Kristina's the big "14"!!!

We are now undeniably in teenageville! I know that we have been in it for awhile but now there is no denying it. Kristina is 14. She had her birthday on Monday and we were so happy to celebrate with her. Since Matt and I were both working on Monday and going out to eat was going to be difficult we went out to NYPD Pizza on Saturday for her birthday. Monday she wanted me to make pulled pork sandwiches for her official dinner. Which of course me being the awesome mom that I am I did. After she was able to open presents. As you can see she got Twilight scene it for the Wii which she totally kicks my butt everytime. Then we had desert. She didn't want a cake but wanted the chocolate lovers donuts from Dunkin Donuts (which we are so happy that it is right down the road now). I think she had a pretty good birthday. She is having a slumber party on Friday and I promised to take her out shopping for some clothes since I am not allowed to pick clothes for the child anymore. Heaven forbid Mom buys her something to wear. I have no idea what looks good. Go figure! Happy Birthday eldest child!! We love you:)

Highlights from Riley's bday party

Yesterday we finally were able to have Riley's bday party. Events included the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey, balloon relay, balloon popping race, guess how many chocolate eggs, necklace and bracelet making, eating cupcakes and ice cream, and of course opening presents. The girls were silly and cute. A good time was had by all:)

Riley's 11!!

We do celebrate Valentine's Day somewhat but at our house that day we really like to celebrate Riley's birthday!! Our Riley girl turned 11 on Sunday, Valentine's Day. She's my special Valentine. I can't believe how grown up she is getting. Why oh why does time not stand still sometimes? She had loads of fun and loved her day. Happy Birthday Riley-Roo! We love you:)

Happy 7th Birthday Sam!!

Thursday we celebrated Sam's 7th birthday. Since I am a "mean" mom we do not have parties every year. The poor kid thought he was going to die because he couldn't open presents until I came home from work. I am happy to say that he survived. He opened presents and was so glad to get the Flight Simulator for the computer he had been asking for. Unfortunately our computer is slightly old and takes sometime to get going but he has been loving every second he gets to play. He also got some bday money and couldn't wait to buy a solar system. I know my kids are a little weird. His bday meal of choice was Burger King which he ate every last bite. The next day we took him and his sisters to see Up. If you haven't seen it yet get going. It was a terrific movie! I think if you asked him he would say it was a great birthday:)

Happy Birthday Matt!

Yesterday was Matt's birthday! (It was also our anniversary but I will post about that later when I can find a scanner to use since ours gave out.) I think he had a good day. We spent time as a family then Matt and I went shopping and out to eat. As for all his birthdays Matt had a theme going on. This year was Hannah Montana! Granted it wasn't planned out as well as it should have been but it was still fun! I still think the Wiggles bday was by far his best and most surprising:) ha ha Happy Birthday dear! Hope you had a good one!!

Matt and his Hannah Montana badge he wore all day!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Today was my birthday! It was a great day even though I am getting so old!!! I love birthdays. I love as I do get older it is just about spending time with my family and friends. I was able to go back to bed (my favorite thing to do!) after the kids left for school. I got to sleep in. I was able to get many bday wishes from friends and family alike and thank you all so much for them! Some of my sweet nursery kids brought me some very yummy treats! One of my oldest and dearest friends Jeni brought me the most fabulous cake! (Thanks Jen for totally ruining all my walking and bike riding:) hee hee) It was then off to Target to buy fun things and then finishing the day at Chipolte. I love low key bdays like this. Thanks Matt for doing so much with the kids and making my day wonderful!! I am excited to also celebrate at work on Monday! That group knows how to have some fun:) I love birthdays!!!

Kristina is officially a TEENAGER!!!

Thirteen years ago our sweet eldest child decided to enter this world. Granted she was 2 1/2 weeks early she gave us an idea of what life would be like with her! Kristina has been such a good kid with such a funny personality. She is usually kind and sweet but her teenage hormones tend to take over her every now and then! We are so grateful for her in our life!

Sorry about the blur but I had to show the child's Twilight obsession!

Since her birthday fell on a Sunday we celebrated yesterday with a yummy lunch at NYPD Pizza. One of our favorite places. Grandpa Richie and Grandma Junie happened to be in town so we were lucky enough to have them join us. We also brought Kristina's best bud Ryleigh along because those two just love to hang out together. After lunch we headed to the mall to see what treasures she could buy with the birthday cash that was burning a hole in her pocket. Time was running short and the younger siblings were getting bored so we didn't get to spend as much time there as she would've liked. I guess I will have to take her again. Then today for her actual birthday we had Ma and Grandpa come over to have cake after church. I think she had a pretty good day and just want her to know that we love her moods and all. She is such a sweet girl and I'm glad that she is a part of our lives!

Kristina and her partner in crime Ryleigh! (I hope I spelled your name right!)

Happy Birthday Riley!!

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago our little Riley decided to enter this world. She wasn't due until the 16th but I guess she decided we really needed a Valentine's baby. This sweet girl has blessed our lives so much and I am thankful for the sweet spirit she brings into our family!

We started the day off by finally getting to sleep in. Well I should say I got to sleep in but Riley was to excited to sleep too late. She awoke and patiently awaited till we were all dressed before she opened her presents. I think she made out rather nicely:)

Here she is with her dad and Sam. Kristina decided to spend the day at the zoo with friends and we missed her. Mean mom that I am I only do parties on the big birthdays but the kids don't seem to mind so much.

After presents we loaded up to go to the San Tan mall. Riley had a wad of cash that was totally burning a hole in her pocket. The main store she wanted to visit was any bookstore. Luckily there is a huge Barnes and Noble at the mall and she was excited to go! She totally cracked me up when we entered the store because it is two stories and that is two stories of bliss for Riley. Right when she entered there was a "Whoa" coming from Riley and she was in HEAVEN!!! This kid is a total book worm. (She has the most AR points from reading in the entire school!) She had found 5 books to take home and read right away. She would've bought more but wants to save some of her money for a DS game coming out next month. Then it was off to Build a Bear because she got a birthday gift card from them for her other bears. Note to all the readers, NEVER GO TO BUILD A BEAR ON VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Talk about insane craziness in there!!! She found a cute doggie and now all is right with the world:)

We picked up Kristina on the way home and had Riley's meal of choice for her birthday, TV dinners. The kid is a little strange:) That is now our official Valentine's dinner. I know you are jealous, right?! Grandma and Grandpa headed over for cake to end the day. It was such a fun day. We love you Riley and are so grateful to have you in our family!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET GIRL!!

Sam's 6th Birthday

Like my cake decorating skills? Yeah right!

Okay, please be patient while I fill you in on all our family happenings this past summer. I forgot to mention before we went to NY we had Sam's 6th birthday. I can't believe that my baby is already 6 and just so darn handsome. He decided he wanted to hang out with the boys for his birthday so we had a few friends over. I am not one to overly plan, I know shocking, so I let them play and have watergun fights and eat cake and ice cream. We had a good time!