Check this out!

This is a really awesome picture of Judy...check the rest of her blog, you'll recognize some of the faces on there...

Like mother, like daughter?

This proves it...you're either a morning person or you're not. I AM NOT. (In case anyone was wondering). This picture was taken yesterday. I had to wake Malia up to walk the boys to school. So, I woke her up, got her dressed and set her on the counter while I got breakfast for Bella. She promptly laid down on her blanket on the counter and started sucking her thumb...ready for a nap. See? No choice in the matter. SHE IS HER MOTHER'S DAUGHTER!

On the countdown...

For everyone who is having trouble accomplishing their daily tasks because their fingers are crossed for us (because I know that all your lives revolve around me), I have a date for my 20 week ultrasound, the BIG one, the one where you usually find out what kind of baby you are having. It all depends of course on the cooperativeness of the baby--Camille for example refused to uncross her legs and it was very difficult to tell what she was.

The big day is June 13th, 8:3o am mountain standard time. In case you can't tell I'm pretty excited, because that is only two weeks and two days away. I'll be making announcements as soon as I get out of the doctor's office and can use my cell phone again, unless I'm in my bed refusing to come out--then I'll get around to it when I can.

I had my sister take a picture of my belly for you all, and it's still on her camera so you'll just have to picture it in your minds.

Guess who had a birthday?

The inevitable happened...Malia is officially two! She really got into the "Happy Birthday" song. Every once in awhile, I hear her singing, "Hap birthday to wia (her version of Lia)." She was so adorable with her cake and candles. We let her loose on the cake and she went straight for the gumdrops, stuffing them into her mouth until it was full. On a side note, as a special birthday surprise, Malia decided to be on good behavior in nursery. She was so good that one nursery leaders stopped me in the hall to tell me how good she was on Sunday and the other called me later that day to tell me. (This is the first time in nursery she's ever been "good" and it's only taken her six months! What a kid!) Anyway, hope everyone had a fabulous Memorial Day. Did anyone do anything exciting? I spent the day packing boxes and doing laundry. Now that's some kind of fun!

Living the Dream - Courtney Style

Hey I just have a couple more pictures I thought you all would appreciate. The first is of The Snorkel Squad (aka me and Tara). At sunset today I experienced snorkeling for the first time and my instructor (Tara) told me I was a natural. It meant a lot coming from her, being a professional and all. The second is of me waiting at the bus stop before we left to go home. We had been waiting for about 10 minutes at that point and had already been the receivers of what I feel to be a record number of cat calls. As flattered as I was, I decided it was time to try out this brilliant scheme I devised of stuffing my towel under my dress to make me look prego so maybe the pervs would back off a little. Unfortunately that plan backfired big time when the hollering not only continued but increased.

I snorkel and I fake pregnant, it's no wonder the boys flock to me like kids to candy. Not the normal ones, they run from me like I'm a burning building. The dirty cholo-like Hawaiians driving down Kam Highway hollering at me out their windows, however, know whats up and seem to fancy me quite a bit.

Our Monkey

Does anyone remember when we were kids and we used to sit in the car while mom was inside somewhere and yell at unsuspecting people exiting the grocery store or wherever? I vividly remember one of Dale's friends yelling, "Hey you, yeah you" ...and then barking like a dog. Well, we live next door to a greenbelt, basically a big grassy area and my kids thought it would be really funny to climb on top of the block wall so they could sit on the wall and yell at the junior highers and older elementary school kids getting out of school. I heard something like this..."yeah, you, come back here you big fat lady..." (said by Jake to a scrawny looking boy). After I heard them yelling repeatedly whatever second grade insults they could come up with, I walked out to see what was going on. I had to catch myself from laughing as I told them to get down and stop yelling at people.
Anyway, last night when we got home, I was helping the boys brush their teeth when Bella came running inside telling me to hurry and come outside. By the tone of her voice, I could tell it was urgent...and I walked out to see Malia sitting on top of our block wall. SHE'S NOT EVEN TWO YET. She must've seen the other kids sitting on top of the block wall doing what I explained above and decided she could do it too. She had heard Nana and Papa and Mackenzie's voices and climbed up the wall to investigate. We had gone on a walk and Nana and Papa were returning home through our neighborhood. She was happy as a clam yelling, "Hi Papa, hi nana, hi Mackenzie..." I ran to get my camera and had the kids watch her so she didn't fall. In this picture, it looks like the kids helped her climb up there, but really, it was ALL HER!

What are you looking at?

This photograph compliments of Judy, of course, shows a typical look that Malia gives people. You know, the "what are you looking at?" look...Good thing she is so beautiful to look at...otherwise when she gets booted out of nursery AGAIN, I might strangle her. Actually, she's just lucky the nursery leader hasn't strangled her along with the parents of the children she bullies...now I ask you, how could a face like this belong to such a little terror?

Vroom Vroom

Nope, he's not cold and protecting his ears from the bitter chill. Nope. This is Braun at Nascar and the noise is SO UNBEARABLY LOUD that you have to wear protective ear covering. We had so much fun though. The cars seriously go dizzyingly fast and it's fun to see the cars set themselves on fire and ram themselves (and each other) into the wall. Tell the truth, you know you've had urges to ram your car (or someone else's) into the nearest brick wall, eh? Well, watching someone else do it is the next best thing. And here below is the crew putting on new tires and refueling in a matter of 60 seconds or less. Now answer me this. If these folks can get a new fender screwed on in around a minute, why do I have to wait 4 hours for a tire change? Anyone? Anyone?

Thanks Easter Bunny, Bawk Bawk!

Yes, I know this is a bit late but I thought you folks should see how we in the Big D celebrated Easter. This is us with our most fabulous activity of frosting easter themed sugar cookies. We were having a blast till we realized we had no idea where the two fatties were. Adam found them first and fortunately siezed the photo op of the girls having a grass fight with the grass from their easter baskets. They were giggling and tossing and having a great time. I'm not even sure they knew there was candy in their baskets.

Meanwhile, is it me or does Brando look 16? He's so tall too!

Hap Hap Happy Mothers Day

I know this is a few days early, but I just wanted to be the first to post a mothers day blog. Oh and yes, I am hugging the "I heart mom" in case you were wondering.

PS I will be expecting mothers day gifts from all siblings who at any point used the nickname "mommies" for me. That includes basically everyone, even a couple in-laws, so gets to shopping folks.

Carter's First REAL Date

It finally happened...after nine months of waiting, Carter got to have a date with his beloved Elizabeth. We invited them over for lunch (them being Elizabeth and her mom). Being the devoted parent that I am, I arranged for Bella to stay at Nana's house during the date so Carter wouldn't have to share his girl with Bella. Carter inquired ahead of time what Elizabeth wanted for lunch and she said shrimp. Yes, shrimp. Definitely the girl for Carter. So, they had shrimp, chicken nuggets, and popsicles for lunch. They were like two peas in a pod. Really, the most adorable thing to watch. Elizabeth's mom and I visited. They are a nice family. Elizabeth's dad is a pastor of a local church and we share very similar values. Carter has such good taste. Elizabeth is a tiny little thing with long blonde hair and big brown eyes. They played outside and inside and got along beautifully. Elizabeth has three brothers, so she's game for anything. I think the favorite was swinging on the branch of the tree out in back. Ahhhh, parting was such sweet sorrow. Carter could not take his eyes off her as she and her mom walked home. It was a date he will always remember...or I will, anyway. Maybe I'll take a picture of them and add it to the post...

Folks, Merry Christmas!

Check this out. It is a floorplan of the home Rick and I bought on Sunday in Fresno/Clovis. I'm trying to contain my excitement because it is contingent on our escrow closing...but the thought of more room and a backyard is very enticing. We got a fabulous deal thanks to Kevin Crissman who went with us and would not give an inch when it came to what we could afford...if anyone plans on buying a new home, TAKE KEVIN WITH YOU. It cost us nothing and we got a lot out of it! (And, of course the builder gives him a small chunk of change too). Anyway, let me know what you think!

GOOD NEWS!!!

I have great news people, it is Friday and I am still alive. Is anyone besides me impressed? Because I really am. I have one more night of this and then the extra kids leave tomorrow afternoon, and then I'm going to see Spiderman 3. I'll still be stuck with my own kids, but at least I can yell at them, right?

Honestly, it has not been bad at all. The boys are 9, 7, and 6, and they are big enough to do lots for themselves and be helpful, and they don't know me well enough to be naughty. Mostly they have all been outside riding scooters and trikes the entire time, the weather has been beautiful. In fact they are having such a great time together that the boys didn't want to go to their grandpa's house this afternoon.

The best part is that Emma is back in school Monday morning (and yes, I double checked for any of you who are familiar with my past back-to-school fiasco). Less people to monitor and entertain is always a bonus.

Since this is a family blog I would like to invite any and all who would like to come visit us this summer. Michellums and her kids are coming in August, and you are all welcome then or in November when my SON is here and we bless HIM. The weather should be great than too, so I think we'll get by without any hypothermia issues and we have lots of fun places we would love to show you all! Please R.S.V.P. so I can arrange for beds and showers. (I do have plenty of towels.)

Howdy Howdy

Hey guys,
I know that Mark's boards must be coming up soon. I thought it might be nice if those of us who are capable of fasting might include Mark in our fast this Sundee. And for those who can't might include him in their prayers. I don't want them to feel weird about it or anything but I don't think they check the blog. I just think this is a good cause for a family fast and I for one would love to hear Marky Karky knocked that bad boy out of the park. Heaven knows they all deserve it. Anywho...that's all she wrote. She, of course, being me. Am I still typing?

I'm pretty sure it can't get any worse

This is Kristin. I apparently need a helmet and a drool bib because I'm retarded when it comes to blogging. So if any competent first grader would like to show me how do blog on this crappin' site using my own name I'm available between the hours of none of your business and when hell freezes over!

So I just wanted to let the rest of my crazy family know just how great my life has been this past week...and it's only Wednesday! So to start off, last weekend I get a notice home from Mackenzie's school telling me the results for her GATE testing will be available in August. Great! I hope she gets into the program. Then Mackenzie proceeds to tell me that she didn't take the test. Why not?? I emailed her teacher to find out why she wasn't tested. Her teacher responds that forms were sent home a while ago and since I never signed them she wasn't tested. But she'll have another chance to test in 4th grade. What forms?? I never saw any. So I called the vice principal and the principal of her school because I want her tested. I don't want her to have to wait a whole year and miss out on a great opportunity if she qualifies for the program. And maybe she won't, but I at least want her to be able to take the test! They told me the same thing--but of course they had to point out that I'm the only third grade parent that didn't see the letter. Up yours! So since my brilliant older sister taught me that I don't have to take no for an answer I called the district supervisor. He gave me the same answer--I have to wait til next year or I can find a child psychologist that can administer the test to her and then turn the results in to the school and they will consider it. But of course he says he cant refer me to anyone that might even have that test.

I had 3 midterms this week. 2 on Monday and one on Wednesday. I completely bombed the second midterm. After I get home from school Monday I had to go pick up Mackenzie and my car decided that it didn't want to start...maybe because it has 105,000 miles on it. So it went in to the shop on Tuesday...$900 later it's running fine! Then the management company who handles my condo calls and lets me know my tenants are ducking out on their lease 2 months early and have no intention of paying the rent this month or next month. So not only am I short 2 months rent, I have to pay them $800 + to list my house again to get my condo rented...Good Times! So now I just want to ask... Is it over yet?

Your Nearly Negro Sister

Aloha family! After two months of anxious anticipation, Tara and I have finally arrived here in Hawaii. Our house is ... lets just say we nicknamed it "The Crap Shack". The front room includes the living room, dinning room and supposedly a kitchen although I'm still looking for it. It shouldn't be too hard to find considering the room is the size of mom and dad's closet. Our bedroom, on the other hand, is very spacious. The only problem is there are four of us in it! That's right folks, I'm sleeping in a bunk bed...strait up girls camp over here. Don't get me wrong, I'm freaking living in hawaii. You could cram another bunk bed into this place for all I care. We are two blocks from campus, two blocks from the store, and two blocks from the beach, so really the location couldn't be better. I'm taking statistics which is probably going to kick my ghetto booty. The hardest part as of now is that my classes online aren't even over for another two weeks so I am balancing two semesters at once :/ Anyway, you're probably wondering about the picture above. We were at the beach today and this crazy Jamacan dude with dreads and a helmet walks by and me, the little asian tourist, had to get a picture of him. Oh ya, and you might want to take look at the beach he is standing out...could my life get any better? If you want to see pictures to get a more in depth look at this fortunate life of mine let me know and I'll e-mail them to you. The one's of my house are pretty great, I'm not going to lie.

Love you all, wish you were here :)

PS The heading for this blog is a total lie. I'm way closer to a lobster than I am a negro, all in good time though...

Carter II

You may think this is my charming daughter Malia, BUT YOU'RE WRONG! In reality, it's carter in cognito. She has similar hobbies to Carter...you know, art (only on walls, clothing or self), climbing (as pictured here on top of Carter's dresser), singing (aka, throwing self on ground and screaming as loud as possible)and eating (only something she shouldn't be eating in the living room). Good thing she's cute...