Avoiding laundry

Drew came into the laundry room and told me he had a "square butt". I didn't get it until he turned around. When Alexis found out that I was taking pictures of it, she joined in the fun.

This is what laundry looks like after you've had four tests in one week.

(It's all clean, if that makes it any better.)

Instead of folding it, I let the kids do a craft, which meant I had to supervise and thus I was unable to fold it.

From left to right: Alexis', Drew's and Madison's.

This is the finished product. It was funny to see how each kid responded to the directions.

I gave them some green strips of paper to cut into smaller pieces. Then I put glue on the clover and told them to put their green pieces on.

Alexis took forever to cut hers out and then she quickly put them on her clover. 

Madison tried to cut hers to no avail. She then put two pieces on and left the table to go make a mess elsewhere.

Drew cut some of his pieces, but was more interested in making them big versus small. He was the first one ready for glue and the last one to leave the table. He was meticulously putting his green pieces on and trying to make them fit like he would a puzzle. He was so frustrated that he would have a piece in place and then he would find one that would fit better. Then he would have to pick the glue off his fingers before he could move onto the next piece. This would take so long to do though that he would literally have to rip the piece off that needed to be replaced. After he placed six, yes six, pieces I stepped in to help him.  

I never fully understood why they had locking wheels and seat belts on high chairs. Until Madison came along. One minute she is sitting still and the next she is sitting on top of or climbing over it and doing whatever it is she wants. She has also learned how to swing her legs such that she can move her high chair to where she wants it to go. She has so much energy I'm amazed that she doesn't get more injuries than she does.

Alexis' self portrait with the new camera.

I let Alexis take the new camera outside to take pictures of the kids playing. (Don't tell John, he won't be happy, it's brand new.) I think she got some good pictures!

Alexis informed me this week that the van has three more seats, so we can have three more kids. She reasoned that we not only have room in the van but we also have enough mommies and daddies to take care of that many kids. I wonder if John and I would truly survive six children. All of the kids are planning our next pregnancy already, they want a brother for Drew.

Worst dates

John and I were talking about past dating experiences, especially the bad ones and he thinks that I should write some of them down so that they aren't forgotten. I thought I'd start off with the absolute worst dating experience I can remember.

I was taking a general music class at then UVSC and that is where I met HIM. I don't remember his name and lets be honest I don't want to. He asked me out numerous times, to which I politely declined and changed the subject as quickly as possible. My car was in the shop one week so my Mom had to come pick me up from school. He decided to walk me to where Mom was picking me up, no matter how much I protested. Then he insisted that he walk me outside to her. I was frustrated but how do you tell a nearly 200 lb guy that is six foot something that he's a retard?

But wait, it gets better. . . 

When we get to the car he leans in the passenger side window and proceeds to ask my mom if he can take me on a date. (What the $#%@ was he thinking?) I was standing behind him shaking my head as violently as possible. But what does mom say? She tells him yes and the date is set right then and there. I could've killed all of them.

So mom takes me a drops me off at his house, because my car is still in the shop, the night of the date. Not only is he not ready, but he's working on his car stereo. So, he makes me wait with his dad in trash-ville USA while he goes and showers. Can we say awkward? 

. . . wait for it, we're not done yet.

When he finally finishes we get into his car and leave. You know that creepy feeling you get when you're with someone and you don't know how the hell you're going to get out of it, I was there times about 20.

He hands me his CD case and tells me to pick a CD. I thumb through it and the only thing I find worth listening to is The Beastie Boys. When I hand it to him, he tells me that girls can't listen to them because it is inappropriate. (Are you joking?) So, no music. Somehow we got to the point where he tells me that he has the Priesthood and so I have to listen to him. That went over like a lead balloon. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not going to take that and not say anything. I informed him that even with the Priesthood he wasn't getting into the Celestial Kingdom without a wife, so he'd better think twice before using that line again.

Don't you think he's set up the date well?

He takes me to Olive Garden, somewhere near Salt Lake City. It was prom night and there were large numbers of people all dressed up and looking great. We were sitting there eating and he signals for the lady that sings to come over and sing to us. (Again, are you joking? But it gets better.) She starts singing and then HE starts singing with her, to ME. I could've died, I would've crawled under the table and hidden had I thought that at the very least half the restaurant wasn't watching me do it.

FINALLY we get out of the restaurant. Now I'm stuck in the car with him AGAIN. We drive to watch the symphony at Temple Square and he parks at the top of a hill three blocks away, never mind that I'm actually wearing heals, which I told him, but he obviously didn't care. We get into the symphony and he falls asleep. I understand not being able to stay awake, if you're an old man, but really? Then he tops it off by snoring. Yes, he was snoring in the middle of the symphony. 

Okay, you're thinking to yourself, that's the worst date ever? It wasn't over. Keep reading.

We're heading back to Utah Valley and home, sweet home. But he decides to stop at his sisters house and introduce me. She was newly married and I still don't know why we were going there. He knocks a few times and when she doesn't answer he tries the door handle. I stopped him, who in their right mind walks into a newly married couples house? He agrees to leave and I'm getting excited that I get to go home. 

But we're not done. . . 

He gets on the phone and calls his friends to meet him at another friends house. So, we go and meet ALL his friends and their girlfriends/wives. They all sit in a circle and I'm the center of attention, awkward. We were stuck there for over an hour and all I wanted was to go home. Finally he takes me home and tries to walk me to the door, I avoided anything he was thinking of by basically shutting the door in his face. I ignored his phone calls for the next three weeks and that class as well.

I've seen him a few times since with someone I assume is his wife and each time I think to myself that she's either completely miserable or a raging idiot for marrying him in the first place.

Seeing the newest member of our family!

On Friday we had an appointment with the Dr. to see how baby was growing and find out what we were having. . . it's a girl!

More importantly, she's a healthy little one, weighing in at 8 oz. and measuring in at 17 weeks and 3 days, so smaller than the 18 weeks that she is, but her mommy isn't complaining! There's no picture to post because she was being a stinker and didn't want to get a profile picture or open her legs for any pictures.

For dinner we met my Mom's Dad, Fred and wife Lois as well as her brother Jim and wife Janet, Cheryl & family and of course Jana for dinner at Chuck-a-Rama. Can you tell by my face that it's one of my favorite restaurants? The kids get full though and we can't complain about that.

Aydian was so excited to see Drew he came and sat at our end of the table right next to Drew!

Madison and Irelynn

(Madison loves to hold babies, no matter how close to her size they are.)

All the cousins on my side, minus Brayton.

(L to R: Drew, Alexis, Aydian, Madison, Corwynn holding Irelynn and Ryley)

(They made us take a picture before we could leave. Notice I'm the only one not looking at the camera to the left. Also we would've done our hair and gotten dressed had we realized we'd have to take a picture.)

Saturday morning we went to Grandpa Rod's for breakfast with Brixton, Cheryl & family.

The kids loved playing with their cousins and Drew and Aydian were sad when play time came to an end.

The infamous Madison face. 

She's not mad, but she loves to make this face at us.

(Alexis and George Davis playing Dinosaur Train games on the internet.)

For lunch on Saturday my high-school friend Michelle and I went to lunch minus husbands and most of the kids, we took her new baby Corrine (I don't know if I spelled it right, hopefully I did). We had fun eating our food and not having to share it with any little people, or big people!

The husbands went to McDonald's with all the kids and from the pictures John took, it looks like they were having lots of fun! We enjoyed seeing our friends and having fun!

A ridiculous picture but we were excited to see the odometer hit 33,333!

We took this on the way to dinner Saturday night with John's family. Go figure that the most picture happy family is the only one that we didn't pull the camera out at. The kids loved playing with their cousins and throwing pillows at Uncle Dave's head.

Finally on Sunday after we'd gone and visiting our New Zealand friends and enjoyed just chatting for a while, we went to meet Brayton. He's only 7 lbs 9 oz, which is nearly 2 lbs heavier than my little babies, but I can't imagine a baby being any smaller. I loved holding him (and knowing that I could give him back if he needed fed, changed or was just fussy).

And then, oh happy day, we got to come home! I can't wait to put the kids to bed and get some sleep myself.

Fabulous weekend

Aunt Pam and Alexis getting ready to go down the small hill in our backyard.

Aunt Pam pushing the girls around in the swingset thing in the backyard.

Aunt Pam pulling Madison around, Madison LOVES to be pulled around.

Aunt Pam taking pictures before church today.

Yes, we went to church in the winter with ALL the kids,

it was a miracle.

I loved this picture because Drew was trying so hard to smile and be cooperative but he couldn't open his eyes because the sun was so bright and he was looking directly into it.

Drew, Aunt Pam, Grandma Didi and Madison

Friday night my mom, aka Grandma Didi, and my Aunt Pam came up to stay with us for the weekend. They were here so John and I could have a date night and enjoy ourselves while they got to spend time with the kids. Can I tell you that I can not remember the last time that John and I had a date night, just the two of us? It was so nice to be able to just be us for a few hours! Did I mention that when we came home Mom and Pam had cleaned the entire house and the kids were sound asleep? Oh, it was wonderful! Thank you again!

Aunt Pam is so much more fun than mommy is, she actually goes outside and plays with the kids in the snow, she was obviously built for Utah! If you look closely at her feet you'll notice that she's wearing garbage bags. Why would someone do such a thing you ask? Well, we didn't own snow boots for either John or me. (Until date night when we found a killer sale.) 

It was fun to sit and talk with Mom and Pam and have adult interactions, just for fun!

The kids are already excited to see both of them again, they've only been gone for an hour and a half!
This weekend we're going down to Utah Valley to find out what we are having and make sure that baby is growing all necessary body part and such.

This week is going to be chaotic with three tests and packing for a weekend in Utah Valley, so lets all pray that I'm not gray by the end of the week! 

Also, for Aunt Pam, the recipe for Applebee's Blackened Chicken Salad:

(It's so good)

2 chicken breasts -

marinade in:

1 cup water

3T lime juice

2T soy sauce

1/2 T Worcestershire

( I forget to marinade it, so I just cook it in the marinade and when it's done I slather it with the following and blacken it in a frying pan.)

Cajun Spice recipe:

1/2 t salt

1T sugar

1 t paprika

1 t onion powder

1 t black pepper

1/2 t garlic powder

1/4 t cayenne

2 T butter

1/2 t white pepper

( I don't use the white pepper)

Let it cook on each side until blackened and serve with salad!

I've also had it in alfredo sauce with noodles and with a baked potato, both really good too.

Newest Hakes

Here he is . . . Brayton R. Hakes.

He was born on Valentines Day, how fun huh?

I still haven't seen him yet, but I've heard he's adorable and I can't wait.

Kristen did great with the delivery and Brixton didn't pass out . . .

way to go daddy!

I haven't posted forever because we lost our camera.

I really miss our camera. We'll find it I'm sure, fingers crossed!

*Updates*

I haven't been sick for two and half days!! I'm so excited.

The contractions have already started, at twelve weeks. Thankfully they're not consistently close enough to be worth worrying about right now, they're just annoying.

All looks good for now, we go in on the 5th to find out if everything looks great and to see what we are having. We didn't find out last time, but I was positive it was a girl. I have no clue what this one is. There is only one in there, but I keep thinking it's a boy and a girl. It will be nice to know what it is and that it is doing just fine.

All the kids want a brother, so here's hoping that they get what they want.

John is doing well as always.

Granted he's had to take over a lot of the household chores to keep things flowing smoothly, but he's handled it well and he's not a complainer so I wouldn't know if he was half dead! Now that I'm starting to feel better, he should get a little bit of a break from all the extra work.

Alexis still has a swollen lymph node in her neck, but the doctor said unless it starts to grow again we need not worry.

Alexis asked us at dinner the other night why we don't call each other John and Tiffani instead of Mom and Dad because it's confusing and she doesn't know if we're talking about each other or about our parents. She is definitely a thinker and she never ceases to stop thinking about things.

Drew has not caught anything that the rest of us have caught in the last few months, HOORAY!

In Sam's Club they were handing out samples of fish. Drew wanted to go get a sample and when I told him it was fish he said: "We don't eat fish, Pteranodons do." He loves to watch The Dinosaur Train on PBS and he's obviously learning something!

Madison is well . . . Madison.

She has potty trained but we still have accidents, only during the day.

She usually has accidents only when she needs to do #2 and we can have upwards of five peeing accidents in just a couple of hours. But it's a great tool for knowing when she needs to go. However, she's only had two accidents in the last four days so we might be getting past it.

She still hasn't had an accident at night, which is great!

AND she's starting to talk!! It's a minor miracle, we know.

She still prefers to grunt but she's starting to use her big words instead and it is wonderful when she does.

Her favorite word right now is UP, she loves to be apart of anything that is going on. 

She also loves to make angry faces at us. She'll give us a huge scowl and then two seconds later she'll give us a big smile and then hurry and scowl again. I want to get it on camera, but first I have to find it.

We bought a bread machine so that we can try and save some money. The kids love to eat bread and we can go through two loaves a week, easily. After doing some research we discovered that we'd save about fifty bucks this year on bread if we made our own even after buying the machine. Next year we should save more than one hundred fifty!

For family home evening we let the kids grind wheat for wheat bread.

We were nervous that the bread wouldn't turn out and that they would think that the new bread was nasty and wouldn't want any. We normally buy white bread for them and seven grain for John and I.

John and I were pleasantly surprised when the bread turned out and it tasted great. (I didn't even have to put a sugar topping on it to make it taste good!)

The kids loved it too and they love to help make the bread, so it's been a great purchase thus far.

The kids, especially Alexis, have started wearing out the knees in their pants. Instead of going and buying them new pants or making them do until summer, we bought a sewing machine so I could fix them. So far it has saved us more than we spent on it. I'm not great at sewing, but the job is getting done and it doesn't look too horrid. I'm sure with time and practice I'll get better and the fixes will look better too.

The nark

I was woken up this morning to this little face.

I have no clue how long he had been standing by my bed.

He was being as quiet as can be, wasn't poking me or trying to climb on top of me.

But, he was slowing rocking back and forth slightly hitting the bed each time that he did.

I turned over to see what was shaking my bed and he smiles at me and says:

"I didn't wake Maddie up two times, I didn't. She just woke up by herself."

And then he left.

So, we all know who woke Madison up and how many times he had to do it to get her out of bed.

I think it is adorable how little kids rat themselves out and don't even realize it.

While I was putting my contacts in, Alexis came up to me and said:

"We need to teach Maddie how to talk today because I'm tired of her always yelling at me."

If it was so easy, it would have been done months ago, I promise.

Madison just has no inclination to use her big words unless she's screaming "MAAAM" from across the room, house, yard, etc.

One day she'll decide to talk and I'm sure we'll never get her to stop once it happens.

As a side note, if I haven't been answering your calls don't feel bad.

I DO NOT want to talk on the phone.

I don't feel good and the idea of having to listen and comprehend and then actually respond with something that is intelligent without wanting to lose the contents of my stomach is not appealing.

So, if you really want to talk feel free to email or facebook or if you have Verizon, text.

As long as I'm awake, I'll usually respond.

Be forewarned, I usually fall asleep sometime during the morning for a nap, so afternoons work better for me!

Moving and the lower half of your body

Are we allowed to post pictures of butts?

I couldn't resist.

Madison went to the bathroom all by herself, without telling me.

When she came out she was naked from the waist down, or so I thought.

I kept telling her go get her bottoms so she could get dressed and she kept telling me no.

She turned around and did this little pose and I about died laughing.

She had put her underwear on, not correctly, but they were on. 

There was a big old bunch of underwear right above her butt, you might have to click on the picture to get a better view.

We went 11 days without the internet.

We survived, barely.

You don't realize how much you use the internet until you don't have it.

I use it to check our bank account, pay bills, all schooling, keeping in touch with Max and others via email and Facebook and it was all gone for 11 days.

I did switch my blackberry back on for those days but it was so slow that it wasn't really worth it.

The last few weeks have been so busy it's insane.

We moved apartments, hooray!

We have main level living, which is really nice. We also got an extra bedroom and a two car garage AND . . . .a huge backyard!

We had to move to nowhere ville USA, but it will be nice having extra room to move and not paying much more for it.

Madison is fully potty trained.

We still have accidents occasionally but she's doing so well.

She doesn't wet the bed at night and if she starts to pee her pants she'll usually stop and wait to finish until she gets to the toilet! None of the other kids had that type of control!

I went to Sam's Club and walked right past the diaper aisle, it was so nice and I will enjoy it for the next few months.

I still don't have a pregnancy belly, wahoo!

The last couple of weeks I've been super nauseated which is frustrating because I'm in the second trimester right now, but I suppose it could be worse.

Madison is being such an adventuresome child lately.

She gets into everything, and I mean everything.

She's learned how to push chairs to things that she wants, ugh.

She can take off her own clothes, which she loves to do.

She loves to flush the toilet. We haven't lost anything that we know of yet.

She loves to dig through the garbage to find things to play with.

She loves to smear herself, especially her hair, with soft things. IE lotion, toothpaste, butter, peanut butter, mayonnaise, spaghetti sauce, you get the idea.

Drew has discovered that he has his own personal built in toy, 

as each boy figures out at some point I'm sure.

I found him on the couch watching TV while playing with it.

I told him that we only touch it when we are in the bathroom, cleaning, peeing, etc.

I thought we'd cleared things up fairly well.

Madison had to pee and she kept knocking on the door to get in.

Drew piped up with: "You can come in, I'm not peeing!"

I couldn't help but laugh.

When Madison had finished he said: "I'm going to the bathroom, and I don't have to pee!"

This last Sunday I stayed home with Madison who had a nasty nose and cough while John took the older two to church.

When he came home he told me what Drew had done in Sacrament meeting.

Apparently our new ward building (yes, this was the first Sunday going to our new ward) is rather small and the seating is fairly tight. John was late and had to squeeze into the middle of the chapel in order to get a seat.

 Drew got bored I guess and decided to pull his toy out.

John about died. He hurried and made Drew put it away and tried to explain that we don't play with ourselves. John then told me that he didn't teach him such things, to which I replied: "Well I don't have one, so we both know it wasn't me!"

I'm still laughing at the thought of Drew doing this in the middle of church. This will be one of those stories that he just doesn't live down, ever.

Alexis is still being Alexis and loving trying to be in charge.

She is regailing us with her story of trapping a red bug when she was four years old, under a cup and not feeding it or giving it water and the next day it was dead.

She's so excited to tell us this story everyday because when she was two one of those bugs bite her and so she had to kill one.

We're all hoping she gets a new story soon.

John has been busy working and helping take care of the house while I'm sick/studying for tests.

He found an addiction recently, the TV show Lost.

He started watching it on Netflix and he's officially addicted.

This is not John's normal behavior toward something that is not sports related, but I'm glad he found something that he can enjoy at night while I've got my head buried in books.