Welcome Baby Ben!

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For a long time before Baby Ben arrived, I wrestled with the feeling of taking on too much (am I really ready for another child? can I do it?) and a feeling of sadness knowing this is the last time I’m going to carry a baby. My Aunt Nancy always told me that her favorite part of being pregnant was feeling the little butterfly kicks. And, I’m right there with her.

As soon as I laid eyes on this little cutie pie, I was 100% in love. On March 7, we welcomed Benjamin into the world at 10:02 a.m. At an even eight pounds, he was healthy and hungry–something I could completely relate to. Ice chips after not eating for how long?! I’m exhausted and want a soup/salad combo with a pineapple shake!

He looks like Blake and Bryn but with a twist, and has long fingers that everyone seems to comment on. All of the nurses gushed over how adorable he was and I couldn’t agree more. That button nose and those eyes! My heart melts each time he’s awake!

Welcome to the family, Ben. We love you so much and can’t wait for the years ahead!







Before Baby Arrives

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Over the past nine months, I’ve had a hard time documenting Baby #4’s arrival. But the one thing I have done (thankfully!) is take pictures. From eating healthy to practicing how to feed baby using an Anna doll from Frozen, to building a crib, to late night snuggles when I couldn’t move around anymore, to coloring pictures for the baby’s room, we have all been excited to welcome our new baby boy to the family!











Around Here: Blake

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A lot is happening this week: we move, baseball practice starts, choosing paint colors has to happen NOW, planning parties…

But, Blake’s days are still filled with playing at the park with his buddy Caleb, homework, practicing his site words (“have” has been a tough one!), and tormenting his sisters when he gets bored. Thankfully, we have had a few fun activities this past week to keep us busy: a soccer game and winter concert at school.

At his second soccer game, it finally clicked that Blake is a perfect defensive back. He is protective but still wants to be in a little bit of the action. It was neat to see him learning the game and respecting his coach.

And then the winter concert. Who knew he has been practicing songs that go along with a little sign language?! Not once has this kid said anything or I guess signed anything. :) I liked watching him sit alongside his classmates, all dressed up and ready to perform.









Merry Christmas – 2015!

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The morning started off a little rough with our alarm going off at 6 a.m. We wrapped gifts, made coffee, and watched the news by our Christmas tree. Then 8 a.m. rolled around and it was time for this mama to take a nap. A half hour later, the kids were up and ready to open!

Stockings were first, which were pretty good this year if I don’t say so myself. Filled with hot wheels, candy, toothbrushes, pencils, Play-doh, stickers, books, and balls for Bryn. Then came the big presents from Santa: two pink Radio Flyer tricycles and one blue Max Tow Truck that can tow up to 200 lbs. Out of everything, I think Blake has played the game Trouble about four times and the girls have played non-stop store/chef with the fake fruits and veggies. Funny how gifts from Santa are always so needed but the simplest things pretty much always win.

Once my second nap was done for the day, we got up and met some of our favorite people at the park. It’s been chilly here in California, so we stayed for an hour and got back into our cars. I now feel like a cold is coming on but thank goodness for a Twinkie party on the couch with the kids while watching Hook to make me better! Merry Christmas to you all!










It’s October!

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Fall is by far my most favorite time of the year. I love baking, carving pumpkins, cooking Thanksgiving dinner, trick-or-treating with our babes, and finding time to go outside when the weather drops below 70 degrees. We recently took a little trip to this big open field not too far from where we live. The kids loved running around, kicking a deflated soccer ball, and climbing up this huge hill that made me freak out. Maybe it’s because MY balance is off since I’m belly-heavy with baby #4. Yes, that’s it.

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Little League – Go Angels!

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Blake’s first “undefeated” Little League season just ended. Sadness everywhere. We couldn’t have had a better time with our team, coaches, and families!

After the last game, we had a party for the kids with pizza, an ice cream sundae bar, water balloons, a dad/son baseball game, and trophies. Blake was so excited to get his first real trophy and even Coach Mike got recognized for his pitching arm. The girls had fun getting out too (and going every which way). They both took a liking to the dugout. Trouble.

Blake, we are so proud of you! Go #10! We can’t wait for next season to start!














*A few weeks before the end of the season, the kids got to walk on the field at Angel Stadium. SO fun for all of them!

No Extra Money

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No problem.

I just paid a huge stack of bills, Mike’s at an interview, and I have to pick up our big guy from the pricey pre-school in a few minutes. So, two months ago, when we got the news that we’d be down to one income, I freaked out. How in the world are we going to survive?

We stuck together and had free (or really cheap) outings with the kids. We’ve explored new parks, like the one below in Laguna Beach, and got sandy at the beach the other day. A $1.99 pack of water balloons has been our best friend too!

We also redid a room for basically nothing to give it new life. The girls love it! And, made friends with Lizzy the Lizard in our backyard who always comes around when the kids are outside.

We read up on blogs, like Money Saving Mom, that offer great coupons and ways to save on just about everything (why am I obsessed with these free eBooks?).

And, we even went out on a date night to a Lakers/Clippers game because we bought the tickets awhile ago and decided to get away for a few hours. Note: Got on the Kiss Cam! (More for my memory than anything.)

I know that very soon this life of freaking out over pennies is almost over but I don’t want the things above to go away because of it. As Blake would say, “You get what you get.”





Easter Weekend

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Sometimes, on these holidays, I stop and think, “I wonder how much longer Blake is going to believe in the Easter bunny.” He’s five. As a parent, you get so excited for your kids to experience these little things, like finding Easter eggs, and then it’s almost gone. I hate that. Life is moving by way too fast right now and I’m looking forward to the next chapter–simplicity (I know, I know… such a buzz word), family, and maybe a few seconds to sit and relax.

The pictures say a ton, but here’s a quick recap so I can remember five years from now what we did. We dyed eggs, of course, but Bryn didn’t participate because she passed out early (her sleeping schedule is killing us!), opened Easter baskets the next morning, and hunted for eggs at Tustin Sports Park with cousin Madilyn.

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching the kids fly their first kite. Pure joy! I also have a soft spot in my heart for these dyed Easter eggs. They just threw them into each color about 33 times and you got something seriously artistic!














Twins Turn 2!

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Happily, emotionally drained from a fun day with our family. The twins are now TWO! How did that all happen so quickly?

Brooklyn has this amazing way of being the light in every room. So cheerful. Running each way, in every direction. Hazel eyes that say so much. A smile that makes you smile. She sleeps so sound. She took care of her new baby so well today. She’s going to be a great Mama. And I love that she loves Legos as much as me and her brother. Her new favorite word is Yep!

Bryn seems to always be thinking. Her blue eyes melt your heart. She is quietly (sometimes) demanding of her ways. Her love of fruit snacks is funny, while her hate for car seats is frustrating. But, I love that she knows what she wants. Even at two. She loves to count when we walk up the stairs and has the best giggle!

Happy Birthday Girls! It’s been so fun watching you both grow up with each other as little friends.








God It Feels Good To Be a Gangster

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*The only reason why I titled this post the way I did is because “Fired” just seemed too harsh. At the very least, Office Space rings a bell.

We are in a weird spot of losing a job, probably putting the house up for sale, cutting coupons, and stressing about buying a Red Bull.

The great thing is–we have the BEST kiddies. I still have my job, that I’m learning to love again. We have the ability to sit back for a moment and figure out what we want to do with our lives. I recently was told (while being hugged by a friend) that, “This was meant to be. You will be better in the long run.”

With these kids, who wouldn’t be ok?