Out of the mouth of my 7 1/2 yr. old babe...

Tonight during dinner we were discussing what all the kids wanted to be when they grow up. The obvious answer came from Alexander and Matthew..."professional football players".

Catherine then piped in..."I want to be a doctor that takes babies out...OR maybe I'll be a teacher...OR, actually I want to be a NUN!!"

We all got a good chuckle out of that!! Hey, I am all for promoting vocations to the religious life with my kids, but coming from her...at that moment, just made us laugh.

After the laughter subsided, she quickly added..."If none if those jobs work out, then I will probably just work at Costco so I can get mom a discount"!!!

Gotta love her!

HAPPY 43rd. ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD...

Today is my parent's 43rd wedding anniversary!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you so much Mom and Dad for all that you do...

Thank you for your love and overall commitment to one another.

Thank you for the love you have so generously given to Bill, Kristen and I.

I love you and I am so proud to call you both my parents !

Here's to many more happy and healthy years together...enjoying each other, your three children and your 11 grandchildren!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD

Any man can be a father,
but it takes someone special to be a Dad.

(October 13th, 1995...the night before my wedding)

Dad, today is your day and I want you to know that I honor you thank you for all the love you have given me and all the sacrifices you have gone through to always provide the best for your family.

You are strong yet gentle.
You are determined.
You are focused.
You are and always have been a hardworking man.
You are driven.
You are debatable.
You are trustworthy.
You are a great story-teller.

You have tried your hand at being a fireman, a military man, and company man (to just name a few),

but the most important job of all...

a family man.

You are lovable.
You are a loyal and supportive spouse.
You love your grandchildren,
and they love you!
As busy as my life gets, I just want you to know that I love you
and I do not take you for granted!
I am honored and blessed to have been raised by a dad like you!
Happy Father's Day Dad!
All my love and admiration,
Lotta

In Their Own Words...

In honor of Father's Day this post is dedicated to my dear hubby...the father of our 5 children. Although we will not be spending the day with him (he is at a Conference in Long Beach for the next 3 days), we wanted him to know how much we love him and what a GREAT dad he is.

So, I thought I would ask the kids to help me out with this post today.

In their own words...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY!!

"We love you the BEST because..."

Alexander: "You are always there for me and I love that I can talk sports with you. You are fun and you play catch with me and throw the football with me too.

Matthew: "You encourage me in all that I do. You make great Sunday breakfasts and you work hard so that you can help pay for all my sports programs."

Catherine: "You take very good care of me and you buy me treats and ice-cream. You call me 'Pookie' and that makes me happy".

Andrew: "You turn on my favorite shows in the morning when I wake up. You take me on walks and buy me gum-balls at the gym"

Brendan: "DaDaDaDa"

(Now let's hope this is one of the times that Mike actually reads my blog!)


Thanks for all you do for me and our children.

"We love you the mostest,

all the way to heaven and back...
WE WIN!!!"

Oh The Joy of Summer Errand Running...

I avoid random errand running or shopping outings with all the kids like the plague. I'm a homebody by nature, so I like to be home. Not to mention, the idea of dragging five kids out anywhere is NOT appealing. Usually our outings go something like this:

1. "YAY, we're going to xyz."
2. "What do you mean you can't find your shoes?"
3. "Everyone, let's help X find his/her missing shoe. It looks like this."
4. "Catherine, why are you standing there staring into space?, FIND THE SHOE!"
5. "Okay, just forget the shoe...wear a different pair."
6. "Yes Andrew, you CAN wear rain boots in June....JUST PUT THEM ON!"
7. "Everyone in the car."
8. "Matthew stop teasing your sister and let her in the car."
9. "MATTHEW, STOP TEASING YOUR SISTER AND LET HER IN THE CAR."
10. "MAAATTTHHHEEWWWWW!!!!!"
11. "Andrew stop screaming and buckle your seat."
12. "Andrew, stop screaming."
13. "Andrew, stop screaming or so help me God, I will not pull out of this driveway!"
14. "Yes, I will play song 12 on the cd as soon as I get out of the driveway."
15. "Andrew, you will have to wait until we get there to go potty."
16. "Andrew, we're almost there. YOU BETTER NOT PEE IN YOUR PANTS!!"
17. " I will not play song 12 for the 47th time on this trip."
18. "Ok, we're here. Now listen, you will STAY WITH. ME. You will not run around screaming. You will not act like animals. You will STAY WITH ME!
19. "Let's go to the potty. Boys (and Catherine) you stand RIGHT here and do NOT move."
20. "Yes, they're all mine." (*And I left the triplets at home with the teenager.)
21. "Andrew you do not have to potty again, you just went.
22. "Let's go to the potty. Boys you stand RIGHT here and do NOT move."
23. "Yes, I know what causes it." (*And we like it very much, thank you.)
24. "Andrew I said, STAY WITH.ME!!"
25. "No, I don't run a daycare." (*I just like gathering up the neighborhood kids and taking them out.)
26. *I wish people didn't stare at me like I'm the Drugger Family.
27. "Andrew, I am not taking you to the bathroom again."
28. "Ok, we're all done. Get in the car."
29. Repeat 8-17 (although the child doing the teasing could change and most likely will)
30. "Ok, we're home."
31. "Alexander, stop teasing your sister and let her out of the car."
32. "Alexander, stop teasing your sister and let her out of the car."
33. "ALLLEEXXXAANNNNDEERRRR!"
34. "Everybody in the house. Mommy needs a nap (*or a glass of wine)."

*Words in italics may or may not be things I have actually said, depending on my level of frustration.

So as you can see, going anywhere is not very appealing to me. Yes, I'm sure I could handle it better, but hey, that's who we are. I'm not one of the calm, peaceful, serene moms you might be imagining (I know, I know...so hard to believe).But I'm discovering, if I don't go anywhere, this is going to be one LONG summer. And the kids have been asking to go to the library. It's the last thing I want to do. But I should probably buck up and do it. Then I can spend the next three weeks worrying about lost library books and whether or not Brendan has torn the pages out. Better stock up on scotch tape.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Today, June 18th, is my Mom's birthday. I want to thank her for so many things... Actually, I can't thank her enough for the things she has done for me. She's always there to guide and protect me. Despite my shortcomings, she's still there, waiting for me with open arms, and accepts me regardless of whether we agree. Anyway, thank you, Mom, for everything. I know I am not a perfect daughter but I have always loved and respected you. You are the most hard working, determined, loving, accepting, spiritual woman I have EVER met. I can only hope to live my life with the grace that you live yours! I thank the Lord for giving me a mother like you. You are a blessing to me. Thank you also for your generosity and understanding. Thanks for being such a wonderful Mom and such a great prayer warrior for me and my family. I pray that the Lord will give you many more years to celebrate as I want to spend more time with you. And today, I wish you good health, more blessings to come and may you have a happy and memorable birthday today! I Love You!

Mom at her graduation..BS Nursing...San Jose State

Mom and two of her sisters...Clair and Pat....dancing to "We Are Family" at my wedding!!

Mom with Alexander and Matthew. Talk about "prayer warrior"...she was my ROCK during the toughest days of my life!
Mom and her "grand-girls"!
Mom, caught in a down pour in Disney World! Such a trooper in her

Wal-mart .97 cent poncho!

br>Mom and Mike...loves him like her own son!

Mom and me. I know I posted this picture not too long ago (Mother's Day) but as I was looking through my photos, I realized my mom and I have one more thing in common...always behind the lens! I had more pictures of my mom and "whoever"...just not "my mom and me"! Mom, we will have to do something about that!Cherished Mother
Every day since I was born,My mother cared for me.

Now that’s a lot of caring,

As anyone can see.
Please, Lord, protect my mother,

And keep her safe from harm,

For she is a cherished person,

With great wisdom, love and charm.
Lord, it’s my mother’s birthday,

So please, help her to see

Just how much she means to us,

Her loving family.
By Karl Fuchs

Way Back "When"esday...

Way back when there were just "4 of us"
Summer 1999
Lover's Point, Pacific Grove, CA

YUMMY!!!

For me, almost no flavor screams "summer" quite like the combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Throw some pasta in there, and I'm drooling already. I found this recipe on Kraft's site and it pulled together very, very quickly - a perfect weeknight meal! I made this last night. Just throw it all together and you're good to go!
Pasta Caprese

Ingredients
1/2 lb. capellini or spaghetti, uncooked
1/2 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (I actually substituted fresh milk mozzarella cheese, um-ummm-good!)
1/3 cup fresh basil, finely sliced (we love basil, so I added a little extra)

COOK pasta as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 min. Add tomatoes; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

DRAIN pasta. Add to tomato mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.

Brotherly Love

During the last week of school, Matthew (and Alexander) received Academic Awards. I did not bring my camera to the assembly, but a friend captured this moment for me.

Shortly after Matthew's name was called to come up a receive his award, Brendan hopped right out of my lap and ran up to Matthew and gave him this big leg-hug. Mind you, this was in front of the entire 4th and 5th grade and many, many parents and guests. It was just precious. He didn't let go of Matthew until it was time for him to go back to his seat. Matthew's face is a mix between loving it and complete embarrassment.

Lots of "ahhhs" from the crowd!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER KRIS!

Today is my sister's birthday.
She means the world to me.

So, Kris..
here's to you!!

You have always been able to make me laugh when no one else could.
You are so determined and can do anything if you put your mind to it.

You have an amazing memory for phone numbers and people's names...I wish I had just a bit of that talent.

You have always had a way of getting me into trouble..
(Toyota Camry and a tree ring a bell??)

You are 2 years younger than me but even still, I have always looked up to you.

We have not always agreed on everything but we have always had each other's backs.
And most importantly, we have always been best friends.
You are a wonderful Aunt to my children and it shows -

they love you beyond words
I can not thank you enough for all your support of me over these last 10 1/2 years on my journey of motherhood.

I wonder how many hours we have racked up on the phone?

We are truly best friends who just happen to be sisters
.I hope Catherine and Mia, although cousins, have the same relationship that we have!

You are a wonderful sister and you still being here on earth with me is a medical miracle that I will never take for granted!

I LOVE YOU SIS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

and MANY, MANY MORE!

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li

My Week In Pictures...

End of the School Year Celebrations Edition...

This past week was packed full with end of the year class parties, awards assemblies, and school BBQ. I was at school 4/4 days this week (a record for me this year). The kids had a lot fun with their respective class activities. Andrew and Brendan must have been thinking, "this school thing is pretty fun...games, park days, junk food and hanging out". Considering Brendan missed his naps most of the days this week, he was a trooper...completely entertained by all the activity. I was so proud of how Alexander, Matthew and Catherine included their little brothers in their celebrations. They too were troopers!

Here are a few highlights...

4th Grade Celebration..Kaseberg Park

Matthew and Andrew

Alexander and Brendan

Matthew-water balloon toss

Andrew participating in the water balloon toss.
Thanks Mrs. Seffens for being his partner!

Andrew, learning to throw a Frisbee Brendan entertained himself by going up and down this slide about 300 times!

SCHOOL BBQ..food and fun!

Alexander, Matthew and friends hanging out with Mrs. Seffens

Catherine participating in a competitive game of
"water bucket duck-duck- goose"! Andrew, hanging out with Big Sis,
playing games and spending time with her in class.
(Thank you Mrs. Yunk for including him)

1st Grade Celebration...Kaseberg Park
(take 2)
Catherine, Brendan and friend Kayla Brendan sitting with the big kids (thinking he is taking part in the activity)

Andrew hanging with Catherine's friend Kyle and taking full part in the "water dumping duck-duck goose game

My big girl!

Catherine and Brendan

END OF THE WEEK...

Babysiting for Mrs. Seffens daughter Brooke. SO MUCH FUN.. Brooke is 1 month younger than Brendan.

OH WHAT A WEEK...
all this partying tired me out!!

No More Pencils..No More Books...School Is Out!!

I can't believe another school year is behind us! Wow, what a whirlwind of a year. At this very moment I am feeling like the end of this year is bittersweet. Alexander, Matthew and Catherine had such wonderful teachers and learning experiences. We are so ready for summer, but not ready for this year to be done!!! I know, it doesn't make sense. I got so teary at the end of the school day today. I am so grateful for the dedication of the teachers that taught my children this year. So many changes ahead of us, but so thankful for so many blessings this past school year brought us!

A little perspective...

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

August 2008

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

June 2009

Catherine and Mrs. Yunk

Alexander and Mrs. Seffens

Matthew and Mrs. Ennis

Thank you teachers! Great job Alexander, Matthew and Catherine! You all get A+'s in Mom and Dads book!

Now, let Summer 09' begin!