What Happen to Halloween Thirteen??

I am sooo far behind! I recently had a discussion with some of my Blogger friends and they were actually shocked to hear that I still have a family blog. Apparently they are a thing of the past?? Well, even though I'll fully admit to being a major slacker on this blog, it's very important to me to document our family happenings online. I'm terrible at journaling lately. And I haven't hopped on the Project Life thing yet, so for now this is all I have to leave my family with. So I better make an effort. PS have you heard about this Project Life thing?? AMAZING!!! I can't wait to hop on board. It's just a little overwhelming right now.

This is what our Halloween looked like this year!

Pumpkin Party for Family Night with yummmmmy pumpkin muddy buddy mix!

Trunk or Treat chili party with our Ward! We tried to steal one more year of themed costumes from our kids before they won't give in anymore...it was a TOUCHDOWN!! Muahaha. I was a ref, Erik was a goalpost (don't even get me started on the weirdness and hysterical laughs we got out of that skin suit!), Kayson was a football player and the triplets were the Cheer Squad! It was such a blast. The girls played with their pompoms and chanted around the house for weeks, "rah rah team, rah rah team". They totally got into character.



This is absolutely one of my favorite Halloween pictures I've ever taken. I'm not even sure how I got such a good shot. As usual, I had to take about 10 pics and as I was flipping through, this shot caught my eye and it was like photography divinity walked into my life. They all have the best faces and they did them on their own!! Thanks kids...

 

Mommy & Us Dance Class

I'm not unlike most moms...you hear that sonographer say "It's a girl.." and your mind just floods with thoughts of Barbies, glitter and dance class.

For me I saw all of that in threes. Right from the start. Everything was one big group party. Overwhelming...but more exciting than anything I could ever imagine happening to little ol me.

 

Dance class isn't cheap. But I haven't wanted my little ladies to miss out, nonetheless. Turns out, the Mommy & Me class is nothing more than things you can do in the convenience of your own home.

At this stage it's all about getting them comfortable following instructions, having social interactions with other kids, moving and learning to control their bodies. Getting comfortable with their bodies and having FUN with it.

So...I decided to start my own dance class. Just my girls..."just". I figured I had enough for a full class anyway...there's your social aspect.

I found some VERY affordable dance outfits at Walmart of all places. I already had tights and tutu like skirts. So all I needed was the leotard. They had ballet shoes too, but they were too big for our girls.

One of the most important keys in making this a big deal and getting them to take it seriously is by separating it from your average routine.

We have 2 days a week that we set in stone as if we are having to show up for a paid class at a studio.

We make sure we get dressed in our dance outfits

The first half is structured but it's fun!!! I mean these girls have a blast.

At the end I spend a LOT of time letting them take turns deciding what part was their favorite and what to do next. We do a lot of "Follow the Leader".

I will let them take turns being the leader and the leader gets to decide what we all do. We walk around the room and do whatever they ask! It really has been so much fun for them. I honestly don't think they even realize they are learning or being taught something. It's truly just fun for them!

 

Curriculum:

First we practice stretches which are easy and fun for toddlers. Reaching up and down, touching toes...that sorta thing.

We reach up high and then touch toes. We do twirls. We jump, we put hands on our hips. We switch arms so they learn to control certain sides of their body. But most importantly, we make moves fun. I will have them hop around like a kangaroo...leap like a frog...roll around like a potato bug. There are so many simple moves you can tie to things they are familiar with and enjoy.

 

There are so many fun ideas, props, visual aids and things out there on the net and we use a lot of them! Here's a fun visual aid that works great for toddlers! It's even more fun if you put them in a basket and let them pick the next move!

Right now it's about simple things like this. And I don't spend a lot of time on it. I'm talking a 15-20 minute class. And if someone is in a bad mood we end it. No pressure. We aren't paying remember? We just go back and try another day. That's what makes it a better environment for a toddler. You don't want them to feel forced. You want them to enjoy it, to look forward to it.

 

Eventually we will get into ballet positions and more technical moves...then I will hand it over to the pros. But as a mom of 3 girls...I can tell you that dance gets expensive enough...save your money while they are young. Invest it into time with your children to teach them, enjoy them and have fun with them. You don't need to pay someone else for the basics you can teach and enjoy at home. It really is so much fun. Such a wonderful bonding experience. And I don't mean to come across preachy...I just hope that my successful experience will help others open their eyes to an affordable and unforgettable time you can have with your toddlers!

Jesstober

Oh October, my dear. How I love thee. October has always been my month.

I was born in October. By no mistake.

If you look back through our blog you will see that I usually have some lengthy post dedicated to the fall...to October. It's just "my time". I usually get pretty emotional. I hit memory lane for some reason.

The smells.

The crispy leaves.

The ashes.

The apples.

The oaks.

The maples.

The turning of my age.

It's always felt like it belonged to me.

I have a lot of memories I've held onto that have happened in October the last 6 years.

Some I NEED to forget.

Some I need to hold on to.

But in the end, I'm grateful for this time of year. It's become a major time of reflection for me.

But for now, I want to share with you some LITTLE moments from my October this year.

 

I already posted about my birthday.

Here's a project I loved...

I shared this on my mommymakesthings.com blog but it's a chalkboard sign for my kitchen...THE hardest place in the house to decorate in my opinion! I'm satisfied...

One of my favorite books. And the quote is perfection at it's finest.

 I forgot to share this in September...I think?? I'm getting so bad at blogging lately that I can't remember! So I apologize if this is old news. But we FINALLY painted over this fugly (pardon me!) red and made it a little new and fresh. It was a fun LATE night with the hubster.

An October wouldn't be complete without a little new DIY Halloween decor right?

You can find more details about this on my other blog but I was pretty excited to make some harem pants for the girls for Halloween. LOVE em.

A little more decor...cuz you really can't have enough, right?

I played around with some really fun stuff on my DIY blog. Glazing is a new technique I'm a little too obsessed with! What else can I glaze...?? hmmmm...

And THIS girl...I swear she's trying to grow up too fast on me! Break me into pieces why don't ya??

Here's a DIY project that I actually DO brag about. Because it's of my littles. I love it. I mean I really really really really love it. I found a way to capture their littleness in time forever...in my decor. Two great worlds. I can't get over  how much I love them. You can find the tutorial at mommymakesthings.com

Along with the silhouettes, I also made a shower curtain I've been dying to have! I love me some trendy modern triangles...so I had to whip one up! Trust me...our 5 yr old Walmart bathroom needed a makeover. It was way easy! And I'm a beginner folks. Again...tutorial at mommymakethings.com

 Little Miss Payten desperately needed a haircut. We had way too much mullet goin on. How cute does she look with her little bob??? Thank goodness she is SUCH a girly girl. I mean sure, her getting into nail polish (or using sharpies as nail polish) and hair products and...can be a total pain in my caboose but she is girly through and through. If I didn't know better, I could've swore she asked me for this haircut. Little poser.

Cheeseball

Family Nights

Sometimes...almost always...it ends up in everyone fighting to touch the visual aids but eh...I'm trying...that's all I can do.

Ok...here we go. The triplets have been up to a LOOOOOT of trouble. It's getting to the point where we are constantly locking things and hiding things and you literally can't afford to let one out of your sight for 2 minutes. Payten is still the most mischievous. We all have a silent understanding in our family that if you don't see her or hear you...you better run. Every time WITH.OUT.FAIL. she is into something...some kind of trouble...I mean it's like she's a wizard of shenanigans. This is how I find them after I (heaven forbid) take a quick potty break...pushing the chairs into the kitchen and finding ways to get into things they aren't suppose to. Boy do these ladies know how to take advantage of me!

Triplets are good for pony rides. Just sayin.

We have no shortage of holiday movies in our home, that's for sure. Unfortunately the girls are too young for most of  them...and Erik hates the rest. So it's up to Kayson and I to keep the Halloween alive in our home!

Oh this girl. Hallie Mckay. I could write about her for hours. I could do that for all of my children but she truly inspires me. She's one of the most unique people I've ever met. And she's IMPOSSIBLE not to fall completely head over heels for. That's what we get for naming her after Allie Calhoun from The Notebook. Here, she's clearly holding all of the sippy cups hostage. And I love this pic because it's the ONE day I had CRAZY and IRRATIONAL dreams of potty training 3 toddlers at once. I mean what was I thinking right??? Ugh....it was the last time I saw her in these...let's just leave it at that.

 

This photo needs no caption. Ok so there's a caption in the photo...but it says it all.

However, for fun...here's what I posted on instagram with this photo:

"I know people that are afraid to be parents or to take that next step, it's a lifelong commitment. It's hard work. It's scary. And you will never be ready. We loved being parents, but were we ready for triplets? Certainly not. Is our life easier with children? Definitely not. Can we afford everything we want for our kids? Not even close. Do we have money in the bank? Rarely. Did it all still work out? Better than a dream!!! For those of you hesitating to take that step, I can tell you that even the scariest of circumstances reap more joyous rewards, love and moments than you can find in any other way than as parents. This pic is one of those simple moments that life is good and nothing else matters."

We are blessed with parents all around us that love us unconditionally, give unconditionally and somehow keep believing in us no matter what we go through or how hard life can get sometimes. Here's just another night of them spending time with us and taking us out to dinner. Making us feel fancy. Fancier than mac n cheese that's for sure!! They love us way more than we deserve.

This pic...I mean really. Does it get any better than this???

Hallie...playing with one of mommy's wigs. Cuz she's cool like that. Though she be but little, her hair is but ENORMOUS!!!

And yes, that is a binky. Don't judge. You'd be lazy too if you were desperate to hold on to naps!!!!

Oh ya know...just another typical moment in our home. Kids with completely overactive imaginations. I love it.

Payten is such a daddy's girl. Although, I have to GRACEFULLY and GRATEFULLY admit that she has an indescribable adoration for mommy finally.  When we have alone time it just melts me. I see so much of me in her...I feel her desire to grow and learn and become like me. I've never literally FELT someone look up to me but the way she wants to copy my every move...the way she looks at me and desperately wants to be a part of it all connects us in a way I don't have with the others. The way she likes to HOG me and feels so entitled to have me all to herself...I can't help but be moved. It rocks my world.

But this little lady loves to sit and wait for her daddy to come. Or watch Kayson play with his friends...apparently she just wants to get the heck outta dodge.

Silly September Stuff

 It's pretty much a requirement for girls to get hooked on The Princess Bride...I'm happy to oblige

 When I bought my yard sale stools, I had the girls hop on for my "Before" pics. I couldn't help but melt over this pic. Uno, Dos, Tres.

 Definitely not as cute without tutu bums

 Oh Miss Payten...about as girly as they come. She MUST have her nails done. And if she doesn't, she will take care of it herself with markers...often. I love having someone to play dress up and make-over with!

 

At least once a week, no matter what I do, Payten finds a way into mommy's make-up. Just another mascara fiasco. My favorite was probably the time she put lipstick all over her...well...let's just say there wasn't a pic taken of that one.

 While we're at it...why not share another Payten Moment?...

 

 Our dear friends Joni & Aria came to visit for a bit before they moved to Ohio...sadness in the air. Can't wait to see them again but we had a great & girly time! Two year olds are the best...I love this age!

 Just another desperate day for something to do!

 I am struggling so much with getting rid of binkys. We got so close and then Hallie started having her Night Terrors and it really set us back. Hopefully we'll toughen up soon. It's so much different with 3 of them!

 Awww...Dirty Dr Pepper definitely helped get me through the month!!

I hardly ever take pictures at Eriks parents anymore but I need to start. We go to family dinner there every Sunday and I've just become so use to it over the years that I forget to take pics. But these times with our family are some of the most precious. And definitely something we may be missing dearly in the next year or so.

 Uncle Brendon snuggles

 Sleeping in big brother's room. "Turn the light off mom...it hurts my EEEYYYYESS."

Hottest Summer Ever

Remember all my posts about desperately yearning for sun? Well we got it. What a hot summer it has been. One of the hottest I can remember in Utah. It's hit 100 pretty much every week. We've done our best to stay cool inside but we've played in the sun as much as we can!

 

We love the Splashpads and great friends always wanting to come with us! Whitney and her kids are TOO cute. So excited to have them back in our neck of the woods!

 Yes, my children look pretty messy some days. I wouldn't be a normal mom if I didn't have a couple "pajama days" a week! We love to eat lunch outside as often as we can. This girl, her face, her clothes, her hair...always a hot mess.

 We've tried to stay cool this summer in our fun pool! We looove it! Took a while for me to get over the anxiety of it being outside and worrying that the girls would sneak out into it. I couldn't sleep the first night it was up. It just keeps you on your toes and makes you follow them around all day! Talk about ALERT mom!!

It wouldn't be a summer in Utah without a trip to Roy Aquatic Center! This was our first time taking the triplets. Last year was just too overwhelming.

 One of my favorite times of the day...family prayer. They are just such sweet little spirits with precious hearts at this age! I love their enthusiasm for the gospel and participating in anything family related. They love to say prayer and we will often get 2 reciting us at the same time in unison. Adorable.

 Another fun trip to the Splash Pad with a couple of my favorite mamas!! Jordan and Whit.

 We've spent a little time at the local Syracuse Library. We love free things. And we love books. It's a win win!

 Balloon Fight! I do my best to keep the kids entertained...sometimes we have a winner...

 I love watching them play together (yes, another pajama day...I'm lazy ok??!!)

 Of course this post wouldn't be complete without a shenanigans pic, right? One day I was making dinner and heard Payten say, "wanna apple, Hallie?" I thought to myself, "wait, we don't have apples...." This is what I found. 3 ladies chomping into my tomatoes. Awesome.

(I swear I dress my children...)

 Enjoying our Roy Aquatic Summer pass...love love love this time of year!!

 Saydee...our bravest swimmer yet. This girl is on fire! A lot of the toddlers at the pool don't wear floaties and here we are with our kids all suited up. I know we look like freaks. But honestly, I can't handle the anxiety of trying to juggle 3 at a time even with Erik there. Things can happen too easily, too fast when you've got your eye on another child or you are helping another child. And they have. So for now, laugh if you will but it's a necessity for us.

 Payten...

 It's hard to find a picture in the sun where Hallie doesn't have her Pirate Eye. Cracks me up!

 

Erik and I started a new workout program. I've been a Turbo Girl for 6 years. I love Turbo Fire & Turbo Jam. But Shaun T (creator of Insanity) just came out with his new workout in June called T25. All workouts are super intense but ONLY 25 minutes. Works our tails off! Can't wait to see the payoff! And I love that I've finally found a workout that we can do as a couple.

 A night out with the grandparents and then stopping to visit the cows and horses near our home. It's the simple things in life & time together that make us smile. I love the 6 of us together.

 These 2 lookers. Daddy & Hallie. Don't those smiles just make your day a little better?

 Just enjoying another day outside eating lunch in our gazebo!