Clifton's Birthday Party

Updates on Clifton -
He is so good with numbers and he loves them.  He randomly adds numbers together and tells me what they equal.  He is getting good at reading a clock.  He was so interested in how to, that we got him an app to play and now he's starting to tell time.  That boy and his numbers!

Updates on McKay -
Sure is a silly girl.  She often keeps Alex and I giggling with the things she does.  She is a hoot and I love her and all her craziness.

Updates on Stanley-
Still working on getting better.  By the end of the week he just had a little bit of the cough hanging on but his breathing is completely back to normal.
He is starting to reach and grab for toys hanging in front of him.  And he makes the cutest cooing sounds.

Monday I took Clifton and McKay to their first dentist appointment (don't judge me I know I should have a lot sooner - mommy fail) and was quite scared how Clifton would do.  He is getting better about things like this but is so shy and scared of others and them touching him.  I was not nervous about McKay she is a lot more willing and outgoing.  McKay went first and showed Clifton how its done.  She was not scared at all.

Then Clifton

He had a little melt down while trying to get him in the chair but after that he was good.  And now my kids are even more eager to brush their teeth, use fluoride, and floss.

Tuesday morning my good friend, Amy came and took McKay and Clifton to play because she knew we were all going insane being inside waiting for Stanley to feel better.  I am so lucky to have wonderful friends that offer and are always willing to help.  I am very blessed!

Later that day my mother came to town.  We had planned to play all week but since Stanley wasn't feeling 100% she took the older kids out to play so Stanley and I could recover from last week. She is a wonderful woman and I love her very much.  So selfless.

 He started doing better and being even happier.

She was such great help to me.  And the kids LOVED having her here.

By Thursday Stanley was feeling even better and I felt comfortable taking him outside.  Since it was an amazing Washington day we ventured out.  We went to play at Manchester Beach.

 Perfect day for sand angels!

We had so much fun and got quite wet and dirty.  It was an amazing day and really something I needed after being cooped up at home all week.  It is making me very excited for summer and the weather to continue to get nicer.  I love the beauty and fun we can have in Washington.

Friday was Clifton's party.  And the sun was shining for us!  This year he requested for his party an obstacle course run.  Yep he is totally my child.  I was so excited that he asked for that and was ready to have some fun with him and his friends.

Ready.  Set.  Go!  Oh seeing that smile makes it worth every penny and effort put into it.  Thanks Kathryn for capturing this.

 We had six obstacles in a mile loop.  Cones,

 "Barb wire" crawl,

Straw bale mountain, hula hoop hop, trampoline jump, and balance beam.

And everyone who finished of course got medals!  Man we had a blast.  The kids even asked to do it again.  So we did!  I was pooped that night but man it was worth it to see Clifton having so much fun with his friends.  And I had a blast playing with them.  These things I really enjoy doing with my kids.  Success!  Thank you everyone who came and made it so much fun.

Saturday our niece was getting baptized and we were privileged to go.  It was a wonderful baptism and was great to watch her make a great decision.  After the baptism they had a luncheon and a party because it was also her birthday.  They had a rock wall there and I was certain Clifton would pass this up.  He often gets scared climbing up McDonalds play equipment :)  But he insisted.

I am all for letting him try even if he would fail.  But to my surprise he did amazing.  Even when the instructor was being a complete jerk and didn't know how to work with kids.  He got about half way up the wall.  He was so proud of himself and so was I.  A great moment to remember!

Sunday was Easter Sunday since General Conference will be on Easter and we won't have church.

So we got dressed up!  I was in heaven.  My boys looked so insanely cute all matching and handsome.  And of course McKay looked beautiful.  Alex is such a great husband to let me pick out his outfit and even if he didn't love it still wear it to match his boys.  Clifton LOVED matching.  Let's do this every Sunday :) Joking Alex, don't worry!

Clifton is 5!

Updates on Clifton -
He turned 5!  He woke up and asked if he turned 5 why he hasn't gotten bigger yet.  He sure is a great boy and we have love him so much.  This week we really learned what a great big brother and boy he is, Alex and I had to be gone for a day while we took Stanley into the doctors.  He told his Aunt who came to stay with them how the day was to go.  He told her how long they could watch tv and play on their phones.  He told her when McKay goes down for a nap and what they have for breakfast and lunch.  What a big boy he is!  A little OCD about his schedule (maybe a little like his mom an dad) but a great boy.  We also had to reschedule Clifton's party because Stanley was in the hospital and Clifton totally understood and did not complain once about it.  Love that kid.

Updates on McKay -
She was meant to be an only child, I am certain of it.  Whenever McKay is alone she is amazing.  And its not because she is getting more attention from me, because lots of the time she goes and plays all by herself for hours.  As long as no other child is around (excluding Stanley he doesn't bug her - yet).  This will be her challenge throughout life because she has siblings and most likely will have more.

Updates on Stanley -
Well he has had a rough week.  Wednesday we rushed him into the ER because he had bronchiolitis again but this time he was struggling to breathe and his oxygen count was down.  He is home now but still recovering.

For FHE we took part of the free ice cream cone day at DQ.

They were a lot bigger than we expected, I think Alex ended up eating three cones :) And then went to play soccer with all that in his belly.

Tuesday was St. Patricks Day

I know its probably surprising but I don't go big on this holiday.  We all wore green, did some St. Patricks Day preschool activities with the kids, and our friend had a St. Patty's party.  It was a fun and busy day.

Wednesday was Clifton's birthday.  Each year I let the kids pick the activities they want to do on their actually birthday.  And to my surprise Clifton didn't choose Chuck E Cheese.  He said he wanted to ride the ferry to Seattle and watch Sounders (yep that's my boy).  Sadly Sounders were not playing that day so he wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel instead.  And for dinner he requested cake but I said no so then he requested Costco pizza.

Off to Seattle we go!

And my kids were best friends the whole trip which rarely happens.

On the way to Seattle I thought it would be cute if they announced his birthday over the speakers on the ferry.  So I asked crew and they did it.  Which Clifton thought was pretty awesome.  Then they came back and asked Clifton if he wanted to be captain for the day.  Of course he said yes!  So up we went.  The crew called him Captain Clifton and everything. It was a pretty amazing experience for Clifton.  What a wonderful crew - they made his day.

 Ferris Wheel ride.  Clifton was ecstatic that the wheel went around 5 times especially cause they said it would only go around 3.  He was sure it was because he is 5 now.  Oh the simple things that make him happy.

 Carousel ride

Cotton candy - first time for my kids trying it and reviews came out negative :)

Clifton is one loved boy.  He had many people call and text him happy birthday.  Evan came over and took him out to Ice cream, and other friends stopped by with gifts.  Thank you all who helped make his day special.  I am huge on birthdays so it was nice that everyone helped make it a wonderful day for him.

Stanley was amazing during the whole trip to Seattle.  He slept almost the whole time.  When we got home he was getting grumpy.  The night before he seemed to be congested and didn't sleep well so I thought it was due to that.  But as the night went on he would only stop crying when he was sleeping.  So he slept most of the day.  About 7 we started to get concerned with his breathing.  We asked our friend to come help give him a blessing and then my other friend who is a nurse to come look at him. Just about a month ago I took him into the doctors for the same issue and they said it was Bronchiolitis and there was not much I could do so sent me home.  So I was afraid that would happen again and I didn't want to wait all night in urgent care if they were just going to send me home.  But my friend Sarah said he needed to go in.  So I took him in pretty sure they were going to send me home.  They took me back to triage and within five minutes of looking at him and checking his oxygen they had about 5 doctors surrounding me and giving him medicine and oxygen while calling 911.

They put us in the ambulance and off we went to Mary Bridge Children's hospital.  Once we got there he had been given 4 doses of medicine and was on oxygen the whole time.  His color and alertness was back.  So the doctors at Mary Bridge said they would just keep an eye on him for an hour and probably send us home.  After the hour his breathing became a little more labored but his oxygen level wasn't down too much.  However, they decided we should stay the night and observe him in case it dropped again.  That was a good decision because hours later his oxygen levels dropped down to 82.  So they put him on oxygen.

Broke my heart but he was so much better with oxygen.  The next day he pretty much slept all day.  Which the doctors said was good but I sure missed my wiggly and happy boy. By that night he still needed oxygen and breathing treatment to keep his oxygen levels up.  So we stayed another night. By Friday morning he was more alert.

I was so happy to see his smiling face!  We did one last breathing treatment and then they tried to take off the oxygen.  He dropped at first but then was able to hold his own without oxygen.  So by that night we were able to go home.  His breathing was good but he still had a virus so is still sick.  Now to stay home and recover fully.

During this process we had so many people help us and send love our way.  Sterling helped with his blessing, Sarah got me to realize I needed to go into the doctors, Trissa came and hung out with my kids late late at night so Alex could join me at Mary Bridge, and Aunt Andrea dropped everything drove to our house late or should I say early in the morning and stayed the night and day with my kids so I could have Alex.  Alex's parents came up to visit and help with the other kids as soon as they could Thursday.  Kathryn visited with me Thursday night and brought me clothes and things I need so Alex could go home and get some rest and help with the other kids.  Mary visited with me in the morning helping keep my mind from wondering.  Karen brought my family dinner while we were at the hospital. We are so very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends.  Alex was also so helpful and calm through the process.  I am glad to say we made a good team through this all.  I am sure this will scar me and I will be pretty paranoid about his breathing from here on out.  I am not convinced it was all because of Bronchiolitis, because I've read only about 1% get hospitalized due to it.  So I am thinking there might be something else like asthma.  But we will see, at least I know what to keep an eye out for now.

The kids visited Friday and Stanley was most excited to see Clifton.  They already have such a strong bond.  Stanley sure loves him some Clifton and vice versa.

Home with some of my favorite guys!

Sunday was Stake Conference and I stayed home with Stanley but Alex went and he was sustained as our Stake Young Mens President.  I am excited to see where this journey takes him and our family.

Soccer Tournament

Updates on Clifton -
He sure is funny.  Every time we change Stanley's diaper we say its a poop or pee bomb and it's going to exploded in 10, 9, 8... And he has to run it to the garbage in the garage before it explodes.  He loves playing this game.  Loves it and it gets diapers out of my house.  The simple things that entertain him.

Updates on McKay -
She finally had her three year check up.  She's looking great.  Weighs 31 pounds (49th%) and 39 inches (82nd%).  The doctor did say that I need to be aware of her speech impediment and make sure it doesn't continue.  I never really thought much of it but will keep an eye on it.  Doctors they often know how to make you feel like less of a parent.

My big and strong girl at the doctors.  She did excellent!

Updates on Stanley -
He plays with toys that hangs in front of him!  He is starting to become aware of more of his surroundings.  He smiles as soon as I look or talk to him.  Makes middle of the night feedings worth it :)  He is a good boy.  Very calm and usually happy.  We are so blessed to have him.

For FHE we had a lesson and then worked in the yard while we had some more sun.

The kids sure thought it was super cool to be up on the wall.

This week was actually a rough week for me as a mom.  Nothing horrible happened but just simple rough stuff moms have to deal with.  Kids that talk back and yell at you all day and little sleep.  I was often upset with the kids and then with myself for being so upset.  It's hard being a mom, but it is always so worth it.  Sometimes we need to just reset.  Luckily I have a wonderful husband that could tell I was on edge this week and did all he could to let me get out without the kids for a short break, even though he has so much on his plate already.  The best thing about having rough days and maybe even weeks where I don't feel enough.  I can turn to the Lord and he reassures me that I am enough.  He lets me know that being a mother is worth it then, now, and forever.  It is hard and I am going to fail time to time, but I have help.  I have my Heavenly Father, my husband, my children that forgive me for my bad days and always love me, and friends.

Fun pictures from this week.

All in our shades soaking up the sun.

 Morning cartoon snuggles.  Love these boys.

 Oh just smiling and talking with Daddy.

Clifton said he was at the beach.  Silly kid.

Saturday was a wonderful day.  Some of our friends that we play soccer with put together a team to play in a tournament at Pendergast Park.  I have an amazing babysitter that is willing to go with me to places because I don't like being far away from Stanley.  She came with us to watch the kids during our games.  

 They had bounce houses for the kids to play on and they were in heaven.

The kids made a sign for our team and cheered us on when they take short breaks from the bounce houses. The kids did awesome while we played.

Our team - the Spider Monkeys.  Sorry for the blurry picture the ref didn't have the sturdiest hands.  Man I had a blast.  We have some awesome friends that enjoy playing with us and play with me even though I am not particularly good.  We lost two games and won the last but we had so much fun playing together.  We actually held our own, we played against teams that play and practice together often.  We just play for fun at the church a couple times a week.  I love my friends and soccer!

That night was also Sounders match day. 

They are the cutest Sounders fans I know.  Even though Sounders had a rough loss we still love them and had a great weekend.

Stanley is Two Months Old!

Updates on Clifton -
I signed Clifton up for Kindergarten!  WHAT!?!?!?!  Is this really happening?  Could he really be old enough to go to school.  He is super excited and I am very nervous.  He is a smart boy and very ready but its hard to be away from him.  I know he will do well I just can't believe he is old enough to be away from mom and dad and have opportunities to make good or bad choices without us there.  It's kind of scary.

Updates on McKay -
She can ride a bike!

So proud of her!  She often gets into a fit of she can't do anything and falls to the floor acting like she is broken everywhere.  So I am beyond happy when she does actually try and do something.  I am really hoping this falling to the floor in fake pain is a phase and will pass.

Updates on Stanley -
He is two months old!  Seriously this is going way too fast.

Waiting for the doctor to come in and check him out.  He is my small boy still - 9.9 lbs (4%) and 22 inches (10%).  I guess I make small boys.  Clifton was small too for a long time and finally caught up.  He looks great though, healthy and happy.  Oh and super cute!

For FHE we taught the kids about the third article of faith they are working on memorizing.  So to teach them about the Atonement I used water and food coloring for sin and bleach for the atonement. I may have confused them.  I think what they got from my lesson is that they bleach fixes our sins and to be clean they should drink some bleach.  Well it was worth a try :)  Don't worry the bleach is locked up!

What a beautiful week we had here in Washington!

The kids were so helpful this week helping me clean up my garden.  Don't judge me with how out of control it got :/

We even got to get together with friends and play at a new park.

Being outside sure makes the days go by faster.  We had a ton of fun getting out this week.

Some cute pictures from this week...

 Like Father like son.  Tummy time sure is tiring for all :)

I love watching my older kids making Stanley smile.  It's so cute!

She sure looks like a natural.

Saturday we went to South Center mall and had dinner at Rainforest Cafe with the Peterson clan to celebrate February birthdays.  McKay and Clifton loved it!  Stanley was a tad bit overwhelmed by the noise and dim lighting.  But it was good to get together with family.

Sunday the Sounders season started!

And we were very ready to cheer them on.  All of us are excited for the season!