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Kaeley: Ladybug

Nathan: Army Ant

Alynna: Black Widow

Simon: Entomologist

Puss in Boots

2011-11-02T07:09:00.000-07:00

On Halloween we surprised the kids with a day off of school, a day off from work, and a morning at the movie theater, which we almost never do these days. Simon looks fascinated, but that didn't last long. I spent many a minute bouncing and rocking and nursing in the hallway as he fussed. However, he shortly lost the battle and fell asleep. Puss in Boots was a very cute movie. Brad and I laughed a lot and the story line actually got a gasp from me as it was totally unexpected. I liked it.

Baking Cinnamon Roll Bread

2011-11-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

This comes naturally to Nathan in the kitchen. He loves baking with me.

Halloween Festivities

2011-11-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Here we are enjoying a variety of Halloween goodies. Brad took the day off so we could see a movie as a family, which is a once-a-year kind of thing for us. Nathan painted his little pumpkin. Kaeley, the diva in the kitchen as always, helped me roast our first ever pumpkin. We made a pumpkin pie for my in-law's Halloween dinner. It was very rewarding using fresh pumpkin. But you know what? It tasted just like canned pumpkin.

Simon is Seven Months Old

2011-10-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

This month... what happened to this month? Well, last month Simon learned to crawl. Within a week of him making progress in the crawling he learned to pul himself up on furniture. Problem is he didn't know how to get down. The little guy needed a helmet before he knew how to walk! He's recently improved, so the bumps still happen, but not as often.

He's just recently started eating solids. I tried around the six month mark and just wasn't into them. He's still not sucking them down or anything. but it's a start.

Last week he actually slept in a four hour stretch one night. That's the longest stretch he's ever slept EVER! I really enjoyed it until I realized it was because he was sick. I don't know what exactly happened, but he got the hives. The poor thing woke up with a pimple-looking thing on his cheek and a few bumps here and there. By the late afternoon he was covered in hives. He was in good spirits, but looked horrible. The next day it was still there and got worse again at night. Can you tell I've never had a baby break out in hives. I think I was suffering more than he was.

He's my little joy. I could just eat him!

Helping Mommy with the Coupons

2011-10-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

The boy has a passion for saving money.

Simon Helps with School Work

2011-10-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is my usual serenade during morning school. It's ear piercing.

2011-10-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Boy EVER!

2011-10-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

I just don't even think I can TAKE it!!! My baby is very exciting about reading apologetics.

Schooling and Snack

2011-10-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Here the kids were doing "fun school" with Kaeley while my throat was healing from a bad cold. Simon was found snacking on crayons.

Introducing Solids

2011-10-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

The other day I was ready to experiment with solids. To admit Simon is "big enough" to start solids was a sad milestone for me. :) So he saw, he ate, he doesn't care. He was way too distracted to really study this whole swallowing thing. He was so cute. The next night he ate a good tablespoon of carrots and cereal, but he still slept like a newborn. Oh well. We tried.

She Owns the Park

2011-10-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

Rainforest Cafe

2011-10-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

This was our big hurrah on our stay-cation. I'm REALLY behind on my family blog postings. We had a great time at Rainforest Cafe. So the kids can't go to college now because the dinner is that expensive. College smollege. The kids enjoyed seeing all the animals. My favorite part was seeing Alynna prepare for the coming rain. That was adorable.

A New Favorite Park

2011-10-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Last week, or something like that, we were supposed to go camping. Finances were a bit tight and neither Brad nor myself could get excited about going this trip, so we decided on a stay-cation. The first little family outing was to a new park the kids enjoy. What you see in the pictures is what you get. No other swings or nothing! But the kids really enjoy playing in a castle. Nathan is always the soldier. Alynna is usually the princess. Kaeley bounces between roles. We bought Subway and spent a couple of hours watching the kids have a good time together.

Kaeley and Simon

2011-10-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kaeley's Thank You Card for Our Handyman

2011-10-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

We wanted to thank our apartment complex handyman. This is the picture Kaeley drew for him. When we had last seen him he was working hard painting our parking lot. So, she drew him a parking lot with cars in it. The KS points to Kaeley Saavedra's car. Notice it's red. We have a white car, but she's always wanted a red car, so she drew one. SS is Sal's car. I thought it was so cute I had to take a picture of it. :)

The Botanical Gardens

2011-10-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little behind on my posts. What's a couple of weeks behind between friends?

Simon is Half a Year Old!

2011-09-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Six months already! On one hand it feels as though the time has flown. On the other it feels as though he's always been part of the family. What a little joy he is! He's become quite a little stinker in his old age though. He isn't as easy to get to nap. He will often fall asleep in my Baby Hawk and then I'll transfer him to bed. So it's not so obvious to put him to bed, but oh well. I think I've matured at a mother to know there's worse things in life than holding a baby while he sleeps. So he doesn't fall asleep in a way that's always convenient to me, oh well. One day it will have been long passed and I'll look back on these days with affection.

No, he isn't on solids yet. I did give him a little swipe of avocado the other day, but he licked his chops and then sat there and smiled at everyone with the chunk of green just hanging on his lip. It was kind of funny. He obviously didn't know what to do with the stuff. Avocado or not he's a healthy boy weighing at about twenty pounds.

He is an expert at sitting up now, but he's still working on crawling. He still scoots and travels around a lot. He loves being around other people, especially Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister Kaeley.

Alynna's Birthday Dinner

2011-09-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Alynna is Three!!! And one week... and two days.

2011-09-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a little behind. Anyway, here she is... a whopping three years old! She is spunky! She is full of life and sass! She is girly! She is Alynna, our light bearer.

When I did her interview Nathan was nearby, so I had to add in his answers as well, because it was they were funny.

Me: What is your favorite color?

Alynna: Pink!

Me: What is your favorite book?

Alynna: Ariel! (This is a cheesy Disney book she checked out from the library last week. We've seen a lot of it.)

Me: Are you going to get married when you get older?

Alynna nods and says: I can do belly dance! (Maybe we'll be able to save on the wedding entertainment?)

Me: Who do you think you'll marry?

Alynna: You! (How cute is that? It made my heart melt.)

Nathan: No! You can't marry Mommy. You have to marry a boy!

Alynna: I wear my Tangled dress! (The "Tangled" dress is a dress-up dress from the movie that her grandparents bought for her birthday, so now we'll save on the wedding dress as well. I need a hope chest for this little planner of ours.)

Me: What is your favorite activity?

Alynna: To read!

Me: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Alynna: With YOU! (How cute is that again!?! She then said something about us dancing, but I wasn't paying attention after that great answer of hers!)

Nathan then reminds Alynna that she's three.

Me: What's your favorite food?

Alynna: Bread! (I think she's a carb-girl. Just like her mother, poor thing.)

Nathan then says his favorite food is Yeeshack and Abegano. He starts telling me the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. My three year old wants to travel the world with me and the four year old feasts on the Word of God. Can life get any better?

Me: If you were to change your name what would it be?

Alynna: Princess Tangled!

Me: Why does God love you? (I wanted a tricky question that would stump her and give us a funny answer.)

Alynna: Because Him want to. (Wow! I'm impressed! Okay, next tricky question!)

Me: Why is the sky blue?

Alynna: Because it want to.

Me: But why?

Alynna: Because it is blue!

Me: But why is it blue?

Alynna: Because I like blue!

So there she is in a nutshell. The little romantic is already for her wedding, can answer deep theological questions, and knows the world revolves around her. Why else would the sky be blue, but because it's her favorite color?

Our Wanderer

2011-09-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

No, he isn't crawling yet, but it's going to be soon. He loves rolling all over the room. He's a joy to watch.

Our Trip to the Los Angeles Fair

2011-09-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Soccer Player EVER!

2011-09-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Finally... the day Nathan has been anticipating for months came! Nathan went to soccer! His games, considering his young age, is only on Saturdays for an hour and a half. They learn to kick the ball straight and basics like that. Then they take a break. Then they play a "game". I think Nathan got a little enthusiastic about winning (don't know where he gets that from!) and he would grab the clothes of a team member running by and try to pull him to the ground! But the other kid would usually bat him off, so it all worked out okay, and no hard feelings. I'm so glad Nathan started sports. Now, in many years from now, when Nathan is leading his team to the World Cup I can look back on this day and know, "That's where it all started..." :)

First "Game" of Soccer

2011-09-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hopefully he'll learn fast that in soccer you don't tackle the players... especially if they are on your team.

soccer

2011-09-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

A Good Homeschooling Day

2011-09-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a great homeschooling day! It was just packed with learning and playing. We did Bible, English, Math, made play dough, read books out loud, took naps, read again, played blocks, played with the play dough, and colored. We learned about animals and looked them up on the internet. Kaeley is currently acting like a baby to "Wheels on the Bus" and making Simon giggle. It's a good day. I like days like this. :) For those of you with young children, you really must try the Crayola dry-erase crayons. They write smoothly and are easy to erase. We had fun with them.

We Are Raising an Avid Reader

2011-08-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

I always tell Alynna to have no more than two books in her bed. I do this to encourage her to read a little bit and then go to sleep! We like sleep! Well, nine out of ten times I find a pile of books in her bed. She's just like her big sister.

I personally like the name tag stuck on her forehead.

First Day of School

2011-08-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

We started school yesterday. What a beautiful start of the year it was! The kids were so excited about getting their new school boxes for the year. We celebrated the new year and then packed up the books and left the house. Our apartment building is going through some major loud construction, and the constant loud noises were going to be horrible combined with trying to teach subjects peacefully. Instead we drove to a local park and did school there. Talk about experiencing pure joy! I enjoyed the breeze on my face and watched the four children just be. After school we played in the playground. After a picnic lunch I surprised them with Yogurtland where Alynna chose "pink and more pink". I thought a picture of the four would be very cute, so I placed my Yogurtland cup in Simon's lap and ran to take the picture. That little stinker could smell good food when it was close and he grabbed my spoon! He didn't get much yogurt, if any at all, but I did have to pry the spoon out of his hand. Silly Mommy.

First Day of... ?

2011-08-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Goals:

-pop some more teeth

-eat solids

-learn to crawl

-learn to pull up on furniture

-start walking

-say "Mamma" and "Dadda"

Mom's Goals:

-learn how to keep babies small forever

Pre-K

2011-08-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

No, they're really not in Pre-K, but they like being labeled with something cool sounding, so I just told them they're in Pre-K.

Goals:

-know the letters in the alphabet

-learn through lots and lots of play, play, play

First Day of Second Grade

2011-08-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Second Grade Goals:

-get more confident in Math

-focus on American History

-for Mommy (enjoy the early years more than having the smartest kid around)

A Fresh Start ~ Kaeley is Baptized

2011-08-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night Kaeley was baptized! Baptism is a public show of our devotion to Christ as our savior. A couple of months ago Kaeley said the "sinner's prayer" after it really hit her that she needed a Savior. This year she stood up in front of the church to give her testimony of why she chose to be baptized. There were about fifty others getting baptized that night. She did a great job. You could tell she was a little nervous standing in front of all those people, but she did so good! You can see how happy she is after she was immersed in the water. She jumped up and ran out of the water so fast I could barely catch her for a hug!

The night was fun. We ate good food, fellowshipped with friends and family, and the kids waded in the water. Nathan participated in the games. What a happy little spirit that boy is! He was standing in line with a bunch of other older people. The MC was explaining how to play the game and that little boy of ours shot out of ranks to start running as the MC had directed. His excitement and dedication to the game was too cute!

PS. Grannie and Papi, we missed you, but we knew you were supporting Kaeley in spirit. The Saavedras and Ebersoles were there in body to support us, so rest assured we had a good team around as we await your return.