Off I Go!

What a strange weekend. My girls went up to Lake Tahoe for the weekend with my parents, so Brent and I had only Ben. It would have been a little reminiscent of times past, except that Ben is NOTHING like Danielle. Danielle was always content to play quietly with a puzzle or doll. Not Ben! He spent most of his day jumping off the furniture and trying to tackle Brent or I. Occasionally he would slow down to play with a car or a weird looking animal toy. We were able to run lots of errands and I spent most of Saturday working on a book for a reunion that is coming up. I also finished packing. Tomorrow morning at 5 am I leave for girls camp. I will be a first year counselor once again and am very excited. For weeks I have been worried about my family. It's hard for a mom to be gone a long time. I know I'll enjoy it, but at the same time I want everyone at home to be ok too and not stress out to much. I don't know if this is making any sense, but whatever, it's my blog.
On a side note, I've been waiting for about 5 days for my monthly 'friend' to appear and when does it happen? Tonight. The day before I leave. I hope this is not a sign of what is to come. Wish me luck and I'll have lots to blog when I get back.

The E True Riddlewood Photo Shoot

Two weeks ago, the Riddle Family got together to take a typical family photo shoot. Or did they????

"Family photo shoots are FUN! YOU WILL SMILE!"

"So, like, I put my hand under my arm and I do what?
You pump it and it sounds like what?"

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New look

I love the fact the my sister-in-law loves to search the web. She spends countless hours looking stuff up and I get to reap all the benefits. Traci found this cool website (located in the left corner of the screen) that you can go to in order to spice up and personalize your blog a bit. I loved it and there were so many to choose from! I picked this one because it's naturey and although I love nature, I really like it when I still have a bed, bathroom, and place to eat. Thanks again Traci!

Still Best Buddies

Last year Dani's best buddy and church friend moved to Texas with his family. Collin and Dani were like peas in a pod; holding hands to walk to primary, always wanting to sit together, and understood each others strange sense of humor. When Collin moved Dani was a little lost at church, but quickly made new friends to hang out with. She never forgot about Collin though and asked when we could moved to Texas. (At the time everyone she new was moving there; her auntie, Collin, and another friend from school. There are no future plans to move to Texas at this time!)

What a surprise it was to hear from Collin's mom on Monday saying not only were they in California for a visit, but they were coming to Tracy so Collin could see Dani!!! They spent a short hour like they had never been apart. They immediately hugged and ran off to play. Collin has a trampoline in Texas at his house, so they spent quite a bit of time showing off their tricks on the trampoline. We snapped a few pictures right as they left. (I just wish I had gotten one of the three of them; Amy, Collin, and Daesha). Once they were gone we realized how much we missed them, but they are so happy in Texas that we talked about being happy for them. Maybe one day we will get out there for a visit.

Too Cute!

Why?

This morning I told my girls that if they helped me clean house they could each choose a special thing to do this afternoon. Hannah chose to make cookies (which Brent will love!) and Dani chose to go to the park. They worked really hard with me all morning and we got everything I wanted them to help with done. After nap time, Hannah and I made cookies, and once Ben woke up we headed to the park. I called a couple of friends to see if they wanted to meet us there and they did. So when we got there, Dani wouldn't play with anyone. She pouted that no one would play with her, but really they just didn't want to do what she wanted them to do. So she pouted. It was so annoying! It was her choice to go to the park, so why aren't we enjoying it? I also had Ben crying for food (I forgot to give them a snack after nap) and Hannah a little lost because her best buddy hadn't come and all the girls were older. Needless to say, we stayed for about 45 minutes then went home. I was really disappointed and a little unsure on how to handle the situation. Dani frequently does this where she has to be in charge, or she doesn't want to play. How do I get her to come down off her high horse a little and do what someone else wants to do? It's not all the time because she often plays with Hannah nice, but Hannah is very much go with the flow. Just recently has she started telling Dani she doesn't want to do something that way and often ends up in tears because Dani is so persistent. Help! ANY ADVICE???

A strange but special day.

After Brent got off work on Saturday, we decided to drive over to Oakland and go to the zoo and visit the temple. Now, as you can see there aren't any pictures of the zoo because when we got there, there wasn't any place to park and was PACKED. We decided we rather spend the money on a weekday and actually get to see some animals. So we headed over to the temple with some friends. We weren't quite as reverent as we should have been outside. The kids were itching to run around and were disappointed we didn't get to go to the zoo. We walked around the grounds and then went to the visitor's center where we listen to the Sister Missionaries talk about Jesus and watched a video about the family. Half way through, Brent accidentally popped Ben's elbow out, so he and I had to leave to pop it back in. We did, but he was very upset so Brent took him outside while I went to find the others. The kids were VERY good in the visitors center (most of the time), folding their arms as they walked and talking quietly. We then headed to Red Robin for dinner, drove back to town to go to Foster Freeze to have ice cream cones, and then went to daddy's store to show our friends. A scooter race or two may have taken place, but I won't admit to anything!

Summer fun

What is a great thing to do at Grandma's house when it's hot? Run through the sprinklers of course. I remember doing this when I was little and loved watching my kids run around and get wet. It actually cooled off quite a bit after this, so we had to go inside. But it was a great hour of fun. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Hannah the Brave

Hannah the BRAVE

We took the band aid off this morning and she took it like a champ!!! Not too bad for something that was bleeding so much!

When you're not looking

It's interesting what happens when two little girls are left alone for a moment. As my girls were in the shower, I heard a bang and went out to make sure Ben was ok. I was gone maybe 30 seconds when I hear Dani shout "You're bleeding! You're bleeding!" Now for those of you who know my daughter, you know she has a flair for the over dramatic (wonder where she gets that from?). So as I walk in I'm expecting to see a small scratch. Yet, as I pull back the curtain, sure enough blood is running down Hannah's cheek. "How did this happen?" I ask and I pull Hannah out and begin to put pressure on it with a towel. Hannah is more scared because Danielle won't stop saying "It's bleeding!" When I finally get Dani to be quiet, Hannah points to the corner of our shower and says "With those." "Those" were a few of Brent's old razers. Not really old since he has to shave his head two to three times a week, but every time he does he uses a new razor. So these were still pretty sharp. Hannah, who followed Dani's example, decided to try to "shave" like Daddy and cut her face. Now, it wasn't too bad. It bled pretty good for a while, but we put a Hello Kitty band aid on it and she was fine. It just goes to show though what kids will try to do it a small amount of time.

Introducing...

Here is the first performance of.... THE DAINTY DIVAS! YOU ROCK!

(Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom of the page!)



Song Title - This Is Me
Artist - Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas
Album - Camp Rock

Do I have too?

I've been sitting around lately thinking, 'where has my summer gone'? Not only do I have a year's worth of curriculum to go through, but like everyone, there is always those summer projects you intend to get done because you have so much more free time. Have I gotten any of them done? Nope! Next week I leave for Lake Tahoe. I love it up there because it is so peaceful. I'm going alone with the kids and will visit my mom who will be with her church lodge at a Private Presbyterian Camp Ground area. They have a private beach with docks to jump off of (not that my 5,3,or 2 year old will be doing that). I'm hoping that although I'm going alone, it will still be relaxing and away from the usual day to day grind.
The following week I go to Girls Camp. I went last year for my first time and loved it! Yes there were a few downs (getting car sick on the way up, having my air mattress get a hole the first day, and getting the 24 hour stomach bug), but I came home exhausted and spiritually uplifted, looking forward to seeing my family. I'm excited to go this year, but of course am a little nervous. I'm always worried that I'll be that one person who gets sick, or twists something, and then can't perform my duties. My very dear friend is going to be running the kitchen and had wanted me in there, but I had already been snagged for a counselor. I would actually like to be in the kitchen one year just to try it out. I love trying new things, so hopefully this year I'll learn something new.
After girls camp Dani has her first day of First Grade. I hope she gets the teacher I worked with before because then I won't worry. Because I know the ins and outs of a Kelly first grade day and know the curriculum like the back of my hand, I was worried that if she got a new teacher that I would constantly think about what that teacher was doing. It's funny because I know I don't do that with any other grades, but I was concerned about first grade. Nothing I can really do about it!
Then on the 5th I go back to work to teach Faith. I enjoy teaching Faith, but am constantly worried that I'm not getting her where she needs to be. As I dissect 2nd grade curriculum manuals I keep thinking 'how will I possibly get it all in?' I have 7 hours a week to get a weeks worth of stuff into that little girls brain. If I'd had 7 hours last year (instead of 5) it would have been ok. But as I go through our stuff this year, I know I can't possibly fit it all in. I need just one more day!!! But of course they won't give it to me. They meaning the County because there are rules about how much I can teach Faith and it irritates me that I can't have more time with her. I may just have to do a little pro-bono work, if you know what I mean. That's what teachers just do.
The following week, after a family reunion that I'm partly helping with, I have to do 7 days for Tracy Unified Teaching 3rd graders. I'm actually excited about this job because I can try something new without having to be in charge of it. There isn't a whole lot of stress involved and my partner is very focused on family first and we get done at school what we get done during the work day and then we are out. Sounds good to me!
So I have to get back to work. I still have Science, Math, Social Studies, and Art to figure out for the month of August. Any ideas are welcome! Especially in the art area.

Dainty Divas

Danielle, who will turn 6 in August, and Hannah, who will be 4 in November, have become quite the divas. They love musicals like Hairspray, High School Musical, and the most recent Camp Rock. They can be found singing a Camp Rock song in their bathroom while they look in the mirror, in the hallway with pretend microphones, and sometimes even in their closet. I'm not sure if I should be worried...

Birthday party for the Birthday boy!

We had a small birthday party for Ben on Saturday. I have learned that less is more when it comes to birthday parties. I used to worry about having enough people there and having stuff for them to do. Now we swim, we eat, we leave. If people come, that's great. If not, then I don't worry about it. Ben's small party consisted of 6 kids and about 10 adults. He got just the right amount of presents (lots of Lightening McQueen stuff!) and loved eating Doritos and Cupcakes. It was such a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon and the birthday boy felt special. What more do you need?!

Fun with Friends

This week the Presbyterian Church that I grew up in had it's Vacation Bible School. Now although we are not part of their church, my parents still are and promised me there would be nothing outrageous, just bible stories. So every night this week from 5-7:30 my kids went and had a great time. Tuesday we even had friends come, so I stayed with them and took a few snapshots. Sparkles came this night and the kids had a blast. Personally Clowns sort of creep me out, but the kids seemed to love her. They didn't get to sit together because they sat down last. Sydney had to sit in the middle so I never did get a good picture of her. But nonetheless, it was a great week to have my kids busy for 2 and 1/2 hours each night. Oh! They got dinner too! What more could I ask for? Someone to watch Ben. Alright, I'll settle for keeping the girls busy.

What's a 2 year old to do?

What does a two year do on his birthday? Swim and watch cars of course! Later he will get his favorite dinner; chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, and green beans.
Happy Birthday Ben!

Happy Birthday Ben

Benjamin was a gift to us. While visiting the temple, Brent and I both had strong feelings that we should continue with our family. We went home and poof! Ben began to be. We were pregnant immediately. Although we didn't understand at the time why Ben had to come right then, we new that he was part of Heavenly Father's plan for us. He was born by c-section July 11th and was 9lbs 7oz and 22 inches long. He was due July 27th, but because he was so big, Dr. Tsang decided he should come out early. The nurses nicknamed him Baracuda because he was always trying to attack anything near his mouth and wanted to eat every hour. The had to give him formula to hold him off in order for my body to produce enough to keep him full.

Within a few weeks you had the routine down. You were a very good baby. This is a picture of your first bath and is one of my favorites.

At six month old you were active, but so happy. You loved watching and playing with your sisters, who adored you.

You were even good for your first haircut. Mommy and Daddy were going through some very hard times because Daddy had lost his job, but you were so good and adjusted well to your new surroundings.

Our handsome boy!

You loved being outside in the backpack. As long as you could see you always had a smile on your face. We took you many places in this pack!

One year old. I can't believe how fast it has gone and feel like I've missed so much. You are still a sweet boy who likes to make everyone happy.

You love to explore now that you are able to get around. Being outside is your favorite thing to do. You loved going to the pumpkin patch and Lake Tahoe. Daddy has become your favorite person to hang out with, which is ok with Mommy.

Christmas time! You are so excited to see the lights, presents, and listen to songs. Here is your first time trying to eat a cupcake on your own.

Becoming more and more independent you want to do everything anyone else is doing. You insist on feeding yourself, getting your own clothes and diapers, and trying to help Mommy and Daddy with groceries to dishes. Sometimes it cute and sometimes it not, but we love the independent side you coming out.

Now a big boy of two you are trying to tell us everything. I love that you are learning to communicate with us now. You have already driven to New Mexico and Texas, flown on an airplane 3 times, been to Disneyland and Disney World, and gone to the snow and the beach twice. Your favorite thing is cars and you love to jump on your trampoline. I can't wait to see what new things you will discover today and every other day. You are so special to us and we are so blessed that we listen to the spirits promptings and had you!
We love you Benjamin!

Get up and Get to it

Today was one of those days where I was trying to get 'back on the band wagon.' My goal today was to workout some, just do something aerobic to get my heart rate up and not feel like a cushion on my couch. Man did I put it off! I blogged, I caught up on emails, I did the dishes, I played play dough with the kids, I watched a TV show I'd recorded and just at the end of nap time, after going to the bathroom one more time, I finally turned the video on. I was a little over eager in my goals as I programmed it for a 45 minute workout. I ended up doing 35 instead, with a few breaks to answer the phone and run to a screaming child. I was tired as I haven't worked out in over 2 weeks do to the flu. I couldn't believe how out of shape I'd gotten in just two weeks!!! Everything felt stiff and tight and my body was like "are you kidding?" But I pushed on through. I was grateful in that while suffering from the flu, I had lost a few pounds so I was actually lighter than I was before. It was probably because my muscles turned to mush or something while I was sick. So, one venture over with onto my next.

A friend of mine is in charge of Enrichment and is an excellent, self taught seamstress. She has made skirts for herself and darling clothes for her daughter and thought it would be fun to teach others how to make a simple A-line skirt. Now, I have never been much of a seamstress. My mom and I tried to make PJ's for the girls two years ago and my mom really ended up making them because 1) I couldn't be at her house without my kids and 2) I didn't know what I was doing. Now, being of a bigger size, my friend graciously made the pattern bigger for me (I still don't know how she did that) but today I went over to her house and we cut out the fabric pieces (3 so not too bad) and we sewed the Muslin fabric that is to go as a lining under the skirt for me to try on just to make sure her new pattern would work. It did. It was a little big on me (which is one of those moments you are sooo grateful it's big and not to small) but once everything is sewed on and I throw a shirt over it it will be fine. If I ever get pregnant again it will also allow me a little room to grow. I'm really excited because I hate shopping for myself and if this really works, could be the basis for my church wardrobe. What can you not do with a simple A-line pattern? I hope it works and it looks simple enough that I think it might. Wish me luck! Now all I have to do is find a shirt....Suggestions are welcome!

Now What

So I have to admit I've been a little grumpy. Not only is it 103 outside today, but I have still been recuperating from the flu. I've been to the nicest chiropractor in town. Dr. C has been helping me since being prego with Hannah and I haven't been back to see him since Ben was a few months old. He adjusted my neck and back and then does electric stem on my neck and shoulders. I feel like a new woman! Because of this new found freedom from pain, I decided to tackle a few projects in the garage. Now, a small child could get lost for weeks in my garage and because it was so hot, we didn't stay in there very long. But I did take some things to Interfaith Ministries, get rid of the recycling ($12 whole dollars!), and went to get water. The kids thought it was great and wanted to know what other errands we had to do, but that was it. They were thoroughly disappointed that we were coming home for lunch and naps.

My husbands new business is off and running. They moved to the new building Saturday and opened on Monday. Although there is still a lot of cleaning up to do, it is so much nicer in the new building. His biggest problem is that he is so busy with customers, he isn't getting any of his other work done. I guess it's good, but we miss him. He has been getting to work at 7 and not coming home until 7 or 8 at night. It makes for a long day for him and for us. He also has been working 6 days a week instead of 5. Hopefully he'll be able to get some more help and be able to slow down a bit. We are so grateful though that the business is doing so well and are hoping that in the new future we will be able to afford a home of our own. We love our little house, but its annoying to have to worry about things because the house you live in belongs to someone else. One day...

Happy 4th!

I love the 4th of July. Not only is it the birthday of the greatest country to live in ever, but it is also full of traditions for me and my family that go back to when I was a little girl. We start the morning at the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast in Lincoln Park. There are always people see that come ever year and you get to watch the park come alive for all of the festivities of the day. We then head over to our corner, next to Hotchkiss Mortuary and watch the parade. This years was really good! The kids loved it. Here are some pictures taken at the Parade.

Uncle Allen with Lexi and Ben

We had lots of friends join us this year on the corner. It made the parade that much more fun! We hope they come again next year!

The inseparable couple!

Hatches brought little flags for everyone to wave which made the kids look even cuter. I loved this one of Sydney and Dani.

My niece Lexi.

So this was my only irritant of the morning. They threw out candy to the kids (which is fine), but someone handed a candy cane like star to my son. There was no way he could eat it without getting sticky mess all over himself and whomever he was next too. Brent told me to chill out and let him have fun on the fourth. Which, he did!