My aspiring photographer

As I was uploading my pictures onto my computer I discovered over 20 of them had been taken by someone other than myself. Emma was very proud of her little photo shoot and asked me if I thought they were good. Honestly, for a 4 year old, they're not too bad at all. At least her babies look at the camera and smile. :)

Jesus & Santa

Today at church, Emma leaned over and said, "Mom, I'd really like to meet Jesus and Santa Clause." So would I, Emma, you sweet girl.

San Antonio, TX

On Tuesday, September 8th, Steve and I flew down to San Antonio, TX...ALONE! My mother offered to stay with the kids for the week, so we capitalized on the opportunity. Steve has been wanting to show me his mission since we were engaged and after 13 years, his wish has been granted. I had heard so much about the Riverwalk and the Alamo and the bats in Austin, I was very excited to go. Plus, I didn't have to cut anyone's food, but my own, put anyone to bed, do any dishes, or shuttle children around for 3 whole days!!! What a break! Of course, being in Texas meant eating at some terrific places for Steve and I. We were able to throw in some Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, which is always fun and interesting. The Cove had to be my absolute favorite. It is located next to a laundromat, has live music every night, a playground is in the back, and has pictures of the farmers/ranchers who provide their organic meat and veggies. UN-BE-LIEV-A-BLE!! While there, a native told us to try "Chuys" for the best Tex-Mex. That was another GREAT suggestion. They had some "Boom-Boom sauce" that was to die for! So, with the Tex-Mex, real barbeque, and sleeping in, and being able to read an anxiously awaited book, I was in heaven. It was extremely odd for me to not have any kids with me. I spoke to them and to my mother about them quite often, but still it was different not having to check luggage and to eat whenever we felt like it or take lots of potty breaks. Because Steve was released from the Stake High Council and knowing he was being called to be a seminary teacher, we viewed the trip as a kind of send-off until June.:) It was the best 3-day date I've ever been on. Thanks, honey. Thanks, mom! I can't wait to do it again! (I'm sure my mom needs a few years to recuperate, though).

Carter's Baptism

We had a marvelous day celebrating the baptism of Carter! Uncle Ryan Stoianowski gave the talk on baptism, both grandpas were witnesses, Grandma Bird led the singing, Grandma Alleman spoke on the Holy Ghost, and the 3 boys sang "On My Baptism Day." They didn't just sing it, they were in harmony! I was so proud of them! We are extremely grateful we had family from both sides able to join us. Carter loved being the special reason for their coming. :) We also were happy to see so many of our friends there, too. What a supportive ward family we have! I am glad that Carter has chosen to follow the Savior's example and took the decision seriously.

Lizzie's Birthday

"I'm 2!"

My Lizzie is now an official two-year old. Her birthday was August 31st; however, we celebrated it after her grandma's and grandpa's and aunts and uncles could come over to party with us. That was the best gift in itself! She loves life, loves her family, and loves attention! Every night as we kneel in family prayer, Lizzie bounces around and hugs each person in the circle while the prayer is said. She's very compassionate and sweet. She is also talking up a storm! I love listening to her language explode right now. It's really an amazing thing to experience. She's strong and agile, a great climber, and adventurous (except with animals--total scaredy-cat!). She has a terrific laugh and a piercing scream. She's my pickiest eater, but is the best at saying thanks after anything I do for her. She's got all of the boys (including Steve) wrapped around her finger. Nearly every day, after getting ready, she runs to "show Dad" her pretty hair and outfit and models it for him. Steve's going to miss that when that stage leaves!

Lizzie loves cake and ice cream, but s'mores is also a favorite! Marshmallows, chocolate, and cracker were 3 of her first words! So the combination is always a hit! Plus, we have had so much fun talking and singing around the campfire this year! She's perfected the sneaking-of-the-chocolate-while-mom's-not-looking trick! But when she gives me that big chocolate drool smile, I can't help but laugh and let her eat it!
This is Lizzie at her "safe" distance. Not much cooking getting done, but she's doing it herself!

Lizzie adores her big sister and I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual. She loves everything Emma loves. So for her birthday, it was filled with Tinkerbell, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, and Fancy Nancy. She's our little princess!

Pudding Painting

FINGER PAINTING with PISTACHIO PUDDING

When the boys were little, I did lots of sensory therapy activities for Braxton. I have gotten out of the habit and decided, when I found some expired milk in the fridge, that I was going to introduce the girls to one of my favorites...pudding painting. I've learned some lessons, though, and know that it is a MESS to clean up. So, we did it outside on the picnic table. It was a gorgeous day and the girls thought it was a great idea to wear ponchos. Clean-up even became a game. They had fun and I felt good about myself as a mother. One of my better moments!;)

Emma and I both like that pistachio is a pretty green color. Perfect for drawing trees, mermaids, and caterpillars.

"Fun! Fun!"

Lizzie was hesitant at first, but not for long.

Harry Potter Party

Carter had a Harry Potter birthday party this year that was so much fun! He invited 8 really fun friends that were excited about just about everything. We first had a treasure map ("Marauder's Map) where they followed it to the chest that held light-up wands for all of them. Next, we played a game of quidditch. What a hoot! None of them were able to get the quaffle into the goal (a swimming inner tube) because the goalies were too quick. Evan, dressed in yellow, was the snitch and ran around. After he was let out the 2nd time, one of the teams were able to take him down and win the game. Our magician's kids came and helped Steve, Emma, and I throw the bludgers (whiffle balls) at the kids.

Here's Evan at the bottom of the pile.


The boys were so cute trying to run with a huge broom inbetween their legs.

Two dementors (sisters of 2 of the boys) crashed the quidditch game.

The magician turned papers & sugar into candy!
An attention grabbing trick

Boys, balloons, and bouncing=fun

Afterwards we had potions class and made slime (borax + glue + water + food coloring). Next was pizza, cake & ice cream (with "magic" candles, of course), the magician, and more quidditch.
Even I had fun! Afterwards, the magician's family hung out with us for a few hours to help us maximize Carter's fun. Whew! Here's to another exciting year!