The Francis Family

What's in your bag?

2012-02-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

I have had quite a few people ask me what make up I wear. First of all, i'm cheap. Or just Dustin is. Either way, I try to find the best of the cheaper make up and i'm slowly improving, when Dustin doesn't know... He is a cheapo!
I remember when we were first married he would say, "why do you need make up, it's not a necessity." Let's just say we only had that conversation a couple times, and i'm still wearing make up! That's right. I win. More on that in another post.

Here are a couple things I have in my current face routine.

1. Arbonne FC5 Hydrating Cleanser + Freshener. I actually really like this facewash and it's only around $20, I used to get break outs around my chin area but once I started using this stuff it went away. I have a combination skin and it doesn't dry out or make my skin oily. So I really like this facewash. Oh and it's smooth and light and smells so fresh!

2. Mary Kay Timewise moisturizure. Yup to fight all my aging. Actually my sister in law had a Mary Kay party and this is what I ordered. It's what i'm using right now. I don't really have a favorite moisturizer because i'm always changing. I want something light and this one is actually nice. So it works for now. Oh and if you have one you love please tell me yours so I can check it out!

3. Arbonne FC5 Hydrating eye cream. I really like this eye cream. I notice when I use it, I think. I've been so tired lately with the girls waking up at 5am. Yes 5am. So this takes away the puffiness on me and I like it!

4. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. I would love to go get some MAC foundation but I don't live near a MAC and have no idea what i'd use. BUT I really like this stuff! It's light and airy and have just enough coverage. I have tried A LOT of foundations and so far this is my fav!

5. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder. LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff. It takes away all the shine and lasts forever! If I use anything else I get that ugly oily shine after a couple of hours but this stuff lasts pretty much all day! I can't say enough how much I love this powder.

6. Annabelle Blush #44. Pretty basic, and cheap and it's just blush. I don't think you need to spend money on blush and I probably never will.

7. Covergirl Lash Blast. If you've used this, you know. It's awesome. I used dark brown, and sometimes black.

8. Arbonne Make up Brushes. LOVE these. I'm sure there are a lot of good brushed out there and this is my first "nice" set and I can't believe it took me so long to get a decent set. It makes such a difference to have good brushes.

9. Covergirl lipliner-nude. Great neutral color and I love using lipliner. I used to use darker colors and why didn't someone tell me how awful it looked? I LOVE the nude now and put it on very lightly and then use my favorite lipgloss. (see below)

10. MAC Lipglass- color "underage" (not pictured). I can't live without this stuff and I lost mine over Christmas and I am hating it! I would order one but i'm going to Edmonton soon and I don't like to pay for shipping, ever. So i'm using a stand in and it sucks. Good thing I only ever put on lipgloss for church or when I go out. Which isn't that often.

So that's it! Of course I use just a dark brown or black eyeliner and your basic brown eyeshadows. Which I think I have 6 different kinds right now because they no longer sell the set I used. Thanks Loreal. So I use random ones. I like Annabelle's eyeliner it's not soft and mushy and lasts all day. I have a ton of tips and tricks I use that I kind of made up for myself or have learned when it comes to make up and I will share these in another post. I will also be sharing my hair tips and tricks. Not that i'm a professional or anything of the sort. But I do have a love for hair and make up and thought i'd share what I do and have learned over the years. :)

Do you have any favorite make up products you can't live without? I'd love to hear them, i'm always up for trying new things!

Random stuff!

2012-02-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

First off, Laken has the chicken pox. This is round 3 in our house and it's weird they all had it at different times. Actually it was 14 days apart that they caught it from each other and that's the time they say if you are exposed to it that you'll break out. It's been so minor but Laken isn't immunized and hers are more fluid filled and bigger.
Poor girl just squirms around from being itchy but she's still happy as can be! She did wake up a few times last night but she never cried. She also had a fever the first day and just wanted to be held and fell asleep on me, which she never does anymore! Hopefully they'll pass soon.

In other Laken news, check out what I did!!!

Can't see it? Look closer!

It's a tiny ponytail! She has this little tuft of hair on top so I tried it out in a little elastic, perfect!! So cute. The twins said she looks like a girl now. ha I'll probably keep it to a minimum because I don't want that hair to fall out! She has more hair than the twins did when they were 2! Yay!

Dust and I went out last night for Valentines day and he took me to The Vow. It was not as good as I thought it would be. It was kind of slow, but it was super romantic and cute. Probably a 7 out of 10 for me. Then we came back and had a cute night and ate snacks in bed and talked and it was great! I'm still going to do something for him on Tuesday, I just have to figure out what. Remember the amazing poem I wrote a couple years ago? ha.
But it was nice to get out and focus on "US". Honestly 4 little kids does damage to your relationship without even realizing it. All your energy goes to them and you get so busy with life that you kind of forget you're "married" sometimes. So we are going to make it more of a priority to focus on that more. I forgot how much fun we can have! I love that about us.We are both such crazy people. He is super friendly and patient and such a goof, and thinks everything in life is funny. I don't know how someone can always be so happy but he is and I love it. Well sometimes it's annoying...
I'm bipolar... According to Dustin. I just asked him what MY personality is, or what he would describe me as to someone and that's what he said.
So I asked him again and he said i'm in a hurry all the time. Seriously, I thought I was a little better than that.

Ok for real this time after me yelling at him, he said, "I'm smart (I totally am), silly".... And he sucks at this, he said personality is a big word and he doesn't know.
He came up with daring, and not afraid to try stuff, patient, fun, honest.

WOW. That was torture. We obviously need to do some work here. ha

Annnnyways.
I wanted to also show you Kyla's Valentines I made her for her class! I love them! They were so easy too. I used a free template I downloaded from Oh So Posh Photography, (If you like them on facebook they have free downloads, I think there were 8 Valentines ones and so cute, there are a lot of photographers who have free downloads like this, it's great!) and so I just inserted her photo and added her name! I printed them off in 3.5x5's and I did 30 of them and it was only $4.50! That's cheaper than a $5 box of valentines. I was so glad they turned out and I LOVE this picture of her so i'm glad I got to use it!

I'm just getting ready to go to Portland in a couple weeks! With no kids! I'm driving down with my mom and Britt for 5 days. I'm doing Steph's engagement photos and we are going to do wedding stuff. I'm super excited!

Valentines

2012-02-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get a couple pictures of the girls for fun for Valentines day. I realized after the 10 minute shoot that my ISO was way to high so they are a bit grainy, good thing they are just for fun.
The girls weren't into too much, but I got a couple decent ones of them holding still. People have asked me how my girls are always looking and smiling for pictures. Well it helps that they LOVE getting their picture taken! Laken is definitely not a fan yet...

We sure are lucky eh?

Wood Letter Tutorial!

2012-02-01T16:52:00.001-07:00

I finally did it. Here we go.

Supplies

Wood Letters- I order mine from HERE (If you are doing a child's name, I would suggest the 8"size)

Scrapbook paper- a couple of my favorite brands are Crate Paper, Basic Grey, and Little Yellow Bicycle

Craft paint- I like neutrals, brown, black, cream, grey etc

Mod podge

Scissors

File- I would suggest a metal one

Sponge paint brushes

"Smoother" yes that's what I call it. (I use my pampered chef scraper and it works great!)

Sponge- for the edges

Here are my paper and letters ready to go!

I wanted something softer for Laken. I just think that her name suits a more soft, vintage vibe. The letters I used were Chalk font and 8".

K, Ready?

1. Trace your letters on your paper, face up. Don't cut them out yet, set them aside.

2. Paint the sides of the letters and then place them face down on some newspaper and paint the backs. It's ok if it isn't fully covered you will do another coat later. Don't paint the front.

3. While the letters dry, cut out your paper. I suggest stay right on the lines because the closer you are to the edge the less you have to file and the filing sucks. ;)

4. Flip letters face up and place all your paper on them to make sure you like the papers and how they look etc. Use a thin coat of modge podge, paint it on the letter then smooth the paper onto the letters. Use your "smoother tool" and work from the middle out to get rid of any bubbles in the paper. The mod podge dries pretty quick. You will know if you are using too much mod podge if it's running out the edge. If you have a thicker paper then after mod podging it on, turn your letters over face down so your edges won't pull up when drying. Let paper dry, it doesn't take too long. I actually have never timed it but it's probably around 10-15 mins.
Then let your 3 year old twin take a pen and trace down the center of your letters... ok just kidding. But that's what mine did! Thank goodness it wasn't that dark. Thanks Presley...

Oh and after tuning them over if you realize you painted the wrong side of the letter. Paint the back now...but who would do that...

5. After paper is dry file off the edges of paper that are hanging over. I used to use a metal file for mine when I sold these and it saved me! Although of course I can't find it now, so I used a normal nail file, which works it just takes a lot longer. You can use anything metal with a file edge and don't be afraid, it won't wreck your letters, unless you see wood flying. Then stop. ha Just get rid of that over hang of paper.

6. Use your sponge and sponge the edges of your letters. If your nervous, practice a bit on something so you can get the effect you want to get. Sometimes I like it all simple and even and other times I want it to look more "worn" or even chunky and darker and not "perfect". Also the amount of paint you put on the sponge makes a difference in the effect you'll get. This to me is the most important part that really makes your letters look professionally made! So take your time.
I used the end of a sponge paint brush and just ripped it off. I used to have nice sponges but this worked for today! You can also use the cheap rectangle kitchen sponges, you can get them at the dollar store and cut them up into small pieces.

7. Paint your sides again with the tip of your brush. I don't do the backs again, since you'll most likely never see them but it's up to you. Try not to use too much paint, the brushes hold a lot of paint so you can "squish" it out of it, so you don't have globs.

8. Make sure everything is completely dry! Don't do this next step until they are dry because it can wreck them and that would suck. Put one final coat of mod podge on the front of the letters. You can do the sides too, I don't really ever but you can. Keep this as smooth as possible because this is what finishes it!

**Then if you change your mind on the paint color like I did, ha, you can repaint the backs and edges again. Obviously i'm indecisive and I like more of the contrast look so I went with the grey. I'm so glad I did, the cream blended too much and I like it when you can see the sponge effect.

9. Pick an embellishment or two and glue them on! I like to make paper flowers or buy the flowers from the scrapbook stores. I can't remember where I learned these but rip different sized circles from big to small and alternate paper. Crumple them up, then open them and stack them on top of each other and then stick a brad through them and glue it on. (On the "k") There are so many ideas out there to accent your letters, get creative! This was all I had on hand right now and they work for now! Metal accents are cute, ribbon, buttons, pearls, rhinestones etc.

All Done!

If you need some ideas or some inspiration on what to do you can take a look at all the ones i've sold. They are on theburntdaisy.blogspot.com which was my business where I used to sell these. Click the "my work" button on the right hand side of the page to see them all. I will tell you it was A LOT of work to do this as a business and I was super busy, so that's why I quit. I still get emails for orders. Now you can go make your own!!
I will be making a video with the next ones I make, I just didn't have time to do it yet. I still have to make Kyla's! I have never made her any. Bad mom. ha I also want to redo the twins. You can always change to paper if you want later, just mod podge new paper right over top and then follow the exact same steps. Easy!

If any one has any questions about anything you are more than welcome to e-mail me mindyfrancis{at}hotmail{dot}.com

Mindy undone

2012-01-21T10:44:00.001-07:00

Ok here I am! You asked for it!

I have no problem posting these pictures, I actually loved it, it was almost like my secret was coming out that i'm not ready all the time, or like ever.

A lot of people requested to see a picture of me without makeup in my daily outfit of sweats, dustins shirts and messy bun.

The first picture is me with no makeup.

The second and third are what I wear almost everyday and the second I walk in the door from anywhere. Leggings and legwarmers with a random shirt, or sweats and one of Dustin's shirts. (Could also be switched around for more variety.) And no makeup. (The orange shirt picture was taken 5 minutes ago actually.)

I always thought I was self conscious with no makeup on, but the more the days go on, the less I care and the more confident I feel in my own skin.

I do love to get ready though. I love to do my hair and makeup. It's fun to me. Remember i'm a true girl at heart, I have a real love for make up and hair and CLOTHES. All of those combined make me happy. For those who don't know, I went to hair school. I would love to get into cosmetology one day. I'd also love to be a personal fashion coordinator for people! Fun huh? I have a lot of things i'd like to do.

Some days all I need is a little foundation and mascara but if i'm going specific places, I like to do my make up and hair. Not all out all the time, but it makes me feel better. Sometimes it's just simple make up and straightened hair.

Oh the last picture is half makeup, right when I woke up. That means my one eye is all rubbed off and the other is half there if it can even be counted for that.

Picture credit to Kyla and the twins on my iphone.

Is everyone happy now?

A challenge for you and I!

2012-01-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

Yikes.
Ok i'm a member of the Rock the Shot forum and I tell you it is awesome. The photography world is a VERY competitive and judgmental world. I just ignore it and go at my own pace and don't act like I know everything, because I honestly don't think you can know everything when it come to photography. There is so much to know and things are always changing etc. This forum is so non-judgmental and SO helpful and friendly!! They help you with any question you ask, whether you are thinking about photography, just starting or even a seasoned pro. It's great.
Anyways, they have a monthly challenge and it was a self-portrait challenge. Immediately I said, ha no. I have a secret. I have a fear of posting pictures of myself, let alone ones of JUST ME! I don't ever want to look vain, or the ones you see that say, "I know i'm hot!" ha
So after reading their status updates over and over on how to "go join this months challenge" I decided it would definitely be a challenge for me to step outside my comfort zone. So I did it. I sat down with my camera today and took shot after shot of myself at different angles, different face expressions etc. I tell you it's all in the angles!
So I submitted one, Dust helped me pick one, but it was fun. I actually don't care to win because I accomplished something I was afraid of. I did post a pic of myself on fb not too long ago and there was a comment made that wasn't meant to be rude but it kind of hit me wrong, especially because I already felt uncomfortable posting it and I swore I would never post a pic of myself alone again. So this was a huge step for me and I decided who cares, just do it! Besides, I usually only ever take pics of myself on "good" days so my kids can remember me "normal" and not just in Dustin's extra large t-shirts, sweats, messy bun and left over make-up from the day before... So it's like once a week I look human. On Sunday's, or if I have to leave the house. Remember i'm kind of a hermit in the winter.

SO, I know I have a ton of friends who blog or read my blog and I noticed I only have a small handful, actually more like 2 of you, who EVER post pics of yourselves on facebook or your blog. People, your kids are cute, but I want to see your face too! I don't care how fat/ugly/not cute you think you are etc. So, SO my friends, I want you to take a picture of yourself that you love, just one, and please email it to me and I want to edit it for you! You don't have to have a fancy camera and no KIDS! Just YOU!
Email it to mindyfrancis{at}hotmail{dot}com and put "photo of me" in the subject line. I'll give it until the end of the week and see how many people I get! I also want you all to POST your photo, either on facebook or your blog and tell me where you post it so I can see!!! That's right! POST IT!

Here are a couple tips for taking your own photo that i've learned,

1. The best time to do it is in a lot of natural light, so in front of a big window during the day is best.

2. Really play with your angles, crop things off, and don't be afraid to zoom in. My favorite photos are close ups. The tiniest movement can make a huge difference, ie: just move your eyes around, or tilt your head etc.

3. Use your self timer or tripod, it makes it a lot easier than trying to hold it.

4. It took me about 50 shots to get 2 good ones, so take a lot of shots!

So go pull out your camera and send them to me!

Here is mine...

9 month pox

2012-01-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

I blended my topics into one, because I can.
Let's start with pox. Jayci and Presley have the chicken pox. yay! Actually i'm glad. If they get it now, it's better because if they get it when they are older they have a higher chance of it being worse and it developing into the Shingles. Yuk. I've spoken to the health link and what they are finding is that kids who have been immunized with only the one dose (you get the second one when you are 13) are getting them and that this new strain of pox is different, it's not as bad and they aren't all blistery and they clear up faster. So they are maybe going to eventually move into getting kids to have 2 doses because they originally thought one was enough. So Presley had 3 spots yesterday morning and they are almost gone. Jayci on the other had got a few more today, not terrible and she is totally acting fine and not even really complaining about them. So they aren't too concerned about them and said to just keep the two of them home for a few days until they crust over. So if anyone wants their kids to get it now, come on over!!

These are Jayci's chicken pox today.

Her stomach is not even half of this and then a couple on her thighs and a couple on her face.

Next, this little peanut isn't staying so little! She is now 9 months old! Ya it's crazy.
She is still the most amazing baby in the world. She is a little more needy now though since she is at the "mom don't leave the room" stage. Which isn't even bad because the girls play with her constantly so it distracts her from me being busy with other fun things, such as cleaning the house and cooking...
She is a terrible eater though! I have an appointment with the pediatrician on the 20th. She hates anything with chunks, she actually gags on them, even the tiniest bit. I tried it again yesterday and she actually did a lot better. Her helpings are tiny too! She hardly eats anything at meal time and she shuts her lips so you can't even get food in. Drives me crazy. But that is her only fault! She still pretty much sleeps through the night, here and there she wakes up and we just get her a bottle and she goes back out, but for the most part she is great! She learned to clap the other day, goes up the stairs, and will let go when standing on things. She looks too tiny to be doing that. She is really starting to catch onto things. I'm not sure how much she weighs, she had her shots right before Christmas and she was 18lbs, 50th percentile and I forget her height but it was around the 45th percentile.

We sure love her!!

I also love how her tongue sticks out all the time!

What a doll eh? We think so!

Help me!

2012-01-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

So lately I no longer enter very many contests but this one I NEED to win! I know I have a million blog readers so can you all help me win this one!
I will win a free family photo session with Photography by Kels. I love her photos and this would be amazing to win!!

So go to FACEBOOK, like her page (or your vote won't count) and then LIKE my actual photo of my 4 girls. It's supposed to be our favorite photo from 2011. This one was definitely my favorite!!

It will take two seconds and you know i'd do it for you!! ;)
Thanks a billion! Oh and if you feel so inclined to share it on your facebook wall as well, that would be amazing and I would love you forever!!

THANKS FRIENDS!!!

Christmas Holidays!

2012-01-03T15:47:00.003-07:00

I'm back!!

Ok I took about 1000 pictures (literally) over Christmas so I will have to pick and choose wisely here!

We went down south for 10 days to my sister Britt's in Cardston and then spent a few days in Taber. It was so much fun, I miss my sisters so much! I hate how far we all live from each other. We had a blast and did so much! I don't even know where to start. Let's start with the biggest announcement of Christmas.
Can you guess what it was??
A present showed up at the door to the family so my parents opened it, since it said open now, and in the bottom was a RING box! It said,

"I'm engaged! Love Steph!"

To say I was shocked is putting it lightly!! After all i've never met this guy! But I hear he is awesome and they've been dating ever since she moved to Portland in the summer. His name is Kevin Bird and he is actually my sister Kristy's husband (Brandon), it's his cousin! So Kristy and Steph are going to have the same last name! What are the chances. Kristy did set them up though! After the idea set in I was super happy for her. That is all 3 of my sisters who got engaged to guys I never knew! I may be a bit of a protective sister...
So they are getting married in Portland on May 5th, and i'm the maid/matron of honor! I'm so beyond excited to help plan the wedding. I believe deep down I am an event planner so I love doing this stuff! I've actually thought of doing it as a career before, but probably wouldn't get far with that where I live. Maybe one day! Oh also, that will be all 4 of us married at the age of 18! CRA-ZY!
To tell my grandparents my dad came up with the idea to fool her thinking one of us announced we were pregnant. So we went to their house with pillows shoved under our coats and all 3 of us stood in their livingroom and we said, "guess who is pregnant?!" She guessed all three of us, ha. Then Steph said, "None of them! I'm engaged!" ha could you imagine if all of us were pregnant. No. Something always gets announced at our Christmas's. Last time Krist and Britt announced they were pregnant, and the time before that it was Kristy and ME who announced (with the twins). I guess when you have 4 girls someone is always pregnant or getting married at some point.

Opening the "gift"

The Bride! So weird.

Telling the grandparentals. Love this pic of us. If only I looked like that for real when i'm pregnant! Just a "bump" ha i'm not one of those lucky ones.

It was fun though and we are really excited for her! Congrats Steph and Kevin!

Onto Christmas stuff.

Christmas eve was fun. We spent it half at my grandparents and half at Britt's since the kids needed to go to bed and we were all staying there. Santa showed up to my grandparents house! It was the funnest thing, I cried because of how excited my girls were! They ran up to him and gave him a big hug! I was one of "those" moms. There is something about seeing the excitement in your children. He even brought them all little presents! It was great.

Britt and Grandma had a pinata so we had one for the kids and one for the adults. Kyla smashed the snowman pinata in half! She is one strong kid! It was hilarious. Then the adult one we all took a turn but we were in a small living room so we had to go easy. Well then grandma gets the stick and swings and it slipped out of her hand and hit Presley in the face! ha. Grandma's turn was over. And we were worried about the guys!! So we came out of the pinata's with a broken decor bowl and an slightly injured twin. Not too bad.

We had our white elephant exchange, one for the kids and one for the adults and we also opened pjs! We did all the kids stuff at grandma's and the adult stuff at Britt's. We put out the reindeer food and I forgot to have the girls put out the milk and cookies! It's so much to remember! I felt sad so I did it myself for them because they were passed out by the time I remembered. My aunt and cousins also came out and it was so fun, it felt like we were kids again spending Christmas eve together. My dad also set up fireworks for all of us! It was awesome!

Here are all those things meshed into pics. I'm not organizing because this is taking long enough.

you know it.

Cousins!!

Lets pause,

and take a look of the many excited faces of Christmas morning. Mostly Kyla. Which are the best thing i've seen in a long time...

enjoy.

So hilarious!

At least we know we are doing our job in making our kids happy! ha

Now onto Christmas morning and day.

Everyone got spoiled and we had tons of fun! It took us until noon to open presents. Then we had waffles for breakfast. Here we go...

Laken's smile here kills me.

That's just me changing Laken's diaper in the above photo, I just noticed that...

Family Picture time!

We can't help it.

Dustin loves the Goonies. So Steph got a picture of the Goonie rock since they live so close to it and developed it for him! He loved it!

We also celebrated Kristy's birthday which is Jan 4th but we always so something for her when we get together for Christmas! Happy Birthday to my gorgeous sister!!

After Britt's we headed out to Taber for a few days. It was a lot more low key there but we got to take the kids out on their quad. Dustin was in heaven and our girls LOVED it. So it's a good thing the first thing we are buying after a house is a quad. Looks like Dustin got his "boys" after all. ;)

The weather was amazing the entire trip, all above zero! No snow! It didn't even feel like Christmas really. It was super windy in Taber but the last day it wasn't too bad so I was happy because I wanted to take some outdoor pics. I'm getting ansy not being able to do many photos outside. So I took my new lens out and took a few pics of the quadding. Nothing special but this lens is amazing! I love it. These are just fun, un-edited photos but I still love them. :)

The girls checkin out Grandma's bus

And I think that's all folks. I did it. That sucked a little and only took me two days to do!

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas holidays and i'm looking forward to this new year. We have a lot of new years goals. I don't like to call them resolutions because I'm always setting goals all year round, so I just count these in as those! My list is kind of long for this year though! I'm pretty sure we can do it. :)

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Heading South a day early for Christmas in the morning!! Hope everyone has an awesome Christmas! I know I will because i'm spending it with my favorite people in the world, my family!! Love you all!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!

: )!

Busy

2011-12-13T13:29:00.010-07:00

What's a better word than busy? Because that's what i've been!

I'm on the Enrichment committee and I got put in charge of the craft for the Christmas Activity so we did the wood letters. Well they got ordered under someone else's name who had to leave out of town the day before the activity for a family emergency, and they came that day. So I went to get them but I wasn't her so they wouldn't let me pick them up. Luckily someone worked at the pharmacy right beside the post office they knew so she got them for us!! Lucky! Well then, I got home and saw the box and knew that it wasn't big enough. Turns out we were missing 2 more boxes. Needless to say it was chaos trying to get them for that night and we ended up only getting one more. Oh well it worked out and ladies had fun making what orders we did have. We scheduled a second night to finish them this last Thursday and we were still missing some letters but over all it worked out. We just had to re order some words. I'm so grateful for the patient ladies in our ward and how supportive and helpful they were through it all. I was a little stressed out at first because I always want everything perfect, so it sucked there was nothing I could do about it.

Can you believe how awesome this Santa picture is? It's a picture on my phone of the actual photo so it's blurry. But they photographer couldn't believe them and how they were all looking and smiling! He also wanted me and Dust in the picture. Maybe next year. Or porbably not. I was in the one last year, which will not be shown, because I was fat and pregnant and it is not cute. Yes i'm selfish and care about me in that situation. ha.

Next. This is the second time i've typed this out, I wanted to add one picture from my iphone and it deleted the majority of my post. Sucky.
Ok I was in charge of the decorations for our ward Christmas party. I got the idea to get glass bottles and spray paint them and roll them in epsom salts from online. It looks like snow. Cute. Then I wanted to get stick from the woods and spray paint them silver and glue leaves all over them cut from old books. Then we put them on doilies on silver table cloths, the bottles were all different sizes and in the center of the tables we did two bottles, one big and one small and then we got Christmas decoration balls in silver, white and two different shades of purple and put them at the base. It looked so awesome. It was classic and vintage. I had so much help from Becky, and Jill came to help set up. Thanks girls! I couldn't have done it without them!
I also got so many compliments on it so it was totally worth it! It looked way better in person!

The last picture is proof I don't always get cooperative children. Laken is ticked we took her bottle away for a picture. Ha. Plus the twins smiles lately are so awesome, but they sure practice them!

So I have 3 dentist appts for myself this week. I don't want to talk about it. I also need to post Kyla's Christmas concert which got deleted from this post. But right now i'm going to eat some cheesecake pumpkin pie. So good.

Me time!

2011-12-05T09:54:00.002-07:00

So this past year i've been putting a lot of effort into getting some ME time, without kids, responsibilities or anything of the sort! I have found it to be really important for me to have this and I'm pretty sure that is how I stay sane. I used to feel selfish if I thought that way, but you HAVE to be. Mom's deserve to have fun too! For a long time i've been wanting to get into a dance class and I wanted to take hip hop but they didn't offer that class anymore at the college dance academy, they offer it I think at the other two studios in town but lets just say, the classes at the college at $550 and they were the cheapest! Ya crazy eh? Hence why Kyla is the only one in ballet! ha.

Anyways, Becky and I decided to try something different out for fun and we heard they had belly dancing classes here so we signed up! It was 10 classes and tons of fun! It was once a week on wednesday nights, and I LOVED getting that time to myself once a week. I'm serious if I had some good advice for moms out there, this would be it. Do something for yourself!!

So last night we performed at a restaurant with some other students and it was so much fun! The class started out with like 8 student, and there was another class too with a few students, but by the end the only ones who would perform were Becky and I! We obviously are beginners and I was SO nervous at first, but then once we started everyone was so happy and cheering for us and so we just had fun! I did video it but I think Becky would kill me if I posted it! ha.

Me and Becky before!

And this ones for Dustin...

So we are probably going to continue with it and maybe try out different styles, they have swords, canes, Gypsy and more! I think the Gypsy would be so fun!

ps: i'm getting my hair done on Thursday, what should I do?? Nothing drastic though.

Rootbeer Cookies

2011-12-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

You're probably thinking, rootbeer what??
Yup Rootbeer cookies, and they are delicious!!

I can't take credit for the recipe since I got it from my sister Britt, who got it from her sister in laws Michelle and Nikki.
I've made them twice lately and everyone loves them, including me because I eat them all. I make them in bite size so I don't feel as guilty eating lots! ha
The only catch is, you can't get rootbeer extract in Canada. So get some connections and get a bunch of bottles because one batch of cookies and icing uses up half the bottle. So good.

These are crappy pictures because they are the left overs from last nights enrichment so they aren't super pretty but this is how I make them.

Rootbeer Cookies

1 C Butter

2 C Brown Sugar

2 Eggs

2 tsp Rootbeer extract

3 1/2 C Flour

1 tsp Baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/4 C water

Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. Bake at 350F 6-8 mins.

Icing

1 1/4 C Butter

3 1/4 C Icing sugar

2 tsp Rootbeer extract

3 tbsp water

Love them.

Dear Santa

2011-11-28T11:41:00.002-07:00

I'm so proud of myself how on top of things I am this year. I already had the girls write and mail out their Santa letters and it's not even December. ha.

Kyla asked for the leapfrog leap pad, which originally was an iphone but we said um, no. So then she saw the leap pad on toysrus.com and asked what it was and she was set on it. So we'll see if Santa can find one that isn't sold out! She also wants a make up set, which originally was a vanity but we talked about it and she doesn't really have room for a vanity so just a make up set with a mirror will be great. And then of course a Snow White princess dress.

Jayci asked for an Angry Birds "stumpy" (they always call little stuffed animals, stumpys, ha), so funny. They both saw them in a flyer and wanted them so bad, it even made the Santa letter! She also wanted a Cinderella or no, Sleeping beauty princess dress and new princess dolls. She couldn't make up her mind. I even had to fix it on her letter. (Picture down below) But yay more princess dolls! So they can fight over them more...

Presley was pretty much the same thing as Jayci but a Belle princess dress.

Laken didn't write a letter obviously but she wants some toys and clothes. She told me.

So I actually have them almost all done! That's right we bought stuff!! I was so excited! I also had Jill pick up a few things in Edmonton for me and have a few people looking around for a specific "out of stock everywhere" gift! This weekend I will go get Dustin's stuff, he is easy this year thank goodness. I did plan it out a while ago so that helped.

I had a hard time coming up with stuff for me but I finally dug deep and came up with some things. Mainly clothes as always... accessories and some other random stuff like a house and boots.

Loving Presley's (in pink) bed head from the morning sticking straight out. These were taken at 5pm...

I may not brush my girls hair everyday but we do write Santa letters!

What do you think they'll remember when they are older?? I'll answer that, for sure the letters.

This picture is my favorite. Jayci (left) accidentally bumped Presley and this was her scolding her for it. "Jayci, you just bumped me, don't do that again." Hilarious.

And we can't forget Laken! She can bounce the crap out of her jolly jumper. She loves it.

And tell me she isn't the cutest? This hat is my fav, it's one of 4 my friend Alison made her. I am in love with it! Oh and the baby too!

Today is a sick day for me. Actually day 2. Not sure what I have, just feel weak and achy and gross. Oh well, the girls let me sleep in and they even cleaned the living room for me! They really are amazing girls, most days. ha. I love em.

Real

2011-11-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

As amazing as my life is, it's a lot of work. These are a few struggles i've been trying to cope with lately.

My 3 older girls fight a lot. It drives me crazy! Like I really am going crazy. I seriously need a whistle because I feel like a referee all day and it's EXHAUSTING. I'm starting to feel like the worst mom alive because I feel like i'm ALWAYS getting mad at someone, or yelling so loud just to be heard! You know what I mean if we've talked on the phone...

My husband works a retarded shift, 11 on, 3 off. Yup worse than the 10 and 4 he was on before. Luckily it's only days, but it's a lot. I'm pretty used to it now though. I go to church every other week by myself with the girls, and ballet with all of them. Both are early mornings and now that it's winter, it's more fun.... Get up early and shower (in order to even wake myself up), get everyone dressed (they are the slowest children in the world I think!), get myself ready, get their hair done, pack diaper bag, feed them, start van, bundle them all up, haul them all out to the van, crawl in and buckle the twins in, get into the drivers seat and BREATHE. ugh. I think that's the hardest part about going anywhere. This winter is going to be hard.

I live in a small townhouse that we grew out of a long time ago. I would drive myself crazy if I thought about this too much. Hence the husband working a lot. I hate complaining about this because i'm so grateful to have a home, but I want a home I can love and decorate and paint! I'm hoping next year this will happen. :)

I have a 5 year old going on 14, as awesome as she is, she has this little attitude coming out and i'm terrified!! I was pretty sure the toddler years were the hardest, but now i'm not so sure.

Anyways, my point is. Life is not perfect and these are only a few things I deal with on a daily basis. I had to adjust to being a mom of 4 before I was ready and it's not easy. I'm so blessed. SO blessed. But it's hard. I completely understand why people say being a mom is the hardest job in the world. It's emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting.
Am I discipling this right? Then I need to stay on top of the discipline (you give em an inch they take a mile), then I feel like i'm too hard and not being a loving mom, so I do something such as surprise them and make them playdo and they fight over what color to make it! It's a crazy circle and some days I wonder how i'll make it through. We do have awesome days and have so much fun, we are such a happy family and I love us so much. I have the worlds most patient husband. I would love to hear what goes on in his head some days because I feel like I can be a challenging wife who complains a lot.
I'm grateful for my sisters who listen to me vent pretty much every day. I've been blessed with an amazing friend who has been through everything i'm going through and I swear without her support i'd be way worse off right now than I am.

I didn't want this to be a "poor me" post but I needed to write it out. When I feel something, I write about it.
I'm done. :)

I made pumpkin cookies today for the first time from a recipe I pinned on pinterest and i've been wanting to try them for a while. They are awesome. All 75 of them!! Who knew one recipe could make that many FREAKING cookies! Hilarious.

Christmas Activities

2011-11-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

I still haven't bought one gift yet. Not ONE! Thank goodness Dust and I are going shopping tonight! I was beginning to get a little nervous. I do have lists of what i'm getting everyone but now I have to actually go get them! Anyways...

I have been wanting to do some Christmas countdown activities with the girls this year now that they are old enough to enjoy them. Thanks to a few pins on pinterest and some traditions we have always done I came up with our own list of what we are going to do. I figured i'd post this now BEFORE December starts. Look at me being a good mom and not procrastinating until the last day. I have 5 days.
These are in no special order.

1. Leave a surprise on someones doorstep
2. Watch The Grinch
3. Drink Hot chocolate
4. Read a Christmas Story
5. Ward Christmas party
6. Drive around and look at Christmas lights
7. Bake cookies and give some away
8. Make playdo snowmen
9. Have a candle light dinner
10. Make paper snowflakes
11. Dance to Christmas music
12. Do a Christmas craft
13. Wrap presents
14. Go see Santa
15. Make a gingerbread house
16. Go sledding
17. Build a snowman
18. Make ornaments (I found this easy and cute recipe for handprint ornaments here)
19. Make Teachers Gifts
20. Go sibling Christmas shopping
21. Act out the Nativity
22. Read the Night before Christmas
23. Write Santa letters
24. Decorate the tree and house
25. Go on a sleigh ride

So a couple of these we have already done but we are going to my sisters for Christmas so i'm sure we'll be busy doing activities everyday for the week. I can't wait!! I'm so excited to see all my sisters again, it's been too long. Why do we have to live so far from each other?!

Is there any on my list I missed that you do with your kids? I'd love more ideas! :)
I also need more ideas for the twins for Christmas, what should I get them??

Let's move on!

2011-11-20T20:52:00.002-07:00

Well that was fun. I love how many awesome people I have met who read my blog in the last few days and I have the best friends and people in my life! I love love hearing who reads my crazy blog! So at least a lot of good came out of that day! You guys are all the best. For real.
I don't believe it deserves any more attention from me.

So, let's move on.

We finally set up my new BLACK tree! Yup, black. I seriously wasn't feeling the "Let's set up the tree!" thing. So I decided I wanted to do a smaller tree this year since we are leaving for a few weeks at Christmas. So I found a 5 ft black tree and it was love at first sight. I love things a little different than the norm. My mother in law hated it, ha. She said she remembers when all the colored trees were so tacky and nowadays they are the "cool" thing. I loved it! It's classy looking and the perfect height for our smaller place! My girls loved it at first, but then Kyla was saying, "mom I want a huge tree!" Some day Kyla, some day. Deal with it. That's what I tell myself anyways.
So here we are! Decorating our tree!

K funny story. The twins are into this thing where they look at me and say, "mom! Look at my cute smile!" And this is the smile I get. It's hilarious. No idea where they got that from. So funny.

These next few weeks are going to be BUSY. I'm in charge of a huge craft for our Christmas Enrichment night on the 1st. I'm teaching everyone how to make my wood letters! I'm going to post a tutorial in the next week for all my awesome friends so you can make your own! I still get people with orders and I don't think i'll ever go back to it. So stock up on your letters and cute scrapbook paper!

I'm also in charge of the ward Christmas party decorations for the 10th of December. phew! Any ideas would be great! Hook. me. up.

Ps: Can someone please tell my husband how NOT hot he is. I'm hoping the less attention I give it, the sooner it will go away. Cross my fingers it works. He was mad I made him shave it on the 6th for family pics for our Christmas cards, so now he says he is growing it until the 6th of December or longer. Hideous.

Mean People Suck!

2011-11-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's really interesting how many different people there are in the world and sometimes they never cease to amaze me!
This is my blog, I can write whatever I want about anything. Seriously people must really hate their own lives or something. I dunno, you tell me. Last time I deleted it because I was devastated and I hate mean people, but this time i'm just trying to laugh at it! Plus last time everyone told me to keep it on, so this time I did!

Someone wrote a comment on my last post and it was down right, well bitchy. I wish I knew who she was. So rude. It also bothers me because she really has no idea what kind of person I am. Like I would ever really take credit for those dumb things. Goodness. Ok i'm going to get myself all worked up. But I thought i'd share with all my "real" friends who read my blog.
ps: I don't wear bronzer and the only sun I ever get was the handful of times I went to the spray park with my kids, in the summer. Hilarious.
Anyways, people have no life. Bothers me a bit. It's reasons like this I want to go private, plus lately I feel like no one is reading this so why have it public. It's hard not to get down on yourself when someone puts you down that bad...
loser.

I'm smart

2011-11-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure i'm half genius or something.
I come up with all these ideas in my head and then realize they have already been thought of AFTER I think of them! Such as cell phones that you talk to and it'll text what you say! Seriously earlier this year I thought of it! Now I have that exact phone. weird.

I do have dreams that come true too. Dustin thinks i'm a freak. For example the other day I had a insanely real dream that we missed swimming lessons and I was mad because it was their second last lesson etc. Well I woke up that morning got everyone ready by myself and in the car, started to drive and had a flat tire! Completely flat. Well lessons are downtown and only half hour. There was no way we were making it. So we missed it and I had the same feeling of "well this sucks"! Weird eh? I have dreamed of people that I have never met but then will meet them later, like months later etc. I get a lot of dejavu and majority of it is from a dream I had! Like moving here and stuff like that. Don't judge me. ha

Ok onto why i'm brilliant.

I've been really into the leg warmers so I got some for my bday and I love to wear them under my boots. So we had family pics for our Christmas cards and I couldn't find the right color I wanted. I was sitting at my vanity getting ready and I thought, why don't I just cut off the sleeves of a sweater and use them as leg warmers! Dustin had the perfect one that he never wears, so i did it! I felt so smart and proud of myself. I never did any resewing on them yet but I didn't care because the fatter part was at the bottom of the boot anyways and I wanted them looser fitting. I'm going to go through our closet and find more! If I use one of my shirts they could be more fitted etc. So then a couple days ago i'm on pinterest and saw tutorials for doing that exact thing! Well the ones are there are all fancied up with buttons/lace etc. I made mine to make do for pics! Dustin was glad they were free.
So here is a pic of the sweater before (but you can see where I cut because I never took a real before picture) and then here is our family pic of me wearing them!

Cute huh? I love myself sometimes.

Random phone pics

2011-11-10T12:57:00.002-07:00

So here are a bunch of random pictures from my iPhone. I am loving how convenient this thing is!

Mom bought the same boots and me but in the darker brown. I should probably get both colors. I love them both.

And since I can't figure out how to comment in between the pics, i'll write about them here!

Laken is 7 months! That pic was the day she turned 7 months old! She's getting so big. Love her.

The next one might be my new favorite pic. Kyla pushed Laken's highchair to the window to show her the snow we got last night. So cute.

Next, was morning snuggles from my 3 girls, I couldn't get out of bed that morning! I could sleep all day, i'm pretty sure of it.

The next few are self explanatory.

I wanted to share Kyla's class pic. So funny. She said the cutest people got to sit in the middle... love her. and I definitely agree Kyla ;)

So Kind of annoying I can't type anywhere other than here but you get the idea. I am a fan of random pics in posts, so enjoy. :)

My family!

2011-11-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

I decided to actually follow through with the idea of doing Christmas cards this year. The past years the thought was there...
So I asked Jill to take a couple family pics of us yesterday since our last one was 6 months ago and when you have a baby they change so quickly! It was really cold out for the kids but they did so good and we snapped a million. I took some for her also. I wish I would have realized the time change and gone a little earlier for lighting because most of them came out a little blurry. Oh well, good enough for a Christmas card and I love them anyways!

I have the cutest family, and realized how big it actually is when I looked at these!

What do you think, should we have one more baby?! (ha, I can't wait to see Dustin's reaction when he reads that, but he probably never will since he never goes on here!)

PS: I always think i'm pregnant. BUT do you blame me?? I'm a little paranoid now. Look at my track record... ha

Halloween Part 2- Pure Cuteness!

2011-11-01T14:25:00.000-06:00

If you missed part one, it's just under this post!

Get ready for an explosion of cute kids! I am so glad I took the time out of my insane day to take these because none of our trick or treating ones were good. The kids looked adorable! I love Halloween if you can't tell.

Halloween part 1- Pure Evil

2011-10-30T20:17:00.000-06:00

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!

We went to a Halloween Party at Jills and I originally bought the Alice in Wonderland costume because it was simple and cheap from walmart. But I wasn't thrilled about it and I think people need to be scary things on Halloween because it's more fun that way! So I vamped it up a bit!

So....Someone killed Alice...

The Ladies at the party!

Left to Right

Jill-mummy, Sharisse and Michelle- pink ladies, Me obviously- dead Alice, Mandy- vampire,

Carolyn-plug socket, Julie-mummy, Becky- Poison Ivy

The Gents! L-R

Travis- a zombie, Kimball-wolverine, Don-the plug in, Dustin- phsyco, Matt- cop, Dean- vampire, Jay-mummy

So what do ya think??

If you don't dress up for Halloween, you are a LOSER!!

Just kidding, kind of.

So behind!

2011-10-25T10:21:00.001-06:00

SO much has gone on lately you have no idea!! Yes it's only been like a week but still, there is lots! So I will write, then post a bunch of pics after, its easiest and fastest.

So for starters, Sunday night we went over to Kimball and Becky's and she made up the cutest desserts and cake for me! She is the best! We had so much fun, it made my day!

Second, Jayci had her first cavity, well 3 actually. Nice. So we took her in to the dentist who happens to be married to a relative of Dustin's and got them filled! She had NO freezing and we didn't even have to put her under. How did she do? She sat there still the entire time! It was crazy. Kyla had to go under twice for fillings! I wish I had the option with her because this was WAY easier. Of course it depends on the kid but Jayci did amazing. He was done so fast and she was so cooperative. What a good girl eh?

Here are pics sort of in order...

Dentist!

She got 2 prizes for being so good!

The kids decorated a bit for Halloween! Ya it's one picture but it's something!

What next, well my birthday week was so fun. Dustin was off this weekend so on Friday he planned the whole day out. Becky took the girls for us and off we went. I had no idea where too though! I usually am really hard to surprise and I wasn't sure what he had going on because he's never done anything like this before.
Anyways we pulled up got out and went and did this!!!

At first I was freaking out a bit! I've never been on a plane EVER, so this was a first! Well if you don't count being drugged up and pregnant on the air ambulance...twice...

That's where the kids were! They were on the driveway watching us!

The pilot let Dustin fly it! He did awesome, the guy said he was impressed! Dustin is one of those people who are good at everything on the first try.

So it was so fun! Totally unexpected and different and we had a blast! Then we went to the mall and I amost bought new boots but I couldn't decide if I loved them, plus they were out of my size. So we went to Bell and bought the new iphone 4s! We haven't had anything iphone-ish so we were rookies. They are awesome though! They have this thing called Siri and it's like a personal assistant, you talk to it and it texts what you say, or you can say "book appointment" and it'll ask for when and what time and books it! Or if you need to write something down you say "note" and then it'll ask what you want to write and then you say it and it adds it to your notes! It exactly what I need! I am always needing to write things down because I forget EVERYTHING and it's so convenient. I tell ya, it was worth every penny! The games are fun too. I finally know what this angry birds thing is! It gives me anxiety!
Oh I also, yes I got really spoiled this year, got a new lens!! Dust bought me a 50mm 1.8 lens for my camera. It's awesome! I have to get used to it because it's a fixed lens but i've been playing around with it a little this weekend and it's so fun, the pictures are so clear and bright.

Ok lets move on. In amazing news, my parents are back together! So my mom is moving to St. Paul this coming weekend but she was up visiting my dad and they decided to come here for a couple days! It was so fun. We did a lot in 2 days and it was so weird but awesome to have things back the way they used to be, but better. Here are some pics from the weekend!

I look a little tired but the other good one of us is on my phone. How do you load them onto blogger from your phone? I tried but it won't let me select an image to upload on my phone...
Anyways

Making cookies with grandma, it's a tradition!

Nice smile Pres...

So talk about busy eh? Lots going on! I don't know why but October was insanely busy and went by super fast! So that's all for now!

So far.

2011-10-16T17:52:00.001-06:00

Today is my birthday (yay) but honestly it feels like every other day. Dustin is at work, I took the girls to church and we've been bumming around all afternoon! I guess the Relief Society forgot it was my bday so they didn't announce it, that didn't help. I was actually looking forward to my 5 seconds of birthday fame.

I think the highlight of my day was flashing a bunch of people at church my behind! Oh yes that did happen. (Twice actually!) I was wearing fishnet style leggings and a bright orange, shorter, empire style dress, it was that stretchy fabric so it stuck to the leggings and rode up constantly. Oh and cute black sexy heels, just so you get the whole picture. Well I walked all the way down the church hall before someone told me! Awesome. Good thing I didn't really care too much. So note to self and all of you, don't wear that!

I know Dustin has something planned for this weekend since he had to work my bday weekend so i'm impressed and excited to see what he has planned! We did go out on Friday with Kimball, Becky, Jill and Travis to dinner and got some super cute gifts and then we went to FOOTLOOSE!!! It was SO good. I watched the original last Sunday since i've never seen it and they did a great job on the remake! It was WAY better than the original!All the husbands were complaining that they had to go to it and bla bla bla, but they all liked it! HA. I told them they'd thank me after. I think Julianne Hough helped with that. She was really good in it actually, and there was more dancing than the original which I liked.

So I guess we are going to Tagg's for some dessert in a few minutes when Dust gets home. I'm super grateful for the awesome friends we have. I was just saying I don't think I could survive without Jill and Becky and how often they watch my kids so I can go to appointment after appointment. They are so helpful.

I also decided I suck at the embrace the camera challenge. I started for one picture like 5 months ago and so since it was my birthday I took a new one.

I'll let you know what happens this Friday! Until then I have dentist appointments, swimming lessons, doctors appointments and 2 dance classes. That is just THIS week. I'm gonna die.

Thankgiving!

2011-10-11T18:49:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving first of all! We had one busy weekend. We had a fun cheese and chocolate fondu at the Taggs and then we had a huge thanksgiving dinner at Jill and Travis's house. I said i'd make the turkey. The thought was there. Dustin ended up doing it all. ha The thought of having to clean it out is pretty gross to me. I wouldn't eat it if I had to prepare it. Plus I had to go out and do photos for someone when it had to go in, ironically. He did great though, it was awesome!

I did make the buns and a pink lemonade pie, it was delicious.
I'm still suffering from bronchitis and I have even finished my antibiotics. What a joke. I think I may have it for the rest of my life.

Here are a few pics to share from the Francis' on thanksgiving! These 5 people are the number one thing i'm grateful for in this entire world.

Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving!

You're Welcome

2011-10-06T19:04:00.000-06:00

I'm on the relief society meeting commitee and taught a small enrichement class, sorry a "relief society meeting", on organization last week. Thanks to the good old internet and pinterest I came up with a small presentation that I went over with the ladies. I thought i'd put it on here to share with you.

21 Day Organization Challenge

(Pinterest)

“The Secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”

Mark Twain

1. Junk Drawer
2. Computer desk/area
3. Tupperware drawer/cupboard
4. Linen closet
5. Under kitchen sink
6. Dresser drawers
7. Pantry
8. Coat closet
9. Toy organization
10. Laundry room
11. Freezer
12. Spice cabinet
13. Medicine cabinet
14.. Under bathroom sink
15. Kids/spare room closets
16. Fridge
17. Mail
18. Keepsakes/kids school work
19. Master closet
20. Photos
21. You pick!

Five key steps to start getting organized

1. Start with Food and Clothes- These are 2 neccesities in life and if you start with these life seems easier!
2. Make a master to-do list- What needs to get done and who needs to do what
3. Take baby steps- So you don't get overwhelmed
4. Penicillin method- Pretend your messes are bacteria and you are the penicilin taking over one mess at a time.
5. Go to bed early- A tired mom is a non productive mom. I am so like that!

I also whipped up some great tips I found around online that will help to stay organized!

Organizing Tips

1. Get a notebook and write everything down!
2. Make sure you have a central calendar
3. Menu plan. If its not for the week, at least plan in the morning before it gets to be witching hour! 4:00 anyone??
4. Never leave a room empty handed!
5. Get the kids involved, they have to learn somehow
6. Make a Donation Station- for stuff you want to get rid of and donate
7. Add a few things a day to the Donation Station
8. Get an “I’m outta here box”- ie: stuff that needs to be mailed or returned somewhere
9. Do a 10 min tidy before bed (charge cell, go over calendar, make lunches etc)
10. Get lots of bins and baskets. They are great for organizing things
11. Make crap baskets on the stairs. One basket per person with their name on it, they can be cute!
12. Dont be afraid to throw things out!
13. Do seasonal cleaning and organization
14 Lead by example.
15. Take a daily break/rejuvenate to get your energy back. Hello bubble baths!
16 Check your attitude! Even if you get one thing done, youve accomplished something!

I really enjoyed teaching this and it sure gave me a swift kick in the butt to get going! I told my dad I was teaching on this and he laughed...
But now I have no more excuses to get going!

Also I saw THIS pinned on pinterest. I love that place. It's great healthy recipe replacements! I'm glad I found it and thought other moms would like it too!

Hello there

2011-10-02T18:01:00.000-06:00

I've slacked here, gotta get back on track. I've been super busy doing photos and well just with life!
For example, lets start off with today.
I'm sick with a nasty deep chest cough that is getting worse by the day so I guess tomorrow i'm calling to doctor. I have 3 SUPER whiny girls, Laken is the best one as always, and i've had 2 plugged toilets and a plugged sink with an entire roll of toilet paper! That's just today.

My dad came to visit again this weekend! I love having him live so close I get to see him a lot more. He lives about 3 1/2 hours away. For those who don't know by now my parents are seperated and getting a divorce. I guess it's out there and a few of you have asked so i'll just tell you.

Anyways so we had a lot of fun, but it was busy as my life is all the time. He got to see Kyla in ballet though and we had a lot of fun just hanging out. Here are a few pics of lately! My dad took lots on his phone I need to get from him. I wish I would have got one of him and I! Dangit.

Oh Also, ALSO, he got me an early birthday gift!!! Well it's not here yet but we ordered it! I have been wanting one for a while so bad!
It's a Jo Totes camera bag! It's BEAUTIFUL! I couldn't decide on a color, I wanted something fun and cute but something I wouldn't get sick of fast. So I got this one! Thanks dad, you are the BEST!!! Now I need more lenses to fill it with! hint hint Dust...

All About ME

2011-09-22T17:45:00.003-06:00

That's right. Me.
In honor of my birthday coming up, (in 24 days) I thought it would only be appropriate I blog about the one and only, Moi.

Well i'm pretty boring actually. This week i've made a few discoveries. I know how to make a hideous face. My sister Britt can make the best ugly faces and she is always trying to teach me.

See. Oh and ignore my double chin, this was in May and I just had a baby, ok!

I guess not all of us have the gift of being ugly. (Britt you LOVE me!)
So I found a good one! Dustin told me so, he said it was really ugly and to never do it again. So obviously I did it over and over. Wanna try it? First of all you have to be in the mood, if you're not in the mood, leave and come back later. Ok AND you can't have ANY make up on and can't shower that day... or the day before. Listen carefully, smile as big as you can without showing any teeth. Stretch it way out there. Just when you think it's as far as it can go, go further. Next. Flare your nostrils. Now take a picture of yourself. There, you are ugly.
Your welcome.
Did you just do it while reading this? I bet you did. baha!

Oh and i'd post my beautiful picture but i'm not with the times and don't have a cool Iphone or anything similar where I can upload my phone pics to the internet. Soon my friends, soon.

I also discovered something else, I was a little shocked. I was reaching up into the cupboard to put some cups away from the dishwasher, and noticed something out of the corner of my eye swinging. I looked over and it was my ARM! I have Oprah arms!!!! Holy mother. It was like it was yelling at me, "Mindy, it's time to work out!" Alright. I'm on it. Tomorrow.

So my sister, Kristy, called me the other day with the best idea for a costume for me for Halloween. She sent me the link and I clicked. And saw this..

Now the story to go with this was one of those I don't like to share, so you better be grateful. When I was in grade 4, my mom thought it was an awesome idea to dress me up as a CHRISTMAS TREE. I somehow went along with it. Red balls, star cone hat and all. I don't remember a lot of that halloween, probably because i've suppressed that memory for some odd reason, but I do remember walking into my classroom at school and everyone laughing! Terrible. After that everything is a blur...
So Kristy pretty much peed herself from laughing while seeing this and she's all like, "MINDY, WHY AREN'T YOU LAUGHING HARDER?!"
Hilarious Kristy. Hilarious.

So here is what i'm asking for for my birthday. After all the gifts are what make the birthday, right?

A mac desktop
Jo tote camera bag
New lens
Scarves
Leg warmers
Jewelry
New boots
New heels
Friends seasons, and Reba. I play shows while editing pics and i've run out of recorded shows on my pvr.

Your welcome mom. Usually she asks what I want and I say, "I don't know" Well this year you have plenty of options to choose from. You can pick more than one of you want. I won't stop you.

Later.

She's getting bigger!

2011-09-16T16:56:00.001-06:00

Laken had her appointment today and she GAINED WEIGHT! She gained pound in a month! This is so awesome. She didn't gain anything for over 3 months so we started supplementing her a couple times a day, and it's made a huge difference. We also increased her meds for her reflux thing and obviously something is helping! She is 11lbs 10oz. Just barely on the charts. But it's an improvement! She is rolling across the room, trying to sit up, talks like the devil in her throat, does that make sense? It's quite hilarious when i'm sitting in relief society.
She is seriously the happiest little baby. Still sleeping through the night and in a week we start solids, because ladies and gentlemen she will be 6 months old!!! So crazy. But all I care about right now is she is growing. What a relief. So i'm super happy about that! Here's a few pics of the little peanut lately.

I don't think Kyla gets enough of Laken, she mauls her constantly! Laken just sits there and takes it. I also started letting Kyla carry her by herself and she is eating it up!

So adorable reading her the book!!

And just because it's hilarious, here are the twins passed out right now, they were eating suckers falling asleep.

Yes she is sleeping in the one above. And two seconds later this is how she was...

I did pull out a few hairs trying to get it out, but she didn't budge. Out. Cold.

Oh These Twins

2011-09-11T20:21:00.001-06:00

These two have been taking a back seat lately on the blog, but they sure aren't on the back seat daily! These two crazy girls keep us so busy. They are little firecrackers and full of personality. One second they are hyper and playing and screaming and laughing and then they are whining and fighting and man their whines could shatter glass. They are intense. ha. But in public and with other people they are the sweetest little angels. I must be doing something wrong at home! Or they are just THREE! I hate 3! But I love them to death. They are hilarious and we are constantly laughing at them, or yelling. They are probably the most work for me daily. They drive me crazy. BUT they play together so well, they are best friends and always together. They love princesses and all their figurines. They love to play "house" one is the mom and one is the baby. It's awesome. They destroy their room in seconds but could play in it for ever. They love to be silly and laugh at each other. They love to feed Laken when she needs a bottle. It's kind of nice little bonding time for them. They love her. They are the exact same in every way. But life would never be the same without the TWINS!

I took them out to do some photos last night! The bugs were insane at the first place so we went to another one. I off roaded with our van on accident. Oops. But I think it was worth it, don't you?

Presley is in Pink, as always. Jayci in white. Little stinkers.

Kindergarten!!

2011-09-07T13:43:00.000-06:00

Kyla is in Kindergarten! She started yesterday and she was so adorable. She was so excited. I was in bed and she came to wake me up to find her some schools clothes. This was at 7am, she didn't start until 12:30...

She looked adorable! Today was her first day on the bus and I was a little nervous because the buses have been a gong show! One kid was put on the wrong bus after school, some were waiting almost 2 hours for their kid to get home and so on! So Jill went to the school to make sure they got there ok. They did, about 40 mins late! They are really unorganized this year. Hopefully they'll figure it out soon. I did tear up a bit when she got on the bus. But that's about all. It wasn't much different this year from last year, so she jumped right in and knew what to do. She barely even said bye to me! She has one same teacher this year and a few of the same friends from preschool, so that's nice for her.

I love her little nervous smile.

Getting on the bus!! So freakin cute. Tear.

Neglect

2011-09-04T21:41:00.002-06:00

Have you seen Just Go With it? When the hairdresser says that? It's funny.

Holy where have I been?! This blog has got put on the back burner these past couple weeks. I started photography and it's been insanely busy!! I have had 5 sessions this week and one tomorrow. I am LOVING it. I might not be amazing but people have been saying such supportive things to me! It's so exciting expanding my talents. I don't even feel like it's work and it's weird when i'm in the middle of a shoot, I just feel like I know what to do. It makes me comfortable and be able to fully enjoy it! You can go view all my photos on Facebook, and "like" the group while your there! Or go follow my Blog. I've been doing mostly back to school photos for people and I love doing kids! Next step, family pictures. I have start somewhere right?!

Anyways, besides photography we have been spending a ton of family time together. Just Dust, me and the girls. We took a weekend last minute trip to Edmonton! We haven't been on any holidays this summer and it kind of sucked so we decided to go there! We booked a hotel and spent 3 days shopping and playing. We took the kids to Galaxyland too, they loved it. Kyla wanted to go on all the huge scary rides! She was tall enough to go on some rides where I thought she's get scared but she loved them! The twins did great too! We did A LOT of shopping. It felt AWESOME. I was totally rejuvenated! Retail therapy 3 days in a row.
LUCKY.

This weekend Dustin actually ended up having it off again, so we took them to the Summers End festival down at Mac Island. Man we have been good parents lately eh? I always used to feel inadequate because i'm not the mom to take my kids to everything, everyday. Nopers. I've learned to accept it though and it's totally ok! I'm only one person and honestly, I don't care about it anymore. I still feel like super mom when my kids are dressed and the dishes are done! As long as their happy, right?!

What else. Kyla starts KINDERGARTEN on Tuesday! Holy mother. I swear I just had her and now she has somehow turned into mini me and is the most popular girl on the block. She is gone all day playing with kids! I was kind of paranoid at first. Dustin was worse. Shh. But i've gotten more comfortable with letting her leave the house. Ha. He still looks out the window every 15 seconds to make sure she's ok. It's pretty cute.

I am pretty lucky with my husband. I was a little stressed out with being out of the normal routine and how messy and behind the house was. Laundry was way behind and our room was a disaster. So last night I climbed into bed while Dustin said he'd tidy up the room. I zonked of course and he was up until 1am cleaning! Best. Husband. Ever. Oh speaking of husband, it was his birthday last week! Since he has been working so hard, like 24 days in a row hard, I decided to pamper him for his bday. I booked him an hour massage and a facial. ha. I know a facial?! But he wanted one! I told him I wanted to go get one a while ago and he was like, "what? I want one!" and brought it up a few times. I learned facial massage in hair school and would always practice on him, and he always loved it. So I surprised him and he loved it. Don't judge until you've had one! We also went out for dinner with Kimball and Becky and went back to their house for cake and games. It was a ton of fun! So he got pretty spoiled this birthday. Mines next month so i'm expecting it to be amazing. Big gifts and everything. It's all about the material things.

Ok enough writing. Here are some jumbled pics, enjoy!

Edmonton and Galaxyland!

go.

Holy look at the twins faces. Hilarious.

Tell me she isn't the cutest thing you have ever seen?!

The end of the day. Seriously. Passed. Out. I was dying laughing. He had to carry them all the way to our room on the second floor at the end of the hall! ha

Out for dinner with our little-big fam!

Swimmin at the hotel! Jayci fell running and hit her head pretty hard. Twice. So I took the twins and Laken back to bed.

Check out those eyes.

I forgot to say we took Dustin fishing the day of his bday. It sucked. I felt bad. The fish would not bite and Dustin NEVER has bad fishing days. Oh well!

Birthday Evening!

Work it

Summers End Festival!

The end.

Excited and Nervous!

2011-08-25T11:08:00.004-06:00

So, I guess it's time I can tell you all what i've been up too. Since your all friends. Well I hope you are, and not just stalkers... ;)
I'm not sure i'm ready to let it out there but it's exciting so I have to tell you! I'm finally doing something for ME! I've been wanting to do it for a long, long time (like years) I just didn't want to be "another one". But I really don't care because I LOVE it and have such a passion for it. I'm taking a course in the beginning of Sept and can't wait.

So i'm JUST starting out, so be gentle. ;)

Go check it out!!

ps: it's still in the works but it's coming.
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Also go "like" my facebook group page!

Oh also this blog is so messed up. I tried to redo from scratch the other one but accidentally was signed up under THIS ONE. Totally destroyed everything. Sucked. Big Time. So it's coming too.

Back to School!

2011-08-18T22:11:00.001-06:00

Kyla is going into Kindergarten!! I decided to change things up a bit and do my own back to school pictures for her this year instead of the boring ones that normally get done. I wanted to do something fun, and I LOVE how these turned out! She didn't want to stop and wanted me to keep taking pictures. She's the the best.
She also told me she doesn't just want a camaro, she wants "one of those cars where the top is off." I said, "oh those are convertibles". She says, "Ya I want and Camaro and a Convertible."
What 5 year old asks for that?! She also wants a skateboard now and wants to go with Dustin, since he has one.
Love her.

Anyways, here she is! All grown up!

I freakin love her.

Laken and Dad!

2011-08-14T10:10:00.002-06:00

Laken is 4 1/2 months old! Insane right?!
She is the best! She is rolling over both ways, reaching and grabbing at toys, "talking", and smiles and laughs all the time. She is too cute and I could squish her all day.

So I took her to my pediatrician last month and she diagnosed her with Sandifer Syndrome. Honestly it's confusing, but it looks like she has mini seizures. It's not fun to watch and freaks me out every time. She can grow out of it, she's on medication for it and she's only had one episode since being on it. That's because I forgot to give her the medication that day. So i'm glad it's helping. One of the symptoms we found is weight loss. So Laken hasn't gained any weight since she was 8 weeks. I took her on Thursday for her 2 month shots and she still weighs 10 lbs! She is longer in length (40th percentile) but her weight and head are in the 2nd and 4th percentile. It's really starting to worry me and i'm tired of the doctors saying it's normal without looking into it.
There are a couple things that i've thought of.

Her poop isn't seedy, and in breastfed babies the seedy stuff is the fat and shows they are getting fat. So i'm wondering if my milk is fatty enough. I've told every doctor and nurse this since she was born and no one seemed too concerned so I wasn't concerned. But now I am!

or

Her Sandifer Syndrome is keeping her at one weight and won't gain.

or both!

She eats a lot, every 2 hours or so. She is a happy baby and still sleeps through the night and is developing normally. So I feel like if she wasn't getting enough that she would be fussy and up all night hungry right?
So at the appointment on Thursday she referred me to a dietitian and they got back to me so quick because they want to see her asap So I have an appointment tomorrow morning, which is really rare to get in that quick up here! I bought some formula to start supplementing her because I didn't want to wait until her next appointment but since it was so soon I want to wait and see what they say. I'm starting to get more worried and pray nothing is wrong with her and it will be an easy fix. But it's always in the back of my mind. So i'll let you know what happens tomorrow.

My Dad also came to visit this weekend!! It was so much fun and so good to see him and it's nice he lives a lot closer so we can see him more often.
We went to the spray park, had a BBQ, the girls made cookies with him, and we went out for dinner and a movie with NO KIDS. That's right, I left Laken with our sitter! I have pumped milk frozen so we got her taking a bottle so I can have some freedom! It's awesome. Next up. SPA DAY! Well after my husbands 24 day shift.... boo.

So that's lately. Seems like the blogging world is pretty boring these days because "normal" people get summer holidays. Others have babies and husbands who work a lot for gay priorities like bills and buying a house. Whatever.

ps: In this first picture in the background take a look at what I bought! I got the girls the Melissa and Doug Responsibility chart and it's great! Thanks to Vinnie for telling me about it forever ago, I finally got it! Also I am getting on top of the twins and their WHINING!! It's bad. They have such high pitched voices and whine for everything! It's going to stop asap. Thanks to my awesome Parenting Solutions book, I have a few ways to do it. I'll let you know how it goes!!

The End.

A Miracle

2011-08-08T17:06:00.001-06:00

Let's count it....

One...

Two...

Three...

and FOUR!

I know right!? It was so peaceful.

And I caught this today. Made my heart melt.

oh and ignore my header, I love it but it's massive and i'm trying to resize it but it won't go any smaller when I post it.
Any ideas?

Guess what I did today

2011-07-28T16:05:00.002-06:00

I have a few random pictures up first before the grand finale.

This tiny girl I could smother in kisses all day.

This one eyed squint smile is killing me. Love her.

I made the girls a picnic one day when the weather sucked outside.

I was a good mom this day.

I missed the moment but Dustin was bouncing her like this and she was laughing, it was so cute!

I love how she clasps her hands when she sleeps.

Now. For the finale!

I had to cut the twins hair today!

I was scared but it looked like "baby hair" still because it's so thin and hasn't been cut, ever. I took maybe 3 millimeters off so you can't even tell but I love how long it's getting!
It's still kind of mullet-ish but it's coming.

My 2 blondies!
Yay for hair, it's only been 3 years...

Family Pictures!

2011-07-25T17:29:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Kaylee for doing these, it was so stress free and easy!

Little Peanut

2011-07-19T16:43:00.001-06:00

Laken truly is a peanut and that's what I call her. She's tiny. I took her for a check up today, she is already 3 1/2 months and she only weighs 10lbs 8oz. She hasn't gained weight in 6 weeks. Our pediatrician thinks she has reflux, but it's only once or twice a week where she actually has a moment of it. So i'm going to try increasing her feedings more often. She will only nurse on one side for a feeding, so I alternate each time. Which makes for some hot uneven boobs. Or boo-boos as the twins call them. Thank goodness for good bras. You would never know. Other than me just telling you.
If I do feed her on both sides she pukes it all up, so I will feed her every 2 hours now instead of 3-4 which she has been doing. Also she has slept through the night since she was born so she goes that whole time without eating. I suggested waking her up in the night once to eat, but the doctor said not too because she doesn't want to wreck her schedule and have her in that habit. So she also gave me the medication for it. So we'll see how it goes. She is growing in length though because she is in 6 months sleepers! Taking after daddy I guess!

She rolled over! Last week she started rolling onto her side while laying on her back and then she got over but couldn't get over her arm last night she finally pulled herself all the way over. It's awesome. She doesn't do front to back yet, probably because I rarely put her on her front. Meh.
She is still sleeping through the night! From about 10pm until anywhere from 7am to 9am! A-MAZING. We also just put her in her crib. Ya she's been in our room in the bassinet until now, but we had to re arrange Kyla's room to fit the crib and we haven't had a chance until now. She hasn't napped anywhere other than the swing or bouncy chair until yesterday and I put her down with her soother and she went right to sleep in her crib! Could we be any luckier with her?? She is starting to laugh and smiles a lot when she sees you. I seriously love her so much.

So she is pretty much awesome.
I also love the comments I get when I have all 4 girls with me. First they see the baby, "aww she is so cute!" Thanks I know. Then they see the other 3 girls, "are these all yours??" yes they sure are. "And all girls??" yes all girls. Then it's either "Your crazy!" or "You must have your hands full!"
Seriously it is so rare these days to see people with more than 2 kids, when I was growing up all my friends had at least 4 kids in their family. Oh well I love it. My girls are the best. They play so well with each other which I love.
So there is the update on the tiny babe!

Check out that landing strip of a bald spot. It is exciting though. The twins didn't have a bald spot, because they didn't have enough hair!!

ps: does anyone know how to widen my post section in the middle so it doesn't cut off the pictures when I make them bigger? I tried playing around with the html but nothing worked!

pps: Thanks for all your awesome comments and messages after my last post. One day at a time.

Love you all!

the walls are down

2011-07-12T14:18:00.001-06:00

I figured since this is my "journal" it's okay to talk about some more serious things. So just bear with me.

Life is not easy.
I think I try my hardest to be happy and do everything I can but sometimes there are things I can't control. Sometimes it is out of my hands and I just have to work through it. Trials make us stronger but it sure is hard while going through them. I know some of you know what i'm talking about and i'm so grateful for the love of my husband and family and my children.
I guess I think because i'm an adult that some things will be easier to go through but I now know that's not true. I try to be strong and get through every day like nothing is happening but it's still there.

I love my husband. I love my children. I am so grateful for everything I have. I'm grateful for amazing friends who are there for me.
I don't know what else to say but the days have been a little hard lately. I think i'm a strong person but when I break down in tears over the smallest things, I know things are affecting me more than I thought. I know it's okay to cry. It's tough to even write this and admit that it's hard without tears coming because I know i'm a strong person but sometimes even strong people have a hard time and that's ok.

This probably didn't even make any sense.
Things will be okay.

I saw this quote today that couldn't be more perfect for me right now,

"People cry, not because they're weak. It's because they've been strong for too long."

We're back!

2011-07-10T17:34:00.001-06:00

Dustin had to go down the the big scouts camp and so did my brother in law, Jeff, so Britt and I decided to have me and the girls come down and stay with her and PARTY. We stayed with mom for a few days then went to Britt's. July 1st we went to the Raymond parade and then headed back to Cardston for the rest of the day. We took the kids to the party in the park and tried to wake them up for the fireworks. Kyla was the only one who would wake up, so the rest slept in the car.
Dustin and I got Strep throat. AGAIN. Seriously. Not as bad this time but we got a swab and it came back positive AFTER Dustin left for camp so we had to get him his meds, luckily the stake president from Cardston is a doctor and took his prescription out for me.
We celebrated Dad's birthday. Went to Waterton. Got family pics done. Went on a date with Jeff and Britt (by the way, bowling was way more popular when I was younger) Went to a family reunion. Tanned (yay). and just kept so busy. I survived the week without Dustin and had so much fun. Here are a TON of pics. I'll explain a few but it took long enough to load them!
Here we go.

July 1st!

She was going across the monkey bars all on her own.

Fireworks!

TERRIFIED of the sprinkler. Hilarious.

Date night (Laken came too!)

Happy Birthday Gpa/Dad!

Breakfast surprise

Waterton!

Her massive sucker got stuck in her hair. She wasn't too impressed. We laughed pretty hard.

Family reunion!

Cutest picture ever!!

So Kyla has been obsessed with Transformers movies lately, and the other day she told me she wanted a bumble bee car and asked what it was called. So now she wants a Camaro. Not too much to ask for a 5 year old. So our friend works at a dealership and we stopped by to see him and she asked if they had Camaro's there. Hilarious. But they did and so he let her sit in one! She was so excited! Now every car that passes that looks like one, she asks if it's a Camaro, and most of the time, it is! There are a ton of them up here.

Phew. That was a long one.
Anyways that's about it and what we've been doing the last 2 weeks! Busy busy! Now my whole July calendar is empty. Weird. Lots of park days I guess!

FYI

2011-06-26T13:36:00.000-06:00

For those of you who are like me and out of the loop of the latest coolest things. I just found out Pinterest is it!
I'm addicted. It's so simple.
ie: You like something online (a tutorial, a hairstyle, home decor, anything!) you click on a tab in your toolbar called "pin it" it shows every picture from that page your on, you click the photo, you pin it and it saves with a photo on your page and will link right back to that page when you want to go to it! If it sounds confusing, then forget you. Just kidding. But, it's like bookmarking a page you like but way cuter and simpler.

Annnyways, you can go check out mine to see what I mean but I want to let you all in on this because I wish I would of found it sooner. You can follow mine if you'd like, I just started.

Your welcome. Again.

Twins are the best

2011-06-23T21:29:00.004-06:00

This is my new favorite picture.

L.O.V.E

Random List

2011-06-21T08:39:00.004-06:00

I decided to just write down point form of some random things, it seems easier. So I titled it, "Random List". Original I know.

- my kids don’t sleep in at all when Dustin’s off. But that’s ok, I don’t get up with them, he does. Don’t judge me.

-Kyla is done pre-school this week. It’s crazy how fast this year flew by. She’s excited so she doesn’t have to miss out on our park days anymore. I’m looking forward to not having to drive anymore!

-You know the saying "retail therapy". I truly feel that when I buy something I love I get a high. It's way exciting. Therapy is a good thing, and what better way to get it than SHOPPING.

-Dustin is easy to make fun of, and he never has come backs. It’s great.

-I have accepted the fact that I am not happy when the house isn’t clean. So we clean it a lot! Then I’m the best person to be around. Pretty much.

- I need to take my girls 3 and 5 year pictures. I've been planning it for months. I’m slowly getting there. I bought the accessories. The most important part.

- I own a lot of hair accessories.

-Laken is the BEST little girl and is still sleeping through the night. She’s 10 weeks old, and tiny. She only weighed 10 lbs at her 2 months shots. She is starting to laugh a little and smile so much. I love her way too much.

-I love the movie burlesque. Maybe more than love.

-I’m being deprived of shopping, and I’m not taking well to it.

-I’m pretty sure Jayci is going to be a famous singer, she is ALWAYS singing! I have high hopes for my kids. Kyla wants to be a superstar, among other things. Totally doable.

-People in fort mac don’t know how to work 4 way stops. So they put in stop lights instead. We have a lot of stop lights now.

- I love watching The Real Housewives.

- Ashley is retarded and should go home. If she seriously lets Bentley come back, she has issues. I hope she is watching the show in embarrassment now, after all, she was warned in the beginning. Did she forget that one MAIN point?!

-The twins are terrified of bugs and they are all “spiders”. Jayci reacts to mosquito bites. It sucks.

-I am at my pre-pregnancy weight. Not quite my goal, since I gained a little right before being pregnant from my thyroid. But i'm pleased. No I don't work out. I hate working out. I decided after 3 months I'll start doing something though because it's healthy and all that crap.

-We had our first family home evening last night. I chose the lesson. It was on listening. I’m thinking the next one will be the same.

-I’m terrified of winter, I am thoroughly enjoying this weather!

- I figured out how to make my pictures extra large on here thanks to Jennie and i'm loving it! It was super easy. I can explain it next post if you request it.

- I just realized I have over 300 posts on this blog. Maybe it's time to make it into a book.

- I could live off of maltesers and pepsi slurpees.

- I hate when people say “holy _____ batman” and I hate that I had to even write it just then.

-I read in a magazine things you should never stop doing, the FIRST one was, listening to the spice girls. Just saying,
-I must be amazing because I don’t just listen to them, I choreograph dances to them!

-Maybe I’ll share some more because I should have wrote the article it could have been better. These were the best ones.
Your welcome.
    Doing the “beep the horn” gesture to truck drivers
    Holding your breath when you pass a graveyard
    Dressing festively for every holiday
    Choreograph dances (I should get extra points)
    Treating September like it’s the beginning of the year and buy new clothes
    Picking your outfit out the night before as if it were the first day of school (I always did this!!)
    Taking a year book photo of yourself, every year.
And the rest are pretty gay. Or I don’t know what they’re talking about.

I liked the random list. It was easier. You should try it.

I love the details of this Fathers Day picture.
The baby puke, talk about good timing. Laken being naked makes it that much better. Dustin not even noticing while opening his card from Kyla and Jayci's evil expression. It's a good one.

Okay, this one is better.

Catch up

2011-06-16T16:43:00.001-06:00

I'm sitting here on my couch with strep throat, so what better thing to do but catch up on the latest random things! But first let me tell you about the idiot doctor that wouldn't give me the time of day 3 days ago when I had no choice but to go to the hospital to get checked. You see, in Fort Mac the wait to see a doctor could be a week or so, and it was, when I woke up feeling like crap with a sore throat and the night before I had hives on my arms I knew I had to go in sooner. So I went in to emerg, which we all know how much I love to do, and he took forever (as usual). So he came in and and said, "go see your family doctor and get allergy tested." seriously? he said to keep taking some reactine, so I asked if I could even take reactine while nursing, he said "call your pharmacist and ask" What?!?! He didn't know that?? How did he get his degree? He didn't look at my throat or anything, so I told him that and I maybe thought I could have strep or something also, and he said "well I guess i could take a swab" then he left and said it wasn't an emergency and to go home. RUDE. I was almost bursting into tears I was so sick, and I had Laken with me and I was by myself. Anyways so today I was feeling worse, so I went to my family doctor and he actually got the results this morning and looked at my throat and said, "oh wow, you are really sick" Well duh, I knew that. So he put me on a load of antibiotics, thank goodness. I've been suffering for 3 days in pain!
Ok i'm done venting now. But isn't that doctor retarded?? All I know is the next time he comes in to help me in emerg, because we all know there will be a next time, i'll kick him out and tell him he sucks.
That's all.

So! What's next?
We kind of celebrated the twins birthday way back when. I feel so bad. We were going to have a big picnic with some friends but Dustin ended up working so we had a picnic still the day of their birthday with our friends but none of our husbands were there. They loved it though. We did have ice cream that night with Dustin and they opened a gift. Then we bought them bikes and we have one present we bought forever ago and still have to give it to them. Ya we really suck this time. Oh well at least they are young and don't really care.

It may have been a little bright out.

Ice cream with dad!

I got a new calling! I'm on the Relief Society Meetings committee, and i'm excited about it. I love planning things. It's what I do! I actually planned the activity for TONIGHT and can't even go! Sucky deal.

So on Saturday guess what I did? I took all 4 girls BY MYSELF to the big festival down at Mac Island. I am crazy. I don't want to use the excuse of having 4 kids to miss out on stuff. I hate that. They loved it and by the end I was so done, ha. It was crazy in there but it was 20 bucks for a family, or 5 bucks per person, and no one is free not even Laken, AND the adults have to pay (you know how we all jump in the bouncy castles and fish in the fish pond for prizes). So we were getting our money's worth. We went with Becky and her kids. We survived and that's all that matters.

Face painting! We got in line right away because I knew it would be nuts, and it was. Smart mom I am.

Jayci (purple shirt) wasn't a fan of the obstacle courses.

The end. For now.

Steph's grad!

2011-06-09T07:27:00.011-06:00

My youngest sister Stephanie had her grad this last week! It was so much fun and she looked gorgeous in her big pink dress! All thanks to me though, since I did her hair and makeup. ha. Steph is so beautiful inside and out and whoever marries this girl in the future, emphasis on FUTURE, is one lucky man. It was the busiest week ever. We stayed at Jeff and Britt's and had so much fun seeing everyone. All my sisters were there and it was so awesome seeing them and my parents!

See. She is gorgeous!

The girls!

Me, mom, Steph, Britt, Krist

Steph and Dad

The whole fam

Dust and I at the ceremonies

Other random pictures from the week...

The girls getting ready to go into the hot tub!

Kyla and Laynie, she loves her.

Great Gma Purnell and Laken

Great Gpa Purnell

Adorable Deklin, this kid is way too cute!

Grandma Petersen, Presley, Jayci and Kyla

Sleep over at Gma's house!

We went to Taber for a couple days after the grad to see Dustin's parents but my battery died on my camera and smart me forgot the charger. So I only got 3 pictures in total. Sucky. But we had fun and it was actually hot and sunny on the Sunday while we were there instead of pouring rain like it's been. We must have brought our warm weather with us! It's been so nice here other than the smoke from the fires. But it's been in the 20's every day! (Except for a couple days while we were down south it was colder but who cares because we weren't here!)

So we took the kids to the park one day, Haley made them all kites, Dustin took them on rides on the lawn mower, we went to the Purple Cow which is an ice cream place that Dustin's parents used to own in Taber, and they also played outside a lot!

So here are the 3 pictures.

Coloring

Kites!

And me and Laken.

Dustin's sister Jody took a picture of us at the purple cow on her phone so i'm waiting for her to send it to me and I took a pic of the lawn mower rides on Britt's camera, since she forgot it in my purse, thanks Britt!

So it was fun! It's always good to get home though, back into the routine of things. We half celebrated the twins birthday before we left and need to actually celebrate it, so that's next!

ok, i'm embracing it

2011-05-26T10:55:00.002-06:00

I saw on this blog a while ago a thing called "embrace the camera", where the moms are challenged to get in front of the camera instead of always behind it. I loved it and I love seeing pictures of my mom friends (yes i'm talking to you) on their blogs so why not take my own advice. I don't think i've been in a picture since Laken's been born that is "worthy" enough to be shown. You know how it goes. So I think everyone should do it, that way our kids know we actually existed.

I love this little girl so much.
By the way I have to brag, she slept 11 hours the other night! ELEVEN! and on the average she sleeps 8-10 every night!
We are blessed.

Pictures!

2011-05-23T21:19:00.006-06:00

I feel like i've been slacking in the picture department lately so i'm here to make up for it.

I've come to realize that my life is.... well, insane.

Yesterday was the second time I attempted church with just me and the 4 girls. Dustin is working a 24 right now, and we all came out alive both times! It went really well and I am SO grateful for the AMAZING people in our ward that help me. Nice people are the best.

We've spent a few days at the park, and there are MANY more to come. I'm so excited to be outside!! I decided this summer I will NOT stay in the house and waste any sunny warm days. I did that the last two summers with the twins being young and I refuse to do it again. So I drag them all out almost every day and I feel SO much better. Plus I feel like a good mom at the end of the day. At least it's something right?

Okay enough of the crap talk, here are pics!

Here is Kyla's new favorite outfit. She is obsessed with the skirt, she wears it to bed and everything.

Pick your battles right?

Love this one of the 3 girls.

Jayci, Laken, and Jayci's bedhead.

That's right, Jeggings for baby! Could they be any cuter?

Smiling pic! Not the best but it's something.

I love having a baby in the spring/summer so we can enjoy outfits like this!

Presley

The only park day picture. She loved being outside.

She put Laken to sleep. She seriously is the best big sister.

Still a little small for the bumbo

The girls doing their favorite thing lately, drawing and coloring.

Jayci's face is my favorite.

and I of course saved the best for last.

Just enjoy it.

You probably thought the same thing as me of Kyla the last picture.

Spitting image of Dustin.

Double the fun!

2011-05-19T08:26:00.002-06:00

Reality

2011-05-14T15:31:00.003-06:00

So i'm not going to lie, we suck at food storage.

We have about 6 cases of Campbells soup, and a million cases of ichiban because Dustin seems to think we eat it ("we" means "I" by the way) and buys it whenever it's on sale but it never gets cooked because well, who does the cooking mostly? me. Also a few other random things we just buy extra's of.

So with everything going on in the world we've been told to get our food storage going. But honestly why haven't we? (as in Dustin and I)

Because...

1. We don't know where to start

2. What or how much to store

3. How to afford it (we have a posse of kids to feed as it is and food storage isn't cheap)

4. and How to use it

Ironically my dad told me about the freeze dried food storage, which i've never heard of. Like I said I suck at it and know nothing. So there is this company called Shelf Reliance and it carries the brand THRIVE foods, it's all freeze dried food storage and it's awesome. I'm sure some of you have heard of it, or even have some of it. There company is based on those 4 points I mentioned and makes it so easy to get your food storage going or added to. It's also, get this, AFFORDABLE. Now your speaking my language. I can also tell you how to get it cheaper than wholesale! Yes please.

The thing with freeze dried also is it lasts 20-30 years unopened, and up to 2 years opened! That's huge. It's also amazing stuff, and it tastes great! I've tried it. It has the same nutrients as if you were to eat the same foods fresh because they freeze dry it immediately.

So I have actually decided to become a consultant for them and get the word out there for this food storage. The big deal is really soon they are coming to Canada with their products, which is the first country other than the States. So it's going to be huge as soon as it does. There is also an opportunity for anyone who wants to, to become a consultant themselves and share with their friends and family.

There is so much more about this company and the products they carry that I love! I won't turn this into a novel but I'm way excited!!

I can't wait to get our food storage going for our family finally and i'm excited to help people get signed up to be able to order it online in Canada AND for such a great price. You can also sign up right now if you live in the States and order it today!

So I just wanted to tell you what i've been up to lately and if you want to learn more about it (which you do) email me! You want to get it on this before it goes live too, which is anywhere from 3-8 weeks and I can tell you why if you want to message me...

mindyfrancis[at]hotmail[dot]com

or facebook me.

See. Their labels are even cute.

Bonus.

Let's be honest

2011-05-10T17:24:00.004-06:00

First of all, this little peanut is already a month old! I know right?

How do all our girls end up with blue eyes, and neither Dustin nor I have them? I have green and he has brown. Kind of random.

So Laken is doing great! I know most of you will hate me for this, or i'll just jinx myself, but she has slept through the night since the day we brought her home. She usually wakes up to eat once and goes right back to sleep. We are super lucky. All our babies have been awesome sleepers, so I have no complaints there!

Although some days I look like I haven't had ANY sleep.

It's time for the "let's be honest" part.

It's been a little emotional around here this past month. I don't hear many women talk about the postpartum emotions, but i'm going to. It's been a little hard. I am super sensitive and emotional these days. It's not every day and some days I feel completely normal, but if I get a bad day, i'm pretty sure everything could make me cry. I have no appetite and have to force myself to eat. I feel like I could go all day without eating and not be hungry. But of course I eat no matter what, since I have a baby to feed. I don't think i'm depressed and I don't feel like I want to stay in bed all day or have any bad feelings towards the kids, the emotions are the hardest part. I'm pretty sure it's just the baby blues. It's been a little better this past week and I have a doctors appointment on Thursday so i'm going to see what he says. I'm pretty sure it's normal and i've talked to a few friends lately who also felt like this so it makes me feel better. I never have had this after having a baby so it's all kind of new to me. I know it's temporary and it's normal so i'll survive. I just wanted to write about it a bit so I remember what it was like and it's not easy to admit how "hard" life really is sometimes and I think that's why i've been a little MIA lately. I also think sometimes I feel like i'm a failure to admit things are hard. But there. I did it.

I am having quite an interesting time adjusting to 4, it's a lot of freakin work! I thought I was busy before, but man, it's INSANE now! Who ever said going from 3 to 4 is not a big deal, they can eat it. But then again not everyone pops out 4 kids in 5 years!

It's just busy. I think i'm busier now and it's harder now than when I had the twins. Maybe it's because when I had the twins I was expecting the absolute worst and it was always better than I expected. Or something like that... But 4 is busy. Laken is a great baby, but she is still a baby and needs attention, fed, changed, held etc etc. On top of that, I have fighting girls, messes constantly made, kids to get dressed and ready every day, Kyla driven to school every day, bla bla bla. The list goes on. I think at least once a day I reflect on what's happening at that moment, such as picking stickers off my kitchen table for a good 15 minutes, or rushing out the door to get Kyla from school and Laken pukes all over me and her right before I put her in her car seat and think "Is this really my life?" then I laugh about it.

So that's our life lately. I'm crazy. I know.

Here's Kyla being such a good babysitter.

I'm so proud.

At least she put the baby to sleep before going to sleep herself, right?

Speaking of sleeping, this is how Laken likes to sleep, it's how she always ends up.

I guess that's all you get. I have a hungry baby and a whole container full of yogurt that just got spilled all over the floor.

I am a strong person. I can do this!

I think.

Lovely

2011-05-04T15:41:00.007-06:00

I sat here today around 2:30 thinking how awesome it was that Kyla was at school, the twins were upstairs playing so good, and Laken was sleeping. It was so peaceful.

So I enjoyed some TV before having to run out the door to get Kyla from school.

Then the awesomeness ended when Jayci walked down the stairs looking like this....

Yes that is eyeliner. Didn't she do a good job? Everywhere EXCEPT the eyes.

Close though.

Thankfully Presley wasn't as beautiful.

Thanks Girls.

Luckily it was only on their faces and not all over my room or vanity.

I text a picture to my dad, he asked "What did you do?!"

I said, "What am I supposed to do? I took a picture."

Laken's Blessing & Easter

2011-05-02T08:28:00.008-06:00

Ok i'm taking a couple minutes to finally blog. I've been putting it off lately because it takes so long to upload photos and I have over 400 too choose from and we've had company keeping us busy over the last two weeks and plus I might be a little busy adjusting to life with a new baby...

We decided to cram Easter and Laken's blessing all into one weekend. Smart I know. Dustin's whole family and my whole family, excluding Kristy and Brandon, came up over the Easter holidays. Jill had Dustin's family staying at her house and mine stayed at ours. We had Mom, Dad, Steph, Jeff, Britt, Laynie, Gma and Gpa Purnell at our house, and Jill's house had Mom and Dad Francis, Gma Yuill, Gma Francis, Denim, Jody, Haley and Esiah. It was busy but I loved having all the company and family here. It rarely happens so I took it all in and tried to enjoy every minute. Me and the girls had to go and get sick though! I thought I was going to die. I had the sore throat, achy body, etc. and the girls had fevers and colds. It sucked and i'm still trying to get over it, but we still had fun. Mom and Grandma went nuts in my house helping me get organized so that was awesome. We colored eggs, had Easter morning, went swimming (well not me) rolled easter eggs down the hill, had the blessing and blessing dinner and also just hung out. We did a lot.

The girls Easter morning

Presley, Kyla, Jayci, and Laynie

Coloring egss

Swimming.
I may or may not have passed out in the chair in the viewing area, and my family may or may not have taken a hideous picture... no it will not be shown. It's that hideous.

Laken's blessing was perfect. Dustin did so good and it was so nice having so much family up here supporting us. She looked beautiful in her little dress, and was the best little baby all weekend, and still is.

Blessing Day

The Petersen Family

The Francis Family

Our family of 6!

My pretty girl

These are just a few photos from the weekend. If your lucky enough to be my friend on facebook, there is lots more on there.
Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a great weekend with us!

In love

2011-04-19T10:11:00.005-06:00

If you missed the delivery story, read the previous post.

Who knew I could love so many little girls so much. I am trying to soak up all the time with this little one I can while she is still this small, because I realized when I brought her home how big the twins really are now! I swear their heads grew overnight or something, because they are huge to me now! They will be 3 in May! That's just crazy. So I am now trying to not let a moment pass where I can pick her up and hold her as much as I can.

I can't tell you how much I love her. Just the perfect addition for our perfect little family. Ok not little but majority of the people in it are "little", so that counts right?

Laken 6 days old.

I'm trying to figure out who she looks like. I suck at these things though. For example, I don't think my sisters and I look anything alike... just sayin.

See. She's perfect.

Laken's arrival

2011-04-15T21:20:00.016-06:00

First of all, thank you so much for all the congrats and help and kind things people have done for us over the last week. I am so happy and so blessed and things have been so perfect.

As dramatic as things have been the last 2 weeks of the pregnancy, the delivery went so smooth.

Here is Laken's birth story.

Friday morning I woke up with some contractions, again. I had been having them since the "false" labor the first few times but I wasn't sure so Dustin stayed home just in case. Then they stopped. Of course. I had a doctor's appointment that afternoon at 3:45 and he decided to strip my membranes, which killed by the way. So pretty much immediately after the appointment I started getting some contractions and they kept coming. I decided I was NOT going to the hospital until my water broke or the baby was crowning. Ok kidding about the crowning part...sort of, but I had to be in a lot of pain before I went in because I was not getting sent home again! I was so exhausted of constantly thinking I was going into labor over the last 2 weeks and then it would stop. Well the girls were already at Jill's house while we went to the appointment so we went there and she fed us all dinner. While I was eating the contractions got pretty painful and I knew it was really it, but I still wasn't going in!

We decided it was probably going to be tonight so we figured it would be best for the girls to stay at Jill's instead of bringing them in the middle of the night or later that evening after going to bed. Thank you Jill! We came home and got their stuff and went back to her house and hung out for a couple hours to wait until I was dying in pain. So they were pretty strong contractions, lasting about a minute and about 3 mins apart. Normally this is when they say you'd go in, but they started like this, and this is exactly how my other labors were from the very start. I don't get those small ones that gradually get worse and closer together. Mine start strong and close. So it was about 9pm and I was getting really exhausted so we went in. She checked me...I was 4cm. Which the doctor said I was only a 2 at the appt. But a couple weeks ago I was a 3-4cm? So really I had no idea what I really was at, but now we we're going by what the nurses said. So she wanted me to walk for an hour to see if I would still progress. I was so tired. So we walked, called people, and Dustin laughed at me and my determination to get this baby out. Then we went back, I was 5cm and my waters were bulging! So I was in! This was it! We were SO happy. I didn't care when I went in, I could have went to the end of the pregnancy, but man I was so tired of this false labor and being in pain that I was so ready to be done. It was wearing me out.

Dustin excited it's time!

a lovely contraction at 1am

So they moved me into a delivery room and I told them I didn't want an epidural so we just waited it out and they suggested to walk more and my water would probably break on its own which I really wanted this time. It was about midnight and Dustin pulled out the video camera to take some video, and the battery was DEAD! Are you kidding? It had 4 mins left on the battery. I charged it up to be right ready to go but totally forgot we used it at Kyla's bday party that weekend! I was sick. So I told Dustin to run home and get the charger. Ya we're crazy. So I just sat in the bed praying nothing would happen before he got back. He got back within a half hour and I was still good, in pain, and exhausted. So he gets back and holds up the cord to plug it in and realizes he only grabbed one part of the cord!! It was seriously the dumbest thing ever! So the camera had about 20 mins of battery time on it because it was so cold in the van so after it warmed up the battery time went up, thank goodness. So we figured it would be good enough. What a waste of time running home. So I was constantly having contractions but they don't check you unless there is a reason too. I was so tired and Dustin was tired, we were both sleeping in between contractions. I didn't feel like I was getting close. I had a feeling it was still going to be a while. So I decided to get the epidural so we both could get some rest before it was time. So they checked me, I was 7cm, and gave me the IV. The epidural guy came at around 3am.

Oh I can't leave the best part out.

So the epidural guy is getting me all ready and i'm leaning over onto Dustin having contractions and trying to hold still and the anesthesiologist says, "ok i'm just going to put the freezing in, you'll feel a poke, and some burning, it's just the medicine going in." All of the sudden Dustin is falling over! and says, "I need to sit down." I look up and he is WHITE, he looked brutal! So we only had the one nurse in there and she was helping the anesthesiologist so Dustin sits down and he starts falling over and then caught himself, and did this a couple of times while i'm trying to talk to him to see if he's ok (while having painful contractions and getting a tube shoved in my back) and I was kind of laughing. He was responding after a minute and was ok and sat up a little more, but he looked terrible. We were all laughing. It was so funny. So he got some juice and I got my epidural and we were both happy! ha. It was hilarious. It wasn't even the epidural part, it was just the freezing! and he was passing out! He is so random when it comes to that he said he was thinking about it when the anesthesiologist was saying it and all of the sudden he felt light headed. What a weirdo.

So anyways, we both fell asleep, well kind of. I was off and on with the stupid blood pressure thing on my arm going every 10 mins or something. A little later the doctor came in and decided to break my water to get me going, which I was totally fine with. He also wanted to give me a little Oxytocin because the contractions weren't quite up there. I didn't care at that point and I have had to do this every delivery before so I knew i'd have to get it again. Anyways around 5:00ish I think it was I started shaking and felt some pressure, so she checked me and I was 9cm. They were some intense contractions because my body was reacting with the shaking, I was so glad I didn't feel it. I'd been through enough I think. She said it would be within the next hour or so, so she started getting stuff ready. So I honestly don't know what time it was but I felt like I needed to push, so she checked me and I was 10cm! She said we could start pushing a little. So I pushed through one contraction and she could see the head! They were a little shocked at how fast I was pushing her out. So they quickly called the doctor and told me to do some slower pushes. The doctor came in and in 2 contractions, she was out. The nurse went to grab the mirror so I could see and she didn't even have time she came out so fast.

She came out at 6:34am, and I remember saying, "oh my gosh" and they put her right on me and I cried. It was perfect. Just seeing her really here after all this time of not feeling like it's real and she was right here on me and beautiful. They never took her off me and it was so awesome. I have never got to hold my babies after they were born, they always took them away because they were premature, so it was amazing. I loved her immediately.

Dustin was videoing and actually got the whole thing, but it's all PG, and you can't even tell i'm pushing, it's crazy. I must be a pro or something. ha. It's the perfect video and i'm so glad we got it. It was so easy and I loved every minute of it. I'm so glad I got the epidural but i'm so proud of myself for getting as far as I did without it.

She was 7lbs 11oz and 20in long , she is beautiful and has brown hair and there is quite a bit in the back. It'll probably lighten, it's the same color as Kyla's when she was born. I think she looks so much like Kyla too.

The other girls just love her. Kyla is OBSESSED with her. All she wants to do is hold her and I don't know how many hugs and kisses Laken has gotten from all 3 of them.

I only stayed over night one night and i'm glad I did. It was nice and the nurses were great. I've had an amazing recovery so far, I feel great! Although I think I do too much sometimes because I feel it after. But i'm not used to feeling like this. I feel so much better than I did fully pregnant and I don't have to heal from anything this time either! Thank goodness!

Going home. I don't look tired at all...

So Dustin has been home all week and it's been awesome. He is amazing and I love that we have 4 beautiful healthy little girls together. We are so blessed and have been trying to soak up every minute with her. Dustin chose her name and I love it. It was on our list and he loved it so much, so it was perfect.

By the way. We knew it was a girl.

Ha.

I had to know. There was no way, especially having so much girl stuff already that I didn't want to waste any money on boy things just in case, because I totally would have. No one else knew except Dustin and I and it was awesome. It was super hard to keep the secret, but we did it! I'm glad we knew because I increased my accessory stash for her! We might as well stick to what we're good at, right? Girls. And I love every single one of them so much.

She is in love with her and this picture is my favorite.

I also snapped a few of her the day we got home just talking to Laken, it was so cute.

Daddy and all his girls

I think this next picture is my favorite. They all were just sitting there staring at her, luckily I had my camera right there.

So that's how it went down. It was a really good delivery and things have been really great so far. Dustin goes back to work on Monday so we'll see how I really survive then! She is the best baby ever so far. All she does is sleep and eat. Every night so far she has slept 6-7 hours straight! Knock on wood. She is awesome and she is a pro at nursing and I am loving being able to do it again.

So things are great! We are so happy and I am doing good and recovering well, other than the random hormonal moments where I break down over the smallest things. Gotta love that part. I'm so excited for all the family to come next weekend for the blessing and it was kind of nice to have this first couple weeks to ourselves to adjust. We have so many people coming and I can't wait.

We love our little Laken.

She's Here!!!

2011-04-10T09:48:00.005-06:00

LAKEN TALLEY

7lbs 11oz, 20in

April 8th at 6:34am

We are home and doing great and we are absolutely loving her!

I just want to sleep

2011-04-06T14:50:00.005-06:00

Ok this is a huge let it out post. There, I warned you.

I'm exhausted. So done. No, beyond done. I'm over 38 weeks, which no one thought i'd make it too! I'm so glad and grateful but it's exhausting. I'm okay being pregnant to the end and was actually kind of expecting it all along, but it's being pregnant with the 3 girls that is so hard. They are so high maintenance lately and all I want to do is sleep or lay down. It's exhausting even making lunch for them, so I end up eating a sandwich with the kids because I don't have the energy to make anything else. Picking up toys or loading the dishwasher takes so much energy. I'm huge, nothing fits because i'm so low, even Dustin's shirts are too short! I'm having a lot of pelvic pain too, it's been a couple months of that so it's only getting worse as the baby gets bigger. My pelvis grinds when I lift legs separately, or when I have to move in bed. I'm not even sure that's normal? It probably is.

Kyla asked why I walk weird when I have a baby in my tummy, then she showed me how I walk, with her legs spread apart and waddled around. It was pretty freakin funny.

I'm so grateful this pregnancy has been so smooth and I don't think it could have gone any better. I'm really lucky especially having 3 little girls at home already. I just don't have the patience for them lately and I feel so bad, because i'm so worn out even BEFORE having to take care of them etc. I'm kind of an emotional person this week, I can feel i'm at the end and I know it's over soon. 13 days to be exact, maybe sooner, or later which would be weird. I just need to let it all out!

I'm actually getting nervous about life with 4. I never went out when the twins were little and now I have 4 kids 5 and under to take around with me. Will I ever have a life again? Will I ever get to shower again? I just picture my daily life right now, which is crazy in itself, and add a crying baby in the background. Who thought I could do this? It still doesn't seem real that i'm having another baby, maybe it'll seem real when I bring him/her home. I guess we are only given what we can handle so I know i'll be ok, and with such an amazing husband by my side I know it'll be great. I just hope we still have a marriage, because lately we don't even get to talk until the kids are in bed. Which isn't until after 9pm these days. Jayci and Presley are TERRIBLE at going to bed. They just stay up and play and talk forever! It's frustrating, and i'm guessing a twin thing. Kyla went through a stage at the same age but it wasn't as bad and didn't last long. She is awesome at going to bed now and doesn't make a peep, so we're hoping we can look forward to that.

I haven't even had a chance to watch conference yet which I so badly want too because I think I need some spiritual uplift right now to get me through this next stage of life. I love our life, I love our kids, and I feel so blessed to be able to have 4 children with an amazing husband. I love our friends, I seriously have the best friend who knows exactly when I need something. She even sent me over a little gift last night when she didn't even know how bad of a day I was having. I love her and the selfless person she is. I'm also so grateful I have amazing sisters I can talk to and vent to everyday and they tell me exactly what I need to hear. I love them so much. I wish we could all live by each other so bad and we always talk about how awesome it would be. I am glad my girls will get to have the opportunity to have that relationship with each other when they are older.

At the beginning of this post Jayci and Presley were whining and driving me crazy, and now they are passed out on the floor and couch. I feel bad for complaining because I am so blessed but I needed to get it all out, and then I can always look back at this time and remember what I was going through.

Well, here's to the final stretch!