BACK TO SCHOOL!!

Here is Austin on his first day of school.  Austin started middle school this year, YIKES!!!!  I have to say that Austin has adjusted very well.  Mom and Dad were definitely more nervous than Austin was.  I still think 6th grade is too young for middle school, it kind of feels like sending your baby into the lions den, but they keep the grades separated pretty well so the sixth graders don't really see the 7th or 8th graders very much.  Austin likes the freedom and responsibility that you have in middle school, he is ready to grow up, weather his parents are ready or not.  He joined track this year and is really enjoying that.  They run every day after school so Austin is pretty tired at the end of the day but he has been very good about getting his homework and other jobs done.  We are looking forward to a good year.

Mr. Preston is in 4th grade this year.  Preston always looks forward to school and always does well, even though he tells you how terrible his day is every day:)  Preston has had a good year so far.  There was a little girl who was teasing him and smashing his lunch every day so Preston and this little girl had a talk with his teacher about respecting each other.  They are friends now, I told Preston that sometimes girls tease you because they like you, he was just embarrassed by that.  I told him it is a good thing for his mother to give him a girls perspective of things, even though in the boys eyes I am just "Mom" not a girl. :)

Cute Carter is getting so tall, it is hard to believe he is only in 2nd grade.  Carter has also had a great year so far.  Mom and Carter worked really hard this summer on reading.  Carter struggled with reading last year and had just caught up to his grade level when school let out for the summer, so we worked really hard to keep all those good reading skills fresh in his mind.  He is doing great and loves to read.  Carter really likes his teacher, she was a kindergarten teacher when Carter was in kindergarten and he was hoping that he would get Ms. Fox so he was very happy when he found out she was his teacher.  Carter works with his vision teacher twice a week and they are working on learning to type on the keyboard, a skill I wish all my children would learn, it is painful sometimes to watch them pick away at the computer.

Aidan was so excited to finally start kindergarten.  Aidan didn't start school until 2 days after everyone else, which made him a little mad.  But see how happy he is his first day of school.  He was actually very excited to go to school, he was a little annoyed with Mom that I made him stop and take a picture on the way out the door.  Aidan's teacher is Ms. Franz, she was Austin's 3rd grade teacher, so we know her very well.  She is a great teacher for Aidan because she understands his spirited personality.  She is very spirited herself!  Aidan, true to form,  has already made  friends and is waiting for them to come play at his house.  Every day I pick up Aidan he says the same thing to me, "I am NOT telling you what I did!!"  but I can usually get it out of him.  I was a little concerned about sending Aidan to kindergarten this year because he is so young, he is only 4 and turns 5 two days before the Oct 1st cut off, but he is doing great and asks me every night if it is school in the morning.

This little guy gets to hang out with Mom all day!  I love having time to spend with just Logan, when your number 5 sometimes that is hard to come by.  Logan is 2 1/2 now and is turning into a big boy, he is starting to talk a lot more, and loves to go, go, go.  Logan misses his brothers while they are at school and asks me all day long, "Where's Austin, Where's Preston, Where's Carter, Where's Aidan?"  Mom is just not as fun to play with as those brothers, Mom usually makes Logan run errands or clean so I guess the boys are more fun than me:)

Finally Done(Almost)

Finally here are some pictures with all the furniture put back in.  It took a little while for it all to come back in from the garage since I repainted almost everything.

In the front room I repainted the bench in front of the window, the cabinet with the bird picture on it (which hides the tv), the two cabinets with the drawers.  These drawers are my favorite, they used to be pine, southwest style drawers.

In the entry way I repainted the table and am still going to paint the bench you can see part of just behind the couch.

I sanded the black finish off the top of the dining room table and painted the base white.

Another view into the dining room, the table is just behind the leather chair.  I sold our old hutch and bought this black dresser which has a desk hidden inside.  It is waiting for a coat of paint too, maybe gray.

Another shot of the dresser with the huge mirror on top, a gift from my in-laws when they moved to Utah.

Here is a picture of the hidden desk, it is very cool, has a light hidden in the top too.  This was a find from the Paris Market.

No pictures of the kitchen yet, I lost a little steam in there.  I still have to finish painting the walls in there. Like I said almost done, maybe by Christmas, nothing like a 7 month project :)

September 11th Memory

Today we went to the Air Force v BYU game.  It was so much fun to watch my little boys take in all that was going on.  It was a perfect place to remember this day.

Nine years ago my world was interrupted, it was shaken, it was turned upside down.  The morning of September 11, 2001  I was taking care of a two year old and a 2 month old, and of course we were watching our usual morning Sesame Street.  I think PBS was the only station in the country that did not interrupt their programing, so for most of the morning I was blissfully unaware of the terrible things that were happening in the world.  Brian called around 9am to say he was coming home, and he sounded upset.  I asked him why he was coming home and he said "Vanessa haven't you been watching TV?"  I had no idea, and I had no idea.  I was upset, I was crying, and I was so grateful my children were too young to remember this terrible day, although Austin says he can remember watching the planes hit the building all day long. 

I hated this day, I questioned why this was allowed to happen, what kind of world am I sending my children into.  I was angry that I didn't feel safe anymore.  And that so many innocent people had to suffer.  It truly upset my soul and still to this day it is upsetting to me and I don't like to be reminded of that day.  I can't really talk to my boys about it without getting emotional and I hate getting emotional so I don't really ever talk to them about it.  But they have to know about this day, it is part of who I am, and it is part of the country they live in.  It is part of their history, part of the story they will one day tell their children. 

I never bring up 9/11, I let my children bring it up and they are free to ask any questions they want and I answer them truthfully and freely.  I know as parents we have to put our own fears aside sometimes so we don't transfer them to our children and my children are mostly fearless right now. 

I love this country and my children love this country  that is one thing that I will gladly pass on to them.  I am grateful that we were able to remember this day at one of the most patriotic places in Colorado.  It was a good day, I am glad we remember, I am glad it is done.

Preston is 9

July always brings us our summer birthday of Mr. Peanut, which we are never allowed to call Preston anymore. Preston is such a fun boy. He is full of sarcastic humor and loves to tease and play jokes. This is not always appreciated by the other brothers.

Preston blowing out the candles on his cake.

Aris, Athena,  Tony

We are so lucky to have all of my family close to us, it makes birthdays and holidays so fun.

Athena, Uncle Nick, and Grandpa Robles

Cristina , Aris, Grandma Rosie

Austin helping Preston smile, he didn't need that much help since we were at the best part of the party, PRESENTS!!!

New dvd player, Carter is so happy for Preston!

Preston with some of the cash he got.  Uncle Nick always comes through in helping Preston complete his quarter collection, Preston almost has all 50 states and only needs 2 or 3 of the territories and them he will have a complete collection. 

Preston had a great birthday and we love him so much.  He is growing up and becoming a very responsible and wise young man.  Preston is very kind to everyone and is very helpful at home.  He started playing the piano last year and is working toward his goal of learning to play the organ.  We are so happy to have this boy as part of our family.

4th July 2010

We went up to Georgetown with some friends on the 4th of July. We had so much fun. It was a perfect day without too many crowds. We watched the Georgetown parade and of course the best part was the candy that got thrown at the boys.

All the boys watching the parade, there was only a little fighting about who go the most candy.  After the parade we had lunch played at the park, watched the fire brigade, did a little shopping.

We spent a couple of hours in the car during a huge down pour. Thank goodness for the DVD player. In the end to a perfect day the storm passed just in time for fireworks. The boys loved watching the fireworks against the mountains, I think they liked the echo of the explosions even better. We really had a fun day!

Aidan & Logan

Aidan and Logan love to play with each other. Which means they make a lot of trouble together. I love to watch them together, because as my big boys just keep getting bigger, these two remind me to enjoy the time while they are little, sweet, and not so innocent. Aidan and Logan are clones of Austin and Preston and sometimes when I see them playing together I have dejavu of Austin and Preston being little boys playing together.  I thought it was so cute to see them sitting outside sharing Cheetos.

Of course what to do on a hot day but share a gallon of milk. They were so funny drinking straight out of the jug, passing it back and forth to each other. Oh I love these little boys!!!

Aidan and Logan or Austin and Preston? You be the judge:)

5th Grade Graduation

Austin graduated from 5th grade this year. He really has grown up to be quite the handsome boy, if I do say so. Finally got a haircut and looking so grown up. Austin is a great student and worked hard up to the very end. But he was so ready to be done with 5th grade.

Austin and his teacher Mrs. Lawler.  Austin really liked Mrs. Lawler, but she was not his favorite because she made him work hard, which made Mom and Dad like her even more.  Austin has grown up so much and is ready for his next adventure, middle school.  I am glad he is ready because his parents are not.

Aidan Finishes Preschool May 2010

Aidan finished his second year of preschool at the end of May.  Aidan loves school, mostly because he gets to see his friends every day.  Aidan is the most social of all of the boys and loves his friends.  Aidan can make friends anywhere we go and he has so much fun playing.

Here is Aidan with his best bud from preschool, Bryson.  Aidan loves Bryson and they hug each other every day, like it has been weeks since they have seen each other, even though they got to see each other 4 days a week.  Aidan had some serious Bryson withdrawal this summer as busy schedules didn't allow for many play dates, or as many as Aidan and Bryson would have liked.  Aidan was also very sad that Bryson is not coming to the same kindergarten with him. 

Here is Aidan with Mrs H.  We love Mrs H.  She has been our preschool teacher for the last 5 years.  She had Preston for 1 year and Carter and Aidan for two years each.  Aidan loves Mrs. H and is also very sad that she will not be in kindergarten with him.

Once again my children are growing too fast. I cannot believe preschool is done, next up kindergarten. This little boy is so full of energy and spirit.  I love to see how outgoing he is.  It still feels like he is my little toddler and not such a big boy.  I love to see how much he grows every year, I just wish it would slow down just a little.

Arrow of Light May 2010

Austin got his Arrow of Light this year in Weblos.  We are so proud of him and all the hard work that he has done in Cub Scouts.  It is hard for me to believe how fast Austin is growing up.  It really does seem like he just started cub scouts and now he is done, moving up to Boy Scouts.  Austin is so ready to grow up and not be a little boy anymore.  I miss that little boy!

Along with growing up Austin has become very particular about his hair lately and does not want his mother to cut it anymore. Nothing like having to brush the hair out of your eyes:)

New Floors

Here are a couple of before pictures of the before floors, carpet in the front room which would never stay clean and tile in the kitchen, which was good for a couple of years and then started to crack everywhere.


Here are a couple of the during pictures, of course new floors was a good opportunity to paint the ceiling and walls while I didn't have to worry about dripping on the floor.

Finally after wanting to for six years we got wood floor put down in the front room and kitchen, and we love it.

Ahh, totally worth the wait!!

Lots of Kid pics and bragging to follow. Read at your own risk!

Oh Logan! My sweet, quite baby has turned into a sweet, quiet trouble maker. Logan has tried to climb more things than any of the other four.He can frequently be found pushing a chair to the cupboard so he can get into the sink but the bathroom has the super handy toilet nearby so no chair required to get into that sink.

Also on top of the table in any number of rooms.

Or trying to climb the washer, which bare feet stick very well to. This is the child that we have to know where he is at all times or there will be water and sometimes toilet paper involved. "Please keep the bathroom door closed." ,is heard about 100 times a day at our house, along with "Where is Logan?"

He has followed in Carter's foot steps and become a head banger and has had a constant bruise on his forehead for the past three months (always self inflicted).

He is growing like a weed and is almost off the charts in his height. Weight is always in the 50th percentile and lately he has decided to boycott all food except hot dogs and chocolate milk (thank you to his brothers for introducing him to the chocolate part of milk). Austin was the same way when he was this age and I was always super worried about it, with Logan I have to admit it just makes my life easier always knowing what to make him for breakfast and lunch, I still put what everyone else is having for dinner in front of Logan at night, he just stares at it and drinks his chocolate milk.

Logan is still my sweet little boy, he loves to cuddle and has music in his heart. He is always humming a song. Over Christmas Austin learned to play Jingle Bells on the piano, Logan picked up the tune and sings it all the time. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Old McDonald are also favorites.

Logan loves to play with the big boys now and sometimes has trouble knowing what to do around kids his own age, since they don't play as rough as his brothers do. Logan is also somewhat obsessed with pulling long hair since he does not see a lot of it at his house, so sorry to any of Logan's little friends out their, I am sure he has pulled your hair a least once:) Especially if there is something colorful and sparkly in it.

Logan with some of his favorite hair of all time.

Aidan with Mr. Monkey from preschool.

Aidan is our little fiery one, which coincidental is what Aidan means. Aidan love, loves, loves preschool. Mostly because he gets to see his friends, Aidan is all about friends. By far my most social child, Aidan makes friends anywhere we go. Aidan is also adamant about having play dates so he has forced his mother to be more social and make play dates with his friends. If Aidan had his way he would have a play date every day and with every friend that he meets. Aidan is naturally full on energy and does not need any natural boost (like in the form of sugar). Aidan most days has chicken nuggets or hot dogs for breakfast but one day wanted waffles and which I happily obliged since he wanted real breakfast food, for breakfast. When I picked Aidan up from preschool that day I was kindly asked if I could save the syrup and waffles for the weekend:) The energy was too much for his teachers to handle and tends to be contagious in preschool.




Aidan is a very passionate person and tends to either be very happy or very sad, not too much in between. He is also passionate about Sponge Bob, Scoody Doo, and Pez candy machines. Some of Aidan favorite sayings are "Oh Barnacles", and "Zoniks". He also informed me that yellow Pez candy "tastes like pee" and are not his favorite, good to know:)

Carter, Carter, what to say about Carter! Carter is growing like a weed and towers above all the kids in his class. Carter struggled with his reading and writing at the beginning of 1st grade, but in the last few months has started making leaps and bounds in both areas and we are so proud of him. Mom and Dad have been working really hard with him and he also has a fantastic team of people who work with him at school. His teacher Mrs. Anderson has worked so hard with him this year and has even stayed after school with his two days a week to work on his reading and vocabulary. We were surprised at Carter's first teacher conference to hear that he was so very shy in class and would only whisper to his teachers. His teacher was trying to get Carter to come out of his shell. Brian and I had to laugh and tell her that at home and with friends he is the complete opposite and is very outspoken and hot tempered. I guess we are glad that his temper is controlled when is away from home:) Carter also has a special vision teacher, Ms. Barb, that works with Carter on making sure he is using his bugs eye (a little magnifier) and monocular (like binocular, except just one lens) to help his see the print in class. She has also worked with his teachers to make sure that print and lines for printing on paper are dark enough for Carter to see. She really is an advocate for his sight at school and we are so grateful that she is there for him. She really cares a lot about Carter and we can see it in all the time and energy she puts into him. Carter makes us laugh and is pretty quick witted. He sure dose keep us on our toes.

One day Carter got mad at something and a "Damn it!" came flying out of his mouth. (I have no idea where he heard that, Dad.) Brian and I both stared at him wide eyed and Carter knew he was in BIG trouble, but with his quick wit came up with "I said DAN, DAN IT!" While holding back out laughter Carter was promptly sent to his room to think about what he really said and so Brian and I could get all of our laughter out before we talked to him.

Preston in his "Halloween costume"
Preston has been having a great year at school. He really likes his teacher and Brian and I really like her too. She encourages Preston to challenge himself and grow more than any of his other teachers have. Sometimes Preston pretends he does not like to get extra work sent home, but secretly I know he loves it. But Preston will never admit that. We have seen Preston grow a lot this year. Preston continues to always be a good friend and won the PRIDE award at school in February for being a Positive, Respectful, Inclusive, Dedicated, and Excellent student. Preston is also enjoying Cub Scouts which he started last summer. Preston is also my best helper at home. He will clean the whole kitchen without being asked and is almost always:) willing to help his mother.