4 Going on at least 14!

I can't express my love for my little KC man. He recently turned four and he has so much spunk and feistiness in that little body I can't believe it. He is full of energy and he knows what he wants and is relentless. He loves his brothers and I enjoy watching the relationship he shares with each of them. He has a very sweet side to him and he has been nothing but loving to his young brother Eldon. He can be a stinker and will dish out teases and knows how to taunt like noone else. One thing that KC and I share is the fact that we both think we are funny. He will do things and laugh at himself like no other. KC goes to preschool and has a lot of good buddies. He has been going to the gym with me since birth and there is a bunch of boys he has grown up with and they are quite the gang. It is nice to see him build friendships. KC is addicted to video games and if I didn't regulate it he would play them all day long....we are worried! He is so anxious to grow up and I just want to keep him cute and little. He asks everyday if he can play "Black Ops" which is a video game that is rated "M". I tell him that he can't until he is a grown up. He thinks that if he can do things like write his name, tie his shoes, etc. he will prove that he is a grown up. He is a crack up. I am grateful for KC and the role he plays in our family....I am a very lucky Mommy!

Mr. President

One thing I love about my George is that he is very unique. Today at school they had "Dress As A President". George was trying to convince me to get together a George Washington costume last night at 6:00.......luckily I was able to convince him to be a more recent "George" as in George W. Bush. He was happy to do so and laid out his suit and tie. Look how handsome he is....

When I dropped George off at school I did not see any other kids in costume. Turns out George was the ONLY student that dressed up. The only other person that dressed up was the principal. I asked George if he was upset that he was the only one and he said no with a big smile on his face. When you are the only kid at school in a suit and tie you get some special treatment. He got to go to recess 5 minutes earlier than everyone else, his buddies walked around him and acted as secret service, the girls asked if they could touch his suit and everyone called him Mr. President. I love that George embraces his uniqueness.

Love

So, this Valentine's Day wasn't the most romantic, but super enjoyable. Monday is always a busy day. I usually teach and have a couple of clients to train. One of my clients cancelled, so it made it a bit less hectic. I had to train at 4:30....I came home around 5:45, fixed the boys a grand dinner of chicken nuggets and heart shaped wiggle waggles (jigglers for those that didn't grow up in my household), fed and bathed Eldon, and then left at 6:15 for my traditional V Day night with Scott. We had a whole 45 minutes to hit my annual Tommy's run. I say annual, but this last year I was pregnant and I snuck an extra couple of them in because I could! It's not like I eat healthy, I defintely indulge often but I am capable of eating healthy. I can manage to order pretty healthy at most fast food chains and if I happen to get a cheeseburger, I usually get kind of sick, but not Tommy's. Tommy's is what I like to call 'power food'.... there isnot one healthy option on that menu! I get the #3, hamburger and chili cheese fries. Oh, it's so good, I don't know if I can wait another year for it. Anyways, we had to rush back home by 7:00 in order to get George to his basketball game that started at 7:30. Got home about 9:00, showered, put the kids to bed (the younger 4), finally cleaned the kitchen, we finally got to sit down by 10 to start The Bachelor. Not only did I get Scott into this season, but James and Curtis too.....I know, before you judge me I am fully aware it's not the most appropriate for young boys....whatever.....I fast forward through the raunchy parts and then tell them that if they ever bring home a girl like that they are dead! Scott rubbed my feet and I figured if I already ate Tommy's I might as well eat the See's Candy my dad bought me. For me it was an ideal Valentine's Day, but then again, I am a little different. Bonus to the day was getting to hang out with this little one.......

I enjoyed the simplicity of this holiday, but not everybody appreciated it. I bought the boys very simple gifts, but at least I got them something. Curtis and James got Valentine's themed boxers. Curtis came home and told me his friend got a box of See's Candy from his mom.....apparently See's Candy is a bit better than boxers.......oh well, there's always next year.

Saturday

I am basically writing this post so that in 20 years from now 'IF' I have nothing to do on a Saturday I can appreciate it and remember how busy life was. There are a few weeks out of the year when basketball and baseball overlap. That time has come again. Five of the six boys are playing baseball (all on different teams....I had them far enough apart that they will NEVER be in the same divisions) and 3 playing basketball. So, that means 3 basketball practices during the week, usually one night game, minimum of 7 baseball practices during the week, 4 basketball games on Saturday and 5 baseball practices on Saturday. I fell victim to being guilted into being team mom for two of the teams. Nobody volunteered, and I felt bad for two seconds and said I would do it, but I let them know that I would most likely mess things up, and if they set low expectations they would be pleased with my efforts....I also disclosed that I have a bad attitude and won't go to any meetings (I know, I am a total butthead). I didn't think the coaches would accept under those conditions, but they were desperate. Honestly, one of the things I am so afraid of is that I can't remember names....team moms usually know the players names and the names of their parents, it makes me look like a jerk, but I'm not being a snob, I'm just kind of brain dead and I am not very observent.....this can not have a good outcome....wish me luck! Needless to say, I am so very, very tired! I would feel super successful IF my house was clean, but I will be honest and let you know that it looks like a bomb exploded in here! Oh well, maybe in 20 years my house will be clean. At least I got an hour break today to train a client, it is a joy to watch my boys be active, healthy and strong, the weather was beautiful today, I got to just sit and hold Eldon, and I have a valid excuse for not having a clean house!

Updating My Days

So, I have a 6th kid and have turned into a slacker....NO, I've always been a slacker! I want to keep up a current blog. I have no brain cells left and I want to have something to remind me what I experience on a day to day basis. Last time I wrote it was October, so I will do a quick update........

Halloween was fun, but super exhausting. Getting everyone in their costumes takes a lot of time. James was some sort of zombie, accident victim (had to work in the broken arm with the costume), Curtis was an old man (which turned out fantastic.....he is such a good sport to go along with my ideas), George was the scary scarecrow, Charlie was a werewolf, and Eldon was the cutest little skeleton.
Football season finally came to an end. James missed out on a lot of games due to his arm, so that kind of stunk. George did not LOVE it, and you have to LOVE it to do it. So, George's football career may be a short lived one, and that is fine by me. Curtis on the other hand is obsessed with sports. He seems to know everything about every player, every rule, etc. Just for the record, if I could pick Curtis's career I would have him be a sport's announcer. Curtis had a great season and received the honor of all-league PYFL something or other. Whatever it is, Curtis was picked out of the entire league as the number 1 pick for his position....he was so excited!
Sweet little Eldon was blessed December 5th. He is so fun, and I'm loving EVERY second with him.

I can't stop loving on him!

December was a whirlwind of events....getting Christmas ready was a lot of work, but we managed. I absolutely love this picture of George decorating the Christmas tree. It speaks volumes of what any activity in our house involves......luckily, we didn't have to go to urgent care and he made a smooth landing.
For some stupid reason, Santa thought the boys turn everything into guns anyways, so why not get them all air soft guns? George's expression would be the reason why you shouldn't. They are all crazy. The best part of this picture is my mother in law in the background......I know she was thinking how incredibly dumb we are, but she kept a smile on her face....she never judges our parenting, but even I know you shouldn't arm little boys with weapons....at least weapons that really, really hurt and could actually shoot an eye out!
New Year's Eve was bittersweet for me. I have a feeling it might be the last one that we all get to spend together. James is now 14, and as much as I keep wishing, I'm afraid his desire to hang out with his friends will be stronger than to hang out with his family. He could have gone to the church dance, but he chose to stay home, and we had a great time playing games, eating and hanging out. Little KC wanted to stay up til midnight, but his eyes closed for the night at 11:53pm.

At some point my little 7lb 7oz baby grew......I'm not sure when it happened, but he went from this

to this overnight! How fantastic are those legs! All of the little baby clothes are packed and gone (which was a very, very hard thing for me to do....I get a little teared up just thinking about it :(

Needless to say, Eldon is a healthy, thriving little boy. He sleeps good, he eats good, and he has a very calm nature about him (not sure how long that will last, but he is by far the calmest boy I've had). I love, love, love every roll and fold he's got. My favorite part is the roll that goes over his ankle. Bath-time is a whole procedure pulling rolls apart and getting him clean and I think it's my favorite thing to do for him. He is all smiles.

He is just so yummy. I nibble on him all day long!!!

Basketball season started at the beginning of the year. The three older boys are playing. James was playing basketball at school during lunch and had an encounter with a really hard elbow.....the elbow won and Jamers got 5 stitches on his eye. He seems to always get hurt.

Baseball season is starting again......last season I was newly pregnant with 5 crazy boys and 4 playing. This season I have 5 boys playing and a baby in tow. Just like last season, Scott is the stupid president...yes, I said stupid. It takes up way too much time and I am too lazy to take these kids on by myself, but I'll save more of my complaining for later.

So, like I said, I am going to attempt to keep a current blog going....I plan on noting the good and the bad. I can't stand blogs where everything is picture perfect, so I plan on being pretty straight forward, but I'll keep some of the crazy on the down low....nobody needs to know the whole truth about our dysfunction. I will be bragging every now and then, because I do have pretty cool kids, who are special in their own individual ways.....so if you can stomach it, feel free to follow along!

First Time

As you know, I am really good with bleeding heads and stitches, but I've always been worried about broken bones....for a couple of reasons. If one of my boys has to wear a cast in summer and prevent us from going to the beach he will be grounded, and #2 I have always imagined a bone popping out of the skin and having to rush to the ER. Luckily, neither of my 2 concerns happened with the event of our first broken bone. It is hard to imagine that it took us almost 14 years for one of the boys to break something! Poor James broke his hand over 2 weeks ago and I have had zero compassion for him....up until now. James was at practice and when he tackled someone he must have crammed his knuckle real hard against someone or something, because the center of his hand (under his middle finger) just snapped. I thought his hand was swollen from actual swelling, turns out it was part of the bone sticking up. (Have I told you what an amazing Mother I am?) Just so you don't think I'm too horrible, I did have James go to the urgent care. Scott had the choice of staying home with the 5 kids, feeding them and putting them to bed or to take him. Not a surprise that Scott took him. When the doctor pressed on James's hand he didn't complain so she didn't even do an xray (I should have taken him), so we didn't think it was broken. Meanwhile, James went 2 more weeks, did practice, played 2 games, threw the ball and everything. He did complain a bit about the pain, but not too much. The funny part was watching him play.....he dangled that hand like a limp noodle....I made fun of him, my sister and brother made fun of him, and a few unnamed people were laughing with us.....it was pretty hysterical to watch. He didn't exactly have his best games. Normally I don't criticize his playing, because who's kidding, I don't really know what's right or wrong, but I could tell that he wasn't playing great. He tackled like he had no arms and he got super irritated with me for bringing that up. Turns out he had a really good excuse! I took him to the doctor yesterday, he took xrays and James is validated. He got his cast on today. When I asked him if I could sign it he said, "Um, I think I'm going to have my team sign it." That is when I said, "Good, I'll make sure I sign it first then!" I don't know how he went over 2 weeks with a broken hand. He must have gotten his pain tolerance from his father, because I am the biggest whimp. When I was in the hospital with Eldon the nurses always asked what my acceptable level of pain is from 1-10. I told them 1. I didn't think that was weird. Why would you want to feel pain if you don't have to? One nurse came in and asked if I had really said 1 or if it was a typo. I told her it was right and she started laughing. I said, "Why is that funny? She said noone ever says 1, and if it's in the charts it is usually a mistake. What is wrong with everyone? I still don't get why people want to experience pain. Anyways, back to James.....he can't write, play guitar, play football, and to his complete devastation play X-Box!!! He still can hold the baby though :) He is bummed about not playing football, but he might be able to play in the play offs. My poor little baby!

I Have A Six Pack!

The other day George asked me how many kids I wanted when I was a little girl. I told him 6. He did not believe me and thought I was just saying that because I have 6. He actually called my childhood friend and asked her. She of course answered "6". Scott always says I have to get my way, this time he was right. On August 31st I got something that I always wanted.....6 kids. My due date was not until September 17th. When people asked when I was due I would say, "mid September, but I am shooting for late August, early September." Everyone thought I was nuts, but I believe if you set a goal you can accomplish it.......goal achieved! We really weren't ready for the baby to come quite that early. I was planning on going to Babies R Us that Wednesday to pick up all of the last minute stuff that I needed.....I didn't even have an outfit to bring him home in. Monday the 30th was supposed to be a fun, relaxing day. I had a lunch planned with good friends and family and then had a doctor's appointment for myself and for George since George was home with a fever. Here is a picture of me taken at lunch......

Scott went to my appointment with me and kind of made my midwife strip me. She didn't really want to, because she wasn't going to be at the hospital until the end of the week, but it was

going to be a light work load for Scott that week, so he kept bugging her until she did. I left the doctor's office at 5:00. By the time I got home my contractions were starting to get stronger. I decided I should get my bag packed for the hospital. I told Scott I thought we should get going to the hospital, and he was hilarious. He was freaking out....it was like we had never done this before! He was calling people to come over and watch the kids.....he ended up having both Pam and Jani come over. I felt bad both of them came, but they were both so sweet willing to help. We ended up at the hospital around 7:00 and they admitted me. All I want

ed was the epidural. The contractions were hurting, but I got that glorious epidural so I didn't have to experience much discomfort.....and it was a GOOD epidural! We had quite a group at the hospital......

I know most people don't enjoy a crowded delivery room, but I've had one of the boys without anyone but Scott there and I was sad that we weren't surrounded by loved ones. James wanted to come, and I thought he was mature enough to experience it, but I made sure he wasn't exposed to anything that would make him unable to ever look me in the eyes again. He was in the room for the birth, but didn't see it until everything was cleaned up. Scott, my parents, my sister, my brother, my mother in law, my niece and James were there for the delivery. Two of my sister in laws stopped by earlier. The nurse had to ask for everyone to calm down around midnight.....we are a bit obnoxious.

I normally dilate from a 5 to a 10 very quickly, but this time was different. I actually felt bad for everyone that it was taking so long! They even gave me pitocin around 11:00 to try to get me further along. I was only to a 6. Finally a little after 2 am it was time. I think I pushed twice. My bag broke earlier, but there was still what they called a 'bubble'. Once that bubble popped he kind of flew out. It was the easiest delivery ever. It is such a wonderful experience to share with people that mean so much to me and who were so excited to be there for his entrance into this world.

The cord was wrapped around his neck, but luckily there were no complications. His blonde hair was evident right away and it was so fun to try to figure out who he looked like. He weighed 7 lb 7.8 oz......all of my babies have ranged from 7lb 3 oz to 7 lb 11 oz....I'm very lucky!

Scott cut the cord and James was able to cut the rest of it. I think he was a little nervous, but happy to do it

When he was born he let out his newborn cries, but as he layed on my chest he was very calm and sweet. It was definitely love at first sight.

The boys were very excited to come visit at the hospital.......it was insane when they dropped by. I was completely exhausted by them and asked for an extra day's stay at the hospital. It was great. I actually appreciated the hospital food! I didn't have to make it or clean it up....it was amazing.

Before I came home we got George's test results from his Monday appt. Turns out he had strep and mono.....I was freaking out. After having two babies suffer from RSV I am a complete FREAK about germs and exposing my babies to ANYTHING. Poor George had to keep distance from the baby and couldn't even hold him for a couple of weeks. I took this picture of George admiring him from afar.....so sad.....

It took us two days to name this little person. We finally decided on Eldon James. Eldon was one of my grandmother's brothers. My grandmother has the neatest family, and I was so happy to name another one of my boys after an admirable man. His middle name is a tribute to his older brother, plus I love that name! I am so thrilled to have this sweet, little baby, and I am cherishing every moment with him. So grateful to have my 6 boys!

A big thank you to everyone who dropped off goodies, meals and gifts. Everyone is so giving and charitable. Our family truly appreciated all of it!

I have a lot to catch up on! I thought I'd start with a quick recap of the summer......

Beach! Thank goodness we live close enough to the beach to enjoy it. I love it, the boys love it, my sister loves it, my mom loves it, my friends love it and we all love going! The beach didn't really get great until August, so we made sure we got our summer's worth. I did not let my ginormousness stop me. My belly button was disgusting and completely grossed out my sister. Therefore, I made sure to wear my two piece. After I delivered the baby a nurse that examined me said, "Oh my gosh you actually wore a bikini!" Whatever! It is amazing how much sun your stomach gets when it sticks out so much. After delivery it was black. Anyways, I was so glad my boys didn't act embarassed, and they actually liked going in the water with me...thank goodness!
My cute Charlie turned 6 this summer. It is so fun to watch the joy exude out of a little boy because of a few gifts and extra attention. He is a fun kid, and I'm so glad he's mine!
Havasu.....we got a chance to get to Havasu for a week. I thought it would be miserable, but I spent most of the time floating in the lake. The boys were extremely impressed with my mad floating skills!
The boys had fun snorkeling and cliff jumping. Even KC jumped, which scared me to death, but that crazy kid had a smile on his face jumping, falling, landing, and coming up from the water....he's nuts!
It was a nice getaway, and we only missed half of a day getting the prop repaired because I chopped it up running over a rock!


Football started. James, Curtis and George are playing this season. That means lots of practices and lots of games. Luckily, I really do enjoy watching my boys play!

For some weird reason I like to gross the boys out, so I would walk around the house with my belly showing. James can not stand me....

Luckily, my friend Liz took some pictures so I can remember this last pregnancy with a little dignity.....

School started WAY too early this year. There should be a law about going back in August! James and Curtis get to go to middle school together, George and Charlie are at elementary and KC started his first year of preschool...yippee!

We were able to have a couple of mellow months before our world got rocked by a new baby....all good things!!!

Light?

Baseball season this year was NOT fun for me. Despite my wishes Scott was president of the league. My morning sickness kicked in the week of drafting, and Scott was gone every night - it was hard. With four boys playing on different teams our schedule was full to say the least. We pretty much lived at the fields. James had a coach that I absoutely detested, and he knows that because I pretty much told him to his face. I put on most of my pregnancy weight because of the stupid snack bar! When you have a billion boys the league allows you to cap out once you have spent a million dollars on registration, so we only had to pay for about 3 of the 4. So, it was a LONG season. I do enjoy watching my boys play, so I didn't mind that part. Anyways, when the season finally came to an end I told Scott that I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders because we were finally done! That is when Scott told me we had allstars. Have you ever been so upset you just want to cry? We have never participated in Allstars for many reasons. The most important reason is that summer to me means NO schedules. These allstar people like to practice and do scrimmages and then crazy tournaments that you pay for. It is beyond my comprehension why anyone would want to do this, but some people really, really love it. Needless to say Scott and I definitely argued over this. James, Curtis and George were all wanted for their age divisions. What sounds more fun than sitting at baseball games in the middle of July and August 8-9 months pregnant? Sometimes I feel like Scott needs to be smacked against the head to get the message. So, after hearing his allstar ambitions all I could think was "There was light at the end of this tunnel, and it just got smaller!!!" Luckily George didn't really care about playing, thank goodness...he is now my favorite! James absolutely loves football and with the starting up it would interfere with the allstar stuff....yeah for football! But Curtis, stinkin Curtis!!! The fact that you have to pay $4o for a jersey and hat is lame....plus tournament cost and cost of traveling, etc. We compromised and worked something out with the allstar coach that Curtis is part of the team, but on very flexible terms. We went down to Los Altos this weekend for a tournament....it wasn't that bad and Curtis looked very cute in his uniform

Thank goodness only Curtis was playing. This last week I started to experience intense pelvic bone pain that starts in the pelvic region and everytime I put weight on my left leg it sends a shooting pain down my leg. I have never experienced this before. It is so frusterating, because my day starts out fine, but the more movement I make the worse it gets. So, if I sit around on my butt all day I am fine, but if I want to be normal and just do my normal tasks it gets very painful. I'm hoping it will be short lived, because I can't go another 2 months like this! So, if you see me wobbling and limping that is why.

Way TOO Soon

The time has come for me to hang up my workout shoes for now. I can't express how depressed I am about this. Usually, I love when it is time to take a break. I am usually burnt out and super tired of it, but this is way sooner than I was hoping for. When I was pregnant with KC I taught my classes until I was 34 weeks, and he was born a little after 38 weeks. With Charlie I stopped at 32 and he was born about 37 1/2 weeks. I got a nice break from working out and was able to get the finishing touches prepared. I am only 28 weeks and I was really hoping to go at least another month, now the rest of this pregnancy is going to take forever! I understand I am no spring chicken and my body isn't how it was when I was in my 20s, blah, blah, blah! BUT, I am in way better shape now than I was then, or at least until I got pregnant I was in way better shape. Luckily, nothing is wrong and the pregnancy is progressing great. Now, if pregnant issues gross you out, you might want to stop reading now.....anyways, the issue this time around is pelvic pain....major pelvic pain! Tuesdays are usually my really busy days. I teach 2 classes, train 4 clients, and completely love it. Well, this Tuesday during my first class my pelvic bones started killing. I even sat out the 3rd sets of everything (well, kinda, it's very hard for me to take it easy). I went throughout my day and when I went to go teach my evening class I thought, well, this will make it better or completely kill me. As I was teaching that spin class it felt great. I remember thinking how good it felt at the time....not just physically, but mentally. I had a great class, but once I got home I could barely move. I don't mean to complain, but it hurt, I thought my bones were going to burst apart! Luckily, Wednesday is my break day, so I did nothing....well, I didn't work out. I painted, finished laundry, etc, but I didn't work out! I am trying to be smart about this, so I got subs for my Thursday and Friday classes. When I woke up Thursday it felt better, but it still was not great. I know most of this discomfort was self inflicted, so I was really torn! I could either continue teaching and pay the price for it in physical pain, or let me body recover and feel better. For those of you that have an addiction, even though you know it's not the best thing for you, you still want it! Working out for me is not just a physical thing, yes it makes me feel better, justifies my mass amounts of food consumption, etc, but mentally, mentally it has kept me out of the loony bin. I am constantly saying how teaching has saved the lives of my children as well as keeping my marriage alive! So, needless to say, I am scared! Summer has just started, the boys are wonderful, but they are a lot to handle! Teaching 1-2 hours a days was physically tiring, but mentally refreshing. The physical safety of my children is not my only concern here, but if I was able to gain 24 pounds while I was working out, imagine how much more I am going to gain not working out! I know, this isn't the most important thing, but I don't like being huge...it's not fun. Oh well, we'll see how the rest of this goes. Now, after expressing all of that, does it make sense to say I really enjoy being pregnant? If I wasn't a worker outer, everything would be dandy! Oh, one more downside to this not working out thing....I am not sure if I will ever shower again. I hate showering and getting ready....a shower after working out always felt great, but really, the motivation factor now is pretty small! I know, I am disgusting, but it's the truth. I am going to have to force myself to get showered....I think I am worse than the boys! I will continue to do my personal training, but it's not the same. I know people have serious issues to deal with, and this really isn't a big deal, but it is a big part of me that I have to put on hold for a while.

Yes, I Am A Swinger!

I am not embarassed to admit that I am a swinger. I have read that it is normal.....full on mood swings!!! If you read pregnancy week by week, one of the "symptoms" is mood swings. I can be incredibly upset, angry, happy, etc., and switch just like that. It doesn't feel good to feel crazy, but it feels better knowing that it is normal to feel abnormal! My poor family has had to deal with this. That is why I say that if my marriage survives this 6th pregnancy then I think we'll make it in the eternal spectrum! Besides, Scott could not afford the massive child support! Despite my complaints of this pregnancy, I really do enjoy it. I really do. Some people dislike pregnancy, I love it. It definitely comes at a price, and it certainly isn't easy, but it is something I have always been grateful for. Being a fitness instructor and pregnant is pretty comical. I feel like I need to have a disclaimer before each class stating that the workout is effective and apologize for what they have to watch for the next hour. I entertain myself by saying things like, "If a pregnant lady can do it, you can too!" I don't think they appreciate comments like that, but I think I'm funny. I can't exactly move how I use to, and body weight resistant exercises like push ups and tricep dips are way harder when you have an extra 20 pounds on you. That's right, 20 pounds. I am totally keeping it real people. I can teach 7 classes a week and still gain....A LOT! I am about 6 months pregnant, and would like to keep the weight down, but oh well. It's not like I haven't been through this before. I already have some of the regular discomforts, but I still really love this little person. I love the comfort of feeling him flip flop around and I dig the pregnant stomach. I love lifting up my shirt and walking around the house to completely gross James out! September seems far away, but we have a lot of things to do before hand. We told KC he was going to move into the large room with George and Charlie so the baby could sleep in his. He was more than happy to get to sleep with the 'big' boys. After his first night of sleeping in there he woke up and immediately asked if the baby would come out now. He was very cute and keeps telling me he is going to rub the baby's back when he is here. Lets hope he keeps that loving attitude.

I'm Not Gonna Take It....Anymore!!!

I think we've all had those moments when people come up to us and say things that you just can not believe are coming out of their mouths. Some people can say the rudest things, and they usually get away with it. I know that when people say rude things to me I am usually so in shock I can't think quickly enough to reply. Well, not anymore. It may have taken me 6 pregnancies, but I think I have reached my limit. Some pregnant women hate it when people come up and pat their bellies. I actually don't care, I'm not saying I think it's right, I kind of think it's weird, but it doesn't upset me. What has been pushing me over the edge is rude comments. Throughout a few of my pregnancies, some people think it's ok to tell me that I look larger. Even though it is a fact, it doesn't need to be said. So, I decided that if people are bold enough to tell me their opinions about my physique, I am allowed to tell them how their opinion makes me feel. I got the opportunity just this morning! I was at the gym and this lady was walking towards me and says,"Wow, you are big!" She definitely was not talking about just my stomach, she was talking about my entire body. I just looked at her and said, "Yep" Then she felt it necessary to go on and ask if I got this big with the other ones. I again replied, "Yep" Then I said this....."You should probably never say what you just said to me to another pregnant person ever again. What you said was extremely insulting, and really hurts feelings." I definitely caught her by surprise and she tried to back track and say, "well, you were so skinny before" That is when I said, "When you are pregnant, you are very well aware of the way your body is changing, and the last thing I need is someone pointing it out to me, because it's just not nice." I am pretty sure she felt bad, because she was kind of lost for words at that point, and I just left. I also did not feel bad for saying it. It is about time people learn that we don't always need their opinions. I understand I work in a gym, and people are very critical of changing physiques, and most people are very kind and sympathetic, but there are those few you just want to smack! Oh, here is my other gripe....(sorry, but I'm using this forum to vent!) If you don't like the name I have picked out for my unborn child, I don't care and I really don't want to hear it! I have never told anyone I don't like a name they have decided for their child.....for some reason people feel compelled to do so. There have been times I don't care for some names people have picked, but I understand that if they are naming their child this that they love it, and I would never insult them by telling them how much I don't like it! Granted, I pick names that are a bit old fashioned and not trendy. Hence....George! Anyways, I initially wanted to name this little boy of mine Harvey....Scott for some reason thinks he has a say, and has expressed his extreme distaste for this name. Whatever, I still love it, but I am leaning towards Eldon James. Eldon was the name of my Great Uncle and as you know, James is my oldest boy's name. Some people think that's weird, but I don't care. I think it's a great honor to James to have his youngest brother named after him, and I love how it goes with Eldon. Anyways, if you don't like it that is totally fine, just don't tell me! I didn't mention what Scott's #1 name pick is.....get ready....Duke! Feel free to express your opinion on that one :)

Skinny People

Most skinny people drive me nuts, because they do things like "forget" to eat, look good in skinny jeans, and usually don't exercise. But, one of my most favorite people in the world is one of the skinniest people I know.....Curtis. Curtis celebrated his 11th birthday this week. He didn't want a party, he barely asked for any presents, and he didn't want a cake.....who doesn't want cake? Anyways, when he told me he didn't care what kind of cake I make because he doesn't like it, I was in awe. I joked around asking him if he wanted fruit instead......and of course he replied with an excited yes. Who is this person that actually came from my body? Anyways, this is what 'dessert' is for a skinny person.......

I threw in the melted chocolate so I could look forward to it....I think I actually saw him eat a bit of it....but he didn't completely soak it like his mother did!

I usually let my kids ditch school on their birthday. I do so out of protest. Ever since they stopped letting the kids bring cupcakes and/or treats on their birthdays I decided there was no point of making them go on their day. So, Curtis, KC and I dropped the kids off. We went shopping for new shoes and jeans that Curtis wanted. I don't love skinny jeans, mostly because they are probably one of the most unflattering pieces of clothing on me, but they're not my favorite look on boys. Curtis tried on a few pair, and even the supposedly tightest fit was loose on him.....again, in awe! We had to go a couple of sizes smaller for them to fit better. They barely fit his length and are baggy in the waste, but they make him happy! We decided to go see a movie, so we went to a store to get some treats. Out of all of the chocolatey, peanuty, nougaty, caramely (not sure any of these are words), yummy, fattening choices, what is Curtis's top pick? TIC TACS.....that's right, the one calorie per serving mint?!? Tic Tacs are something I eat if it's in front of me, not a fun movie snack. Don't get me wrong, Curtis will eat a candy bar, and he is a non stop eating machine, but his natural instinct is so unfattening! I felt like I had to balance it out, so I was all about the Twix and M&Ms. He then got a package of chewy Sprees because I refused to leave the store until he got something in addition to the Tic Tacs. Anyways, we went to the show and had a very fun time together. Curtis is a fun kid that makes anything you do a good time. I'm so glad I got to get him. I love, love, love this naturally smart, naturally skinny, naturally sweet, naturally nice, naturally pretty perfect kid! Sorry for the bragging, but I really do like him!

It's Official

Scott has saved us hundreds and hundreds of dollars by cutting the boys' hair. It would be an easy $100 for all of them to get it cut everytime. Some cuts have been better than others, but they are boys, and it works. Anyways, it is starting to get warmer, so it was buzz time. James is way too cool for a buzz, so he just got a trim. I think the boys look very cute with their "warm weather hair". Plus, it makes the mornings so easy. I know that combing boys hair is WAY easier than girls, so it's a good thing I have boys!

You may have noticed that Charlie's cut is a bit different, but Charlie is a bit different. Charlie is a rough and tough kid. Even his voice is rough. Charlie is the kid that noone really wants to get in a fight with, because his pain tolerance is high, and he is hardcore. Charlie is NEVER clean, and he could care less! My dad asked Charlie what sport he wants to play. Now, most kids say baseball, football or basketball.....nope, not Charlie. Charlie replied that he wanted to play UFC. I try to ban that from the TV, but the kids always find a way to sneak it. Anyways, if anyone knows of a UFC league for 5 year olds, let me know! He believes that his new haircut is perfect for what he wants to pursue. He is a very funny kid....so, here he is

I was very concerned about him going to school like this. I warned him that it is a shocking hair style and some kids might make fun of him. I had him take a hat to school in case he was feeling uncomfortable. After the first day I asked if anyone made fun. Charlie said, "Noone made fun of me, but one kid told me he didn't like it". I asked Charlie if that hurt his feelings and he said, "No, that kid doesn't even comb his hair!" Charlie is definitely unique. I don't think I will ever have to worry about him following the crowd. He is who he is. If any of my kids were to get lost, I think I would worry about him the least. He is a professional pan-handler! There are times when we are at the baseball fields and I get to the point (usually when I run out of money) where I refuse to buy them anymore snacks from the snack bar. Charlie always manages to still get snacks. He will straight out ask strangers for money, or even go to the snack bar himself and work it til he gets what he wants. Realistically, people probably just get sick of him and give in. The other day none of our kids were playing at one of the fields. Charlie was hanging out there with one of his friends and came back with a snack that was an after game snack for some random team. Honestly, it is incredibly embarassing, but he seems to be successful.

I love Charlie dearly! This new hair style of his has officially made us true white trash. We are what we are, I guess we'll own it!

Patience Is A Virtue.......That I Don't Have!

I really am the most impatient person in the world. I know it's not good, but I struggle. Not that I am excusing my behavior, but when you have five boys and you are pregnant, it is kind of torturous not knowing if it is a boy or girl. I am so impatient, I went out and bought that at home urine test that is suppose to determine gender. Unfortunately, I am a little challenged, because I couldn't even determine the results. If I had to guess, I would lean more towards the boy result. So, my friend called me and told me about an ultrasound you can go get that can determine gender as early as 12 weeks.....well, I was 12 weeks on Friday. So, you can bet that I was on the phone and made an appointment. Luckily, it rained today, so all of the boys' baseball games were cancelled. I should have stayed home and taken care of some really necessary chores, but I am also a procrastinator, so I called back to see if they could get me a same day appt. Yep, so we went on a family activity to an ultrasound...that's normal, right? It was very cool! This little person is just like the rest of them, and could not stay still. Stretching, rolling over, rubbing the face.....the kids really enjoyed it. So, the ultrasound got a great view right between the legs.....I could tell immediately. There it was in all of its glory....the penis! I am being completely honest when I say there was zero disappointment. The boys cheered.....I laughed. Now what am I going to name this person. I have had Annie Brook picked out for 13+ years. James suggested, "well, instead of Annie, we can name him Andy....it's kind of the same." So, we'll see. So far, Andy is the only name that I like. Now, the technician did say that it is super early, and it is possible that what we saw could be the female parts swollen....but, she did follow it up by saying that it is 80% chance a boy. I have the opportunity to go back in a couple of weeks for a redo....which, I will. I am pretty sure it's a boy, but when my mom heard there was still a 20% chance it could be a girl, I knew I'd have to go back just to shut her up. So, to quote "Dumb and Dumber", she keeps saying, "So, you're saying there's a chance!" In this case, I doubt it! Scott is extremely proud that he has an immaculate record of 6 for 6. It also doesn't help when we are leaving the office and the next couple's husband tells Scott that Scott is his idol. Seriously, Scott doesn't need to hear that! So, looks like I will be surrounded by men forever. I don't mind, but I will be honest....the only thing that bums me out is thinking that I may never see any of my grandchildren born. I know that is really far off, but I am a freak, and these are the things I think about. It is very rare that a daughter in law wants a mother in law in the delivery room. I would like to state for the record that I have....my mother in law and mother have been at 4 out of 5 of my deliveries......lets hope Karma works for me on this one! Anyways, Scott and I are very consistent.....plus our license plate will be easy to change from "YEP5BYZ" to "YEP6BYZ".

Zero Tolerance Policy

Now that I am pregnant with my 6th child and experiencing mild morning sickness off and on throughout the day my patience has reached zero tolerance. I am a bit off kilter, and I know it. I apologize in advance to any I may snap at, yell at, or just simply stare down. If you know me....well even if you don't know me well, you have probably picked up on the fact that I am not the most patient person in the world. Now, it is even worse. This does not excuse my behavior, but it at least explains it. So, lets talk about this baby for a minute. Before you even ask me if this was an accident....DON'T! I am very well aware of consequences to actions, and this was the result I was going for. This baby is wanted and I am thrilled beyond words. People are very interesting. Many are very hesitant to even say congratulations. I get it, but it's still weird to me. I really, truly appreciate those that are genuinely happy for us. I can't tell you how many people have said..."Well, congratulations, I guess". I don't know, but that doesn't feel genuine to me. Whatever, I went into this knowing that society would look at me even weirder than they did before. Part of me is a bit hesitant to go out in public with all of my kids once I start showing, but another part of me can't wait.....I'm like a social experiment. I know there are people that have more kids than me, but realistically, out here in So Cal there aren't many. I have always wanted 6 kids, and I can't wait. So, I feel like I have been pregnant forever and I am only 9 weeks. I think I found out a day after I was pregnant.....I thought I was almost 2 weeks further along than I really am. Right now I look like I did when I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with James. I will prove it by posting pictures soon. Please don't tell me it's because everything is already stretched out.....I might have to come over and smack you! (That's my pleasant side popping up again) I really do enjoy pregnancy......you will definitely hear me complain constantly, but it is something I really am grateful for. We have discussed expanding our family, and received mixed emotions from the boys. James has always asked us to stop. His main reason is he can't stand his brothers, and it would be too much additional work for him. The rest of them were pretty positive. So, when we gave the boys the announcement, their reactions were not surprising. Here are some quotes from them:
James - immediate reply "I am moving out" I told him Grandma and Grandpa will make up a room for him, but I experienced growing up there and wouldn't recommend it.
As my wasteline has continued to grow James says to me "Maybe you're not really pregnant and you are just getting fat"
James's reply to his Sunday School teacher when he was teasing James about ANOTHER sibling "That's a rumor....you really shouldn't believe everything you hear"
My reply to James when he asked what I would name the baby if it's a boy "Well, I'm kind of out of boy names, so I think I'll recycle...James #2" Needless to say, James doesn't think I'm funny!
So, James isn't super thrilled, but it's growing on him, and when I want to be super annoying to him, I flash him my large stomach just to gross him out.
Charlie is my super affectionate one and is constantly rubbing my tummy and giving my stomach kisses. Curtis is very concerned about my nausea and loves to know if I've thrown up. I've convinced him that rubbing my feet helps calm my sickness....which it does, and Curtis will do it to make me feel better. George is my sensible voice of reason and is always thinking. He told me the other day, "Mom, when you get really fat with the baby I do not want you sitting in the front seat...it is too dangerous" Very sweet, but we really need to teach him to never call a pregnant lady fat!
So, the first most frequent question asked is if I'm happy about being pregnant....second most is if I will find out the sex.....ummmm YESSSS! As stated previously, I am super impatient, so of course I will find out. I believe my ultrasound is scheduled for April 19th.....I will see what I can do about getting it moved closer.
I have an appointment with my favorite midwife next week. I am honestly a little nervous about seeing her. She has put up with me my last 2 pregnancies, and I'm not an easy patient.....I beg for my epidural once I hit my third trimester, and I am super annoying. She actually advised me to not have anymore pregnancies after my last one. I assumed it was due to physical reasons, but she assured me I was totally capable of more pregnancies.....she went on to say it was due to mental reasons. Besides that, I really think she likes me! I'm also a little nervous to see the boys' preschool teacher....she's taught all of the boys and gets KC this September....she also asked me if I would stop having kids. I didn't take this offensively either....I totally understood where she was coming from. The other person I was very, very nervous to tell was my dad. I actually called my brother who works with my dad and said, "Hey Marcus, can you do me a favor and tell Dad I am pregnant?" Marcus was shocked I was pregnant again, and started laughing and said, "No way am I telling him, but I am definitely going into his office to see his face when you do!" So, when I told my dad I was as nervous as a single teenage girl who had to tell her dad she was knocked up. My dad doesn't really like kids, he loves mine, but can't understand why I keep having them. He is known to say that mine keep getting worse...which is kind of true! Anyways, I think deep down inside he is excited.
This child is expected mid September....I believe in working towards goal, so my goal is late August or VERY early September. For all of my beach buddies, you can take turns sitting by me, because I will make you look super skinny!

Already

I am pretty confident that as I get older, I will definitely lose my mind. I pretty much already have. My sister and I always make fun of my mom for never remembering things. She really can watch the same movie over and over and it seems new to her. I'm not quite there yet, but close. Everytime my sister tells me the same story twice, I call her "Mom" and vice versa. (We aren't very nice kids). It seems I do the same thing. So, if you read my blog, you will notice repetition....but just because I can't remember!

Change

A long, long time ago, this sweet, little boy.....

USE to like me. We have entered into unchartered territory. Teenage-ism. It definitely has its ups and downs....particularly mood swings. Everyone says boys are much easier than girls at this age, but I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong, James is a great kid. He can be super fun, and he is a huge help. I think I am pretty funny, he wholeheartedly disagrees with me on this! I was so proud of him when he told me that he is really looking forward to serving a mission......until I asked, "Where are you hoping to get called?" He replied, "Anywhere away from here!"

Georgisms

I remember holding this little baby, and thinking I would NEVER be able to raise my voice at this person. That didn't last too long. This child is full of spunk! He knows how to test my patience, and sometimes I think he was sent to this earth just so I would learn patience. He is quite stubborn. It is fair to say he is a lot like his mother. My parents love to remind me how similar we both are. It's not just personality, out of all of these boys I birthed, this one actually looks like my son. Anyways, George is one of a kind. He says and does things that really make me laugh. George is his own person, and I really don't think he cares what other people think of him. Every child of mine is so different, and I appreciate all of their individuality. I just felt like sharing some things about my sweet George. You all know how I love the name George.....I really do think it is perfect for him. I am glad that he loves it too. George has always been funny. He has an obsession with Halloween and masks. He started collecting masks years ago, and has quite the collection. About 4 years ago he would wear scary masks to the daycare at the gym. It wasn't even Halloween time, and he would wear them. After a couple times to the gym, the daycare ladies asked me if he could stop wearing them. They told me that he would just stand completely still infront of the other kids until he totally freaked them out. He is a little sick like that.....I on the other hand, think it's pretty funny. He also use to wear his Darth Vader mask. This one was my favorite, because the mask itself was just about the size of his body, and he looked so funny. I remember going into Costco while he was wearing it and one of the teenage guys that worked there was laughing at him. I got embarassed, and at first was a bit upset because I thought we was being mean......but, I overheard him say, "I want to be that kid, how cool is he!" I love George's ability to simply be himself. It is fair to say that George has the tendency to really push both of his parents over the edge. So much so, I actually went to the doctor telling him something had to be wrong. I was thinking some type of behavior disorder. The doctor gave me a bunch of forms to fill out, and then some forms for his teachers to fill out. I immediately knew there was nothing the doctor could do for me.....his teachers would have laughed in my face if I suggested George had some type of disorder. The thing with George is, he wins over every teacher he has. I swear he must put some type of spell on them. I've gotten use to it now, but the first couple of teachers kept trying to tell me that he was "perfect". Isn't it usually the other way around? George can be a handful at home....quite defiant, and at school, he is a model student. He is the only child of mine that gets recognized with an award every report card for having a high percentage of "O"s on his report card for behavior. George really is great, but he baffles me at times. One thing that really makes me nervous is when teachers of George tell me stories of things he has said in class. He is so honest, I am afraid he spills the beans of what a horrible parent I am. One friend in my ward told me a story about him when she was subbing his primary class. She asked the kids if they had a hero. Every kid in the class named an actor or singer. George said Heavenly Father. She then asked if their heroes made right decisions. Some kids said yes or no. She then asked if their hero dressed modestly. Most of the kids said no. When she got to George he said no. She was a bit surprised by his answer and asked him to explain. George said, "Heavenly Father wears a robe with nothing underneath it!" That is typical George thinking. He makes me laugh a lot. George has a good heart, and tries to do the right thing. Another time in primary a teacher asked if they pray for things, and if their prayers are answered. My sweet George said he prays everynight to be able to be good the next day, but most of the time it doesn't work. That's my George!

George is very sweet to me, and really cares about me. When I am sick, he is the one that checks on me the most and constantly asks what I want or need. He is a sweetheart. He appreciates everything he gets and really values his possessions. He takes really good care of all of his items. George loves to dress up and has many different characters. His latest is his cowboy boots and new cowboy hat. He actually looks very handsome, because he will wear jeans and a sports coat and pretend he is a sheriff. He goes around the house calling me "little lady". Is that normal? I don't know. But, that's my Georgie.....and I love him!

Picture Perfect

Don't we look like a sweet family decorating the Christmas tree? The boys are so helpful, carefully hanging the decorations, hot cocoa and candy canes, Christmas music playing in the background. I really picture families doing that. If you look closer, you realize that the boys' hair is totally messed up, Curtis is wearing a Halloween shirt, the decorations are stuck where they were thrown....I believe 3 were shattered. Yep, that's how the Cuillard's do it!

This is the Real Tree Decorating at our home.....#1 James is starting to get bored....look at him on the couch right behind me....

#2 KC could sense James's lack of enthusiasm and went over to bug him #3 At this point I say "If you get hurt, don't come crying to me"....... #4....then he comes crying to me#5...the boys continue to decorate the tree, even though they lost interest after the first 2#6 The decorations are up....I've had it and leave the room....Scott thinks it's great to get pictures of them breaking at least 2 rules of the house....no wrestling, and no ball play inside






Well, we survived the tree decorating. After that, Scott and I got a chance to escape life for a few days and head out to Punta Mita, Mexico.
Then it was back to the real world. James had the nerve to turn 13 and become an official teenager. Wish me luck on that one. I can handle the whole getting older thing, it's the 'teenage' attitude I could do without. Luckily, it's a slow transformation.I know I'm his mom, but, he is a handsome young man. This was taken right before his band concert at school. He is a talented musician. He does percussion in the band, but at home he has completely self taught himself the guitar. He is really good. I know I sound like one of those moms, but he is awesome. He even lets me sing songs while he plays. It is probably one of my most favorite things to do....even though I sound like hud!!!Christmas came quick as always. Santa is such a nerd.....prewrapping Christmas presents, and then forgetting whose presents were wrapped in what.....made for a fun Christmas Eve and kept me up an hour later than I wanted to be. Here are some of the kids at Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's.......seriously, look at KC.....that's my kid!!!




Here is the house before the major destruction. It took me a solid 3 hours to clean everything up. Right after I cleaned, I turned around and it was a complete mess again.....the joys of Christmas! A lot of work for one day, but well worth it. I am grateful for the true joy my boys bring to me. I think I am one of the luckiest people around.