Howes At The Beach

Glowing Holloween Creations

2011-10-28T23:10:00.003-07:00

Chad's Jack Pumpkin.

Piper's own creation

Chloe's carving.

Buffy's ghost

Taking Golf on like a Pro

2011-10-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

Check out his form. LOVE him.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR

2011-10-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

My friends have asked me if I cried because my last baby staredpre-school. I have never been the mom who cries when her child starts school. From my first-born, Buffy to now my baby-boy Chad. On the contrary, I feel exchited for my childre as they venture onto new learning adventures. I love to hear theexcitement voice as they share with me the events of their day. Usually, it's something non-academic. I will never forget when Chloe came homeandtoldmeoneofthekids inherkindergarten classsaid a bad word. I asked her what the word is andshetoldme it was the "S"word. Come to find ou the word was "stupid". Comical for sure.

This year, all my kids are in school and I have to admit, I do like having a quiet house for a couple of hours. On the first day of school, when I picked Chad up, with a shocking voice he said to me, "Mommy, there are girls in my in my school!!! WHY???" I have to let him know that they do allow girls to be educated now. Where does he think his sisters go to every day??

Chad already for pre-school Piper my big kindergartener
Sweet Chloe, ready for 2nd grade
Can't believe Buffy is in 4th grade
Going over the basics
Chad and Daddy

Colorado River

2011-07-05T15:38:00.001-07:00

Every summer we look forward to going to the Colorado River in Arizona just our family. We avoid the crowds of people by going during the weekdays. It's truly one of my favorite places to go to make memories as a family. The warm water, the hot dry air, just beautiful and peaceful. I love the stillness of the water, and the echoing of our kids laughter up and down the river. This is how we do summer.

Uncle Everett's Desert Ranch

2011-07-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'd thought to give the kids a great start on their summer this year by visiting Everett's ranch in the desert. This place has everything possible to entertain the kids all day. This is the first summer which I feel like I can enjoy all the kids swimming without having to chase a baby. Now that Chad is turning 3, he's just is one the older kids. All I have to do is sit there with a book and make sure everyone has plenty of sunblock. We invited some of our neighbor friends to come with us and all the kids swam all day in the lake and pool. There's was no other sound other than that of the kids laughing and having a great time. The only thing that was missing was John. We will have to come back with him before summer is over.

Cabo

2011-06-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Been married for 10 years.

Me paddle boarding around this giant floating city to the arch.

Lunch at Zipper's

Father-n-Son Campout

2011-05-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Teaching Chad to fish
On the way home they saw a tank museum and had to stop to check it out.

Healthy breakfast, potato chips...yummy and Mommy is not here to take it away.

A moment of stillness, Chad and Curtis waiting for the catch of the day.

First father-n-son campout was successful. Chad had so much fun and he was wiped out by the end of the day.

2011-04-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Lake Mary at Sunset

Olivia and Chloe

Ellie and Buffy

Swinging monkeys

Chad already to go

John working the waves. Gotta surf even in flat water.

Our beautiful Piper

FEBRUARY Piper's Birthday

2011-04-14T00:20:00.000-07:00

Celebrating at pre-school Playing dress up Our beautiful and most confident child, Piper, turned 5 this month. I think I spend about 2 hours watching videos of her as a baby I couldn't get enough of her. I don't remember her as a baby except when watching old videos. Piper has so much energy and is so amazingly articulate and I love that she tells us all the time that she knows what she wants to be when she grows up. She told us that she wants to be a "kid dentist." Maybe by me telling her that she brushes her teeth so clean like a dentist would makes her believe that she is. Anyhow, she had it all planned out. She will hire her dad to build her office for her, me to "let everyone where her office is" (I knew my marketing degree will be useful someday. ) Now, the problem with working for Piper is that if John and I discipline her at anytime, she will let us know that we are fired. I think we both get fired about 3-4 times a day. I told her one day that I can't work for her anymore, the emotional roller coaster of being fired is just to much for me to handle. She told me that I can always be her mommy because she will never fire her mommy. I love Piper and her vibrant spirit.

JANUARY 2011 Staycation

2011-04-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

Chloe getting some air

Piper

Buffy and Chad

Ah...hot soapy tub

We had to stay in a hotel for a couple of days while the pipes were being re-routed at our house. Although the hotel was only 2 miles from our house, the kids thought it was the best mini vacation. This was the highlight of the month. I loved that I did not have to clean, do the laundry, cook and clean. I did feel like we were on vacation somewhere in the tropics, not quite tropically but it was definitely a vacation from the everyday chores for me.

Semi-Home Made

2010-12-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

Now that the Christmas break from school has begun, I am relieved and anxious at the same time. Relieved because I am not running around town doing errands, gifts for teachers and classmates, baking cookies, Christmas programs for all three kids at different times, and so on. I find myself at times not enjoying the season, it becomes more of a checklist. Prior to me becoming a mother, I remember dreaming of the day when I have children so I could do all those things for them and make their childhood as perfect as I could, and be happy doing so. I had visions of me making cookies and cakes to take to school. The best I did this year was baking the pre-made cookies. I did feel guilty for not making them myself, however, the guilt lasted about 4 seconds. Thank you Pillsbury. And even with that, I forgot them in the house as I drove away taking Piper to school.

THANKSGIVING 2010

2010-11-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

Friends and cousins

This is the first in 5 years tht we did not host Thanksgiving at our house. Although I really enjoy the planning, preparation, cooking, baking and hosting, it was really nice to just sit back and enjoy the food prepared by someone else. We spent Thanksgiving with our friends that Roberts in Chino. The kids had a great time running around all day and night. There were a total of 4 families, 17 kids, a giant blowup slide/jumpy, 4 turkeys, lots and lots of mashed potatoes and deserts, and LOTS of love, laughter adn good times.

Thanksgiving dinner is one of may favorite meals. It's up there with chips and salsa. It is not just the food that I love, it is the time when family and friends are together. It is all about the relationship that I have with my loved ones that I am so thankful for. It is all about the memories that we make. It is the time with one another that is the most meaningful and for that I am so thankful.

The younger kids table, Mia, Sophia, Stephen, Buffy, Paris, Chloe, and Piper

The big girls' table. Hayley, Hannah, Lexi, Elle and Aspen

My two favorite guys ever, Chad and John

The little boys' table Hayden, Ty, Jack and Chad

So fancy

Deena, Andrea and I. Many years of friendship.

Andrea does Thanksgiving Martha Stewart style, no paper plates here.

John carving one of the 4 turkeys, and Hayley strikng her modeling pose

Steve and I waiting for the turkey

The NASA Experience

2010-09-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Inside the habitat unit where the astronauts do research

My brother-in-law Scott designed the Habit Unit that NASA will actually use to place on the moon/Mars as a research unit for the astronauts. This is pretty amazing and we were able to have a tour of it while they they were actually simulating out in the desert of Flagstaff.

Buffy and Daddy inside the Habit unit where the astronauts do research

Lava River Cave

2010-09-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

This cave was about a mile deep and 32 degrees inside

All my kids hiked in the cave with flip-flops and Buffy had no jacket

With Uncle Scott

It's too cold in the cave for me.

My pretty Piper Girl

Grand Canyon Adventures, or Lack Thereof...

2010-09-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our family

Chad on Uncle Scott's shoulder

Piper directing Chad where to stand

The Grand Canyon is marvelous to look upon, for about 15 minutes. Although I am in awe with its beauty and grandeur, I can't just stand there and stare at the canyon for more than 15 minutes. I wanted to hike down below or to a waterfall, go water rafting, or anything but just stand by and observe. Our kids are so young to be doing all those activies. This is not to say that it was not memorable spending time with each other. By the time we revisit, hopefully all the kids will be able to hike and have real adventures to remember.

San Onofre Trails

2010-08-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

Chad was wiped out

My beauties

Piper did not want have her picture taken

The whole gang

Sweet Chloe

After 3 miles of bike riding, Chad fell asleep.

MY HUSBAND

2010-08-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today a friend on Facebook posted, what we think should come first, our children or our husbands. I thought about this the entire time on my jog to the beach. I realized that while my children are so young, they need my, well our fullest attention and devotion. Let's face it where else are they going to get it. This is not to say that John by all means is pushed aside. We were together before the children and will be together when our nest will be empty. I am so eternally grateful for John in my life. He's the most loving and devoted husband and father. Our children can't ask for a more fun daddy. Whether he's packing and loading up our car for camping, for the river or just for the day at the beach, he does it with love. He's teaching our kids to love life and have fun. I love that he volunteers in the girls' classrooms, plays Polly Pockets with them or just dancing in the living room to Wii 'Just Dance'. With all the good things I can say about my husband, I think the most important thing that I love him so much is that he loves Christ and is always making sure that the spirit of Christ resides in our home. For that I am thankful for my husband and feel so blessed to have him as my husband and eternal mate.

CHAD IS 2!!!

2010-07-31T21:34:00.001-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Chad!!!! We love You so much!!!

He loves the movie 'Cars'

Loves playing in the dirt
Loves cousin Madi
Daddy and Chad at on the boat at the river

With Mommy at the river.

Chad, Chad I don't think there are enough stars in the galaxy that match the amount of love I have for my little man. I cannot believe he's already 2 years old. I still remember finding out that I was pregnant with him and how excited John was that he is finally going to have a son. He is definitely all boy! Chad loves cars, motocycles, skateboards and loves being on boat. I must say, he is very spoiled with lots of love from his sisters, mommy and daddy. We are so in love and so proud of him, he can read all the letters in the alphabet and is being potty trained. He's a bit obsessed with the movie 'Cars'. He carries McQueen everywhere he goes! If if was up to Chad, he would be watch the movie all day and everyday. He loves his family and brings so much happiness to our lives.

Chloe Turned 6

2010-07-31T14:43:00.001-07:00

Little Pet Shop Cake Chloe decorated herself.

Chloe and friends

Swinging good time

So happy to be at Disneyland

My brother nick named Chloe, ChloExist because she is the sweetest and kindest little girl. Her sweet spirit brings so much love to our family. For her birthday, Chloe wanted to have a swimming party with all her friends. One of the friends she wanted to invite was in her kindergarden class and this friend is in a wheel chair. I told her that I don't think that would be a good idea because since it is a swimming party her friend would not have a good time watching everyone else swim. She thought about it for a minute then looked up at me with her big doey eyes and told me that she doesn't want to have a swimming party for her birthday because she wants to make sure ALL her friends will have a good time. We love our Chloe and are so thankful for her love and kindness.

2010-07-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

Buffy turned 8 and was baptized by her Dad. It is such a happy event for us to have our oldest child baptized in the church. We are so proud of our girl, she has lots of energy and such love for life and loves to learn. She's like sponge that just soaks up knowledge. She has such an appreciation for the arts, especially Beethoven and Monet. She is constantly quizzing me on these two scholars. We are so blessed to have such a vibrant and intelligent daughter.

We are so proud of you Buffy

Grandpa and Grandma Howe

Daddy and Buffy

Happy Birthday Buffy

Buffy turned 8 and had a great time with a swimming party that lasted from 3 until 10 oclock at night. She made it easy for me this year by requesting an American flag cupcakes. I had fun making them.

Her sisters served her breakfast

BUFFY'S FAVORITE THINGS

Riding her bike to the beach

Reading

Swimming

Hanging out with friends

Creme brulee

Steak

Ravioli

Fruit salad

Playing the Piano

"Fur Elise" & "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven

Playing games on the computer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PIPER-GIRL!!!!!!

2010-07-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Piper turned 4 in February this year and in many ways she is beyond her years. She is very bright and funny, and of course so pretty. I am just amazed that she can navigate on the computer as if someone has taught her. She is so eager to to all the things her older sisters can do. She keeps asking me when she can have piano lessons. She loves singing and learning how to write. She is so witty and quick with jokes. Piper has no fear and will have no problem telling you how she feels or if she is not pleased with you. She had a party at preschool and at home with 2 cakes because she could not decide between Barbie and Dora. Piper brings so much fun and joy to our family. My most independent child by far. She is motivated by chocolate and French toast. I don't know how it is possible but this child does not eat vegetables at all. I have bribe her, beg, and threaten and with very little success. I feel so guilty because she loves all the food that are so bad for her. Piper's ideal meal would be, french toast for breakfast, cake for lunch and mac-n-cheese for dinner. Nothing nutritrous. Well, she actually does love strawberries and pinapples.

Piper's favorite things

Her dolly

French toast

Cholocate

French Fries

Mac-N-Cheese

My lip gloss

Chocolate cake

Guacamole

Strawberries

Pinapples

Our beautiful girl.

Enjoying birthday cake

Daddy made Piper's favorite breakfast.

At preschool.

FEBRUARY - Aquarium Fun

2010-07-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

I love my son!!!

Morey eels

Chad is fancinated with undersea creature.

Disney On Ice 2009

2010-01-21T10:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2009

2010-01-15T21:48:00.000-08:00

Now that I am a parent, I do love Christmas more than ever! It's always so much work decorating the house and the tree, family pictures, Christmas cards, baking cookies, letters from Santa and of course the presents. Every year, I eagerly plan each and every detail for each day of December and at times asking myself why do I do this to myself. Then, Christmas morning comes and it's the best feeling ever to see the excitement in all my kids' adorable faces. Christmas morning at about 5:30am and they all run downstairs just beyond excited! While John and I wanting to sleep in because we were up until 1 am wrapping presents the night before. Buffy reading the letter from Santa with such great belief. Chloe and Piper just cannot contain themselves with excitement. And Chad just is happy no matter what day it is. We just love him so much!!! I do feel so blessed, beyond blessed for all that I have in my life. I am especially thankful for my family at Christmas time.

Los Cabo

2009-12-11T11:52:00.001-08:00

We had a chance to go to Cabo in October for John's birthday. It was much needed time away. The weather is just fantastic! Perfect 80 degrees the entire time we were there. John did find surf and loved it. The warm water, good fun waves and no crowds make perfect surf condition. I got to lay around all day by the pool and read, loved every minute of it. John did go fishing and caught an 80 lbs tuna. We had it for dinner that night. He was so excited because it was his first time going fishing. I did not think I would like Cabo very much but I had a great time and the duration of the flight from LA is only about 2 hours. The weather and water is just a perfect temperature. And of course the food is just the best, but then again, Mexican food is my favorite.

John caught our dinner for the night, an 80 lbs tuna!!

That's what I am talking about!!

Leaving port.

Cabo landmark

One of my favorite places to stay.

Ahh...so serene

Forget the huts and hammack on the beach... I am styling on this surf trip.

From our hotel balcony. My hot boyfriend, on our way to find some surf.

The sunset was so beautiful.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

My four darlings.

Daddy and Piper at school

Holloween is not my holiday but I had a blast this year celebrating it. I think that one of the reasons why is because all my kids loved their costumes. No one cried because their costumes was too itchy, too scratchy, too big, too tight, etc... And of course I absolutely thought they were darling. Chad is just so adorable in his lion costume. He loved it! While at the trunk or treat, he was walking around growling at everyone and was just having a great time. Piper made an adorable Dorothy. Chloe's costume was cool, it lights up and changes colors she really enjoyed it. And Buffy of course had a great time.

Buffy decorating Halloween cookies

Piper is so adorable as Dorothy

Dorothy and the adorable and courageous lion

Buffy and friends decorationg cookies

Chloe and friends decorating Halloween cookies

Chad Staying warm in his lion costume

Chloe as a fairy with her favorite lion

Oct 2009

2009-10-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am trying to be diligent on updating my blog but I feel like my life is so uneventful. As busy as we are as a family, we try to spend a lot of time with each other. It's been so weird to have 3 of our children in school . Mornings are so hectic for me. I can't imagine doing everything that is required of me without Lulu. I am so grateful ot have her. Buffy is enjoying 2nd grade and still loves school and thrives on new knowledge. I was so surprised when she came home and asked me if I have ever heard of a Dutch artist named Vincent Van Gogh. She then proceeded to tell me all about him and his great works. She told me that her favorite paintings of his are of the Sunflowers and The Starry Night. We even have had discussions on Leonardo Da Vinci. She asked me about the Mona Lisa at the L'Ouvre and if I noticed her smile. As an art lover and a greater love for history, I am just thrilled that my daughter is showing much enthusiasm towards the arts and history. Saturday, we went to the museum down in San Diego and there was a exhibit on Leonardo Da Vinci. I took Buffy through it showing her all the models from his drawings and some of his painting, including the Mona Lisa. It was a great experience for her to actually see some of the sample works of Da Vinci. I do hope that her thirst for these two subjects continues as she advances through school.

Fall 2009

2009-09-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here but you would not knowing with the warm weather that have refused to leave San Diego. You won't hear our family complaining about this. We have been trying to hang on to summer for as long as we can. We have been going to the beach everyday after dinner. The water has been warm enough that I have been trying to surf. Not having much luck with it but I am having so much fun trying. The water is not cold so of course that makes a big difference. My sweet husband is just beyond thrilled that I am out there trying to surf. We even made it out to the river the second weekend of September and LOVED IT! The air temperature was about 100-108 all day and the water was just perfect to sit be in all day, and that's what my children did. I love watching and listening to all my children giggling and playing with one another, just having a great time without any quarrels. It's truly my happy place, the warm weather, water, my children having a great time, no cell reception, and my husband next to me. I just feel so relaxed and happy every time we are there. I am having the time of my life creating memories for my children!! I am soooo lucky to be their mother.

Things Chad has accomplished the past month:
No longer takes the bottle.
Says "thank you"
Got his hair buzzed by daddy (I know this is not an accomplishment...more like an update)
Calls out Chloe and Piper's names.

Piper started preschool
Chloe started kindergarten
Buffy stared 2nd grade.

Chloe Turned 5 years old

2009-08-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Chloe at dance recital in June

Looking so sweet at the river

Chloe: "Mommy, I wish that chocolate, candies and cakes are healthy like vegetables and fruit."

Me: "Why Chloe?"

Chloe: "So I can eat candies all day long and I will be the sweetest girl ever."

Me: "Oh Chloe, I love you!" (I squeezed her and kissed her)

We love this, everyday Chloe would put her flip flops on Daddy's. So sweet.

Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime...when all the world is green??

2009-08-26T22:44:00.001-07:00

My sweeties

They were in the water all day and loved it.
Chad loves being with his sister.

I love this picture of him. so stinking cute

So tired from being in the water all day....

This summer has just flew by, but not without lots of quality and fun times with our family. This is the first year since John and I got married that I am not either pregnant or nursing a new born. So, we have had the opportunity to enjoy many family times at the river, beach, camping and swimming. I feel like I can truly enjoy myself. We made several trips to the Colorado River with the kids and it is by far my most favorite thing to do during the summer. The river gets about 100-115 degrees during the months on July and August. While this is scorging hot, the water is just perfect for us to soak in all day, and that is what my children does. By far, this is my most favorite thing to do with my family. Makes me so happy to see all my children just having the best time frolicking in the water and no television, DS, Wii, or computer, just enjoying each other's company. I love the warm weather, the scenery, and water, makes it most relaxing for me. I just wish summer would last a bit longer.

Buffy's 7th Birthday

2009-08-25T23:36:00.000-07:00

Buffy just turned 7 years old and I keep asking myself how is it possible? It really does seem like yesterday when I woke up in the middle of the night with major labor pains and got ready to go to the hospital. I remember being overwhelmingly happy and excited to meet my first born. I remember giving birth to her was so easy, painless, and quick that I was thinking, "this is it?". She couldn't wait a second longer to be born. Flashforward seven years later, she's is so grown up and has brought so much joy and love into our lives. Very smart, outgoing and just loves life. So excited about everything. She loves to learn and is very creative. She loves her sibblings and is the best big sister to her baby brother Chad. Some mornings, she would get up, get Chad out of the crib and feeds him breakfast before I get up!!! She can play the piano for Family Home Evening. I am so proud of her, I am most proud of her having such a kind and loving heart towards others. Cannot ask for a better first born. I love so much Buffy Girl.

Meet Lucy Princess Howe -The Tarantula

2009-07-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off updating my blog for months and now I truly have a reason to update it. So Chloe just turned 5 years old and she told us that she really really wanted a tarantula. Everyday, she would ask me to buy one for her. I tried with all my might to persuade her to pick another pet, like a lops ear bunny. She would have no such thing. She wanted a tarantula, no matter how terrified she knows I am of them. Her birthday came and went and I was hoping that she would forget all about it. Nope, she kept asking us about it. So Sunday after church, John took her hunting for one up the hills. I was thinking that there is no way they would find one. Well, they found one and caught it!!! Chloe named her "Lucy Princess Howe". She loves her new pet and had her cage next to her bed at night. Of course, I am just petrified of this furry creature with large fangs. She placed a school picture of herself in the cage so "Lucy" can recognize her. And, by the way, she has picked up this giant spider and played with it.

Piper Turns 3 years old!!!!

2009-02-15T01:28:00.001-08:00

My sweet baby girl is 3!!! We love you so much Piper!

This is what she chose to wear, a oversized nightgown, for her birhday. It was either this or she was going to be naked.

Visiting Mickey.

Happy Birthday Piper! We LOVE you sweet girl!!!

Piper brings so much fun and energy into our life.

Our sweet and mischevious little girl turned 3. She is just full of life and lots of energy. She loves to learn is constantly keeping mom busy. Things she loves to do include: mixing all of mom's makeup, lotion and toothpaste and leaving the mixture for mom on the carpet, bathroom floor, and counters. Saying no to mom all day long. Eating ice cream and Oreo cookies instead of any real food. Trying to feed baby brother Chad Oreo cookies when mom is not looking. Changing her clothes 10 times in an hour. Hiding Buffy and Chloe's toys. Clogging toilets with the entire roll of paper. Painting and drawing and learning to use the computer by removing ALL the keys off the key board. Snuggling with mommy and daddy every morning. Melting daddy's heart daily.

Chad is 7 months

2009-02-15T00:54:00.000-08:00

Such a happy and such cute little guy.

Daddy and Chad.

Baby Chad is almost 7 months and he is just the cutest, happiest and chubbiest baby ever! He's got 2 bottom teeth and he uses them too! He is now rolling over, sitting up by himself and occassionally sleeps through the night. Things Chad likes: a bottle, baby food, being held by anyone, kissed by mommy, hanging out with daddy playing Legos, laugh with his sisters and just being loved by everyone.

BUFFY'S NEW LOOK

2009-02-15T00:31:00.001-08:00

Hanging out in the snow.
Buffy loves baby brother Chad

Practice away Buffy! We can't wait for you to play Christmas songs for us.

New hair cut for the new year.

Buffy is in first grade and is keeping a very busy schedule. She has started taking piano lessons and is really liking it. We are hoping that this will continue. She is doing great in school and is the best helper for mom. Every morning, she goes and gets Chad out of his room and plays with him. One morning I walked downstairs and she had Chad in his baby seat, buckled in and was feeding him breakfast. She is just so loving to him and runs over the second she hears him crying. Always willing to help. She is very independent and very determined. She has been wanting to cut her hair short for the longest time and finally got it done. She's lost 4 baby teeth and the tooth fairy was very kind to visit her each time with $10. We are very lucky to have Buffy in our family. We love her so much.

Carlsbad Marathon

2009-02-14T23:53:00.001-08:00

Keeping a good pace.

On top of her busy schedule, Buffy ran the annual Carlsbad marathon at Legoland. She actually ran the entire mile his year. I was so proud of her. I hope to be able to run a 5 k with her in a couple of years.

DANCE CHLOE DANCE!!

2009-02-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

Chloe in tap and ballet combo class.

Chloe with Daddy befor e dance class

Chloe started taking dance lessons about 2 months ago. My sweet girl has been waiting to be in dance class for the past year so needless to say, she loves it and has the biggest smile the entire time while in class. She is very talented, loves to sing and obviously dancing. She can sing, "I am 16 going on 17" from the Sound of Music word for word and htting all the notes correctly. She is also very creative. Constantly drawing and painting. She takes time and is very meticulous with her art. She is beginning to like preschool alot more now, not as shy as she was before. She loves to play on the games on her computer. Chloe is super sweet and very loving to her family. We are so lucky to have in our family.

Starting the New Year busy

2009-01-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Chad, got his first tooth exactly at 6 months. Piper keeping warm in the snow.

Chloe is just the sweetest lil' miss. Buffy loves her new hair cut.

Looking back at 2008, I cannot believe that the year just flew by. Our family were on a constant run during the holidays. Now that we are back to a semi normal schedule, I must admit, I kind of miss the chaos of it all. Buffy and Chloe are back to school and Lulu is still with us to help me with Piper and Chad. Piper keeps me on a constant alert with her mischevious ways. She loves to color, draw and paint all day. Chad is just stoked to be fed and cleaned. He's a super happy baby boy, growing by the seconds. He's by far, my chubbiest baby. He giggles, rolls over onto his stomach talks to us in his baby talk. He loves baby food, mainly the fruits and gags on green beans. The girls love him and are constantly bickering over who gets to hold, or should I say, drag him around the playroom. Buffy is as always, super active. She was bored during Christmas break from school. Always wanting to be somewhere doing something. She's my overachiever, doing great in school and loves everything about it. She tells me this everytime I ask her about school. She is a big help around the house for me, especially in the morning. Some days she gets up way earlier than I do and gets breakfast for her sisters, or get Chad out of the crib and plays with him. Chloe likes preschool but some days she just wants to stay home with mom. She loves to draw, paint and play on the computer as much as I will allow her. She's beginning to read 3 letter words and is so anxious to learn how to read books. She's very sensitive and loves her family very much. I am excited to 2009 and looking forward to watching as my kids grow and develop their personalities. Hopefully, there won't be many challenges to the process.

CHRISTMAS JINGLE

2008-12-24T19:52:00.001-08:00

To the Tune of "Jingle Bells"

(Verse)

Dashing through the waves as John rides on his board,

Jackie's working out, running all the chores.

There's so much to do, who can do it all,

We wish the kids were big enough to drive us to the mall. Oh...

(Chorus)

Buffy-Girl, she's the one, who dances all around,

Chloe's sweet and oh, so neat to sing us all a song! Oh!

Piper's fun happy too, she gets in everything,

Chad, we're glad, that he just sleeps, now join us as we sing!

(Chorus)

Oh, Jingle Bells, the Howe's are swell. We want to say to you!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too! Oh!

Deck the Halls and the Malls, ornaments galore,

Hope the season's filled with peace and joy and so much more!

"I am so over this picture taking ordeal mommy, I need a nap now"

Gingerbread House

2008-12-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do during Christmas season is making gingerbread houses with our girls. I guess I am reliving my childhood wishes. No matter how messy it is, the house always turn out so pretty. For the past few years, I have been decorating the houses while the girls ate the candy. This year, I gave them all complete creative control and they did such a beautiful job decorating. And, Piper only at 1/2 of the candy.

"One for the house, one for me." Says Piper

And.. Voila, the finished house! Great job girls!

Time for updating...

2008-11-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

You look so pretty in your costume Buffy.

What a happy baby boy

Piper the Pirate, so cute

Congratulations Logan and Cheryl.

Chloe makes an adorable flower girl

My little man.

Hanging out at the pumpkin patch.

Already a big Johnny Cash fan.

Typical of my girls, they did not like hay at all, especially Piper.

It seems like I never have time to do anything but run around taking care of my kids. I have been wanting to update our blog and by the end of the day, I am just exhausted. My kids love Holloween, it's the only time they get to eat as much candies as they can in our house, and they do take advantage of this Pagan holiday. I just crinch thinking about their teeth rotting away.

We went to Death Valley for a Logan and Cheryl's wedding this past Saturday. It took us 5 hours to drive there and had a great time being with our family. There is NOTHING out there! This place is very appropriately named.

Chad's Blessing Day.

2008-09-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, John along with family and friends blessed our son. It was great to have all of our family traveling such long distance to support us on a very special day.

Chad is 2 months is just so darn cute!! He really is such a good baby. All he needs is lots of milk and a clean diaper, and all is well. He sleeps pretty much through the night. I think it's because he's got three sisters who fight to hold him during the day time so he doesn't really get to nap peacefully. So night time he takes advantage of sleeping without interruption.

He's beginning to smile and make super cute baby noises when we baby talk to him. He's just growing along accordingly, with cute baby chubs and all. I still cannot believe that I have a son. I am really enjoying him each and everyday. I love that Buffy, Chloe and Piper just adore him. I walked in on all three of them trying to change his poopy diaper. Poor little guy, he's going to have all these little mothers smoothering him.

Chloe

2008-09-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

Chloe: "Mom, do you know why snails are so slow?"

Jackie: "No, why are they so slow baby girl?"

Chloe: "Because they don't have a brain."

Jackie: "How do you know they don't have a brain?"

Chloe: "Because I smashed them and I did not see a brain."

What a great summer!

2008-09-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by, school has started and our family have had a great and busy summer. Between swimming lessons, birthday parties, beach parties and family get together that it hardly felt like we had time off at all. My kids spend 3/4 of the summer in the pool and the other 1/4 of the time at the beach. The girls are very happy to be back at school. Since Buffy and Chloe are both in schools, I now have 2 kids at home. Buffy loves being at school and if it was up to Chloe, I would be with her in school all day.

We celebrated Chad turning a month by going to Disneyland. We all had a great time, Chad slept the entire time we were there.

"We are DEVO!"

English Beat

Lead Singer of English Beat

John and I had a chance to go see 2 great bands this summer. Devo, one of John's favorite bands and English Beat, one of my favorites. The Devo concert was great, but as soon as John and Curtis starting moshing, I got claustrophobic and left the sea of people. The English Beat were fantastic! I am so glad to have had a chance to see them in concert, they are one of the best ska bands, next to the Specials. I am so stuck in the 80's when it comes to music. I love the music from the that era.

Baby Chad Ethan, First Three Weeks!

2008-08-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well after what seemed like an eternity, I finally gave birth to our 4th baby on July 22nd, 2008! I couldn't wait for one more second to be done with the pregnancy and hold our new baby. The labor was quick and easy, thank goodness. Everything was perfect!!! Chad is so tiny and so precious. Like with all my other children, I did not sleep at all the first few nights because I just held him and stared at him all night. I love kissing his little hands, feet, just love kissing him period! New borns are just so amazing and absolutely a blessing! I'm just so in love! He's fitting in great with our family. The girls just adore him. They all just love him so much, and fight over who gets to hold him. I have been in the kitchen and looked up at the top of the stairs with Chloe holding him! My heart nearly stopped. She was so proud that she got to pick him up. Buffy is as usual, super helpful and very loving to her new brother. She is my little helper. Piper has been, surprisingly, so sweet to the baby as well. There has not been any signs of jealously at all. She runs to get diapers and is constantly kissing the baby.

Chad Ethan have been a really good baby. He just eats and sleeps most of the time. He has not been fussy at all. I do hope he stays that way.

As for me, I am adjusting to having a boy, having four children! I am still in amazement and just elated that we finally have a son. I sleep less now than ever before. It's all worth it though. I cannot complain, I have been greatly blessed.

4th of July

2008-07-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Piper

"I am ready for smores"

We had a great time on 4th of July this year, although we missed out on the fireworks at the beach due to the fog. We had a great big beach fire and roasted smores, the girls had a great time and didn't even notice that the fog was too thick to see the fireworks.

2008-07-03T01:01:00.000-07:00

Buffy turned 6 years old today! I took her to lunch with 5 of her friends and they all had a spa day at the nail salon. They all had a great time. I cannot believe my oldest child is now 6 years old. As I am about to give birth to my 4th baby, it still seem so surreal that I will have 4 children. Buffy told me today that she wants to have 15 children when she is married. I have to admit lately I have been more irritable than usual, because I am 36 weeks pregnant and everyone movement is uncomfortable. I think my children have been picking up on this. It's apparent in my conversation with Buffy.

Buffy: "I am going to have 15 kids when I get married."

Jackie: "What do you need to do first before you get married?"

Buffy: "Finish college, then I am going to have 15 kids."

Jackie: "Wow Buffy that's a lot of kids, are you sure want to cook, clean, make beds and pick up toys and iron clothes for 15 kids?"

Buffy: "I will have 15 maids, 1 for each kid to do all that for me so I won't go crazy like you mommy."

Jackie: "What are you going to do while the maids does all this work?"

Buffy: "I am going to get recipes from the Food Network to make dinner for everyone."

It's official, I have become the crazy mom that I swore I would never be. Just one more thing to add to the self-improvement list.

2008-07-03T00:57:00.000-07:00

2008-07-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

"This is the life Buffy."

2008-07-03T00:54:00.000-07:00

Caylee, Sierra, Buffy, Allison, Abby, Lisa

Summer is here....you'll find...

2008-06-04T10:00:00.001-07:00

Buffy searching for new ocean creatures....

Chloe writing her name in the sand...

Piper enjoying the cold water on her feet, with her clothes on....

And 5 seconds later....Piper enjoying the cold water even better!!!

BIRCH AQUARIUM

2008-04-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

"I can practically touch that fish"

"Wow, that's a pretty big lobster."

"We are family, my sisters and me."

I took the kids to the Birch aquarium in La Jolla today. We have not been here for about a year. They all had a great time. Since Buffy is on spring break this week, we had plans for Disneyland but John has been so busy so it's not going to be possible this week. I tried doing Disneyland with the kids by myself and I think I lasted about 4 hours.

The girls had such a great time. Piper was just overwhelmed with all the creatures. Since Chloe loves animals so much, she had a million questions about each and every one of the animals. I think the oddest question she had for me today was, "Mommy, can a chameleon turn into me if I hold him?" And Buffy was just reading all about the label on each tank and telling me all about each creature.

My pregnancy is coming along fine. I am getting more uncomfortable by the hour. I had another ultrasound last week and he is growing right on track. The ultrasound shows him yawing and sucking his thumb. It's so amazing, I cannot wait to hold him. Newborn babies are just the most precious! I do pray that all will be well and he will be born strong and healthy.

It's sooooo late.....

2008-03-30T00:47:00.000-07:00

It's now 1 am I cannot sleep at all, it's not like I am not tired! It's going to be so hard for me to get up for church tomorrow morning. John will be so upset because we are late every Sunday for sacrament. It's so hard for me to get all the girls ready time by myself. There's always some kind of drama right before we leave the house. By the time I get the kids to church, I am usually exhausted!

John was riding his dirt bike today so the girls and I went to the park and had a picnic. We wanted to go down to the beach but it was blocked off for the Iron Man competition. I do not like parks. It's always too crowded with a million people having birthday parties. Needless to say, we did not stay very long. We had lunch at my one of my favorite places to eat, Spaghetti Factory!

It's was just busy day, I did not have any time to do any housework. Maybe that's why I cannot sleep, my house is such a mess and there's tons of unfolded laundry in the hallway!

Easter in Coronado

2008-03-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

After church, we came home and the girls colored and decorated all the eggs. We left for Coronado to have an Easter egg hunt! All the kids had a great time. The weather was fantastic, about 84 degrees. When we got there, all of the kids were in the pool swimming and it was inevitable that my kids were going to jump in. There was no stopping them, thank goodness Andrea had extra bathing suits. John was dying because it was so hot and he was just burning. I was surprised he did not complain at all. We walked down to The Hotel Del Coronado for ice cream but the the line was about 30 minutes long so we ended up not getting any. I don't think they cared because they were so looking forward to the egg hunt! We got back to the condo and the kids had an Easter egg hunt by the water. Buffy off course got the most prized eggs and Chloe didn't do too bad. Piper only got 2 because as soon as she got the first egg, she stopped and ate all the candy, and when she was done with that one only then did she started to look for more. I don't think she understands the concept of finding as much as she can. It's all about eating as much chocolate as she can before I stop her. I cannot believe how much chocolate my girls, especially Piper, had today. It's so hard to watch them eat it because I do not like candy or chocolate and the entire time I was wishing I could have their toothbrushes with me so they can brush their teeth!! I literally had to look away and keep reminding myself that it's only once for twice a year that they get to indulge. John thinks I am too strict and that I need to relax and let them have fun. I felt so guilty for letting them eat all that chocolate. Every time I look over at Piper, she was stuffing a Twix or a chocolate egg in her mouth. Oh, and after all the candies, Grandma Barbara brought out the ice cream! Needless to say, my kids were in junk food heaven!! Guiltiness aside, it's wonderful to see how much my children enjoyed themselves today. Buffy just had the best time with Mia and Paris. Chloe loves being with Elle because Elle treats her like a baby and carries her everywhere. Piper just loves chocolate! Unforgetable quote of the day by Buffy: Buffy: "Mom, why do I need to eat fruit." Jackie: "Fruit is healthy for our body." Buffy: "I like junk food." Jackie: "Buffy, what happens if we eat a lot of junk food." Buffy: "We get sick and we will get chubby." Jackie: "That's right, we won't be able to do too much if we are chubby." Buffy: "We can surf and jetski." Jackie: "Why do you say that?" Buffy: "Daddy's chubby and he can surf and jetski."

Paris and Buffy

Striking a pose..

Happy 7-Year Anniversary!!

2008-03-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

John and I have been married for 7 years now and we spent our 7-year anniversary at Disneyland with our children and had the best time. How could you not have a good time at Disneyland! My favorite part of being there is seeing the children's reaction to everything. The children love all the rides and especially the parade. The only issue is that Chloe is at the age where she does not like to go on Pirates of the Caribbean. She is so petrified of the slides, but once we are inside, she loves it. We have to bribe with candies every time. Buffy went through that stage too, Piper is just loving it!

I cannot believe I am now 5 months pregnant with our 4th child. It's very exciting but I truly hate being fat!!!! I feel so yucky everyday, especially because I rarely have time to jog anymore. I am excited to be having a son, although, I often ask myself, "What am I going to do with a baby boy??!!!!" I am going to have to change his diapers, weird! All I have known are baby girls.

Spring is here and the weather is getting better, not so cold like it was in January and February. I just can't wait until summer, the beach is so beautiful and the day just lasts longer. My girls love that they get to play at the beach everyday while waiting for Daddy to come out of the water.

I am going to start writing cute/odd/random/funny things that my children says. I have been meaning to but keep putting it off.
The other night I went to check on the girls before I went to bed, and Chloe was not in her bed, she was in Piper room sleeping by herself.
Jackie: "Chloe, why are you sleeping in here by yourself baby?"
Chloe: "Cause I want to sleep."
Jackie: "Why didn't you just sleep in your own bed?"
Chloe: "Buffy and Piper sleep too loud." (Buffy and Piper snore)
Jackie: "Alright, good night baby girl!"