Stats

On Wednesday we had a WIC appointment. During our appointment, the nutritionist weighed the kids and measured their heights. Here are the stats:

Emma:
Height- 38.5"
Weight- 31.2 lbs

Katelynn:
Height- 37.6"
Weight- 29.4 lbs

Michael:
Height- 37"
Weight- 29.5 lbs

Emma is in the 25th percentile and Katelynn & Michael are in the 10th. Not bad, considering they used to be in the 3rd percentile! My little babies are growing up!

Picking Flowers

(link, just in case)

We were at the park today and the kids were picking flowers and singing.

These beauties were hand-picked just for me!

We also spotted a hummingbird while we were there. This is the best shot I could get, because they move so fast and I didn't want to scare it away trying to get closer. They are really neat to watch. I love how they stop in midair and fly sideways. So cool!

Playing With Your Food

On TV you always hear Moms say, "Don't play with your food."



I have become one of those Moms.

The kids, especially Emma, do more playing with their food than eating of it. Usually when you hear that phrase, you think about kids pushing the food around on their plate, dumping it, etc. Well, my kids are a different story. When they play with their food, the food becomes characters in their imaginative play.

For example...

*Today at lunch we had chicken quesadillas. The slices were different family members. One slice was the Daddy, one slice was the Mommy and one slice was the kid, or "Sweetie". The plates were their beds. I thought it was funny that the 'kid' kept coming over to the 'Mommy' & 'Daddy' bed and telling them it was time to get up. Where would they get a crazy idea like that? I mean, I usually get up a couple hours before the kids wake up, go for a 20 mile jog, shower, get dressed and have a piping hot breakfast ready for them when they pad into the kitchen. (And if you believe that, there's some ocean-front property up for sale in my neighborhood)

* They like to make their utensils people, as well. They hold the utensil up, making the biggest part the head, i.e. with a fork the tines are 'the head'. So, if you walk by my house and see the kids chasing each other with a fork or spoon, you'll know why.

* Tonight at dinner we had asparagus. This vegetable is referred to as "beanstalks, like Mickey n' the Beanstalk". They stack them on top of one another, or make them characters in the story, or both!

Kids have the wildest imaginations. It cracks me up the things they come up with.

Happy Family

As I mentioned before, we often listen to one of the Children's Songbook CDs in the car. The kids have really picked up a lot of the songs, and ask to hear them over, and over, and over again. The other night Michael was in the kitchen singing. It took me a minute to figure out what he was singing, but then I realized he was singing "A Happy Family". I thought it was so cute and grabbed my camera, asking him to sing it again for me. He 'happily' obliged.


(In case you can't see it, here's the link to watch it on YouTube.)

Translation:

M: I love my Mommy, yes sirree and I love Daddy, yes sirree and I love sisters, yes sirree. And we love Daddy yes sirree. :D

Then, Emma thought she'd get in on the action with a rousing rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

Oh, and pardon the, uh, shirtless children. Hey, it happens around here! I *think* they just had a bath, or just woke up (they like to sleep without clothes half the time), or just felt like having a little nakey time. Either way, it doesn't matter. Fact is, my children were clothes-less and it was caught on tape, and I admit that they are sometimes clothes-less. The End.

Card Party

Last night I had some ladies over for a "Card Party". What the heck is that, you ask? Basically, a bunch of girls get together, talk for about an hour, then decide they should probably make a card, because that what they gathered that evening to do. After that they eat brownies.

We are planning to make this a monthly thing, and include a card swap with it, but we didn't end up talking about any of those kinds of details last night. Too busy chatting about other things, I suppose. Thanks for coming, ladies. I had a really great time!



Here is a picture of the card we made. I don't want to sound vain, but I am really proud of it! I came up with the design myself, and drew the template for the flower freehand. As I was going through my craft stuff to find the supplies I needed, I ran across some of the first cards I made years ago. Maybe that's why I feel so proud of this one. I've come a LONG way, baby! My first cards.... well, let's just say there's a reason I still have them. I didn't want to give them away 'cause they were so bleh. But, this card I was happy to demonstrate and give away! And, since it had been so long since I crafted, it got my creative juices flowing and I sketched out 3 more card designs last night. As my sister would say, "Sweet action!".

Out and About

Just a little update on some activities the last couple of days...

On Friday we met friends Annie & Pam at the park for a picnic.

Katelynn & Logan playing in the sand. Oh, I have to tell you... It was SO funny. When Michael and Logan saw each other they were SO excited and gave each other a {big hug}. Super cute.


Emma cheesin' it for us.


Michael about to climb a rock wall.


On Saturday we met together again at Pam's to go swimming. I had forgotten how complicated it can be to take 3 kids swimming. They started to really try my patience near the end when I was trying to get them to leave the pool. Aaahh!

Here are the girls hangin' in the hot tub.


Michael, squinting in the sun.


Thanks for the invitation, girls! We had fun. I know the kids love seeing Logan, "Baby Cole" and "Baby Kenna"... and I like seeing you too, of course!

Food Coloring Fiasco

I was in the office snuggling & playing a game with Katelynn. She got off my lap and went into the kitchen. Then she ran over to me and said, "Emma and Michael in BIG trouble!". Uh, oh. I ran to investigate.

Emma & Michael were standing on the kitchen counters, and there was food coloring EVERYWHERE! It was all over the counters, inside the spice cabinet, all over the spice bottles, and all over the stovetop. I grabbed them and popped them in the tub a) for damage control b) to get the food coloring off of their bodies and c) to be able to clean up the mess before it stained anything.

As I was cleaning the tile counter tops, I noticed that they were pink & blue, and it wasn't coming off! We are renting this house, so I started to freak out a little bit. Thank goodness for Comet with Bleach!! The counters look good as new now.

But, the kids and I did not fare as well. The kids had patches of food coloring stains on their skin, especially their feet from standing in the dye.




My hands were covered from cleaning up the stuff. If you look at the picture, my hand looks like I have some kind of gangrene or something. Gross! Scott said I should have put on some rubber gloves. Well, I hadn't thought of that. I was just trying to get it cleaned up ASAP! (And yes... I have weird, wrinkly Grandma hands.)


Just a day in the life of three-year old triplets, I guess. At least I can (kind of) laugh about it now.

What's In {Your} Oven

If you haven't heard about my new project yet, it's What's In {Your} Oven?. It is an online cooking club, of sorts. Every week we will have a new challenge, in which you will have to make a new-to-you recipe using the challenge ingredient. Then, you post the recipe, your review & a picture on the blog.

I'm really excited about it!! To see the blog- and for a way better explanation of it- go here.

(http://whatsinyouroven.blogspot.com)

If you want to join and participate in the weekly challenges, e-mail my friend Janelle & I at whatsinyouroven(at)yahoo(dot)com.

It's awesome. Check it out! I'm serious...you should check it out!! It's so cool it makes popsicles look hot.

Love ya!

No Worries

When I was trying to get the kids to take a nap, I locked the bathroom door. I locked it because they already had several chances to 'go', and they kept going in there and playing.

After Michael and Emma woke up, Emma was crying at the bathroom door, wanting to be let in.
Michael said with a shrug,"I already went potty."
J: "Where..."
M: "It's okay. I went in the backyard."
J: "What?! You went in the backyard?! Where?"
M: "In the rocks. It's okay, Mom."

Boys. Sheesh.

Comments

I got this off of my Sister-in-law Jaime's blog:

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift.

Sounds like fun, huh?

"A comment a day keeps the bummies away."

My Bob

Last night I had my friend Jenn over to watch a movie. Katelynn was allowed to stay up and watch it with us, because Emma & Michael had to go to bed right after dinner. Why? Because they totally trashed my bedroom closet. Clothes & hangers thrown off of the rods, boxes pushed off shelves and dumped out, the whole she-bang. SO, they were told they had to go to bed right after dinner and weren't allowed to stay up and play with their friend.

We decided to watch a 'big people' movie, rather than the kid movies we get all day long. My friend had never seen "What About Bob?" (I know. Crazy, right?!) We thought that would be a fun one to watch.

When Katelynn woke Scott up this morning, she very excitedly told him that she got to stay up and watch a 'big people' movie. It was about Bob. She asked Scott if she could watch a movie. (Unfortunately, there are many mornings we/I don't want to get up yet and we let the kids watch a movie to keep them occupied. It's bad. I know.) First, she wanted to watch a kid movie, then she said, "No, I want to watch my Bob". When I got up they were sitting there in front of the TV cracking up. I guess Bill Murray's comedic genius influences all ages.

"My Bob" - HA!!

Here is one of my favorite parts for your viewing pleasure.

I'm sailing! Ahoy!

Life with 3 Three-Year Olds

He is talking about me, by the way.

Only...no one is reaping any benefits.

Friendshipping at the Park

Today we went to the park. While we were there, the kids made friends with several other kids at the park. I love how kids are so {friendly} and can have such a good time with people they've never met. By the time we left the park, they were acting like they were old friends.

Katelynn 'flying':


Michael climbing the rock wall with his new buddy, Diego. (Yes, his name is Diego. No, Dora was not there):


Emma is a climber...and a bit of a daredevil. She was climbing on this climbing-apparatus-thingy and I said, "Be careful. You don't want to fall." She looked at me and said very seriously "I don't fall, Mommy." Whoa, Nellie!


Pure Joy:

Looks like we have a little pile-up here:


"Where's my Michael-Boy?!"


Oh my word. If Michael is wearing a shirt with a hood, he has to have it on his head at all times.


"Mom, take a picture of me smiling."


Playing soccer with Diego:


Playing in the sand with some borrowed (i.e. commandeered) sand toys:


I just wish they'd have fun together, ya know?!

A Missionary Song

When driving in the car we like to listen to the Primary Children's Songbook on CD. I like that the kids are getting to know the Primary Songs, and it brings a nice Spirit into the car.

Driving along the other day I heard a song that brought back some fun memories and made me laugh. The song was "I Want to Be a Missionary Now". When I was younger and living at home I would often sit down at the piano and play through the hymnbook or Children's Songbook for fun. My sisters would then join me, and we would sing the songs together. One day we were in a silly mood and came up with some new words to this Primary song. I now share them with you. Enjoy!

"I want a Return Missionary now.
I don't want to wait until I'm old.
We'll be married for all time and eternity
And I'll have a return missionary of my own.
A Missionary of my very own."

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know it's a day late, but...

Happy {Valentine's} Day !!

For V-Day we just hung out as a family. We had brunch, which included the classic pink, heart-shaped pancakes (The kids LOVED these).


Here is Emma showing off her pancake:


Michael showing us his pancake, but not his face:


Then we worked in the garage and around the house. I know. Pretty exciting, right?! But, the kids had fun, and it was nice to have a day to play with Daddy. Michael was especially excited. Every time someone passed by the house, Michael would yell, "Happy Valentine's Day!!"

Then, that evening Scott's friend from school, Ashley, came over and watched the kids, while Scott & I went to Wendy's and the mall. We didn't do anything too fancy schmancy on Valentine's Day, because we went out for a nice dinner on Tuesday night. Why Tuesday night? a) to miss the crowds & b) because the Beehives were doing a "bring your kids to the church from 6-8 and we'll watch them for free as a service project" thing. Free babysitting= score!

Hope you had a splendid Valentine's Day!

The last few days- summed up.

Dear Employer,

I am ready to resign. Where do I turn in my keys and get my last paycheck? Thanks!

Your worn-out employee,

Jillian

An idea SO crazy, it just might work.

*Disclaimer: If you are a friend of mine on Facebook/I have your e-mail address, you have probably already seen this. You don't have to read it a second or third time.*

Do you find yourself in a cooking rut, where you make the same thing over and over and over again? I know I've been in one forever. Well, here's my (potentially) awesome idea. What if we start an online cooking club?!

We would choose an ingredient every week, and make a new recipe we've never made before using the {"ingredient of the week"}. Then we would post the recipe and our rating of it on a blog. I would set up a Blogspot, and everyone who wanted to be in the club would be an author on the blog so they could post their recipes, etc. Then, after a while we would have a whole database of recipes that we or other people have tried that we could refer to!

Does that sound cool/fun/neato or what?!

Let me know if you would be interested in doing something like this. Also, if you have a friend who you think would like to do it, send them my way. We need a decent amount of people to participate for it to be fun and useful.

Oh, and if you can think of a zippy name for the group, send that my way,too. I've been brainstorming, but haven't thought of a name that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside yet.

Have a beautiful day!

Love ya,
Jillian :)

Introducing...

Mr. Milkman!!

Yesterday morning at breakfast the kids pointed out that the milk jug had 2 "eyes" (those round indents on the sides). Boy, kids are creative! So, I thought I'd take it up a notch and got out the Sharpie. Now whenever we get the milk out they all start screaming,

"Mr. Milkman! Mr. Milkman!!"

Just thought I'd introduce the newest member of our family.

At least it gets them excited about milk...

Yes, I just did a post about drawing on a milk jug. No, I'm not obsessed with blogging. What ever do you mean?

CMOP

On Saturday we went with my friend Jenn & her daughter Natalie to the Children's Museum of Phoenix. We had a good time. If you haven't been there yet (and live in the Phoenix area), it's a cool place to go.

We took at lunch to eat there at the museum, so the kids wouldn't be sleep-deprived and hungry. So we played, ate, then played some more!

Katelynn painting the house in the art studio:


Emma had to reach the high places:


Michael putting on a puppet show:

Michael working on the house:


Like Mother, like Daughter:


Emma, Natalie & Katelynn in the play kitchen:


I love Michael in this picture. "Hey, guys. Am I in time for dinner?"


Emma {loves} flowers:


Emma making a pizza in the 'pizza kitchen':


The best shot we could get of all four kids:


They were giving out little toothbrushes because it's official "Brush Your Teeth" month, or something. "Brusha, brusha, brusha."


Awww...Katelynn looks so sweet. Looks can be deceiving.


Cheese!


Natalie: "Why do they keep making weird noises & telling us to smile?"
Michael: "Dude, I don't know. I'm just trying to get this toothbrush open."



There were a couple of crazy moments, and "Where's so-and-so?" moments, but all in all I'd say the trip was a success. We're definitely planning on going again!

Lunch in a Bag

At our house (well, in the car) we have what is known as {'lunch in a bag'}. During the week I'll often need to be somewhere, like meeting Scott at school during his lunch break or at an appointment, right in the middle of the kids' lunch time. I will feed them lunch in the car, hoping that they will fall asleep and I can just pop them into their beds when we get home, since they've already had lunch.

For some reason this has become somewhat of a novelty, and something they get excited about and request. All I do is make a half-fold PB & J and put it in a little lunch baggie, along with a stick of string cheese, some crackers and fruit (if I have a less messy variety like apple slices or grapes). I think they like it because they each get their own individual little bags. At least, that's my best guess. All I know is it gets food in their bellies and they like it. Works for me.

Super Bowl

Last Sunday was the Super Bowl. It was a big deal around here because the Arizona Cardinals were one of the teams playing. We've never really been into football, but we thought we should turn it on for at least a minute so we could say we watched it. Once Scott turned it on, though, he kinda got into it. So did the kids. They were all [cheering] and [screaming]. The kids curled up in a comforter on the floor at the foot of our bed to catch the big game.

Here they are lounging and watching the Super Bowl.







(P.S. Another thing I love about Photoshop is that you can erase the food that's all over your child's face before you post the picture, so people think your children look perfectly clean all the time. Hee hee hee.)

Good Times with Daddy

Daddy is so busy with school that we try to have a good time when we are together. He loves taking the kids to the park and they all have a blast!


Michael's ready to run!


Michael & Katelynn watching Scott come down the slide. You can tell they just {love} their Daddy.


Get 'im!

Katelynn & Daddy. She is such a Daddy's girl!

In case you were wondering... Yes, Emma was there. And on top of the play structure, no less.

"I'm gonna get you!"


I love this shot. Scott's not afraid to get down on their level. He's such a good Daddy.


The kids found these big rocks in the sand, and decided it was their duty to place them in the rock bed (as opposed to a flower bed). I don't know what Emma's obsession is with having her hair in her eyes. They're such beautiful eyes! Why cover them up, honey?!

We have really been enjoying our first Arizona winter. We'll see how we feel in the middle of the summer! It's nice to be able to go to the park as often as we like. There are a lot of parks around to choose from, so there is some variety as well.

I really like it when Scott is able to go with us to the park, because sometimes taking the kids to the park by myself seems like such a daunting task. I think to myself, 'Is it worth all the hassle? Getting the kids dressed, herding them to the park, getting them to leave the park when it's time, etc.' But, the exercise is so good for the whole family, and we might as well take advantage of this beautiful weather while we have the chance!