The Adams Family

Sophia's Fortune

2010-03-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Sophia's class has been learning about China and Chinese New Year. One of their activities this week was making fortune cookies. Printed on the strips of paper were the beginnings of sentences.

You will travel to....
Your family will....

The kids then filled in the rest of the sentence.

My favorite was the following by Sophia:

You will find money when...You look in your Mom's wallet.

Sand in our toes...in February!

2010-02-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

The laundry is piling up
The dishes aren't done
The floors are getting sticky
I'm out of milk and probably haven't made a decent meal all week.

ALL BECAUSE OF THIS...

AND THIS...

AND THIS...

When we lived in Florida, I wouldn't have considered this beach weather. BUT, in the Pacific Northwest, a week filled with sun and in the mid 60's in February means Spring is coming early!! So, we took advantage and spent the week playing at some of our favorite beaches around the hood.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-23T09:07:00.001-08:00

I'll admit I'm a total geek when it comes to birthdays and holidays, as the evidence will show...(It looks like Cupid came in and puked all over my house making it look all cutesy)

My flowers :-)

The kids Valentines and treats

I couldn't just do the dining room

Heart shaped everything food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (so dorky, I know. Luckily Jay and the kids have a sense of humor)

Hayden is 4!!

2010-02-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

My baby boy turned 4 and it all seems to be going too fast..
At least he still has some chubbiness in the face, has some blonde hair to go with the big brown eyes, and likes to snuggle me and tell me he loves me. :-)

Christmas

2009-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

So, here are a FEW photos from Christmas. For some reason my camera and my computer are not seeing eye to eye, so this is a bit delayed. Also, I've been busy doing some stuff to help Jay with business (advertising, etc).

We had a very quiet and nice Christmas this year. We did get together with friends in Portland (photos are on FB and not my blog yet due to the camera vs. computer issue). We had Grandma Jackie over early (since she was gracing my siblings with her presence for Christmas), we hung around the house and ate and played and baked and generally relaxed. We are truly blessed!

A penny saved...

2009-12-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone else has tried this (or any other) website, but my sister told me about it and how much she's been saving over the last few weeks.

www.thegrocerygame.com

I signed up for the 4 week free trial. It took a bit of time to figure things out and also figure out how to work it into my lifestyle, but my sister was helpful and I'm optimistic. I saved 30% off of last week's grocery bill. It's actually pretty simple AND organized once you get going. (It helps that my sister and her SIL had some helpful tips)

I'll post my (hopeful) progress. I've decided I need to save as much as possible in this tough economy, so here goes nothin.

**BTW, if you decide to try it, please enter my email as a referral. steph.s.adams@gmail.com

Baby, It's cold outside!!

2009-12-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's been freezing outside!! We spent the entire day, Sunday, holed up in the house.

We drank warm drinks, had the fireplace going, watched Christmas movies, napped(my personal favorite), and the kids spent the afternoon making puppets. The girls then put on a puppet show for us after dinner. We spent the rest of the night cracking up at home videos.

...Not a bad day. :-)

A few of my favorite things....

2009-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

The Christmas decorations are up. After 14 years (and the last few Christmases having my stuff in storage), I really want to update some of it. After cleaning much of it out, here are some of my fav's that made the cut:

...Still trying to convince Jay to hang more lights along the roof line. :)
I loooove Christmas lights!

This Santa is my very favorite! (and who doesn't love a fireplace?)

The pickle ornament is an old German tradition we started when Blythe and Oliver were babies. It's hidden in the tree and the first child to find it gets a gift. We always make it a treat that can be shared so that whoever finds it can share it with everyone. (just to be fair and not start any unnecessary arguments between 5 kids)

The kid's tree in the playroom that they decorated themselves. (and I used all of my self restraint to not move ornaments to where I wanted them)

The big Christmas tree!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

In a nutshell...I fell behind, then I had no internet connection at home (except for my beloved iphone), then we had service again (the tower by our house was being serviced), then we had family in town, THEN came Thanksgiving.

Jay's sister, Tina, and her kids were with us last week for the holiday. I couldn't have pulled Thanksgiving dinner for 14 people off without Tina. We also had my mom and friends of ours from Portland over for dinner and fun over the weekend. We all had a great time. So much so that I have only a few pictures to show for it. Really pathetic! I'll post some later, once someone else who is a better photographer/parent sends us some.

Portland 1/2 Marathon

2009-09-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

FINALLY I accomplished my first 1/2!!! It feels good to get it under my belt. A friend of mine from college came out to do it with me. We got a hotel in downtown Portland (which I love!) and had a great girl's weekend. We also met up with an old HS friend of mine after the race who lives there. It was a nice break and definitely a fun time!! I didn't do as well as I had been while training, BUT I finished and that's what I wanted to do. It was also raining horizontal freezing rain and hail at various points during the race. For this reason, Jay and the kids (who were planning on driving out to cheer me across the finish line) got halfway to Portland and stopped for breakfast. The following statements were heard by Jay at the breakfast table...

Sophia - I do NOT want to watch Mom run in the rain!!
Hayden - Why she runnin' in da rain??
Blythe - Because she's crazy.

I had called Jay to tell him the conditions before the race, so I figured they may not make it. I did receive a very sweet text from Jay when I went to get my stuff saying that they loved me and were very proud of me....But, they'll come watch me another time. So, they'll get their chance in another month when I run a 10k in Astoria. It's much closer, so it should be more manageable for all of them even if it does rain. :-)

My Happy Place!!!

2009-08-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

THIS is my happy place today.

I'll admit I hate laundry. Well, I hate folding and putting it away, that is. The only thing worse, in my opinion, is cleaning my kids' bathroom. I will also admit that I OFTEN have a basket/entire bed covered with clean laundry. A typical response when asked where a particular item of clothing is is usually "check the clean laundry pile."

Today, Blythe was looking for something and asked where the clean laundry was. I was oh, so proud to say folded/hung up and put away!! This, however, really annoyed her since she had already checked the closet. Even an eye roll and stomping down the stairs couldn't ruin my laundry high today! :-)

You're breakin' my heart

2009-08-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hayden's new saying is "you breakin' my heart"
Perhaps it's from HSM3 being played on DVR a few too many times during 2 days of rain.
The conversation usually goes something like this:

Hayden- Mom! Oyi(Oli) breakin' my heart.
Me- Why?
H- A Tuz (he means because)
Me- Because why?
His response is usually followed by any number of reasons like Oliver (or anyone else) not doing something he wants.

Last night I tried using "breakin' my heart" on him when he wouldn't go pee before bed.
Hayden- NOOO!!!!
Me- Hayden, you breakin' my heart!
Hayden- No, I not!!
Me- Why not?
Hayden- Tuz (meaning cause) You no have one!!

Obviously Jay found this quite a bit funnier than I did.

Conversation between Jay and I...

2009-07-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

JAY - So, when does school start?

ME - (Shoulder shrug) Dunno.

JAY - (Raise of eyebrows then a chuckle)

ME - WHAT? Am I expected to keep track of EVERYTHING around here?!!!

This is why I did better on year around schedule in Vegas. There was never enough time off for me to get lazy. But I don't care. I LOVE summer and think there's something fundamentally wrong with forcing children to sit in a classroom all day when they should be enjoying summertime activities. Just my opinion...

Some Highlights...

2009-07-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

The view from my favorite place to sit and relax in the whole world!

The girls on the dock

Ragged Edge. (this can be the before picture of the remodel, Dad and Sonia)

First, I should start with the not-so-highlights of our trip to Bermuda...

It was only Blythe, Sophia, and I. Originally, I was just going to take Blythe, then come back by myself and let Blythe stay longer, go to camp, and fly back with my brother, Mike. To make a long story short, plans changed. Jay had to work and volunteered to stay home with the babies. My dad's place is on the water with lots of cliffs, etc. and hard work with toddlers. (I know this because I took a 4 & 2 yr. old when I was 8 months pregnant. Trust me. Not very fun and somewhat stressful.)

The other downside was that Oliver wasn't able to come with us. He did something earlier this summer that has had him on house arrest. (I'll save him some embarrassment by not saying what) This was tough because I know how Oli LOVES exploring, swimming, and anything outdoors. My girls had SO much fun and I hated having him miss out.

NOW for the good parts...

Summer 2011 we ALL plan on going! (next summer we have something else planned)
The kids will all be older and even the babies will be able to enjoy everything. Plus, if we go for a long time, Jay can come for at least part of it. YAY! Still do-able for me to travel without him with them older.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED seeing the girls do things I used to do there. And loved seeing them enjoy it so much.

I think they watched TV once or twice while we were there, and didn't even last an entire movie. Even the evenings were spent sitting out on the patio talking or searching for tree frogs, etc.

Blythe learned to swim!! She has known how to for a couple years now, but (being my reserved child) hasn't ventured more than a few strokes. She was a FISH!! She snorkeled, swam in ocean waves, kayaked, picked gross things up...all without any fear. We kept joking that she was channeling Oliver.

We were literally outside from the time we woke up until bed. We went to the beaches, swam and kayaked from the dock, took the boat to many favorite places. I'm happy we got SO much vacation in to our (what seemed)short visit.

We were able to spend so much quality time with my Dad and Sonia, and Mike and Allison. Everyone was very accommodating. They all work and yet found time everyday to take us places, come see us, and just making the effort to make LOTS of time for us. I know it's not easy when your own everyday life still happens. Thanks guys!!!

The girls met two daughters of some friends of Sonia and Dad's. They had so much fun together!!! They played for hours on end.

All in all, a really great trip!! I love getting to see my family and it's tough not having my kids see everyone regularly (most of my side of the family are on the east coast)

At Least She's Honest...

2009-06-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

The Drama Queen (Sophia) just came upstairs to tell me she CAN'T clean up her mess in the playroom. Why not??-I asked. (Said with a hip poking out and a hand on said hip) Because I don't want to. The best thing I can say about my stinky day today is that at least she's honest.

It's EXHAUSTING!!!

2009-06-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

I'll post more junk later. But, for now, I couldn't resist some of the shots I've grabbed on my phone where poor Hayden has just POOPED out during the move in process.

Waiting for Dad to get home from work while watching out the window....

Fell asleep on the stairs about 6:30 pm....

Crashed in the entry while I loaded up my car with the giveaways (I knew it got too quiet)....

SIDE NOTE: I'm aware H man is wearing a diaper in these photos. We've suffered a major setback with potty training. However, by next week we'll be back on track (with the exception to poo, as it has been an ongoing issue)

Overwhelmed....

2009-05-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I spent the morning (and into the afternoon) in my pj's and without a shower on the phone, internet, and fax machine trying to get everything in place. I have been coordinating all of the "normal" move stuff, and some abnormal things like getting the rest of our things from Florida. I'm realizing part of the problem is that I maybe expect too much of myself. It doesn't all have to be done today or by June 1st, for that matter. So, in an effort to think more positively, I need to remember what I'm grateful for in this move. WARNING: This next part will quite possibly bore those who read, but seeing as though this is my "journal". Tough!! Just stop reading.

I'm grateful for a home to move into, I'm grateful it's a home I actually LIKE, I'm grateful the kids get to stay in their school(they are too), I'm grateful it's such a good school, I'm grateful Jay's business is doing well enough for us to get into a house(it's a tough economy, many people are in the opposite boat), I'm grateful he's finally happy doing this work, I'm grateful for such nice builder/owners, I'm grateful for 2 DVR's, I'm grateful to not have to watch Disney movies or Dora on my livingroom TV, I'm grateful for a playroom, I'm grateful Jay can make his own schedule and go down to FL to get our things(thus saving us thousands of $$), I'm grateful to not be living nextdoor/under Jackie's nose, I'm grateful to get my things from FL since it's been so long since I've seen my Christmas things, I'm grateful to be able to cook with gas again, I'm grateful to not have to be in such cramped quarters anymore(I may need to write just how tough that's been some day just so I can remember years from now), I'm grateful for a new washer/dryer(I've never had new before), I'm grateful for a big bathtub, I'm grateful for privacy(haven't had much of that in YEARS...despite getting pregnant with Izzy), I'm grateful for big beautiful green trees, I'm grateful for the beautiful drive to Safeway and Costco, etc., I'm SOOOO grateful Portland is not too far away(I love Portland, plus u can't take the city out of the girl!), But MOSTLY, I'm grateful for my awesome family!!

Oh, and just so you don't think I've lost it or that I may have been drugged...I still made sure to inform Jay that he had BETTER plan on buying this house because there is NO WAY I'm doing this again in another year!!!!! (plus, have I mentioned, I really love my little home and little town)

Happy Mama's Day!!!

2009-05-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

I actually took this from my facebook page, but wanted to remember it in my journal/blog when I get old. :-)
In honor of Mother's Day...

I liked seeing what my kid's actually thought of me. I did this a few months ago, and I still smile through it, and laugh out loud at some answers (he pays me to like him). I'll have to do it with the babies when they get older.

Ask your child(ren) to answer the questions and type their answers in.
Tag other moms with older kids who might have fun with this. :)

I did what Natalie did and asked the big kids separately. Interesting.
B=Blythe, almost 10
O=Oliver, almost 8
S=Sophia, 5

1. What is something mom always says to you?
B-I love you
O-Stop picking on the little kids
S-Suck it up!!

2. What makes mom happy?
B-When we're good
O-When we behave
S-Laughing

3. What makes mom sad?
B-When she argues with Dad
O-When I get sick and have to miss something fun
S-When she's crying

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
B-When she tickles me
O-When she tickles me on the neck
S-When she says funny words

5. What was your mom like as a child?
B-She got into stuff (Oliver overhears from the other room and says "YOU started fires, too?!!!)
O-She was like me and got into trouble
S-Like Oliver

6. How old is your mom?
B-75 (laughs, then says 33)
O-34
S-6 (at least she didn't say REALLY OLD!!! Like she always says about grandma)

7. How tall is your mom?
B-5 ft. something
O-8 ft.
S-BIG!! (thanks..)

8. What is her favorite thing to watch on TV?
B-Housewives of Orange County and the New York one
O-Desperate Housewives
S-Mom shows

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
B-Goes to malls without me
O-Watch the babies
S-Goes to stores

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
B-For being an 80's dancer (??)
O-She'd be a rockstar because she's good at Guitar Hero
S-For cleaning up

11. What is your mom really good at?
B-Changing dirty diapers. (thanks. I ought to be after TEN frickin years!!)
O-Guitar Hero
S-Going to the grocery store

12. What is your mom not very good at?
B-She's not good at helping me with math homework
O-She yells alot
S-But you're good at everything. (I totally didn't coach her on that one, either)

13. What does your mom do for her job?
B-Takes care of kids and she's good at it.
O-Watch kids
S-Makes peanut butter and honey sandwiches

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
B-Sushi, fish and eggs
O-Sushi
S-Salad (far from my favorite, but I'm always eating it cuz I'm always on a diet)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
B-That she's very nice
O-She makes good deals (what we refer to as compromises)
S-Cuz she's cute! (she's sooo getting an extra helping of dessert tonight!)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
B-Daisy Duck
O-Sid the sloth on Ice Age (thanks)
S-Dora because Dad would be Swiper

17. What do you and your mom do together?
B-She lets me help her cook
O-We watch Discovery Channel shows
S-Snuggle

18. How are you and your mom the same?
B-We both slam doors.
O-Our skin color and we like the same shows
S-Our hair is the same. (Maybe she needs glasses, too. Hers blonde and straight, mine dark and curly)

19. How are you and your mom different?
B-I'm smart like Dad. (suck up)
O-Our hair is different
S-We have different purses. (LOL)

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
B-She tells me.
O-When I'm bad she punishes me so I can grow up and be good.
S-She makes me Top Ramen...pronounced Topo Raaamen

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
B-His cooking
O-He has a good personality and he loves her.
S-He pays her. (LMAO)

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
B-To get a manicure and pedicure
O-PF Changs
S-Restaurants

Some pix of the new digs!!

2009-05-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

This house is a reverse floorplan(master,kitchen,dining,great room upstairs..and laundry,kid's rooms,etc. downstairs), which I haven't ever liked before and was surprised to like this one!! The builders did a beautiful job with some nice woodwork, upgrades, etc. and it has a nice view of the bay in a nice quiet town. (at least until the Adams family moves in)

Great room

View from great room into the dining room (wierd lighting, they're not actually mint green walls)

In theory, I'll spend a quiet peaceful hour in this tub surrounded by candlelight and no sounds of fighting children..In actuality, it will be filled with cars, boats, planes and various tub toys. (I did TRY to lay down the law by telling them they weren't allowed in my bathtub. They have their own downstairs)

The deck off the master bdrm. I have visions of having a chiminea(sp?) and a couple lounge chairs out here...of course, I probably can't enjoy this peaceful spot until around 10 at night.

Blessing in disguise

2009-05-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sooo...ignore the previous post when I said we found a house. I got a VM last weekend saying the owners decided to put the house back on the market and not rent it out again AT THE LAST MINUTE!!! We think maybe they got gun shy about 5 kids running around a house they wanted to sell in a couple years. (Don't they think we enforce rules? Whatever)

We were panicked. There's not much to rent out here on the coast that isn't a dump. Not to be a snob, but we take good care of our homes and eeeww. SO--cut to yesterday-- my mom has a listing that is a spec home and has been on the market for over a year and 1/2. I asked if she thought they may be interested in renting it out. She didn't think so, but has a good working relationship with them and agreed to call the owners(they're builders). They were very interested!! Turns out they are the NICEST guys!! Very accommodating, willing to clear away some blackberry bushes for the kids, allow my input (if I want) on some window coverings, give us a good price on any furniture we may want to keep, etc... AND I LOOOOVE the house!! They did a beautiful job with the house, and we're considering purchasing the house (and maybe the lot next door) after our lease.

We can't wait to move!! This was the BEST blessing in disguise ever!!! I really feel blessed and that this will be a great opportunity for both parties.

I'll post pix soon!!

Things I Like

2009-05-01T15:49:00.001-07:00

Things I like about potty training:
Being able to have the training potty outside so I don't have to bring dirty boys who dig in dirt in the house.

Things I don't like about potty training:
Everything else!!

What every man wants...

2009-05-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

A toilet, a flatscreen, a snack and something to drink.
All at the same time.

Did I sign on for this???

2009-04-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

I've wondered, on occasion (or so), would I have signed on for this life???
I suppose I knew what this life would entail, but have wondered if I saw that picture through rose colored glasses when I said, "OH YEAH!!! I'M IN!!"

Marriage, kids, jobs, job changes, businesses, school, moves....
I'm not sure I would have chosen this, given all of the evidence, but I wouldn't change it.

So, here's a brief update on our Oregon adventure so far:

1) We decided to stay at Jackie's (Grandma, although I'm not sure when my siblings and I started referring to her by her first name) through the end of the school year. This has worked out to our advantage since we've discovered we should live on the coast (for now) as the majority of Jay's jobs are on the coast on second homes.

2) Sophia was quite behind in kindergarten. She's a very young 5 yr old. (8/28 bday) She came from not so great school system AND was on yr. around school in Las Vegas. Her school here in Oregon is 9 month, very well rated, and is one of only a handful of all day kindergarten. Translation...she had been to approx. half the amount of school when we got here the beginning of Feb. Now, after we have done extra work at home and at school, after her teacher has met with the principal, after I have met for the last time with the teacher....we can officially say Sophia will be moving onto the 1st grade next year. Phew. Honestly, I wasn't so concerned with her repeating, so much as not wanting her to be frustrated by school this early on. Guess I'm mostly relieved it's no longer a question.

3) I'm happy to say the kids are all adjusting well to the move. (especially the older kids) Their teachers all say they're doing surprisingly well. Hayden really seems to be getting more attached to Jay. (this has been tough on Jay, since all of the other kids think Jay hangs the moon) Izzy really hasn't been a problem. She's young enough. The older 3 have all done great. I have amazing kids!!

4) Looks like we FINALLY agree on a house!!!! I probably have a file of 60+ listings. I've taken day trips to Portland 3-4 times, and 2-3 trips up the coast to look at places. Ugh!! Now we've got to officially sign a lease, BUT...so far looks like this is the one. It butts right up to Ft. Stevens State Park with lots of bike and hiking trails, quiet, nice neighborhood, etc. BTW, we decided to rent out here on the coast. I've mentioned we plan on making our way to Portland, but since Jay's got more work out here, we'll give it a whirl.

Guess that's about it...
I've needed to post FOREVER!!! I'll post some pix soon. (ie. birthdays, Easter, etc.)
Like I said, probably not what I planned, but I love a great adventure!!!

FINE!! I stink at keeping this thing up to date! :)

2009-03-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

For you, Janine...JK. You know I love and miss you. And Melissa. Miss you tons too.
You're both always so good at keeping your blogs up and attempting to help me do the same. Luv ya!!

Anyway, not much to report. I'll post some pix soon. We've been busy with Jay's new business (and all the stuff I didn't know that would entail...business licenses, bonding, insurance, actual JOBS, etc.) and getting the kids settled in, as well as unpacking neccessities and the junk the kids think are neccessities. Then there's switching health insurance, bills, blah blah blah. AND, last but not least...finding a house in Portland area.

OK. Done ranting and making excuses.

We're all doing well. We've been busy. The kids LOVE their new school. YAY!!
Like I said, I'll post pix soon. Hope you're all doing well!!!

The Portland 411

2009-01-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

So, to begin with, we had a ROUGH year. Let's face it, with Jay working in Oregon (building Jackie a house, then getting a contracting business off the ground) we've had a rough COUPLE of years. That being said...we've been working hard to get our family unit to "be as one" so to speak. I mentioned before that the kids and I spent their track break in Oregon.(for those of you fortunate enough not to be in year around schooling, that was Thanksgiving until Jan. 5)

During that time, amongst other adventures (see previous posts) Jay took me into Portland to spend 4 glorious days and nights WITHOUT ANY KIDS!!!!! We had so much fun! We stayed in an amazing hotel in downtown Portland called the Vintage Plaza in a beautiful suite. We did some sight seeing, lots of dining out (gotta say it again) WITHOUT KIDS, and WAY too much shopping.

I'm pretty sure his motives were to talk me into this whole moving-to-Portland-and-starting-up-a-new-business-and-life thing, BUT, I guess it worked!!! Originally we had planned to wait until Jay found us a house in Portland before moving everyone up there. (he's currently living in the apartment above Jackie's garage that he built) However...the kids and I were home for about a week after spending all that time together, and I decided (in his defense, Jay says he thought of it too. Whatever) that even if we have to live in a two bedroom apartment for a few months. It was better than being apart any longer. I LOVE Vegas and always will, but it just didn't feel like home anymore. SO, Jay is driving down (as I blog, yuk yuk) with truck and trailer to help me pack everything up to move up to Nehalem, OR , or as I like to call it...East Deliverance, OR. (For some inexplicable reason, Jackie chose to move from Cannon Beach to the middle of nowhere on the coast. About 20 min. from Cannon Beach, and now about 1 1/2 from Portland.) So, once up there we will be in tight quarters, but the big kids like to stay at Grandma's next door. She has a huge loft where they have beds, tv's, video games, etc. And that is where we'll be temporarily until we find a house in Portland. But, believe me!!!! Those living conditions will DEFINITELY motivate us in the house hunting department.

Soooo, that's the story in a nutshell. Wish us luck and blessings in the move. You know we'll need it!!

NYC baby!!!

2009-01-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

One of the places we went while we were away during track break....
The (big) girls and I went to New York to see the Christmas Show at Radio City. It was amazing! I haven't seen it since I was probably 7 or 8. We met my Dad and brother, Mike, and his friend, Bobby there. We had SOOOO much fun!! We went everywhere including FAO Schwarz, ice skating in Central Park, as well as meeting up with old friends on the east coast. Then we spent a few extra days at my brother, Bobby's. He now lives outside of the city, but still works there.
It was a great trip until.....the adventure home. We were delayed 1 1/2 days at Bobby's (no biggie), then we got stuck in DC without lugguage for another 1 1/2 days. BUT, I did get 3 free round trip tix out of the ordeal. Gotta love a bargain!! That'll take 3 of us most of the way to Bermuda next summer!
Anyway, we finally made it to Portland, OR where Jay picked us up at the airport only to be delayed THREE nights before being able to make it to the coast where Grandma lives and where the other 3 kids were staying with her. It was a massive snow storm and what would have normally taken a little over an hour, took us about 6 hours on back roads to get to her place.(see pix below. That was our route AFTER the back roads were plowed) This was now about the 22nd. And we were supposed to be back in Vegas by then and Grandma was supposed to be in Ohio at her sister's.
HOWEVER....we managed to find an open Toys R Us to finish our Santa shopping, and, wouldn't you know it, found a tree farm along our route where the people were stuck there at home because of the snow and managed to find a great tree.(see pix below) All in time for Christmas!!! Not what was planned, but it worked out just fine and we were all together for Christmas, so that's all that matters!!!

FINALLY!!!!!

2009-01-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I know. (Janine and Melissa) I haven't updated this in FOREVER, but we've been swamped with stuff. All 6 weeks of track break, we were traveling. That's my first excuse.

Anyway, we're getting ready to move up to Oregon in the next couple of weeks, but before we go I'll be sure to post a few pix, etc.

Jay has been working and has started a contracting business in Portland and on the coast. So, for now, we'll be moving out to the coast, and once we find a house we'll be moving into Portland.

That's pretty much everything in a short version. Oh, and unfortunately, this was the best picture of the bunch. Gggrrrrrr...

Hope all our friends and family are well in the new year and had a great holiday season!!!

Pics

2008-09-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I had to post this sweet picture my neice, Kirstin, took when we were in Colorado.

Concert Photos!!!!

2008-09-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Sophia (sort of weird lighting, and it looks like she has on a bit too much eye shadow)
Danced to the country song "Angels Among Us" ( I can't remember who sings it) in the little kids show "Fantasy Petite"

Blythe is the green costume on the left (some miscommunication and they didn't take any solo photos of her)

Blythe and Oliver were in the "grown up" show that benefits Make a Wish Foundation. Blythe was in a production of Sleeping Beauty

Oliver (poser, jk)
His karate class did a production with music from Cirqu du Soleil "Ka". Oliver was the youngest one in there, but was allowed in since he's in the "senior ranks" karate class.

So here are finally some photos of the kids from Concert!! It would have been sooner, but I just got them. We were in CO when the photographer came the first time.

Izzy turns one!!!

2008-09-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

My friend, Janine, made this adorable outfit for Isabel. She does an amazing job.

Isabel is an easy going, sweet baby. She has every member of the family wrapped around her chubby finger. She's also started dancing before she's even able to walk. (There's a lot of music and dancing that goes on around here and it's apparently wearing off.) I'm pretty sure she's getting her mom's curly hair. I'm definitely sure she's getting her mom's big booty. And, even though she was a bit of a surprise (ok, a BIG surprise) she's the perfect missing piece to our family.

Colorado Family Vacation

2008-09-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, after the kids attended a whole 1 day of school, we took off for Colorado for a little over a week. We stayed in an awesome cabin on Grand Lake, which is near Winter Park. We had WAAAAY too much fun! We hiked, mountain biked, fished with the kids, the men fly fished, we did some white water rafting. We relaxed and went to the local meat market and farmers market to make dinners. The weather was absolutely perfect. We even had a cleaning lady that came some mornings to clean up after us, straighten the house, and do laundry. (That last part was my favorite)

My Dad and his girlfriend arranged for this great place. Most of my siblings and their additions were there and it was a blast!! We also brought my neice, Kirstin (on Jay's side), with us. It was the first time she met my family and I have to brag... that she fit like a glove. Everyone got along awesome!!

We also celebrated Sophia's 5th birthday. Kirstin, Alexa, and I decorated for about 2 hours the night before. There were streamers and balloons everywhere. Whatev, it was a big house to decorate. Go big or go home!!

We had an amazing time with cousins and the rest of the Schindels. Soon, I'll figure out how to post a slide show or a collage with some more photos. Hey, it took me a week to figure this &%^$ camera out.

First day of school

2008-09-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finally starting to figure out this camera. These are a few weeks old, but here's Sophia's first day of kindergarten, Oliver in 2nd, and Blythe in 4th.

A NEW CAMERA!!!!!

2008-08-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!!! Yes, you will no longer hear me complaining of my old one. My Dad was trying to help me out by taking it to a camera shop (as I'm too busy trying to pack for a family trip to Colorado) and he was told it was capoots (how would that word be spelled?) So, the sweet papa he is went out to Costco on the way home and picked me up a new one for our trip. I am soooo excited!! I've obviously complained about my stupidity with the old one and this one is tiny and easy and I may be in love....

So, maybe I'll learn how to put the pics onto the computer next. Whatever, I'm too busy packing and cleaning the house so that I come home to a clean one right now. So, I'll save that for after our trip. We're going for a family vacation with my extended family, then we're staying in Denver for a couple of extra days while Jay looks for a new job. Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers. We're thinking Las Vegas, Colorado, or back to Florida (or really anywhere in between, hardee har har)

The end of "HELL" week

2008-08-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

So, as I've previously mentioned the 3 big kids are in two different programs this summer. The week of the shows I've officially named "Hell week." Where do I even begin??? First, I should say that between the three kids in two different shows, but 1 act each, we had 3-15 hr. days all week. (I'm trying to give everyone the short version of this story because it is excruciatingly long!!!) Pictures to tech rehearsals to dress rehearsals to 3 total performances. It's a lot of make up and buns/gelled boy's hair/curled little girl's hair. Whatever.

It comes down to this...it's the worst week of the year for me, but every one of those kids (not only mine)has been looking forward to this week for seemingly the whole year. They were the only reason for me to continue with this craziness. I've got to say, believe me or don't, that it's really not a "stage mom" kind of mentality at Fern Adair. These kids are really loving what they do and the focus is on them. (It's actually the reason we started taking the kids there, my sister used to compete against them in gymnastics and my mom really liked the difference in those types of things 20 yrs. ago, and it's still the same)

Anyway, my point is....after all of this, next year, Blythe has decided to take Jazz in addition to ballet, Sophia has also decided to take jazz in addition to her ballet/tap, and Oliver wants to take gymnastics in addition to karate. Surely, I'll lose my mind LOOOOONG before next summer.

Also, this whole "kids doing extracuricular activities" thing is a big learning process for me, so bear with my faults. My regular digital camara, which I've complained about before, completely failed on me. Then the video camera of papa's that I took to dress rehearsals (I volunteered for the big kid's dress rehearsal and opening night) and ran from understage dressing rooms upstairs, down hallways, up more stairs, etc...to tape them, then I had the dumb camera have a brain fart. That all being said, their performances were taped and we're getting DVD's of them. Then they were also photographed in their costumes and with the other kids in their classes which we're also going to be getting. However, we won't be getting either until Sept. or Oct. so I suppose I'll be posting photos then. :( slacker mom!!

My flavor of Ice Cream??

2008-07-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

So, I saw on someone's blog, this test to see what "flavor of ice cream you would be"
Here's the website, if any of you are as big of a dork as me...
http://www.the-n.com/quizzes/quiz_main.php

You're Black Raspberry.
You are passionate, creative, and inspired. Black raspberry ice cream is an unusual color and flavor, so some people might consider it strange, but your exciting personality is what makes you so delicious. You bring a juicy burst of flavor to everything you do, and your life is packed with one memorable experience after another.

Like this quiz? Send it to a friend.

Want a scoop of something else? Take the quiz again.

3% of the people who took this quiz got the same evaluation.
Want a badge? Here, take this one!

20 Year Tag

2008-07-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

20 years ago.....

1. I had just met Cindi (and we became best friends/secret lovers for the next 20 years) Crap! I'm old to have known ANYONE for 20 years!!

2. I had just turned 15 and was counting the days until I could get my learner's permit

3. Yelling at my younger sister for borrowing and ruining my clothes

10 years ago....

1. I (almost to the day) just found out I was pregnant with Blythe

2. Was working as an interior designer

3. had been married for 3 years

4. Jay and I had recently moved onto Ft. Carson (Army post housing) in Colorado

5 years ago...

1.I was 8 months pregnant and laying on a beach in Bermuda, thinking I had my hands full with 2 1/2 kids. (ha!! what did I know??)

2. Was praying very fervently for Oliver's safety and recovery after he ruptured his appendix 4 days after Sophie's birth. Then thanking wonderful surgeons and hospital staff.

3.Wondered if Jay's school would ever end. Especially on our anniversary when we saw each other for 10 minutes while changing hospital shifts with Oliver.

3 years ago....

1. Jay had graduated college and we were waiting to hear from the Army on Jay going back in.

2. Went to the Bahamas for my brother's wedding.

3. Found out Jay and I are such screw ups that WE wound up getting pregnant on my brother's honeymoon.

4. Before getting knocked up for the FOURTH time, went shark diving in the Bahamas!!! Definitely the highlight of the trip!

1 year ago....

1. Jay left to build Jackie's house and I was fat and pregnant during the summer AGAIN!!

2. Survived my first Concert Fantasy with Fern Adair!! (See previous post to get an idea on why that's such an accomplishment for me)

3. Gave birth to my fifth baby on my anniversary. FYI....labor and delivery is a really CRAPPY anniversary gift!!!

So far this year I.......

1. Started running

2. have been training for a half marathon but couldn't run in it since Jay couldn't make it back to go up to Bryce Canyon with all of us

3. Have almost made it through my second concert and all of those rehearsals, costumes, running around, etc. (10 days to go!)

4. made some new friends

5. am anxiously awaiting our family vacation to Colorado!!

6. Watched Hayden turn into a TERRIBLE 2

Yesterday I.....

1.Celebrated (I use the term loosely this year) my 35th birthday

2. was permitted by Oliver to choose WHICH Star Wars we watched (1 of his bday gifts)

3. Was sick and had no voice

4. Got lots of phone calls from friends and family (thanks guys!)

5. Spent over 3 hrs. at Fern Adair for rehearsals. On the plus side, I was able to get some things done during that time...get Sophie's costume and try it on, have rhinestones glued onto it because the broach it came with was getting caught when they tried to rehearse, start to sew minor adjustments to Sophie's, meet with the seamstress to have major alterations done to Oli's costume, finish Blythe's minor tears and adjustments on her costume, feed the younger kids while there. Good times!

Today I.....

1. Was at FRICKING Fern Adair twice today.

2. Was still hacking away and I can't get rid of this chest cold!!

3. May have come closer to selling the 75 blazer!!!!

4. Gave Izzy 2 baths cuz she had 2 major blowouts. The stomach flu is still lingering on a bit.

Tomorrow I.....

1. Won't sleep in because my boys NEVER do.

2. will again be at Fern Adair for only 1 hr and 15 min this time.

3. Will hopefully get out of the house with all of the sickness that seems to have lingered from the weekend. (I mean to go somewhere other than.....you guessed it.....Fern Adair)

4. May make it to the mall for some shopping and to finally get Izzy's ears pierced.

5. May get started on shampooing the carpets again.

In the next year I.....

1. I may be moving states again.

2. Will definitely have a husband who moves states. (either back to Vegas or wherever the next job takes all of us)

3. Will be potty training Hayden (then one more to go!!)

4. Will have 3 out of 5 in school!! Yippeee!!!!

So....now I guess my job is to tag others. Since I don't know THAT many other bloggers I'll stick to Janine and Melissa. Can't do Cindi since she never updates the darn thing.

Concert is coming

2008-07-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

I mentioned earlier the 3 big kids had their big concert coming up, and I will very soon have some photos of them in rehearsal and in their costumes. Oliver and Blythe got their's last week and Oli's needs MAJOR alterations and Blythe's needs a few adjustments. Sophia gets hers tomorrow and can hardly wait.

To give you an idea (I don't spend NEARLY the amount of time that parents with kids in multiple performances do, but still, for me, alone, it's ALOT) I spend between 1.5-3 hrs. 5 nights a week at the studio. The performances benefit the Make a Wish Foundation, and are put on at a theatre here in Vegas. Anyway, Sophie is in one Sunday afternoon. Blythe and Oliver are in two Sat. and Sun. (Aug. 9 &10)

Next week starts even more rehearsals and starts to get crazy. But.....the following week is insane!!!! I would be ranting to tell you the amount of hours I will spend at Cashman Theatre.

That being said, my point is that even though this is the time I'm ready to jump off of a bridge, this is the time that my kids, and the others at the practices, get sooooo excited!!!! They are so excited to get on stage, to receive their costumes, to have an audience watch them. This is the time that makes it worth it for the parents. (who, by the way, all look annoyed, hot, exhausted, and wonder what the heck they are doing in 110 degree weather in Vegas running around like crazy people.) Whatever, I guess it's these kids faces and excitement that keep us all going. So, I'll post some photos next week.

She's standing!!!!

2008-07-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

This isn't the clearest shot, but I love that you can see Blythe's excitement in this shot. Yes!!!! Isabel can FINALLY lift her fat butt up off of the ground. She's not too steady, but she's quite proud of herself for getting there. This is the actual first photo of her accomplishment.

This milestone reminds me of a discussion I had with a friend of mine when our first babies were starting to walk. (I'm pretty sure it was Melissa who also, ironically, has 5 kids)

The discussion was about the fact that we wondered if you got THAT excited about every child's little milestones. Our conclusion (about 9 years ago) was that once you just said, "oh yeah, that's great" and went back to stirring your pasta sauce, you knew you were done having kids.

Well, even though I can say, positively, without a doubt, that we are done having kids.....it is still just as exciting when our babies/kids reach ANY milestone. And the great part that Melissa and I didn't yet get was that you have that many more loving family members getting sooooo excited. I mean, really, you can just see it in Blythe's face. And what the camera didn't capture was a bathroom full of Adams kids ALL cheering for their baby sister.

Slash Live and In Person!!!!

2008-07-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, yes. I realize not many of you will appreciate this post, but who really cares. I got to see Slash in concert!!!!!!! Yahooooo!!!! For those of you younger than myself, He's from Guns n' Roses. I found out about him playing at the Red Rock out at their pool on Saturday afternoon and figured I wouldn't be able to find a sitter or friend who could do the same and at the last minute managed both. For those who love rock, picture Jason Bonham on drums, Jerry Cantrell, Royston Langdon (rocker guy married to Liv Tyler) and guest appearance by the lead singer of Jane's Addiction (I forget his name, whatev...google it) They played a ton of classic rock including Led Zeppelin, of course, some blues, and some Guns n' Roses!! again yahoo!! It was so much fun to kinda relive those days, but then, my ears rang for a day and a half after from being in the front. I seriously thought I permanently damaged them, but figured it was worth it because I couldn't hear my kids fighting as loudly. MAN, I am getting soooo old. Who cares, so were half the people there. So much fun!!! Oh, and my kids were totally jealous. They, of course, love classic rock and 80's and 90's rock, including, but not limited to GNR. Oh, and they're huge Guitar Hero fans, too. But I can still kick their butts at it!!

The Gnome

2008-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

So, a friend of mine started this really funny thing with a gnome. Sounds strange, but it actually started by stealing her brother in law's gnome, because, really, isn't a gnome in the yard just ASKING to be taken?? Anyway, it's a funny idea she came up with and you should check out the blog. It explains the whole thing. www.gnomewhereabouts.blogspot.com or the link is on the right of my page.

Finally...

2008-07-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

A little catching up would be nice. I have FINALLY figured out how to get the pics from my camera onto the computer. Actually not that hard, but in my defense, I was a bit intimidated with this camera. My Dad gave it to me after he upgraded to a newer one. To give you an idea, he was a professional photographer in the 70's and the digital camera he gave me has many lens attachments and I have yet to take a clear picture. Sooooo intimidating and I really don't have much time to read the manual. Anyway....I had better include some milestones for the brats. Oliver got his orange belt in February. He's only been doing karate for about a year and rec'd his yellow belt last November. Such a great thing for him to focus on. Blythe, Oli, and Sophie are getting busy training and practicing for their big concert in August put on by Fern Adair (where they take dance and karate) to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. They do it every year and it's the kid's second year doing it. They work VERY hard practicing for it and we all LOVE seeing their proud, happy faces at the performances.

More recently our 4th of July festivities included a hair brained idea of a friend of mine who thought that it would be SOOOOO much fun for us all to tie dye t-shirts for the 4th. About 5 minutes in I thought surely she's insane/younger and has more energy/has a few less children/couldn't have anticipated the chaos. However, it actually turned out to be a fun project!! We did it in the grass and had the kids in underwear to minimize the mess. The shirts actually turned out pretty cool. It was the kind of thing that they couldn't mess up. ALL of the shirts turned out cool. And in my effort to keep the dye off of the kids, I had purple hands for 3 days afterward. Oh, and don't you looooove Hayden's (far left) big belly in this photo. I love his squishiness still. It won't last much longer.

Here's Izzy modeling her tie dye onesie while stuffing her face. Oh, and at 10 months she is finally crawling. Hey, don't mock, it's quite a task to lift all that fat off of the floor.

The Cutest!!!

2008-06-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

So, I just had to post this picture my brother just sent cuz it's the cutest!!! It's of my nephew, Louis at 17 months. He totally reminds me of my kids in this picture.

You call them that??

2008-06-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

So, I was pondering (yes, I am capable) the term brats in my blog name, wondering if folks might think I'm a bit harsh, then I reconsidered. Frankly, anyone reading this will obviously know (and of course love) me for my sarcasm. This naturally includes my most beautiful, amazing, intelligent, adoring, perfect children. (she said mockingly, but truthfully this time) Because they love to look over my shoulder and read what I'm doing. Good thing it's clean. I'm reconsidering this whole teach them to speak and think for themselves thing, though.

This gets me thinking about why I've started this whole blog thing. (Haven't you heard, it is THE in thing to do these days. hehe) Since my beloved friends and family live so far away I should maybe give you all a little update on what makes them tick and their little cutie patutie doings these days. So, here goes.....

Blythe (9 yrs.)- My beautiful ballerina (more to come on Blythe, Oli, and Sophie's upcoming concert later) She is a good example, sister, student, dancer. She's maternal, giving and when I'm asked how I DO 5 kids, I answer "Blythe" (no offense to Jay, the most selfless, loving, best father/husband ever. Did that cover it?) My bro, Bobby, jokes that she ought to dumb it up a bit so that guys won't be so intimidated. haha.

Oliver (7 yrs.)- Where do I begin?? There are many layers to Oli, but underneath it all, he genuinely wants to be kind and loving to everyone. Oliver can turn a bad situation good in 10 seconds flat (or sometimes the opposite). He is also an excellent student which is no small feat with some ADHD struggles. He loves karate and is the only orange belt in an advanced class.

Sophia (4 yrs.)- The drama queen. We call her Sophie in Charge. She has more attitude than the other 4 put together(no easy task). Tiny and sweet despite the 'tude. So much so that she has all dance/pre-school/sunday school teachers convinced she's sweet as pie. She constantly makes us laugh with her big girl comments from a lil girl. She starts kindergarten in the fall.

Hayden (2 yrs.)- Was once my sweet baby boy until he turned 2. Despite the fact that he's a hitting, screaming, fit throwing, typical 2 year old, he's an extremely loving big bro to Izzy. He's a bit gender confused at times with Dad working in OR and being at home all day with 2 sisters and a Mom that loves high heels and handbags. But he adores Oliver, trucks, and throwing balls, as well as (most recently) pointing out others misbehaviors. ie. "Oyi (Oli) BAD or Soapy (Sophie) BAD!!!

Isabel (9 months)- For starters, she's in that perfect phase where she takes good naps and kinda sleeps through the night, she can move around and somewhat entertain herself while attempting to keep up with the big kids. But, most important, she's not a terrible 2 yet. This week she finally started sitting up on her own, which we knew she could do, but chose not to. She crawls a little, but mostly drags herself around like Ursula the Sea Witch from The Little Mermaid. And she has the SWEETEST personality. She really is always happy. Oh, and not only does she slither like Ursula, but she's a big fatty like the Sea Witch!!

I am NOT a runner!!!!!

2008-06-05T21:26:00.001-07:00

So, I have officially registered for the Bryce Canyon half marathon. What the H am I thinking?? Whatever. Now Cindi and Sara better sign up cuz I'm not doing this on my own. Maybe Ashley could do it next year if she's not knocked up AGAIN!!!
Stupid Slater sisters!! I'm seriously rethinking this whole adoption thing. My own disfunctional family seems like quite enough. hehe.

Look What I Can Do!!!

2008-05-20T21:50:00.001-07:00

In the words of Stuart from MadTV....Look what I can do!! I actually figured out how to upload (or is it download) photos onto my blog. I may be smarter than I thought. One more thing....WHY do all of my kids think it is their job/duty/mission in life to wake any sibling that is asleep whether during naps or nighttime?? Apparently they think (no matter how much I have explained/yelled at them to the contrary) that they should walk into said sibling's room and turn on lights, talk to, and give toys to any other child that makes the slightest peep while sleeping. I am writing this at 10:30 at night with 2 children awake. AAARGH!!

LOST

2008-05-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

What the heck am I doing?? I hate Cindi for making me do this and I am too stupid to figure computers and websites out at my age!!!!