What time is it?

I really don't know where Kevin comes up with these things, but one day not too long back, he started a new chant thing that he taught to the girls. I guess there was a game on or something, (shows how much I pay attention, right?), He started yelling to the girls, "What time is it?" and they would yell back, "Game time, HOO!" Okay, that last word, is kind of more of a grunt. I can see I'm going to have to get this on video at some point.

It's actually pretty hilarious, especially when Lexie does it. She was chanting it quietly all during sacrament meeting on sunday. 

When I picked her up from nursery on sunday, the nursery leader had a funny story about our little Lexie. When it was time to clean up the toys, he asked all the kids, "What time is it?" obviously expecting to hear back, "clean up time!" But instead he heard our little Lexie answer, "Game time, HOO!"

Lets just say Kevin was one proud dad.

As a side note, minutes after hearing that story, I was buckling Lexie into her car seat and realized I had brought her to church, and sent her to nursery, commando. Yep, she wasn't wearing undies. It was totally my fault, Halli told me before we left, but I was too busy and totally forgot. I even have extras in my purse, but just didn't know she needed them. I think having a fourth child may have slightly fried my brain.

Under pressure

Saturday was a great day. I got to get my hair done, go take some pictures of a precious newborn, who was absolutely adorable, and then come hang out at home with my awesome family. Between mine and Kevin's schedules, it's been quite awhile since we've had a saturday at home with nothing going on. I've missed days like this.

We spent some time in the afternoon outside on the trampoline enjoying this gorgeous weather we're having...yep, february in Houston can be pretty gorgeous. In fact, Halli and Peyton spent a good part of the afternoon in swimsuits jumping on the trampoline with the sprinklers on.

Anywhoo, Kevin started teaching Halli how to do a backflip. She was a little scared of doing it, but eventually, she got it. She was doing them like crazy! She is SO excited to show Blake this afternoon that she can do it. There is one problem though, after dinner she went out to try it again, and sort of forgot how to do it.

She's psyching herself out and to watch her, she isn't even trying, but it's just because she's scared. She's basically throwing herself onto the trampoline on her back with out even jumping up. It would be funny, except it makes her so sad that she can't do it anymore! When she realized she couldn't do it, Kevin was gone getting our pizza, and when he came back he tried to help her figure it out, but it wasn't happening. Sometimes, we just get in our own way, and she just wasn't getting it.

So she came inside, very depressed and laid on the couch in tears. It was bathtime, and Kevin didn't want to give the girls their baths, so he made Halli a deal, if she could go outside, and do ONE backflip, I would have to do baths, and I also agreed to make the girls cookies, but she only had ONE chance! I don't know how I got stuck with baths in this deal, but I had been watching Halli all afternoon, and wasn't sure she would be able to do it.

We all went outside, and stood on the patio while Halli climbed onto the tramp. It was funny, cause as we were standing there waiting, we could hear her talking to herself, getting ready to make one final attempt. Finally she did it, she jumped...and flipped. She didn't land on her feet, but she did a backflip nonetheless.

It was such a small thing, that in the long run won't really matter, but Kevin and I looked at each other and were just amazed at this awesome girl. That trait right there will serve her so well in life. I don't know if it's because of our sports backgrounds, but both of us have been in that situation countless times. Where you only get one chance to accomplish something. One chance to make a freethrow, one chance to clear the bar, or any number of other things. But whatever the obstacle, we were so impressed with her ability to focus on the task at hand, walk herself through it, and do her absolute best! Kevin and the other girls stormed the tramp and tackled Halli, all of them screaming at the top of their lungs, her sisters were beyond excited for cookies!

I am going to LOVE watching these kids grow up and succeed at whatever is placed before them. I truly hope Kevin and I can allow them to fail, so that they can do the hard work and really appreciate when they do succeed. Sometimes it's hard to be a parent and to watch your children do hard things. This morning, Halli got back out there and again couldn't do a backflip. Someday, she'll get it, but for now, she has to struggle until she can overcome her fear. That's hard to watch and not be able to do anything about it. But I love this girl and her determination, and I can't wait to see what else she'll do!

The amazing race ~ Valentines Edition

In our house, valentines is usually done for the kids for the most part. Kevin gets me roses and I'll get him something little and then it's about the girls. This year was a little different though.

We have such a great ward and some great friends, so some of us got together, and the girls planned a super fun activity for the boys. We did alot of planning and prep, and on valentines we got together, made the guys all change into their "I <3 my wife" tshirts, (that were all made by the girls of course), and sent them off on "THE AMAZING RACE ~ Valentines Edition"!

I don't have pictures of most of the tasks they had to do, but for the first one, we sent them off to the high school. This was their first clue:

Klein High school is the very first place,

You would go to practice if you want to run a race.

Get your heart rate up and enjoy the view...

Get a good workout, while you find your next clue

While at the high school they had to make some valentines cards for their wives. They did a great job too, super cute, very quickly made cards!:)

Once they finished that, they got their next clue:

Now that you’re out of breath, you’ve completed your task!

Return to the place where, with our love, you can bask.

Obey all the traffic signs, and drive with care,

For if you do; kisses will be waiting for you there.

When they came back to the house, they found a coffee table FULL of hersheys kisses!

A heart shaped sea of hersheys kisses!

Then, they had to find the ones with the stickers on the bottom. The catch being, that if they picked up one without a sticker, they had to eat it.

Lets just say, they were getting a little sick, and kinda quit eating them. After picking up a few handfuls and finding a couple of stickers, we called it good and gave them the third clue:

You've met him before,

the mans name is a killer

add to that a weed,

that might need a tiller.

Find out who this man is

and go visit his mother,

to find a new task to complete

that's like no other.

Now, this clue might seem a little odd. To understand it, you'd have to know that when playing ball, Kevin sometimes goes by the name, Killaweed. I don't know where that came from, but there ya have it.

So they headed over to his mom and dads house where they made bunches of candy necklaces and after making each one, they had to make two free throws.

Once they finished there, they got their fourth clue:

Your wife's favorite candy bar, you will see,

When you return to the house at 9923.

Arrange them correctly, you must get it right,

Or you will be staring at candy all night!

They came back to the house, and had to each pick out their wives favorite candy. It took a few hints, but they did it! We had one final clue left for them:

You've made a card, but have you got your sweetheart a bouquet or gifts, yet?

If not, do it now, or you’ll be quite upset

When you reach the finish-line

And have to turn around.

The race isn’t finished until these things have been found.

The finish line, and your fabulous prize

Are waiting at a place familiar to your eyes.

Make your way through traffic,

Obey all the signs

And step on the mat of this home for some sweet Valentines!

*NOTE- YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN 2 DOLLARS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THIS FINAL TASK

Unfortunately, it was already getting too late, so we didn't get to that last one. The boys were starving. The 25 kids we had at the house were getting tired, the food was ready, and it was time to eat.

Now, the whole time the boys were off galavanting around (that's a fun word that doesn't get used too often, isn't it?) all the wives were at the house slaving over dinner! Okay, some were slaving over dinner, others were keeping an eye out for kids, some were holding babies, and really, with 25 kids all in one house, it just gets a little busy, don't you think?

Allie made her delish garlic chicken, and my favorite ceasar salad, in the BIGGEST salad bowl I've ever seen. Seriously, it was huge! I don't have a picture, so you'll just have to take my word for it!:)

We also had SOOO much candy! You have to have a candy buffet whenever possible. That's my theory. You just can't go wrong with them....ever!

We had lots of fun valentines decor, that some of the girls brought. But also, since I forgot to take pictures of them, check out the picture of Halli right beneath the red wood sign. That was her valentine for school. Cutest idea ever, I love it! They were personal, and adorable. Hopefully you can see it well enough.  If you can't, it's a picture of her holding her hand out, and we cut the paper and stuck a pencil through, so it looks like she's really holding it. I love them!

Had to throw in a picture of my very own valentine, cause he's a hottie, whose also super sweet and thoughtful, and loads of fun!

The whole gang finally got to sit down and enjoy some time together over an amazing dinner! Check out Sean and Allie, I think JJ may be making them a little baby hungry....I'm just sayin!

What a fun group of people, couldn't ask for anyone better to spend valentines day with!

Oh, look, there's Halli. I don't think I saw her all night with all the kids running around. She was in heaven having so many friends over!

The whole gang again, all showing off our matching shirts.

I really love these girls that I was able to plan this fun night with! We had so much fun planning it all out, making, and ruining, lots of shirts, and just trying to do something fun for our hubbies.

Everyone here, minus one girl have had at least 3 kids, and one of these ladies has had 5! The one who has one little boy at home is 5 MONTHS pregnant with #2, betcha can't even tell which one that is! These are some seriously beautiful women...inside and out! Someday, I hope to be like them all!

We had such an "AMAZING" night! The next day, I was a little pooped, but it was well worth it. I have SOOO much candy at my house right now.

Seriously, check that out!

It could feed an army....a chocolate loving army!

My girls may be in heaven. I have no idea how much candy they've eaten the last few days, but I do know that it's WAY too much! I keep finding evidence all over.

I found these fun UDAMAN dandy bar covers here, and we made them for the boys for their reward for a job well done.

Remember the Hershey kiss game? Yeah, I have just a few of those hanging out at my house!

I also made some fun designs for the envelopes for the boys to open. Probably totally unneccessary, but I did it anyway.

I also did a little design on the clue itself!

I didn't want to forget that Kevin brought me the most gorgeous tulips. I LOVE tulips, really, they're SO beautiful!

He was also super sweet and brought each of the girls a white rose. I just love that man!

He also brough all four of his girls a chocolate covered strawberry...super yummy. Have I mentioned how much I love that man?

My house finally got decorated for valentines day. It's kinda festive, and since I did it a little late, I think I'll keep it up through february!

I kinda really like my new valentines wreath, it's super girly and fun!

What a great valentines day! Maybe this will have to become tradition, maybe not, but either way I had a blast and I'm hoping everyone else did too. I'm just a little tired today, so off to bed for me!

Bingory!!

Ever heard of "BINGORY"? It's kind of a mix between bingo, and memory, and it's kinda fun for the kiddos. I had made some valentines bingory boards a few days ago, and thanks to the awesome weather we're having right now, we had lots of time to play.

I was going to print out the cards and the matching game pieces with a cute paper backing, and it would probably be good to laminate it too. But, we didn't have time to do that, the girls were getting fiesty, and mean, and driving me crazy! So, excuse the unfinished games!:)

Even Lexie got the hang of it, and had fun. She even won the first game!

Everything is more fun when there's candy involved too.

Please excuse the fact that we were all in our pajamas. We didn't leave the house today at all...you know, serious weather conditions. There was supposed to be snow, but all we got was ice...super fun for kids expecting to wake up to snow.

It's pretty simple to play. You cut out enough pieces to that you have one match for every piece on very kids game board. Does that make sense? If you have 4 kids playing, you'll need matching pieces for every one of their games. Then when they pick a card, they put a candy on the matching picture on their board. 

Simple as that, the first one to get four in a row wins!

 I only made 4 different boards, but the great thing about this game is that everyone could have the same board if you wanted them too. Because it all depends on what card they pick, it doesn't matter if their boards all match!

If you want to play bingory, go here for the free download!

Joy of Love ~ Day 4

As always, my inconsistent self missed a day. Suprise, suprise! Yesterday was a little bit of running around, and alot of kid watching. I did TRY to take some pictures, but they didn't quite turn out, so...on to day 4!

The theme for today was "What they wear". I should have saved Peytons picture for today, it would have been perfect!:)

The VERY last thing I would have thought I'd be taking a picture of today would be the cat. Our little Duece. But here she is.

Normally cat's don't wear anything, but when you have a two year old in the house, sometimes they do. Besides, what could be more perfect for our house full of little girls, than a sparkly pink  princess kitty?

Joy of Love ~ Day 2

Day two of the photo challenge is "How they look".  I could have just taken a picture of any of the girls, but then Peyton peeked out from behind the wall upstairs, and asked me to get her slippers out of the car cause she wanted to suprise me.

What would she suprise me with, you ask? Well, her outfit of course! This has become Peytons favorite outfit, and she wanted to wear it even though it's FREEZING outside today! Pair this outfit with her princess slippers that she wants to wear ALL. THE. TIME. and she is one happy girl!

This is how Peyton looks on any given day. Clip-clopping through the house in her "Princess slippers", with a smile on her face. Love it!

Love letters

I love the dollar spot at Target. I especially love their holiday stuff. That's why I bought these little mailboxes a year or so ago. I never knew what to do with them really, but they were cute and I thought I'd use them on valentines day for something, but never did.

So, my sister-in-law was using hers to write letters to her kids every day in February until Valentines day and I thought that was a fantabulous idea!

The girls LOVED being able to decorate their own mail boxes with loads of stickers, and I loved being able to use my new silhouette cutter to cut out vinyl for the sides. It was fun, and I hadn't used it yet, so this was a good time to try it out.

I cut out each of the girls names for their own mailboxes...so cute!

Decorating it them took a nice long while, and the girls love how they turned out! I love my little Lexie, who decided she didn't like it for some reason and tore them all off. So, it took even longer to do it all again, fun times!

Halli went crazy, then found two more mailboxes I had bought a long time ago, and decorated them for me and Kevin too.

Not to leave my little man out, here's JJ looking HUGE next to his little basketball. I love this little man, even if he is sick and not sleeping right now. He's still adorable.

Halli is obsessed with these mailboxes, and wants to stay up late every night writing notes. I love her and her letter writing self!:)

Joy of Love

I'll be spending the month of Feburary doing the Willette Joy of Love photo project. It's a daily photo prompt that is focused on someone/something you love. I think it's supposed to be geared toward a significant other, but seeing as how my significant other isn't always around, and my little munchkins are, I may be focusing on them a little more cause it's easier!

I'm excited to get to do this, hopefully it'll help me to look outside the box when it comes to photography. Plus we all know that the best way to get better at anything is through practice, am I right?

The prompt for day 1 was, "What they love". I had so many ideas of what I could photograph today, and this is what I ended up getting.

A little girl getting into things that aren't hers.

She loves my stuff...and I don't love that she loves it

. See that keyboard her dolls are playing on? She has pulled so many of the keys of this keyboard. I can see two right now as I'm typing that are sticking up all funny cause I can't get them back on right. dang girl! I love her to death though!

This last one was just a gorgeous picture of miss Peyton, and I couldn't resist adding it! Please ignore her drooling mouth full of food. Although, now that I've mentioned it, you can't ignore it can you?:)

I tried to get a photo of the girls fighting, but it didn't turn out very well...the picture, not the fight. Although, that didn't turn out too well either. I don't think anyway. I don't really remember, cause there were so many. Truthfully, that is really what they do. They fight. Alot. Sorry, not the topic of this post. Silly me. :)