Harlee's superhero party

Yesterday Harlee was invited to her friend Summer's Superhero Birthday Party. Harlee was so excited. She wore a batman cape and mask. She looked darling. When we arrived to drop her off at the party, her whole family was dressed up like the Incredibles. So cute and probably something you would catch the Childs doing!!! She had a great time. I am so grateful to be in this neighborhood where there are so many fun friends for our kids to grow up with.

Girls Night Out

At the beginning of the school year Harlee worked really hard to be brave and go to activities. She no longer cries when going to school, dance, primary, etc! She is our big girl and we are so proud. We made a chart that she would be rewarded with a sticker each time she would go to something without getting upset. When the chart was full she wanted to go to Build a Bear. A few days ago she asked me if instead of Build a Bear we could go and get pedicures. Of course I happily agreed! So last night we went and got pedicures together. They not only did Harlee's toes with cute flowers and sparkle, but they also painted her fingernails. After a relaxing hour of pampering we went to In & Out for dinner. Harlee chose this place after Pizza Pie Cafe had too long of a wait. I think she was driven by the strawberry shake! After dinner we went to Target where she spent some of her money on a Taylor Swift cd and a Barbie make-up case. We had the best time together. On the way home I was telling her how grateful I am to have her as a daughter and feel so lucky to have gotten a girl. She said that she was so glad that she was the only girl. She said that if we had lots of girls then they would all want to go on these special dates! I think she likes being the only one! So blessed to have Harlee and I look forward to many many more girls nights out!!

Scary House

I am learning that it is not all about me and Joey! If we had our way we probably would not decorate the outside of the house for Halloween! BUT it is not about us, it is about the kiddos. They have been begging for some scary decorations on the outside of our house. We agreed to buy a couple things each year. So by the time Luke is too old to care we will have a totally scary house! This year we bought the skeleton, a headstone, and some spider webs. We had so much fun setting it up and I must admit that seeing their excitement might sway my vote on the decorating! Here's to scaring some trick or treaters!!

Nash's First Field Trip

Today Nash went on his very first field trip. Mrs. Kayley took his class to Cornbellys. He had so much fun. He told me that he rode in a tractor with the driver who looked like a cowboy! He got to pick out a pumpkin and he brought home a white one. Nash is loving preschool and learning so much. So grateful for his teacher and all she does to help him love learning. Such a cute boy!

What's wrong with this picture?

I have to say that all of my boys have gone through a "wearing Mom's shoes" phase. Now it is Gray's turn! He is so funny! He loves to go through my closet and choose a pair to wear. Looks like my green wedges were his pair of choice! This is so funny and something to blackmail them with when they get a little older!

Seven months of pure joy!!

Tag is seven months old! Where does the time go? Seriously love this boy! He is such a great baby. He is always happy even through teething! He loves to roll around on the ground and chew on his monkey toy! I feel so blessed to be this angel's mom!

Last game of Fall Soccer Season

Yesterday was the last game of the fall season. Both Luke and Harlee's teams were undefeated this season. They both played so well. We were lucky to have both sets of grandparents come and watch! Luke's game was first. He is the best at defense and the other team only scored one goal. Not only does he keep the ball away from the goal but he is such a strong kicker. Every time he kicks the ball it goes all the way down the field. So proud of him. Harlee's game was next and she did really well also. She is very aggressive and gets right in there with all the action. She scored a goal yesterday and it was a very proud moment. So proud of our athletes! They are getting so good and it is fun to watch them grow!

It can wait...

This morning Tag woke up at 5:30am. After he fell back asleep I decided I would work on cleaning the bathrooms. It is amazing what you can get done when the kids are sleeping. So I started to clean when Gray came walking into the bathroom. "Down Mommy" he said wanting me to hold him. I sat on the edge of the bathtub and held him. I heard a whisper say "He will not want to do this forever." In that instant I was reminded of how quickly time goes. So I asked Gray if he wanted to lay in my bed and snuggle. He said "Yes". So we went and had some quality time together. Gray is our snuggler and I loved every minute of it. I write these things down in hopes that someday our kiddos will read them. They will not only get to read about all their experiences growing up but I hope that they can learn a few things too! Nothing is more important than spending time together. Time goes by so fast and you have to let the house be a little dirty sometimes in order to appreciate the fleeting moments. I love all of our little ones so much and hope that I look for more opportunities like this and let the other things go.

Guess who's going on a mission??

Grandpa and Grandma Childs received their mission call today. After many months of waiting, they found out they are going to the St.George, Utah mission. They report to the MTC on April 8th, 2013 and the will serve for 18 months. We will miss them terribly but will be able to visit! We are so grateful for their examples!

Fall Break

For Fall Break this year we decided to go to St. George and enjoy a long trip. We left on Wednesday when Joey got home from work and did not come home until Monday. It was such a nice trip. We spent time at the pool and relaxing. Grandpa and Grandma were down there this time and we got to spend time with them too! Such a nice trip! One of my favorite moments was on Thursday night. I had bought the movie "Watcher in the Woods" an old scary disney movie. I got the kids bathed and in their pjs while Joey prepped the treats. He made rootbeer freezes, caramel popcorn, and a bowl of candy. We all sat down as a family and enjoyed the movie. The kids were a little scared but loved it! Another fun activity we did was go to Antigravity trampoline place. Joey stayed home with Tag and Gray who were napping, and I took the others. They had so much fun and we will definitely be going there again! On Sunday we went hiking with Joey's parents. It was so fun to go as a family. I feel so blessed that my kiddos have grandparents that can be active with them. Another great trip! It is getting harder and harder to leave St. George!

Guess who has teeth!!

So much for keeping him a baby and not allowing him to grow up! No longer is that perfect smile gummy! Tag has one tooth that has come through and he is working on another! He has been a little fussy but is handling this teething thing like a champ! Love this little boy and although I wish time would stand still, I am excited for every new thing that comes into life of our little joy!!

Special Moments

Since Nash is in preschool twice a week, I try to run a few errands when I just have Harlee, Gray, and Tag. Yesterday we went to have the car cleaned out. Harlee wanted to bring her own money so that her and Gray could ride on the paramedic truck they have there. It was so cute to watch her help Gray up and enjoy the ride together. She is honestly such a great sister to each of her brothers and such a help to me.

Getting excited for Halloween

Yesterday Gray's Lightening Mcqueen costume came in the mail. I was pretty sure he would love it but I think I underestimated his excitement. He had me put it on and take it off about 10 times in one hour. He LOVES it! I am so glad that he will not be putting up a fight this Halloween and he will happily wear his costume. I am sure this is the first of many dress up pictures to come! *I love this picture. He was jumping up and down in excitement. His little feet are off the ground. So cute!

A little more variety...

Maybe it is because he is my last one but I just want to hold on to the baby phase with Tag. I finally gave in and have started him on food. He loves it! He first tried sweet potatoes and then in the evening I gave him apples. He ate both of them all gone. What a big boy! I must be honest and say he is the best eater of the bunch!! Let's hope it just continues to get better.

Conference Project

During conference I spent a little time working on the little boys room. Gray wants a Cars 2 theme and Nash wants a Spiderman. Thankfully they both share the same color scheme. I bought them both navy bedspreads with sheets in their own theme! Then I framed some pictures and made them each a pillow. There is still a ways to go but it is coming along. So fun to watch them get so excited about sheets! Gray could not stop laying on his Lightening McQueen pillowcase and kicking his legs with excitment. So worth it! *Gray's nose pick means he LOVES it!!

She got herself ready for the day!

Check out that proud grin! Harlee came downstairs after the first session of conference in her chosen attire. She told us that she picked out her outfit, did her hair, and even brushed her teeth. Good job sweet girl! Love the choice in outfit!!

Exciting Announcement

This morning we are watching the Saturday morning session of the 182nd General Conference. President Monson just made such an amazing announcement. He announced that all worthy young men who have graduated from high school can now go on their mission at 18 years old. He went on to say that young women can now go at age 19. What an amazing announcement. This means that our first missionary Luke will be able to go right after he graduates from high school since his birthday falls on June 4th. So crazy and so excited. I just know that in Heavenly Father's perfect plan, spirits are coming stronger and better. More ready to serve and this is so exciting. What an amazing day!

Joey's birthday celebration

Since Joey would actually be in Paris on his birthday we decided to celebrate it on Monday night. The kids were so excited. I had the idea to make birthday hats that they could wear. They were so excited and all four of them worked on the hats for over a half hour! Brilliant idea that allowed me some time to get a few things done around the house. We picked up Cafe Rio for dinner and then Joey opened his presents. After the presents we had some birthday cupcakes- German chocolate for Joey and vanila frosting for the kids. We are so grateful for this birthday guy! He is such an amazing Dad and loves each of our kids so much. He deserves celebrations of him way more often than once a year. We love you old man!!