San Juan Capistrano

So a few weeks ago we decided to pack up the kids and take the train down to San Juan Capistrano. The kids had a blast, infact i think they enjoyed the train ride more than actually going to SJC.

 First stop...The petting zoo! Now Carson and Adam had informed us that they were much to big to ride the horses so they fed the goats instead. Carson told me for his birthday he wanted a goat. I said ya right good luck with that, cuz it ain't happin! The girls loved the horses and ejoyed there 3 minute ride around the zoo.

Anyway, we all had a great time! It was inexpensive and lots of fun. We will be going to San Clemente Pier next time and hang at the beach, you all are welcome to join us!!

The crazies!!

It has been crazy busy around here. Between work, coaching soccer, school, and raising 5 children my life has been nuts! Today was the third day this week my poor girls had to stay in daycare until 5:30 because of soccer games. Sarah told me "mom I really thought you forgot about us and were already at home eating dinner" Oh my poor Sarah, I said "nope honey just had a long game" Speaking of the game, I will admit I was ticked! We lost 1-6 and my ego was bent out of shape! I think God is trying to teach me to have good sportsman's ship which I didn't and I will need to apologize to a few students for having such a bad attitude with the ref. Oh well                                
This is me to the ref!

Next craziness in my mad world would be school....OH school how I loathe thee.... Such busy work and lots of it, who would of thought that I would be graded on how to read to a child or have to analyze the book No, David (best book ever by the way). It will all be worth it in the end right? My luck (which from the above post you know not so good) I will continue to teach Pre-K for like 5 more years because no teachers will ever leave RCS (best school ever) so I can never move up a grade.....ok done with my soap box.

My wonderful children...I really do love them, just sometimes I just want to slap them, is that wrong should I not say that?haha  They are the best especially Carson, he helps out and does so much for James and I, I just love him to pieces! Adam is a good helper too, I can always count on him to have extra snacks in his bag for me or his siblings if needed. The twins well lets just say they are there for entertainment purposes they have got so much to say about everything and when they both start laughing it is contagious! Then there is my little Emma Grace. I will end it there.

 

OK so there is my life so far this year (Christy hope your happy now)

This is my motto for the year....

                                                            

The In- Laws

      The other day I was driving on the freeway and saw a billboard that said " talk to a stranger...call your in-laws." I found that a bit odd, but I can see how many people avoid their in-laws where I embrace my in-laws. I love everything about them, especially how much they enjoy my children and the feeling is mutual. In fact about a month ago, Sarah wrote a story about her Papa and Nana.....unfortunately it was ruined at a football game in the rain. Luck for me Sarah looovvvees to talk so I asked her a few question about her Papa and Nana
Me: Sarah what is it that you like about Papa and Nana the best?

Sarah: well, I really like Papa's little hamburgers that he makes just for us when we come over and I really like that Nana lets us all help her make desserts and jewelry, yeah jewelry is my favorite.

Me: Did  you know that Nana used to be a brownie like you?

Sarah: Really? that is awesome, that means I'm gonna be just like her

Me: Yep! I'm sure you will learn how to make that yummy camp fire stew you love so much too!

I love it when my girls can find a connection with someone in our family. As most of you know my girls are adopted and at times I get concerned that because they don't "see" a resemblance that they might not feel they really belong. But it's these little things that empower them, the sparkle in their eye that they get when they find that connection with someone in the family. That just because I don't "look" like my parents I am still a part of them. So seeing Sarah's face light up knowing she is gonna be just like Nana was priceless!

 So thank you Papa and Nana for being the awesome grandparents that you are and for always loving my children no matter what. They love you guys so much!

Christmas Pictures!

My very talented friend Veronica took these fabulous pictures of my family.

My handsome boys!

My lovely girls!

Thanks Veronica!

Thanksgiving

We have come up with a new Thanksgiving tradition. A early morning hike! We took all 5 kids and Buddy of course on a 4 mile hike through the beautiful hills of Yucaipa. It was a wonderful way to start the day, being in God's awesome creation and truly being thankful for all He has done.


After we burned some much needed calories, we headed to my sister-in-laws to celebrate Thanksgiving. My kids love their Nana and Papa's cooking so they were anxiously awaiting to dig in. We enjoyed good food and great company. I already can't wait for Christmas!

So I have been hesitating for many years to blog. I really don't know what to write about so I just thought I would start with what I know best, my kids! So as I write this my kids are upstairs playing a "tripping game" this is where the girls run down the hall and the boys trip them. OK so I know some of you are saying WTH Andrea, but I think they need to have some craziness in their life. Plus I told them if anyone gets hurt or cries...its bed time! Its a win, win! I guarentee they will be in bed by 8pm! and then I will sit in relax with silence!