The Hartz Herd

2011-07-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jesus

2010-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. The kids are at such a fun age - this year was so exciting for everyone:)

Briley's First dance show

2010-12-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

Briley started taking dance classes this year - tap and ballet - she LOVES LOVES LOVES it. And yes - that makes Mommy so happy. She actually has the same dance teacher that I had when I was in high school. The studio puts on a little Christmas performance for the parents. She'd only been in the class for three weeks when they performed, so she really had no idea what she was doing, but she loved it any ways. And of course Daddy had flowers waiting for his little dancer:)

Lake Arrowhead

2010-11-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Brock had last week off of school, so we headed up the mountain for a little family time at Lake Arrowhead. The weather was beautiful - cold but beautiful:) The boys spent a few days fishing with Daddy - they each caught a fish:) The Stevens even came up one day with the trips to hang out:)

Happy Halloween - GO BRONCOS!!!

2010-11-04T13:20:00.001-07:00

Look who's 3!!!!

2010-11-01T17:17:00.001-07:00

Briley's first REAL Tea Party

2010-10-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today after church Grammy took me, and Briley and Great Grandma to a Victorian Tea House to celebrate Briely's 3rd birthday. Briley was SO SO excited. She LOVES having tea parties.

Weekend at Disneyland

2010-10-14T07:00:00.001-07:00

This post is almost two weeks late - but better late than never. Things are just so stinkin' busy around here that I can't seem to find time to blog.
Anyways, we took the kids on a much needed family getaway to Disneyland. We all had such a great time. Briley was so so so so excited about meeting Tinker Bell - her absolute favorite and Brock loved getting to go on the roller coasters. Dane got to go on a few too, but he wasn't quite as excited:) As for the giant ice cream cones, you wont see any pictures of Dane with his because he was hiding from me so I would stop asking for bites!

Caed's First Birthday

2010-09-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

So... after I loaded a zillion pics from Caed's birthday, I then reallized that they post backwards - so they display from the end of the party to the beginning. Sorry, but there's no way I'm going to reload all of these - so you'll probably just want to scroll to the bottom and then scroll up.

How is it possible that my baby is one?!?!?!?

Brock's First day of First Grade

2010-09-16T13:09:00.001-07:00

Yes, this is almost two weeks late - It's been difficult figuring out everyones new schedules and I'm just now starting to feel a little sane again:)
Brock is going to a new school this year - OPA it's a brand new charter school in Chino - we are so so so excited about it. Brock loves it:)

Briley and Dane's First Day of Preschool

2010-08-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

This is Dane's second year but Briley's first - they were both SO SO SO excited. I did their pages similar to save time - sorry for the redundancy:)

Caed's 10 month Scrapbook page - from the river

2010-08-31T21:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday

2010-08-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birhtday Nathan Bradley Hicks. We love and miss you so so so much.

Lake Havasu

2010-08-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

We Finally all made it home - it's been a challenge with boat repairs and broken down cars, but we are finally all home:) We had an awesome time at the river. The kids all loved it and keep begging to go again this weekend:) The boys each went tubing for the first time. Brock water skied (sorry no pics of that Mommy was back on the beach with the little ones) and both Brock and Dane drove the boat with Daddy.

Standies

2010-07-19T14:45:00.001-07:00

Mt bookends practicing "standies" while the other two napped:)

Today's nap time project

2010-07-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

Everyday it's a challenge to keep Brock occupied and quiet while the others take naps. Today he made race cars:)

Caed's First 4th

2010-07-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Golf Camp

2010-07-15T13:39:00.001-07:00

He's his Daddy's boy:) He is absolutly loving it:)

Happy 4th of July:)

2010-07-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

We LOVE Summer:)

2010-07-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been posting much lately - things have just been really busy with our new summer schedule. We've had sports camp at church, swimming lessons, beach trips, gymnastics and lots and lots of fun days in the sun:) Here are just a few pics:) Hope you're all enjoying the great weather.

Our Daddy:)

2010-06-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

I was standing in the kitchen yesterday packing a lunch to take to the pool when Dane taped me on the back to get my attention. When I turned around he said "Look, I'm Daddy. I have his glasses, his Bible and his golf ball." Brock quickly piped in and said, "No. If you want to be Daddy, you have to be reading your Bible."
I was so proud of my husband at that point. I get up at 5 to go to the gym and MANY mornings as I tiptoe down the stairs I'm greeted by the sight of my husband sitting in his chair in our living room, reading glasses on, reading his Bible. Usually around 6ish, our two oldest boys head down the stairs - also to be greeted by Daddy sitting in his chair, with his glasses on, reading his Bible. What an awesome example this is for our kids - especially our boys who too will probably grow up to marry and have families - and too have the incredible responsibility to be the spiritual leader of the home. I'm so thankful for my husbands heart, his desire to be in God's will, and to lead us accordingly. I LOVE you honey, and I am so proud and thankful for you.

Dane's last day of school

2010-06-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Dane - he is doing so well in preschool and he has learned so so so much. He was awarded with Most Improved:) As you can see, we all crashed his end of year party:)

Dress Up

2010-06-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

We spend a lot of time in costumes around my house. Briley couldn't decide if she wanted to be a race car driver or a pirate - and the glasses.... well you just can't dress up at all unless you have shades too:)

Weekend Workout

2010-06-21T15:31:00.001-07:00

During the week, Bobby and I take turns getting up and going to the gym. On the weekends, we head to the high school as a family with some friends and do a "family workout". The kids LOVE it. While Bobby and I do Crossfit, the kiddos run wild in the center of the field with bubbles and balls and games, and even join in with us on a few laps, sit ups and push ups. This is a quick pic of the kiddos post work out:)

Our Little All Star

2010-06-21T15:28:00.001-07:00

He MUST be a Prodigy:)

2010-06-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Look who's playing the piano at just 8 months:)

Last Day of School

2010-06-09T17:59:00.001-07:00

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!?!?! Today was Brock's last day of kindergarten. They had a fun field day, with tons of games and ice cream - I'll have pictures to come. I was too busy running a game to get pics, but another mom got some great ones and I'll share soon.
When we got home, the dogs thought his face painting was frosting:)

Team Party

2010-06-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

Oh how I LOVE jumper parties:) My kids love them, they get great exercise and they come home exhausted:) This time we came home with a trophy too:) Brock is very proud - the boy LOVES baseball, and Dane can't wait to start playing next year too:)

T-BALL

2010-06-09T17:50:00.001-07:00

This was Brock's last T-ball game... almost. He made the all-star team, so looks like we have one more game:)

18

2010-06-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

18... this is the number of poopy butts that I cleaned yesterday!!!! You could say my kids are having a bit of a problem with the runs. Super fun times:) However - it is now 8 a.m. and not a pooy butt yet - PRAISE GOD:) - by this time yesterday I was already on #6. Things are looking much better today:) Oh the joys of Motherhood:)

My Little Mommy

2010-05-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

That's right... Briley is nursing her baby:) She is going to be such a great mommy:)

Our Future Rock Star

2010-05-29T12:36:00.001-07:00

This was Dane's spring Performance at Preschool - he and his classmates were "Slippery Fish". Dane LOVES LOVES LOVES to sing... and being up on stage in front of hundreds of people... he was in heaven:)

Our New Favorite Costco Toy

2010-05-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

We moved out a ton of furniture to make the pathway - and the kids had a blast... Daddy too:)

Flowers

2010-05-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

I really love digital scrapbooking... as you can tell. It's just so stinkin' easy, and I LOVE that I can work on it a bit at a time, save it, come back later and work some more with out making a huge mess. I've been working on these layouts for the past few nights while Bobby and I were watching tv - I do it on our laptop - sometimes even while I'm nursing:) If you're intereseted it trying it out look at heritage makers - they make it so easy:)

8 Months

2010-05-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe that he's 8 months old already. I sat him in the rocking chair in his room, and he figured out how to make it rock - he was so so so proud of himself:)

6!!!!! How is this possible?!?!?!?

2010-05-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Guess Who's going to be 2 1/2 on the 24th.... I think it's time to master that potty?:"!#$$

2010-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Look Who's turning 6 on Friday!!!

2010-05-04T21:18:00.001-07:00

The Kid's beach photos scrapbook pages

2010-04-22T12:31:00.001-07:00

Happy happy 4th Birthday Dane!!! We LOVE you SOOOO Much little man!!!

2010-04-22T12:28:00.001-07:00

Cead's First Easter Scrapbook pages:)

2010-04-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

Family Beach shoot

2010-04-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I know there are a lot of pictures, but I had 117 to choose from, so it was hard to narrow it down:)

San Diego or Bust!!!

2010-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

This past week was Spring Break for Brock, so Bobby decided to take us all to San Diego for the week. We found a great two room family suite at the Double Tree Club Hotel, with bunk beds in the second room, and plenty of room for the other two cribs. It was perfect - I highly recommend it if you're traveling with kids:) We started out the trip at Sea World. Grammy came down for the day and joined us - and we had a blast. We managed to make it all day and stay for the Samu night show with fireworks - Caed's first time with fireworks - he LOVED them:) Day two was a Family photo shoot on the beach followed by some swimming in the pool - we are still waiting for our proofs, so once I have those I'll share. Day three was the Wild Animal Park. Day four was Legoland - Brock's favorite:) With more swimming in the pool that night. And we finished up the trip on day 5 by meeting some friends at the San Diego Zoo. The week was a blast - exhausting - Bobby and I are still recovering:)

Happy (late) Easter!!

2010-04-13T18:59:00.001-07:00

I know this post is a week late but we've been out of town for the past week. Daddy decided to take us to San Diego for Spring Break!!!! That post is coming next:)

Here's a quick look at our Easter.

He is Risen...

He is Risen in deed!!!!

Photoshoot

2010-04-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my husband was a camera rock star. Between egg dying, Easter baskets, the hunt, and kite flying he took over 250 pics!!!! Needless to say, it's going to take me a while to go through, delete and edit those - so Easter pics are coming:)
In the mean time, I've got others to share:) Today I took Dane and Caed to JCPenny's to have their pics taken. I usually take all 4 - and it's just crazy. I decide to split them up - this month, Caed had his 6 months pics taken and on Monday Dane will be 4 so he had his birthday pictures. Next month I'll take Briley for her 2 1/2 pic and Brock turns 6. It was SOOOOO much easier with just two:)

Easter party

2010-04-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Today was Dane's Easter party and egg hunt at preschool. As you can see from the pictures - Briley crashed the party and hogged the bunny's lap:)

Busy Fairy

2010-04-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoon, Brock lost his first tooth. A very exciting event in our home. A few hours later, Caed got his first tooth:) That night Brock got to use the Tooth Fairy pillow he got from his great grandma MeeMaw when he was born. We've saved it for 5 years, and he was so excited to finally get to use it. Then, Wednesday night... Brock lost his second tooth. the fairy has been busy around here:)

Please Pray

2010-03-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend a friend of mine passed away; Randy Titus. We've been friends since Jr. High, we were in eachothers weddings. Randy leaves behind two younge boys; Caleb and Cole - they are Brock and Dane's age. It breaks my heart. Please please keep his family in your prayers through this difficult time. There is so much I'd like to write, but right now I just can't.

Caed's Dedication

2010-03-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we had Caed dedicated. This afternoon while I was at the school picking Brock up, one of the mom's asked me what that meant. I have to admit, I was excited to share. Being a parent can be overwhelming. They are completely dependant on you. Not only for their physical needs, but their emotional, mental and spiritual needs. Life can get crazy, especially with four little ones to bathe, dress, feed, entertain, teach.... the list goes on and on:) But nothing is as overwhelming as the huge sense of importance I feel for their spiritual needs. Bobby and I pray with and over our kids everyday. I pray God will give me wisdom and patience. I pray he will surround them with angels for protection as well as around our home. I pray for their friends, the ones they have now, and the ones they will make that will have huge impacts in their lives. I pray for their future spouses - that they are being raised in Godly homes with healthy examples of good marriages. I pray God will help me be the mommy that they need so they can be the men and woman that God desires them to be. It's overwhelming, and so important. With dedicating Caed, we are making a public commitment before family, friends and our church to raise Caed in a way that honors the Lord. To do all we can to guild him and teach him and pray that he makes and eternal decision to serve and follow God by asking Him into his heart. On Sunday, our pastor asked us to share a verse that we chose for Caed. It was the same that we shared when we dedicated Briley. Matthew 5:16. It's about letting your light shine. I pray that my kids, all of them are lights to their generation for Christ. That God uses them in mighty and powerful ways. And I pray God gives me wisdom to help them along the way.

Gettin' Ready For His Dedication on Suday:)

2010-03-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

Here you go Mom:)

2010-03-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

So my weirld little lady - who yes still sticks things up her nose (pulled out a huge pice of paper this morning - it had been in there since atleast yesterday), has started a new thing!@##$@#$ The other day when I went to get her out of her bed from her nap, she smiled and said "Here you go Mom", as she handed me a dirty diaper in one hand and a nice piece of poop in the other. She has started taking off her diaper during naps!!!!! I think it's time to really potty train!

Guess Who LOVES Rice Cereal?

2010-03-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

That's right Caed:) Somehow I had a feelin' this boy was really going to enjoy food:)

Rice Cereal

2010-03-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last week while I was at the store, I bought a new box of rice cereal so Caed could start eating it this weekend. While I was nursing Caed, I heard a funny sound in the pantry. This is what I saw when I opened the door...

Thank you Briley for that fun mess!#$#@$ Now I'm off to the store to buy another box so we can try this.

Happy 1/2 year Birthday Caed

2010-03-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Caed is 6 months old today. It seems like just last month I was pregnant. But, if you looked at him you'd probably think he was 8 or 9 months old. The boy is a moose:) He's 6 months today, and he is wearing the same size diaper that his 2 year old sister is in?!?!? And, now that he's 6 months he gets to start eating - rice cereal tomorrow:) I can't imagine what's going to happen to his rolls when he's not just nursing?!?!?

5 Months

2010-03-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

I think I already posted these pics, but they look so much better scrapped:)

Look who's playing T-ball:)

2010-03-09T13:20:00.001-08:00

Just one of MANY

2010-03-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Bobby and I started a Word document on our laptop of some of the many funny things our kids say. They are always cracking us up, and we realized that we forget them. So we've started a list - it's just too funny. I think when I have a few extra seconds I'll share some with you. Here's my most recent entry:)
On Friday night, we were out to dinner with the kids at Roscoe's and Dane had to go potty. There were two stalls, but the larger one was already being used, so Dane and I squeezed into the small one together. When I sat down to go, he quickly asked, "Mom, why do you pee out of your butt?" I heard the lady in the stall next to us try to hold back her laughter - but she was only able to do that for a few seconds.... it wasn't long before the laughter was echoing off the tiled walls:) I'm sure she had a fun story to share when she got back to her table:)

Kids

2010-03-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

Just a FEW of the many LOVING marks my kids have put on my home@##$%@#

Painting

2010-03-01T19:37:00.001-08:00

I think Bri is going to have to have ANOTHER bath today!^&$#

Pirate's Dinner Adventure

2010-03-01T13:59:00.001-08:00

Saturday was Pops' birthday - we decided to go to the Pirate's Dinner Adventure next to Disneyland. The kids had a blast and their cousin Noah was there too - so that made it extra fun. However, the acting and food left a lot to be desired. The acrobatics was great though:) And, thanks to Mike, Bobby's brother, his Dad even got to be a part of the show:)
During the show, Dane kept needing to go to the bathroom. After the third time I was wondering what the heck was going on. I was sitting at one end of the table with the baby and Bobby was at the other end with the rest of the kids. Apparently they only had soda and water to drink, so Bobby got them all Sprite. I NEVER let the kids have soda so this was quite the treat. Dane LOVED the "yummy drink that looks like water". Bobby thought it was so funny how much he loved it that he kept refilling his cup. I think the final count was 5 cups!!!!! This would have NEVER happened if Mommy was sitting close by. It's a mirical he wasn't bouncing off the walls.

My Big Boy Hat

2010-02-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Loose Tooth

2010-02-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

I was loading the kids into the car tonight to go to gymnastics. I had already got the boys in, and as I was heading out with Briley, I heard Dane screaming. I immediately thought what now?! Upon entering the car I was informed that Dane had decided he wanted a loose tooth like Brock, and Brock was more than happy to knock it loose for him....

Big Dreams

2010-02-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while we were driving in the car I was talking with the kids about what they want to be when they grow up - this is always good for a laugh. Brock used to say a paramedic, but in the past few weeks he's now decided he wants to be a train conductor. Dane however has the most interesting change in career goals:) Instead of being a fireman which has been his #1 choice for quite some time, now, he wants to "Grow snow and build weeds in the mountains."

Fall Trees in Winter:)

2010-02-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Daddy is at a wedding today, Grammy is at a work conference and it's too cold and wet outside to go out. So - I had to think of something fun to do to keep the kiddos from tearing the house down. I pulled out the art boxes were I keep our supplies and art project ideas. I had seen this idea in the Family Fun magazine, and thought the kids would enjoy it. It's a Fall project, but I thought they'd never know the difference as long as they were painting. As soon as I showed them what we were doing, Brock had to pipe in with "Mom why are we making Fall trees if it's Winter?"
Despite the fact that we had our seasons wrong - they still had fun :)

Snow Much Fun

2010-02-17T18:41:00.000-08:00

Cheesy title I know but I couldn't help it. I took the kids up to the mountains on Monday since it was a holiday to visit Baby Brody and play in the snow. They had a blast. I have a bunch of other pics on my moms camera of our beautiful snowman, but I'll have to share those on Friday when she comes to visit. In the mean time here are a few I took with my camera. Isn't it beautiful. This is in my brothers front yard. You can see his beautiful house in the back ground of one of the pics.

If only I had a picture

2010-02-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

This weekend we were at a party with about 50 people. We'd been there for about an hour or so, when I had to run to the bathroom. With all kiddos accounted for and playing in the backyard, I quickly ran in the house. The party was outside, so I asked a few people to keep an eye on a kid... or 2:) As soon as I got back I quickly did a head count - I must do that 30+ times a day:) Anyways I started.. 1,2,3... oh no Dane!!! Instantly I regretted saying anything out loud. Once I'd counted the other 3, and my eyes landed on the #4 - I instinctly cried out " Oh no Dane" - which immediately caught the attention of just about everyone at the party. Instantly I regretted saying anything, because now... every one's eyes were on my 3 year old... with his pants down around his ankles peeing off the patio onto the grass where all the kids were playing. By the time I reached him he was well into his pee, and there was no way of stopping the long held pee then. I tried to cover him with my body, but it didn't hide anything. At first I was horrified, but as I squatted there next to my smiling, peeing little guy, all I could do was join the rest of the party in laughing. Once I got his britches up, my husband was there to give me a big hug and quote my favorite line - "what can you do?:)"
This is definitely a story that I will be saving to share with a girlfriend some day. If only I had a picture to go with it:)

Jersey Shore Baby

2010-02-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

No, I don't watch the show - okay, wait.. that's not true - I did watch it so I knew how to dress for the party, but no I don't usually watch it. However, it was fun being "Snookie" for a night out with my man. We went to a "Jersey Shore" birthday party, and yes we went in public with the big doo, little skirt and sharpie tattoos.

Baseball

2010-02-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

And so it begins:) I spent a lot of my childhood on the ball field watching my brother play - baseball was his sport of choice for many many years. My husband played most of his childhood as well. His dad was even the president of the little league at one point. Now that Brock is 5... t-ball begins:) Dane CAN"T WAIT until he's 5 and can play too. Looking ahead, I can't even begin to imagine how many hours I am going to spend at practices and games screaming my boys on:)

My Little Star:)

2010-02-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

This morning Dane's preschool class lead chapel. Dane even got to hold the flag and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. I have to admit I was holding my breath the entire time knowing that at any minute he might get a "great idea" and use the flag as a spear. Thank God his teacher knows him well. As soon as he got the little smirk on his face and lowered the flag into "stabbing position" she quickly and quietly took the flag back:) He had so much fun on the stage.

Spikes

2010-02-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

Or as we affectionately call it... the "spike-a-roo-doo:)"

Bounce House

2010-01-28T15:26:00.001-08:00

The other day I was talking with my neighbor, and some how it came up that Bobby and I had gone shopping on Black Friday. I told her about all the great deals, but how we were bummed - we had wanted to get a bouncer for the kids that was 70% off but by the time we got to the front of the line it had sold out. Turns out she had a bouncer, and they only used it a few times, and she wanted to get rid of it. So, yesterday she dropped it off. I had planned on putting it up in the garage, but it fits in the family room too, and now I can make dinner while they bounce themselves silly:)

Learning Resources ABC Chalk Talk Electronic Learning Chalkboard

2010-01-26T18:44:00.000-08:00

As you may remember a few weeks ago I was asked if I'd like to do a review of a product from CSN store.com After spending hours searching through their enormous selection of product, I finally decided to try out the ABC Talking Chalk Board
After letting my kiddos play and explore with it, I am VERY happy with my choice:)
When I look at toys for my kids, there are always a few things that I look for
1 - Will they like it
2 - Is it educational AND fun
3 - How easy will it be to store
4 - How many will be able to enjoy it (my 5 year old, 3 year old, 2 year old or baby)

This product turned out to be ideal.
The kids really enjoyed playing with it. It has a ton of games that teach letter recognition and sound, shapes, colors, numbers and spelling. It has a section with music as well.
The box said it was for children 3 and older, however Briley (2) was able to enjoy it as well with the help of her brothers. We used it to "play school". I set it up on the wall (it has holes for hanging, but did not come with things to hang it with so I used ribbon). Brock used the super cute pointer that came with it - that was their favorite part I think:) He led his "class" through the activities and helped Dane (3) and Briley (2) play the games.
As far as storing the product goes, that I was very happy with. Even though it is large, it folds down flat like a blanket and was very easy to store, even with the removable chalk board in place.
I would definitely recommend this product to a friend. As a former teacher, I know the best way for a child to truly master something is when they are able to teach it to another child. I don't think it will be long before Dane is able to be the teacher too:)

Movies

2010-01-26T18:34:00.000-08:00

So last weekend Bobby and I decided to take the kids to the movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Oh what a spectical we were:) I had Caed in my arms, with a blanket to cuddle and nurse under, then the diaper bag, and then Briley on my other hip - because once we entered she refused to hold her brothers hands and wanted to run wild - NOT okay in a crowded movie theater. Then there was Bobby - 5 drinks, three hot dogs, one thing of nachos and a pretzel. Not to mention the other two kiddos holding onto his legs:) By the time we actually made it to our seats, we were down $76 and dripping with swet. Boy times have sure changed... I remember when we used to go see a movie we actually wanted to see for $12 and didn't have to get up 3 times to take kids potty and change diapers:) But we wouldn't change it for the world. The kids LOVE going to the movies, and they were all great - even Caed:)

Rainy Day Bingo

2010-01-26T18:30:00.001-08:00

Oh what to do on another rainy day?!?! Bingo of course:) There's nothin' like the power of a Bingo game with Cheerios - that way Mommy can make dinner. Brock LOVES being the card reader and helping Bri and Dane find the correct color and shape. Caed cheered them on from the side:)

Off the Charts:)

2010-01-25T18:48:00.000-08:00

Today, Caed had his 4 months Dr. appointment and shots - no fun:( But I am proud to say my boy is off the charts - weighing in at a wopin' 18 lbs and 8 oz. and 27 inches long! He's the biggest Hartz of them all:) At this rate, I think he's going to end up being 7 feet tall and 300 lbs?!?!?

Sofa Sleding

2010-01-24T12:13:00.001-08:00

Our new way to entertain ourselves when we are too sick to go to church and super board at home (they've got horrible chest colds and coughs:(

Look who's 4 months!!

2010-01-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

More Brody

2010-01-21T21:21:00.001-08:00

Isn't he just beautiful!!!!!!

Brody Nathaniel Hicks!!!!!

2010-01-19T13:31:00.001-08:00

Yeah!!!! Brody was born yesterday, and baby and mommy are doing great!!!!! Praise the Lord - and yes, I am still crying as I type this:) I am sooooo excited about this little miracle!! Here are a few pics of him with his Grammy and his great Grandma. I promise more to come:)

Please Pray

2010-01-17T16:34:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow morning at 9 am, Brody Nathaniel will be born. Please keep Brad Amber and Brody all in your prayers:) We ARE SO SO SO SO SO excited to meet this little miracle from God:)

Brothers

2010-01-13T17:00:00.001-08:00

Briley#%$@&^%#

2010-01-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

So my kiddos are kind of korkey sometimes. As you may remember from past posts, Briley LOVES sticking things up her nose(and occasionally in her ears). Thank God she doesn't do it all the time anymore - now it's just once in a while, but there was a time I couldn't leave the house without a small flashlight and tweezers in order to dig what ever it was out. Gross, I know. Oh and Dane.... he used to bite his toenails - thank God we are finally past that one. I honestly could go on and on with the ridiculous stuff they do. However recently Briley has started the worst habit of all - She RIPS her clothes. She gets bored in her car seat, and starts pulling on ruffles, leggings, bows what ever until it rips!!! I swear it is almost enough to make me cuss!!! Unfortunately we aren't in line for hand-me-downs so I have to buy all her clothes, and I can't sew!! This behavior has to stop now, before she starts looking homeless with all her ripped clothing!!

Thank God for California weather:)

2010-01-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

Even though it's January, it was so nice outside on Sunday, we decided to go to Grammy's to play outside. We blew bubbles (I think Briley ended up with more bubble juice in her mouth, than anything else:). We played with Grammy's new bunny and kitten - they are really the next door neighbors new pets, but they spend more time in my mom's yard than their own... We even flagged down the ice cream man and had Popsicles:) Mr. Caed also had his first ride in a swing...he LOVED it. I have to admit, it got us all excited about summer - the kids kept turning on the hose and wanted to play in the water - it wasn't quite warm enough for that... too bad.

The Count Down is on!!!! Only 7 more days!!!!

2010-01-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law just called me this morning, and her doctor has decided to move her delivery up a week. They don't want her to go into labor after having gone through such a major C-section with Nathan, so they've decided to deliver Brody at 37 weeks... That is this coming Monday, the 18th!!! We are so so so excited to meet this little miracle. Please keep them both, mommy and baby in your prayers.

On a sad note... no, we still have not found Snack:(

Snack

2010-01-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our little cat. He's an indoor cat, and the other night he got out. We have looked and looked and looked for him. We've put fliers in all our neighbors mail boxes and around our neighborhood. He hasn't come home and we can't find him. I'm devastated. I love that cat. We've had him for 7 years, and we got him when he was just a few weeks old. The kids love him too - so do our dogs who have been looking for him all over the house:( There is ALOT of wildlife around our house, and I'm so afraid something got him.

Guess where we're going?!?

2010-01-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

If you guessed gymnastics, you're right. Last night the kids started gymnastics. Brock has been in a class before, but not since Briley was born. I was so excited when I realized that on Thursday nights they have a 5 year old class, a 3 year old class and a Mommy and Me two year old classall at the same time. I can strap Caed to my tummy in his carrier, and everyone gets to do gymnastics:) The kids had a blast. Can you tell they were excited?:)

Merry Late Christmas:)

2010-01-03T08:08:00.001-08:00

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. I love all the time with family,the excitement in my kids, and celebrating the birth of my Lord. This year was so much fun. The kids are old enough now to really be excited for Christmas. The last few years now that they are getting a bit older, I've felt really challenged to make sure they don't get lost in the decorations, Santa and all the presents and lose the true meaning of Christmas.
I try to do as much as I can to keep them reminded and focused on celebrating the birth of Jesus. We talk about it, we have a Nativity that we set up and play with, we make a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake, we attend Christmas Eve service, sing Jesus Happy Birthday. What do you do with your family to help your kids stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas? I'd love some other ideas:)

Happy New Year!!! Christmas pics...still coming

2009-12-31T23:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Jesus

2009-12-24T12:56:00.001-08:00

Grammy came over to help us get ready for our Birthday party for Jesus

My First "official" product review

2009-12-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

I know in the past, I've shared about awesome products that I've come across - remember the AWESOME boogie sucker - I still can't live without that:) However, my first "official" review is coming:) I was just asked to review a product from www.toysandgamesonline.com
When I was a teacher, I had the opportunity to help select the curriculum for the English department for the entire school district. It was going to be used for the next 7 years. I took the responsibility very serious. It ended up being a lot of extra work, but very very much worth it. Being the representative for the sixth grade level, I was giving everything (all the accompanying material) from three different companies. Much more material than the district would be purchasing even if we went with that curriculum. But, for that 6 month trial time, my students got to benefit from all the extras, and we used it all.
So with that being said, I once again was excited to try something new out with my kiddos and share our experience. Then, the problem arose. I went to the site yesterday to find a toy that my three oldest (5, 3 and 2) could all use. The problem wasn't finding something, but trying to decide which one. I was SOOO impressed with the site. I don't think I've found a site that has a better selection of, and is so well layed out. They literally have thousands of online toys, categorized by age, gender, and activity (educational, dress up, outdoor, building, arts and crafts and so on). And... the best part... the price! I usually find online toy stores to be a bit pricier than say Walmart or TJ Maxx which yes, I buy most my toys from. However, I was really pleased to see great prices. If I hadn't already finished my Christmas shopping, I would have through this site. I definitely plan on returning for birthday presents.
I LOVE their arts and craft section. I buy A LOT of arts and crafts. I feel like I am constantly trying to come up with activities for my kiddos to do. And their selection of educational toys is great. I don't home school - in that, my kids do (well Brock does) go to public school, but I do home school in that, we spend a lot of time working with the kids, teaching them, and going on educational field trips. I try to buy toys that will enhance their learning, and teach through play. I like games that will teach and challenge. With that being said, I think - after literally hours of going through the site I found the ideal toy to try out.
So, keep your eyes peeled because the review is coming soon. In the mean time head over there and check it our for yourself. They also have a baby section - I found some great stuff that I'd like to get for Caed as well. They carry everything from furniture to toys. www.csnbaby.com

26 Christmas cups

2009-12-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

This week, of course the boys have had tons of Christmas activities at school. Every day they've needed to bring something in addition to backpacks, lunches and homework. They've had to take gifts for gift exchanges, gifts for teachers, art supplies, board games, library books, reading logs, goodie bags, party supplies... On Wednesday, Brock need to take "26 Christmas cup cakes - or so I thought. So Tue. I had to load everybody up and head to the grocery store for cupcake mix, eggs, oil, frosting, paper cups, and decorating supplies. When I got home I realized that somehow I'm missing my second cupcake pan - how does that just disappear?!?!? So, I could only make 12 cupcakes at a time. With nursing, diaper changing, kid wrangling and dinner making in the mix, it took me like three hours to make, frost and decorated all the stinkin' cupcakes.
When I picked Brock up from school on Wednesday, I asked him how his party was and he replied, "Mom why didn't I take cups like I was supposed to?"
Yep that's right... in my sleep deprived state of being I somehow saw "26 Christmas Cupcakes" when it really said "26 Christmas Cups".

2nd Annual Mommy and Me Christmas Baking Bash

2009-12-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Santa

2009-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

We took the kiddos to see Santa yesterday. It was the first time in a few years that no one freaked out or cussed. Last year Dane said the "F" sound for "S" and all he wanted was a sucker and M&M's. He just kept repeating M&M's *ucker! But this year it went off with out the drama.

Happy Friday:)

2009-12-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Early Birthday Grammy

2009-12-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

Grammy's birthday is actually December 25th - Christmas, but we celebrated it a little early this year. we had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and then walked around the Mission Inn and looked at their beautiful Christmas decorations.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMY...WE LOVE YOU

Bowling

2009-12-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

The kids earned enough stamps this week for good behavior to do a fun family activity. They decided to go bowling.

A Little Dress Up and Cookie Decorating:)

2009-12-06T21:07:00.001-08:00

I think my fav is the ninja ballerina!

Oh Briley

2009-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Maybe giving this one chocolate pudding wasn't such a good idea.

Photo Shoot (during my middles nap time:)

2009-11-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

Fashionista

2009-11-30T16:06:00.001-08:00

Look who LOVES her new outfit and boots from Pop and Weezie:)