The Royce Family

A New Year In C.A.

2012-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

What better way to ring in the new year than to spend it with family at Disneyland?! Let me just start by saying that if you think Disneyland is the "happiest place on earth", you're probably not going to like what I have to say...
First off, I think we chose the absolute worst week of the entire year to go. Disneyland reached it's maximum capacity on the day we went!! I didn't know they could do that, I thought they would just keep selling tickets and stuffing you in like sardines?! We never rode the Indiana Jones ride, I wasn't about to wait 180 minutes. Here we are building up the excitement for our kids for MONTHS and we make the 2 day drive, only to arrive and stand in line for over an hour to ride the freakin' TEA CUPS! A 2 minute ride, if that. My kids hated it, we were miserable and all we wanted to do was get out of that chaotic mess. I felt like I was yelling at my kids constantly not to touch things, get off the floor, run or we are going to miss this or that, stay by me, don't run away, yada yada yada!! Not to mention it costs a fortune for a family of 6 to go so you better tough it out and get your monies worth!

Thank goodness for Grandma and Grandpa!

Did I mention I made my girls wear leashes to top it all off?!

The best part about this trip was when we weren't at Disneyland. When we got to relax and enjoy the time together. We got to spend time with the whole Royce side of the family and play with our cousins! That made this whole trip worth it, we loved every minute of it.

At the beach you can run! You can roll on the ground, you can get dirty, touch everything, lay down, read a book, play in the sand! No yelling, no stress, just good fun. And guess what? It's free.

I'm not sure if we will ever do Disneyland again? I guess we will see in another 5 years or so. This is the second time we have taken our kids and it seems to get crazier every time we go. But one thing I do know is we will be going to back to the beach, over and over again.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-12T09:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas was wonderful, full of warmth, family, friends and food. All of my favorite things. I love nothing more than to see the excitement of my kids around the holidays and to see our families coming together and the house full of laughter. I love every minute of it! And this year was extra special, my little Rori has had a tough year. She has been having a real hard time finding her place in this crazy family and she makes sure that she does not go unseen. How does she do this? Well, chances are you have seen most of my blog posts. The one thing that makes her behave a little more and really gets her attention is every year when Santa comes to town and brings fun little gifts! So why not reward all the naught behavior she has had all year with a special visitor?! Yes, that is right. Santa came all the way from the freaking NORTH POLE to personally deliver my Rori a message in PERSON!!! And of course to say hello to all the other kids. It is something that I'm sure my kids and everyone else will always remember, a memory for the books for sure. It all started here, at our home. There was a loud knock at the door and I told Jameson to go get the door. I watched him as he started walking towards the door and came to a dead stop, took 2 steps back and said in a very serious voice "Mom... It's Santa".

Sure enough it was the jolly old man himself! All of the kids got so excited and so quiet real fast but Rori knew exactly why he was there. All of the other kids ran up to him just staring, happy and full of joy that he was there. Not Rori, she took off running the opposite direction into our bathroom behind the kitchen where she was HIDING!! It took some coaxing, no more like we physically picked her up for her to come out of her hiding spot. Then Santa sat her on his lap and told her she needed to try extra hard and be extra nice from then on. No more stealing, lying... the list goes on. And she agreed. Then Santa talked to all the other kids and everyone got a chance to sit on his lap and he gave little gifts and was on his way. No more than 2 minutes after Santa left did Rori Ana say, in a very snotty way "I aint dowing to be nice no mo! I'm not! I'm donna be naughty! Not a dood dirl!" So much for that whole thing. Oh well, the other kids enjoyed it.

Then it was Christmas morning! The kids were up bright and early, as usual. The whole house always has such a special feeling in it on Christmas morning, everyone is so excited and all the hard work finally pays off when they run downstairs and see that the cookies and milk are gone, there are wrapped presents under the tree, the reindeer food has been eaten and the whole family is together around the tree.

This is my favorite gift of all. This was Rory's scooter when he was a young boy and he has since passed it on to Jameson. James has easily 4 other scooters (I know, what does he need them all for I'm not sure) and this one has always been his very favorite one. He says it jumps higher and goes faster and does way better tricks than any other scooter in the whole world! Well after years of abuse from Rory and now from Jameson it was not scootin' so well anymore. So, Rory took it to his shop and it got a total makeover. New wheels, bolts replaced and tightened and a new paint job! It is still the same old scooter but now it jumps even HIGHER!!

Yes, I got the babies leashes. Go ahead! Make fun of me, I know I did when I saw other parents holding their children on leashes! But, I'm one of them now. I have total control! When the girls dart off in different directions I give a quick snap on that leash and BAM!!! There they are at my side! Plus... we were going to Disneyland. Give me a break.

All year Chanel was asking for an Easy Bake Oven. She told Santa and she wrote it down on every one of her lists. She begged and pleaded and guess what was waiting under that tree. She was such a good girl this year, how could she not get that Easy Bake Oven?! Here she is waiting for her first batch of cookies. She takes after the Royce side of the family, always baking, cooking, sewing, crafting etc. I just love her!

This is what it looks like AFTER all the warmth leaves the house and the fuzzies inside kind of start to go away when I see this....

Christmas day is always so crazy for us. First we do our Christmas, then we are off to Grandma and Grandpa Royce's where we eat lots of good food, open more gifts and play out the night baby Jesus was born.

Here are some of the wise men...

Grandma makes the best Christmas gifts ever! Here are all the grand kids in their cool robes!

Then we go to Nana's (my mom) and we eat MORE yummy food and open more gifts and eat our homemade tamale's and spend the time with more family.

Then we go see Grandma and Grandpa Earle! Eat more yummy treats, open more amazing gifts and usually by that time we are about wiped out, as you can see in the picture.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Waaaayyyy Behind...

2011-12-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Boy, I am really far behind on my blog and I really wish I had a good reason for it... but I don't. I am pretty far behind on almost everything! I will keep procrastination in mind this year when I make my New Year's resolution!
Okay, I am going to run through the last few months as fast as I can. A lot more happened than what your going to see here but I have also been slacking on taking pictures lately too (something else to remember)....

I'm going to go cleeeeaaarrrr back to Aug 1st because I forgot to write about this:
On the morning of Aug 1st my little Rori Ana came into our room around 7:30 and said she wanted a bike with pedals (she has been riding a push bike) and she DID NOT want training wheels. So, we got her a bike with pedals that day, the next morning she came in and said "I towd you I didn't want twaining wheews!" I didn't think she was ready, she had just learned how to pedal but her daddy had all the confidence in the world so off came the training wheels....

.... and away went Rori Ana, she never even skipped a beat.

Next we started soccer! This was Chanel's first year and let me tell you she is one amazing little kicker! She is a very strong player and she isn't afraid to bully her way through the field. Jameson is on his third year of soccer and he gets better every year, this year he had a few moments where he just got bored of the whole thing but I told he him he wouldn't move onto football until I could see that he tried his best. Now he is one of the best players out there! Luckily we take a break from soccer during the cold winter so we will have more pictures come this spring.

Rori Ana is LOVING school and she got to go to her first field trip!! They went to the grocery store and learned how everything works there. She has this weird thing where she will do just fine and cooperate with her class and teachers perfectly... Unless I am there?! If I am there she will completely shut down and won't budge! So she had to get towed around the whole grocery store by Miss Mindy. Hopefully this is just another phase and she will get better soon.
We have been spending a lot of time with cousins! We went to the zoo and we went to Bear Lake. The kids have so much fun together and it is always nice to be with family.
Sep 12th
Nelly's whole little life she has had a problem with her tonsils. She was always getting sore throats and strep. She snored louder than most full grown men and it would keep her awake at night. I was really hoping she would grow into those nasty tonsils but instead the tonsils just got bigger as she got bigger. We finally decided to go ahead with the surgery. I left it completely up to her, I told her it would hurt and that she really needed to think about whether or not she wanted them out. She opted to have them out! She was so brave through the whole thing, she never got scared, even when I explained how they would be doing the surgery and how it would feel. She did amazing.
This is before:

I was able to stay with her while they put her under then it was time to go out to the waiting room. When I saw them carry her away I immediately started bawling! It's funny, I consider myself to be pretty tough. I don't cry for hardly anything at all, I hate crying! I get so embarrassed and I have always believed crying doesn't fix anything. But when I see something happen to my kids, even something as simple as them taking out their stupid tonsils I LOSE IT!! It was so humiliating to walk out to the waiting room and sit there and cry because chanel was getting her tonsils out! You would have though something horrible just happened. But it was all done and over with pretty quick and she was only down for a couple of weeks! Now she feels better, breaths better and sounds better! It all paid off!
Sept 24th

My baby boy blew out 8 candles this year!!! I can't even believe it. He is so big, so smart and so talented in everything he does. I couldn't be more proud!!

He says he is "too old" for a blow up house in the backyard. This is the first year he didn't want that and to be honest it kind of broke my heart. I don't blame him for wanting something different but I was a little sad that he is getting too old for that kind of stuff. So we talked it over and after going over lots of different ideas he chose rock climbing! It turned out great!

.... and what did the birthday boy get this year?? A baby blue bird we call blueberry. He loves her very much and so do I.

To wrap up our summer we went to Moab. We did lots of bike riding while we were there and little Rori Ana managed to run right into a concrete wall going as fast as her little bike could go. We did some hiking and swimming in the creek and even got in a little rock climbing. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to the warm days.

People stare at us when we drive down the road in Rory's monster truck.

Next was Halloween. This year was just as fun as in the past and this was Ava Lyn's first year going trick or treating all by herself! Rori went on another field trip with her class, this time to the pumpkin patch...

Then the 3 older kids had their Halloween parties...

Then we carved our pumpkins and of course I forgot to take a picture of how they turned out!! Chanel and Rori Ana had Hello Kitty pumpkins, Ava had Mickey Mouse and Jameson had a scary face. All of them turned out awesome, I'm really mad at myself for not taking a picture because I think this years pumpkins turned out better than any of the past years!

Rori Ana was a princess....

Ava was a baby giraffe...

Jameson was a ninja and Chanel was a dead bride! My days of choosing my kids' costumes are over, they each have a mind of their own but I think they did a pretty darn good job at choosing what to be this year.

Ava is all grown up now. We no longer have a baby to put in the crib Rory made for our girls. I was so sad to take it down, it is a beautiful 4 post iron crib, all handmade with love. Rory made it for me when I found out I was having Chanel, little did we know at the time that we would have 2 other baby girls that would sleep in it too.

Now it is officially winter. And I hate every minute of it. But the kids make the best of it...

This year we had 3 Thanksgivings! The first one was at my house, this was the very first year I have ever hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house! I had a dinner for my dad and all of my brothers and I was so nervous!! I planned and stressed and prepared and planned and stressed all week. I wish I would have gotten a picture (again, slacking on the picture taking) but everything turned out great! I made a gigantic feast and everything was fabulous, I look forward to having a Thanksgiving dinner every year at my house from now on.

Rory did manage to get a picture of the turkey...

So that about sums it up. Our summer was filled with lots of warm, sunny, fun days. We soaked up every minute of it and spent every day outside. That is probably why I neglected the blog so much. But now I should have plenty of time to write since I am stuck in the house for the next 4 or 5 months. And we have lots of things planned, I look forward to writing about them!

2011-09-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm going to jot down a few things real quick...
I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee right now, yes, that's right, my THIRD!! Some may think that is horrible but for me, a mother of 4 kids, 2 dogs, one bird (new addition) and my sweet husband, well, it's a heaven sent. I'm exhausted, I feel just like a look... Crap. I'm being pulled in every direction, seriously, I am always being pulled on and it's never in the same place. As I sit here typing this I am literally being spun around in circles by Rori Ana, she thinks it's pretty funny to spin me on the office chair while I type. Ava is in my lap applying my 50th layer of lip gloss while we spin, I think she must be dizzy because it is starting to reach my eye balls. You could probably see my face from space if I stood in the sun. Nelly is being her sweet self and making her arts and crafts she loves so much. She likes to cut paper into a million different pieces and then glue them all back together. My dyson is another heaven sent. I find myself noticing when the babies are being too quiet, I sit there and tell myself I should go check on them, see what they are doing. No. No. The quiet is too nice, I'm going to just pay the price for this moment of silence. I will clean it up later. WAIT, but what if they aren't breathing and that is why they are quiet. So I yell up or down at the kids, depending on if I am doing laundry or dishes (since that is what I do all day) and wait for the stampede of little feet to run away from whatever mess they have just created.

I just lost my train of thought, where was I going with this? Oh, crap. It's Ava's fault. I think she just called Timbuktu on my house phone?!

Anyway, it is so chaotic here lately. I don't remember it being this crazy? I mean, it's not like my house is a sanctuary or anything, in fact it usually is a zoo with all the kids and animals but not like this. This has just been insane!! My house is a mess, we are potty training, or more like Ava is potty training herself. She loves her Dora undies more than the world and she hates diapers. She makes it to the potty 60% of the time but the other 40% is on my floors. I know, gross. Don't come over if you have weak stomach or are a germaphobe. Is this what I signed up for? People don't tell you all the nitty gritty about raising so many children do they? I mean, how could they? I cant even find the right words to describe it right now. There is no way to explain what you new parents are in for. Especially those that plan on large families. When we considered having each one of our babies I would ask the more experienced mothers 'So, whats it like with 3? Or 4? What am I looking at here?' The wiser women would just roll their eyes at me and try, in the nicest way without sounding like maybe having so many children wasn't the best idea even for them "Ooooohh, weeeelllll, you know. It's not easy but of course it's ALWAYS worth it". Then they would put on a convincing smile or something. How dumb and naive I was. I don't have time for anything and if I do its never time for me. EVER. The last time I went out to dinner with friends or even had a friend over was MONTHS AND MONTHS ago. I used to call cabs when I drank too much (yes I drink... and it is really quite nice sometimes) now I AM the cab. I am a carpool mom! I pick up loooooaaadsss of children from school and run them all home now. I know how the cabbie felt now, with a bunch of screaming crazy people in his back seat. I used to go out till the wee hours of the morning. I'm still up till the wee hours of the morning, but it's not the same as it used to be. I am begging my kids to go back to sleep, to be quiet because if they wake up their siblings it is a chain reaction and here we are having pow wows in our undies at 4 am.

There is so much to do. So much to learn. So much confusion and I am usually lost or forgetting something. I hear these other parents with 1 or 2 kids complaining and now I feel like the women who used to roll their eyes at me. I don't sympathize. I just got done cleaning up s*@t off my walls lady. No offense to anyone! Please, don't take it in a mean way! When my child acts up and I see someone looking at me like aren't you going to do something?? UGH! It's people like you!!!.... again, you have one child, maybe 2. You wait until you have much bigger fish to go after. And one or 2 of those fish like to make your life hell, just for the fun of it. I pick and choose my battles now days. If my child wants to walk around in high heels, ninja suits, lipstick and her hair in her face. Guess what? I have BIGGER fish. She is happy, she isn't screaming. Trust me, if I had her in a cute dress with her hair done, you would be miserable. She would make sure of it because she is miserable.
I'm never on time, I always forget things. I have "my days", I don't always wear make up. My hair is usually pulled back. I love my running shoes, even though I don't have time to run anywhere except to school or practice and back. My kids are naughty, my house is a mess. I'm a mess. But it is what it is. I need to remember these days. My children to know what they put me through!!! I think deep, deep, very deep, so deep I'm not sure that I will ever be able to find it, there is still the old me left. Maybe one day that old me will surface. Or maybe this is me and I just didn't know it back then? Either way, I needed to get this down. I want to look back and I want my kids too know this. I feel I should warn my girls as well, that this is real life. We aren't playing baby dolls, life isn't exactly a tea party, this is real shiz right here. Watch what you wish for my sweet daughters, you will second guess yourself and that doesn't make you a bad mommy. It just means you work hard at being a good mommy. Like I do.

Jameson, Chanel, Rori Ana & Ava,
You drive me crazy. But I love you more every day, every second, every time I look at you, I love you more and more. I try so hard I drive myself crazy. I try to be at every school event, I never miss a game unless I ABSOLUTELY have too. And usually that is only because I have one of your siblings at home sick and I am taking care of them at the moment. I make sure you are safe every second of everyday. I hover over you, so much so that you usually get annoyed with me (Jameson). I still hold you guys. I yell at you, because I care so much. I play with you, until I'm out of breath. I hold your hand as much as possible, sometimes I wish my lap was bigger so I could fit you all on it or that I had more hands so I can hold you all. I go to bed thinking about how to improve myself or how to be better to you. I go to bed regretting every minute I upset you or made a big deal of something so small, the guilt I feel sometimes is so horrible I have to go kiss you one more time and watch you sleep. I check on you in the middle of the night because I don't want to miss a minute with you. I hope you will read all these stories and feelings one day and really understand how much you mean to me. I'm sorry for anything that I have or will ever do wrong, I'm trying, just know that. I'm sorry for not listening to your every little word, I'm sorry for spending too much time cleaning and not enough time playing. But, I love you and I really am trying. I still kiss you, I still sing to you, I dance with you, I ride bikes with you, I even fell off the pogo stick yesterday because you guys had me convinced that I could jump over things. You are my life, my only reason for being here. Thank you for your kindness, patience and understanding
Love always,
Mommy

Moab

2011-09-02T10:50:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we had decided to go to Moab. We haven't been all year and usually we go at least 3 times a year! We were all very excited but at the last minute Rory called me up and told me "we won't be going because I have to work". I was so disappointed and I didn't even dare tell the kids. After a short moment of thinking I decided HE would be the one staying home. Not us. I felt bad leaving him to work but he also played plenty while I was gone too. So the kids and I were off to Moab.

Our hotel had a swimming pool so we spent LOTS of time there!!

There is a creek in Moab and I love this creek. Every time we go we find a nice shallow spot to sit in. The kids always have a blast and I love being there.

Jameson caught a little fish! With a cup! I swear, that kid loves to fish.

I think we will do this again soon. With or without our daddy.

Back To School

2011-09-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again, summer is almost over and my kids need to get back to business. So does mom. No more sleeping in, no watching morning cartoons in bed, no lounging around in pj's until noon, no playing all day and staying up all night. The morning alarms are set at 7 a.m. SHARP! Time to wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, do hair and shove something into all their little mouths before throwing them out the door and racing to school. Jameson started second grade and just like every year before he LOVES it... until it's time for homework that is. His new teachers are Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Craven. One speaks English and one speaks Chinese. It always amazes me every year to hear the things he learns in school and it amazes me even more how well he understands all of it and how his little mind can retain all this information. He is getting so big and it is getting harder and harder for me to watch my baby boy grow up. This year they let the parents come into the classroom for the first half hour to see where your child will be sitting and what he will be doing during the day. I loved sitting there visiting with him and it calmed down my nerves about him going into second grade. Since, I seem to be the only nervous one every year. Then when it was time to go I laid a fast kiss on his forehead and you would have thought it was the end of the world! He got so embarrassed and said "I think it's time for you to go now mom!" How sad.

Chanel started KINDERGARTEN!! Wooohooo!! She was so excited and was counting down the days!! She tried counting down the hours but it got to be too much, for me. She had her outfit picked out a week in advance. She got her backpack ready. She knew what she was going to say to her new teacher, Mrs. Foster, she even drew her a picture. She recited what she would say to the kids in her class so it would be easier for her to make friends. She played out different scenarios and how she would handle different situations, like bullying or if she had too many kids to play with. She was so excited!!! She started a week later than Jameson because of kindergarten testing which was a good thing because I was able to go to her classroom for an hour too. We got to walk around her classroom and learn where everything went, we got to measure her so we can see how much she would grow this year. We even got a few assignments that we got to do together. She got put at a table with 2 other girls and right away they were best friends. There were no tears from her, only from me. She wasn't nervous, only me. She didn't even turn around when I was saying my 50th goodbye as I walked out. She was more than ready for this day.... Unlike me, I wasn't ready to let this baby go either! At least she still gives me kisses in front of her friends.

Now, Rori Ana, she is a different story. She started pweschool this year. And for weeks before she kept saying "I don't wanna go to school momma, I wike staying home wit you!" as the day got closer I could tell she got more and more nervous. She kept saying she wasn't ready or she didn't feel good. She would tell me she wanted to go later. Then on the big day she got up, got dressed and we headed out the door. They don't let parents go in on the first day of school because they like the whole "band-aid theory" the faster they rip the kids out of your arms the less painful. Not for me it wasn't!!! And I don't think it was for her either. Luckily she got to go with her best friend and our next door neighbor, Kenyon. He was ready, he wasn't shy or scared so she followed him right in. But I could tell she was terrified. She has been going for a few weeks now and she loves every day she goes. She comes home singing new songs and has new dances. She knows what some of the letters in the alphabet make and she is constantly singing "Baby bear loves beans and beets, beans and beets, beans and beets foooorrr hiiiiiiiiisss breeeeaakfasssst!!!' and "I had a little turtle, his name was Tiny Tim..." and my very favorite "I'm smashing up a baby bumblebee, wont my mommy be so proud of me".

Ava Lyn and I find ourselves wondering around this big, quiet house with a lost look on our faces. No one to yell at, no one to play with, no one taking our things away. Just us. But we have made good use of our time. I picked up a new hobby, metal stamping, and let me just say... I SUCK! But, I should have lots of practice time with all the kids in school now. We go on walks, we go to the store and plan out our dinners, we have uninterrupted play time. It has been bittersweet, on one hand I love the "extra time" I have, on the other I want all my babies here in my nest. I love their constant chatter and chirping. I love my babies so much and it hurts to see them growing up and needing mom less and less. I never thought I would be one of these kinds of mothers, the kind that have a death grip on their kids and treats them like babies, but I guess I am. Next year Ava will leave me too and it is only going to get worse and they are only going to get bigger and I am only going to grow more and more lonely. Lucky for me there will be a new baby in the house soon.. yep that's right. A little baby boy too!!! His name is going to be Cash and he is due September 22nd. My new nephew will be with us 3 days a week soon!! And I will maul that baby all day!!! Hopefully everyone else will keep having babies for me to kiss on or I might start hoarding puppies or something crazy like that.

Goldenrock

2011-08-29T11:37:00.001-07:00

Goldenrock is more commonly known as Yellowstone. But the kids have a hard time remembering that, for some reason they seem to remember it as Goldenrock.

This was our first time ever seeing this magical place. At least it was the first time for the kids and I, Rory had been before when he was much younger. For about 6 years I have been asking to go, every year when Rory asks me what I want for my birthday I say I want Yellowstone and finally my wish was granted! It was everything I could have ever wanted and more, a place I will never forget and I know we will return to soon. We didn't even scrape the surface on what this wonderful piece of earth has to offer.
Our first stop was... well, it was some town in Idaho. I cant remember the name, I think it was something like Henryville?? Either way, it was one of the smallest towns I have ever been in. We got a late start and decided to pull over for the night to sleep and start early the next morning. At first it was cute, so cute!! The little houses, the little church (that is where we slept, in the parking lot) the little people. Then around 2 am I hear a car pull up. We were sleeping in our camping trailer and you can hear pretty much everything outside. Anyway, no big deal, they just drive by really slowly then move on. Then around 3 am. a truck pulls up and shines his lights on us, looks for a minute or two then drives on by. Then 4 am. same truck, does the same dang thing. By this point I am trying to wake Rory up so he knows whats going on. But trying to wake Rory up is impossible! So there I am, wide awake and pretty terrified, just staring out the window as this truck drives by slowly every single hour. As soon as I saw the sun I couldn't handle it anymore and I woke everyone up and got the hell out of that cute little town! It was like something in a scary movie.

Next stop, BEAR WORLD!! duh! We saw bears of every shape and size. I had never really seen them up so close. It was a fun experience. Rori Ana would scream every-time she saw one and say "TEDDY BEARS SAY GRRRRRRR!!!!" It was pretty cute.

Then we went to the petting zoo....

We rode on some fun rides and Rori Ana and Ava got to go on their first roller coaster!! They are addicted now and I don't know that I have ever seen Rori Ana so happy?!

Next we went for a drive through the park, like I said we didn't make it far but from what I saw this was one of the most beautiful places on earth. I feel so lucky to have seen it.

Jameson... the chipmunk whisperer.

We went for a dip in the river. It was very COLD!

We saw some geyser's... It is amazing to see what the earth is ooozing! I could not believe the colors, textures and smells!

Thar she blows!! We got to see Old Faithful do her thing, that was so neat!!!

We had a little traffic jam because this guy had somewhere more important to be.

We went swimming in a lake, again it was very, very cold! But the kids don't mind.

We got some fishing in. On this day we didn't catch any fish and just as we were about to wrap it up I saw something go flapping down the river. It was a baby bird that had fallen out of its nest!!! Immediately Jameson ran down stream to catch this poor baby bird that was drowning. Rory on the other hand took some convincing. I kept yelling at him to run and go help but he didn't really want to chase a bird down the river. Then I gave him "the look" and he knew if he didn't save that bird he would need some saving himself.

Then I was a little lost on what to do with this baby bird. I have hand raised birds before but this bird had already been raised by its mother for too long and I could tell he wouldn't take to hand feeding very easily. His best bet was to just stay near his nest. Then all of a sudden I noticed a frantic mama bird flying around an empty nest, under a bridge. Well, I wasn't about to walk out into this freezing water, plus I knew I wouldn't be able to reach the nest anyhow. I gave Rory another look, like a desperate pleading look. He gave me an irritated look and then I had to explain to him that if he didn't return this baby back to his mama then we would be going home with a bird. So he hiked up his shorts and again he got into the cold river. I love that man. He has so much patience with me and my craziness.

Come on, you know it is sexy when a man goes out of his way to rescue a little baby bird. And look at those thighs!!! Don't deny the sexiness of it!! And thanks to his little helper Chanel all was well again. Immediately the mama bird flew over and laid on her baby to warm him back up and she looked so relieved and happy to have him back. Job well done!!

I loved Goldenrock and I cant wait to go back! I love being outdoors, being with the family, camping and eating outside, hiking, fishing and watching the kids and Rory swim from the sunny forest. I loved being surrounded by such beauty.

Stwabewwy Wake

2011-08-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

The weekend before the 4th of July we finally got to go camping. We have been wanting to all year and every weekend something came up or work had to be done or the kids were sick etc. And every weekend we would swear that we would go no matter what and there we were, stuck at home. But not on this weekend! We got to take out our side by side and ride high into the mountains. We got to roll in the dirt, play with bugs, get bitten by mosquitoes, roast shmallows, cook and eat outside, fish and catch craw-daddy's. It was all so fun! We didn't get any phone reception or anything so it was all uninterrupted family time... with hardly any sleep. We had a wonderful time!

Baby Girl Turns Two

2011-08-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

On July 15th my littlest baby turned two. I don't know that I will ever be able to understand how fast time really goes by. Ever since the day I laid eyes on this sweet baby she has reminded me of a little bird and it seems like all of a sudden my little bird is starting to spread her scrawny little wings! She is talking a ton now, she mimics everything from the microwave to the washer and dryer (she can make the funniest noises), she follows her big sisters everywhere and keeps up amazingly well. She is so friendly, kind and loving and yet has the shortest fuse of all of my children. She is a bit on the whiny side and is always needing something even though we all know she can do it herself, but because she is the baby of the family we all jump at her commands. Not only am I creating the tiniest monster to walk this earth but I find that we all are, the other kids, even people that hardly know her! She will ask someone for something or to do something and its like there is NO WAY you can look down at this little, skinny, squeaky baby girl with BIG hair and GIGANTIC eyes and not jump up and bow down at her every request. And she knows this all too well, she has a lot of people in love with her and everyone wrapped around her tiny finger.

For her birthday we had a party with close family and friends. It was small, quiet and relaxing. Ava loved every minute of it! You could tell she knew this whole party was JUST FOR HER! She loved everything! Her little blow up house, her pink balloons, her hello kitty table cloth that she picked out, her gold pinata she got at the store that day and her strawberry shortcake cake she picked. It was fun to see her running around having so much fun! She was so funny when she would open up her gifts, she acted so surprised with every one and would squeal and "oooooh" and "aaaaaahhh" at everything she got!

She did not like her new baby cousin taking her toys already! She had a problem with this!!

There, that's better!

We had a wonderful time and Ava Lyn enjoyed every minute of it! It is so sad to me that my youngest is already 2! But I am loving watching her grow and getting just a glimpse of the way she sees the world through those big beautiful eyes. Ava Lyn was the icing on our family cake or maybe more like the sprinkles.

Happy Birthday America!

2011-08-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

I know, it is a very belated birthday. I just haven't been able to sit down and catch up on my blog, so bear with me on this. I am going to try to catch up as fast as possible so don't expect too much detail in these next few posts. I'm trying my best here and I only have until 3:30 because at that time I have to walk back down to the kids school for the third time today to pick up Jameson.

..Anyway...

Happy 4th of July (a month ago)!!!! I hope you all had a blast! Hopefully you all enjoyed the new firework laws we had this year?! I know, they aren't for everyone and not everybody was happy about it. But I like to say 'go big or go home'! WE LOVED THEM!! No serious accidents this year either, unless you count Rory blowing out his eardrum a serious accident. I think it's back to normal though, except it seems to act up whenever I am talking to him. Ain't that the darnedest thing!?! And I know I have said this before but we have the BEST family, friends and neighbors!! Every year we do what we like to call "The Culdesac of Fire"!! Everyone in the circle invites all their family to a HUGE potluck dinner and everyone pitches in on the firework show. Every year it gets bigger and bigger and better and better! We love being surrounded by so many fun people!

Royce Family 2011

2011-07-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

When I contacted this photographer I tried explaining to her that this wasn't going to be an easy job. She wasn't going to get that "perfect" shot of all of us smiling and I really didn't want that either. I wanted pictures of us being us. She couldn't have done a better job, she never asked us to pose or pretend or even to smile really. She captured our family doing exactly what we do. We are chaotic, crazy, fun, running, free spirited and exploring. Just like we do every day. She just followed us around and was completely patient with us. We aren't a perfect family but she captured my imperfect family perfectly.... This is us.

JANIKAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Our Daddy!!

2011-06-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day/Birthday to our Daddy!!!!
Rory, you are the funniest, most genuine, loving, caring, handsome, giving, strongest, smartest man I know. You make everyday so much better and you make everyone in your life feel like they are special. Your kids adore you, more than they have ever adored me. Everyday when you walk in the door you get a huge welcome party from all our babies, you can see in their eyes how much they love you and its no question why when I see you with them. I am so proud to have you as the father of our children, there is nobody else I could trust or could share such blessing with. You are mine and I am yours, forever. Thank you.

Soaking up Summer..

2011-06-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

A very quick, condensed taste of our summer...

Nelly FINALLY graduated preschool! She did some time ago but I haven't been able to post it. She is thrilled about going to kindergarten and can't wait to meet all her new friends. I'm sure she will love it, she is my only child who BEGS to go to school everyday and then plays school time on the weekends. She could sit in a classroom all day and be totally happy. I love it! The possibilities will be endless for her. We have been going to different dog parks and dog gatherings lately. We went to strut your mutt and this one was a dog days thing at thanksgiving point. I love seeing all the breeds and what they were bred for. I love all the puppies running around and there are always TONS of things for the kids to do.

Rori Ana has no bum at all and I think it's funny her little crack is always hanging out because her pants cant stay up! The girls got their face painted but NOT Rori Ana. She is going through this stranger thing where she REFUSES to even acknowledge a person is talking to her, looking at her or flat out even exists unless she really knows you and likes you. She is not friendly at all and it can take a pretty long time for her to warm up to you. Well, she did not warm up to the face painter, she didn't even want him looking at her much less touching her face. Ava and Chanel on the other hand loved it!

Sponge Bob and a Unicorn!!

Thanks to Grandma Teresa all the Royce siblings got a rock climbing pass to Rockreations. I hadn't been rock climbing in probably 7 years or more, it was so FUN!! I loved it! It was funny to watch Rory and Jr playing around, as usual and it was fun to spend time with the family and with my husband for once! Usually we are so wrapped up in the kids we act like neither one of us is there unless its to yell at the other to grab this kid or that kid. This forced us to communicate and to trust each other to belay each other down the wall. This is when I started to wonder if we needed a little marriage counseling?! I didn't trust him one bit to begin with and even then he sent me flying a few times because of our lack of communication or because once again we weren't paying attention to each other. Jr and Kristi kept trying to coach us but as I was watching Jr lift Kristi right up off the ground I started to really think we weren't going to be able to pull this off. BUT, we did and by the time we left we were completely trusting each other. I really had a lot of fun and we will be there again next week!
The girls started summer school! I put them in together to get Rori Ana used the idea and to make going to school a little easier since she would be there with her big sister at first. James and Chanel love school and they have always been really excited to go. They never looked back once they got off the car to go into their school, they just ran. I knew Rori Ana wouldn't be the same. She hates to leave me, she hates when I leave her. She doesn't like change. She doesn't like strangers. She doesn't like other kids much, she doesn't like talking, she doesn't like being part of any team, she really doesn't like much of anything that has to do with socializing PERIOD. So, sure enough when it was time for her to go she grabbed on to me and wouldn't let go, then when we pried her loose she wouldn't get out of the car, then when we got her out she ran to her dad and wouldn't let go of him! She stared at us with that look of fear and anger the whole time her teacher had to pull her into the school. I felt horrible, I wanted to run to her and just take her home, but I knew she had to do this. These pictures are before they left the house, she was a little nervous but not too bad. Yet.

This is her running to grab onto our legs. I know she is smiling right now but about 5 seconds after this it was a whole other story.

She has been going for 2 weeks and she is getting better and better. The first day she laid face down on the ground and went completely limp for about 10 minutes in front of her whole class. She hasn't done that since. And she is starting to listen to her teacher more. She still has a little bit of a hard time getting out of the car but at least once she is out she will walk on her own into her classroom. This is going to an interesting year....

Since the 3 older ones are in school now that leaves just me and Ava for about 3 hours. We have a ball while they are gone! She goes everywhere with me, she has been gardening a lot, pulling weeds, mowing, cleaning, baking, painting, playing without anyone to take her toys or ruin her fun, cuddling, lots of cuddling, going to the park, swimming, riding her bike, going for walks and so much more! I love the time we get to spend together now!

She really is TOO MUCH FUN!!!

The dogs are loving the lazy days laying in the sun. I don't know how people live without animals, I cant imagine that being much fun.

And most of all we have been spending lots of time with family and friends! This is usually what our house looks like all day!! We have about 10-15 kids over most of the time and my kids love every second of it! I love that they have so much fun and they are outside playing and getting exercise rather than sitting in the house like we do most of the winter. Ugh, just that "W" word makes me ill.

My latest project...

2011-06-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Finished!!!!

Actually I finished some time ago but I haven't been able to post about it... You know, with the whole too busy to do much of anything going on.
It only took me a week! I think that is amazing, I cant even finish the dishes in a week! But this was something I was really excited about. I kept telling Rory I wanted to buy old, ugly dressers to redo. He was thrilled by the idea because #1: He was saving a ton of dough (since every new dresser I picked out cost a million bones) #2: He ABSOLUTELY LOVES when I do stuff like this! He gets so excited for me and he is so unbelievably supportive, telling me the whole way through it how good I'm doing and patting me on the back. He watched me work on these bad boys and told me at least a 100 times how good they looked. Even when I was a little discouraged he assured me I was doing it right. The only time he ever doubted me was when I was going crazy at Home Depot and Hobby Lobby picking out random colors and fabric and stains etc. He kept saying "are you sure? Do you think we should see it all together and put some thought into this?" But if you know me at all I don't plan very well. I'm more of the jump in and see what happens type. And so far, this has worked out for me. Here is proof:

Here are some befores, I should have taken some of them all put together but I almost forgot to even take them!

Here are my little helpers, my little neighbor Jeff and little Ava. I had quite a few helpers! I had all the neighbor kids coming in and out and of course all my kids. I would hand them a sanding block and tell them to get to work, they would until they got bored but they would always come back a little while later. This was a good thing because you really have to sand the crap out of these for the paint to look good. I found all these beauties on KSL for a really good deal. It was exactly what I was looking for, something with some curves and solid as all heck! Just how I like em.

And after a week of sanding, priming, painting, sanding, painting, sanding, staining, modge podge and my kids having no supervision because mommy is out in the garage getting high on paint fumes and one EXTREMELY messy house later. This is what I got. I think it was worth it.

Jameson's dresser. It goes so well with the art in his room and all the colors.

I did just a touch of antiquing on his. I wanted his to stay as straight lined and simple as possible.

And Nelly Belly and Rori Ana's dresser. This one was a toughie, it wouldn't take the paint right and I had NEVER modge podged fabric onto furniture. Again, I just kind of went with the flow and hoped for the best. I think there are a few thing I might have done differently but now I know for next time... if there is a next time. I was pretty burned out after all this.

I did a little more antiquing on this one, I wanted it to be nice and shabby.

The original plan was to knock down a wall in between 2 of our kids' bedrooms to make one extra BIG room for all my girls. I was going to have daddy make a triple bunk and put all the furniture in one room and all their play furniture in another, along with all their toys and millions of chests of dress ups. But after 5 sleepless nights of "testing it out" I decide Ava and Rori need to be as far away as possible from each other at night. For our sake and everyone else's. They talked and giggled until about midnight and then they woke up together every hour after that. It was a joke. So, the white furniture went in Ava's room and the blue went in the older girls' room.

Rory made me this little iron crib when I found out I was having my little Chanel. I have yet to see such a beautiful crib. It is a pearly cream color and it looks perfect next to the cream nightstands.

I love them, If I had walked into a store and saw these for sale I would have paid who knows what to make sure they were mine! And having all this extra storage has been a treat!!

Dancing Queen's, Young and Sweet!!

2011-05-31T14:05:00.001-07:00

Aren't they pretty?!?! They got their dance pictures done (which cost a fortune) and they had so many other cute ones. I shouldn't even have bought the ones I did but how could I resist?

Here are my own priceless pictures I took with my sometimes blurry camera...

Last week the girls had their dance recital, as usual I was running late. I thought I gave myself plenty of time but then one thing after another kept happening and there I was almost an hour behind schedule! We got there with out a moment to spare!! Literally!! I walked in and ran Chanel up to the front of the stage and she walked out with the rest of her dance class right then. We barely made it, but we did and that is all that matters. Right? I had to stand on the side of the stage or else I would have missed the performance which explains the weird angle of the pictures.

Chanel did her dance perfectly! She has really overcome her stage fright and she is always the leader in her dance now. I was so proud of her!!

Then it was Rori Ana's turn... Rori would not let go of my neck, she was holding on so tight I thought we were both going to pass out! After a minute I pried her hands off of me and put her in the line with the rest of her class and out she went before she had a chance to fight it. She was LIVID!!! She gave me a look like I was going to be sorry when she was finished!!!

Needless to say she took one position and stayed that way the whole time! She just stood there with her finger in her mouth glaring at me. I could tell she wanted to run over and jump in my arms then beat the crap out of me.

Still with her finger in her mouth. She didn't move once.

Then she ran off stage and guess where she wanted to be?? The safest place in the world. Her daddy's arms.

So, what do you do after you just paid a fortune for pictures, paid an arm and a leg for a big poofy dress they will only wear for 10 minutes of their life, paid a years worth of tuition so they could twirl around in circles in a school gym for 3 minutes AND that's IF they twirl at all?? You have fun with the silly outfits and you make sure you get good use out of them that's what!!!!

Ok, I know this is mean but its also a little funny too. I don't know about you, but I cant help but laugh when people fall... Only if its a little fall. Not like the kind that break something or might kill you but the kind of fall that happens when your looking at mom and dad run after you and your not paying attention to where or what your doing... This kind.

OH but don't you worry! She has sister who didn't immediately start rolling on the ground in laughter. They ran to her aid, like good little girls.

This is Chanel yelling at me to put down the camera and be responsible.

And this is Ava's concerned face. OR maybe she is thinking "What kind of parents are you??? This is what I have to look forward to??"

Yep, we will put those dresses to some good use. Not silly twirling stuff... real dangerous kind of stuff and they will still look beautiful doing it too!

Keep on movin'

2011-05-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been a pretty busy mama, nothing out of the ordinary but it has felt a little different. You see, Rory picked up a really big job for Kennecott making some sort of "mold tipper" and staircases to go on those gigantic machines they have running out there. This is a really big opportunity for him and the business. Being self employed isn't always that great, matter of fact it is usually worse. I sometimes wish he would get a 9-5 job where we get a paycheck every week and I know that he will be home that night. BUT this will all pay off, big time I hope. He already has some more work on the way from them and I know that his little "one man show" business can keep up with such a HUGE corporation like Kennecott. He works his butt off, literally. He has lost some weight because of it! He goes to work around 7 AM and comes home around 1 AM and of course between those times the kids and I are dead to the world. Its been a lot tougher than I thought not having him around. Pretty big eye opener! Props to all the single moms out there and to anyone who's husband isn't always able to be home because of work or because they are fighting for our country. You are amazing!

Anyways... I'm done bragging about my husband now and I have gone way off track. Even though we haven't been seeing much of our daddy we have still kept busy! Here are just a FEW of the things we have been up to these last 2 weeks and MORE to come as soon as I get a minute....

We went to the zoo to see all the cool dinosaurs!! The kids LOVED it!

And we have had 2 field trips to Thanksgiving Point! One for Jameson's school and one for Nelly's.

And we put Tank in a lure coursing race... HE LOVED IT! I was so proud of my fur baby and he even won a cute little bronze medal! Not too bad for his first time if you ask his proud mommy!

I also signed up Rori Ana and Nelly for summer school and we finished dance, had first grade programs, preschool graduation, parent teacher conferences, recitals and we have our last soccer game next weekend (all of which I will post about really soon!) Everything is coming to an end! My schedule is opening up more and more all just in time for SUMMER!!!

IF it ever shows up.

THREE and FIVE!

2011-05-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my 2 GIRLS!! On May 6th my little mischievous Rori Ana turned "Fweeeee!!!" It's so hard for me to believe that, it really is crazy how fast time flies by. She has caused me more headache in the short 3 years she has been alive than I could tell you. But she brings me so much joy and happiness, she makes up for her naughty behavior with her funny, witty, playful and loving personality. She makes me laugh so much everyday, even when she is being bad she has a way of making light of the situation. Nothing could bring this girls spirits down... NOTHING. Not any punishment in the world could make her hesitate from painting my walls with lipstick. Nothing could change her mind when it comes to pouring any thing that might stain all over the house. I truly do love that about her. Sometimes I wish she would understand what stress it causes mommy but even then I wouldn't change a hair on that baby's head. She is a blast to be around and when she warms up to you, you will find that she has quite the sense of humor. That is IF she warms up to you and decides your worth her time.

A few short days later... On May 10th my oldest princess turned 5! Chanel is the best big sister to her little sisters and a wonderful little sister to her big brother. She is so kind, almost to a fault!! She will do anything for anyone! She is so caring and enjoys taking care of others and helping in any way she can. She has become a really big help to me in the last year. She now puts her younger siblings in the bath and then she will take them out, put lotion on them, put a diaper on Ava and then dress both of the girls. She does dishes, cleans her room everyday, babysits (with supervision of course) and keeps everyone in line and going where they need to be going. She really is so sweet and has such a passive, loving personality. She has grown up so much, so fast and is far more mature than any other 5 year old I know. She is so smart and is doing wonderful in school and asks so many questions about so many things, she wants to everything about everything! To the point where if I don't know the answer she will tell me to "google it". She loves to learn and she loves to teach.

These 2 girls couldn't be any more different than what they are and yet all of my girls are best friends. I love to see how much they rely on each other for so much. And they admire their big brother like you couldn't believe. I have been so blessed to have had these kids (and I need to remind myself of that everyday). Turning 3 and 5 is a BIG milestone for Nelly and Rori, that means Chanel gets to go to that "big school" she has been dreaming about for the last couple years. And for Rori that means she finally gets to go to school!! She has been begging for the last year to go with Chanel and I kept telling her when she is ready, well the time has come and both of my girls are moving on to bigger and better things. I'm just not sure I'm ready to let go, though I know that no matter how tight I hold on I couldn't hold them back even if it was possible. They have way too much to look forward to.

(this is a small portion of the people that came)

Their birthday party was a success, just as it is every year. We were surrounded by family and friends and we all celebrated my girls birthdays with lots of love! Thank you to everyone who joins us in our festivities, you make it very special for us!!!

I tried my hand at making cotton candy.... Not my calling in life. It may not have been in a perfect swirl but it tasted good just the same.

I found out that Ava does NOT like it. She doesn't like the taste or texture and she especially doesn't like how it sticks to her bitty fingers.

Ava also got to hit her first pinata!! She LOVED it and caught in really quick, it was hard to stop her!!

Little cousin Oliver on the other hand did NOT like it. He was terrified of it!!

Nelly finally got that "white puppy with a pink leash" she has been begging for since Christmas!! She was thrilled!

Rori Ana hates to be the center of attention! She will usually hide or cry, this time she hid...

In her daddy's arms of course.

After a minute she warmed up and blew out her candles

It was so much fun, now I want to take time to enjoy this next year. I hope it slows down a bit?! Doubt it.

Ava Lyn being Ava Lyn

2011-05-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

This girl is something else! She is sweet but sassy, she is spoiled, demanding, bratty and controlling. But she is still the sweetest, gentlest, kind, loving little thing ever! She is a whole lot of everything in an itty bitty 20 lb package (that's right!! We hit 20 lbs finally!!). I have had to keep an eye on her because she will attack random kids at grocery stores, or zoo's or any other public place. She has excellent manners but if you don't giver her what she wants when she says "peeeez" then you better be ready to accept the consequences! She pretty much gets her way all the time, if you don't fall for the BIG puckered lips, her extremely LONG fluttering eyelashes or her GIANT brown puppy eyes... then she will just take matters into her own hands. I can't begin to explain how crazy Ava is, you just have to witness it yourself. And she is not as good at hiding her temper as my other kids, she doesn't care who sees her misbehave because she will DARE you to do something about it. I know this all sounds horrible but she is anything but, she really is a little love bug and usually she is a sweet little angel. I love this baby more and more every day. I love her free spirit and even her spunk! Between her and Rori Ana I will be dead in my grave by 35.

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, first off I apologize for being a total slacker with my blog lately. I have been so busy doing nothing productive.... well that is not true entirely. I have been doing a lot with nothing to show for it (same thing but with different wording).

Easter was fantastic, just as it is every year with all my little Chicky's running around...

This year the Easter Bunny brought BIG eggs for the kids to find, all stuffed with tons of little, cheap, inexpensive, breakable, made in China... garbage. Pretty sure the Easter bunny hates stuffing those things.

BUT mom and dad had something in store for the kiddos this year!!

Here they are all waiting patiently for the unveiling...

WHABAM!!! Check out the new ride for my 3 princesses! I know its a little much and probably a really bad idea because they might expect something so big every year but I couldn't control myself. I had to have it, I mean THEY had to have it.

And what was in store for Sir Jameson?? A row boat of course!! Since we are planning on more Lake Powell trips this year. And this kid is a pretty serious fisherman and he has been wanting to explore his talent off shore and out in the open sea... or lake... whatever it may be he will be out there!

Totally off the subject but I have to explain this picture: Have I mentioned I took Ava off her beloved baba? Well, I did. And it wasn't easy and it sure as heck wasn't pretty either. I cant believe I let her suck on that dang thing for so long?! This is the longest I have EVER let any of my children be on a bottle! I was embarrassed and ashamed. BUT we did it. Then I got this really bright idea to get a goat for my brother... that is being bottle fed. When I asked the goats previous owner what kind of bottle to use she pulled out the EXACT same bottle I used to give Ava! What are the odds?? I mean, come on! Of all the bottles it has to be the same one I just took away from my baby? The one that has turned my Ava's world upside down since it has been gone? The one she has been feigning over for the last week?? Oh geez. It took some serious explaining and a lot of screaming before I got her to "help" me feed the baby goat. I told her the baby goat would starve if she took it away. I think she got the idea and I'm happy to say she is still off the baba, no relapses.

Look at that face!! She is distraught!!

We also went to our neighborhood Easter egg hunt too. I didn't get any pictures of that, here is why...

It all start that Saturday morning, bright and early. Rory rolled over and asked what we were going to do that day, since normally we are celebrating Easter in Moab. He was a little bored I think. I told him I wasn't sure but something fun. Then he said "Have you ever been to a Easter egg hunt?? A real one, not in our backyard but city one with lots of people???". NO. I had not, nor did I have any desire. But he insisted, no he pretty much said "Get up, get dressed, we're going". He used words like EXCITING, FUN, THE KIDS WILL LOVE IT!!! So I did as I was told and we got all dressed up and headed out to the park. We got there and immediately I was getting yelled at by random people to RUN!! Apparently I had parked at the wrong end of the park and we had a waaaaaayyyyysss to run. I should have noticed all the other vehicles lined up and down every street but I got caught up in the "excitement"... yeah right. We get there just in time for them to start the count down 5. 4. 3. 2. 1!!!! And I tell the kids, in calm, quiet voice "Ok, go get your eggs". Only to be shoved out of the way by some overweight WOMAN screaming at the top of her lungs "GET THE EGGS!! GRAB EM AND RUN!!! It was a friggin nightmare!! Parents just started screaming at their children and running like maniacs, all on guard and in an almost protective mode?! It was insane!! I had this picture in my head of my kids running (in slow motion actually) with their cute little baskets, collecting all the colorful little eggs and opening them to see what little surprises they would get. NOT at ALL how this was happening. Immediately my kids were lost in a sea of screaming adults and crying children, luckily I had Ava and I clutched her in my arms with all my strength. I was running through, trying my hardest to find my babies and all I could see were giant butt cracks in my face! EVERYWHERE!! Butt cracks of all the parents bent over collecting all the eggs!!! I couldn't believe it!! I think I was actually screaming in fear come to think of it. Then it was over and it cleared out as fast as it all had started. Finally I found my children, all upset, disappointed, terrified, scarred for life. Rori Ana was just standing there, lost, holding a tootsie roll, Chanel managed to find one lousy plastic egg with a twizzler inside and a half of a plastic egg that was BROKEN and James had about 3 eggs and the first thing out of his mouth was "Some big old LADY came and GRABBED an EGG right out of my HANDS MOM!!! He was pretty mad. I was traumatized. We didn't even dare to set Ava down on the ground. Chanel was confused and Rori Ana was in shock. And Rory, poor Rory, he was sooo disappointed. He kept apologizing for putting us through such hell. All he could say was how it was nothing like that when he was little and he couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. I felt bad because I could see it had ruined all of his sweet little childhood memories he had. Then we sat in traffic for about half an hour trying to get out of that horrible place, trying to put what just happened behind us. Needless to say, we will NEVER, EVER go to another one of those things again. Ever.

2011-04-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

As usual we have have been busy doing all sorts of things.... like:

Going to more princess parties! Rori and Chanel got to go to their friend Ellie's princess party
and of course they had a blast!!

Here are the 3 princesses!

Rori Ana is more of a drama queen...

We also had Chanel's "special day" where she got to choose whatever she wanted to do that day.

Of course it wouldn't be special without her very special, bestest friend London! We started out the day by going to Color Me Mine and the girls got to pick out whatever they wanted to paint. They both picked a beautiful unicorn that they painted every color you could think of. Then we had to leave it there so they can put it in the oven and seal in all the beautifulness the girls painted on them.
(this picture was taken with my phone, sorry it is so bad)

I think the finished product looks amazing!! We will see how long it lasts before it gets broken since Chanel feels like the unicorn has to go wherever she goes.

Then we were off to get manicures and pedicures!! Yay! These girls got the full treatment topped off with flowers and polka dots!! After all that we went to go get ice cream Sunday's and headed home to play dress up for he rest of the day. Then our whole family and London's whole family got to go to dinner!It was a pretty special day and I of course had a blast with my little Nelly Belly! She is growing up so fast and I love every special moment I get to spend with her. I also love how well behaved she is! No scary moments, everything went smooth as it ever and I didn't lose her once! Thank goodness.

Rori and Ava on the other hand are still at it. Still causing trouble and still making the biggest mess they can...

(I peeked in and found Rori doing this, she does this usually about 4 times a week but this time I went and got my camera and snuck up on her. Look at her face, you can see she just got busted!)

"Don't I wook pwettty Momma?!?"

And this is Ava the next day. What pretty lips you have Ava Lyn... The better to kiss you with Daddy!!!

It was also my youngest brother's birthday. Sebastian asked for something this year and I could hardly contain myself when I found out what it was. I ran out the very next day, even though his birthday wasn't for 3 more days and bought it!

Meet KICKSTART!!

Of course the kids and I fell in love with him immediately. Kickstart is a dwarf Pygmy goat and he is about the size of a Chihuahua right now. He wont get much bigger than a cocker spaniel when he is full grown. He was only a couple weeks old when we got him so he has to be bottle fed. Not that we mind, its not like we haven't done that before with lots of other animals.
Tweeder loved him too...
And Chanel got to take him to show and tell at her school!!

Then it was the big day! We wrapped up a baby bottle and gave it to him, he thought we were just playing a joke on him.

We put the baby goat in a gift bag and gave him his second present...

He loved it!!

Jameson also had his special day but I didn't go. Daddy got to take James riding aaalllll day! So of course I have no pictures of that day either, but I know they had fun! James came back caked in mud and dripping in sweat, telling me all about all the crazy wrecks he had and how far they rode. I think its pretty safe to say he did just what he wanted! And I'm happy to say he came back in one piece.

Next is Easter! I cant wait!

Im stuck!

2011-04-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

This morning... Early this morning (when I was still in a vulnerable state) Rori Ana got me, again. I got up and went straight down stairs to say goodbye to my husband and get breakfast going and I could hear some thumping going on in my room upstairs. I just figured the kids went up and crawled in my bed, since they do that every morning. Then after I was all done and Rory had left I went upstairs to get ready. But first I had to go to the potty, while I'm sitting there I'm thinking gosh something isn't right but I was done before I could put much more thought into it (I just had to pee). I went to stand up and that's when I realized I WAS STUCK! Literally stuck to the toilet seat. I let out a loud squeal and sat back down to think about this situation I was in. And sure enough Rori Ana comes running in with that cute little grin on her face and I knew immediately she had done something. Of course she had, when something like this happens its usually her. I couldn't help but just start laughing and neither could she, while I am still stuck to the toilet. After a good chuckle I pried my behind off the toilet seat leaving behind a couple layers of skin. And turned around to see what she had done... The empty can of "extra strong hold" hairspray sitting behind the toilet said it all. Of course!! How did I not notice all this before I sat down!? But either way, it was pretty hilarious and creative! I had a good laugh and so did she.

Another one of "those days"...

2011-03-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Let me first start by saying 3 out of my 4 babies are sick right now. Stay away... far, far faaaarrrrr away. The only one who is feeling good is James, actually he is feeling amazing! I'm jealous! He has more energy than I can deal with right now. And too much time on his hands, since I am busy taking care of my girls. Once again we are really pushing his patience.

It all started with Ava getting a little cold. Nothing big, just a cold. That turned into a sinus infection/cough/never ending mucus pouring out of her eyes, mouth and nose. Soon enough her partner in crime got it as well. Rori got it a little worse, I didn't think that was possible but it is. After about 3 sleepless nights and a dozen boxes of Kleenex I was getting ready to take Nelly to dance yesterday and she said she wasn't feeling good and didn't want to go. Immediately I knew this was bad because she doesn't miss dance or school unless it is something serious. Sure enough about 15 minutes later there was barf all over my kitchen, my entry way, my living room and the bathroom. LUCKILY!! Some how she didn't manage to get much on my newly cleaned carpets!!! But it looks like this one is a doozy, I don't expect to sleep for at least a week. So with Chanel throwing up and Rori Ana crying because she doesn't feel well and Ava just crying because it seems like its the thing to do... I am crying because I cant fix any of it.

A little later on, just when I think I got everything under control Rori Ana goes running into the living room only to trip and fall, hitting her poor face on the couch... She got a bloody nose and she was so stuffed up it just made another mess from hell.

But a little bloody nose wont stop my Rori Ana... Oh no.

Once again I get everyone settled. Chanel watching Little Mermaid, Ava sleeping....... wait. Where is Rori Ana???? She is making her own lunch and packing it in her little princess lunch bag, that's where she is. And what did she make herself? A BIG bowl of cereal, with lots and lots of milk. She took it aaaallllll the way upstairs. Spilling aaaalllll over my carpets. That I had cleaned LAST WEEK! Yep, so much for being grateful that Chanel didn't throw up on them. So once again, I am cleaning another mess but Rori Ana couldn't let me clean it all up by myself. No, she decided to go get the hand soap from her bathroom and pour it all over my carpets. She is SUCH a great helper. But it doesn't end there... again, I am cleaning another mess. And Rori Ana was SO very mad that I took her lunch away. The lunch she worked so hard to make that she decided to make her lunch again.... On my kitchen table this time.

If daddy doesn't have a lock on my pantry by tonight I am going to go INSANE!!!!
And I am going to tie my little Rori Ana to my hip for the rest of the day. Since obviously I cant let her leave my sight for not one single minute!! I couldnt make this stuff up if I wanted to. I know they say your kids pay you back for all the horrible things you put your parents through when you were younger but, I KNOW I never did anything like this!!?? I have never met a child who is capable of the crap this little girl can do?! And not just her, but the rest of them aren't exactly angels either. What the hell am I going to do?

My baby boy...

2011-03-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

I want to write some things down about my little man, my pride and joy, my best friend, my sweet and only son. I feel like he kind of gets dragged around a lot. Living in house full of girls and not just any girls but really crazy, drama filled, catty, sneaky, very outspoken, mean girls. And I'm not just talking about my daughters... They get it all from me. THERE!!! I ADMITTED IT!! HAPPY?! But I also think my son gets his calm, forgiving, logical, even temper from me as well. He really is my pride and joy. So are my girls, don't get me wrong! I am proud of ALL of my babies! But there really is something about the relationship between a mother and a son. Especially when he is your only son.

First of all, Jameson is growing up WAY too fast! I cant take it. He wins most of our arguments and the ones he doesn't win he convinces me to give in anyway. He is so smart and so giving. And the more he understand things and the way life works the more he amazes me. He has such simple solutions to such complicated problems. And he makes me wonder why the rest of the world cant just get it together and think the way James does. It would make for a much better place.

He is reading so much now, and he gets so mad at me for not ever correcting his speech in the past!! Words like other, he would have said "udder" and I never told him how to say it correctly so now that he is reading he asks me WHY I would let him talk that way?! I cant help but laugh. He also reads things he shouldn't. Like how many people have died in Japan, it affects him so much and I can tell he sits and thinks about it too much. He reads about missing kids and murders and THE WAR in the paper or in books and magazines. He gets so sad about all the negativity going on in the world and I feel like he is just too young to worry about such things. I want to keep him in his happy little bubble for as long as possible. I don't want him to know how evil people really are or what the world is really about. I don't like him worrying about our soldiers in Iraq and asking why the world has to fight. But at the same time, once again, I am proud. I'm proud that he cares and that he thinks about it. Goes to show he is a good person with a good conscience.

His favorite shows right now, and in this very order, are: icarly, Americas funniest home videos (my favorite too, we love watching it together) spongebob, wipeout, minute to win it and planet earth. All of which I love, except icarly I cant do that one. He gets mad if we miss one of his shows because I have to go to the store or something. He says I ruin everything.

He loves shrimp!! This kid can put down more seafood than most adults, but shrimp is what he loves best!!! He also eats all his veggies except some squash and spinach.

He is getting all A's and B's in school and he is speaking really good Chinese now. He got to have lunch with the principal because he is a such a good student and has good attendance.

He gags at everything, he gets that from his dad. I will wipe chocolate on him and then scream and not tell him what it is just so I can watch his disgust and see him gag!! Funniest thing EVER!!

He is so fun to hang out with, always joking around and messing with me. He is always jumping out of somewhere or throwing things at me. I know it might not sound fun to you but that is my same sense of humor so I think its fun.

Our feet are almost the same size!! I can fit into his shoes, they are pretty tight but the point is I can!! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN SO FAST???? Soon enough he will pass me up.

His favorite song is Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park and has been for some time now. He knows every word. But he also sings and dances... A LOT!!

He makes home videos all the time now. I don't know that I love that because you never know when he is taping you. I find videos of me in my pajamas or of me sleeping all the time. But I also find some pretty funny ones too! He likes to play jokes on people and tape it, he always gets Rory and the girls by scaring them. I love to see those ones!

Even though he is such a big boy he still crawls into my lap for a good cuddle, he still holds my hand in public and he will tolerate a kiss every now and then. He is also very patient with his sisters and I, always rolling his eyes and just following without much complaint.

He is a good boy and I love him.

M.I.C.K.E.Y M.O.U.S.E!!!!

2011-03-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Lately Rory and I have started to take each one of the kids to do something special. They get to choose pretty much whatever they want to do as long as its within reason, James asked to go sky diving... not going to happen. They get to go without any other siblings and can bring 1 friend if they choose to. Last weekend I got to take Rori Ana out for her special day. She had been watching TV and saw a commercial for the Disney on Ice coming that weekend. Every time she saw it she would scream at the top of her lungs, in the squeakiest voice possible MIIIICCKKEEYYY!! So daddy, being the wonderful man he is, got me and Rori Ana FRONT ROW tickets to see Mickey Mouse and the rest of the Disney characters! When we got there we were running a little late and they couldn't find our tickets in will call so I was running from counter to counter dragging Rori around. She loved it, I think it just got her that much more excited! She had no idea what she was in store for, all she knew was that Mickey was going to be there and that's all she cared about. The whole time she kept saying "I'm going to see MICKEY!!!" to anyone that walked by. Finally when they found our tickets we RAN upstairs and to our seats just in time to see Mickey make his first appearance! I don't know that I have ever seen my little Rori Ana in such a tizzy! She was waving and screaming like her life depended on it!! I think she was so loud that Mickey actually hear her because he came right over and started waving and blowing kisses right in front of her. You would have thought this little girl was going to faint with excitement. She was completely thrilled!! So there we sat through the first half of the show just oooohhhing and awwwing at all the fun tricks and all the beautiful princesses. Then it was half time, so we went out to go get a drink and some popcorn. Well, this is where it gets a little crazy. There I was ordering the popcorn and they guy accidentally over charged me so while he was trying to fix it Rori is jabbing me in my thigh telling me we have to go back to see Mickey and I kept saying wait and wasn't really paying much attention because I was trying to figure this popcorn thing out when all of a sudden it hit me that there were no more jabs hitting my legs... Rori Ana was gone. I practically yelled at the guy and told him to figure it out and I would be back and just started running, frantically running, in a total panic. This place does a big circle so I wasn't sure which way to run but I just went. After about 5 minutes with no luck and me sweating already and starting to REALLY panic I decided it would be best if I had some help. I ran to the first security person and told them I had lost my little girl. After a minute of me describing Rori in detail, right down to her little bracelet she was wearing they had it all over all their radios that she was lost. While I was describing her I completely lost it?! I don't know why, it hadn't even been more than 7 minutes she was gone but I just started sobbing!!! I'm sure I made a scene, even though I wasn't being loud it was obvious I was panicking and pacing like a crazy person. I had 2 police officers come try to console me, telling me this happens all the time at these kinds of events and that she was going to be fine but it didn't help. I was a mess. After the longest 10-15 minutes of my life a lady came walking up holding my baby, you would have thought Rori Ana was gone for more than a decade when I scooped her up and started crying even more than what I was! I was so mad, so embarrassed, so relieved and so thankful! I thanked everyone for their help, went and got my popcorn and took out all my frustrations on the poor kid behind the counter and went back to our seats and cried just a little bit more then enjoyed the rest of the show. It had no effect on Rori Ana since she had ran away to go back to Mickey and that was exactly what she got. By the end of the show I had calmed back down and we said one last goodbye to the Disney characters and went home. It was a wonderful and memorable night for me. My little Rori is the most mischievous, naughty, sneaky, determined little girl and she gets in more trouble in one day than any of my other children do in a month. But I couldn't be without her, not even if its only for 15 minutes. She means the world to me.

Sorry no pictures... I forgot my camera!!

Little Getaway...

2011-03-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing much has been going on here at the Royce home. Just a lot of the usual like school, homework, dance etc. And I have been getting really antsy to go somewhere! Literally going crazy, all couped up in my house wishing the winter would leave already! So last weekend when my mom invited us to go watch my brother play his first rugby game in Saint George I JUMPED at the invitation! I knew it would be cold there as well but it would be better than spending another weekend trying to fight the freezing weather at home. I had the house cleaned the bags packed all the kids and dogs loaded up in less than one day. By the time Rory got home from work that Friday I was practically in the car waiting for him to get in so I could leave. One zebra and a short 4 hrs later and we were there!!

This little guy was at a petting zoo in Scipio, the middle of nowhere! I couldn't believe it!

We stayed in a nice hotel with an indoor swimming pool so the kids got to swim their little hearts out. Ava had no fear of water by the time we left. She was jumping in and dunking herself. Rori Ana almost got the hang of swimming, I think by the end of this summer she will have it down. James and Nelly were fish and swam up and down that pool like there was no tomorrow. And Rory and I were exhausted to say the least (sorry no pictures, I wasn't thinking). Then we went to the rugby game, I am now a big fan of the game. Always something happening, never any down time and as horrible as this sounds I was amazed by the violent tackling and the way these guys just threw each other around and WITH OUT ANY PADS!! It was exciting to watch and pretty intense!!

That is Michael being tackled to the ground. He did a great job, especially for his first game!

The next day we had to head back home. The kids had school and Rory had work so off we went, but not without fitting in one last little hike to some caves my mom had told me about. The little hike there was beautiful, with all the recent rain they have had the desert was much greener than usual and there were little streams of water everywhere! Lucky for us we had just bought the kids some rain boots so they splashed around the whole way there.

I know that some of you will think I am off my rocker for taking my kids down into a cave. But, I promise I am very careful with all the crazy stuff we do with our children. Rory and I have and always will be adventurous. You would be amazed at the things we turn down because we know it probably wouldn't be the best idea to drag our kids through it!

My kids have seen and done more than most adults have. They have hiked through jungles, climbed mountains, swam through canyons and now... explored caves. And they LOVED every minute of it!!

Here we are lowering Rori Ana down into the cave...

Ava Lyn was SOOO mad that I wouldn't let her crawl down by herself! She kept yelling "NO MAMA" at me and would slap my hands away!

This is the entrance to the cave.
Another little tunnel we crawled through.

I would have loved to go in deeper but things got a little tight. And we went very unprepared, wearing rain boots and uggs, not the best cave gear. Next time we will go with more lights and helmets and the right clothes. And HOPEFULLY next time the battery on my camera wont die so I can get more pictures!!!

It was a great weekend and hopefully the first of many to come this year!!!

2011-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

Lately.....

James found a love for Bob Dylan and Kanye West and Gloria Estefan! He has been singing "Mr. Bojaaaaaanglesssss", "In the night I hear em talk coldest stone I ever saw bout a woman so heaaaartlesss heartless heartless" and he can shake it to the Conga like no other! I love that he has a love for all differnt kinds of music, I think I can credit myself for that. I have had my kids listening to everything from the moment they entered this world (literally) I think I was listening to Bob Marley when James was born. And I am not afraid to have dance competitions with them! Music is a big part of our family and I think we all drive our daddy crazy with it.

Rory went to school with Chanel and told her class about what he does for work. He brought a little torch and showed them how the heat makes the metal melt together, pretty sure he scared the crap out of most of the kids and the teachers. Hope none of them get any bright ideas. We probably should have thought that one through a little more.

Rori Ana is talking more and more and she talks so fast and quiet nobody can understand a word she says, except her mama and daddy of course. And that's all that matters to her. She is so bossy and mean but I wouldn't say she is the only one. Ava is usually right behind her mimicking every word that comes out of Rori's little mouth. Between the 2 of them, we are always in trouble. Those 2 get into more trouble everyday!! Its crazy! But I love to see how close they are, I just hope Chanel can keep them in line. Because I know I cant. Chanel is so patient and kind and she is about the only one that can talk those babies into behaving. She is such an excellent big sister and she will keep them entertained for hours! She teaches them how to play house, how to dress up, how to clean etc. etc. I don't know where she gets it from but she is amazing.

And we may or may not have taken in another dog.

(these pictures are not staged, this IS what these girls do to Tank all day and he loves every minute of it!)

Jameson goes off track! Yay!! Now you will see more pictures with him in them, poor kid.

And we are wrapping up the BMX season and hopefully starting the motocross season soon!!

Spring and Summer cant come fast enough!!

Christmas 2011

2011-01-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was a good one to say the least. It was filled with family, traditions, food, laughter, warmth, fun and happiness. I love Christmas time with my children, they bring so much to our lives and make our home come alive during this time of year. The anticipation of Santa coming was almost all too much for them to handle! I thought I was going to have to put them on some sort of anti anxiety medication! I love that every year gets better and better as they have more of an understanding of what Christmas is really about and of course because they know Santa is on his way. Everyday they were preparing in one way or another, whether it be writing and rewriting their lists, making decorations, making their home made gifts, baking and cooking with mom in the kitchen, seemed like they were doing almost as much preparing as I was! They were busy bodies for sure and it only made us that more excited to see them Christmas morning. I dread the day they quit believing in Santa and don't want to cook with me and make silly little decorations to put around the house. I am going to try my hardest to cherish these sweet, young, innocent moments with my babies.

Of course this year we followed many of the same traditions we do every year. Christmas eve with my family, eating our fresh made tamales that we slaved over the week before and having a wonderful home cooked meal surrounded by all my obnoxious brothers and laughing because my family and I all have the same sick sense of humor. I love the time I get to spend with them and how much fun I have when I am with them. On Christmas morning Jameson came in our room around 7 and quietly stood at the side of our bed and said "Mom. Dad. Santa came, he ate our cookies, drank his milk and dropped off lots of presents" then he laid down in between us and waited. He didn't beg or ask to go downstairs, he just laid there patiently. Finally Rory asked him if he want to go down and he said he would wait for his sisters to wake up, I was so amazed by his patience. He is far too mature. So he and I snuck into the girls room to get the party started (I didn't have the same patience) they all came racing downstairs to see what was in store. Jameson's favorite is probably his new art easel. He loves to color, draw and is painting all sorts of fun stuff on it! Chanel's favorite is her new camera from Nana, she is documenting every moment in our home, like it or not. Rori Ana's favorite is her new baby, it eats, talks and loves bananas almost as much as Rori! Ava loves her new stroller, she puts all her important possessions like her bottle, her Slinky, her blanket, her wipes and few other miscellaneous things and pushes it around.

That morning we also had a BIG yummy breakfast at our house for the second year! The Royce side and the Alba side came! I made a ham the size of Texas (we had ham for a week after that) and potatoes and chorizo, Rod's home made waffles, eggs and lots and lots more. After we all stuffed ourselves to the point where you are uncomfortable and all you want to do is lie around and try to digest all you have just eaten, the family all went their own ways and Rory and I did just that. We made ourselves comfortable on the couch and let the kids destroy everything in sight, not once did I pick anything up. I didn't worry about the glitter and bullets that covered every square inch of my house. I just laid there and soaked in every moment with my family (of course I paid for it the next day). Then we went to Aunt Sara's house where we got spoiled rotten! We all love aunt Sara, daddy Justin and Grandma and Grandpa Earle very much. Then we were off to the Royce's for fondue dinner. We tried to have the kids act out the story of Christ but of course they were not cooperating!

I love the joys the holiday bring, the happiness in our home, the loving family we are surrounded by, the traditions and the warmth I feel. It was another wonderful year, filled with all sorts of fun memories. I look forward to what 2011 year brings us, the ups and downs, the surprises in store and spending more time with my kids. This year my new years resolution is to be a better wife, to appreciate Rory more and to try my hardest to make our marriage the best it can be. To be a better mother and not worry so much about unimportant things and focus on how much I love these little ones and how happy they are and how happy I can make them. To be more patient, not only with my loved ones but with others, like the jack hole who cut me off today. To be more kind, and not call people jack holes. And to be more thankful. I'm not sure what Ive done to deserve all this but I am loving every minute of it!!

May this coming year bring you all happiness, joy, laughter and love!!!

My camera is taking the crappiest pictures???

2011-01-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Privacy Notice!!!!

2010-12-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

OK... I have been thinking about doing this for a while. And I have come to a decision.... I'm going private. That's right, our blog will be going private. I have no real reason for this, its just for precautionary reasons. So if you would like an invite leave a comment with your email address and I will be happy to send you an invite.

Racing Season...

2010-12-14T09:09:00.001-08:00

BMX season has started and so far we are off to a good start! Jameson has taken first in all of his races except one. He is going to have to move up a class because he isn't even giving these other kids a chance, he is so far ahead its crazy. He really is gifted when it comes to anything on wheels or anything that moves really fast. I love watching him race and I'm sure other people love watching me watch him race because I scream at the top of my lungs and cant control my excitement. What can I say?? I'm a proud mommy!
Guess who else started racing?? Yep, that's right. My little Rori Nana!! She is just doing "big wheels" which means she only gets to race once. She races against other 2 yr olds and they all get a trophy. She LOVES it!!

Ava is very supportive.

And Nelly is officially racing this year too!! Last year she was just racing the big wheels but this year she is a certified, registered, real racer!! She is usually pretty far behind the pack but she doesn't care. She loves it!! She makes sure to smile at everyone as she passes them, not watch where she is going or anything like that. She loves all her fans and she loves the excitement. Plus she REFUSES to race on an actual BMX racing bike. Why you ask? Because its not pink and it doesn't have a basket on the front. We tried to get her to race on a racing bike and she would NOT. I think once we can get her her own bike, a pink one of course and put a basket on the front she will do much better. You would be surprised at how much fast those racing bikes go and how much lighter they are, which makes a big difference when your only 4 yrs old and your peddling your heart out to make it to the top of a hill.

Jameson is showing Rori Ana the ropes. He tells her to make sure she stays on the inside of the turns and use her weight to get up and down the hills. She doesn't understand a word of it but its cute.

I don't blame her for wanting to race that bike. Its the perrtiest bike I ever saw!!

And here is Bill, he looks like he is the only one on the track... That's because everyone else is so far behind.

He was more excited about the candy cane than the trophy!

HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS!!!!

Dancing Queens!!

2010-12-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

Nelly had a little dance recital... I don't know if I would call it a dance recital but they showed us what they have been working on and learning. Chanel is doing fantastic this year! She actually DANCED!! No stage fright, she went right along with everyone else and seemed to enjoy it. She kept looking over at us and giving us the "look what I can do!" look! She was excited and so were we! Rori has been beeeegggginngg every day to go to dance! I have been a little hesitant to put her in because she too is a little shy and because she doesn't follow direction very well. You know how Rori is... she is her own free little spirit. But she never disobeys someone else (besides me) so she might do good? We will see... She starts in a couple weeks.

It was a pajama dance... All the girls got to wear their jammies! They loved it! And my kids got to open a gift early because I wanted them in their Christmas jammies, they weren't too excited to see that they got jammies but it was still fun to rip into the paper they have been poking at for the last 2 weeks!

Ava was quite the dancer!!! I couldn't believe it! I mean, I see her dance at home all day long. But I never thought she would get down the way she was at the recital?! As soon as the music started and she saw all the other little girls dancing she was right in the mix of it, she stepped out into the middle of the floor so everyone could see her and got down!!

My sweet ballerina, she looks so beautiful. I love my Nelly Belly too much.

And then they had a real poor impersonator after we were all done. None of the kids looked very convinced by his fake beard and his fake boots. I saw them all look him up and down and then give a little crusty look. But Chanel still gave it a shot and got up on his lap and told him she wanted another baby doll. And James took a minute but he did it too, he wants Heely's and Rori and Ava were NOT having it. They would not sit or stand anywhere near this man.

Crazy kids!!! Christmas is almost here and they are all running around like a bunch of crack heads! They cant wait and can hardly control the excitement they have!! Should be a good one this year...

A few things I need to remember...

2010-12-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

I just need to jot down a few things that I don't want to forget...
~How Ava Lyn's feet fart and make clapping noises on the tile when she walks. I can always hear when she is coming because her little feet give her away. I think she is so flat footed that air gets caught under her feet?
~How Rori Ana loves to give Ava her baba (bottle, yes Ava still has a bottle) and she runs around the house saying ABA BABA!! ABA BABA!!! Never gets old.
~Jameson trying to control his temper, which isn't even that bad anyway. He never really yells or gets mad but its funny when he starts to get frustrated, usually with one of his sisters, and he will start taking deep breaths and say his head is feeling mad and he needs to get away for a minute.
~ All the different stories the kids come up with, mainly Chanel. She has such a crazy imagination and will turn anything into what she wants it to be. She is always making rockets for her babies out of boxes and sending them to "outapace" and all her little words she makes up. She says blue eyes are pensive (expensive) and she will argue with me forever about it. I'm not sure where she got that but she believes it and there is no convincing her otherwise.
~ Ava learning to talk. She finds a word for the day and she will repeat it over and over and then the next day you cant get her to say it to save your life. But she will find another one and its always just as cute.
~All 4 of my kids no longer fit in the bathtub together. Nor do they want to, its sad. So now we have 3 different baths to run every night. The 2 babies and then Nelly then James. Its exhausting. I cant wait for summer so I can just hose em off.
~ Rori is still so attached to that blanky of hers. It goes pretty much every where with us, and heaven forbid we forget it because all hell breaks loose and its not fun.
~ The girls play dress up about a million times a day, its quite the mess but so cute to watch their fashion shows they put on.
~ Jameson is now having all these spelling tests and he is just now realizing that he has been saying some words wrong all his life. He gets mad at me for it! He says "MOM! Why didn't you tell me I was saying this wrong?!?!" I just laugh. Some words are truck/chruck over/ober other/oder etc.
~The creative, fun messes Rori and Ava come up with. Everyday is something and everyday its worse and worse. Those 2 are menaces!!

Im sure I will remember some more later and I will add to this list.

Rori decided it would be fun to put mustard in Ava's hair...

A little behind...

2010-12-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

Once again, I am a little behind on my blogging. But to be honest too much has been going on and not a whole lot to write about. Winter is taking its toll on me, just as it does every year. I'm thinking I may not survive this one. Its so ccccold and miserable out there, I do not like it. Not at all. So I have gone into complete hibernation and I don't leave, which is fine. I love my home! I have gotten a lot of cleaning done, organizing. The girls and I have fit in a few tea parties, fashion shows and barbie is married to iron man and we had a big wedding. James has started racing his BMX and just as he does every year he has gotten EVEN BETTER!! Yep, that's right. I'm bragging about how good my son is... again. He didn't practice at all and we threw him on the track with a bunch of kids who live, eat and breath BMX racing. And he blew them all out of the water! He was so far ahead he could have stopped mid way and taken a bow. That is just how good my baby boy is. So he is busy doing that now and he is doing WONDERFUL in school too, and even if he doesn't get straight A's I'm pretty sure he is going to make a fortune riding motorcycles and bikes anyway. I have also taken a liking to our brand new library right down the street! I LOVE IT!! It is so big and it has all sorts of fun things to do, even for the little peeps like my Ava who isn't really big into reading yet. So, we go there where its nice and warm and read until were cross eyed and then we take the "short cut" home which is an empty field they are getting ready to build on full of extra THICK and STICKY mud!! And we do donuts and fly through that field throwing up as much mud as we can! The kids love it and I have perfected my 4 wheeling skills. I'm just waiting for the day that I have to call Rory to come pull us out because even though its just down the street if I get stuck I refuse to step out into the cold.

We also celebrated grandma Teresa's 50th birthday! We all threw her a surprise birthday party! I think she was pretty SURPRISED, especially because we had Rachael and Charlotte come in all the way from Milan to give her a birthday hug in person! And Bekah worked so hard on making sure everything was looking fantastic. And Kristi put all her creative touches on everything. You all did such a great job and it was so fun to be a part of it! I love being part of the Royce family.

Then it was thanksgiving and this year was by far one of my favorite thanksgiving's ever!! I got to see my aunt Sarah, all my little cousins, my grandpa and MY GRANDMA!! I haven't seen any of them since my wedding and it was long over due. I missed them all and it was so nice to sit around and reminisce, and make fun of each other and just visit. I got to see all my babies meet their great grandparents. Ava hadn't met them yet. And I got to see almost every single person that I love in the same room. That doesn't happen very often with my family, we are all spaced out and living our own separate lives but when we come together... watch out. I couldn't have been more thankful for that wonderful week with my family! I loved every minute of it!

Then we got to celebrate my momma's birthday, it was a quiet celebration... Maybe when she is 50 I will throw her a surprise birthday party... Alba style (It might last a few days). We went to happy sumo for her birthday dinner, it was too good! They have a dish called OMG cheesecake. It is the bomb! We couldn't help but make "mmmmm" sounds and say OMG the whole time we all stuffed it into our mouths!

Here is all of us except my dad and Jameson.

AND ONE OTHER THING...
A few weeks ago I got a call from a friend of my mothers. She owns an animal rescue and she informed me that a little mix had just given birth to 6 puppies at a shelter and they were going to euthanize them if they couldn't get a foster home immediately. OF COURSE I couldn't let that happen!?!?! I wouldn't hear of it. I know it happens everyday, way too often. Its depressing to think about but if I can help out, even just a little. Why not?

SO, I called Rory that evening and told him I only had a quarter tank of gas and asked him if that would get me to Bountiful. He said yes, then he asked why in the world I was driving to Bountiful, seeing as to how I wont even step foot outside. I casually told him I needed to go pick a momma dog and her 6 pups or they might be put down. I tried to mix it into the conversation so that it wasn't the main topic and just nonchalantly throw it in there. I was hoping he wouldn't notice what I had just told him. But he did. He didn't say much, he just said "uh huh" and then he told me he would see me at home. When I got home, puppies and momma in tow, I wasn't sure if I was in trouble or if he was going to sit me down and lecture me for an hour about how I need to think twice before I do things like this and how much work it is yada yada yada. Instead he just walked out to the garage, lifted the little crate of squeaking pups and carried them upstairs. He didn't say ONE word. Not one. He didn't even say anything when I had an ugly little momma mutt following me around the house and jumping on his feet to make sure he was being careful with all her babies.

He just walked up to our room (he knows I wouldn't sleep without them) and carefully opened the crate and took each puppy out, one by one and placed them in the little bed I was making for them. Through all of this he STILL didn't say anything. And I didn't want to be the one to say anything, I wasn't about to set myself up like that!! But I noticed, even though he would never admit it, I saw him snuggle each puppy before he put them in their bed. He loves them too, he just wont say it.

Look familiar?!?! Yep, just like my little babies I raised last year!!!

And here is sweet Missy. She is the cutest, ugliest dog ever!

And my babies now... They are 3 weeks old!

Unfortunately we lost the 2 runts of the litter. I tried to keep them alive and I was able to for about 2 weeks but they were just too weak. And even then, when they passed away Rory got up and got the shovel and went out to our little animal cemetery (yes, we have a cemetery in our backyard) Where Jazmine, Lola and Jameson's bird have all been buried and we laid them to rest. He has got to be the most patient husband ever!
I think its because he sees how happy these little creatures make me...

So that's if for now, I'm sure I will have more to write about soon. Soon the puppies will be running around the house and wont be so little and cute. And soon Rori Ana and Ava will do something that makes me want to scream and laugh at the same time and I will have to go running for my camera so that I can document what terrors they are. And James and Nelly both have a race tomorrow. This will be Chanel's FIRST REAL race!! I'm excited! And I know she is. She is going to whoop some BMX BOYS' BUTTS!!

A MoNstEr in the making...

2010-11-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning the other day and I had to sweep and vacuum, so I sat the babies at the counter with their choco milk and banana's hoping that would keep them out of the way while I swept really fast. Silly me. My first mistake was leaving the Nesquik on the counter... in their reach. I know better, this has happened so many times before. My second mistake was thinking they would behave themselves. They don't do that, as a matter of fact Rori Ana has taught little sweet Ava a few new tricks. For instance... How to throw things in the toilet, how to color on the walls, how to get into the pantry and open all sorts of yummy things, how to run around the house screaming and growling at the top of her lungs, how to hide in the laundry room and play with the lint out of the lint screen and so so sooooo much more. These 2 have become quite the partners in crime! When I put Ava down for her first nap of the day Rori asks where she is about a dozen times, I'm sure she is wanting someone to do all sorts of naughty things with. Before Ava was just the baby but recently Ava has really started to grow up a little and learn new things. Rori Ana took full advantage in taking my sweet angel and molding her into her new little naughty partner.

These two are so fun to watch play with each other, they run and laugh at nothing! They LOVE each other, they very rarely fight and when they do its nothing like when Chanel and James fight or like when Chanel and Rori fight. Its more of a disagreement that eventually after a few hairs being pulled out and some growling and screaming they work out on their own. Before they didn't pay much attention to Ava, like I said she was just the baby of the family and the kids never noticed her much or involved her in any of their play. But lately its been a different story. And Rori Ana and Ava are closer than ever. I'm not sure how long this will last or how long I even want it to last?

I cant wait to see what else Ava can learn.... yaaaaaay.

Speed bump

2010-11-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have hit yet another speed bump on this road of motherhood. Or maybe I'm going in the wrong direction... or lost... or maybe just a little bit of construction and it will clear up soon. Yes that's what it is, I'm sure I can fix this.... WAIT. How did I get on this road anyway???
Ok, either way I am probably making a big fuss out of something little but, to me its BIG! This is my JOB, being a mom, and when someone or something makes me feel like I'm not doing it right it really effects me! This is all I do!! I don't have another part time job or even so much as a hobby, being a mom is it for me so when I feel like I am not doing it right I feel like a failure!!! Last night I went to Jameson's parent teacher conference and I almost left in tears. This is the first time I have ever felt this way! I have been to many other P/T conf. and every time its the same thing; James is doing great, he loves school, he has lots of friends, no concerns in his learning ability etc. etc. I have never left wondering if he is where he is supposed to be, actually I leave really proud of him because he is always doing amazing. Last night was a little different. And now I am totally lost and don't know what to do? Like I always say, James is my oldest and I learn just as much as he does everyday. He is my teacher and I am his and right now I feel like its the blind leading the blind. When he started first grade all of a sudden everything got so much more serious. Not that we didn't take school seriously before but this was a different serious, I cant even imagine 7th grade or high school. Once he started he came home with REAL homework! He got GRADED on the this real homework. He has SPELLING TESTS! Reading tests! And so much more! And that's when I found that I have got to be one of the WORST teachers EVER!!!!! I find myself getting so frustrated and repeating myself over and over. I don't know how to explain in simple terms. And James is not the best student, he gets SOOOO distracted! He does not listen at all, he stares with a blank stare and says "I don't know" or "I don't get it" before I even say a word or give any instruction. Every day homework is a battle and I don't WANT IT TO BE!! I want him to want to do this! I want him to love school and I don't want to ruin the fun of it! It is SO important that he does good in school and love school, I think because I despised school and I don't want him to feel that. I hated that feeling and I don't want the same for him.
Anyway last night his teacher told me he wasn't on schedule with his reading and that he needed to really work on that because he is going to get further and further behind. I sunk in my chair when she said that. Then she said he isn't doing his work in class and he has to stay in for his recesses to finish. I SHOT up in my chair when I heard that! I couldn't believe he never told me this?! Everyday I ask him 'how was school? What did you do? Who did you play with? What did you eat for lunch?' EVERYDAY! And never has he told me he stayed in for recess?! I was so sad, that set the tone for the rest of the conference. She then told me that she has had to sit him right in front so she can make sure he does his work, otherwise he just sits there. I sunk again, this was just getting worse and worse. By the time we were done I was practically laying face down on the floor pulling out my hair. BUT good news is he LOTS and LOTS of friends, so much so that he talks ALL day when he's not supposed to! Ugh. I was just so upset. This is a first for me. How the hell am I supposed to do this? I'm good most of the day, I get up, get the kids up, get them ready, get them out the door and to school on time, clean, clean, clean, pick them up from school... and then it gets a little crazy. I don't want to bring them home from school and immediately sit them down and make them do MORE school work. Plus, I find that they are much to antsy after school to even pay attention, so I give them a break and let them run for a bit. Then after their break I sit them down and start... Here I am trying to teach Chanel her letters while James is yelling at me to help him. SO I run over and help him and TRY to explain to him what he needs to do and he says " I don't like this, I don't want to." And Chanel is screaming "MOOOOMMM ISSS THISSSS ANNNN OOOOOOOO????" and I look up and say no, that is a Q and James says "MOM!!! Pay attention!! Isn't that what you tell me?" Yes James, I'm trying but I need to help your sister too. And all the mean while I have Ava yelling and screaming at my feet or pulling out pots and pans and banging the walls with toys. And RORI ANA... forget it!!! She is usually trying to steal the kids' homework because SHE wants homework! And she wants their homework!! I have even gone as far as making copies of it to give to her so she can feel like she is getting attention too! But that doesn't help. I buy her books, nope doesn't work. I tell her she has her own homework, still she doesn't care. She will take off with their school books and if I don't watch her closely she will rip them or color all over in them or just hide them. So here I am running in circles, knowing that I am probably doing more damage than good and tyring to give each child the attention they want AND cook dinner. And every time I tell myself, this time is going to be different. I will occupy Ava with this or that and I will sit her down and try to keep her happy and quiet. Then I will find something for Rori to do and then I sit right in between James and Nel and try my absolute hardest to keep this fun and keep their attention. And everyday it ends up the same... a total circus. I don't get it? How do the mothers with so many kids do it?? What am I doing wrong? I stay calm and collected and still things go completely out of control!? WHYYY???? I want to do this right, I want my kids to do well and succeed in everything. But I am doing something wrong. Oh great, Rori Ana just got into the vicks! What is it with my kids and vicks?? They love it! My dining room table is now covered in it. Well, I better go screw something else up...

Happy Halloweener!

2010-11-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Halloween this year... Was... well, exhausting would be an understatement. It was filled with tantrums, screaming, crying etc. etc. etc.

On Friday we had Chanel's Halloween party there were lots of costumes and lots and lots of candy! Then we had Jameson's Halloween parade, it was so neat to see all the homemade costumes!! Next year I WILL do homemade costumes! I better start now so they are finished by then. And of course they celebrated with lots of candy too! That night we decided to let the kids have a sleep over with some friends, James slept at Ryland's and London slept here, bad idea. Everything went smooth until about 10 pm when all of a sudden the girls got this burst of energy, I think it was from all the sugar they had eaten earlier that day, and they went completely mad!!! I don't think fell asleep until about midnight and apparently the same thing happened to the boys, they didn't fall asleep until about 1 am!! Only to get up bright and early at 7 am. That whole day was miserable!! Horrible!! Awful!!! I couldn't get them to take a nap to save my life, none of them! And they were so overly emotional and sensitive! Everything was the end of the world, nothing was going right, nothing we did would help, they were crying and crying and screaming and whining ALL DAY!! I don't know how many times we thought about bagging Halloween this year! And just shutting off all the lights and going to bed at 7. BUT we didn't, we got the spook ally all finished up, put on our costumes and Daddy Justin and aunt Sara came to visit and brought lots of treats and gifts then as soon as they left we ran to Grandma and Grandpa Earls to say happy birthday to Grandma! Then we ran home and trick or treated our hearts out and ate pumpkin pie and MORE candy with all of our family and friends!!! It ended up being a great night.

Normally I get lots of pictures, these are all I took!! I knew I would regret it, but I was so tired and fed up. Now I'm really kicking myself!

Rori's Prayer

2010-10-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

Rori Ana finally decided to say grace today. I have been trying to get her to say it with me for a while now and she always say "No Mama, you say it!" But not today, we bowed our heads and she said "Ror nana says pwayer" so she did and I didn't understand most of it but it went a little like this: " Fadder, bwessed da Aba (ava), bwessed da mama, bwessed da daddy, bwessed da newwy (nelly), bwessed the Janson (Jameson) and bwessed da food. YAY!!!!!". Man I love the kids prayers!

Soccer!

2010-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Jameson is at it again!! Soccer started back up for fall, he is doing great! He really seems to love it, most of the time. He has his days where he just doesn't feel like doing much out on the field, but for the most part he is amazing and a really strong player on the team!! I am so proud of everything this kid does, he is my hero!

Happy Birthday Papa!!

2010-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

It was Papa's birthday last weekend, we celebrated by having a yummy family brunch! It was so fun to be with the whole family, I think I will force them all to do it again sometime!!

Fall 2010

2010-10-13T13:56:00.001-07:00

It was another fun year at the pumpkin patch!! Every year it takes longer and longer since we have more and more kids picking out their very own pumpkins. This year it took us probably 2 hours for everyone to decide on the PERFECT pumpkin... Perfect in their eyes anyway. I'm sure next year when little Ava Lyn has a say we can add another half hour. I kept finding pumpkins and making suggestions but NOOO!! Everyone I picked wasn't the right one. Finally, after walking up and down every isle, everyone got their pumpkins. Now to carve them... That should be fun, who knows how long that will take?!

I love these pictures of Jameson! Its so hard for me to get a good picture of him! He is always too busy and too fast for me to get a good one. I have to be very sneaky or catch him at just the right moment... I got lucky this time.

Chanel was obsessed with every single "quishy pumpkin". She would make sure she examined each one she found, looking and poking and prodding it with sticks. Seemed like the moldier and squishier the better!!! She was disgusted and fascinated!

It wasn't until after my kids had crawled all over every pumpkin that we found this crawling on one we were just about to load up into my car! Wouldn't be Halloween without black widows...

2010-10-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Jameson is 7!!!!

(This is the only picture I have of me pregnant with Jameson)

Its so hard for me to believe I have spent 7 of the BEST years of my life with Jameson now. Everyday with my children is a new adventure and so exciting and fun. Even the bad parts are appreciated, without them I don't know what I would do? And to think this crazy life I am living now all started with one little person. I am so thankful for Jameson, he has made me who I am today and I wouldn't want anything else. He has made me a mommy and he showed me what life was really about. This kid holds my whole world, my whole life and my heart in his little hands. He is everything! He is the best son a mother and father could ask for, the most caring big brother a sister could need, a loving grandson, a best friend and so much more.

I was so young when I had Jameson and I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into. I never read one book, never had much advise, never knew what having a child even consisted of. All I knew was from the moment he was in my belly I loved him more than anything, and I could figure out the rest. I am still learning so much everyday, and he is so patient with me and all my silly mistakes I make as a mom. He holds my hand through it all and loves me unconditionally. He has taught me more than he could ever know.

Jameson is loved by SO MANY people and I know he loves everyone back. He is very appreciative of his whole family. Its amazing how one little boy can bring so many different people together and teach us to love no matter what. We would all do anything for him! Thank you to everyone for all the love and support you have shown my son, without every single one of you he would not be who he is today. He has brought us all together for a reason, and I love everyone of you!!

(Jameson with his daddy Justin)

The day I brought the little man home!!

2 months old...

9 months old!!

Jameson has been raised around so many different animals, he has such an appreciation for life big or small, slimy for furry! He loves em all!!!

James and our pet pig Betty...

Jameson is 1!!!

His first big vacation... We went to Puerto Rico!!

Jameson and Daddy Rory...

Rory met James when he was only 6 months old. From the moment I saw those 2 together I knew they were meant for each other...

Such a cute dork!

He takes excellent care of all of his little sisters. If anyone can handle 3 girls it is him!! He has more patience than any person I know.

For Jameson's 7th birthday we decided to throw a surprise party!! He was SHOCKED when we yelled surprise, he almost looked a little terrified. He was counting down the day until his birthday, asking what we would be doing and if he would get his bounce house that he gets EVERY YEAR for his birthday. I just kept telling him I didn't think we would be able to and maybe we will just stay home and he can play on the trampoline.... Little did he know I was planning his party the whole time.

Chanel was so excited for her big brother!! And she loved being in on the little secret, she helped all weekend getting everything ready and running to the store. She picked out all of the party decor!!

I had rented a bounce house that was supposed to be at our house at 10 am sharp! Well, they decided not to show up?!?!? So there I was at 11:30 calling like a mad person to find a bounce house, after calling multiple places and everyone being completely booked I found one nice lady would rent it to me if Rory would load and unload the bouncer off her trailer. I begged her to come as soon as possible, she showed up at 12:15 (the party started at 12) and James arrived 5 minutes later!!! Everything worked out perfectly!!

Jameson's aunt Sara had this cake made for him. THATS HOW SPECIAL HE IS!! It was an awesome cake and it tasted amazing!!

He got lots and lots of great gifts from all of his best friends!!

Thank you everyone who came, we couldnt have such a great party without so many great people!!

I look forward to everday I get to spend with you Bill, mommy loves you!!