Mouth to Mouth Anyone?

This afternoon some of my friends and I got together to learn CPR and First Aid techniques from a trained professional. It was a very well put together plan. We had the class at a friends house around the corner from my house, and at my house we had the 12 children with 3 very brave girls to watch them. The class was 2.5 hours and the 6 of us had a great time. It was so nice to learn (or re-learn) some good information that may really come in handy one of these days. The nice part was, our kids had a blast too, including their babysitters!

We are hoping to have more of these afternoons and are thinking of other things we can do to feel like we are accomplishing great things, but getting a break too. I'm really looking forward to them and am interested to hear any ideas. I think our next one is going to be a class on freezer meals. I have some friends that go to the place where they have everything ready to go and you just put the dinner together (I can't think of the name!), but it seems a little expensive to me and wanted to see if I could just learn to do it myself. Cooking is one of my many vices. Baking I love!!! (That's where the big bootie comes in). But to actually cook a meal is not one of my strong points. I usually stick to what I know; spaghetti, chicken nuggets, burritos, pancakes (yes we have breakfast at least once every two weeks for dinner). I hate cooking meat and never feel like I do it right. So, for our next Mommy afternoon I'm going to focus on one of my greatest weaknesses.
Other ideas will be greatly appreciate! Maybe one of these days I'll learn to sew back on a button...but I don't want to shoot too far!

You are getting very sleepy....

So, I'm starting to wonder if my poor boy is really needing more sleep! Two more times have I found him with his blanket and binki sound asleep. This is without my knowledge! I think he is off playing somewhere, realize it's unusually quite, and find him sound asleep. Sleep on brother! (Maybe now I can check my email...)

The final piece

After selling some of Brent's police things, we were able to purchase the final piece to our backyard, yes a trampoline. (Once Brent gets something in his head, he usually finds a way to do it!) It was awful to put together, but now my kids have a wonderful backyard to play in and are asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow every night. I myself have not attempted the thing yet, but everyone else has and loves it.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho

When Brent does the grocery shopping, he buys almost everything we need for the month in one shot. Then we all go out to help him bring it in. Even the youngest two!
Dani was running around somewhere, but I never got a good picture of her.

Here is Hannah (and Ben in the background) carrying in Brent's soda for the month.

Look at our strong little man!

One of my favorite things

One of my favorite times of the day is when my kids calm down and do activities by themselves. I'm not sure how it got started, (most likely from Dani), but it lasts about 20-45 min and they are just happy to be doing their own thing.

Ben playing with the "fishy" game.

Ben on fisherprice.com. They have online preschool games.
He loves the ABC with animals.
All he has to do is push the space bar to get to the next letter/animal.

Dani painting. She is our little artist!

Hannah playing with an ABC game that I got a long time ago.
She loves it and she's learning, which I love!

At the kitchen table, all three do their individual activities.

Blessed

Lately I have felt very blessed. My sister came home for the Easter weekend and I realized how much I missed having her around. There is always someone in your life that you could just always have around. My sister is one of those people. (I have close friends like that too!) You know that kind of person who just shows up at your house instead of theirs because they know that they are always welcome. You don't have to talk, but just around to not have to be alone. My sister and I are like that. She wants me to move to Texas to be nearer to her. I would love to live down the street from my sister and maybe someday I will. Right now though I feel this pull like this is just where I'm suppose to be. I've been really thinking about it a lot lately. I would also love to live closer to my family in New Mexico and Sacramento, but I can't live on the same block as everyone. (Although it would be fun to dream!)

I am blessed to have so many people I love. Many people focus on who loves them and who gives to them. But I'm grateful for people who I care so much about, who I can give to. It's nice to feel like people pay attention to you, but it's also a lot nicer (I think) to FEEL needed. Like we have a purpose in making someone else's life happier. One of my new goals is to try to do something nice for my husband each day. I know I should have been doing that all along, but when you are in the day to day life, it's easy to forget those closest to you.

I also want special time with each of my children. My middle child Hannah sneaks into my room "when the sun comes up" (which is earlier and earlier now) and we cuddle together in my bed. She knows she can't come during the night, but we always have at least 20-30 minutes of cuddle time before the day starts. I love this! I love having this time with her. One day she'll be 12 and won't want to get out of bed to cuddle with her mom. Ben always wants me to hold him during his cartoon time. (This is difficult because usually the cartoon is on because I need to get something done). But he talks to me during the cartoon like he is trying to explain it to me. I think that is soo cute and I realize that it to will be no more. Dani loves to read to me, play a game, or help me with something she thinks is very grown up. She is growing up and I'm grateful to be able to be home with them more to have these moments. If I was working full time there would never be a morning to cuddle, I wouldn't be around at 8:00 for Little Einsteins, and I wouldn't have nearly the time I do to spend with Dani reading and teaching her how to do things.

I am greatly blessed for these things in my life and a husband who knows how important it is for me to make these kinds of bonds with my kids. If I moved to Texas to be closer to T, I would have to work full time and would miss out on this time with my kids. If it was best for my family, I would do it. But right now, I'm just not sure it is. We are in a good place where I can be home, work part time, and Brent can work and attend school. I feel content with my life right now, even if it only lasts for tonight.

Surprise!

So, I have to preface what is going on a little. Brent and I are trying to fix up our backyard and make it playable before it gets too hot. We had a huge area that was covered in sand (the owners had a dough-boy pool) and the local cats liked to use it as their personal potty. I was always nervous about letting the kids outside because that is always the first place they head. So this morning, Brent got up at 6am and instead of running on the treadmill, went outside and dug up all the sand and put it in our trailer. Then I called and had tan bark delivered and then moved it the rest of the morning to the backyard. When I was done, I came in at 11 to find Ben fast asleep on the floor! Two great surprises to start my day!

Ben asleep.

Area where sand use to be. Yay!

The new play structure I bought from a friend. It is a lot easier for Ben to play on. I put the tanbark there yesterday morning and we picked up the play structure in the afternoon. The kids were so excited!

Easter Sunday at Papa's church

Easter Sunday we try to go to church with my mom and dad. They have an Easter Service, and then a big egg hunt after for all of the little kids.

Here is Ben enjoying a yummy rice krispy treat.

Papa with his Grandkids

Hannah Hunting Eggs.

Dani hunting eggs

Our Spring Girls

Our Family Easter Sunday. Aren't we cute?!

Riddle Easter Barbeque

The Saturday before Easter the Riddles always have a barbecue with the Silcox family. We have an egg hunt, eat yummy food, and play games. It's a great tradition that my kids look forward to every year.

Here is Hannah playing catch with Dani.

Bocci Ball Anyone?

Ben chases the Bocci Ball for Daddy

Dani enjoys one of Aunt Rachel's yummy sugar cookies!

Happy Easter!

Coloring Easter Eggs with Grammy Reich and Aunt Christie

Happy Birthday To Lexi!

Our cutie niece turned two! We were going to call, but had a very eventful Easter day and I must admit that Auntie Laura dropped the ball on her birthday gift, (It's coming in the mail mom!). The girls and I decided to sing our special gal a song for her birthday. We love you Lexi!

Beautiful Spring Day

Today was such a lovely day. I love using words like 'lovely'. I don't know why, but it always seems to make me feel more up standing. The kids and I went outside this afternoon and I read a book while they played on the playground, threw and kicked a ball, and the girls even brought their markers outside and made pictures on their little table. It was just such a 'lovely' afternoon!

I've been thinking about why I don't have more afternoons like this and I think it is because I'm always worried about the things I need to get done (exercise, dishes, laundry, email, work, calling, etc). I officially don't have to work all of next week and I feel so relaxed. I do love my jobs and the fact that they get me out of my house on a regular basis, but vacation feel sooooo nice too. That is one good thing about being a teacher, you still get to vacation like a kid! I am going to try to pick up at least one sub-day next week to help the family funds, but the mental break from "I have so much to do" was so nice today that I'm going to attempt more of them in the future. You know, stop and smell the flowers, that kind of thing. Hopefully it will last more than just a few days.

Dani's First Game

Dani's first softball game! We were all very excited. Dani is playing T-ball, so everyone gets a chance to bat (because no one will ever get an out). She did really well. She got three hits and stopped the ball about 10 times. She also got about 6 good throws to first base (the first base man was never able to catch any, but she tried hard!). She had a great time. I do have to add that after the game, she took off out of the dugout and slipped in the dirt (I didn't want to buy cleats so she was just wearing tennis shoes). She fell hard and scraped her knee. She then screamed at the top of her lungs like her leg was broken and wouldn't walk on it the rest of the night. Today she is perfectly fine with a little scratch on her leg that she shoes to everyone like it's a battle scar. I think she still had a good time though. Thanks to Grammy Reich for taking the pictures!

Yes, this is me helping. I hate pictures of me, especially in the hideous orange color we have to wear.

Grandma Riddle and Hannah brave the wind while watching Dani play.

Back To Being Ben

We had Ben's EEG update. Everything looks normal. The doctor thinks it truly is just Febral seizures and there isn't any long term damage. She just suggested we keep our eye on him. He is back to coloring on the walls, chasing and harassing his sisters, and climbing on anything he can. I'm grateful for the prayers and concerns of our friends and family.

I'm still struggling along on my new fit attitude. I'm riding the crimson wave this week and I'm just so tired and grumpy the last thing I want to do is go get all sweaty. I'm sure I would feel better after getting some much needed excercise. I'm attempting that personal motivation thing, and right now all I want is a nap. I've lost about 5 pounds in three weeks. That's pretty good and I'm glad that I'm slowly making progress.

Backyard Fun

After Opening Day, the girls and I came home and we got to work. We had ordered tan bark and Brent had gotten it put in over the week. We went out to Reich's and took apart, cleaned, and loaded up our playground that has been there for two years. We then got it all set up at our house. When Hannah and Ben woke up from their naps, there was a great surprise waiting!!! Ben has already fallen off of the rope ladder and cut his face. But he got right back on and still had a great time with his sisters.

Opening Day for Dani!

A tradition continues! Dani has started to play softball this year. She is so excited and loves that she is the center of attention for a little while. She feels very important, especially because Mommy is the assistant coach and we get to spend more time together one on one.

Dani last Saturday for picture day

At Opening Day Exercises.

Hannah wanted to go with us. We left at 7:30 and it was really cold. She didn't like it once we got there, but there was no going home! She was a trouper.

A few fast pace days

The last few days have flown by so fast!!! Ben had his EEG Monday. We got lost in Lodi and showed up about 15 minutes late. We had sleep deprived Ben the night before so that he would go to sleep during the procedure. Brent had to pour cold water on his head to keep him awake in the car. He didn't even cry! When we got to the appointment they gave him a sedative which they said would help him stay out. Well, he went crazy! Evidently some kids react to the sedative opposite of what it is suppose to do. So it took us over an hour to get him to sleep. Brent finally had to drive him around the block. The procedure went fine. I wish I had taken my camera! They put a hat that looked like a swimming cap with little spongy rings throughout the inside on his head. Then they stimulated him with lights. He slept through the whole thing and acted like a drunken sailor for the rest of the day. We had to really keep our eye on him.

Yesterday I did my duty and went to the Stockton Court House for Jury Duty. Of course I had to stay all day! We got called into a court room at 3:30 and they explained the case to us. Then we were told we had to come back the next day at 10 am!!!! Then, he said if there was an hardships that denied us the chance to come back we could stay after and let him know. I was able to tell him I was a stay at home mom with three kids and he immediately dismissed me. The trial was about whether or not to institutionalize a man for being a sexual predator. I'm pretty strong, but I'm not sure I would have even been strong enough to hear what he had actually done. I'm soooooo glad I got out of it!!!

So today I woke up exhausted and sick so I played hookie from work and cleaned up my house a little. I also tried a recipe I got off of recipes.sparkpeople.com. It turned out ok. It was a banana bread made with oatmeal, which I made into mini muffins and added some mini chocolate chips. My kids liked them ok. I'm going to let the Fit For Eternity class try them out tomorrow night and see what they think.

More Trials and Tribulation

I know that we are given trials and tribulations to make us stronger. I know that as we go through these trials that it really sucks and eventually in like 10 to 20 years I understand why I had to go through everything. I'm not bitter like I used to be about my life, but I'm just sitting here wondering, what's next? Will life always be a constant struggle? What's going on right now you might say? Well, let me give you the run down:

• My son is having an EEG on Monday. The doctors are sure that everything will be ok, but then why does he have to have an EEG?
  
• I think Hannah and Ben are suffering from allergies. Hannah's left eye is so swollen she can hardly see out of it, and poor Ben is green snotty, and red around the eyes as well. Both are very grumpy and seem to have it out for the other. (I remember being annoyed with my siblings, but not at this age!)
  
• My job share partner recently told me that she wants to go back to work full time next year. So, I'm on the job hunt again. I think it will be ok. I'll just start searching for a new partner. I'm pretty positive that I'll be able to find someone. I just wish it had worked out better for her. I feel like she has been kind of annoyed at me all year and I've been pretty clueless until now.
  
• My husband is mr. grumpy. Did you ever see those old cards where it's just a shape but each one had a funny name. That's kind of like my husband right now. He is going to school, getting over the fact that he won't be a police officer like he had thought, and is very upset that I need to work at all. I don't mind working a few days. I just can't go back full time because of the daycare thing. (Maybe I should start daycare? NAH!)
• I miss my family that is very far away. My sister is in Texas and my sister in-law/best friend from high school is in New Mexico. I can always talk to them on the phone, but it's just not quite the same.
  
• I miss my good friend who lives near me. Our kids have been sick and either she or I have been gone. Maybe when she gets back we can see each other again!
  
• My other job is hourly and I won't get paid this summer because I can't teach her when there is no school. So, I'm trying to work more now in hopes to cover everything down the road.
  

Now everything is not THAT bad. Here are some positives!

• I'm starting a fitness group at church tonight called Fit For Eternity (FFE) with J. We are very excited about it and are having 12 week class to see if it is helpful, because goodness knows I need all the help I can get!
• I've been watching calories/fat/fiber/protein now for almost two weeks along with exercising 5-6 days a week. I'm feeling much better about myself and my pants even seem to fit a little better. (I can actually sit down in them now!)
• My depression isn't as bad. I'm not sure if it's from the exercising, but I do feel better.
• We are going on a family vacation in June! We are still working on how to get more sub jobs for me so we can pay for it, but I can still be excited to go. Heaven knows we need one!
• I've been reading my scriptures daily each night before I go to bed. Sometimes I get a lot out of it, and sometimes I don't, but I'm trying and that is all that matters!
• Brent and I are getting along better. Maybe it's because we hardly see each other, but nevertheless we are happy when we do get to see each other.
  
• I have great FRIENDS!!! All my school pal, church pals, old friends, etc. I do have a lot of people I can talk to and I feel very lucky that I have that. Some people don't you know.
• I live in a house, not my house, but my house with no other family but my own!!! That it soo nice. Having one's own space is muy importante to me.
  

So that's the run down. Again, I'm not sad or even too upset about the trials. I'll be one very strong woman someday and I'm grateful for that. I do have happiness in between and that is what I think life is truly about. May you find the little happinesses in your life as well.

My little house elves!

I told the girls that I had to clean, and they decided to help! Who knew! Dani helped clean her room and both bathrooms. Hannah dusted. Note to all: give a three year old a swiffer duster and she will swiffer everything (including her brother!)
We got the whole house clean!!!! And now today, have been really lazy.