Auron Turns FOUR!

We have had such a busy weekend. On Friday we had our weekly library trip. It was much more successful than previous trips. Auron is right in to it but Lili still holds back a little and prefers to sit by me for the most part. While the kids were doing their craft activity Ammon was laying down next to us and just started tooting off like a trumpet. Oh my gosh the stench was horrific! I thought for shure we would have some kind of poonami on our hands. So I quickly packed the kids up and headed to the bathroom and Lo and Behold NOTHING not a single thing in that nappy.

Later that night Aarahi went to a meeting a church and I ordered takeaway which was gross. I could slowly feel myself getting sick, by Saturday morning I was losing my voice, by Saturday night it was long gone. I went to a 50th Birthday on Saturday afternoon and did a fair bit of talking/yelling so that didn't help.

Come Sunday I felt like staying in bed all day but I had to Primary at church so off to church we went being careful to try not spread my germs. I was more than happy once 4pm rolled around and I could go home. But not as happy as 7pm when I told everyone to GO TO BED!

Auron woke up today, HIS BIRTHDAY with no voice. He had unfortunately caught my bug, on his birthday no less. He was unfazed, and far to excited about it FINALLY being his birthday to care that he sounded hilarious. I made him pancakes for breakfast then asked him what he wanted to do for the day. He wanted to take a bath....That suited me just fine. He spent a good 2-3 hours in the bath, I heated the water up a few times for him. He only got out when I suggested we go to the shop for an iceblock.

Unfortunately Ammon was being a bit sooky today and was making it impossible for me to get organised for Auron's special afternoon tea. My cousin Sotarah came to the rescue with Mcdonalds in hand to look after the kids while I made a mad rush to make Auron's cake and finish cooking and cleaning.

At 3pm our family and the Missionaries arrived to help us celebrate. We ordered pizza for dinner as per Auron's request, he only ate half a piece but whatever, you can do whatever you like on your birthday!

He received lots of phone calls from his Aunties and cousins and Nana's and felt pretty special all day. He also got the Spiderman Car Racer that he has been wanting since his LAST birthday.

Auron is such an amazing child, we love him so much. He is loving, polite, kind, and helpful. He comes up with some of the most HILARIOUS things to say. He has us laughing uncontrollably on almost a daily basis. He loves his family especially his cousins Izayah and Bronte and Nana and Grand-nana and Grandgraeme. He prays for these 5 people every single day. If you make it into Auron's prayers you know you're winning! Auron has such a sweet spirit and his testimony is growing strong. He loves to sing primary songs, his favourite is "I love to See the Temple" I can't believe we have been blessed to be his Mum and Dad and have the privilege of raising him.

Another Week Done and Dusted

Monday we had our finance appointment in the city. The GPS took us on a completely different route this time which was a million times easier. Ammon was hungry so I made him up a bottle to take in but then forgot to actually bring it from the car, and it was too awkward to nurse him so he complained, like I hadn't feed him for days or something. Lili stood looking out the high rise window singing "Let it Go" and Auron pretended he was Spiderman. Our mortgage broker applauded us for such well behaved children...

Aarahi and I have decided that Ammon is our cutest baby so far. We have concluded that this is simply because he is such an easy baby who sleeps and eats and rarely complains (unlike his siblings!) so we get to enjoy all his cuteness all of the time instead of being sleep deprived and frustrated.

Earlier this week I wrote a blog post on Ammon's blog about how he got his name if you wanted to read it. We usually send them out with a photo but life got too busy this time around. You can read it at www.ammon2015.blogspot.com.au/

On Friday I took the kids to a performance at the library, Auron loved it, but Lili wasn't having a bar of it and just sat next to me the whole time instead of up with Auron and the other kids. She was then upset that she didn''t get a sticker at the end. Later that day we went to do some shopping and get lunch. As soon as we sat down Ammon needed feeding, by the time he had finished Auron and Lili had finished eating too and Auron wanted to go to the toilet. I told him too bad, and I was going to eat my lunch first. That didn't last too long, as Ammon whacked my bowl of Laksa and we both ended up covered in soup. We cleaned up a bit, and went to the bathroom. I was going to go buy Ammon some new clothes because I'm unorganised and never carry a spare set. He fell asleep instead so I just chucked a blanket over him so no one could see my dirty child.  So all in all, it was a pretty normal day in my life.


No new photos this week but I thought we would do a little comparison of the kids at similar ages.

AURON

LILI-MEI

AMMON

Not a Little Baby Anymore

I'm not going to lie but I really don't enjoy the newborn stage much at all. Those first 2 months are tough but thankfully don't last forever! Ammon is now at that cute squidgy stage where he is just so ridiculously yummy and adorable I feel like I could have another dozen more. Just kidding, I think Aarahi would run away. Ammon smiles and babbles away, he's just started giggling too. Gosh I love that kid!

Mum, Nana and Grand-Graeme went home on Saturday, it was sad to see them leave but we had so much fun while they were here. Auron in particular is missing Nana lots. The first thing Lili asked for when she woke up was "when is Grand-Graeme coming?" Hopefully we might all make it back to NZ sometime this year. Lucky for us Nanny Kaye is heading over next month!

We went out on a date last week to the movies. There was nothing we were particularly excited to see but ended up watching Jupiter Ascending. It was pretty average BUT at the last minute we decided to upgrade to the flash cinema. I'm not sure if I can go back to normal now! We had the whole cinema to ourselves and lovely reclining chairs, it was bliss. I'm surprised we didn't fall asleep. After the movie we went out to some steak place for dinner which was pretty delicious. 

Today we are heading back into the city for more house stuff. I think we've been to the city more times in the last few months than we did all of last year! We also have a "colour appointment' next week where you pick all the different colours and components of the house. You can either pick for the pre-planned colour schemes (which we have) or do a custom paint. The thought of having to pick EVERY SINGLE COLOUR makes my head spin, especially since Aarahi and I have very different ideas. We do still have to pick all the door handles and taps and toilet roll holders etc. 

I have a big list of things I want to buy for our new house that I keep on my phone so I can pick things up when they go on sale. So far we have new sheets, pillows, and one of Tuk's paintings and some other cute prints for the kids rooms. We also have a new fridge, and lounge suite on the list but they may have to wait til we move in.

Family Reunions and Ammon's Baby Blessing

On Wednesday Mum, Nana and Grand-Graeme flew over from NZ for a holiday. We are so excited to have them here. The kids in particular are so happy to have Nana and Grand-Nana here to do fun things with. They also have a new audience to perform for haha.

On Friday it was Grand-Nana's 82nd birthday, she's looking pretty good for 82, she doesn't even have hardly any wrinkles. I hope I inherit that quality. We had a party for her on the Saturday. My cousin Cindy and her family flew from Queensland to join in the fun as well. It was so lovely to have so much family around. Living over here we tend to miss out on lots of the family events and parties etc.

We have put off Ammon's baby blessing so that we could have more of our family here to be a part of his special day. Ra and Nicollette came over too and we filled up 2 whole rows at church. That is pretty impressive for us! I am so thankful for everyone who came it really means a lot.

After church we came home to have "Christmas Breakfast". Ra missed out on Christmas Breakfast last year because I was too busy dealing with a newborn to make it and he didn't get home to Mum's so he asked if I would make it for him. Being the loving cousin I am, I obliged, although I must admit having Breakfast at 3pm was a little strange.

Auron and Lili have been asking all Summer to go to Fun Fields. It's a water amusement park not too far from us. I told them that we could go when Nana was here. They have both been so very patient waiting. When I looked at the forecast for this week I was a quite disheartened that our Summer was pretty much over. We were going to be lucky to get a day past 25 degree (25 degrees is only just warm enough to go swimming). It would've broken my heart to disappoint them. Yesterday was a public holiday, the forecast was for 26 so we decided to chance it despite the cloudy skies. When we arrived it was already packed full of people. The water was freezing and the kids shivered but we all had a FANTASTIC time. It warmed up a bit. There were also lots of other rides to go on that weren't watersides. The kids loved the toboggans, unfortunately Auron and I got stuck behind a painful kid who kept stopping to try make us crash into him. In the end I put on my "mummy voice" and told him to cut it out. We have no photos as we were too busy having fun!

And the Days of Our Life Continue

This week was full on and doesn't seem to be slowing down. Usually Aarahi and I give each other at least one afternoon a week to have a rest/sleep/time out in the bedroom with no little people, but this week has been so non-stop that it just wasn't possible. Oh boy did we miss it!

On Monday the kids and I spent 5 hours doing school work and activities. I admit it was a pretty fun day so I wasn't surprised they didn't want to stop. We made my cousin Bronte a birthday present for her 10th birthday. Scissors and glue and Auron was in heaven. Lili got so covered in mess I just had to leave Auron to finish it up by himself.

On Tuesday I had the kids help me clean out the pool while they were swimming. Later that day it started pouring with rain along with some thunder. Auron and I were standing on the doorstep watching and decided to jump in the freshly cleaned pool for a swim in the rain, we didn't even bother to put togs on. We jumped in clothes and all. It was the most fun I have had in a long time!

Wednesday saw us going into the city to sign the contract for our house and mortgage. We are happy to say that we will not be stuck with a 30 year loan but should have it paid off in 15-18 years fingers crossed! Also got a fantastic interest rate of 4.49%. We decided to have dinner in the City to avoid the crazy Melbourne rush hour. Dinner was below average and I wasn't at all impressed.

Thursday the kids and I went into town to do something which I can't remember. Probably wasn't important and I probably bought a whole lot of stuff I didn't need. When Aarahi got home we went over to Bronte's party/afternoon tea. The kids love going to see my Aunty and Uncle and their cousins. Bronte really like the present we made her. She is easy to please that kid!

On Friday...I was dying for some sleep! But really I made a bunch of cupcakes for Relief Society and tried to catch up on house work and paying bills and all that other stuff that sucks about being an adult. That night I was supposed to go to Enrichment night at church but really couldn't be bother but went anyway. I am glad I did. It was a nice 2 hour break, Aarahi was happy to look after the kids. I got home to, two sleeping kids and a happy baby all ready for bed. Aarahi was my hero and folded and put away my mountain of washing I had washed that day.

Saturday we had big plans which we threw out the window in favour of sleep and relaxing on the couch...after I enlisted everyone's help to clean the house.

This is what Ammon though of Family Home Evening

One of the missionary's gave our family this AMAZING Book of Mormon timeline puzzle. Auron has been putting it together everyday and is learning lots of the stories and peoples names.

Auron took this photo during our meeting at the builders

Lili begged Daddy to take them on the escalator, he is the best Daddy 

Houses and Playgrounds

Busy week, stressful week. Most of this week we spent making decisions about our house. We poured over so many house plans that they started to all look the same. In the end Aarahi and I both decided on the one we both really liked. Yesterday we went in to talk to the "guy" I don't really know what you call him? He went over everything with us and took us out to view the land this morning. It's such a nice area I can't wait to move out there! The land looks like a whole lot of nothing right now, they have just started building our street. Building of our house will start in August and fingers crossed finished by Christmas. This timing works out pretty well for us so I am happy.

On Thursday I needed a break. It was hot and sticky and everyone was grumpy so I took the kids to the new indoor play centre. They played for like 2 hours while I sat and read a book. It was just the break we all needed. I learned my kids have no fear, Lili and Auron were both throwing themselves down the HUGE inflatable slide with out a care in the world.

Ammon has been super cute this week, he has just started giggling and babbling away to himself. He is such a good baby we are so blessed. I told Aarahi last night we should have some more, he looked at me like I was a mad woman. Obviously this last pregnancy hasn't quite faded from his memory yet! I'm sure there will be a few more kidlets to come though.

I have a huge pile of dishes needing to be washed but out of dish washing liquid, Aarahi told me to use Laundry Powder like his Sister in Law Kristen.....I may just have to do that.

Waiting for her lunch...Chicken and chips, which she barely touched

This one slept most of the time

Climbing the ladder to the top of the big slide

Slushies from Hungry Jacks as promised

Going out to look at the land. 

Valentine's Day Love

It has been a busy and exciting week for us. On Wednesday I felt like I could take on the world! I guess that is what happens when your baby only wakes up ONCE at night and your 2 year old stays in her own bed ALL night. It's safe to say on Wednesday I was convinced I was living the perfect life, with my perfect kids and perfect husband. When Aarahi got home from work I announced that we were going out for dinner to celebrate all this perfectness.

During the week the kids and I had been practising how to behave when we are out in public to eat. In the past their behaviour hasn't been terrible but it's not great either. So I was keen to see how our practising and training had worked out. THEY WERE AMAZING!!!!!!!!! they sat quietly, didn't get out of their seats, didn't yell or get grumpy, they ate their dinner without complaining and Aarahi and I were able to actually enjoy our dinner and have a conversation. It was a pretty fantastic end to my perfect day....then I woke up to Thursday, which wasn't quite as perfect.

On Friday Aarahi and I had an appointment at the bank for our home loan. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I knew we had worked hard to get where we are, but I was still worried it wasn't going to be enough. Once we sat down with the loan manager, and he looked at all our accounts and paper work he was blown away with how we had managed to accomplish so much on, one income, and 3 children. He gave us pre-approval for WAY more than we wanted, and told us to go find our house. It's the blessings of paying our tithing I have no doubt about it.

On Saturday Morning we celebrated Valentines Day with a special breakfast then headed out to deliver special Valentines goodies to some of our favourite people. Aarahi and I have been working hard to try teach our children to think of others before themselves and thought this would be a good opportunity for them to put that in to practice outside of our own little family. We have an acronym we try to use J.O.Y. Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last.

After delivering our gifts we headed out to the display village to look at houses. The kids thought it was fun and I think they would be happy to live in any of the houses we saw. Aarahi and I on the other hand were able to decide on what features we did and didn't like. I think we have nailed down a house that we like and will speak with the builders this week probably.

We later walked over to McDonalds to get a treat (go to the toilet). It was the strangest Mcdonalds we have ever been too. It was brand new and had too many "fancy"features. Lili wouldn't get out of the playground I had to go in and get her wearing a dress. I'm not sure if she was stuck or just being stubborn, anyway I was not impressed....can you tell my perfect family really isn't so perfect after all?! haha

This kid slept for almost 2 days straight only waking to eat. I suspect a growth spurt as he put on a full 1 kg in a week

Being nice a quiet in the restaurant

Auron so badly wanted me to buy these for Ammon "He will be sooo cute! it's just perfect for Ammon"'
I couldn't say no...

one of our Valentine's treats 

All ready to go

I love this photo of these cheeky two

Ammon is full of smiles these days...well mostly, he often looks at you like you are crazy too