I Think I'm Older

Christmas with 5 little boys is so much fun! I absolutely love Christmas morning and watching them open their presents. One of my favorite moments was watching KC open up his fire truck.

He was so happy. The boys had a very nice Christmas, we are very blessed to have everything we have.

Christmas Eve is spent at my parent's house. Since my life revolves around food, it is one of my favorites, because they always provide a yummy prime rib dinner. Most families reenact the nativity story, but after the kids' production at the ward party, we decided that was enough! The cousins decided to do a talent show. The white boys rapped the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"

James played the guitar

KC picked his nose then entire time Ruby and Charlie sang

These 3 boys sang the party song from "Nacho Libre"

You can see I get my not normalness from my family. Not exactly traditional. It was a fun night, and then Scott and I stayed up forever since I had not wrapped one present, and he had a couple of bikes to assemble.

We have the 4 boys sleep upstairs together.....I am pretty sure we could get a couple more kids in there!

Christmas morning came early. KC woke up at 6, but then fell back asleep. By the time I fell back asleep the boys came walking in our room at 7:09. We opened presents, I prepared some food for that evening, and then, went back to bed! I got about an hour nap...not bad. We headed back to my parents so the kids could open some presents together. We got back home and got things ready for Scott's family to come over for dinner. It was nice to see Steve and Melissa and their kids. I got to play with their girls. Kennedi and Rilea sang songs while I played the piano....so much fun for me. We then included the boys and it was nice to hear them sing "We'll Bring The World His Truth"

Robbie and I had one of our usual photo shoots, and he had fun posing....

He is still my favorite sister in law...the funny thing is, my sister had me take pictures of her posing as well....

Robbie and Lana have a lot in common......very funny!

I definitely ate more than I needed to or should have. The only person that I think outdid me was KC......I think this kid has an eating disorder......he NEVER stopped!

I love this kid!

Jamers received the Aaronic Priesthood today, and I am very proud of him. Grandma bought him a nice white shirt since he will be passing the sacrament next week!

Hanna and me....she is a cute girl....I get to watch my sister go through the drama....it's fun!

My mom thought this shirt would hurt Curtis's feelings, but he thought it was funny....he looks exactly like the picture on this shirt when he poses.....and he eats ALL day long! See....

It was a nice Christmas. Since we have only spent 95% of this week with our families, we had everyone over for a post church lunch at our house to celebrate James's accomplishment.

Last night KC slept in his big boy bed for the first time. It wasn't too bad getting him to go to sleep in it....the usual in and out a few times, the problem started at midnight. He walked down into James's room. James brought him up to us. KC wasn't upset, he just wanted to play. Scott and I tried to deal with him in shifts. I layed in his bed for a while, but he just wanted to play with the mole on my face.....Scott took over about 2:30, and said he didn't fall back asleep until 5:00. At least KC was happy throughout the night. No crying or anything.....just wanting to play. So, after a week of nonstop activity, I could not handle an all nighter. After the lunch today, Scott and I were able to take a nap....after 3 hours I had to force myself out of bed. I use to be able to function on very little sleep...I think I am getting old!

My Baby Is Growing Up!!!

Today is James's 12th birthday. I know this isn't all about me, BUT, I always thought I would be much more mature when I had a son passing the sacrament. I am still really immature....oh well, maybe when he blesses it. I am a proud mother. James is growing up to be an impressive young man. Don't get me wrong, he can be a total snot, but putting the attitude and disrespectfulness aside, he is fantastic. He is a great helper, he is responsible, I think he's a babe, he has a good sense of humor, and I actually really like him. So, he is my oldest....I made a rookie mistake and had my first baby right around Christmas. I did learn from that, and have scattered the other birthdays throughout the year. I try to make James's birthday special for him. I try not to blend Christmas into his day. I was super lazy this year, so yesterday he asked if some friends could spend the night. I figured it would be fine.....I did absolutely nothing. They played basketball and video games. I went upstairs and was asleep by 11. As long as they didn't wake up KC I was ok. I am not even sure if they ate. I think they got soda, but I am not sure if they broke into the junk food. I at least gave them breakfast.....doughnuts, and Scott picked them up. So, I basically did nothing. James will be received the Aaronic Priesthood this Sunday. I am very excited for him. I grew up without the Priesthood in my home. How lucky am I now? Some short years from now, I will be surrounded by it.....I always prayed to have the Priesthood in my home, and I am beyond happy to have that prayer answered. James is very low maintenance. All he wanted today was pizza and a big cookie.....he is outside playing basketball with some brothers and neighbors, and he is totally content......boys are great! Poor James.....I drive him nuts. He really can't stand me! I always tell him....when I am dead and gone, you will think about me, and realize how funny and great I am----weird....I know!

We have been keeping busy with Christmas festivities. The kids are on Christmas break, and we really just plan on hanging out.....that is what they prefer to do. I have to write about our ward Christmas party. I still don't think it is very funny, but people keep telling me that years from now I will find this hilarious. Anyways, they asked the three oldest boys to play the wisemen. James got hit with strep throat, so we replaced him with Charlie. KC was asked to play a camel, so we had the 4 boys up on stage. Long story short, it was basically the nativity story transformed into the WWF. Wrestling, jumping, tackling, hopping, etc. It was out of control. I felt so bad for the people that wanted to enjoy the program....you know there are always some of those out there, but leave it to the Cuillard's....we sucked any reverence out of that program! KC started going under some of the props.....it was entertaining. I was hoping the Bishop would ask us to take some time off from church, but he thought it was fantastic. Oh well, I have a feeling the Cuillard boys will not be asked to participate any time soon.

These were taken during the program

Mormons Are Going Where?

The other day George came home from school and asked, "Are all Mormons going to hell?" We said no, and why are you asking? He said his friend from school told him that his dad said that. George doesn't beat around the bush, and he isn't shy to tell you how he feels. I don't think I could have responded any better than George did. I asked George what he said when his friend told him this, and George said, "I told him, well, tell your dad he is wrong." How great is that? George didn't get offended, he didn't quite understand why Scott and I were having discussions about it. Well, it turns out this is George's best buddy at school. George has been asking if his friend could come over and play. I totally bribed him (chores, good behavior) I told him if he was good his friend could come over. I talked to this boy's mother. We had never met before. This boy is her oldest and she had never let him go over to a friend's house without knowing the family first. I told her she was welcome to come over and spend as much time as she wanted, etc. I did fess up and tell her I didn't pretend we were a normal family....we are a little crazy, so on and so on. After thinking about it, I thought I should let her know we were Mormon. Since she wasn't super comfortable anyways, I thought it might be a deal breaker. So, I called her up and told her George came home and told us a not so favorable comment about Mormons that her son shared with him, and let her know we were in fact Mormon. I think she was so embarassed. When I was talking with her, I told her there are a lot of odd rumors about our faith, and if she had any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them for her. Now, my evil side thought this was hilarious. We are not normal people, so I forget that people that aren't exposed to our kind can be a little afraid, worried, or whatever. She apologized, didn't even ask me what her son said, which made me believe that she was fully aware of what he may have said. For those that are close to me, know that I can be a bit extreme. So, when she brought her son over, I made sure the house was super clean, made homemade cookies, asked if I could feed him dinner, had the Christmas lights on, etc. etc. I tried to make it so she couldn't dislike me, which normally I don't really care, but realized we could be her first impressions of Mormons.....what pressure! We'll see if he ever comes back. By the way, he was a super nice and polite kid, and is welcome back in our house anytime. I always wonder what I would have thought of Mormons if I hadn't been born into it, because even being born and raised in it, I think we are a little weird....in a good and different way.

Husband Stuff

1. Where did I meet my husband? Single's ward in Westlake....he was my home teacher.

2.How long did you date before getting married? We met in October '94....started dating in November '94....he moved to Utah January 1, 1995, we visited each other 3 times until he moved back the next month. He proposed February 17th, and we were married that June.....CRAZY!!!
3 How long have you been married? 13 1/2 years
4.What does he do that surprises you? He loves to scare me, which I hate....I scream EVERY time. It is always a pleasant surprise when he gives me massages
5.What is your favorite feature of his? I love that he is tall.
6.What is his best quality? He is genuinely nice......to everyone, and most of the time to me. He is also a good worker with great ethic.
7.Does he have a nickname for you? You can't get much shorter than "K"....but, he loves to scream it.....I don't know why, but he is always screaming "K" in a song like way, even when I am right next to him.
8.What is his favorite food? Ice Cream.......he is a meat and potatos kind of guy, but he says he likes my pasta....which is whole wheat pasta with Ragu...very fancy.
9.What is his favorite sport? He does not discriminate....he loves everything!
10. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We are good at doing projects around the house together.....especially painting. We never have time for it though. We love watching movies at home on the couch...total couch potatos.
11. When did you first kiss? November 5th '94
12.Do you have any children? 5 boys
13.Does he have any hidden talents? He hangs the straightest Christmas lights, and he is compulsively organized when he starts a project.
14.How old is he? 36
15.What is his favorite music? Glamour Rock.....LOVES Bon Jovi.....second favorite Heavy Metal.....classic rock
16.What do you admire about him? His giving nature
17.What is his favorite color? Blue and black
18.Will he read this? I think so, eventually
19.Who said "I love you" First? Him
20.Who do you tag? Whoever reads this

Birthday Experiment

So, incase you hadn't heard, my birthday was Saturday. I tried something new this year. Usually I don't really make it known that it is my birthday, and I don't usually get excited about it. This time around, I decided to shout it from the rooftops. I completely understand I am a dork, so you don't have to tell me. Scott has always hated that I don't get excited about birthdays, so I thought I would really get into it. Two of my oldest friends, one since 8 years old, and the other since high school took me to lunch on Thursday. We always have a good time, and they are really good friends. Friday I went to breakfast with my sister and parents. I then went Christmas shopping with my mom. I even announced my birthday in my Friday muscle conditioning class, and then made them workout to 50 cent's In Da Club...."Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday". When I wanted them to squat deeper, I would say "For my birthday...PLEASE!" Saturday we had two football parties....not my favorite thing to do on my birthday, but Pam and Adam were at one of them. It's always fun to see them, and Adam sang to me, which would normally embarass me, but I decided to soak it up and really enjoy the attention. Saturday night we went out to my favorite Mexican and then took the oldest 3 boys to the local production of "It's A Wonderful Life....the Musical". Sunday Scott let me sleep in...we kind of ditched church, because none of the boys woke up (either did I) That afternoon the instructors had a Christmas get together...we exchange presents and eat til we are about to burst. It was a Christmas celebration, but I was pretending it was for me....just kidding, but it is always a good time. My friend, Kim's birthday was on the first, so I suggested we all get together for lunch for a combined birthday celebration. I have no problem throwing myself a birthday party. So, a bunch of us from the ward got together and had a fun lunch. All of them are so great, and I feel so lucky to get to be friends with these girls! Now, some might look at my overly advertised birthday as an attention getter....it is what it is, but I have to tell you that it was one of my most fun birthdays....well birthday weeks! I feel a little guilty about receiving such thoughtful gifts, but really appreciate everyone's kindness. I hate when I miss friends birthdays. I wish everyone would announce when their birthdays are so I don't feel so cruddy after they pass. So, it may seem a bit indulgent, but it depends how you look at it. Maybe a little needy as well, but it was sure fun. Thanks to everyone for making it a great birthday......now I guess I will have to settle for celebrating Christmas.....what a fun month! Ginger and I have been best friends since 4th grade. Jessica and I met in high school, were roommates in college, and she still is willing to hang out with me....that's a true friend....

My parents, sister, Lana, and KC.....birthday breakfast!

Forgot to mention that we had our gym Christmas party Friday night....Scott doesn't love going, but he is a good sport for my sake, and very handsome might I add!

My favorite little men.....best gifts I have ever received!

Carly, Joe and Heidi.....yeah for birthday lunches!

Lori, Pam, Kim and Jennifer.....Happy Birthday to Kim too.....see, it's not all about me

Not the best quality...wish it came out better. Such a fun birthday, I would highly recommend, like the song says...."You've had a birthday, shout hooray!" Much more fun that way!

Not Attractive

The last thing I would ever normally do is post a picture of my leg! My legs are probably the least favorite part of my body, but seemed to be the favorite part for that dog....here is a pic of the bite. It isn't too bad, but pretty impressive considering I was wearing jeans, and the long, sexy g's underneath!

Childhood Fears Reaffirmed

I could not believe what happened to me today! For those that don't know me very well, I don't love dogs. There are a few reasons for this.....I don't like dog poop, I don't like them jumping on me and licking me, they usually smell, and I am afraid of them. I was attacked by a dog when I was a little girl....no harm, just scared the crud out of me. A few years later we moved to a house where my best friend and I lived a couple of blocks away from each other. There was a park that was about halfway between our houses. We would always meet there, and the odds of a loose dog were pretty good, and we got chased quite a bit. I hate when people don't have their dogs on leashes, because I am afraid they will come after me or my kids. I am fine with all of you dog lovers. I wish I loved them....it would make things so much easier. We have a dog.....one that is very pretty, but if anyone were to steal him from our backyard I would be forever grateful. Anyways, today I was taking Charlie to preschool. It is right next to a park. There was a very handsome, fit, outdoor bootcamp instructor with his dog. KC was obsessed with this dog. The cute guy thought it was all very sweet, I told him KC was in love with his dog, he told me that KC was welcome to go see the dog. I smiled and said, "oh that is so nice, but thanks anyways." If you asked me, I was thinking he may have even thought maybe I was a little cute. That all changed in an instant! His bootcamp class of about 10 started warming up....Charlie's classroom door opened.....as soon as I told KC it was time to go, he darted right over to this dog. The dog was innocently leashed up to the side of the building right infront of hot guy's class. KC is as wide as he is tall, and very, very fast for a husky midget. I went after KC....he was right next to the dog. As I grabbed KC, the dog attacked me. Now, I am not blaming the dog, because it was pure instinct. Looking back, I should not have come up so quickly. That stinkin dog bit the back of my knee. It didn't gouge my skin, but did make me bleed and left a nasty mark. Worst part, he put a hole in my favorite, expensive jeans!!! OK, so the guy went bolistic on his dog, and apologized, but any chance of him thinking I was cute, I am positive turned into him thinking what a "lame, stupid Mom". Not only was I soooooo embarassed, but it HURT!!! I didn't check out the damage until I got in the car. I got bit, checked Charlie into class....I think I was a bit in shock, because I remember telling a friend of mine, "I just got bit by a dog" She was more in check with reality, and told me to go talk to the owner, but I wasn't even about to. I called Scott and told him, he wasn't exactly sympathetic, I think he laughed at me, but genuinely concerned. I was right by Kaiser, so I went in to ask our nurse what I should do. She started telling me how to patch my favorite jeans......since I am now terrified of dogs, I said "thanks, but what about the bite?" She gave me some iodine swabs, neosporin, and told me it should be fine, but if it got worse to come back. This was the one morning I set out to run errands (which I hate to do), and I wasn't about to stop because of a stupid dog bite! I went around town with my dog bite, bleeding, in pain. I know I am such a whimp, I took advil and if I had painkillers, I would take them! Oh well, worse things happen, and thank goodness KC did not get bit. I will take a picture of my wound, but I can't find the camera....as soon as I do, I will post it. Hope you are all having a better day than me.....really, it hasn't been a bad day, it's been pretty good, except for the dog attack!