Day 30: Cabin Fever

Everybodys got the fever, that is something you all know, fever isn't such a new thing, fever started long ago.....You give me fever. ;) I got the cabin fever, I'm sure Kwintyn has it too. He can't wait to take his tractor outside. It's been to cold to go outside, and I admit I hate the snow, and cold so I am a bad Mom in that way & would rather do indoor activities in the Winter. I do, however think it would be fun to have another sledding party. We had one back in 2010, we had a fire going after, and some food & warm drinks to warm up. Maybe we can plan to do another one this year, but it has to be a nice warm, sunny, Winter day. Hopefully they will be coming soon! It did feel warmer today, at 20 degree's today. :)

Chelsea had Library today, and she checked out another Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, this one called, Cabin Fever. Perfect! We just finished the Ugly Truth a few days ago. I know we have all of the Diary of a Wimpy kid books, because Kameron had quite a few, not sure why she checks it out at the library? Maybe cause he won't let her read it?! It's gotta be it! haha

Cabin Fever.

Day 29: Naps Happen!

Well yesterday was a very long day, and I forgot to upload my pic of the day, and do my blog. Oops! But I did get my pic early on yesterday if that counts for anything. I haven't been sleeping well with Frank being gone. I was so tired this morning, and was hoping to go back to bed after I put the kids on the bus. Nope! Kwin woke up. 6:30, which is really early for him. I went on with the day, and did more laundry, and some cleaning, and got myself around. I then made Kwin lunch soon after that, and he was sitting at the table awfully quiet, and his head resting on his arm, on the table. I think, Is he asleep?! Nah, he can't be....he never falls asleep at the table. I go take a peek, and yep, he is sleeping!! Hahahaha Guess that is what we get for getting up so early in the morning. I knew he wasn't going to make it the whole day without a nap! He hasn't been napping much, but I do notice, he naps when he gets up very early. He gets up around 9:00-9:30am! I admit, I want a nap too, I am really tempted, but I have to pick Kameron up in a bit from running club. Which means I'll have to wake Kwin up too. Hope he sleeps good tonight, Mama is tired!


Zzzzzzz........

Day 28: A child may outgrow your lap, but will never outgrow your heart.

Was folding laundry and I came across this baby shirt that I gave to Chelsea for her dolls, and I just looked at it for a few seconds, and thought how tiny it was. It's a size 0-3mos infant shirt, and so there are a few more sizes smaller than that! It just made me realize how fast my babies have truly grown up. This shirt, well I had 2, they were Keagan & Kyle's shirt, and then Kameron's. After Kam out grew clothes, I passed them down to a very good friend, and she used them on all 3 of her boys. Then when I was pregnant with Kwintyn, she gave me some clothes, and to my surprise there was a few outfits that were my boys'!! I saved a few things & gave some clothes to Chelsea for her dolls, this shirt was one thing she kept. But I think I just wanted to keep it just because of the memories it gave me. haha It's a simple blue shirt with zoo animals on it, and I did feel bad that I didn't keep much of the boys' baby clothes, so that was part reasoning, and well her dolls needed to be dressed! ;) I then packed up some clothes and sent them to my brother for his kids. So some of those outfits got around! And the nice part was, they were all still in nice shape, and still stylish to this era. I have a whole bin on 4T & 5T clothes for Kwin when he grows in to that size, and I have about 7 big garbage bag filled with sizes 4/5, & 6/7's. When he gets to those sizes he will be set on clothes for a while. They are all either jeans, or dressy style clothes, and khaki's. And last time I looked, they still were in style. Guess that's the perks of hand me downs.

I just hate going through all the stuff that doesn't fit the kids anymore. It makes me so sad. I had so many favorite outfits for the boys & Chelsea, and I didn't want to part with any of it, but I didn't want to become a hoarder either. Our basement was looking pretty bad a few years ago, with all the bins & stuff. haha But now I try to get rid of it to people who could use it. Also I like seeing these kids in these clothes, it puts a smile on face seeing that favorite outfit being worn again. :) I had this thing for baby & toddler clothes. Ok, I still have this thing. hahaha I will see the cutest baby outfit, and want to buy it!! They just make the cutest little clothes, and I am a sucker for them I guess. No wonder the kids had/have so much clothes, and I have so much laundry. ;P

Little baby clothes

Day 27: Battle of the Chores

I'm sure every parent struggles with this at some point in time with their kids, chores. My kids tell me that some kids don't do chores. Well aren't they special, I say! In this house we help each other out, and that means doing chores. Why do I have to wash the dishes that you dirtied up? Just because I'm Mom?! Nope, not a good enough excuse in my book. Git you're butt over here, and do the dang dishes!! It's not gonna kill ya, cause I've been doing it for years. Allowance?! You want allowance, well I allow you to use my cable, & Internet, I allow you to watch my tv......Hahahaha KIDS!!! Got it so dang easy! I keep telling them not to grow up, that it's a trap, but they just can't wait to be on their own. Well Keagan mostly. I do make my kids help out around the house. I think that it teaches responsibility, organization, how to reach goals, and just basic daily living skills. You gotta do you're laundry when you get older, Mom's not always going to do it. Basic housekeeping skills you gotta have them. I don't make my kids do much, and my house is always a mess. But they will do something to help out, or they will get something taken away. I did chores when I was younger, and I hated it! And my room was always a mess, so my parents say it's pay back. Grumble, grumble, grumble......I'm a neat freak now! I gotta have organization, and things clean, or it drives me mad. It just makes life easier. Frank was an only child, so his Mom was still cleaning his room at 17. BUT he still helps out around the house & knows how to do a lot of things because his Step-Mother, & Father made him do chores when he was at their house. I was actually impressed by what he could do for being an only child. haha!

Plus this week Frank is out of town for work, so the extra help does come in handy. Even though they have been slacking today. But they had a snow day, so I guess I really didn't care. I figure if I want something done my way, I shall just do it. It goes like that a lot of the time, because most of the time stuff is done half....assed. Yeah, not the word I wanted to use, but it is what it is. Half assed. I'm sure I'll miss all the laundry, and dishes as some older Mom's tell me. But for today, I just want my house cleaned!!

Dishes, Nooooooooooo!!!!!!

Day 26: Titans Curse

Kameron is doing a book report on a Fantasy book called Titans Curse. He has to make a quilt, which is a poster board with pictures, or drawings, and a description of the book. The poster board is suppose to look like a quilt. He said it's a good book, and he would recommend it. He said it is about the Greek Gods, Demi Gods, and Mythical creatures. They go on a quest to find a Greek God who was kidnapped. He also has to do a presentation about his quilt, and book. Hopefully he gets a good grade. :)

Very studious

Day 25: I don't like it!!

I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam, I am. Try them! Try them! And you may. Try them and you may I say.........UGH! I sound like a Dr. Seuss book at dinnertime. Chelsea has been becoming pickier, & pickier everyday. Trying to get her to eat something is even harder than getting her to talk. ;P haha Ok, not really, but it's getting to that point. She has always been picky, and she learned that from Kameron. But now Kameron is older he isn't as picky, and he will at least try new things now. Chelsea has now taught Kwintyn to be picky. He is a pretty good eater, and usually will eat just about anything, but when he hears Chelsea say "I don't like this!" He follows suit, and then refuses to eat his dinner, that he was JUST eating contently before she said that. I'm sure if I just put my foot down, I wouldn't be giving in to them, but I get tired of it, and just give in. Plus I just want them to eat something, so they got a PB & J sandwich and pretzels. But boy do they ever get an earful when they do this. I tell them about when I was a kid, and we had to eat everything on our plate before we could leave. And Great Busia was not a pushover, unlike me. Mom's gotta learn to buck up!!

Picky, Picky, Picky!

Day 24: Gracias, Abuela!

I hope I got that right, Keagan's not here to ask Spanish questions, so I had to google. But I do know a little bit of Spanish, and I believe it to be right. Kyle's eve gone tonight too, so I just have the 3 amigos here tonight. Grandma Moore just got back from her trip to Mexico, and had gotten all the grand kids a blanket. She got me an ankle bracelet, and she got Frank nothing. Haha! I felt special! But I thought that was very nice, and thoughtful of her to do. I'm glad that she didn't get arrested trying to get her souvenirs back home. Nah, I'm kidding! Maybe just a little, if you only knew Grandma Moore.....hehehe! ;) The kids like their authentic Mexican blanket! Muchas grias, Abuela!

The 3 Amigos

Day 23: School Life

Keagan & Kyle brought home paper work today to pick out classes for next year, High school classes!!! They are trying to decide on which classes to take, and Kyle had wanted me to sit with him & go through what classes were available. He wants to take an Intro to Engineering & Architectural Drafting, Into to Auto, and he also has a Computer Tech class that I suggested. He wants to go into Law Enforcement to be a State Trooper. He can't really take any law classes until 11th grade. But I also told him to have a plan B, so maybe that's where the Auto will come into play? ;) I just want all my kids to do better in school than me, and they are! But I want them to be successful & go to college, and have a good job when they get older. I don't want them to struggle like we have. I will be happy with whatever they want to do, but I hope they see the importance of a good education, and will stay studious throughout their years in school. I nag constantly how important school is, and that hard work will pay off, and in the end it will all be worth it, so just do it!!

Decisions, Decisions.....

Day 22: Knowledge is Power!!

Today we had conferences for Kameron. He is doing an excellent job in school, and I am so proud of him! Kameron, himself conducted the conference and had told us some things that he was learning, and had graded himself on how well he thought he was doing. His Teacher then asked if we had any questions, and then gave her conclusion. She said he is doing very well, and she has no worries about him in any subjects. That he is a hard worker, and gets his work done and turned in on time, all the time. She also said that he was 1 of 2 students to get a high score on his second quarter assessment math test. He got an 87%!! That makes me happy in SO many ways, and the number one reason is because I suck/ed at math, and I still haven't a clue on some math problems. I was given a copy of the test, and this is not stuff I was working on in 6th grade. It's tough! Here's a problem.

Julie counted 8 heartbeats in 5 seconds. Which equation could Julie use to find the number of heartbeats (h) in 60 seconds?

A. 60/8 = h
5h=37.5 , h=7.5

B. 60/5=h
8h=40, h=5

C. 8/5h
60h=96. h=1.6 

D. 8x5=h
60h=200, h=3.33

Kameron said that was a tougher one, but he knows the answer. I sadly, got it wrong. :/

I never have to worry about this kid of mine. Never have to ask him to remember his homework, or even something simple like brushing teeth, he has always did well on doing things with out being told to do so. He has this drive, that I hope he never loses. I told him that if he stays doing well in school, and he keeps that drive alive, there will be people coming to him asking him to come to their school. He has the potential to be such a success, I just know it!

Here are some questions that were suggested to ask Kameron at his conference.

~What are goals this year?
K: Trying to reach 200% or 500% on my AR goal.
~What have you learned this term?
K: I have learned, algebraic expressions, balance equations, volume of a cylinder.
~What is your favorite subject?
K: It depends..on, if you add gym...social studies.
What subject is difficult for you? Why?
K: Math, and or ELA (English, Language Arts) Because I get so confused, and then I have to memorize everything so I can take a test.
~ How can I help you achieve your goals?
K: To help me with my homework.

Star Student!!

Day 21: Indulge, Life is Sweet.

Today I got to work with 2 outstanding Chefs!! Chelsea & Kwintyn helped me in the kitchen today. We made Oreo truffles, which are Ahhmazing!! They are so simple to make too! The kids had fun crushing the oreos for me, and Kwin being the little Oreo lover that he is kept trying to eat our crumbles. These things are soo addicting!! I made these for Christmas and took them to my Mom's, and they were a hit. This time I forgot to set aside extra Oreo crumble, so they didn't get topped with that, but they still were Oh so good!!

My little Helpers

Day 20: This home has endless love, & laundry.

Mom's Laundry; Someday Service, It'll all get done someday. Having 5 kids equals A LOT of laundry!! I am never caught up, well I have been, but it doesn't last long. I have 1 more load, and a bunch of blankets to do, and I should be done after that. BUT once I get that done, I will have more laundry to do. It's a never ending cycle. I miss my BFF's owning a Laundromat!! I could get so much done at one time, and what better fun than hanging with friends while doing you're laundry? Even Kwin had a buddy to play with & keep him occupied. Now laundry is anything less than exciting. I HATE laundry! Well, I hate folding it & putting it away. And then the socks!!! I just usually throw them all in a basket & sort them out. Most of the time people are digging for socks because Mom still hasn't folded the socks yet. But I got the job done today, and I threw away quite a few. Sometimes I am temped to just throw them all out, and go but new sock for everyone. Hahaha 7 people = To many socks!!! But I guess I should look on the bright side.....at least I have clothes to wash, and machines to wash them. Now only if they invented a folding machine, I would be very thankful!

Sorting out Life, One Load at A Time.

Day 19: Have a Killer Day!

Kyle wanted me to take a picture of his knife. He got a knife for Christmas, and he bought a few with some of his Christmas money. He bought this one with the money he got from his Busia, & Dzia-Dzia. It's a Bear Grylls brand, and he wants the machete, and ax, but I don't see why he needs an ax, and a machete. Dad thinks it's fine, but the word of Mom trumps Dad!! I see a camping trip in his future, and he's gonna want to try the survivalists way. He's got a fire starter so he's going to want to try that out, and the other cool survival things he got. Glad that he's wanting to learn how to survive in the wild, cause I'm not such an outdoorsy kind of girl. I like nature, and all, but that is too rustic for me. I'm sure he's going to end up teaching me something interesting.


Have a Killer Day!

Day 18: Shave & A Bath

So it may look like I have a favorite child, I don't. It's just that Kwintyn is around me all day, and well he asks me to take his picture, while the other kids whine about it. So I'm sure you will see many more pics of Kwin. He's at that cute age too, so it hard not to talk about. This project hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be, it's not like my other 365 project. You think since it's a kids project it would be easy, but sometimes I'm drawing a blank. And I want to be fair, and give each kid the spotlight they deserve. I needed a bit more of a challenge, I think I got to comfy with my last project, and I notice I am starting out a bit lazy with this one. I know once the warmer weather comes it will become much more exciting, and the kids will be busy with all sorts of activities.

 I was hoping to get a picture of Chelsea, and her goody bag from the birthday party she went to today, but they didn't give out goody bags, and she acted like she didn't want her picture taken. Ok, next!! Was going to do something that Kameron is working on, but he forgot it at school. Well what do I take for a picture then?! We haven't done anything much exciting today, unless you count shopping at Salvation Army, exciting?! ;) I went on to brainstorm, and then Kwin insisted on a bath, and so his Daddy gave him one. I got called into the bathroom, and perfect! *snap* Got my pic of the day, a shave & a bath. Extra towels are .25 cents if you want em'. ;)

I mustache you a question.....But I'll shave it for later.

Day 17: They're Two They're Four They're Six They're Eight!

Shunting trunks and hauling freight, red, and green, and brown, and blue, they're the really useful crew.....Thomas and his Friends. I asked Kwintyn what we should take a picture of today, and he said. "Thomas!!" So we got out his trains & this is one of the pictures I got, Percy. We bought a Thomas train set like this for a friends toddler for Christmas, and I knew Kwin would want one too. So he bought one with some Christmas gift money, and he LOVED it! He was all excited, and laughing when he got it. He also got a train table for Christmas, so this fits on top of that perfectly. None of the other kids got into Thomas, he is the only one to have liked him. He loves all things that move, he likes things that go fast! Just like him!

All Aboard!!

Day 16: Fun to play with, not to eat.

Play doh!! Kwintyn loves to play with play doh, he has a whole jar full, and he just got some new play doh toys over the holidays. It keeps him calm, and entertained for a bit, and I sometimes can get some cleaning done. He likes to make all sorts of things, and he likes to mix the colors......grrr! I cannot stand when the colors get mixed, I'm all like no!!!!!! hahaha Eh, whatever. His play doh. I'll just have to get my own. ;P Today he made a sculpture of his Daddy. He put him in the car, and he went to the store, and came back home. I have to say that he did a marvelous job on the sculpture, it kinda resembled his Daddy.....a big ol turd!! Hahahaha!!!!! ;P He then made me a cookie that looked like a pile of poop. haha! He then played with his airplane, and flew him all over, and then......BAM!!! He crashes!! :O Oiy!! I wish I had a small video camera, I need to get one. He was so funny playing today. :)

And on another note, everyone seems to be doing better today! :)

Play Doh Fun!!

Day 15: Snow Day!

Last night we got about a foot, or so of snow, and school was cancelled today. I'm kinda glad they had a snow day because of them being sick, I wanted to be sure they were feeling better before sending them back, even thought they said they were feeling fine. Plus it doesn't go on their attendance. The kids seem to be doing better, me I wasn't feeling well today or last night. I did however not puke or had the pleasure of having the poop soup, I am grateful for that! Kwin was just.......very difficult today. Not sure why, he's just been so mean & bossy today. So since I was not feeling well, I didn't get a pic of the day, BUT I made a picture instead, and Chelsea helped. I cannot take credit for the snowman or snow picture itself, but Chelsea & I can take credit for the other half. Her idea was to put the ear muffs on the heart, I thought it made the picture pop, and it looks really cute. You can have all sorts of fun making you're own art on Picmonkey! Here's the picture we made.

Snow Day Fun Art

Day 14: The Throne

Well this icky bug just doesn't want to leave. Chelsea got sick last night, and stayed home from school today. Keagan also said he wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home too. Kwin had the poop soup again, but otherwise is feeling fine. Over the weekend, Kameron complained of a stomach ache, and Frank came home today not feeling well, a head ache & feeling nauseous. I am being to feel nauseous as well, at first I thought it was because I was hungry, but I ate, and I still feel nauseous. I hope it's nothing, and I hope nobody else gets sick. So far it's been a 24 hr thing, or you puke once, and it's done. Thank God it's not a nastier virus than it is! Kid's please stop bringing these germs home! Our house is already at capacity! ;P

The royal throne

Day 13: It's a Sock Party!!

It's a sock party, and you're invited!! I hate folding socks, and as you can see I have let them build up. The job needed to be done, and I thought this job would be perfect for the kids! Cause you know they do such a wonderful job on it. ;) The boys are just out there bickering, well Keagan the most but what's new? Frank is playing music for them through his portable speaker & phone, and I don't think they like it. He likes to annoy them with that thing! Play weird, obnoxious noises, stuff like that. Sometimes I do laugh, and sometimes I'm like "Enough, Frank!" haha

Chelsea is saying she isn't feeling well, I normally would say it's an excuse, but she is warm, and she did complain of a belly ache, and it has been going around here. I hope it's nothing, I don't need anymore sickies!

Day 12: Backpack, Backpack

Chelsea & Kyle got a new backpack yesterday. Chelsea got a 1 Direction backpack, and Kyle got a hiking style backpack. His cost like $40-$50!! Like I said, he's on this survival kick, and it's his bug out bag, I guess. He bought it himself with some of his Christmas money. Chelsea has already changed her backpack twice, and that is just this year!! We are not even 2 weeks in to it, and she hasn't been back to school that long since break. It was a pain, because she has an ID tag on it. It's hard to get off, and it's sticky, and I didn't want to rip it. Told her we are not changing backpacks for a while.

Day 11: Multitasking

Today I am going to multitask and do two entries today. A part of this project is to document the kids, and everything about them. Their favorites, projects they are doing, school stuff, random stuff, you get the picture. Today I had a hard time picking a photo for the day, as I had something that was Kwintyn's favorite, and then Kyle's project he was doing. I decided I would do both, and write about both. I might have to do this a few times throughout this project.

Kwintyn loves pizza!!! It's a favorite of his. He isn't too picky of an eater, but he just doesn't eat much at a sitting, he's more of a grazer. He will eat any kind of pizza, unlike his siblings who will only eat pepperoni, and Chelsea likes just cheese. When we buy pizza, we have to buy 3 large pizza's. One for Frank & I, and two for the kids. I'm picky about where I get my pizza. There have only been 2 places that I can rave about their pizza, and at one, a certain person has to make it. I guess they just know how to make a better pizza? The other is a place down state, we ordered pizza from there while we visited. It was fabulous!!

Kyle has been into this survival stuff lately, not sure what he's preparing for? Maybe the Zombie Apocalypse? ;P But it's better to be safe, and prepared! He's many steps ahead of me in that avenue, and I now believe we should start a survival kit of our own. Big tubs filled with emergency items, and one for the car. Only the smart thing to do. Kyle has been into these para cord bracelets, and just plain para cord. He picked up some para cord today, and has made a bracelet. I thought that was really cool. He also bought a really nice hiking style backpack today with some Christmas money. I think a camping trip is a must for him, this Summer!

Day 10: Life's not fair, is it?

Not fair!!! Since today was Friday, we opted to eat out. The kids wanted McDonald's.....bleh, but whatever! Kids enjoy getting a Happy meal every so often. Chelsea was hoping to get another Furby in her Happy meal, but they changed the toys to SpongeBob. I asked her if she wanted Sandy or Mr.Crabs, she said Sandy. We get home and she then changes her mind, and wants Mr.Crabs. Well tough luck, Sister! It's you're brother's now, I let you pick. I swear you can NEVER appease this girl!!! Gosh, she sounds like someone I know. ;) I feel for the guy who marries her! I see this face a few times a day, and I always tell the kids when they get like this, that life is not fair!! So get use to it! I think her mentality is more like this...."Pouting does not mean that you are a spoiled brat. Pouting means you know what you want, and you are trying to get it." She does it all the time. ;)

No pouting, if you must, go stand in the corner.

Day 9: Chicken Soup for the Sickies

Nothing like some chicken soup when you are filling ill. Today Keagan stayed home today as he was saying he felt ill. He said he had a stomach ache, and felt like puking. I kept him home because last night Kwintyn puked all over his bed, and then a little in mine. Keagan seemed to be doing fine, and Kwin improved though the day, with no more puking, he did however have the poop soup, and changing him, I wanted to puke!! That smell...... OOh that smell, can't you smell that smell? The smell of death surrounds you........yeah. It totally smelled like death. He hasn't had much of an appetite, and he is still active. I hope he is feeling better by tomorrow, and this was just like a little tummy bug. I'm also hoping that nobody else gets it either, ain't nobody got time for that!! And yesterday was the first day back to school for the kids after their Christmas break. They got 2 extra days due to the cold. They are already bringing nasty bugs & germs home!! Maybe I should make them strip their clothes, and then shower when they get home? Is that too extreme?! Hold on, Kids! I gotta hose ya off before coming in!! ;P

                                                               Get Well Soon!

Day 8: Food tastes better when you eat it with your family.

Today I made Sausage Chowder, Keagan's favorite!! This has always been one of his favorites since he was little. He have been making this recipe for a few years now, and Frank even has it down. I got the recipe from my Step-Mom, and I can remember trying it the first time and I hated it! But she did end up scorching the bottom, so that is what made it....not so good. I told the kids this story too. The second time she made it, it was delicious!! I loved it since then, glad I tried it again, although my Dad made me try it again. ;P Keagan has already told me numerous times that when he moves out, he has to have this recipe!! It's that good! Kwintyn also wanted his picture taken too. :)

Sausage Chowder

~1pd smoked sausage
~4-6 potatoes
~1 onion (we use 1/2, as we are not big onion fans)
~1/2 tsp. parsley, & basil
~2 C. water
Boil for 20 minutes, then add
~2 C. evaporated milk
~1 C. of corn
~1 can, creamed corn
Simmer on low, till hot, and watch for scorching.
*It calls for Salt & Pepper, but I don't add it, I just add a little to my bowl.*
*Also don't scrape the bottom of the pot when stirring, just a tip.*

Day 7: Frozen

Rise, and shine, campers, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today. It has been SO freaking cold outside these past few days. School has been cancelled 2 days now, due to the cold. With the wind chill yesterday, it felt like -34 degrees!! Today the kids had a Dentist appt, and before we left I wanted to try a science experiment with them. I tried it myself to see if it would work, and I got excited, it works! So I thought the kids would be just as excited as I was to do this, I don't think they got as excited as I did though. The science experiment we did was blowing bubbles outside, to see if they would freeze. I think we froze before the bubbles did. It was a short experiment, as it was just too cold, and we were not bundled up to play outside. But WOW!!! SO awesome to do!! You must give this a try!! The bubbles don't instantly freeze like I had thought they would, but instead they floated for a few seconds, and then they would poof! It wasn't like a normal pop, but it was a poof, and you could see the particle of the poofed bubble float down to the ground. I didn't get very good pictures, and I didn't get any of the kids doing this project as I was too busy blowing bubbles myself, and trying to take a picture of said bubble. D'oh! So I got a picture of the science experiment instead, I guess. I asked the kids if anyone wanted to get bundled up with me, and go outside to blow bubbles again, and nobody wanted to come outside! Can you believe that?! ;P

Frozen in time

Day 6: Exhibit E, Thing 5

Kwintyn Leon started as an adventure from the very start, and taught me to Never say, Never. We thought we were done having children, after we got our girl, but we didn't close up the shop, and someone had different plans for us. We welcomed our 5th, and last baby into our Family, on December 20th, 2010. I already knew he was trouble, and stubborn before he was born. I was scheduled for an induction with him, on the day he was born, his due date, but things changed the moment I was checked. I labored all weekend with him, and by the time I got to the hospital I was already 8cm dilated, but he had his own plans and decided to turn. I ended up needing a C-section with him and they found out he was transverse, laying sideways. I was terrified to have this C-section, I never had to have one before, and I was just so crushed! I had wanted to photograph the whole thing, from beginning to end, and I was going to try for another natural birth. I remember being so scared and Christmas music playing in the room. Everything seemed to go so slow, and then finally Frank came in and shorty after, Kwintyn was born. I hated not seeing anything, and I told Frank to stand up and look. He sat down real fast after that, I wanted details!! I remember I kept asking if he was okay. It just seemed like forever till they brought him over to see me, and even then I had trouble looking at him. Shortly after that they took him away, and Frank followed, and I was left there to send my uterus to a permanent vacation. I then went to recovery, and that took forever again!!! I kept saying I felt fine, and I just wanted to see my baby!! When I did finally get to see, and hold him, I fell in love!! I will always remember the first time all of the kids came up to visit, and see their new little brother, and finally know what his name was! We kept his name a secret, just to make things a little fun, plus so we didn't hear "I don't like that name...what about?" The kids took very well to the new addition to the Family, and I think they were pretty proud too.

Kwintyn weighed in at 8pds 5oz, and was 20.5 inches. I had fun with his name, and I wanted another "K" name. His name "Quentin" means Fifth or Fifth born. The origin of Kwintyn is the Polish/Latin variant. His middle name Leon means "like a lion" and is the fifth sign of the Zodiac. Leon is also Noel spelled backwards which means "Christmas".

He was a handful from the start, I always thought he was a "needy" baby. I'm surprised that he didn't walk or crawl early, because you could see he just wanted to go. Once he learned to walk, running quickly followed. He is a bruiser, and he always has some sort of bruise on his forehead, smack dab in the middle, every time too! So far we are lucky, no broken bones or anything. Surprisingly because he is a little monkey, and likes to climb, and tried to master the monkey bars this past Spring & Summer. He is a very active child, and I feel more exhausted with this one, than any of them! I say maybe it's just that I'm getting old, but I think he is a really high spirited child. He gives me anxiety, and I'm sure someday he's gonna give me a heart attack. He can be very, very difficult, and hard to handle, but he is a joy to have!!

He is talking a lot more now, and he is just so darn funny! He likes to repeat everything, so some not so nice words have come spewing out of his mouth. Oops! He has kinda taken to having his picture taken, I guess only when he wants it taken....He is noticing logo's and sign now, and is obsessed with Walmart & Meijer. Chelsea had a fascination with Walmart at this age, too. But he gets SO excited when we go into Town, and he reads all the signs. He also has Tim Horton's down pretty good, too. He LOVES to play with his Big Sister, although now that he is older, and can get into her things, and ruin them, she doesn't think he's an angel anymore. But they play well together, and he loves his Big Brothers too! They are really awesome with him, I think sometimes he thinks of them like a Super Hero. The other day he threw a massive fit because he could not have his tablet, or his "caplet" as he calls it. He hasn't had a fit like this in a long time, but I had to look away, and just laugh. He was calling me a Trouble Maker!!! I composed myself, and told him that he was being the Trouble Maker. He then proceeds to call me, Trouble. He can be so over dramatic! He loves Curious George, and is the typical boy who loves trains, planes, and automobiles. He already has a favorite car, and that is the Lincoln. He drinks his milk with a dab of creamer, and he loves pizza & donuts.....and chocolate kisses too, thanks to his Daddy!

Kwintyn it has been quite the adventure with you, and I know there are many more to come. I hope you never loose you're sense of adventure, and curiosity, and the energy that makes you go! I know there are many wonderful things for you ahead in life, and I can't wait to document them all! Ok, so maybe I can, so just slow down, a little bit? Go on, and "Be a Good Little Monkey". (He likes it when we say that.) I love you, Kwintyn.

I have been so, so blessed to have 5 Beautiful children. I am thankful because some people cannot even have 1 child, and here I have almost a half dozen, all who are very healthy. Some may say that we are crazy for having so many kids, but don't dis it till you try it. ;) I have SO much love in my house, SO much craziness in my house, and SO much to be thankful for in my house. My kids are my world, and the reason I am insane, and the reason why my heart feels so much love, joy, & happiness. I never knew love like this could exist till the five of you came along. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always as long as I'm living, my Babies you'll be.

Kwintyn Leon

Day 5: Exhibit D, Thing 4

Chelsea Elizabeth arrived on Oct. 5th, weighing 8pds 12oz, and was 20 3/4 inches long, my biggest baby. We did not know if we were having a boy or a girl, so when she was born, I was over the universe happy, and quite shocked!! I was in disbelief when she came out, and they said she was a girl. You can hear me in the background 5 mins after she was born in the video we took, I'm saying, I can't believe it's a girl, repeatedly. Her Daddy got to name her, as he won the bet. We made a bet if baby was a boy, I would name him, and if baby was a girl, Frank would name her. I never thought it would be a girl, and he didn't like my names I had chosen, and I was straying away from the "K" names. I had the name Brayden in mind, but still was so unsure of a name, I was in labor looking at a baby name book. She is the only birth I elected drugs for, and I never understood from then on why I didn't get drugs in my other births. I did not feel any contractions & was just talking it up with my MIL, and Frank. She came so fast & Frank forgot to video tape, I will never let him live that down because I wanted the big It's a ? on tape. My dream & wish came true that day, I had always dreamed, and wished for a daughter. Her room was painted in blue & yellow, and was done in star & moons, but once she was born, the blue, changed to purple. And I was in love with the color pink!!! I remember how excited I got putting her in her first dress. Everybody, even stranger's would tell us how pretty of a baby she is, and they were mesmerized by her eye's. She had these big, brown, beautiful eye's, she is a natural beauty. She was a good talker, talked in full sentences early, and was just a sweet, lovable girl. She has been spoiled from the start, and I can't help it!! After having 3 boys, I loved all the shopping I could do for her.

She is a Tom boy, that likes to wear dresses, she is a typical little Sister and likes to annoy her brothers, and she has a love for shoes. She also has a girly girl side, and likes to glam herself up with make-up. She is super picky, and fights us at dinnertime, She is kind, sweet, thoughtful, caring, and the one word that sums her up the most......Shy. When Chelsea entered Pre-School, she stopped talking to people. She has now been labeled with Selective Mutism. She has struggled with this since, but has made some progress, especially in School. She has many friends, and she is well liked, and will talk to her friends. She's a little turkey like that. She is like Kyle in some ways, and she does look a lot like him, but they both have to do things on their own time. And she is stubborn like Kameron, very bull headed at times, and those two can argue about anything! She was a very imaginative child, and was the only one to have imaginary friends. She was a little spitfire, and would make you laugh. One time when she was 2.5 years old, she changed her name to Rita, and would insist that everyone call her, Rita. If you called her Chelsea, she would say, "My name is not Chelsea, it's Rita!!" Or the time she named the Grasshopper, Gibby. She was such a ham!!

I have been so blessed to have this awesome daughter! I am forever grateful that I will know what a bond a Mother & a Daughter have, it is truly something SO very, very special. I love you, Chelsea Elizabeth and I am so proud of you, my wish come true!

Chelsea Elizabeth

Day 4: Exhibit C, Thing 3

Kameron Micheal, or Kameron Michael....the Social Security changed the spelling of his middle name, and I didn't notice for the longest time. Everything in his baby book says Kameron Micheal. He was born just 2 days before his big brother's 2nd birthday, March 14th. I was 37 weeks and I was electively induced, which now Dr's don't allow. He was 7pds 13oz, and was 20.5 inches long, so I was happy to have had him then, I was feeling miserable, and by his due date he was almost 9pds. His birth brought the devil out in me, and I had the mouth of an Irish Sailor man. It was a drug free birth, until they jabbed me with a needle in my arm at 9cm, but it did nothing. His birth lasted 7hrs from beginning to end. Kameron's umbilical cord was the only one that Frank cut, and soon after he did that, Kameron peed all over me, and the Dr. made jokes about it. I took it as "Piss on you, Mom!" He had long, tiny toes, and this patch of hair that stuck up in the back, and he looked so perfect! We came home just 24 hours after his birth, and things were so much more busier now. But I enjoyed having 3 little boys, and they played really well with each other, besides a few squabbles here & there.

 As Kameron grew, people sometimes thought that Keagan & Kameron where the twins because they looked more alike. Kameron has always been a good kid, even as a baby he was good. He is a people pleaser, and he talks with attitude all the time, every single one of his teachers, so far, have said that Kameron is very helpful & he is an ideal student. His 3rd grade Teacher said that he would come in, in the morning, and sharpen pencils, turn on the T.V. for the news, and was just really helpful, and on the days he was sick, she would be bummed out, cause he helped he so much. He was the BIGGEST Batman fan!! At 1 year old he was a fanatic! He has loved Batman for a long time, and he even owns the 1940's series, that is black & white!! He is my sporty one, and likes to play soccer, and run, and he is pretty good at running. He had asthma as a child, but as he grew it got better, he use to cough a lot when he would run, so this is just marvelous that he loves to run, and he has no troubles with it now. He also likes to ride his bike, when he can. He's a quiet one, and keeps to himself, but there are many times he can be annoying. Like asking something....over & over again. Or annoying his Sister, I think he has that Big Brother thing down. But overall he is a bright, sweet, kid, and just wants to make people happy. I love him very much, and am so very proud of him. He's always been my little ray of sunshine!! I love you, Kameron Micheal!! 

Kameron Micheal

Day 3: Exhibit B, Thing 2

Kyle James,  Keagan's womb mate, or was called baby "B", his first nickname. Kyle was born just 18 minutes after his twin brother, Keagan. He weighed 5pds 12.5oz, and was 18 inches long, this was the only time he was bigger than his twin brother, by just 1oz! You could tell them apart right away, they looked nothing  alike, Kyle having the darker hair out of the two made that easy. I'm thankful they were good babies, and things got into a routine fairly easy. Some of my most favorite memories are when they were just so small. I was the happiest I ever was, after I had them. I was so proud of them, and of us. It was so fun having 2 little ones, and very interesting at the same time. Kyle was the first to smile, laugh, and talk, so I always thought he would be the motor mouth of the two. His color was green.

 He has always been a sweet boy, but he has this devious smile that just has trouble written all over it. I can remember Keagan getting blamed for a lot of things when they were younger, 1. because Keagan was the more active one, & 2. Keagan was always the one getting busted. I think Kyle was the brains behind it all, and set his brother up all those times!! He's a sneaky one, for sure! His taste was always changing, he would like something for a bit and move on to something else. He has been into Toy Story, Spiderman, TMNT, Lego's, Indiana Jones, Spy Gear, Rock Tumbling...you get the gist, although he is a big fan of TWD, & Superman. Kyle also likes nature, and has had a love for Science, and that kind of thing. He's more laid back, and can have a lazy streak. He is witty, and is a bit sarcastic at times, and can be funny. He can be quiet at times, and treat his siblings nice when he wants. He is one that will do things on his own time, and when he is good & ready. Sometimes that can be not so much of a good thing. But I have no one to blame but me, he gets it from me.

 He has grown so much & so different than, Keagan. They were raised in the same womb, same way, had the same rules, morals & values, and were loved just the same, and yet grew to be so different than each other. It was really fascinating watching them grow, and learn. I had those "I wonder what they will be like when...." And here I am, now in the "when" and I am amazed at what I see in them, it is far beyond what my "expectations" had ever been. Kyle is an wonderful kid, and I am so glad that he decided to join Keagan in that conception party. ;) I am beyond blessed in so many ways! Love You, Kyle James

Kyle James

Day 2: Exhibit A, Thing 1

Keagan Andrew, is baby "A" and is what the Dr's called him. He was part of a BOGO free offer that I didn't sign up for. I was a Teen Mom, and so you know the stigma attached with that label. Then having twins on top of it all, made things all that much tougher, they say. Sure it was tough, but it was worth it all!! I was ready to become a mom, it's what I always wanted to be even if it was at such a young age. I loved everything about being their mom!! I can remember how proud I was when I had them, they were SO loved before they were even born. And I had not 1, but 2 babies, and I thought I was so special to have the honor of being a Mother of Twins. Keagan was born first, and weighed 5pds 11.5oz, and was 18in long. His apgar score was wonderful, and even being born 5 weeks early, he needed no intervention. He came home 2 days after his birth. He was always the bigger twin, and was the one to first roll, crawl, and walk. He was the more active twin as well. His name Keagan, means "Little Fiery One" and he has held up to just that. He has always been the one with the most spit fire, and will run his mouth when he gets the chance. He has always been a thoughtful child, and would help out when you needed it. He was my little Star Wars fan, and always has a smile on his face. He is such a joy to be around, even his Teacher's have said that. He is a good sibling, and will buy them things with his own money, just because occasionally. I never really called him & his brother "the twins", I wanted them to have their own identity, and not be compared to each other. I did dress them the same for just a while, or they wore a certain color, Keagan's color was blue. But as they got older I dressed them different, and they took to their own style. I had fun when they were little picking outfits out. But now I really don't get that option, they pick their own stuff out now.


He's a good kid, and he's grown so much. It's hard to believe that he fit into preemie clothes at one time, and now he is bigger than me!! 15 years old this year, and I'm in denial. Guess the next years are not going to get any easier on me. Over all he is a fabulous kid & he doesn't get into trouble. I'm pretty proud of the young man that he is growing up to be. I will always be thankful for my early gift, and the BOGO free offer. It changed my life in ways I could not know was even possible. Love you, Keagan Andrew!!!


Keagan Andrew

Day 1: Remember as far as anyone knows, we are a nice, normal family.

Well it's a new year, so that means a new 365 project! This year I thought I would do something different, and I wanted to do more with the kids, so I thought doing a 365 project, kids edition would be perfect. Kids grow so fast, so I wanted to try to capture this whole year with anything pertaining to the kids. So this can end up to be quite an interesting project, I'm sure!! I'm excited to start this new project, the kids, maybe not so much? But I hope they will thank me in the years to come, when I have a whole year to remember things by. Whether it be good, bad, or just plain funny, and they can be sure that I will most likely embarrass them at some point in this project. I can't wait to hear ideas from the kids too, because I am going to be asking for some of their input also. I'm sure the Smoore kids will make things to be quite an interesting year, they always do.

Happy New Year!!