Drew gave me the key to his heart <3
*~Bonnie Lea~*

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

Tiiiired

We are still doing much better today than yesterday.

But we're all extra tired.

I had a REALLY hard time getting the girls up from their nap.

And I'm feeling a little achey this afternoon.

Hoping a good night's sleep will take care of that.

We've got two birthday parties to go to this weekend!

My nephew Jeremiah is TWO today!

And our friend Corbin will be SIX on V-day!!

Speaking of V-day.

It's been a long time since I was excited for this particular 'holiday'.

Having someone special to spend it with is what makes it a fun day <3

And this year, I definitely have someone special to spend it with.

(I plan to be spending alllllll my valentines days with him, from now on, forever!)

:-D

In case anyone missed it...

I'm head over heels in love :o)

better

We are feeling much, much better today. 

A little tired from yesterday.

But MUCH better.

I kept Rayce home again today, because they're not supposed to be at school until they've been healthy for a full 24 hours.

Charlize did get sick again last night, around 11:30pm, all over my floor.

Ick.

*~*~*

I'm transitioning Brody out into the real world.

Leaving him out of the kennel as much as possible.

He's doing much better with the potty training.

Until he gets upstairs.

In which case he pisses all over the place as quickly as he can before anyone can stop him.

>.<

He is also still verrry excitable around the kids.

But he's still a puppy.

He doesn't realize he's the same size as the kids are, and he certainly doesn't realize his strength.

So I just have to keep a close eye on him.

And he stays in his kennel while we nap, while we eat, and overnight.

He is doing better.

He tries soooo hard to be a good boy.

Bailey's new parents are having the very same issues with her, they say that she tries so hard to be a good girl.

I wonder if it's a trait common to these type of mixed breeds, being hard to train.

Because I've seen some of Brody and Bailey's siblings listed on craigslist, too.

I need to find some more toys that Brody likes, that he can't destroy in less than a day.

He likes soft, stuffed toys, especially squeaky ones.

But he tears them completely apart VERY quickly.

He doesn't much care for the hard rubbery type toys (the ones that happen to be more indestructable, of course).

*~*~*

I'm finally planning our 3-4-5 birthday party, for next weekend, for Liliya, Dante, and Holden.

The kids are excited, of course.

For anyone coming, the kids are pretty much set on toys.

If you must buy a toy, the boys are super super obsessed with Power Rangers and any super heroes/action figures. And Liliya is super obsessed with dolls and Disney Princesses in general.

They could use some new art supplies, like crayons, colored pencils, and washable markers.

HOPEFULLY at some point soon I'll get my act together and do their birthday photoshoots :-/

Yes, I know, I'm a slacker.

*~*~*

I'm getting things done around the house that don't get done often.

Not as quickly/as much as I plan/hope, of course.

But progress is progress, especially in our home!

The other day I completely cleared off/out the china cabinet and scrubbed it down.

It was gross.

It looks much better now.

I'm trying to get everything deep cleaned and organized for Mom's birthday, which is in...

about 3 weeks I guess.

*~*~*

I've been spending more 'educational' time with the girls and it's paying off, Liliya is learning some letters and Charlize now knows all of her letters.

I need to start working with Rayce some.

His report card came home Monday and I wasn't impressed :o(

Not that it wasn't a good report card.

It was good.

But it wasn't great.

He's been soooo far ahead for so long, and now he's losing that advantage.

He went from A (above grade level) to M (meets grade level expectations) in a lot of areas.

And his effort grade went from 4 (outstanding) to 3 (average) in a lot of areas too.

I can tell you exactly what the issues are.

First of all, he can't keep his lips zipped.

The boy likes to talk. All the time.

He's easily distracted.

And, to be honest, he's lazy.

He puts forth the minimum amount of effort required to get things done and over with as quickly as possible.

And that's not ok with me.

I don't set the best example, either.

*sigh*

He's not being challenged enough, either.

He brings the same books home as often as possible in his 'book in a bag'.

He really likes the books that are actually songs.

Because then he can sing them, from memory, and he doesn't have to actually read.

He brings home "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" once or twice a week.

I'm thinking we may have to get rid of the TV completely in the afternoons/evenings.

Like, literally unplug it at 4pm. Or even during the week, in general, and only have it on on the weekends, maybe plan to plug it back in on Saturdays after the kids rooms are clean and they've taken care of anything else they're supposed to do.

Something's gotta change, for sure.

I just have to figure out what, and how to make it work.

*~*~*

I didn't get to see my Drewy last night, because I was too sick.

I sleep terribly if I don't get to see him before I go to bed.

Last night was no exception.

Things are going wonderfully <3

My kids have taken to him like he's always been here. Even Liliya, who is slow to warm up to new people.

And Reni has been telling everyone who will listen that I used to have less kids but now I have more kids because I love her and she loves me :o)

How sweet is that?!

The kids play great together, too, especially Charlize and Reni.

What's meant to be will always find a way!

*~*~*

I'm looking into some recreational activities for the kids.

I'm going to enroll the girls in a preschool spring 'dance camp'.

It's only a month long, once a week, but they get to try out 4 different kinds of dance, ballet, jazz, tap, and acro.

I think they'll have a blast, and it'll give me an indication of whether or not it's something they'd like to do long term.

I've requested some info about karate for Rayce, and gymnastics for all the kids.

Still waiting on the info, though!

Especially for the summer, I'd like them to have some kind of structured activities to look forward to and keep them busy.

And if it works out that they really enjoy whatever they try, it'll be great to have something active to do next fall/winter when the weather gets colder again and they can't really play outside.

*~*~*

Anyway, that's more than enough for now.

I've got some really nasty laundry to work on :-X

and some kiddos to bathe and dress and a bookcase and computer desk to clear off and organize.

since i'm stuck in bed anyway

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37708&vid=1&pid=811369&scid=811369002

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=39288&vid=1&pid=819057&scid=819057012

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=39288&vid=1&pid=819059&scid=819059002

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=39288&vid=1&pid=819053&scid=819053072

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=39288&vid=1&pid=819054&scid=819054012

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65693&vid=1&pid=819056&scid=819056002

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65693&vid=1&pid=818845&scid=818845022

http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_-1_697341_144880_27151%7C133161_girl%7Cdresses_biggirls

http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_-1_697262_144847_27151%7C133161_girl%7Cdresses_biggirls

http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_-1_697218_144823_27151%7C133161_girl%7Cdresses_biggirls

http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_item.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524445997873&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306231096&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395917465&bmUID=1297563292954&productSizeSelected=0&fit_type=

http://www.target.com/Infant-Toddler-Cherokee-Double-Ruffle/dp/B003U45QX4/ref=br_1_8?ie=UTF8&id=Infant%20Toddler%20Cherokee%20Double%20Ruffle&node=13749031&searchSize=90&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&sr=1-8&qid=1297563455&rh=&searchBinNameList=style_name,sleeve_type,price,target_com_primary_color-bin,target_com_brand-bin,target_com_character-bin&searchRank=pmrank&frombrowse=1

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Faded-Glory-Girls-Solid-Sundress-and-Scoop-Tee/15134811

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Faded-Glory-Girls-Solid-Sundress-and-Scoop-Tee/15134813

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37708&vid=1&pid=811319&scid=811319012

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37708&vid=1&pid=811321&scid=811321002

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37708&vid=1&pid=810536&scid=810536022

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37708&vid=1&pid=810540&scid=810540002

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=63663&vid=1&pid=811204

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=39282&vid=1&pid=819119&scid=819119002

And two pairs of each of these in every color

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60279&vid=1&pid=773492&scid=773492132

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=53936&vid=1&pid=612857&scid=612857002

I feel like complete crap,

I feel like complete crap, kids are eating, but liliya's running a fever now. *sigh*
*~Bonnie Lea~*

We've graduated from plain toast

We've graduated from plain toast to soup but rayce and i are still quite queasy
*~Bonnie Lea~*

*~Bonnie Lea~*

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This picture message or video message was sent using Multimedia Messaging Service.

To play video messages sent to email, Apple� QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

Poor guy =-(
*~Bonnie Lea~*

This picture message or video message was sent using Multimedia Messaging Service.

To play video messages sent to email, Apple� QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

Sooo, yeah.

All of the kids are sick.

Liliya woke up puking at about 6 this morning.

Then Charlize a little bit later.

I had decided to keep Rayce home, figuring he would probably get sick too.

And he sure did, about three minutes after I called the school to let them know he would be home.

The weird thing is, they seem fine, in between pukes.

They'll puke, badly.

And then go back to playing like nothing is wrong.

So I guess I'll take what I can get.

At least they're not all laying around moaning and miserable, right?

I have a big mess to clean up in the girls room :-/

I just shut the door this morning, couldn't deal with the smell.

:-X

Thank God for plastic mattress covers, at the very least.

My stomach isn't feeling so hot, but usually when the kids get sick, I feel like I'm gonna get sick, and half of the time it ends up being just from the anxiety.

I've got my fingers crossed.

At any rate, I'm enjoying hanging out in bed while they play in the boys' room in between being sick.

Can you tell I have the intense urge to SHOP, from my last couple posts?

I'm dyinggggg for taxes to come in already.

And for my birthday to get hereeeee.

There are a few things I really want to get for my photography, things that I think will make this a solid part time career opportunity.

A softbox lighting kit.

Photoshop Elements 9.

Some photoshop preset actions.

And a few simple props (mostly for babies... baskets, hats/headbands, blankets)

The kids and I all really need some new clothes, too.

Especially Rayce and Charlize, who are both growing out of all their pants at the same time.

And I really want to get a simple beginners sewing machine and a few starting tools like a rotary cutter, so I can get going on the kids quilts and try a few other things once I get the hang of it.

MUST get these for the girls, from GAP.

Easter/spring pics

Me being me, I'm already on the lookout for Easter/spring pic outfits.

I love these from Children's Place...

With these shirts for the boys, also from Children's Place...

Then I also love these...

And if we went with these, I would have the boys wear their plain white button up shirts with dark dark blue jeans.

Annnnnd then there's these dresses...

which would go amazingly with the plain white button up shirts, black pants, and black hats I got the boys for Christmas pictures.

(And I've got images in my head of these dresses with big black sun hats, how cute would that be?!?!)

I'm thinking that the cream and khaki colors would give the pictures a more classy look.

The pink would give the pictures a more springy look.

And the black and white would give the pictures a more edgy and modern look.

What to do, what to do?!?!

And nowwww all three kids

And nowwww all three kids are puking. Badly.
*~Bonnie Lea~*

Annnnnnd now charlize. Who's next,

Annnnnnd now charlize. Who's next, me or rayce?
*~Bonnie Lea~*

Liliya is pukinggg and i

Liliya is pukinggg and i feel verrry queasy, hoping it's nerves and not actually my stomach =-X
*~Bonnie Lea~*

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This picture message or video message was sent using Multimedia Messaging Service.

To play video messages sent to email, Apple� QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

Marathon laundry session today, getting

Marathon laundry session today, getting the downstairs in shape in between each of the gazillion loads =-/
*~Bonnie Lea~*

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This picture message or video message was sent using Multimedia Messaging Service.

To play video messages sent to email, Apple� QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

It's apparent you're a parent when...

You leave the bathroom light off and the door slightly ajar, just so the kids won't realize you're in there and come bursting in.

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This picture message or video message was sent using Multimedia Messaging Service.

To play video messages sent to email, Apple� QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

Got this huge playpen off craigslist last week, melissa lovesss it, it's so big with plenty of space to crawl around and stay safe and clean!
*~Bonnie Lea~*

yummmm

I was desperate.

I've been wanting to try new things in the crockpot.

We had a big pack of chicken breasts.

So I threw the chicken in the crock pot.

Melted cream cheese and parmesan cheese and butter in some milk and diced garlic on the stove.

Poured it over the chicken.

Umm.

It smells AMAZING.

And I had no idea that 'alfredo' sauce would be so easy to make!

I never like the kind you buy in a jar.

But this smells soooooo good.

I'm gonna toss in some frozen broccolli an hour or so before we're ready to eat, and serve it over some angel hair pasta.

YUMMMMMM!!!

sleep over

We had such a great sleepover last night.

The girls had Reni.

Rayce had Drew's little brother Chance.

I had Drewy, of course <3

We had pizza and ice cream.

We played Wii and Barbies.

The kids stayed up way too late and got up way too early.

I made scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast.

We played more Wii, more Barbies, and the kids sledded down the stairs on the crib mattress.

It was *awesome*.

To just hang out.

No stress.

No craziness.

(besides the darn dog getting up twice during the night)

Just laid back chillaxin fun.

I can't wait to do it againnnnn!!!

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.

*~Bonnie Lea~*

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.