Boo-Ya

I thought I should post something today, since I probably won't for a while.  Christmas is like 2 weeks away, I go back to work tomorrow night, and Emma's teacher asked me yesterday to head up her classes Holiday party next Friday..... I think things will be a little hectic for a while.

I did, however, want to post a few happy things...

- Marin slept from 9pm to 5:50am -----Boo-Ya!

-There was not a dinner time struggle last night -------Boo-Ya!

-My Christmas shopping is almost done -------Boo-Ya!

-The caramels are cut, individually wrapped and packaged-----Boo-Ya!

-Everyone did their chores last night without complaint-----Boo-Ya!

-Marin found her thumb-------Boo-Ya!

OK, there are more, but I also wanted to post this recipe----thanks to Kim Courtright.

She just makes all things yummy!!  We tried these last night, and I had to find the recipe....so

Oreo Cookie Truffles:

1 package oreo's  finely chopped in a food processor.

1 package cream cheese, softened.

combine above in a food processor, or mix by hand until it forms a dough.

roll into walnut sized balls, and refrigerate for 1 hour or until they are firm.  

Dip balls into melted chocolate, place on wax paper to harden.

-----Boo-Ya!  

GRATITUDE

I have been thinking about this for a while, but haven't felt a whole lot of gratitude lately.  So, I decided that I really needed to make a list of all of the many things that I am grateful for.  Now, this is in no specific order.....

I am thankful for:

• a warm coat
  
• flannel sheets
  
• warm blankets
  
• space heaters
  
• a car that runs well, 
  
• knowing how to drive in the snow and ice
  
• my wonderful husband who loves me-
  
• being blessed with 3 beautiful, smart, strong willed, opinionated girls
  
• Jarl, who is one of the best dads I know, and who has never been disappointed to find out we are having another princess.
  
• my education
• my job, even though I don't want to go back to work in a few weeks.  I like my job, but I love my girls, and I especially love getting to sleep at night-even though I haven't had a full nights sleep yet.
• I am grateful to live in this free country; even though I don't know how much freedom will remain 
• I am grateful to have been raised in a military family, to have grownup overseas, to have had the opportunity to go to the movies and stand for the National Anthem before every showing...i miss that
• I am grateful for our Founding Fathers, who believed and fought and died for what they knew to be right.
• I am grateful to have the Priesthood in my home,
•  for a husband who honors his Priesthood, 
• I am grateful that my girls like to go to church on Sunday, 
• for Tithing.  without it, we would be in a van down by the river
• for healthy children, and healthy bodies, 
• to get to go to the movies tonight 
• forgiveness
• the Atonement.

countdown to TWILIGHT

Hoagies and Grinders

Last Friday, I asked the girls what they wanted for dinner, but it had to include hamburger.  Emma said she wanted Sloppy Joes.  Well, that is one of my all time favorite meals, so I thought that was a great idea!!.. Every time we do have Sloppy Joes, I have to sing THE SONG--but usually I can only remember the chorus.  Sophie and Emma asked where I got that song from, so, thanks to the wonderment of the internet and YOU TUBE, I was able to introduce them to Adam Sandler and the hallowed ground of "Lunch Lady Land".  

Now, I hear the melodic strains of "Hoagies and grinders, Hoagies and grinders, Navy beans, Navy beans,....Meatloaf sandwiches"  while the girls are getting ready for school, or picking up their rooms.  

It makes me smile.

 

(it is now on the play list--just incase you need a trip back memory lane)

Halloween

This Halloween, Emma wanted to be Snow White, Sophie went as the element FIRE.  We were able to tease and jello her hair up and sprayed it with red, orange and yellow hair spray.  It looked so cool!!  She got all kinds of reactions from every house we went to, and yes, it is all her real hair.  Luckily, it all came out, and her hair isn't damaged at all!!

I did learn that black spray is VERY difficult to get out.  Emma had her hair washed 4 times, and there was still a little bit left over.  We won't spray black into anyones hair again.  

Marin went as 3 peas in a pod.  She slept through the whole thing.

Pumpkins

Ok, first of all, I can't figure out how to rearrange my pictures once they are uploaded, so these are going from finished product to beginning stages.  Also, we have a little tradition in our little family.  since our babies are all born around the same time of year, and we love carving pumpkins,  the baby gets to go in the biggest pumpkin.  

The girls picked out the pictures that they wanted their pumpkins carved in.  We didn't think that it would be too difficult, but when the pumpkin is over 1 1/2 inches thick, it gets difficult.  but, we did our best and had a great time!!

Emmaline's spider web pumpkin.  Jarl did an awesome job!
Sophie's cat pumpkin---I lost the tail, and my saw  broke before all of the detail go to go into it.  but it turned out ok....
Sophie took this picutre, to remind us of what the pumpkin was supposed to look like.
Jarl is such a good sport.  but he likes carving pumpkins too.
Marin
She's not too happy.
She's probably thinking "what the heck are they doing to me??"


Just getting started, Jarl is cutting the top off of Sophie's pumpkin.  she did a great job of cleaning it out all by herself!

Emma's Tooth

On October 23rd, Emma lost her first tooth!  It was very wiggly, but she would not let us touch it to try to pull it out.  My sister, Krista, came over after school, and being a Dental Hygeinist, (i can't spell-just sound it out) Emma let her just pluck it right out!!  The tooth fairy even showed up that night!!  Usually it takes the tooth fairy a couple days to weeks to remember to stop by at our house, usually because someone is awake and wandering around at night ;-)  or at least that is what we think.  She is becoming quite the big girl now!

Marin's Blessing

Marin was blessed on October 26th 2008.  Jarl's mom, Diane, was in town for a week visiting from Colorado and helping me, and my mom was still in town, so it seemed like a good time to do it.  She looked absolutely beautiful in her gown.  She is such a little angel.  

Diane, me Jarl and Marin, my mom Maureen, Emmaline and Sophie.
I hate putting pictures of me on line, but this is the only good shot we got of Marin in her gown.  isn't she beautiful?
Marin.

An American Girl Tea Party

On October 12th, Sophie and Emmaline got to go to the American Girl Tea Party and Fashion Show.   They met all of the American girls, got their autographs, learned how to be Lady Like, with proper table manners, at a real fancy-shmancy  Tea.  Their American Girls came with them, and got to sit at the table in their own chairs!   Sophie brought Julie, and Emmaline brought Mia.   

Sophie, Emmaline and Layla, at their table, with their dolls

Elisabeth Cole is in the Pink.  she is signing autographs in all of the girls autograph books.
Emmaline, Layla and Sophie with Molly
Felicity with Emmaline, Layla, Grace, Sydney, Sophie and Emma, and all the dolls

The Tea was a fund raising event for the NICU at Kosair Children's Hospital.  Some of the models are girls who spent time in the NICU.  Which is pretty neat to see them, especially because I take care or alot of moms, and unborn babies, who end up in the NICU at Kosair.  

The girls were seated at the table at the end of the runway, which is pretty neat, so they got to see all of the fashions up close, and learn about all kinds of things that were going on during the era's and how life changed for girls and women alike during these times.  Like, I think it was during World War 1 that the dresses stopped being so big, corsets stopped being worn (they were able to build a battle ship with all of the metal from corsets--can you imagine!)  Excess material was used to make clothing for soldiers.  They learned all kinds of neat facts...

If you are able to attend an American Girl Event with your girls, it is well worth it.  I hope we can go next year, and that I can attend this time!  

Marin's one month check up

Ok, Yesterday was Marin's  doctors appt.  We had been wondering how much she weighed.  Well, she is now 9lbs, 14 ozs.  In one month, she went from 6#11oz  to 9#14oz!  and grew 2 inches!  she is getting to be quite the chunck!  If only she would sleep better at night.  but we love her tons and wouldn't trade her for anything.

Sophie our Soccer Star

This season, Sophie has been playing Forward, Right Wing.  She is absolutely FABULOUS!  We absolutely love going to her games.  She scores at least 1 goal every game.  Their team is undefeated so far.  She is so funny sometimes, she is not afraid to "body check" someone, especially if they are bigger than her, and usually by the end of the game, the other teams players have ganged up on her and are trying to keep her away from the ball.  She is just AWSOME!  

Marin and the Girls

Emmaline loves to snuggle with Marin...Marin likes it too.

The girls are so good with Marin.  They love taking turns holding her.

Marin just hanging out in the buff just a few days old.

September 28, 2008

Sophie turned 8 today!!   it is  Sunday today, AND Sophie is getting Baptized!!!

She is so excited, and we are so proud of her!  

The birthday celebration was low key, since I had Marin 8 days ago.  but, it was fun, none the less.

9/19/08 Marin is here, Suprise!

On September 18th, during the power outage due to hurricane Ike, I had a doctors apt.  Thank heavens for a good doctor.  Anyways, he took the time to scan the baby, and my placenta.  He informed me that I was delivering her the next day.  His exact words were "your placenta looks like crap".  It had big holes throughout it, and my blood pressure was up, and had been steadily going up for a while.  So, on September 18th, and 11:30pm, Marin Grace Kleiman was born.     At 3 1/2 weeks early, she weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.    She is just perfect!

Sophie and Marin  9/20/08

Marin, about 5 minutes old. 9/19/08

Emmaline and Marin.  9/20/08.

baby stuff/September plans

Ok, I tried using an iTouch this weekend to post to the blog.....I am not that technically advanced to do it. so,,,,,,,
Well, I had another ultrasound. the baby is 5pounds, 14 ozs. she is 34 weeks. so, I think we are looking at a 9+ pound baby. Wow! Good thing this is a c-section.
I am currently scheduled to have her on Sept 30th in the evening. 4 more weeks.

Sophie is getting baptized on Sept 28th, 5pm. It is her birthday, so, at least she will always be able to remember her confirmation date. I do have a question, though..... My sister seems to think that we need to send out invitations/announcements, provide refreshments, basically turn it into a party, or it will not be special, etc. This is our first baptism in the family, and I don't want to have Sophie look back at it and think that it was not "great", or memorable, ..... what have others done, is what I guess I am wondering??? any suggestions??

Huber Farms

The last weekend of July, we went  to Huber Farms to pick peaches and blackberries.  It was so fun, but so incredibly hot!!  Despite the heat and humidity, we ended up with about 90 pounds of peaches!! Luckily, most still needed to ripen up...

sophie, emmaline, and jarl.

  So, we moved on to Blackberries.  This year, the berries were almost the size of small eggs.  They were absolutely fabulous!!  We picked 4 full pails, but due to the heat, by the time we got them back to the general store, alot of them were leaking. I guess that is what you would call it.   

  

i think emma ate more than she picked.

sophie was covered from head to toe in blackberry juice.

When we got home, we froze the blackberries before they got more ooozy, and this past Friday, the girls helped me can peaches.  We ended up with 33quarts.  wow!  we had sticky from one end of the kitchen to the other.  We have scrubbed counter tops and floors about 5 times, and are finally not sticking any more.  yeah.  The peaches are fabulous!  but mostly, we had a great time.  I love Huber Farms!  

Swimming Lessons

OK, so this is a little late.  Sophie and Emmaline took swimming lessons at the pool in July.  (I just now figured out how to download my pics to the computer.  Now I need to figure out how to get them emailed to Sam's Club to get them printed.)  So, anyhoo, Lessons were alot of fun.  I am suprised that Emmaline can swim now.  

On the last day of swim lessons, Emma's class was  jumping off of the diving board, and swimming to the side of the pool.  Sophie's class 

was finished, and she was coming over to talk to me, and warm up a little.  I kept thinking "I really need to go over to that side of the pool."  But, I didn't want to ignore Sophie,  and we were talking about how well she was doing, etc....  Well, Emma finished, and was directly across from us, and I told her to go ar

ound the pool, and come get her towel.  No one was 

in the pool, it was break time.  Now,

 there were 3 teachers, all life guards, and 2 life guards around the pool, and about 10 kids around the pool, and a hand full of parents.  I turned my head, and said something to Sophie.  Well, in my head I heard 

"FIND EMMA NOW!"  It  took a moment to recognize that she was struggling in the 4 foot area, about 1/3 across the pool.  So, I jumped in, and made it across and grabbed her.  By this time, one of the lifeguards noticed what was going on, and tried to get to her.  Luckily, she was able to keep her head above water, but she was extremely scared.  After we were out of the pool, one of the lifeguards, the one that was supposed to be keeping an eye on things, came up to see how she was doing.  We

 didn't say much... I was trying to stay calm, and pull myself back out of what Jarl calls "Nursing

 Mode".   I 

was so greatfull that I didn't have to perform CPR on my own child, and that she was ok.

After she calmed down, Emmaline did

n't want to get back into the pool.  I told her that she was not allowed to be afraid of the water, and that she didn't have a choice.  I am probably a terrible mom, but i made her get back in with me.  We then practiced for about an hour, jumping in where she couldn't stand, swimming as far as she could, and the flipping over and floating until she could catch her breath, take a  break and either swim back to the edge, or keep going.  She can make it all the way across the pool now.  

yeah!

ok, so here are some pics of before all of this happened.

2.5 months left

OK, we only have 2 1/2 months left until the baby comes.  We still don't have a name for her.  We have tried:  Maggie, Lucy, Ava, and Brianna.  None of these seem to work.  We are up for suggestions, PLEASE!!!

School starts soon, I can't believe it.  I don't want August to come!!  I love having my girls home.  It is awesome!  They have become quite good swimmers this summer.  We try to go to the pool almost every day.  

May 16, 2008

Emma graduated from preschool today.  Each class sang a song.  Emma's class sang "Skini-mi-rinki-dinki-dink".  Just in case you can't pick her out, she is the girl with blonde hair and glasses, (there are only 2 girls up there).  I have never been so proud!.   Please excuse the shaking of the camera, I became a little giggly at one point.  I hope you enjoy it.

I can't believe she is old enough, and apparently big enough to go to Kindergarten in the fall.  She is still our baby, for the time being.  

Wow!  It was so hot and humid this morning!!  I had to run to Kroger's at 10am to get more sugar, and thought I walked out into a sauna.  The air just condensed on my skin.  I thought I was going to pass out by the time I made it home!  But, the strawberry jam turned out great!   

The girls and I went swimming this afternoon.  Emma has taught herself how to swim!  It is so much fun to watch her, she gets so proud of herself...... OOOOHHHH  it is a good thing we went earlier, since it is thundering now.  

Soon, I will figure out how to attach pictures, and then it will get more exciting!!  

I was looking at the calender today, and only 113 days until this baby comes!!  Still no name.  

We have finally joined

We have finally started blogging!

Today, we went to Hueber Farms to pick strawberries.  It was tons of fun!  Sophie and Emmaline did a great job finding only the reddest and biggest strawberries out there.  We left this morning with Bethany, Hannah and Winnie DeKay, so that it wouldn't be too hot.  Wow!  By 11am, we were dripping with sweat, and the girls were done.  Ok, so were Bethany and I.  

This was the first time that Emmaline got more strawberries into her basket than into her tummy!  Now, we just have to get some jam made.!!