Iverson Family

First and Last Snow of the season

2012-02-14T11:24:00.004-06:00

Due to the really strange unseasonable warm weather, I thought I would go all season without seeing any snow! It was sad but to our surprise we got a whole inch Saturday evening and the kids went wild! it melted the next day but it was fun while it lasted. Yep that is Daniels coat step 2. we get our hand me downs from big Daniel Max says and he wont wear any other coat.

Nordic Elfkin Sam....severely sprained his knee that day resulting in a 5 hr er visit, IV and overall craziness. he still wont put weight on it so demands to be carried everywhere. the one good thing about this is he is less wild and i know he will stay where i put him. haha

New Years Tree

2012-02-14T11:08:00.007-06:00

Putting away the Christmas tree was never fun in my mind so we decided to extend its fantastic-ness and turn it into a New Years Party Tree! This is one tradition that we have started that the kids totally loved. Elfie (our secret Santa elf) leaves on new years and on his way out he fills the shoes with goodies and things. Inside the balloons is money for the new year and the tree is covered in new undies and socks...no better way to start off the new year on the right foot than with a brand new pair of socks and a clean pair of knickers. Teener even got some fancy frilly ones :) The gumball machine was left with a note from Elfie telling the kids when they are good or help mom and dad they can have coins for the M&Ms....the best parental idea ever! I love hearing the kids say "how can I help mom!" AWESOME

It was fun to have Dad and mom in town to celebrate the new year with us too....Iverson Christmas here next year is going to be super fun!!!!

The kids loved taking Grandpa on with their swords. Sam really appreciated having a worthy opponent that he could really hit hard!

Sam asks when "gampa" is going to come fight him again?

Good times!

Christmas Craziness!

2012-01-16T08:43:00.009-06:00

Christmas 2011 was spent here in Virginia this year. It felt strange not to have Dad, Mom, Daniel and Christina for the first time in my whole life of Christmases but it was fun anyways. I felt like Dad late Christmas eve as Steven and I put together Keira easel and it taking a lot longer than we thought it would. The fat man always goes overboard but he was more productive this year and the underpants aliens helped him pick out socks and undies. There is something exciting about underwear when its wrapped in brightly colored paper!

ALl the kids got water bottles just like dads so that they stop fighting over his...so far it seems to be working.

Sam and his pirate ship. I think what I loved most about this year is that it took FOREVER to open things because when a toy was opened...it just had to be put together and played with for a good 30 minutes and then they would go back to the presents. It was fun watching them enjoy it all one at a time and there weren't too many toys in all that so they all played together with everything they got.

Keira and the easel

TOOLS...just like dad! Sam's dream present

Yes cheesy pic of me but my fav Christmas present. Steven bought the print and framed it all for me himself. I was totally surprised! Its my first picture to hang on the wall!

Fall Photo Dump

2011-12-12T21:03:00.018-06:00

Oh yes ...I turned 30 back in Oct....no idea why the 5 is in there but it was an awesome peach pie!

Check out Max's expression and his finger...haha...he's going to be the cool kid on the block.

A trip to Jamestown one afternoon after thanksgiving to see the ships and all the fun that is Jamestown....yes that pig head is the real deal...disgusting huh.

I love this picture of Keira on the ship....she is in her pirate element.

Daniel was there too.

Sam....no caption needed

Teener decided to join the Virginia Company for a bit.

Playing in fall leaves. The kids look forward to this and I was trying to remember if I ever jumped in leaves growing up....oh yeah.. there arent that many trees in texas.

cracks me up...look at that tongue...classic Michael!

Sweet Baby Daniel really is the sweetest. he doesn't let me get much done but its ok...im content to snuggle with this little angel all day :)

Baby Daniels Blessing Day

2011-12-12T20:56:00.004-06:00

WOW...there are 4 of them now. it took looking at these photos for me to feel like time has flown! Teener was just 12 yrs old at Keiras baby blessing! Now she is all grown up and I even got her to wear one of my scarves! I was so proud of her :)
I love that Dad, Mom, Daniel and Christina are at all of my children's blessings and they will be at all baptisms too. They flew out for Thanksgiving which was simple yet yummy. Dad got sick...sicker than I have ever seen him but he got lots of sleep which his body probably needed so it was a great weekend and too short.

Since it still is the Iverson family blog...

2011-11-12T10:19:00.001-06:00

...I thought I would post our Halloween pictures. A friend of mine who is also pregnant let me borrow her pumpkin shirt. I don't think I would have gone to the trouble myself. Every year it seems to be the same. After Halloween, Paul and I come up with a million ideas for next years Halloween...the Incredibles, Dorothy, X-Men, etc. But then by the time October rolls around, we have forgotten our amazing plans and are stuck finding costumes at the last minute. It all worked out okay, since Anna had her heart set on Minnie Mouse. Hattie, on the other hand, was going to be a ghost, a witch, Rapunzel, a fairy, and about ten other things before she settled on Princess Belle. She really is beautiful though!

Wild Child

2011-11-02T13:08:00.003-05:00

So I had to post this picture because this face is typical Sam. he is the rough, bossy, feisty, and tough kid of the family and he gets away with too much with those big eyes of his....could you turn that face down? ....

Halloween Fun

2011-11-02T12:54:00.011-05:00

The pumpkin of all pumpkins....we should really name him so I will work on that. He currently is sitting on the brick entry to our driveway for all passerby to see and he gets tons of compliments :) ahhhhh...hes gonna eat me!

In the dark with a different set of eyes

And finally you have all been waiting for what we would be this year...THE ANGRY BIRDS! We had planned on a more full body costume but our Halloween ward and other parties were cancelled due to wet and cold so this was snapped last minute before the kids went trick or treating. Baby Daniel has whooping cough and so yes those are bags under my eyes and Sam is really performing as the blue angry bird. None of the kids were really cooperating for pictures so this is the best one. Then the blue, black, and red birds headed out for a few hours of treating and brought home the pigs loot! Here in fords colony they give whole candy bars! woohoo!

Cute boys and that is Daniels coat going the distance! Max loves wearing his "danls coat" as he calls it. haha!

No idea about the bunny but it made me laugh.

Dragon Pumpkin by Christina

2011-10-29T14:50:00.003-05:00

Creative Pirates and Daniel

2011-10-23T19:50:00.004-05:00

While taking photos outside, Daniel and I hopped in for a quick pic. Sorry I am so bad a taking pics of him but I promise to do better!
Keira and Max being Pirates. yes that is blue painters tape on their faces. They find the most creative uses for that tape.

Max is a Pirate/Firefighter/Viking Conquerer/Knight in Shining Armor....He is master of all trades. Im just not sure whether he will save my life or if I should run for my life! Keira just being silly....she has the funniest faces!

A Face of Many Beards

2011-10-23T19:31:00.010-05:00

6 weeks of hard growing for the Tough Mudder Race (see post below) so why not have fun with it before shaving all the facial hair off! The many personalities just a beard can give a face...enjoy!
The Uni bomber or just plain creepy if you ask me. ...Emperor Palpatine meets Uni bomber maybe?

Forget Blue Steel...this is MAGNUM!

Nasty Nasty...just Nasty but I have to admit that he pulls this look off way too well. We went to walmart after this just to stare down the natives.

Redneck?, 70s Disco king?, Trucker? White trash? Intimidation?.....or all of the above?

The Rhaz Al Guhl

Charlie Chaplin? haha I love this picture!

The Hitler of course

HOLY FIRE....is that the same person? The clean shaven handsome pencil neck geek I married! Glad you're back sweetheart but maybe next Halloween we can go as a family from the 70s!

ROUGH IT TOUGH IT TOUGH MUDDER 2011

2011-10-23T19:12:00.004-05:00

HE SURVIVED! Steven ran the legendary Tough Mudder obstacle race Saturday with a good friend our home teacher from our old ward back in leesburg. The two of them signed up for this over a year ago so you would think they would be in amazing shape..........ummmmm. He can't move today but it was super fun, super muddy, and COLD, and he never wants to do it again but it was a good memory :)
The race took place in beautiful wintergreen resort which is a few hours northwest of us in the mountains. The hardest part was not the race through electrical wires, or the greased monkey bars over icy cold water, or the icy pond of carcinogens that left your head feeling like it shrunk to the size of a walnut or even carrying a log a half mile! (see the website for all the crazy things that you do on this race...and then you'll want to do it too!) The hardest part was the terrain and all the black diamonds that they had to run up. This is a crazy race that looks like only crazy people run it Steven started growing out his beard just for the occasion. You can't go with just a normal boring beard so he created this mutton chops nastiness and I really think he missed his decade ...he was meant for the 70s for sure!

Under the bright orange tough mudder band is his number written in permanent marker on his forehead just in case they had to identify his body....it mostly came out today for church! And those shorts used to be white. ....I'm working on making them whiter...we'll see just how amazing oxyclean really is!

This is our good friend Ryan who is also all kinds of crazy and the best home teacher and friend there is. Maybe its just me but I think he would have gone well with the 70s crowd too.

Sams Birthday

2011-10-23T10:01:00.013-05:00

My sweet big brown eyed Sam is growing up too fast for me! His 2nd birthday was October 13 and I think I dread his birthday more than my 30th birthday on the 27th! Sam is a fun, funny, ridiculously cute and really a smart kid that has everyone wrapped around his finger....even random citizens at the grocery store! It must be the Puss in boots eyes! Now he is getting big and it makes me happy to see him grow but sad to see the cuddling days go. he is still a good snuggler though....i hope that lasts a bit longer! Behold my fancy cake skills...i call it THE ZEBRA DONUT CAKE" ...fancy huh? my kids hate cake so Im getting creative and this was a hit....max wants a donut cake for his birthday. Maybe I can perfect this and make my millions?

Mom was here the weekend before so we opened her presents then and had a mini birthday party. Duplo blocks and Sams favorite movie Curious George the movie have been fantastic! Thanks mom! And thank you for making a divine german chocolate cake...thanks to Paul and Dad for finishing it up for us too :)

Let the fighting begin!!!! Max got a sword for potty training last june and its been all Sam has wanted since so he was pretty thrilled about this present.

The ball pool was the other greatest gift ever. I found a pool on clearace after the summer and got a ton of these ball bath balls and its pretty much been the best gift the kids have ever received. They have spent hours and hours downstairs in the blue room where we put the pool in order to contain the balls a bit. i hear them yelling, screaming, crying, fighting and I suppose they get over it because no one comes up stairs to complain. I think this has also been a good thing to help them learn to deal with eachother instead of always coming to cry on mom or dad. A definite must toy for all kids I think!

As you can see....Max does have the long sword but Sam is the fiesty one. He had Max crying within seconds but after some encouragement Max is learning to fight back. If you were a spider on the wall you would hear "HIT HIM BACK MAX!!...HIT HIM HARD!!!" ..some parent I am but Sam really thinks its hilarious and Max my sweet gentle giant needs to learn to be tough. The swords and the ball bath are all helping with that and I had no idea they would! its awesome! ....and we do occasionally put pants on Sam but not when we go to walmart...gotta fit in sometimes.

Oh and Happy meals for dinner (sick if you ask me which is why it only happens on birthdays!). Overall a fantastic 2nd birthday.

Keira Models OshKosh

2011-10-09T19:00:00.008-05:00

Keira sure knows how to strike a pose!
The Egyptian

And yes...she is cupping her back side...we don't watch tv and I don't flaunt my trunk sono idea where she get this but she is hilarious!

awwww...cute kids :)

Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fun Kids

2011-10-09T18:53:00.007-05:00

Don't have time for commentary but here is our recent fun...and a picture of Daniel...the lighting is never right but I promise to post more pics of him when we get back from our adventure tomorrow! until then...enjoy :)

Birthday, Baby, and 1st Toothfairy Visit

2011-09-21T20:25:00.006-05:00

Keira turned 6 last thursday and to make it an extra special birthday, she lost her first tooth on the bottom row. She was super excited to put her tooth under her pillow and to get some green money in the morning. I was a bit concerned that the tooth fairy may not show up...I think that happened a time or two to one of us kids growing up.
Her favorite things were getting Grandpa and Grandmas package on the front door step when she got home and the big lego set that Dad got for her. I think Steven enjoys the lego creator set just as much as Keira! haha!

All in all, a pretty fun 6th birthday with pumpkin pie birthday cake (love this kid!)

And some pictures of baby Daniel. I am really not the best photographer with Stevens fancy camera so he is cute but the pictures just never do the whole cuteness justice. he is pretty sweet and wonderful :) and I really have no idea who he looks like. Each of my kids has their own look so we'll see who he turns out to look more like.

Daniel Abram Mannewitz

2011-09-12T17:35:00.009-05:00

Introducing the newest addition to our family (yes 4 kids....feels strange)....Daniel Abram Mannewitz. He took the fast and furious route into the world and arrived at 11:37am in 1 hour and 20 minutes weighing in at a hefty 9 pounds 11.4 ounces and 22.5 inches long. Hes happy and healthy and the doctors comment "have you ever seen a placenta that big?"...to the nurse means that it is no wonder he was content inside because he had it good I guess.....
Right out of the box picture that you have to take although we both look like we have been through the ring a few times.

After spending the rest of the afternoon throwing up every 30minutes, the kids came to see their new brother! They all love him to pieces! I was worried about Sams reaction but as you can see in the pic below...he seems to like him ok.

Never thought I could birth a kid this big but somehow he fit in there....no wonder the heartburn was brutal this time around!

I begged (seriously begged) the dr to let me come home today after a long night of no sleep so they let me. The kids really like having the baby home now. mas likes to know where he is at all times and keira likes to hold him.

So another survival story or is it the surviving that comes next raising 3 boys all within 3 years of eachother! haha! I'm so blessed to have such wonderful beautiful healthy kids and an amazing husband to hold us up! Thanks Love!

First Day of School

2011-09-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

No baby yet and Im glad he is hanging in there because I really wanted to see the kids off to school on their first day! They were both excited to get on the bus and be big kids :)

Sock Friends

2011-09-05T19:24:00.003-05:00

To help little Sam like his arm all covered, we made sock friends. Now he doesn't seem to mind it so much.

Another trip to the hospital?

2011-09-03T12:42:00.004-05:00

Are we done yet? As if a hurricane, Stevens surgery and a baby any day was not enough to entertain us, we threw Sam off the trampoline to see if he would bounce! You would think he would with all that squishableness but the truth is he and Max were getting off the trampoline last night and Sam fell. I'm not a mom who runs off the the ER so although he was pretty upset and favoring his hand....i didn't think it was anything more than bruising was the problem. After he woke up crying for me that "it hurts", we decided to take him in and if the wait was too long then we'd skip it (really good parents here right?). Well to our surprise, he broke his arm close to the wrist so here he is getting pampered. We had to put a sock on his cast because he wont leave it alone and later today or tomorrow we are all going to make sock puppets so that he doesn't mind having his arm in a cast and covered with a sock :) I would say that the baby will be the next post but Im afraid I will jinx myself!

"He's just a little lion....."

2011-09-01T21:33:00.004-05:00

Cooler weather is upon us and we love to be outside. Im no good with a camera but had to try to get some pics of Sam in this grass. CUTE!

Steven's Surgery Day

2011-09-01T20:53:00.005-05:00

So its parfaits, yogurt, Popsicles, jello, and ice cream for Steven for the next week or two and perhaps more. Tuesday was his sinus surgery (FINALLY...he needed it so so badly) and I got a quick pic of him to remember all this fun.
A little history behind the reason for this and what was done: Steven is extremely allergic to just about anything outside and to our surprise...a lot of things inside as well. He isn't just a little allergic...he is top of the charts allergic and living in very forested areas has really done a number to him. He takes it and tried really hard not to let it seem like a big deal but a few years ago I signed him up to see the ENT because he would get this horrible headaches. The Dr told him he was a mess so we went the less intrusive route and got allergy shots once a week but this got old after 2 years. Then we move here to a larger forest and he got even worse so we decided that we may need to look into the surgery route. The ENT took one look at him and told him the allergy shots weren't going to do a thing until they fixed everything inside....pretty much told him he was a mess too with one side of his sinuses never draining due to a broken nose that healed wrong. So this brings us to Tuesday.....and this.....
What I thought was going to take a couple hours turned into a lot longer than that and started to stress me out. I dropped him off at 10:30 and around 2 started to panic as I hadn't heard anything! Finally they call and tell me he was back in his room and I could come see him. Honestly I wasn't expecting the sight that I found when i walked into his room. The kids handled it better than me and its a good thing he was drugged and couldn't see me as I pretty much lost it with tears pouring out of my eyes. I was trying to be strong but I'd really rather have 10 - 15lb kids naturally before seeing him all bloody and hooked up to machines like that. I wish i was a bit more prepared but the nurse was awesome and helped lighten the mood by getting the kids coloring things and turning on the TV in the room while I got a grip. He couldn't talk very well but that is getting better. He can't breathe either so just getting him to drink a little bit of juice was tough. I told Steven he can't ever be the sick one because I can't see him like that...its brutal on me.
The Dr went in and cleaned him up, fixed his broken nose and nasal septum, and some other stuff so he will be glad that he had it done but he's been pretty miserable. The first night home he slept upstairs in the media room on the recliners and I slept right by him but never really slept because I was worried he would stop breathing and I wanted him to take his super drugs on time so I stayed by him until he made me go downstairs to bed around 4. he continues to get better and better each day so with all the sleep and rest he is getting...we hope he will be ready to help me have a baby next week! Until that post!

The Fun and Ferocious of Hurricane Irene

2011-08-29T21:00:00.009-05:00

This last Saturday was a long one for us and I reached a whole new level of terrified as the night went on. We were only 60 miles or so from the center so we were very blessed not to have gotten hit too hard but thats as close to a hurricane as I ever want to get! Saturday morning started off with lots of wind and sheets of rain and knowing we had all day inside....we decided to make t-shirts! yep...while everyone else was stocking up on water and donuts, we bought make-your-monster iron-ons. They turned out AWESOME and the kids wont wear anything else!
max and Keira with their monsters and max's monster pirate. They had such a great time picking out the faces and rearranging them to make the perfect creature.

We spent the rest of the day playing games and eating candy and junk food until the power went out around 2pm and the wind picked up. The storm got more and more intense and creepy! The wind sounded like fleets of airplanes flying right over the house. I kept expecting a tree to hit the house or for something to crash in a window. It was like a tornado that lasts 6 hours straight! We all slept in the big blue room that is the safe room in the house so all was safe. We woke up the next morning to a tree in our backyard and trees all over the place and pulverized leaves? which was weird. The photos don't really do it justice but these are just some quick pics from some houses around our house.

This was a HUGE tree that hit a house but didn't do too much damage thank goodness. Very close call.

Trees in the road had several ways blocked off we discovered as we tried to go for a drive later that day. Sunday was beautiful...it almost felt like the hurricane never happened if you could ignore all the trees. The one above is around the corner from us.

Another close call around the corner from us

See...pulverized leaves? This is our street ...the leprechauns came early and they were not happy I guess!

So we didn't have power until monday night so we got creative with our glowsticks. Keira and Max love TRON so here they are being Tron :) If only I had gotten all the sound effects they were making to go with these photos...haha! Hilarious!

So all in all....a fun and terrifying weekend that we will never forget. Now we have AC again and Internet so life is good. Next stop....Stevens sinus surgery tomorrow and a baby next week! woohoo! we like to keep it live here in williamsburg!

Fires, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes OH MY!

2011-08-26T13:45:00.002-05:00

Last week it was thick smoke from the fires in the dismal swamp. Every time we walked outside Keira would ask if we were going to have hot dogs tonight! Then a few days ago we got an earthquake that was fun....it even put a crack in the washington monument. Now....just to prove that I have this bremuda triangle kind of luck....we are in the direct line of fire for Hurricane Irene! We are scheduled to get slammed with a Category 2 storm but not to worry....we have all the essentials from rootbeer to twizzlers, a new game (lost cities for us and a new richard scary game for the kids), and LOTS OF TOILET PAPER! It was funny to go to the grocery store to see all carbohydrates GONE....even the donuts! Soda was cleaned out and all that was left of the pet food aisle was the leashes. In my opinion that may be the most important thing...help keep them put so you can eat them later!
The last time they were hit this bad in williamsburg it was a category 1 and it caused a huge ginormous mess so the college of william and Mary has cancelled all classes today and monday and evacuated the students. The city 15m south has evactuated and we are sittin pretty ready to ride out a storm. The scariest part is that Williamsburg is like Fangorn Forest and its the trees falling from the intense winds that cause so much harm. We are praying the house comes through with only a few missing shingles. Everyone is terrified because power was lost for 10-14 days the last time. We have batteries, glow sticks, candles and glow in the dark undies so we think we are good :)
My doctors have already called a few times to go through emergency protocol. Im one of maybe 7-8 women due in the next 8-10 days so we are on their speed dial. If this kid comes early and we can't make it to the hospital due to fallen trees and high winds....Stevens worst nightmares will come true. I'll coach him through it and if he passes out then Im pretty sure Keira can take over. We'll name him Thor for arriving in such wild circumstances. I really don't think he will come before the 5th so don't worry about this either.
So all in all....its going to be a crazy stormy weekend and we will take pictures and blog all about it next week. If for some reason you can't reach us....just know we are safe and sound....well...maybe not Steven if he is delivering a baby! haha!

Cooler weather = outside walks again

2011-08-14T20:05:00.006-05:00

August and the high is 83....this calls for an evening outing! Sunday evening was cool enough to go outside so we grabbed the camera and the kids had a great time running up and down the hill. We have also had Teener here for about a week and as Tandy says...Christina = FUN. My kids think she hung the moon so we are getting all the Christina time in that we can before she heads off to BYU next week and we don't see her for a while :( Max and the Mullet...yes we are getting that mop cut this week.

Christina and all her fantastic-ness. We have been of several fun outings from Santas workshop to the Firehouse for the best subs my mouth has ever experienced....and yes Christina agrees with me...Subway...you lose!

"Smile Keira!" ...and this is what todays pose was. wondering what goes through this kids head sometimes but she keeps us laughing!

The Sam that can never do wrong. Steven says I give into this kid for everything...honestly can you blame me?

Oh and just for your tearful hilarity....me in all my 37 weeks + glory. Steven asked me to smile so I struck the silliest pose and face i could muster last minute :) haha! I was wearing a cardigan over this shirt earlier so I am feeling self conscious about this photo but oh well....the hugeness is worth it in the end and aren't all pregnant ladies pretty no matter what? That's what I keep telling myself anyway so don't bust my bubble!

A touch of the beach

2011-08-14T19:47:00.006-05:00

(START Enya music in your head ...then proceed with post)

So Mom and Daniel came to visit for about a week and half and the one day we devote to Beach Day gets rained out so we were sad that mom wouldn't get to see the beach. Fortunately and unfortunately Dad and Christina were delayed several hours and happen to be flying in to the airport south of us instead of Richmond so we spent an hour or so at the beach after all! Mom was like a 3 year old on Christmas morning. Stevens comment:"We are going to come here every day next time she comes...I've never seen her like this!"
Mom got all her airport clothes wet and sandy so there was some improvising needed once we got to the airport but she says it was worth it :)

Max's "BOND" photo shoot pic

I sat on the beach and fed Daniel while mom frolicked in the water and I don't think Dan was so sure of this sandy wet place. He kept giving me dirty looks as he tasted crunchy sand particles stuck to his string cheese. NO matter how I tried to keep everything clean...he did get a few sandy bites..YUCK! His payback was leaving a boatload of sand in the van from his shoes :) haha! Next time we'll let him sit in the surf. I actually think he would like the waves coming in and out....so that's for next time.

Keira or Hercules....not sure.

All in all...a great end to the whole visit :)

Historic Jamestown

2011-07-16T14:26:00.006-05:00

Taking the opportunity to see all the things there are to see within just 5-10 minutes of our house. There are tons and this was a super super fun place that we plan on going back to often. We only got pics of the ship but there is so much to this place...you'll have to come visit to see it all :)

All 3 ships in the harbor and you can climb on and all through these. THe kids thought it was fantastic!

Sam....just always need a picture of sam because he is just growing too fast and i want him to stop!

OOF! 8m preggers in humid heat had me nearly passing out on these ships so I stayed put right here while Steven explored with the kids. I thought I was going to be seasick at some point and the boat never moved!

Komodo Dragon on Guard!

2011-07-08T10:08:00.003-05:00

Oh, he's real! I walked out the back door the other day and about four that size ran under the log pile ... they looked pretty well fed! Which is probably the reason I haven't had any crickets in the house this spring and summer! Crickets give me the creeps! Then just a few days ago I looked out the back window and saw this fellow and decided to share him with you all! :-) Pretty Big Guy ... of course, I do appreciate them running for cover when I step outside! ... And just now I had your dad come rescue a cute little tiny pink lizard (about 1 & 1/4 long) in our bathroom. Tell Nora, Lizards come in PINK, who would have thought! Well, I let him put the lizard outside ... which is saying a lot about my kindness since any other creature found in the house is DEAD by fly swatter or vacumm! :-)

I'm not the best blogger, but I'm trying to figure it out :-)

Christina Turns 18!!!

2011-07-08T09:49:00.003-05:00

The big day arrived without much fanfar ... but sure ended BIG!

New Computer ... Onward to College! Yippy!!!

We Love YOU!!!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T20:56:00.010-05:00

Hope everyone was able to see some fireworks this year! Max was a little terrified of the noise but Steven got some fantastic photos so it was worth it :) It is fun to be in such a patriotic place here in Williamsburg. I couldn't help but get all teary eyed as the Star Spangled Banner was played! Happy 4th everyone! So many blessings to be thankful for just to live here in this country!
And I had to throw in some stinkin cute photos of the boys. Keira doesn't like to be out in the heat so there aren't too many of her unless she is in the pool.....we'll have to double post some of her when the weather cools off to make up for all the screen time that the boys are getting.

This face just has me in stitches everytime he pulls it on me.... :) ...what a nutty kid!

Day at the Beach

2011-06-26T08:31:00.009-05:00

Yesterday we took the kids to Virginia Beach to play. Its only an hour away and we weren't sure even if the kids would have fun but as you can see....this was one of their favorite places. Since we got home we haven't heard an end to "when are we going to the beach!" We were on the main beach but next time we'll find a more secluded area.
Keira being a mermaid

I think I am still cleaning sand out of this kids ears, hair, and toes.

Proof that I was there and wearing a bathing suit and being almost 8m pregnant. Sam didn't go for the water too much...a bit cold and he didn't like the sand on his hands at all... so not the most fav place for him but he will get used to it.

Just a cute Max and Kung Fu max below.

Evening walks

2011-06-22T13:30:00.004-05:00

More photos from our evening walks
The Manor house in Colonial Williamsburg

We can never get just a smile from this kid but thats her personality so we love all the goofiness that she is!

And speaking of goofy....whats up with this face?

And Sam...always cute, always photogenic..even when cranky, and always gets his way.

36 hour Williamsburg Trip

2011-06-19T10:29:00.017-05:00

Amazing all the fun you can have in just 36 hours! Dad, Mom, Christina, and Daniel came out for Fathers Day weekend to relax, have fajitas, and do some touring. First stop was one of the really fun antique malls that are so famous here in this area. Just a girls trip...enjoy :)

Christina had the best time trying everything on! I have never seen this side of her and she admitted that she might just love going to antique stores. I think she had the most fun of everyone of us :) ....as you can see

Guns, Fur coats, knives, swords and hats were Teener's thing....I think they'd make a good bank robbing team...real intimidating!

Or she might make a better Russian spy.

Southern belle?

Southern Belle packing heat (her Jack sparrow gun as she dubbed it)

THE HOLSTER....and/or Gun Pocket. We nearly had to drag teener out of the store because she wanted this so bad. She wants to carry her pencils or water bottle to school next year in it. ...either way, she is still trying to convince Dad she NEEDS it! What a crack up ...and a real redneck Texan!

Mom has this uncanny resemblance to a certain character who hires oompa loompas for his chocolate factory. Steven just thinks she looks naked....hahahaha!

Then a walk through colonial williamsburg late that night. Nothing happening and the houses were closed but the fireflies were cool and it was just nice to get out and walk and pretend to be incarcerated.

All in all...a fun fast weekend!

Sam Monkey

2011-05-28T14:00:00.007-05:00

We were watching Curious George the other day and Sam strikes an uncanny resemblance to the little monkey! See for yourself :)

Mini Steve

2011-05-28T13:46:00.005-05:00

If I could scan in a photo of Steven as a kid....it wouldn't look much different than my Max. There is just enough Iverson there to make him mine but he sure is a mini version of Steven...goofiness and all!
Max's blue steel

Why is it that once you say "SMILE" to a kid, their tongue automatically sticks out?

Oh the Baby Name Blunders

2011-05-22T17:54:00.002-05:00

Thanks everyone for all your votes! You can probably tell which names are the ones I liked and which ones Steven liked..haha! Jedediah was was of mine though :) ...if our 5th is a boy then we are going to have some serious issues with a name as it seems to get harder and harder to come up with good strong ones that aren't already taken....oh well. Thanks for the help!

Snakes, Ticks, and Fabulous Weather

2011-05-22T17:26:00.003-05:00

So here we are and this is our street for those of you who think you know what "green" is...i think Williamsburg is the greenest place I have been but I haven't yet been to Scotland or Europe where the grass is greener right?...so until then...this is the "GREENEST" place I have lived in. It makes it seem even greener when Steven is 10 minutes from work. He has time to get up, go for a run, eat breakfast with the kids, the kids wait in the garage and wave goodbye to him, then he is home by 4:30-5 just in time for family dinner (yes...so far I haven't missed a night!) and the rest of the evening is ours! Its really too good to be true and I have to pinch myself everyday that this is for real. I've never experienced life like this (I think it is called BALANCE) and it feels amazing! If you would like to come taste of the GREEN of williamsburg....we look forward to your visit!
In the first week we have found 3 black snakes and one even in the garage...YIKES! Steven got his first tick yesterday...probably the first of many. Living in a forest will bring nightly tick checks with the kids and snakes need to beware that I am not the snake loving kind of person. I don't care if they are in their own home and we are hiking into their territory...it will DIE! I hate snakes..especially the ones that are really fast and these happen to be called Black Northern Racers...yep...disgusting.

And here are the kids on the front steps. They are thoroughly loving the new house and all the space. Its great for hide and go seek and just yelling to hear your voice echo :)

BACCALAUREATE! and COMMENCEMENT!

2011-05-18T16:50:00.009-05:00

Christina got her Dipllama! Our wee little sister is all grown up now and it feels kinda wild to see this photo and still remember all the Barney and Wishbone episodes that she so loved. We are proud of you Christina and all that you are to us and all that you are becoming. Good luck at BYU!
Mom wrote some commentary on the whole evening below but I can't seem to move it. I am just helping post more photos.

This is Our Christina walking into Commencement on Saturday morning, at "Eleven by the Clock in the Morning" ... these were Posh Programs!
Her blue collar represents the National Honor Society ... pretty cool!

Check out them HEELS! Those are some Jessica Simpson specials (no shorter than 4 inches, patent leather, snake skin) ... Hot stuff Teener!

To me the most notable comments at her Commencement were ... and I hope I'm not boring you ...

"It takes a thousand threads to make a life, what threads will you create ... cast your threads towards happiness, love, success & greatness"

"Work to achieve your dreams, dreams are worth having even if you don't reach them"

"Attitude determines Altitude"

That's all! :-) I thought it was great fun!

This was dinner in the student activity center after Baccalaureate on thursday evening "The Twelfth Day of May" ... Christina won the Most Outstanding Student award in Anthropology/Archeaology. WOOHOO!
The Headmaster to the school admonished the graduates to ... "if at first you don't succeed, do it like your mother told you! Her graduating class was all of 72 students!

This is another picture at the dinner right after Baccalaureate and another picture of the church below.

You probably can't see this but Christina's 4+ inch hotties are sunk deep into the mud but she sure is cute anyway :)

Moms part - Thursday Night was Baccalaureate at the Handley United Methodist Church where The Oakridge School all began!

Although Steven, Daniel and I missed most of the service ... it started at 6:00pm so you can just see me hustling Daniel off the school bus at 4:00 and racing to meet up with your dad to get us to the church on time (hehe! I feel a Song coming on!) (mom can Blog!)

What we did hear of "The Message" was really nice ... the Pastor I guess ... told the kids that they were worthy! That they were a part of all God's creations ... the universe and that when storms come to look inward, that the Spirit of God is within them. He told them that they are more beautiful than all the stars and to see that value within themselves and to see that same value in others. Pretty nice message!"

2 months photos...with a bit of commentary

2011-05-16T14:27:00.014-05:00

So the first week in April we had quite an adventure. 6 hotels, a water park, train rides, snow and swim suits all in the same week! Below is just a big picture dump of all the fun. While looking for a house in williamsburg, we took the kids to Great wolf Lodge. They had a great time and I would have too if the chlorine didn't make me so nauseated! I was the photographer so hence...the horrible photos but oh well. I did wear my bathing suit but the water made this pregnant lady really dizzy so I kept up with photos :)

The big water bucket that filled up and dumped out every 5m was one of Max's favorite things. Steven had to hold him or the water would have smashed him into the ground but he had a great time anyway!

Then one last time to Pennsylvania to Max's favorite place on earth...Strasburg. We woke up to snow on the ground and froze our buns off but it was worth the trip to see these smiles!

"here's my ticket!"

Then we had the most disappointing "homemade" Amish meal! I was expecting some good cooking but instead they bring out mashed potatoes from the box! I was so disappointed that I asked the waitress if the mashed potatoes were real (steven wanted to strangle me) and she told me they were but I told her they didn't taste real. (I have had potato pearls..they are in my food storage, and i have had idahoan potatoes...and THOSE were potato flakes...SICK!). The only good part of the meal was the chocolate ice cream. I left feeling annoyed (probably the pregnant hormones in me) and I will never be fooled by the "homemade food" restaurants again!

BUT....other than our last meal...it was a really fun week! Dad flew in that friday night, stayed in a hotel with us and took the kids and i back to TX for a month.

Easter Rabbit Surprise!

2011-04-25T09:10:00.009-05:00

I don't know who was more shocked Saturday morning, Dad or my kids! The Easter Rabbit made an appearance and left a fun egg hunt in the back yard. Candy, books, some trains, mega mind, and more candy later....we had a fun Saturday! Sunday was purely devoted to teaching the real Easter story and Keira can tell you the whole story herself so I do think it was a fantastic weekend :)

HURRY....BEFORE THE MAN EATING ANTS GET THEM!

Christmas in Williamsburg anyone?

2011-04-08T14:08:00.002-05:00

Hey so I still am waiting on Steven to bring me all the photos for all the many blogs that I need to post but I do have a picture of our home in Williamsburg. Anyone up for coming for 2012 Christmas? We have plenty of room (there is a basement too) and Christina's favorite part is the dark blue media room complete with microwave, fridge, and lazy boy couches that they left and this is where she plans on staying when she comes to visit...haha! There is tons to do in williamsburg and we live in the heart of it. We are looking forward to this new adventure and hope we can get some visitors too!

Keepin it even....or getting there anyway

2011-04-03T21:27:00.002-05:00

So I finally have access to a computer and time to do something but I don't have all my photos to dialogue the whole last 3 weeks of our crazy wild ride of selling a house, finding a house, living in a hotel for a week, seeing the trains one last time, our Great Wolf Lodge fun, a rather disappointing lancaster "homemade" amish meal, and more! I feel like I need to write something new so that you don't give up on this blog....so despite the attempt not to find out what this 4th baby is....curiosity got the best of us....and....yes we are up to 4 grandbaby boys and 5 grandgirls now. Keira's comment in the car was "YES.....no girls!" ....I do think it would be good to have a sister for her although boys seem to be so much easier....so maybe we'll go for a 5th in 2012! I'm already crazy already so it can't get any worse right?

Lucky number 3!!

2011-03-07T16:56:00.005-06:00

The first week of March is serious birthday time around here and this year was a special one. Steven turned 30 and now feels much more mature now that he can say he is 30 :) and Max turned 3!
Our family doesn't eat cake so we usually don't make one but this year I had this fantastic idea to have a super mario birthday party which only halfway happened because I had New Beginnings that night and was super busy with that but the cake got done at least! It's no Tandy/Aaron special but it was pretty good for me! Its a mushroom from mario that makes you a big person...hence...turning 30...he is now a big person...hahaha! I'm so clever ...if not a good cake decorator :) It was thrown out the next day after a few tastes.

Steven also got a grown up present that he has been wanting for years. Watching him play on all of my siblings macbooks over the holidays, I knew that was going to be the perfect 30 gift and he was surprised for sure! I've only been saving for it secretly for several months so it was fun to see his face. of course I got the wrong one so it was returned and the correct one will be ordered...what can I say....walking into the Apple store for me is like Steven in any womens clothing store....no idea what to get!

Max and his lightning McQueen obsession. he now has the whole garage to play with all his cars in. He was super excited about his big bakugan, his gun that makes noises...(BOYS!), and going to McDonalds for a happy meal for his special day. Funny kid and we love him and his goofy personality.

MMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

2011-02-28T10:00:00.007-06:00

NNNBNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 1IL Q56UHF23RTYJGFDBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBNNNNNNNNNNNNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNHN U.p ovyu7clq9mos nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn n nnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Christmas Catchup

2011-01-29T18:39:00.013-06:00

Christmas 2010 will always be one to remember. Little did Dad, Mom, Christina and Daniel know but all of us kids (grand kids, dogs, pregnant ladies and monkeys) surprised them Christmas Eve evening. It was the best gift for me to see Christina shaking with excitement/surprise, and Dad's tears of joy as he tried to convince himself that he was really seeing all 19 of us at home. 19 people is a lot of people and 7 grand kids under 5 was crazy and it was awesomely fun! With 2 more grand kids arriving this year....Christmas may no longer be possible at home but I am glad to have had the opportunity this last year :) I love this crazy wild group that are my parents and siblings, awesome sister in-laws, wild noisy grand kids, and a cute happy Lilly!
Santa was a bit overwhelmed I am sure.....but he always over does it ....as usual :)

The White Tree of Gondor

A recent photo for us to put up....next photo will have 10 more grandkids...haha!

Our little Mannewitz clan...never a family picture with out my Keira in tears!

Riding the train at Grandma and Grandpa Mannewitz with all the cousins.

Never ending playtime!

Great 2 weeks at home but glad to be back with 13 inches of snow on the ground, a move to prepare for, and a new baby to plan for....this year is full of excitement for us but we miss everyone. Keira and Max mention Nora, Hattie, Brahma, or Daniel frequently. Until the next vacation :)

Keira Ballerina

2011-01-29T18:23:00.005-06:00

Keira has been in Ballet for almost 5 months now and she loves it. Tomorrow is her actual recital The Sound of Music, but today was a dress rehearsal and its the only time we could take pictures! I was a bit terrified she wouldn't go out on stage but she did AWESOME! She smiled super cute, her class was the most put together and in position, and she was just so stinking cute! She was away from us for almost 2 hrs and had a great time backstage coloring with her friends, and practicing. It made me so proud to see her doing so well that I even started crying. You have to understand that it is a rare occasion when my little Keira will do anything in front of a crowd or even by herself because she is so shy! Today I feel like she was showing me that she is a big girl and a beautiful one she is at that :)
Classic Keira pic with the tongue.

We have flowers for her for tomorrow just like Dad and Mom used to do for me after my recitals...I never had such fun costumes though. She is excited to perform tomorrow too! (yes go ahead and judge me...I let me child perform on Sundays.) So I just may need to post more cute photos after tomorrow....she is such a pretty girl!

Temple Lights

2010-12-14T22:01:00.004-06:00

We took the kids last sunday up to the temple to see the lights and to go through the visitors center to see all the nativities from around the world. It was a really cold night so we are in none of the photos but they are too pretty not to post!

A trip to the White House

2010-12-14T21:50:00.015-06:00

Steven recently got to take his camera to the white house which is usually is something you can't do so he took advantage and snapped a ton of pictures of how decorated this place gets...here is a fraction of the photos....

And yes that is a nativity in the center...seems interesting with all the anti-religion push

Blue and gold room is the circular room I think?

Fall/Thanksgiving Picture Dump

2010-12-14T21:35:00.006-06:00

November was crazy with Young Women in Excellence, YW ward thankgiving projects, YW sacrament meeting, running races with YW to complete Personal progress projects...super fun! I promise working with the young women does not run my life but I might have thought so in november! Dad, Mom, Teener and Daniel came up for thanksgiving and BLACK FRIDAY and it was a fun weekend! I can't believe I have no photos of the weekend...oh well! Here are the kids lining up for the thanksgiving day turkey trot with our friends down the street.
Our home depot special christmas tree! Surprisingly enough it smells the best, looks the best and is the freshest...(steven says that is because it is the easiest tree we have ever gone out to get!)

Steven playing with his new fun fancy camera and getting really good at it I might add!

Finally all the leaves have fallen and the kids enjoyed one last really cold saturday jumping in them while Steven repiled them up over and over again! I love the look on Keiras face here...pure happiness :)

HAPPY OLD MARRIED COUPLE DAY!!

2010-11-17T15:40:00.004-06:00

I went and scrounged this up from a couple years back. Hope you are having a happy anniversary mom and dad! I'll refrain from blogging too much sentimentality . . . for all our sakes. But thanks for hangin in there, giving us all you got, and for all around awesomeness!
All the work should feel worth it at least one day out of the year- here's to your day!

Thanks for making stuff like this happenand keeping the fam together for stuff like this . . .and forcing us to want to do stuff like thisAnd for helping us to get edumucated and do stuff like thisfeel free to edit/add as you please.

Fall on the East Coast

2010-10-31T19:46:00.008-05:00

Steven just got a new camera so we have been out taking pictures and playing with it. Guess who his models are?.....only the cutest kids on the planet :) and Christina and me :)
Those eyes get everything they want....could you say no to that face?

Teener refuses to face the fact that she just may be cute.....so post your comments :) We had to coax her out of her emperor Palpatine hoody but we did and turns out there is a cute girl under that black sweatshirt that is her second skin!

Keira my blond beauty...she is as fun as that smile shows!

And Monkey...this loved friend has so many stories to tell but thats for another post.

My Maxter and his monkey that goes everywhere with him...even the tub!

And guess who gets to be the model of lots of pics?.....yep...me! I already am noticing smile wrinkles in the corners of my eyes....see...I am getting old but I don't mind smile wrinkles, just no frown wrinkles!

NINTENDO POWER!

2010-10-30T20:07:00.010-05:00

A family that Nintendos together stays together!
Beautiful Princess Peach

No one can do without trusty fun Toad!

It was funny that the younger generation knew exactly who I was but the people my age had to ask!

The whole Nintendo gang ready to party and trunk or treat!

And a few shots of Luigi and his princess being silly :) Teener (who was the poisonous mushroom....we only had a black beanie to work with) took our photos and was fantastic fun! My kids love aunt Christina like none other! Its so nice to hear "stina" and not mom for once :)

They are all under the same blanket at the moment watching the train your dragon movie.

Lots of treats later, Tired kids, REALLY COLD feet, and FUN FUN FUN....I'd say its been a Halloween to remember :) Happy Halloween everyone!

Happy Halloween Pumpkins

2010-10-27T18:44:00.002-05:00

For FHE this week we carved out pumpkins. Holidays are so much fun when your kids are so into it! Max and I carved the smaller one while Keira and Steven the bigger one. I am not sure how much I like this holiday now that I have yet to make it a whole night without one of our kids in bed with us complaining of monsters!!!!

Not 30 Yet!

2010-10-27T18:04:00.005-05:00

29 today and what a memorable day it was too! I don't think birthdays are my favorite because 1. you just get older, and 2. you are the center of attention. Normally I don't mind the second one but I prefer it when it is the result of something I did (I'm working on the humility bit). I was going to try to let today schmooze by without any fanfare but my YW, friends and Steven had other ideas.
Steven came home around 2 while I was at a YW meeting and surprised me! I love it when he comes home early! Then he took us out to Vietnamese for dinner, blueberry pie for dessert and then home to find this! (below) my YW attacked my house inside and out with hearts and notes and my favorite TWIZZLERS! At first I was mortified because it wasn't as clean as I would have liked but oh well!
Chalk up and down the walkway :) I feel so loved!

I do hope I preserve well.....one more year until I am 30 and in 30 yrs I will look back and laugh at this post! For journal purposes I need to note that I got all the things I asked for which never happens....A garmin forerunner, new sweet sunglasses, ear phones for my retard ears (whichever parent passed that on), and How to train your dragon from Max but I think he really wanted that for himself :) Great 29th birthday! Thanks for putting up with 29 years of me!

Airshow Memories

2010-10-24T18:16:00.009-05:00

We have a cool little airport by us and Saturday they had an airshow so I felt the need to re-live some airshow memories. Max and Keira were thrilled until they heard how loud the engines were and then they spent the rest of the time with their hands in their ears. We parked right next to the runway so that the kids could sit in the car...or in Stevens below photo...take the car seats out (can we say redneck?) but he was comfortable so I guess that's all that matters right? I refused to recline in a van pilot seat....pride is too high....the grass was nice :)

Keira got bored halfway through the show so she started getting creative with the seat belts...

Then being goofy with the windows :) Funny kids

My favorite was the person who rode on top of the plane...talk about a rush....my heart was racing just watching them!

No fighter jets or blue angels like good ol times but one day we will get to see those too :)

Bangs are IN these days

2010-10-22T19:16:00.003-05:00

So this photo is for mom to see my hair...not the best of me as I have been super sick for a week but whatever. So bangs are in these day and I needed a change. I was a bit stressed so I just did the chunky sideswept thing but I may go for the full Katie Holmes bangs before too long. The back is stacked short with an extreme A line cut...a mix of Beckham and Holmes...I'll call it the Holham cut. It may be a pain on my daily runs but I really needed something different so I will work with it I tell myself. I'll snap a better photo mom when I fix it myself...but here ya go! Looking at this photo I can see Dad and Paul in me the most so I must look like them the closest....does that mean I look a little manish? haha!

Creative Keira, A birthday, & kid pics

2010-10-18T14:11:00.008-05:00

The other day Keira spent a good hour working on this "gingerbread man" creation. I was really impressed with how creative she was. She pulled the stool over to give him some height and the face is awesome! I love this creative stage of a kids life!
Sam turned 1 last wednesday the 13th!!! It wasn't much of a party because he had shots that day but he is smiling here after opening his new toy :) What a fun cute baby he is and small too! He comes in at 20 pounds and 35% for weight but 97th for height and head size! I have never had a kid in the below 50 percentile...hmmmm....I'm seeing a tall and skinny future maybe?

Then this last weekend we went to the pumpkin patch which is always a fun memory for my wild kids.

He is as sweet as he looks too :)

Then a random photo of the kids enjoying the fall weather outside for dinner. Keira and Max spend hours on the trampoline while Sam searches the dirt for rocks and mulch clods!

A post of cute kids

2010-10-05T17:53:00.004-05:00

Picture day at school and its cold so she got to wear her new corduroy coat that she loves! Cute kid!

Yes Sam got a buzz and so did Max. I do miss the funny fly-away troll hair but 4 inch long hair just made him look like a girl :)

And Sam loves to dance...he often will stand next to the ipod dock waiting for us to turn on some tunes!

Hattie-monster!

2010-09-21T17:23:00.002-05:00

Thanks Erika! We loved our presents. The hamburger press will come in handy.

Its a Monsterwitz Birthday Party

2010-09-17T18:47:00.008-05:00

It was a monster bash here at the Monsterwitz this afternoon...lot of hilarious monsters running wild and googly eyes everywhere you looked! Keira was set on having a monster party for her 5th birthday despite the frequent "green monster" nightmare that has her crawling in bed with us at night. She watches monsters inc. and monster house like Paul watched Jurassic Park: mostly behind the couch but did this bobbing up and down thing through the whole movie). Maybe it was a face your fears kind of thing but whatever it was...monsters it was and it was fun....as you can see.

These 2 pictures have me in laughter fits....tearful hilarity!!!!

This is going to be that photo that is posted in the year book their senior year or show at the slide show at graduation or their wedding...FANTASTIC!

Keira is such a fun happy girl and we love that she is ours! Happy 5th birthday sweetheart!

What is this world coming to.....

2010-09-12T14:48:00.003-05:00

.....WHEN PB&J sandwiches are banned from the lunchroom????? Keira started school this week and I get a note on the first day of school asking if the peanut butter in Keira's sandwich was made from peanuts. Seriously? The only word that comes to mind is "DUH". Well after speaking with her teacher I learned that you can buy peanut butter made from just about every nut (wouldn't they be called after the nut they are made instead of peanut butter.....seems misleading to me). There is a large number of kids with peanut allergies so they have a "peanut free" table in the lunchroom but are taking more strict action and banning peanut butter entirely! I honestly didn't think peanut allergies were airborne but I guess some kids trade items in lunches. Teener was pro at this and knew how to trade for all the good stuff I remember...haha!
So first they take religion out of school, then PB&J! The teacher was even more specific and said no "tree nuts"...what a bummer that would be to not be able to have all the goodness of pecans, walnuts, and almonds! Alas....I went to check out all the feanut butters at the store (you have to buy them in the tree hugger organic section $$$$$), and there is everything from almond butter to sesame seed butter to sunflower seed butter. Keira thought they were all nasty so now I have no idea what to send in her lunch because my kids live off of peanut butter....not feanut butter! Who knows what it will be next! Can you imagine being a kid and saying deflatedly "sorry guys...I have to go eat at the peanut free zone"....cracks me up imagining it!

No longer

2010-08-19T09:44:00.001-05:00

Anna can no longer be called a "slug" by Paul...too bad, because it was such a fitting nickname for her.

Favorite Quotes of the Week

2010-08-02T15:22:00.002-05:00

Christina: "this is my slow 'cool' walk...I don't go any faster than this at school..." (Steven and I were laughing our heads off...picture this slow strut that looks so measured its ridiculous...haha...good stuff teener)

Keira: "I WILL DESTROY YOU.....!" (saying goodbye to her sunday school teacher)

Christina: (sometime yesterday her lips stopped working so some of her words came out funky) the best of these words was "mocowove"

It seems like I was laughing way too much this last week so I am sure there were more but those are the ones that still have me grinning.

Sam on the move

2010-08-02T10:18:00.006-05:00

Little Sam is mobile now and is picking up speed every day. He seems to be super happy now that he can move and get to me wherever I go!

Saturday PA Adventure

2010-07-31T19:37:00.010-05:00

Lastnight we hatched a grand scheme for a fabulous fun day today and fun it was...we are exhausted but it was AWESOME! I don't have time to write descriptions so here is our day in a blurr.....
First stop HERSHEY, PA or chocolate mecca....I think I gained a few pounds today..yeesh!

Here we are on the little tour of the factory...its a little car ride and the kids were thrilled....

...until it started and you would have thought we were dragging them through some horror tunnel! Keira kept yelling "I JUST WANNA GO HOME DADDY...!" and Stevens comment "I feel like I am forcing my kids to have fun!"

Making our own chocolate bars.....really cool!

Teener obviously enjoyed it :)

Sam didn't fit into the hair net so they gave him a beard net for his furry fuzz head.

Then on through Lancaster county and amish country, a quick stop at a farmers market and at last to the Strasburg train. Really old coal burning trains everywhere! We rode one for about 45 min through the countryside...we'll definetly be going back here!

Max and Keira showing off their treasures of the day...2 new wood trains for their track and their candy bars :) FUn day...no more chocolate for me!

Speed Touristing with Kids

2010-07-17T15:12:00.010-05:00

Aaron and Tandy came to visit for a few days and it was AWESOME! Steven and I loved having them here! Since we rarely get visitors out here to our side of the country...we spent the days speed touristing...which is being tourists but with kids....so ya have to go fast. It was boiling hot so I think we dropped a few pounds but it was way fun!
First stop Thursday at Mt Vernon. Keira was at girls camp so Max and Nora got some good quality time together laughing, riding in the wagon and running off!

Aaron and all his beautiful girls!

Friday we did the DC circuit. First stop Jefferson Memorial..amazing place.

Lincoln memorial. Sam and Max were celebrities here and were surrounded by a crowd of Korean kids taking their pictures. Aaron got a video of it because it was hilarious. They will be on every Korean blog or facebook I'm sure. They are cute so I would take a picture too :)

Then after the natural history museum, and all day walking to as many memorials and monuments as we could....Max gave up. A great action packed day!

Then home to drink nice cold Saranac rootbeer! Even Nora approved!

SERIOUSLY? Don't know how we did it!

2010-07-17T15:02:00.007-05:00

Don't know how we made such a cute kid. He is a wonderful as he looks too...how lucky I am! Here are some updated photos of our Samwise, Sammy, or whatever else it is that he gets called.

Such BIG eyes...we are not sure where those came from but I love them!

He pulls himself up now and will be crawling anyday. Such a sweet cute baby...I watch him grow up and want so bad to slow time down. He gives the best snuggles and smiles.

Brahma and Daniel Bring the TX heat

2010-07-17T14:50:00.007-05:00

So we spent our time at the pool! Daniel had a great time. He kept hitting mom and splashing her when she would get close. Lotsa smiles and laughing. I think some of the other kids might have been a bit intimidated but it worked out nicely because no one but us had the baby pool!

Keira and Max get all spastic when the ice cream man from Iraq comes to the pool ringing his bells and playing his music in his big white van....there is just something creepy about that but he has the good stuff. Remember the thick fat Popsicles of slimer with the gumballs for eyes? Yes they still have them. Max loves the sonic and Shrek (currently eating) while Keira is a spongebob and bugs bunny fan. I remember them tasting so much better...must be a kid thing.

Picnics at the park to get out of the house. Mom is the bird lady....she reminds me of the lady on Mary Poppins .."Feed the birds.." She was in her element over with the geese. They must have been talking to her...maybe she speaks geese because they sure liked hanging around her. I don't get it but as they say..."Its all geese to me!" hehe

All in all a great few weeks with mom and Daniel :)

We're not racist....Promise

2010-07-14T16:32:00.003-05:00

We live in the great state of VA....a good southern state if you remember. We also live in the one of the most diverse metro areas in the world.....so naturally, we should be careful with whatever we say....very PC if you will. So the other day at the pool i realized that I really need to watch my mouth around my eldest. Story as follows:
Me: "Keira...where are all of your pools toys? Please find them while I get Sam dressed"
Keira searches around...keep in mind it is hot here and the baby pool is packed with mommies and families of all races...we are quite a diverse population out here after all.
Keira (yelling from across the pool): " THE BLACK KIDS TOOK THEM MOM!...THEY ALWAYS STEAL!"
Me: ...........feeling all eyes watching! "I'm sure they didn't Keira...lets look for them....but I bet they did take them."
Keira: "Ok mommy but those black kids are bad..."
Ok.... so I shove the diaper on Sam...forget the clothes and I'll pretend nothing happened when next at the pool! ...if we go to the pool again....yeesh!

4th of July Tribute to Aaron

2010-07-04T20:18:00.003-05:00

This fabulous holiday makes me feel so proud to be an American....and consequently that ALWAYS reminds me of Aaron's 8th? 9th? birthday that was celebrated in Oxford. He got his two most prized desires......a first aid kit (who asks for a first aid kit) and a Lee Greenwood cassette tape! Yes ....he has always been Proud to be an American...here's to you Aaron...(listen to the music on the blog...if in case you have the volume down). GO ON AND SING IT OUT LOUD!!!

Long time no post!

2010-06-29T07:06:00.010-05:00

So life has been absolutely WILD the last several months with Young Womens, Girls Camp, the end of the school year (which means IEP mtg after IEP mtg), and our recent adventure....getting the house ready for the market (as of 2 days ago...it is officially on the market!). Above is our place now....2000 sq feet just isn't enough for a bunch of wild kids who love to be outside and we have realized that we are not city lovers, so we are looking at this place (below) and hope it will be ours but we'll see how things pan out! Mom and Christina came up so we hauled them out to the Blue ridge mountain to see this place. Its everything we would like but it needs some serious TLC and lots of things need to be gutted on the inside. We have to paint and re carpet before even thinking of moving in due to the heavy cigarette smell but we have turned this house 180 degrees around thanks to Stevens savvy handiwork so this new place will love us! 8 acres in the Appalachian mtns (40miles from HQ) feels like the perfect place to let these boys run wild.....here's hoping!

Strike a pose Teener

Then the rest of the free time we have, you can find us at the pool :)

Or eating otter pops :)

Yes we are still alive out here and doing great.....busy but great!

Funny Dad Quotes

2010-06-07T12:56:00.003-05:00

so with the start of summer for our nephews, I whipped out one of my favorite dad quotes of all time. drum roll please . . . . .

"SUMMER IS VACATION FROM SCHOOL, NOT FROM RESPONSIBILITY!"
hahaha- I got all sorts of responses from a "how depressing!" to a simple "ouch!"

anyone have any other favorites?

Indecisive is my name

2010-06-03T21:29:00.002-05:00

Ever since we moved into our house almost 2 years ago I have talked about painting. Last summer we painted the kids bathroom blue. Last Saturday I painted the master bathroom green. If we didn't paint the rest of our house people would start to wonder if with had a fetish about bathrooms. So I began a quest for the perfect paint color for the family room and kitchen. Can you say indecisive? There are 15 paint samples up there. The Lowe's people know me now I think. It took forever to figure out which color, mostly because I didn't know what I wanted. Beige? Yellowish? Greenish? Go dark? How dark is too dark? I have a pile of poster boards that have been painted, and every day I walk around the house in different light to compare them all. Pathetic, I know. But I think my task is over and I have pretty much decided...but we have to wait til morning to see how it looks in natural light. Hopefully the actual painting will prove an easier task.

So if you didn't know before that I am indecisive, now you have proof.

Parental Emotional Rollercoasting

2010-05-08T15:53:00.005-05:00

So I have realized recently that parenting causes serious mood swings, which cause extreme exhaustion, which cause a decrease in patience and level headedness, which affects all areas of my life......and i have to be responsible for actions knowing this? Sometimes I am pushed to the brink....sometimes I want to yell at the top of my lungs (not because I think it will do any good but to just to terrify them into obedience)....and other times I just want to spank their cute bums so hard that I leave a mark for a few days. None of these tactics really works I don't think, although our kids do get spanks and evil eye (I learned from the best). That evil eye sometimes twitches and Keira knows that my angry thermometer is way past boiling and she'll go up to her room or start crying before I can ask any questions. I am getting more patient as a parent and I'd like to think I have a good discipline system going on (my kids act the best when with friends...please thank you..all that), but every now and then....Keira pulls something like this (see below photo) and yes those are wood blinds. I was way past boiling and as soon as I saw her work....crap hit the fan! I sent her to her room for several hours and took out my seething anger on the treadmill. All is well now but moments like these must be parental tests....and I hope I am not failing them.
Then on the same day after a long run to cool off, Sam makes me happier than happy! The kids and I went out to play on a beautiful afternoon and I quickly forgot the blinds (until I got home again) and enjoyed being with these 3 silly kids. Its an emotional roller coaster being a mom but life is nothing without mothers....HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all you that are called "MOM"!

he looks like a smurf or elf or something....SO FUN! He is a sweet as he looks too :)

Wild European Adventure

2010-04-30T15:01:00.024-05:00

Back in April Steven had to opportunity to go to Prague for work so he took the chance to see several other cities while he was at it! It sounded like fun...sleeping on the train, eating from street vendors, trying all sorts of fun things and taking in some incredible scenery! Enjoy the photo dump!
The City of Prague

I love red roofs. Sorry ...I don't have much commentary because I wasn't there.

XunxRjI/S9s63IVD25I/AAAAAAAABhA/djtnenfYqIk/s400/European+Trip+070.JPG"> Then to leave prague after 3 days to go to Vienna.

Steven enjoyed all the sculptures and their amazing detail.................

Not sure but is this the cathedral Michael sang in?

Then after Vienna....on to Rome

LOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466025450365273154 border=0 alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VLMBXunxRjI/S9s5L9ZEREI/AAAAAAAABgQ/VtSz1aZzbrA/s400/European+Trip+138.JPG"> The Colloseum and the Vatican

These Smart cars just made me laugh...I do see a Jeep there in the back though.

The Pantheon

00px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466024359806406162 border=0 alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VLMBXunxRjI/S9s4MevkjhI/AAAAAAAABfw/Het_fSF9z88/s400/European+Trip+188.JPG"> Inside the Colloseum

Really cool trees

Part of old Rome

And Steven found this guy a crack up in Prague :)

Corsage Craziness!

2010-04-30T14:51:00.004-05:00

A few months back they called me to YW president in my ward and it has been insanity busy ever since! I have to admit that I seem to thrive off of being busy and do my best work when a challenge presents itself. So saying that...girls camp is pricey out here and the girls had to do a fundraiser. I am not all about car washes (probably because I never go to them) and all other ideas were really dumb I thought but this sounded like it had potential. Over conference weekend I played with tons of silk flowers to see if I could come up with corsages for Mothers Day and teach the girls how to do them....TA DA! They are a hit and I have orders from several other wards! I realized the girls wouldn't look like mine (me being my perfectionist self and all) so I work on as many as I can each day in hopes that the girls will only have to make a few and then they can do all the assembling and the delivering next weekend. Stevens tired of the flowers all over the kitchen but I dont think he minds the florist shop that wants to hire my expertise skills....haha! I took them in to a local flower shop to see if I was doing it right and they want to hire me on part time...hahaha! Who'd have thought I was so crafty. I said sure...who doesn't want to make some side cash? So I apologize for lack of posts but life is literary constant for me (one activity to the next). I do hope after girls camp my life will slow up a bit...we'll see! Anyone want a corsage?

Never a Dull Moment

2010-04-30T14:45:00.003-05:00

So much to say and no time to sit and tell, so here are a few updates photos of the kids since they continue to grow so fast. Sam gets cuter and cuter while Max gets more independant. Keira is my wonderful sweet girl with a spicy attitude and always needs her hair with a bow. Life is crazy with these 3 but each day is a gift and I love being a mom!

Sam in all his drooling extreme cuteness :)

I will try to post more later!

Phone died again

2010-03-30T16:15:00.001-05:00

hey everyone- my phone died again. can someone pass that along to tandy if they read this? thanks!

as a side note- i wonder what my philosophy professor thinks when one minute I am engaged in conversation and two seconds later I am totally asleep. i hope he didnt ask me any follow-up questions- that would have been a little strange . . . well to everyone except tandy . . . unfortunately that happens more often than it should in conversation.

anyway- thanks for the help!

A Green Day in the Big Apple

2010-03-17T20:28:00.022-05:00

St Patricks Day in New York City! We had a great time seeing all that we could see and walking our feet sore! The Lady of the Lake or "the Green Girl" as Keira dubbed her....and there Keira goes with the poses again!

Of course we had to have hot dogs! They were lame and we are pretty sure they are laced with crystal meth to lure people in because once you take a bite you realize they are just a normal wiener in a Ms. Baird's Bread Hot dog bun.

I took one bite for the photo and passed it off on Steven and Christina. Here we are close to Times Square! The baby pack stayed attached to me even when Sam was in the stroller because it was a pain to take off.

Sam enjoying his piece of the pretzel!

Empire State building

Grand Central Station. This place was so super cool! I could have spent several hours here.

St. Patricks Cathedral. The parade went right in front of this and supposedly the head church dude gives his blessing to the parade as it passes. It was really neat to see such a old building among so many huge skyscrapers.

Rockefeller (sp?) Center. The kids loved the ice skaters

Teener could have spent all day in here and the kids as well! Toy stores of toy stores! Alas...they found their treasures and we made it out just before dark!

Never thought there was so many options in playmobil!

In the reading chair.

The leprechauns even came to the hotel! woohoo...lots of bling and GOLD GOLD GOLD!

The park in Central park

Literary walk in Central Park. Way cool trees here and Central Park was way more awesome than we ever thought! Could have spent several hours here too.

SQUIRREL! Max chased pigeons and squirrels and had a fabulous time!

The Parade and alofus in GREEN! Yes my earrings blink and every ones necklace blinks green...it was sweet!

Found this weird kid in the park :) Steven was even wearing bling!

It was well worth the drive clear to New York to join the throng of green white and orange in a wee bit of jovial merriment and to hear a lot o bag pipes and to talk or attempt to talk like an Irish man!

Going to the airport

2010-03-15T13:51:00.002-05:00

Living so close to Dallas, we get to have Christina out a lot, as well as Grandpa, Daniel, and Grandma. Needless to say, we seem to go to the airport a lot. Christina was here over the weekend and we loved her visit. So today, this is what we have been doing all morning:

Every time we "go to the 'hairport'" we pick up at least two members of the Iverson family. Sometimes she carries on whole conversations with them. Other times she'll quickly hug the pantry door and say goodbye. Either way, you can tell that this girl loves visits from her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Pull me up

2010-03-15T09:34:00.002-05:00

When I started this whole weight loss/P90x thing, I set the goal to be able to do one pull up by the time I was done with the 90 day program. Behold my progress:

Wahoo! That's after 6 weeks! So now my new goal is to be able to do 4 in a row. We'll see what the next 7 weeks bring.

Birthday Boys

2010-03-06T14:11:00.008-06:00

Max turns 2 and Steven turns 29! It was a great week full of birthday surprises!

Everything lightning McQueen from his umbrella, to jammies to cars cars cars! Keira was pulling them out and naming them "this is THE KING, this is McQueen, this is chicks..."

Happy Birthday my two boys!

Open foot, insert mouth...I mean Mouth insert foot

2010-03-06T13:48:00.004-06:00

I hate those times when you are tongue tied, slow to catch a joke or too quick to jump to the punch line of one. Its embarrassing to not have a quick comeback or witty remark handy so you end up just sounding stupid or saying something that doesn't make a bit of sense! I like to think I usually have a remark stored for these occasions but when i don't....its humiliating!

Here are a few of my recent embarrassing moments:
1. (while explaining to some women in RS how to play a game the kids and I play at home) - "We call it the ball game...all you do is "run real fast and hold your balls". At this point I pause realizing what I have said and break down into tears while these women slowly catch on and then join me!
2. (talking to mom on Max's birthday) "I have to go mom...Max is trying to blow out Lightning McQuire"...I couldn't believe I said that! I laughed through the rest of the phone call probably leaving mom wondering if I was losing my grip.
3. Max thinks sticking his fingers in his pants is fun and its even more fun when mom, Dad, or Keira is bending over and he can stick his fingers in theirs! We are in target and I am reading the back of a label while Max roams up the aisle. I know a lady is squatting on the ground but little does she realize that her backside is hanging out and Max jumps on the opportunity. I hear a squeal and turn in time to see Max's big grin. To add to this embarrassing moment...I say I am sorry "he likes to put his hands in every ones pants!"...uhhhhh I mean...did I say that?
These moments keep me humble and remind me that some days the dragon wins and that's ok too!

Biggest Loser update

2010-03-04T10:46:00.003-06:00

Hey ya'll...I just thought I would catch everyone up on the Erika vs. Paul vs. Melanie weight loss competition, as of March 1st.

Erika: 8.39%
Paul: 3.08%
Melanie: 6.77%

That is the percent body weight lost so far. Way to go Erika! I personally am happy to report that I can fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes again...at last - Anna is 7 months old! I hope everyone else is having fun getting fit too!

Air and Space Museum

2010-02-21T16:27:00.011-06:00

Saturday we needed to get out and because there is an endless list of things to do and see here in DC...we headed for the famous Udvar-Hazey Air and Space museum! The kids loved all the huge airplanes, missiles and the space ship. We even saw...THE Enola Gay...no models in this museum...the real deals that saw war or ventured to space! Another must see when people come to visit! You ask yourself...."Am I really seeing that?" Let me defend myself by first saying that this was the first time she did this...don't all kids point with their middle fingers? I always knew that Keira might be my free spirit. Steven and I laughed ourselves into tears!

When do I not have a baby strapped to the front of me? Sam was a trooper and was happy nearly the whole time.

Max in the observation tower. This museum is just south of the airport so you can see the big airplanes land and takeoff! Max was in little boy heaven grunting his excitement as you can see in the video below.

This is the place they filmed transformers 2 and night at the museum 2. Lots of neat planes and the finny thing was...all those airshows from my childhood made me feel somewhat of an expert. I knew the names of fighter jets before we got to the little description of them. Either that or too much top gun and tv but I think the airshows and Dad telling us which was which did stick!

So innocent...Here's to you mean world! Haha...we tell her to smile and she poses like this. what a crack up!

Space Ship Enterprise.

The one and only enola gay...way cool! I kept singing that OMD song in my head after seeing this! How cool it was to see the evolution of fighter jets, commercial planes, helicopters and more! Awesome museum.

This was just hilarious. ...I can't tell if he is terrified or happy or not sure what to be!

Keira in 20 years?

2010-02-17T09:53:00.006-06:00

You worry what your kids will look like when you start producing offspring....and I know we all are biased and think our kids are the absolute cutest but I have to admit that I did worry that I would have some funny looking kids....the gene pool can be cruel sometimes or have a nasty sense of humor. I think my kids made out ok though and are pretty stinking cute. Since the movie Dear John came out I have had at least 6 people tell me that as soon as they saw this girl they thought of Keira! So....maybe here is a good idea of what my keira will look like in 20 yrs...who knows! She is a beauty though. She gets compliments on her eyes all the time so now she will actually tell you "I am so stinking cute"

Amanda Seyfried from Dear John

Record Snowfall Days for DC

2010-02-16T06:48:00.009-06:00

Lots of inside time = cabin fever = teasing = yelling kids = lots of nose time

yes...its thats high and hasn't melted much but what an awesome workout snow shoveling is! Our shovel broke so we went to get another.....SOLD OUT!

We had to snap this before they broke our gutter off. It reached nearly halfway down the house!

Max my leprechaun :) or thats what he looks like anyway!

Keira the Photographer

2010-02-07T12:49:00.008-06:00

"take my picture mom"

And he is...."easy on the eyes"

a whoppin 13.5 pounds now which is only 50% but his length is 95% so we'll see!

She isn't too shabby with the camera I have to admit...

Keira is in to photography aand being photographed....as you can see!

I like the thumbs in this one and the one shoe on Max.

The great Icing of leesburg

2010-02-05T19:01:00.014-06:00

From Friday afternoon to saturday night the snow fell....time stopped and all was quiet! We got over 3ft this weekend with 6+ ft drifts and sore arms from multiple shoveling expeditions. Its been awesome to just be at home (everythingi s cancelled...even school into next wed)! This photo was shot sat morning and we got a good foot after this...CRAZY!

So of course we made snow cones with pina colada mix....dang good I must add.

OK so don't make fun of my sweet Maxter....its what he gets for having an older sister! I have learned now to buy these types of clothing (snow gear, crocs...etc) in unisex colors so that my boys don't look like fruit cakes with pink crocs and pink snowpants...he didn't seem to mind though.

the snow was well over max head by the end of the day! I wish I was his size for a day.

The Fit was completely covered....and most cars looked like the one below.

With very few plows in the area, we are settled in for a few days. We have plenty of rootbeer (always a must for any longer term confinement steven says) and we just started the LOST series so...plenty of entertainment. Our friends down the road are getting with us today for a superbowl party (if you don't go to church...it means you can party right?) haha! We have had this planned with superbowl chili and all the good superbowl food...the snow will just keep the families that don't live on our street away but we still have our best pals the McCleary's and Mecks to enjoy it with.

Reading stories with dad after a long afternoon sledding and warm showers after.

Sunday morning...clearing the sidewalk....I have no idea what Max is doing...I think he is eating the ground.

Queen of the hill

Since I am usually the one taking the pics...I decided to get one of me and Sam...so you can see that I did join in on the fun. Sam didn't like it too much though.

"What if there is no tomorrow...There wasn't one today"

2010-02-02T09:08:00.004-06:00

"They knew how to do it once upon a time...they drag out the varmit and they'd EAT it" -Groundhog day

Here is a tribute to our favorite Groundhog and his special day today!

I was remembering our trip to see Phil last year and the fun it was! Heres out shout out to you Phil boy!

Are you there?

2010-01-26T10:01:00.003-06:00

Hey babe! (Tandy)

I was in such a hurry this morning and wanted to be sure not to forget my phone like I have in the past. But I overcorrected. :) I have a phone in each pocket. oops. let me know if you need me to catch the bus home between class to get your phone to you.

love you!

Feel the pain

2010-01-25T08:41:00.003-06:00

Paul and I started working out this morning. It feels good, especially to get it over with before the girls wake up. Just wanted to let ya'll know that it has begun. We have these P90X videos to work out with and they are awesome. Give us three months and we'll be ripped! Ha...my goal is to be able to do 1 pull-up by the time we're done. Paul just laughs at me.

Anyway, we can't wait to hear how ya'll are doing on your weight loss.

Hattie Speaks

2010-01-18T19:32:00.000-06:00

Hattie has really begun to talk a lot lately, and with that, she has of course said some pretty funny things.

Last week for Family Home Evening, we talked about Joseph Smith. Today I asked Hattie, "Do you remember who Joseph Smith was?" Her eyes widened and she spoke in a whisper, "A baby!"

While we were in McCall over Christmas, Hattie was exploring the condo. When she ventured upstairs, she quickly came back down and said that it was scary. So she grabbed Paul's hand to guide her. We wondered what she found so terrifying. When they got upstairs, she pointed to a rather creepy life-size Indian carving (that I was afraid of as a kid) and said, "Scary Jesus!" I think we need to clarify that not all art of someone she doesn't know is the Savior!

Recently she showed how aware she is, even at age two. She and I went to pick up Paul's parents and brother Daniel from the airport yesterday. Hattie sure loves to have Danial around and give him hugs. While driving, she suddenly said, "Daniel is sad. He has an ouwie." She quickly gave her remedy. "He needs a hug. He needs a nap. He needs ice cream."

I sure love my little girl, who has mastered the cheesy grin, head tilt and all.

She's Here!

2010-01-16T23:04:00.002-06:00

The Amazing Beautiful Mt Vernon

2010-01-15T18:52:00.005-06:00

Steven took the day off today so we could go on an adventure to Mt Vernon without it being crazy packed! It was such a fun trip that we'll surely be going back and after this visit, I am feeling strangely very patriotic and proud that I am a part of this nation! We couldn't take pictures inside but the whole estate (and it was a HUGE estate from gardens to orchards to slave quarters ..even his own shoe maker!) was AMAZING and beautiful overlooking the Potomac! Pictures don't do it justice so when you come to visit...this will be on our place to visit list!

That tree by the house is so BIG! Most of the things inside from his office chair to his trunk that he took everywhere including the Rev war was there! I loved that everything was original...just made it really cool for me!

Max and Keira were pretty worn out walking everywhere but Sam was a champ.

We make great washingtons.....right down to the pouty face max is making as the little boy :)

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

2010-01-12T07:35:00.003-06:00

Enough of this....Let the best Iverson/Mannewitz Win
(Trash talk may be left in the comment box below)

Proof that we never really grow up . . .

2010-01-10T17:14:00.007-06:00

Nora got some Duplo blocks for Christmas. She's not much good yet at building with them, but she loves to take them all apart. She doesn't violently destroy stuff or anything, she just wants every piece to be separate- funny girl- very particular. Yesterday I was able to find enough private Duplo time to figure this little structure out (and many others not shown). It was really pretty cool, especially when back-lit in the dark! (yes- that is a picture of duplo in the dark! cool huh?)

I can't wait till she gets another set- just think of the possibilities more blocks would provide!
Speaking of growing up, Nora is getting so much better with her pacifiers! Hahaha! I found her like this in her crib the other morning and she couldnt seem to understand why it was so funny that she had two in her mouth. I don't even know why that is appealing to a toddler, but she is most definitely an Iverson: if one is good, two is awesome! It was quite hilarious.

To be fair . . . .

2010-01-09T11:12:00.004-06:00

It seems that we are all very concerned with ensuring our competition is fair, equitable, reasonable, safe, etc, and not contributing to negative societal norms. Therefore, I suggest an additional change to the prizing format.

I think the prize should go to the person that loses the least weight. After all, they are the ones that need the most motivation in order to lose the weight right? Why should there be only one winner? Shouldn't we all have an equal right to the prize, regardless our performance? And shouldn't the person who loses the most weight just be happy that they lost the weight? I think that person would want to give all their prizes to the person that lost the least. The person that loses the least will no doubt feel discouraged and downtrodden, probably like a victim of other people's work ethic. Its not their fault that others were more motivated than them, right?

I think this format will help bring our competition up-to-date with current standards. Can we do it?

YES WE CAN!!!

**disclaimer**
obviously this is intended to be a joke, just so you guys know. and to avoid offense to anyone, I understand there are many greater implications to weight loss than just motivation, hard work, etc. so don't take this too seriously- that's all i'm trying to say. :)

they were so Happy

2010-01-08T16:44:00.012-06:00

Most people look forward to friday but I have to admit that it is the longest day of my week! Keira is at school every day from 10-3:20 except friday and I really had no idea how much I needed those few hours a day to catch up on the craziness that is my house. Friday I usually spend chasing kids around, cleaning messes, holding Sam all day while I holler at the kids to stop fighting and be nice! I got sick of that real fast because it never accomplishes anything. Today was an especially long day due to the snowfall lastnight, Steven being gone from 4 am to midnight tonight, and the van is at the dealership for its 15000 mile checkup/oilchange and all that.....a recipe for a nice strong twitch if you ask me but today was great! my house is an absolute mess but we had a great day!

After sending them outside to play (for a whole 2 min because it is maybe 15 degrees here with a windchill of 0...COLD) They helped me make sugar cookies for my YW on sunday. Max just played in the flour and had it everywhere. He kept getting it on his ever beloved monkey and then he would freak out, bring him to me making me stop to wash my hands so I can take care of monkey and then he is back in the flour again.....with monkey! (it took me longer than usual to get it done due to so many monkey messes. and yes mom..ther is flour ALL over the floor that you can't see...I guess it is time to mop anyway :)

And since they were already filthy, we got Stevens shaving cream and played on the island with it. Max thought this was the best game ever and even after a bath he smells like a man :)

My sweet chubby bunnies are probably wondering what happened to their mom! I usually tell them no messes but today we broke all the rules!

Little Sam watched from the bouncer and probably got some floury kisses from Max.

Then after cookies were baked and kids were bathed we decorated a cookie with all sorts of weird sprinkles! This was followed by hewbrew national hot dogs, carrot, and cucumber people for dinner (I am getting creative feeding my kids these days and they eat it!)

ALl in all....a pretty fine day. Now they are watching elmo with popcorn (now all over the couch downstairs) while I clean upstairs, do dishes, mop and then bedtime at 7 and more cleaning for me!....all the messes remind me of that book..."oh they were so happy!

Iversons BIGGEST LOSER

2010-01-07T10:12:00.003-06:00

So Merry New 2010 everyone! With the new year always comes the renewed determination to make new goals which for me usually putter out sometime in May! I think every year except last year of course because I was pregnant all year but every january I tell myself I am going to get back into running everyday and lose the candy in the house. With a huge relay on my horizon (ragnar this fall) and a little Max who has the biggest sweet tooth ever although he is a tiny thing...I am more determined than ever to stick to my goals!

It helps tremendously that I got this new treadmill for Christmas and it hasn't rested a day so far this new year! Does anyone want to participate in an Iverson Biggest Loser! Has everyone seen the show? Not everyone needs to lose weight so I guess we would need to tweek it to create a healthier type of living/eating/exercising kind of contest! I haven't thought this completely through but it sounded like a great idea. Let me know what you think! Happy New Year to everyone!