Temporarily a Mother of Three

Yes, that is me. I have 3 children for a little while. Jeremy's brother's little girl Olivia has moved in with us - not to be confused with my brother Kellen's Olivia that lives here in AZ and we are with all of the time. From here on out we will refer to Kellen's Olivia as Livvy and Tyler's Olivia as Olivia. Such confusion when they are both 2 year olds.

Olivia will be with us for a while and she is such a cutie, but boy are we in adjustment mode. I only have 2 hands for these 3 little ones. While trying to talk to my mom on the phone this morning, she heard mostly phrases like:

"Uh-oh, no hitting!"

"Uh-oh, we don't scream no at each other."

"Uh-oh, we don't pull all of our clothes out of the dresser."

"Yes Maya, I am still your mommy."

"Uh-oh, we only color on paper."

It is crazy and insane in this house, but we are happy to be able to help care for this little one. As soon as I have a spare moment, I need to post pictures of our fabulous California trip. Until then, here is a pic of the three little ones:

Kenyon pushing Olivia too fast

Olivia crying to get off

Maya telling them to stop

Welcome to my life!

Excitement!

Tomorrow we are driving to California

The kids can't wait to go here:


Then Jeremy will head to this race for 2 days:

While the kids and I shop here:

And eat here:

or here:

Yum!

What a perfect vacation for everyone!

Utah Trip

We just got back from our road trip to Utah. The kids were AMAZING in the car. Kenyon has always been rough in the car, but I think he has finally outgrown it. Between movies, toys and snacks - they were a delight! Livvy and Camille drove in Camille's car, but Livvy needed to come in Grandma's car for some of the time.


I got to get together with my high school friends - love them! Between the 7 of us that were there, there were 14 little ones. It was insane, but so fun!

Maya loved being back with her AZ friends that have abandoned us for UT.

Daddy flew in for the weekend and we headed up to spend time with his family. We celebrated Kenyon and Olivia's birthdays. They are only 9 days apart!

The kids (and the grown up men!) loved the new race track Nana and Grandpa gave Kenyon.

It snowed! We were so happy to take the kids sledding!

After a crash on the sled - I love crying pics :)

And of course, Maya had to make a snowman with Nana.


Isn't it pretty?! I wanted to turn on Christmas music. I love going up there and sitting by the warm fire while it snows outside.

Waking up Easter morning to see what the bunny brought

Hanging out with Aunt Tiffany after finding eggs

Other events without photos: spending time at my aunt and uncle's and letting them love on my kids, hanging out with our dear friends Adam and Katie, eating at Crown Burger and Sconecutter - YUM!, eating dinner for 5 hours with my good friend Kristin who filled me in on the ins and outs of foster care, my niece Chelsey's baptism, swimming at the rec center pool, my moms car getting broken into (not so good, but at least they didn't take anything!), staying at my grandparents house and watching Maya and Grandma playing the organ together and so much more! Such a fun trip, but we are very happy to be back home in our comfy house.

Soccer

Maya's first soccer game was Saturday. Just look at that intense coach directing his team (FYI - Jeremy is the coach!)


Maya's favorite part:




The funniest part:

In the middle of the game, Maya was suddenly sitting in the goal. I yelled for her to go run after the ball.

"I can't," she replied. "My hair is stuck in the net."

The parents appreciated the comic relief.

Most of the game was spent with her complaining that she was tired, hurt or couldn't get to the ball, but she sure looked cute out there.

Go Red Hawks!

Kenyon's Big Day

First, we hit Dunkin' Donuts.

Which happens to be inside the gas station/car wash.




Kenyon would scream, "Another one truck!" I don't know why I didn't think sooner that the best birthday present for that kid would be to watch his favorite thing (cars and trucks!) being washed.

Speaking of presents, I hadn't bought him one so we headed to Wal-Mart next. I love this kid - buy him some cars and he is happy as can be.

Then we headed to music class. Choo choo train was Kenyon's highlight.

I forgot to take pictures of lunch with friends at Chick-Fil-A. Then we headed to Peter Piper Pizza for dinner. This kid ate nothing healthy all day - isn't that what birthdays are for?!

Maya pounded the wings, like usual.


They rode some rides.


Opened a present from Livvy.

And that was his big day.

Kenyon,

Terrible twos should be nothing compared to the first 2 years of your life. Between colic and ear infections, you have challenged us! But the last 6 months have been a breeze with you and I fall deeper in love with you everyday.

I love that you are talking so much now. From the minute I walk into your room in the morning, you are asking to "eat" or "play trucks." I used to go crazy when you would wake up at 6:00 am, but now I love that just you and I get to spend time together before Maya wakes up.

You were born on April Fools and you are one tease! You love to tease Maya by taking her blanket or tackling her. You tease me by going around touching everything you are not supposed to and smiling all the way. You are the biggest tease with other kids, but you also have a sweet, loving side with others. You give the best hugs to your friends and family. I also love to see you playing kindly with your little neighborhood friends.

You are often found just playing alone, entertaining yourself and for that I am grateful! You love cars, trucks, trains, planes, helicopters, motorcycles and balls. Such a boy through and through!

Kenyon, you came into our lives just 2 short years ago, but you have changed us in ways we never imagined. You have taught us patience and love. Thank you for being you!

Love you!

Mom (& Dad)