Memorial Day Celebration

I love memorial day! A day off to just be together with family and celebrate those who serve our country. We also usually celebrate Kirk's birthday, but since he had work this year we will be celebrating later this week. The kids and I went over to my mom's for a fun, and relaxing time. Grandma surprised the kids with a huge jumper water slide thing that they loved! Wish I had pictures of my brothers going down it too, but I was too lazy to get out of the spa to snap a shot. Look at that smile.

We set up a little pool for Hudson and Lauren to enjoy too

(although he looks in pain in this pic.-he did enjoy :)
Treats of all kinds came out. Cupcakes, jello jigglers, Texas sheet cake- the latter of which I will be working off at the gym for the next month!

My mom's house is pretty much like the most wonderful park you have ever seen. It includes, a swimming pool, spa, swings, playhouse, huge grassy area, patio/barbecue, and on this special day even included a water slide. Thanks Mom and Russ for having us over. We are looking forward to the next reason to celebrate!

Trees?

Hudson was tested for a few food allergies, and several other normal allergies (i.e. pet dander, pollen, etc.) Results show: Hudson has an allergy to "trees?" Really weird- how can we avoid him being around trees? Guess he is doomed to have red bumps every once in a while (like mother like son I guess).
This was the picture right after the shots. Wish I had a chance to take one after the red bumps came- I was a little busy running and tackling. I think I now know how it feels to be in a football match. Let's just say it was one long doctor appointment! I am definitely glad its over. What 18 month old can stand being at the doctor for 2 hours? If you have spent anytime with Hudson you would understand why both Mommy and toddler came home exhausted that day!

Farewell Elder Monroe

Last weekend Janell and I headed out to San Diego with all 7 of our kids. We were surprised at how well they all did in the car ride down, and only one potty break along the way. We went in celebration of our cousin Greg heading out to the mission field. Louisville, Kentucky is one lucky city! He is going to be a wonderful missionary. His farewell talk was so heartfelt- I loved it! He truly has the spirit with him, and he will be an asset in the Lord's hands.

I have to say that I think I have the best extended family ever! It is always so wonderful to spend time in their homes. I always go home inspired to be a better wife and mother.

A Love for Learning

I just wanted to record my feelings regarding my life as a college student and mother. This is for me, so sorry if its boring and long.

It's been a struggle and very interesting being a student and mother simultaneously, but its definitely made me be a better mother in many ways and also has reminded me of my worth as an individual. I remember the first time returned to a college classroom it was so weird to hear the silence! Bruin was almost 4, and Capri had just turned 2. As a mother of 2 youngsters it was a very rare occasion for me to be anywhere without at least one child in my care. Its been almost 3 years now that I have been back-wow, I can't believe how the time has flown! Having the opportunity to gain an education has made me a better mother to my children. I feel so blessed that I have been able to go back and work toward achieving my goal of completing college. I'm not finished yet, but the time is nearing. I also feel blessed to have a husband and family who have supported me in my educational goals.
Being a Child and Adolescent Studies Major has also enabled me to gain wonderful insights into the growth of my children both physically and cognitively. I'm sure some of my close family members get tired of hearing me lecture them on "what the experts and research say," but many of the theories have helped me make better choices on how I should discipline, praise, and teach my children. This has been, and will continue to be a blessing in the lives of my children and family.
One of my classes this semester was all about the adolescent years. Oft times I have been annoyed by teenagers (even though it wasn't long ago that I was one), and also have been very afraid of the time that will come for me to raise my own teenage children. This class gave me some good tips as well as ways to understand why they go through such difficult adjustments at this time in their lives.
In my other class this semester I loved the reading we did on how to praise a child. It has helped me do a better job at providing my children with constructive praise rather than just saying, "you did such a good job" or "you are so smart."
I have a love for learning, and hope to instill this same love in my children. Showing them that I think a formal education is important to me is a step in the right direction. I am proud of that step I have made.

Summer Traditions

I'm getting pretty excited about summer. The beach, pool days with girl friends, no school for me or Bruin, family camping trips, visits to San Diego, and lots of time with my family. Most of the things we do in summer are very much a tradition, and today Kirk gave me one more thing to add to that list of fun traditions. Days at this place....
Since our Disneyland passes expired we opted for summer Raging Waters passes. Kirk and I spent 2 summers there when we were dating in high school, so we have very fond memories. The kids are really excited (not including Hudson). I'm a little nervous about taking them to such a crowded place, but I really think Bruin and Capri will enjoy a lot of it. Hudson on the other hand let me know that he doesn't care much for swimming, so I'm not sure what he will think. We will definitely make the best of it. We might be looking for babysitters for Hudson while we go have some fun- any takers? Please disregard anything that was said in my daily schedule about child #3-aka Hudson a few posts ago- none of it was true. (I just might be crossing my fingers)

5 pound Mother's Day Weekend

My entire Mother's day weekend was wonderful! It started on Saturday with a trip down to San Diego for my cousin Ashley's baby shower. Janell and I enjoyed driving down with peace and quiet in the car. It amazes me how quickly a car trip goes by when you can talk to your best friend with no interruptions from the little ones! I had a great time eating the delish brunch food followed up by some imtation Sprinkles cupcakes. I haven't had the real Sprinkles, but these were likely just as yummy! I was able to see my Grandma Monroe, who is one of the best examples of a good mother that I have had in my life.

That evening I was spoiled more with a night out with the girls: Janell, Me, Mom, and Aunt Cheryl. We enjoyed critiquing the prom dresses of the 10+ prom girls that were seated next to us. As you can see my mom even got us all a huge dessert! That mountain fudge cake at Black Angus is one of my favorites!

This handsome man (my little bro Joseph) was our server, which made it even more fun.
My Sunday was great purely because Kirk was home. When we returned home the kids made me a "bed" on the couch where I was to rest. The resting wasn't happening well there, so Kirk sent me up to my room for a mandated nap (one of my favorite things). When I woke up the entire down stairs was clean, including bleached countertops, and dinner was cooking. Kirk made yummy fajitas that we enjoyed in the company of my wonderful mother-in-law, father-in-law, Grandma Kratzer, Kristi/Juan, and Brandon/Cat, and of course my 3 beautiful kids.

Following dinner we headed over to Erika's (my sis-in-law) for some delishous chocolate cake and ice cream, which I obviously hadn't had enough of the night before because it tasted bomb!!! So, now I am back to the gym working off my Mother's Day desserts.

Borrowed Family night idea

I borrowed this idea from a friend of mine. We read the scriptures in Ephesians about putting on the armor of God. As we read the kids put on their "protective armor."

Next we threw cracker jacks at them as they defended themselves. They loved hearing the cracker jacks bounce off their helmets and shields. Everyone enjoyed eating the ammunition when the war was over.

Cinco De Mayo

On Cinco De Mayo we headed down to the beach and had a fun evening with our friends, the Jenks. We ate some delicious burgers at Ruby's Diner then treked back to the car to retrieve the bon fire supplies. I think we looked a little silly with our wagon full of wood, chairs, smore goods, bat/balls, etc... crossing a major intersection, but well worth the emabarrasment!

According to Steve, I was attempting to get a shot of the sexy volleyball players with this one.

As you can see we had a smokin' good time once we got the fire going!!!!

Hudson got tackled by a couple waves, but luckily I was well prepared with some warm clothes. Thanks to the Jenks for joining our crazy family for the evening. Sorry for a few bootie flashes from our kiddos. Guess we need to teach them a little more about modesty :).

Bad Genes!

For obvious reasons, this little guy headed to the doc this week!

I was freaking out a bit that he had fifth disease...aka slap disease because of these rosy red cheeks he had. Come to find out that the diagnosis is something very familiar to me (since I have been dealing with it since infancy)....ECZEMA!!! I didn't think that was the problem because I had put cortizone cream on it and it didn't seem to help, and Hudson hasn't been itching or anything. Apparently a stronger cortizone was needed for this outbreak, and eczema on the face isn't always as itchy as on the body.
This was not his only diagnosis! He also had a double ear infection and pink eye- yuck! Glad I didn't take him to church this week or out anywhere (the real reason is because I was worried about people staring at him because of his rosy cheeks), but at least it kept him from spreading the dreaded pink eye.
I'm sure he is feeling much better now with the meds he is on- he is definitely looking better! I'm grateful for good health insurace because I have a feeling I am going to be using it a lot with this little guy. (I never posted anything about his 2 doc visits last month due to his fractured collarbone- long story, but I have a feeling this little dare devil is going to keep me familiar with the doctor office in the upcoming years)

Birthday Catch Up

This last week we have been celebrating quite a few birthdays. So here is our birthday catch up.

First, Kirk surprised his Dad by getting as much of the family together as possible together for dinner at BJs. June (Kirk's mom) did such a great job that Scott had no idea! I have to admit he isn't difficult to fool, but the waitress actually brought him all the way up to the table where we were sitting and he was wondering why she was trying to seat him at a table with all these people already sitting there. It took him a minute to realize it was 3 of his sons, 1 son in law, 2 daughter in laws, and his son's girlfriend sitting there. We had a delicious meal and of course had to get the large pizookie to celebrate- yum! This is a picture from the night. My sis and I were laughing that it is kind of like a Where's Waldo- can you spot the birthday boy? (hint...look on top of the baseball cap, see those little eyes peeking over?)
I feel so blessed to have Scott as my father-in-law. He is a fun grandfather for my kids, he raised me a wonderful husband, he teaches by example, and he cracks me up!!! Happy Birthday Scott.

Next, we celebrated my little sister Joy's 19th birthday at Janell's house. Joy is a great auntie to my kids, and I love her so much.

Finally, the Salmon clan was all together to retake our family pictures, so we decided to do the monthly birthday celebrations for Grandpa Salmon (57 I think), Uncle Josh (28), and Trey (6). I didn't get pics of the birthday part, but here are a couple at the picture site.

I just love that classic missing tooth smile Bruin has on

Me and my little girl who I can't believe is going to kindergarten next year!

The babies and their daddies