MESSY HOUSE

okay this is proof for everyone out there that thinks that I always have it togheter and that my house is always clean. This is what my house has looked like for about 2 weeks now!!! These pictures don't really do it justice but today in catching up I ran my dishwasher four times and did about 13 loads of laundry all of which are unfolded and thrown on my bed. I guess I am sleeping on the floor tonight!

WALKING!!

I know it is crazy he is only 8 months old and he is walking now. It isn't all the time but he has walked across the room and will walk without being bribed. It is crazy that my kids walk so early. But nice since they are all so close together.

The Gaerte 4x400

Okay so Paul and I would joke that since we had our first three kids so close together that we might as well hurry up and have the forth so we could have one in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades at the same time so "when" they run track we could have our own relay team of Gaerte boys. Little did we know that as we joked about that that was what was really in store for us. Yep I am pregnant AGAIN!!! I am due July 13th! Which will make it four kids under the age of four. And yes I am crazy!!! And let's face it, it is probably another boy! I went to the doctor had had a ultrasound I saw the heartbeat and everything looks great.

Thanksgiving

Holidays are always busy days for us, one of the curses of having so much family so close. We use to do two Thanksgiving dinner but we decided that that is just crazy so we alternate which family's house we eat at each year but still visit each family during the day. It makes for a long day but we have a lot of fun. My family has a tradition of playing white elephant bingo each year which is fun to play and see the kids get excited when they get a bingo or when all the presents are gone and they get to start stealing from people. It always fun to see the sometimes great but quite often horrible white elephant that everyone seems to fight over.

Kangaroo Zoo

My brother was in town for Thanksgiving so this last week we spent a lot of time up at my mom's playing with cousins. On Wednesday my mom wanted people out of the house so she could get ready for the big feast the next day so we all went to Kangaroo Zoo. My kids had never been and surprisingly enough Tanner was scared of all the bouncy things. Tanner wouldn't go on any of them without me, Dallas or Grandpa. But after a while he warmed up to them and I couldn't get them out of the place. It is definitely a place to go again maybe on a cold day when kids are driving me crazy.

Neglected?

Does it mean that your middle child is feeling neglected when he climbs up into the highchair and starts acting like a baby? Tanner did just that the other day. Normally he hates it when you call him a baby but the other day he loved the attention he got when he started acting like a baby and I called him Baby Tanner.

Halloween

CYCLOPS

WOLVERINE

THE BEAST

I know it is about time that I posted this but I have been waiting to get a picture of all of us together from Paul's work. We decided to have a family theme of costumes so we all were X-men. Paul was Professor X, I was Storm, Kaden was Cyclops, Tanner was the Beast and Logan was Wolverine. Halloween was lots of fun with trick-or-treating at Paul's work and then visiting the Grandparents which left the kids with plenty of candy.

A trip to the ER

Sunday night we had just got Logan and Tanner to sleep and Kaden was almost asleep when we hear this big thud. We went running in Tanner's room to find that he had fall off his bed and hit the ladder to the bunk beds. Paul picked him up and rubbed his head and felt a racquetball sized bump on his head that was bleeding so we decided that we better take him in. As we loaded the other kids up in the car Tanner started throwing up which only got me more worried that he had a concussion. So Paul called his parent's and asked them to meet us at the hospital. We were lucky that the ER was not busy at all and they got to us really quickly. Tanner was fine and they didn't think that he had a concussion but told us to treat it like it was just to be safe so we got a night of waking him up every two hours. But he is fine he just doesn't want to lay down to get his diaper changed because it hurts his head.

Lazy Sunday

Sunday we decided to stay home from church. Kaden and Tanner both had really bad coughs and I was not feeling well so we decided to be lazy and just bum around the house. So we watched some cartoon and then we built a fort and the boys played in it. It was nice to have a day to be lazy and just play with the kids and not worry about laundry and errands and all that junk.

Pictures and Pumpkins

I decided that the kids needed new pictures taken off them since Kaden and Tanner's were over a year old and Logan's was right after he was born so we got up and got ready for pictures. I kept preparing Kaden hoping that if he knew and got excited that Tanner would follow along. NOPE!!! Kaden and Tanner wanted nothing of the fact. Logan loved having his picture taken after we had four of us in there trying to do whatever we could we finally got some go pictures. I think the cutest ones are of them pouting.
Later that afternoon we went up to a pumpkin patch for the kids to pick out pumpkins. I tell the boys that they can pick one but they have to be able to pick it up themselves that way I don't get stuck by a huge pumpkin that will cost me a small fortune. They had a water tower there that Kaden thought looked that a giant soccer ball and said he wanted his pumpkin from by the big soccer ball. So we walked to the other side of the field to get his pumpkin. They had fun and we got pumpkins now we just need to decorate them.

COOKIES

The boys kept asking for cookies all day so I decided that we would decorate some pumpklin sugar cookies. So I found whatever I had around the house to decorate with and made some cookies and let them go. Tanner decided that he would much rather just eat the candy then put it on a cookie. Kaden ate some candy put wanted to do the sprinkles by himself so we got a few cookies with a large amount of sprinkles and Haley try to get as many m&m's as she could on a cookie and got mad when most of them fell off.

Roasting Marshmallows

Sunday after conference we were bored of being home all day watching TV so we decided that we would go up to my parent's house and roast marshmallows in their fire pit. the kids enjoyed it for about 10 minutes then they wanted Grandpa to take them inside to watch Buzz Lightyear. Maybe next time will go better now that they have experienced it once before. I am definitely glad that we didn't go up the canyon and haul all the stuff for it to last 10 minutes.

What goes on in Tanner's head?

I have had many moments with Tanner that I watch what he is doing and just wish that I could know what on earth is going through his head. When we were at Paul's parents house for conference I had another one of those moments. He was playing with a toy motorcycle when we looked over and he was straddling it and walking on this knees saying vroom vroom. It was so cute and funny.

Elephant Parade

Kaden's first kiss

The day after we got home from Disneyland was the day of the elephant parade because of the circus opening. Tanner loves elephants so I decided to take the kids. Paul came over from his office to watch with the kids. The kids loved seeing the elephants but most of all Kaden loved getting a kiss from his girlfriend Haley.

Peanut Allergy

So the day we got home from Disneyland Paul had a soccer game that he insisted that he go to so I decided that I would take the kids and let them run around and get some energy out from sitting in the car. So I quickly unpacked and started some laundry and off to the game we went. Well about 20 minutes into the game Kaden started complaining that his stomach hurt. Well right after he said that he then threw up all over me so I quickly cleaned it up and we headed home and told Paul to get a ride home. Well come to find out he had eaten some peanut butter crackers and that is what had made him sick. I was scared that he got something with peanuts but glad to know that his reaction is severe enough to result in a trip to the ER. That night Kaden slept in my room and I kept waking up every hour to check on him.

MY VACATION

Well it started out with getting up and 5 am and driving to California. We made a couple of stops for gas and food. We stopped at In-N-Out Burger for lunch and I forgot that whenever me and my three kids walk in everyone stares, here in Utah it is a little more common to see families with several small kids but the whole restaurant stared and talked about us as we sat and ate. But we made it there about 4 pm where we checked into the hotel we got a Kids Suite which was great. It had one room with two queen beds and then a second room with bunk beds and a pull out couch. The first night we just ordered pizza and then went swimming in the pool and I loved the fact that it had a kiddie pool so my kids could play and run around themselves. That helped to get some energy out from sitting in a car.


The next morning was Disneyland. We did all sorts of rides. It was great because there were tons of rides that we all could do even Logan. If I put him in my snugli then Logan and I only counted as one person then Paul could take one of the other boys and I could take the other. The kids especially loved the Buzz Lightyear ride and Pirates of the Caribbean ride (Kaden was scared at first but then he warmed up to it. So after a day of rides and more rides we ate dinner at The Orleans Restaurant in Disneyland which was okay. Then after dinner it was off to save a spot for the parade. The parade was good but it had alot of the older Disney movies in it that me Boys don't know that well but they still enjoyed it. And that was our night it was back to the hotel and we put on a movie for the boys in there room and they were out.


The next morning we did California Adventure which was fun but doesn't have nearly as many rides for the boys but they did love the new Toy Story Mania. WE first waited in line and when we were almost to the front the ride broke down so we had to go another time. Bu I think by the end of the day we went on it 6 or 7 times. The boys also love the Mickey Mouse clubhouse live on stage show. I really liked the Soarin over California ride probably the closest thing to hang gliding I will ever get. Then we did the parade at California Adventure it was full of all the more recent movies and the boys loved it. After we were done with all the ride and the parade we went and did some shopping and got some souvenirs. We got each of the boys Mickey Mouse ears with their names on the back and my niece a birthday presents and Kaden and Tanner got a transforming Buzz Lightyear. We headed back to the car and up to Ventura to my brother's house which is about 2 hours away. The boys slept most of the way there. But when we got there Kaden woke up and was just crying well it turns out he had a temperature of 103 probably from heat exhaustion but we finally got he back to sleep and he woke up the next morning just fine.
Saturday we did really do much we slept in and played around my brother's house and took the kids to the park. We also went to the Teva outlet were we got shoes for me, Paul, and all the boys. Then we had my Great Uncle and his wife over for dinner it was nice to see them I don' get to see them that often.



Sunday we got up and got ready for church but on the way to church we lost my sister-in-law and had no clue where the church was we drove around for a while trying to find it but no luck so we went back to their house but it was completely locked. So we decided to go to the near by outlets. So we did a little shopping but found nothing. Then we headed back to my brother's house for lunch and for the kids to take a little nap. After they woke up we went to the beach the kids had a lot of fun playing on the playground, trying to out run the waves and walking on the pier.
Then back to my brother's house for all the kids to play.
Monday morning we left California and made a few stops at produce stands and then we stopped in Vegas and stayed a hotel just off the strip called Sam's Town not bad especially since the room was only 25 dollars. Paul and I did a little gambling and broke even and figured we better stop. Then we took the kids to M&M world on the strip. Then to bed to get up in the morning and drive the rest of the way home.
The boys did pretty good in the car the last two hours were a little rough but we survived.

4 year Anniversary

Yesturday Paul and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary. It was wierd to think that it had been only four years with all that we have done. I finished a college degree and he finished two degrees. We have bought a house and had three children. Paul got a new job and I stopped working. All that in only four years and little did we know what we were in for when this all started.
We had fun we went to my favorite resturaunt, Ruth Chris Steakhouse and I had the best steak and choclate dessert in the world. Their steaks are amazing. Then after that we spent the night at a bed and breakfast while the three boys stayed at Paul's sister' house. We slept in and had breakfast then home to get the boys and Paul went to work. I missed the boy but it was a nice break.

A bit of History and some fun

Last weekend Paul had Friday off so we went to the State Capital and saw an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Kaden kept asking what we were looking at and Paul responded that we were looking at a very important piece of paper. So Kaden kept telling everyone that we went and looked at a piece of paper. Then that night we went to a reception for one of Paul's mission companions then home to watch the Olympics. Kaden was excited to see Bershawn Jackson run hurdles since Paul has taught him that Kaden's other name is Bershawn. And he now wants to run hurdles just like Bershawn. Then on Saturday we had Paul's grandpa's 90th birthday party and then that night we went to a movie at Hatch Park. It was Muppet's Treasure Island and the kids had a blast.

A way too busy 24th of July week

Our 24th celebrating started on the 23rd. First that day I took the boys to the free movie at the movie theater which was Aladdin I thought they would enjoy it after that we raced home for the boys to take a short nap while I got ready to go to the parade. Paul's family always goes and saves spots right at the beginning by the announcing tower because before the parade starts the give away lots of free stuff and get the most candy because it is the beginning. So we went to that and the kids had a blast. I left the kids there with Paul's sister and went and meet Paul to go to the Deseret News Marathon VIP dinner me and Paul have been helping out at since before we were married. Paul got the volunteer of the year award we ate good food and got to listen to Peter Breinholt perform. Then once that was done we raced back home to watch the fireworks and get our kids from Paul's sister. The next day Paul helped out at the race in the morning while I stayed home with the kids and got ready for that afternoon/evening were we went to Paul's parents house for swimming, BBQ and fireworks. The little kids and big kids (AKA men) had fun Paul and his brothers every year make a sparkler firework and each year it get bigger and bigger this year it was almost 3000 sparklers. Firday was back to work and we needed a break so we didn't do much, then Saturday we went up to the outlets in Park City and bought clothes for the boys for next summer since tons of clothes were on clearnace we got Children's Place polo shirts for $2 then for lunch we went to on of my favorite resturaunts Baja Cantina. Then we got home and my mom invited us up for dinner and fireworks so we went and did that Kaden and Tanner got their first experience with Pops and they learned that it is fun to throw them at people thanks to Paul and Uncle Dallas. But they had lots of fun. Kaden and Tanner watching the parade Logan first time swimming Kaden and Tanner enjoying pops

SPARKLERS

A trip to the zoo

A couple weeks ago my friend Kristi invited us to go to the zoo with her. My boys hadn't been to the zoo yet this summer because I was a little leary of taking the three of them to the zoo by myself. SO since Kristi invited us I decided to be daring and see how they woud do. They did great! They loved seeing all the animals especially the elephant. Tanner loves elephant he sleeps with a stuffed one every night. Kaden was super cute in that he was putting the moves on Kristi little girl we were watching the zebras and I look over and he has his arm around her. Unfortunately he stoppped before I could get the camera out for a picture.

Tanner point and yelling because he saw an elephant!

Kaden and his new girlfriend or al least the girl he was trying to make his girlfriend

The rhino was sooo close to the glass, I wonder if they could break it if you got them mad enough!

4th of July weekend

Kaden enjoying sparklers for the first time

Logan's first 4th of July and he slept through the firework show.

The firework view from my parents' house.

This shirt just totally fit Tanner so I had to get it!

Man what a busy weekend. We started with a BBQ at my mom's house and then we watch the fireworks from the golf course, my parents live like 1/2 a mile from the golf course so the view is great and then you don't have to fight the crowds. Then on Friday Paul and I went to Stadium of Fire. That was great Blue man group was cool Miley Cryus wasn't that exciting but the fireworks were amazing. But we didn't get home until 1:30 because of traffic. Then Saturday we went to Paul's brothers house for a BBQ and the kids played in the water which tired them out and they slept great that night which helped to catch up on some much needed sleep. But all in all it was a great weekend.

ICE CREAM

Nothing is better than a hot summer day and a good chocolate ice cream cone. The other day I decided to treat the boys with an ice cream cone so we went outside to eat them and this is what they ended up looking like!

LIBERTY PARK

Last week my mom, Paul and I took the kids to Liberty park. It had been such a long time since I had been there. The kids had a blast riding the rides and playing in the water. They have a small water fountain that they made for the special Olympics and is great for small kids. But I think the best part is the fact that I actually found something that Tanner is scared of. He normally has no fear and will try anything twice but we took him on the Ferris wheel and he freaked out he hated it and was absolutely terrified. I will have to get pictures of his ferris wheel ride from my mom.

We love Dad!

You know we can always find things to complain about that our husbands do or don't do but it isn't often enough that we thank them for all they do. This past week Paul has been out of town for work and I have been home with the three kids. When he first told me I thought it wouldn't be that bad but with him being gone I realize just how much I need him around and just how much he does. I don't know what I woud do with out him. He is an amazing husband and father. He loves his kids and loves playing with them and watching them grow. He is the one that you will always catch cuddling one of the boys in the middle of the night when they wake up and need help getting back to sleep. And I know no matter what I do he will always support me and will always do what every is needed to make my wishes or wants fulfilled before his. Everytime that I have been pregnant I have never worried about telling him and how he would react I have always know that he would do whatever it took to make it work. I am especially grateful that he works so hard so that I cam be home with our kids. Thanks for all your do Paul! I LOVE YOU!