Horton!

I grew up on Dr. Seuss and loved it. My mom would read the books to us all the time so I have fond memories when I see all the Seuss movies coming out or when the kids celebrate Dr. Seuss week in school. One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books is: Horton hatches an egg. So when Horton hears a who came out I loved it, being he is one of my favorite Seuss characters. It may have to do with the fact that elephants are my favorite animals too "who" knows? Well the kids got the movie for Christmas and are loving it. We keep it in the van so when we drive the freeways they get to watch it, which lately seems often. We even bought Naomi the Horton hears a who game as seen above. She loves that too. Well I have to say as much as we love the movie it always makes me cringe when they name call in children's movies. Examples "The mayor is being a moron", "The mayor is an idiot", "You boob". I think we get the picture. Well I really got the picture when Malachi came downstairs one night after I put the kids to bed. They were talking and started arguing over something. Sure enough Malachi says, "Naomi called me a boob." I settled the situation and made sure they knew not to name call. I did however go downstairs and had a good laugh over it. Out of all name calling names that is the one she picked up on. Well I thought the name calling was over til Darren came home yesterday from taking the kids to the park. He told Malachi to come and tell me what he called his sister. Malachi softly says "a moron". I then realized that even though the kids don't hear us say these things they pick up on everything. I really wish movies would not put name calling in cartoons where kids find it ok to use. Maybe I shelter my kids a little, but let them be little as long as we can!

1st trip to the Wild Animal Park

Auntie Sina and cousin Sophia with Malachi, Naomi and Cassidy

Naomi's hand on a Gorilla inprint

We finally took the kids to the Wild Animal Park and met Darren's sister Sina there and her kids Sophia and Samuel. The kids had a lot of fun looking at the animals. We can't wait to go back.

Expression of my Gratitude

No picts on this one. Just want to say thank you to everyone for how wonderful you have been to me and my family after having the baby. I don't even know if I can express in words how thankful I am for all your friendships and our dear family. The phone calls, the meals, the gifts, the visits... really more than we deserve. But we are so grateful for it all. It really made us feel warm and fuzzy inside. So thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of our lives and going above and beyond for us. WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!

She's a keeper!

What fun this baby is. I wasn't afraid of what it would be like to have 4 kids and now I know why. Liberty is such a sweet baby. The first week she did have her days and nights mixed up so I was a little sleep deprived, but that is to be expected. I love having a new born around. It was funny (yet not funny ha ha) today I found a bunch of pre-children pictures of myself. Even though I was in pretty good shape at the time I still wasn't satisfied. Boy now after 4 kids what I would give to have that body back!

Our kids are not good... their AMAZING!!!

Sometimes I feel like pinching myself to see if this is all real. Malachi, Naomi and Cassidy have been so amazing through this whole baby process. They can't hold her enough, bring me enough diapers, help throw away enough diapers, even picking out her outfits is fun to them. We were concerned the most with how Cassidy would do with her, but she has been sweet as pie to the baby. I never thought I'd be the mom that asks, can you kids go get me her blanket, or her binky.... but as busy as things get I've done it and they are the biggest little helpers. So here's to you kids!!!

"Mom, Dad said I did outstanding!"

I've come to the resolve that sometimes we are just lame parents. This is one of those times. We cleaned out the garage the day before I went to the hospital. We realized that since we got the kids scooters they have not been riding their bikes. So Malachi still had his training wheels on. Ok he's 6 1/2, so Darren took Chi and Naomi down to the park today and took their training wheels off. Malachi just took off. He was ready. He's riding like he knew just what to do. (well he should by now). Malachi was so excited and can't wait to go ride bikes with his buddy Eli.