West Clan

Proverbs 15

2011-02-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else have trouble reading Proverbs. I think it is a love hate relationship. Every word speaks directly to my heart. I am spurred on but also so convicted. I think of myself as "Good", but none of us are.

15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I think I am able to offer gentle answers to my husband and even my friends. But my children . . . their questions come a mile a minute. It is so hard to answer those questions gently, when they are asking question instead of getting their shoes on. Please Lord show me how to answer and speak to my kids gently when my heart isn't in it.

15:13 A Joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when a heart is sad, the spirit is broken.

This makes me wonder. There are people I meet, mostly at church who also have a smile on their face. If my heart is Joyful (even when there isn't a lot to be joyful about) will my face naturally glow? Give me that Joyful heart so that others can see the Joy you give us.

Well just those two I think are enough for me to focus on you. Does Proverbs challenge you as much?

2010 20 Qs

2011-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

1. The Best Thing that Happened this Year?

Ummmm. Is it Sad I can't think of something? I can't think of just one thing. I feel better organized this year. I feel better about myself too.

2. Most Challenging thing this year?

Learning to teach Nika in a way that speaks to her.

3. Unexpected Joy?

I am happy! But what about? I don't know. I love my husband! I am truely amazed at how I do love him more each year. He and my kids bring me so much joy. But is that unexpected? I don't think so, or it shouldn't be. I guess I come back to finding Joy in seeing how I have grown in my ability to organize my house better. I think a lot of my organization had to do with going from having three kids down to two.

4. Unexpected Obsticle?

I hoped that Nika's difficulties in learning should not have been unexpected. But I was praying against it. But I am sort of proud of how I am learning to teach her in a way that is helping her. Teaching takes patience which as a Mom is hard to come by.

5. Three Words to Describe 2010?

Steady- Because we are working on the same things as last year
Up Hill - Because of challenges with Nika's learning
Same Old - Because this years seems the same as last year.

6. Guess Spouse's three Words.

Steady - because we are working on the same things as last year.
Rewarding - Matt excels at work and it is rewarding to have others notice.
Blessing - God Blesses us beyond what we would imagine.

7. Best Books of 2010

I am ashamed I didn't read as much I would like. But I read several young adult books I really enjoyed and listened to several books on Audio I enjoyed.

The Help
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Entire Percy Jackson Series

And the book I wished I finished before 2010 was Parenting By the Book

8. Most Valuable Friendships

This year has been a blessing in new Friendships.

The Richardson
The Gosnells

Old Friendship Grow

Rowles
Hammonds
Lundes

But I don't feel I have really been there for anyone or anyone has really been there for me.

9. Biggest Person Growth January to December

Less Disorganized and more confident.

10. Emotional Growth

I doubt myself less. I think Marriage humbled me. I thought I was pretty hot stuff. Marriage helped me to see my faults more vividly. I think I don't take my fault as personally as I use to. Just as areas of growth instead of "holes in my person."

11. Spirtual Growth

I wish I could say I had made spiritual growth a focus point this year. But I didn't. There was a period of time longer than any other before that I found myself capable of finding time to pray and read the Word. But it was not long lasting. I do yearn for that but find the lure of a warm bed so strong.

12. Physical Growth

This has been a good year for physical growth. For the first time ever I find myself spending more time thinking about what I eat and how much exercise my family and I are getting. But physically I have suffered with induring injuries. Back and Hip problems are been making daily housework painful.

13. Friendship Growth

I have seen a lot of friendship growth. New Friendships and Old ones deepen. But I still would like to have that one or two friends who I have such a strong relationship with that they challenge me to grow and I feel the freedom to challenge them to grow.

14. Enjoyable part of my Work

I had an oportunity to expand my work as a swim instructor to manage the swim lessons for four months. It was nice to see my excell at managing. I think it gave me a lot of confidence that I am not just a MOM, but I am a valuable resource to the community also. My work as a Mom and Wife has been more rewarding than ever before as I am seeing my kids learn and receiving complements from my husband on cleaning of cooking that I didn't hear before.

15. Biggest Challenge in my work

It was hard to see Matt and I working so much. Matt would work most tuesday and thursdays the last several months while I would work at swim lessons and we were able to connect on the weekend or a couple of workdays. There is just to much to do in such a small amount of time.

16. Biggest Waster

FACEBOOK. I did quit for a while. Maybe I should quit again. Thoughts?

17. Best Time Saver

Thank YOU Motivated MOM Checklist. You have made my year!

18. What I learned.

God takes me as I am.

19. Catch Phrase

Ummmm. I don't think there was one.

20. Summary

I don't want to do all this for my own glory. I had a great year, but what did I do for HIM. Did I do it in my strength? Yes. What can I do in 2011 if I do it in His strength? I will be unstoppable.

Facebook instead?

2011-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

My Sis in Law is always giving me a hard time for not doing my Blog. But I thought everyone had gotten out of the habit. Well apparently not everyone! I had forgotten the joy in reading my friends blogs. For some reason Facebook had replaced my time spent surfing through my friends blogs (and my friends of friends blogs). Is it the need to quickly connect with my friends lives instead of hearing their heart. Is it a need to connect with as many friends as possible instead of connecting on a deep level with my friends. I don't know, but I am not happy about it. And most of it just seems like a bunch of "Friends" of mine hoping someone out there cares about them. I admit on "Hard days" I update my status just hoping someone cares enough to comment. So Sad!

Well this is my commitment to you fellow bloggers to spend more time reading you and less time reading marketing and snapshot status updates.

First Day of Kindergarden

2009-09-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Nika had her first day of Kindergarden today. She is so excited, insisting that Kindergarden "Sisters" don't need their mom to take them in for school. "All the other sisters cross the street and go to their class by themselves mom. She sure doesn't look little anymore.

I really wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Well it shouldn't be hard. She went to Preschool all last year. Well I am enjoying myself, sitting in the office quietly as Christian naps.

Berry Picking

2009-07-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Check out a post Katie posted about our picking on Monday.

A Virtual Chill

2009-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

For those wishing for cold weather I thought I would share this picture I found hidden on my camera yesterday. Remember the snow storm we had six months ago? Remember losing electricity and heat? Remember how cold it was? Now doesn't 93 seem not quite as bad(still hot, but maybe slightly cooler)?

PB & J

2009-07-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Nika and Christian are always asking to make their own PB & J, so this afternoon I let them. Nika did a wonderful job, but was disappointed that her sandwich didn't turn into the shape she had intended to cut. I turned from cleaning the kitchen to find Christian making his sandwich in an odd way. He put no Peanut Butter nor Jelly on his Bread, instead scooping out Jelly and Peanut Butter directly into his mouth, then licking the butter Knife.

Purple Paint

2009-07-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Nika's Completed room. I didn't intend to match the curtains and wall so closely.

Fishing with PaPa Boyd

2009-07-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

At Wizard Falls on the First day of fishing season all the kids are allowed to fish right out of the fish hatchery settling pond. PaPa Boyd has looked forward to the day the kids would be able to do this for years. The best thing of all is that the kids caught their fish with their own spiderman and Barbie fishing poles.

Christian caught a fish.

Nika Caught a fish. And we cooked them up for PaPa Boyd's Birthday Dinner

Fourth of July Bike ride

2009-07-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

We got up early on the fourth of July to go for a bike ride. Matt pulled Nika and Christian in the trailer. It was the first time in years I was able to keep up. It just took 100 pounds of kids and trailer to slow the 33 year old down.

Visiting Washington

2009-07-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

I visited My best friend from college. Liz has a sister (adopted) who is the same age as Nika. I had been wanting to meet Ester. All four kids climbed on the slide together. Isn't this a great picture?

Visiting Washington

2009-07-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Father's Day weekend we also visited my Dad in Washington. He really wanted to see Kyle before he went back to his Mom.

Visiting Washington

2009-07-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

We went up to Matt's Parents for Father's day. Here is Christian, Kiley (cousin) and Nika.

Hanana Mon-Nika

2009-07-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is Nika posing like Hanana Montana.

Check Out our Youtube Site

2009-07-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/WildWestClan

The camping trip

2009-07-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

As I said in one of the eariler post this camping trip was the best ever.

We ate Salmon, pasta, fiaetas, breakfast burritos, pancakes, and steak.

It poured as we broke camp on sunday.

Familes represented Zunigas (Josh and AJ), West (Matt, Meghan, Nika, and Christian), Rowles (Layth, Betsy, Soren, and Keiton), Lundes (Paul, Andrea, Benton, and Nathanial), Bowmans (Vance, Alicia, Karis, and Kellen), and the Hammonds (Craig, Megan, Kyler, Maddy, and Nora). 23 people, Five tents, Six Cars, Two Canopies, Two picnic tables, Five coolers, Three folding tables, 13+ bikes, one scooter, two boys learning to ride bikes, and hundreds of marshmellows.

All the kids had matching shirts one day.

We went on a group bike ride into Cottage Grove.

Made a ton of memories.

Thanks for the fun Guys.

Nika and Kyler

2009-07-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Kyler is Megan Hammond's son. This camping trip was the first for the Hammonds with this group. But Nika and Kyler had a special thing going, I think you can see it in Nika's eyes.

Camping Moms

2009-07-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

I liked this picture especially. It is a picture of all the moms at the camping trip. I am so blessed by the wonderful friendship these girls offer me. In the top picture Betsy Rowles, Alicia Bowman, Megan Hammond (yes the confusion is crazy), and Andrea Lunde. I get around these girls and I feel so free like when I was in college.

Reading

2009-07-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

We joined the Libraries summer reading program. We did really good at the beginning. Better get back into the grove. We have our eye on one of those cool book bags.

Good Bye Kyle

2009-07-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Well I have recieved many inquires on why I haven't been blogging. I imagine people are wondering my thoughts on Kyle leaving.

Well many of you know my nephew had been living with us. He came to live with us April 23rd (two days after Christian's 2nd Birthday), at the young age of 6 weeks. After about two weeks of increased unsupervised visits Kyle's Mom took him home to live with her in Albany on Thursday July 9th (the day before Matt's 33rd Birthday). To do the math he lived with us for 14 months and 2 weeks. Yes nearly his entire life.

Prior to this his Mother was having weekly 3 hour visits with him supervised, so he knew his mom well. I think he even looked forward to spend that time with her each week. Yesterday I received an update from the casework, say that he was "Happy."

We spent the first four days after Kyle left on a group camping trip, which has helped to keep our mind off that fact that he is gone. We often made remarks about how this years camping trip (we do this same camping trip every years with a several families) was the easiest. 2006 we had Christian 4 months, 2007 we had three kids (my niece Kiley was living with us), 2008 we had three kids (including a 5 month old Kyle), and this year 2009 just two kids, only a 3 year old and a 5 year old. I plan to continue to stay busy and keep my mind off him being gone. I bought paint for Nika and Christian's room, painted Nika's room (purple), plan to paint Christian's room next week (transformer Red), plan to go berry picking (I haven't done this since I was a child), and I plan to learn to can/make jelly.

With all that said, I am trying to keep myself busy. But I can feel it now, we miss him so very much. My heart is broken that my son Kyle is not with me. And I see little hope that we will see Kyle much. His mom, my sister-in-law, has carried a lot of resentment toward Matt and I. Over the last 3 1/2 years we have had one of her kids living with us 2 years one month.

Well please be praying for us (Matt, Meghan, Nika, Christian, Kyle, and Jamie (Kyle's Mom)), pray discernment of the caseworker (Kyle Shumaker (yes same first name), that Jamie can feed him, clothe him and provide shelter for him (she has made financial difficulties), and Health for Kyle and Jamie (Jamie has had several health trials the last year).

Last of all. Just because Kyle has left doesn't mean we won't see him again. If he does come back into care we are first in line for placement. Kyle's caseworker has promised me he will not allow Kyle to slip through the cracks. And if you ask God has proven time and time again that He watches over his children, especially Kyle.

Thank you for all of your love and support.

Meghan

The Kids

2009-03-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Christian will turn 3 April 21st.

Nika turned 5 March 26th

Kyle turned 1 March 2nd. (The bruise on his head is from Nika opening the door into his head)

Twin Cousins

2009-03-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago Nika and I had a trip shopping together and she asked if I would get her and Kiley matching outfits. I did. A year and a half ago Kiley lived with us for four months. I really enjoyed buying the girls matching outfits and dressing them like twins. It was nice to have a little taste of that again. The girls love it too. That four months together, I believe created a special bond between the two girls. Kiley now lives with the Matt's Parents in Washington.

Nika's Cake

2009-03-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

Nika had a chocolate with raspberry cake. Decorated with three disney princesses.

5th Birthday Guests!

2009-03-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here you see some of the friends at Nika's 5th birthday party. Left to Right; Jaeden (from Church), Owen (from School), Eden (from School), the Birthday Girl, Kiley (Cousin), Christian (Brother) and Maya (Nika's Best Friend from School). Those not pictured who showed later; Benton, Soren, Nathanial, Keiton, Sara, and Jarameih. We tried to play games, but it didn't go well. The oldest kid there was Maya, who had her birthday the Friday before Nika's birthday.

Playing with Kyle

2009-03-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

Since Kyle turned a year earlier this month he has really been a joy for the kids to play with. He throws the ball, wrestles, and here you see him playing chase.

29th Birthday Flowers

2009-03-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

Matt brought home flowers the night before my Birthday. The purple ones are from my Hubbie and the yellow rose is from my Sis-in-law in Portugal (via Mary).

Sweet Mary has been bring us special treats on our birthday on command of Katie who is with her Hubbie is Portugal as he finishes his Masters there.

I think Matt was feeling a bit guilty, 'cause he had been gone up to 11 pm the night before my birthday. For the last three months he has been out of town every other week. I guess that should slow down for bit before it picks up in the Fall.

Serious Gamer

2009-03-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

The other day Christian asked to play the PS3. Well I guess he got worn out, 'cause when i came back he had fallen asleep.

I have been tagged.

2009-03-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well I am not entirely sure of how this works, but not matter what it should be interesting.

Andrea asked me to share the 5th photo in my 5th photo folder.

This brings me to a picture that was taken almost exactly a year ago. February 2008.

Somethings have changed since last year and some have not changed.

Nika still wears princess dresses all the time, we still have our room decorated the same, there is still clothes on the bed waiting to be folded. The only thing what would be different in this picture is that now we have another little tike running around.

This is the picture I was hoping it would fall on in this folder. Yes, I love the pictures of my little boy in a dress. He not the little boy who wants to wear a dress now. A year can change a lot of things. Now he is all boy. Jumping around yelling, "Super Batman"

OK, since it has been almost two weeks since Andrea tagged Alicia and Betsy I think they have to do mine too. Alicia, Betsy, Michelle, and Kysa. Would you please post your oldest picture.

Kyle's First Birthday

2009-03-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

The big Birthday Boy.

Eating his drum cake.

Reading a book with his Mom.

Wiped Out!

2009-02-04T14:16:00.001-08:00

Pirates

2009-02-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Daddy Daugter Time

2009-02-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

The first night the boys were tuckered, so we stayed behind while Matt and Nika went out. Matt said it was very special for Nika to spend time just with him and that she did not spot smiling the whole evening. They didn't get back until 11.30 pm. Wow. First picture is Nika on the Tea cups, Second picture is on the Carosel, and the Last picture is Autotopia.

Fairies

2009-02-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Rosetta - A Flower Fairy (She plants flowers)
Tinkerbell - A Tinker Fairy (she invents things)

2009-02-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Princesses

2009-02-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Disneyland

2009-02-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Auburn

2009-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Playtime

2009-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

After work time we hit the park. On the top picture you see Christian playing with JD. We visited JD for the first time when I was pregnant with Christian. It is hard to believe now they are playing together at the park. In the bottom picture you see Matt and his cousin David swing the kids together.

Sacramento

2009-02-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Here we helped a little with some Yardwork at Matt's Uncle and Aunt's house. It was great timing. Two of Matt's cousins families were there too. Combined 11 Kids and 8 adults. The work went fast with so many hands.

A Bump in the Kitchen

2009-02-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

Christian loves eggs. Well when they are cooked. He decided to help himself the other day. But don't worry he cleaned it up.

Mark your calendars!

2009-02-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

Kyle's first birthday party is coming February 28th.

The second snow.

2009-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

And then came the second snow and Christian getting the coup. Ahhhhhh. The coup is a scary thing. Now it was such a long time ago, I am little foggy on when during the second snow Christian got the coup, but it was exactly 7 days after Nika got it. But he got better, before the snow was gone and we made a killer sledding track on the driveway and even better Matt was home to play with us. I made be corrected, but I think the second snow fall was bigger then the first. I don't really know, because I never left the house during the first snow fall.

The first snow

2009-01-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well we did get a lot of snow. The snow came at an inconvient time for playing in it. Nika came down with the coup the day before the snow came. So we had to keep her inside, and if we had let Christian go outside then she would get all upset. I don't know if it was fair. By the time she was well enough the first snow was melting. So here are pictures of what we thought was going to be the last of the snow.

First thing Nika did was set herself to making a snowman. I had no idea she knew how to make a snowman. After all she is only four and we have only spent time making a snowman once before. Nika and Christian made the whole snowman, with little help from me (I made the middle, set the head on top, and got the face stuff.)

Misc. Christmas Pics

2009-01-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Wish I had something novel to contribute about Christmas, but those kids have me wiped out. I will say though, I wish we had focused more on Christ than presents. Well, we live and we learn. Next year will be different.

Kyle's first Christmas

2009-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well, Kyle has now been with us for nine months. Time has flown by. We love him so dearly. Kyle celebrated his first Christmas. Toys abounded. I had fun dressing Kyle and Christian in matching train PJs. I think Nika and Christian play with Kyle's toys more than he does. Matter of fact Nika and Christian even opened his presents for him. But I guess the road goes both ways. All of Christian and Nika's toys have Kyle drool on them.

Christmas Dinner

2009-01-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

My cousin and uncle made a "plated dinner" for us this year, instead to the normal buffet style. There was pumpkin scallop soup, warm lobster salad, and steak with pickled asparagus. Yummy. Now, while we pride ourselves as parents who expose our kids to varying cuisine. This was outside of what they had experienced prior. We had to sell it a bit. We told Nika it was a princess dinner, hence the sleeping beauty dress.

Nika's Preschool Concert

2008-12-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight Nika had her first Christmas Concert. She sang so good. Better than at the class Thanksgiving party, where she just stood there. After each song the parent clapped and Nika curtsied. She was the only little girl up there who curtsied. I was so proud I nearly cried. "That's my little girl up there."

A Trip to See Santa

2008-12-11T20:57:00.000-08:00

All the kids are super excited to see Santa. A different story last year. Since Nika was born I had to force the kids to see Santa. This year Nika poped right up on Santa's lap and told him what we wanted. Nika wants a Princess Table and Christian a ball. Santa says he has that covered.

My kids

2008-11-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

I sure love these kids. Matt shook his head at me and asked why I insist on dressing the boys alike. I don't know. It gives me a sense of family. Growing up my cousin Jeri (girl) and I always dressed a like. Don't all cousins do it. Nika and Kiley did (I guess it was me who dressed them alike). Christian and Kyle have two sets of matching PJs, but the train are the favorite of both the boys.

Spiderman

2008-11-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

Christian thinks he is a super hero lately. Nika is persuaded it is true. Afterall, he did make a spiderweb in his room.

I just hate it when they do these cute things and I have to correct them. If I could have persuaded Kyle (now crawling and cleaning the floor) that it is a spiderweb and not food, I would have left it a bit longer, but the little man was on our heels attempting his own version of cleaning.

Nika can write her name.

2008-11-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

Well this is not huge news, she has been copying her name for quite a while. But her interest in learning has just rocketed. While to be honest she isn't as interested as a parent would dream, she may just be a late bloomer. I was!

The Zuniga's

2008-11-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Several months ago the Zuniga's moved to Pittsburg for School. Katie had come over to help our Matt's parents after Jim's Surgery. I was so fun to get to see AJ. I may be biased, but I really think he loves his Auntie Meghan. It was really fun to spend time with Katie too. Aj, Katie and I even got to hangout alone together for a while.

Halloween

2008-11-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

Here is one of our pumpkins.
The actual day of Halloween we were up in WA visiting Matt's Parents. We went to a Havest Festival. Christian dressed up as Superman (they were really PJs)
Kyle dressed as a Monster and Nika dressed as the Snow White.

Princesses

2008-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I feel a little silly, but that is what being a Mommy is. When your daughter asks you dress up like a princess you just submit and put on your nearly six year wedding dress. Afterall isn't that why I kept it, for my daughter. I tried to get her to commit to wearing it when she gets married, but she says she is going to wear a snow white dress when she gets married.

Morning Greeter

2008-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Both of our kids wake up a bit on the grumpy side, not Kyle. He is always super happy to see us in the morning. I suppose with all the sleep he gets he would be the happiest. Sometimes he sleeps 12 hours straight. Two nights ago, was the first time he woke in the middle of the night in around five months. Our kids wake up more often.

Last Days of Sun

2008-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here Kyle (who was chewing on my hair) and I are enjoying some sun while I read. Isn't he cute?

Napping with Daddy.

2008-10-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Nika has sure grown up. I can remember pictures of Nika asleep on Matt's chest at the hospital, when she was born and now 4 years 6 months later she is still doing it.

Crawling Kyle

2008-10-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hey there are benefits to crawling as Kyle has discovered recently. The other day Kyle found a discarded orange sucker on the floor. Finders Keepers right? Christian threw a fit that I would not let him open a third sucker to partially eat on it, so threw it on the floor. Kyle sweeped in to the rescue (more like inched wormed into the rescue).

Just a quick disclaimer. I don't normally let him eat; A) Candy B)Off the Floor C) Chocking Hazards. It was just to cute to not document.

Fall is here.

2008-10-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ask me how I know fall is here. Could it be fall leaves, brisk air, rain, or pumpkins? No! Muddy toes, muddy floors, and wet noses. Last week after watching cartoons of kids playing outside in the mud the kids and I decided to let them play out side in the mud. It went really well on TV, but not on my floors. Christian cried that his boot fell off then figured it would be fun to feel mud in his toes. He came is side to tell me something and tracked mud on the floors. They did have fun, and to be honest I enjoyed clean the mud off the floors and screaming as Christian put his toes in the mud. Hey they were having fun, so I was too. But I haven't sent them out in the rain again yet!

Train Trip

2008-10-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Christian has really been into Trains, so Matt took Nika and Christian up to Portland on the train. They were so excited. I think the only thing that Christian didn't like about the trip was standing next to the Engine just as it was about to take off. It made loud noise, which really scared the little man.

Day Trip to OMSI

2008-10-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Matt came up with the great idea of taking the day off so we would all go to OMSI. The kids did so well. Kyle stayed chipper through many wakeful hours of playing, as did Nika and Christian without thier regular naps. OMSI is so terrific, we only made it through the biggest of seven or so areas. It is so great that the kids are getting old enough for these things.

First Day of Preschool

2008-09-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like such a big step to send Nika to Preschool. I mean it isn't Kindergarden, but it seems like it should be as important as Kindergarden.

Today was her first day, but last night Nika didn't think she could wait another night. She had had it up to here with waiting for Preschool to start. She had heard, "It is a long wait." "Not long now." "It is a short wait" and "Tomorrow." To her it all meant the same thing, "Not today Nika." "Mommy Preschool is never coming!" she said to me last night. I think she was shocked when she finally got to put on her School Clothes this morning.

Still I don't know how I will ever deal with getting everyone ready in the morning. I was up at 6 am and we were still running late.

Nika's teacher's name is Mrs. Read. She sits next to a girl named Maya. On her first day of school she learned about the letter "N" and "I"

Kiley's Visit

2008-09-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

Our neice Kiley came to visit last week. It was such a joy to have her, but I really don't think I can handle four kids. Nika was sad to see Kiley play. Many of you will recall that Kiley lived with us for around four months last year. It seemed like much longer.

Blanket Fort

2008-09-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

Recently the kids made a fort. It is really great to see how well the kids play together. It was totally Christian's idea and Nika had so much fun doing it with him.

First Teeth

2008-08-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I found out that Kyle has his first two teeth. I felt like a terrible aunt, because I didn't even realize they were there. For several weeks I was checking daily, but saw no evidence. Discouraged I stopped looking. Those pristine flawless gums now have two teeth all the way broken through. Bitter Sweet!

2008-08-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the day at two picnics. The first at Silver Falls State Park with family and friends from England and the second at Matt's company picnic.

The first picnic was so nice. The kids played in the cool water and the grown kids went for a short hike to see the South Fall. Our friends from England are actually my step granddad's foreign exchange student from when his kids were younger. I went to OSU with thier daughter and visited them for several days after graduated. So it was a grand reunion.

The Second Picnic was just as terrific. Matt's company picnic is always more like a fair then a picnic. The kids enjoyed horse rides (multiple), ice cream, bouncy houses, cotten candy, kettle korn, korn on the cob, movies, sand castle building, and wonderful food. Not to mention many new friends. There was even fireworks, but we didn't stay for those because the kids were worn out.

2008-08-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago we got a professional photographer take pictures of our kids. Kyle wasn't in the pictures, because we didn't know how long he would be with us and it ended up being complicated enough with the kids we had so far.

Top picture (left to right, back the front); Nika (4), Soren (3), Benton (3), Rachel (3), Christian (2), AJ (1), Keiton (1), ? (1), Nat (1), and Karis (1).

And the trouble begins.

2008-08-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today Kyle rolled tummy to back for the first time. He did it several more times back and forth then looked at me. I could read in his eyes, "Did you see? Did you see, Auntie Meghan I did a trick!" It was so sweet.

His coordination is just out of control now too. He is finding things on the floor and stuffing them in his mouth. I was eating a cookie and he grabbed it and stuffed it in his mouth.

By the way we are looking for a good house cleaning person. If you know of anyone let me know.

Kid's Photo Shot

2008-07-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Kyle's Photo Shot

2008-07-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Kyle eats Oatmeal. Yeah.

2008-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Boy do things change. When I was feeding my kids food for the first time they recommended waiting until 6 months. But taking Kyle to the Peditrician last week they gave me the go ahead to start the solids. He really loves being at the big kids table.
Sunday Uncle Josh made a fort for Christian. It was so sweet watching Kyle trying to get into the fort with Christian. No he doesn't crawl, but if he was close to crawling he would have been in that fort. Can't wait until he is crawling.

Beware the Goose!

2008-07-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

For those not familiar with the Goose it is a fun Game we have played with our Friends over the last Six or Seven years. Maybe someone else would be will to fill in more of the History. But basically when some major life event come along the goose will be "regifted." Well several weekends my brother-in-law (Josh) celebrated B.S. Grad and recieved the Dreaded Goose. Now all had hoped the Goose would be leaving us when Josh and his family leave for Portugual or even Carnagie while they are there. But, I am sad to report that last night that same sweet Josh (yuck) regifted the Goose to Matt for his upcoming Birthday.

So beware all. The Goose just might be there when you open that next gift from us.

Cartoons

2008-07-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ok I know it is wrong, but while at my Mom and Boyd's house in Sisters we discovered that Kyle likes Cartoons. Here you see all of the kids laying down to the right of the TV watching cartoons. Nika and Christian love laying down and hanging out with Kyle on the floor.

Golf Balls

2008-07-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Christian the constant comic! Matt, my Step Dad, and my Mom started throwing Golf Balls to Christian, which to our Surprise he started dropping into this onsie. Toward the end he started to look like a pregnant women holding his back as he bent over to grab another golf ball. We were laughing so hard I could barely hold the camara still enough to take any pictures. It was funny to see our slim guy put on his fat man suit (made of Golf Balls).

Time Off

2008-07-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Matt took last week off from work to accomplish several things around the house. The kids really loved having Dad home to play with. Here you see Matt and Christian doing some yard work.

Family Foto

2008-07-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of us taken at my nephew AJ's 1st birthday. I had forgotten abou this photo. Out family is sure growing. Isn't it a great picture. My 10 year old neice took it. Surprise? So am I. Thanks Victoria. Please be praying for the Hunt/West Family. Email me if you are interested in the Details.

Swimming

2008-07-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

The kids are crazy about swimming.

Christian is doing so good at putting his face in the water, kicking, and following the Parent Tot swim instructor.

Nika is a pro at blowing bubbles under water through her nose. On Monday she make some huge advances, swimming underwater and holding her breath for long periods of time.

I am still teaching on Mondays at the Courthouse (where the kids also take lessons), where I teaching Level One (getting used to the water). Matter of fact the asked me to teach the Parent Tot swim lessons on Fridays starting in September. I haven't fully decided, but I think I will do it. For now I really enjoy teaching the little ones.

Nika's First French Braid

2008-07-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

I guess this is a mile stone for Nika and me. I know it isn't perfect, but I was excited. I guess I am still learning these parenting tricks. I put Nika in front of the TV and she sat sill enough for me to french braid her hair several times until it was good enough to photograph.

Lately she has really been into dressing alike and doing our hair and nails the same. After we did our hair the same we painted our nails the same hot pink. I love having a daughter.

Kyle Rolls Over

2008-07-01T21:19:00.002-07:00

We were getting ready to leave for dinner one night and set him down on a blanket. We walked away and came back to see that he was now on his tummy. I was sure that one of the kids had flipped him over, but we waited and saw him do it several more times.

Cousin Floor Play

2008-07-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

My nephew Kyle and Christian are seen here enjoying some floor play time. Kyle rolled over several times about two weeks ago, but only once since then. It seem like he just isn't interested in doing so again (Been there done that!). I think Christian was trying to break in on some of the excitement. By showing off his rolling over tricks.

Isn't it odd to see how different they are in size?

Kyle loves his cousins so much. He is always looking around for them. The kids love him so much, they are always tripping over each other trying to make him feel better when he cries.

I really thought there would be more jealousy over another person steal mom's time. I guess they are used to sharing. Since Christian was born we have had three plus kids living with us 12 out of 26 months.

Cleaning Uncle

2008-06-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Aunty

2008-06-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Do I need to say anything else?

Cold Junk

2008-05-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

Finally we are able to rejoin society. The kids and Matt have finally recovered for the colds. And praise the Lord baby Kyle didn't get any of it.

Basketball Pro

2008-05-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Matt had the great idea to get Christian a Basketball Hoop for his room. He is getting really good. Matt even had to raise the hoop because it was getting to easy for Christian. He loves to put different gloves or shoes (see the elephant slipper?) to see if it makes a difference.

I like this one.

2008-05-07T21:30:00.001-07:00

Four Youngest

2008-05-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great to have cousins your age to play with. Wish the kids had stayed still for the picture. I guess they are to busy playing (or Christian is).

Youngest Cousins

2008-05-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

Katie and I tried so hard to get the picture to look good, but no luck. Here you see, AJ, Kyle and Christian all posing.

Kyle James West

2008-04-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

My nephew Kyle has come to live with us. Ain't he cute? Kyle was born the 2nd of March, so will be turning 8 weeks on Sunday. Please be praying for his Mom, Kyle, and our family. Adjusting to having an infant is quite the adjustment.

Snow in late April?

2008-04-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Tulips

2008-04-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

We went to the Tulip Gardens outside of Woodburn last week, with our church's mom's group. The kids had a ton of fun playing on all the kids stuff and with the other kids.

Pre Birthday

2008-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

My mom and step dad came over on Friday to do a pre birthday celebration. Luckily he was feeling well.

TWO YEARS OLD!

2008-04-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

On Monday Christian woke up with a Fever and threw up. So sad state to be on your second birthday.

Trip to the Zoo

2008-04-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

The kids and I drive Uncle Josh, Auntie Katie, and AJ to the airport earlier this month. Because we had spent the gas to get up there and the weather was great, we decided to go to the Zoo. We only have about a month and a half left on our membership so I guess we should get the best of it. We had such a great time.

I decided that instead to leading my kids through out the Zoo on "Mission Education" I would let them lead me. To be honest we spent most of our time looking at things that weren't animals. We play on the play equipment, rode the train (first time since I was a preteen), and looked at the big cats.

Since the Zoo is so far away and Nika is going to pre-school next year we are going to forgo the Zoo membership when it expires in May and do Gilbert House this year. We really love the Zoo. It reminds me of all the time I spent there with my Uncle Leon and Aunt Tina. But don't worry, a Gilbert House membership gets us into OMSI. OMSI was also a childhood favorite and was where Matt and I had our first date. I can't wait.

Now a Level 2 Swimmer

2008-04-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last night Nika pasted from a level 1 to level 2 swim group. We were so excited, so we celebrated with cookies. Nika is crazy about swimming. She talks about it non-stop. For those interested, passing level 1 can be a little hard. Some kids really fear putting their face in the water. Nika had to do 10 bobs (holding on to the edge of the pool and dunking yourself under), of which Matt said she easily did 13. To add to the excitement, Nika had only been in the level for less than a class and a half. Now next challenge, Level 2. In Level 2 she has to do back and front floats. Yeah Nika!

Christian is also taking Parent-Tot swim lessons with me. I believe is also a natural. He has been working on doing bubbles in the water, and I believe by the time his little arms are able to reach the edge of the pool he too will be bobbing away.

Kyle, my nephew, a little over a month old

2008-04-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Group Birthday

2008-04-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday Nika had her Fourth Birthday. Yeah. We didn't get any pictures. Booo. On Sunday our Sunday Night Group got together to celebrate all the kids who had thier birthdays in March and April. We again forgot our camera, but our friends managed to take pictures of mine. Below you see Nika (4), Nathanial (soon 1), Keiton (soon 1), Karis (1 yr 6 days), and Christian (soon 2). The party orginally was just for the one year olds, but I was so blessed to be included. I can not believe that all this kids' birthdays were packed into less than a month.

For those without babies, the cool couples get pregnant in mid-summer.

Happy Birthday Me!

2008-04-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

March 7th 28 years ago I had my birthday. Embracing my inner child I picked out a Tinkerbell Birthday Cake. It was a wonderful time. My mom came and made me Chicken Cordon Bleu with Scalloped Potatos. For dessert we had Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream cake.

Swimming Lessons

2008-04-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Nika started swimming lessons on Monday. She is just a beginner, but is so excited to be going to "Swimming School."

Christian is going to Parent-Tot "Swim School" on Friday mornings.

I went back to teaching swim lessons at the Courthouse too. I totally recommend it. I get a free gym membership, free swim lessons for the kids, and I even get paid. I most likely won't take home much considering I will be paying for the "Kids Court" (daycare while I work out).

Christian's Quilt

2008-03-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

It you have time sometime, jump on over to my Mom's new blog with pictures of her quilts (so far only pictures of quilts in our house).

AJ's Big Cousin

2008-03-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Nika is quite the Babysitter. Everytime I have watched AJ I don't think I could have done it without her. She really helps keep AJ occupied.