2008 - Olivas Style

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from 2008.

What a GREAT year!!

Bring on 2009!!!

SAINT Nick...

Dear Santa,

You really are magic! You and your jolly self all dressed up in your big red suit must have been quite an intimidating sight to Uncle Dec's boss. (It always is for those who don't believe.) We just heard the news that they WILL be coming to Colorado for Christmas. We are jumping with JOY!

Thank you for giving us the ultimate gift - FAMILY. It will indeed be a Christmas to remember.

Yours Truly,

The Olivas Brothers

PS-Now about those gifts we said we didn't need....they may come in handy. You know, to entertain our cousins, and stuff. It's your call Santa.

Scratch That, Santa....

Dear Santa,

We, The Olivas Frat, have changed our wish list to you. We know you are most likely packing your sleigh as we speak, so this letter is very urgent. Please forget about the I-Pod, Choo Choo Train with a light, Firetruck that goes, and all of the other toys we requested this year. We won't be needing them. Instead, we would like for you to shut down Uncle Dec's current job site, so that he can drive with Aunt Lorie and our cousins, Braden and Ryan to Colorado for Christmas.

We don't know much about Uncle Dec's boss, but he sounds like a scrooge to us.

Please, Santa, if you have the time, could you have a word with this man? Teach him that the true meaning of Christmas only surfaces when surrounded by those you love. We are looking very forward to being with our cousins this year. We want them to play in the snow with us. We want to open gifts with them on Christmas Eve. We want to burn letters to Santa with them. They have to come home to Colorado, they have to.

So take our gifts, Santa, and redistribute them however you see fit. Just bring us Uncle Dec, Aunt Lorie, Braden & Ryan.

That's all we need.

With love,
Evan, Luke, Jack, Logan & Wes

Is It In The Mail?

Your card...have you mailed it?

I usually have more than this, being 9 days until Christmas!

Here's a picture of what I do have -

Yes, that is a card from Santa. And a picture of Blitzen, too!

Don't see yours? That's because I don't have it!
(Shame on you)

Don't have ours proudly displayed amongst your decorations yet? That's because I am still in the process of sending them.

(shame on me)

I'm a little busy.....

He's Crafty...

I just looked at our mantel and had to show the world how beautiful it is. My ever-so-talented Dad built it from scratch. He cut all of those bazillion little squares and spacers for the dental molding and glued them on one at a time.

(pretty impressive)

Dad ran off and got married in October. Or, as Evan would say, 'He found a woman.'

I miss his craftiness.

Dad-if you're reading this, please come back to Colorado. I need some shelves.

Love, Amy

(Yes, I realize that one stocking is nameless. Wes, Mommy will try to get it done before Christmas, little man.)

Fightin' Friday

Today was the day I had planned on starting a new blogging tradition - 'Flashback Friday.' I stole the idea from Kristen, who didn't mind sharing.

At 6:00 this morning, I changed my mind.

Evan and Luke woke up fighting. Their sibling rivalry is at an all time high,

and it needs to STOP!

Hence my new title, Fightin' Friday.

(with a little flashback thrown in for giggles)

This morning I gave the 'Santa will bring gifts for your three little brothers, but not you' lecture. I don't think it worked, because as soon as I finished my shpeel, Evan bashed Luke.

HARD.

I know most of you have already seen this picture (one too many times, I'm sure),

but it's perfect for today's theme.

Flashback to May, 2008.

And to think they call it the Happiest Place On Earth.....

Santa, if you're reading this, you can bring me gifts instead of the boys.

I have been really good.

I Need Your Help!

Calling all interior designers....or interior designer wannabes.

Our 'Red Room' needs a makeover. We painted it almost six years ago, and I'm over it. It's too dark & doesn't wash well (not acceptable in a house with five boys under age 8).

This is the part where you step in. Yes, you. You - the person who is lurking on my blog and
I don't even know you.

Time to introduce yourself.

Here's what I'm looking for: A new color for our room that will serve as our new Olivas Family Library. I envision rows of books, cushions on the floor, cute little lamps on top of shelves, and to top it off, A HAPPY COLOR ON THE WALL. Maybe something bluish? Maybe something greenish? Something light, airy.....and HAPPY!!

If you have such a color in your home, please share! I would LOVE a picture, but color names and brand of paint will also do.

Please hurry. I'm feeling motivated, and it won't last long.

I will post the color I choose, along with 'after' pictures.
(because I know you won't sleep until I do)

My email: amyeolivas@aol.com

Side note: The cute girl in the photo is not mine. I'm doing daycare for the months of December and January. Mostly for the extra Christmas moolah,
but also because I can't say no.

Shampoo Bottles and Other Souvenirs...

One year ago today, Derek and I were flying home from our weekend getaway in Napa Valley. We had just had our fourth (and final) child, and decided we deserved a tiny vacation. We had a wonderful time wine tasting, dining, and shopping in Napa and Sonoma. Our three night stay went way too fast, and before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head home. Our suitcases were packed with Napa-ish souvenirs of all sorts - Wine bottles, corkscrews, coasters, wine bottle holders, Christmas ornaments, stocking stuffers, etc., etc.

We spent a fortune on trinkets and gifts.

Little did we know, one souvenir came free with our overpriced lodging package.

And I don't know what I'd do without him...

Brotherly Love...

A Brothers Love

A Brother is a special gift,

sent from God above.

For us to cherish daily.
and fill them up with love.

In the beauty of a brother,

it's so plain and easy to see.

Just how wonderful they make your life,

and how they were meant to be.

Now what is it that makes a brother?

It's quite difficult to say.

Except he is the reason,

why your sun shines every day.

Author - Paris (No, not Hilton)

It's The Little Things...

Remember the joy you felt as a child when you received a new pair of snow boots each season? Did you wear them day in and day out, outside and inside, during waking and sleeping hours? Did you wear them with just your undies, so that no other article of clothing could possibly outshine your new kicks?

I Thought so.

This weekend, as you fight the crowds to complete (or, as in my case, to start) your holiday shopping, remember life's simple pleasures.

Here's hoping this weekend brings you the same joy that only a

new pair of snow boots can bring.

(Happy Friday Night Party Night!)

Alphabet Soup...

Yesterday in preschool, the kids made a picture of 'Alphabet Soup' using letter-shaped pasta. This is Luke's bowl of soup.

I sense a parent/teacher conference heading straight for me.

(No, Pa John & Uncle Dec, this does not mean he's gifted)

The Inn is Full....Again.

I know you are all on pins and needles wondering how Wes did in his own room.

Relax, here is your answer.

I put him in his crib and, like yesterday, he fell fast asleep. Too easy. Then I made myself a cup of Candy Cane Lane tea (my latest addiction), grabbed a stack of magazine ads, the laptop, and headed up to my bed. I was intent on completing my Christmas shopping via the internet and taking advantage of Cyber Monday. As I took my first sip of tea, and logged on to AOL, I heard a clatter coming from his room. Could it be? Only 20 minutes of sleep and he's already awake? Nah. I checked the monitor and saw two tiny legs in a very large crib kicking and thrashing about. He NEEDS me. My baby needs me. I tried to get him back to sleep, honest, I did. I put him on our bed. He continued to thrash and fuss. I placed him back into his bassinet. The place he calls home. He was asleep in less than 10 minutes. All of my other boys were sleeping in a big boy crib at 3 months or earlier for some. As I pondered this morning I had a revelation - Wes is not in the same bassinet as they were. And the manufacturers guidelines on Wes' bed clearly state it is made for babies ages birth - 5 Months.

BLAM! There it is! He still has 43 days as Mommy's favorite roommate.

(My apologies to Derek)

There's A Vacancy At The Inn...

Lately I've been trying to mentally prepare myself for the inevitable - The second eviction in less than two weeks. Wes is almost four months old, and way to big for his bassinet. He doesn't sleep well in our room. The lights, the TV, the disturbance of his brothers wandering aimlessly into our room, for no apparent reason, other than the warmth and coziness that only Mommy's bed can provide. He needs to move out. Not clear out of the house, just down the hall. I'm not ready. Today I put the baby monitor in his 'big boy' room, and changed the crib sheets. (My other baby, Logan, now sleeps in the frat house with his brothers in a big boy bed. Yes, he's only 17 months old, and yes, he stays put. All this growing up has Mommy wanting another baby.....NOT REALLY!!!! OK, that was a bad joke, but you get the idea, right? Anyway, I put Wes down for a nap in his crib for the first time today. He was wide awake as I walked out of the room. I stood outside the door and listened to the sounds of him cooing himself to sleep. What? He didn't need me? This can't be. I raced downstairs to 'view' him on the monitor. There he was, fast asleep. Tonight I will reluctantly allow him to sleep in his own room. Tomorrow...I'll let you know how it went.

In His Words...

Evan was given an assignment at school. His teacher asked the class to write a paragraph about what they're thankful for. Here's exactly what he wrote on his paper-

I'm thankful for my 4 brothers. My Family. My parents. My friends. My free country. My school. My great teachers. My pets. My great stuff, and my army that keeps Colorado safe.

Evan Olivas

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

We're Thankful For Dee!

Dear Dee,

Thank you for taking all five of us to Build A Bear today. We had fun making our reindeer, penguin, polar bear & moose. Wes had fun watching us. He will make one next time. Daddy says we need more stuffed animals like the desert needs sand. We don't listen when he talks like that. We LOVE our new friends, and Mommy especially loves all of the noises they make. (She never lets us put sound in our bears) We appreciate you taking us on a day when everyone else in Colorado took their kids, too. We also want to thank you for standing in line with us for an hour.

You're the best, Dee! We are very thankful for you!

Love,

Evan, Luke, Jack, Logan & Wes

I'd Like To Know...

...What is YOUR routine?

I'm walking through my house today, wondering if I'm normal. Here's how our day works: We EAT, we PLAY, we CRAFT, we BAKE, etc., etc., etc.,.....we CREATE MESSES!!! Sometimes we clean up as we go, but most days, we're just having so much fun racing to the next item on our agenda, that we tend to SKIP the part where you're supposed to clean up. It all ties in with my post about my 'Not-So-Perfect' house. Before I know it, I will no longer have my precious boys to keep me company during the day, and I'm not about to waste my time with them doing something boring, such as cleaning. Where am I going with this? Oh yeah....if you ever come to our door between 4:00-5:00, I'm sure you will hear us inside, but please don't take offense if we don't answer. We're in here frantically picking up our messes. (Please stop by at another time.) You see, I'm pretty sure Derek doesn't realize how messy we get during the day, and I plan to keep it that way. I greet him at the door with 5 happy boys, dinner of some sort (most nights), and sparkling clean and organized home. He has no idea that things just got in order less than an hour ago.....and it was done in the most chaotic of fashions.

So PLEASE, tell me....Do you clean as you go, or do you do frantically tidy up one hour before the expected arrival of your husband? Hurry with your response, I've only got 1:55 minutes until I need to start cleaning....

Our Weekend Consisted Of...

A Sleepover...Evan's best friend, Anders, spent the night on Friday. They fell asleep at midnight, and were up at 5:45 AM. I'm still yawning...

A Photo Shoot...My good friend, Lucy, took an amazing picture of our family for this years Christmas card. Sorry, can't show you....it would spoil the fun when you open up your card! Lucy, you're the BEST!!

Decorating for CHRISTMAS!...Yes, we decorated our house for Christmas! I love it!

A Visit With Santa!!...Santa arrived at our mall on Saturday night, so we went to see him. The boys sat on his lap and told them how WONDERFUL they've been all year. I don't think he noticed their noses growing.

Fist Finding...Wes discovered his hands and stared at his fists all weekend long. Mobiles, and other baby toys are SO overrated!

A Play Date...Luke invited his BFF, Erin, over for a play date. They are SO adorable together. (note to Aunt Sheila-BFF stands for 'Best Friends Forever')

And An EVICTION...Poor Logan was evicted from his crib at the ripe old age of 17 months. The first night didn't go too well, but I think he's getting the hang of it.

And HERE are the pictures to prove it!

Three Years Ago...

I was looking at old pictures today, and came across some from three years ago.

THREE YEARS AGO...

...Luke was so tiny and cute....and he hadn't yet learned how to talk back. Oh, the joy...

...We were closing up Pa John's house for the winter.

...Evan was only in preschool. I'm happy to report that he is over his phase of wearing shorts with snow boots.

...Jack had just been born.

THREE YEARS AGO...

...I ONLY had 3 children. What in the world did I do with all of that extra FREE TIME?

...I had really long hair. I miss it. Maybe it will grow back.....it will take 3 years.

...I was only 30.

...The TOOTH FAIRY had never been to our house. Now she is a frequent visitor....and we are broke. Have you any idea what teeth go for these days?

...Three years ago, I never would have thought that one day we would have 5 boys. Now I can't imagine life without them. I thought my children, my life, and my marriage were all PERFECT. Little did I know, it only gets better with each passing year.

(Happy Friday night party night, everyone!!)

Timeout For Logan...

Logan has finally been introduced to the consequence of timeout. Keeping him there is how I spend the greater part of my day. Yes, he really IS that naughty. Cute as a bug, but NAUGHTY.

Here is a short picture sequence to show you what timeout means to Logan.

Mommy's coming, better get back up......

Three Months Already?

Looks who's three months old!!!

Signs to your peeps...

HAPPY

THREE

MONTHS,

LITTLE

MAN!!

It's Here!!!

We awoke to a blanket of long-overdue (but very welcome), SNOW!!!!! It was a mad dash to the coat closet, in order to find boots, gloves, hats, mittens, scarves, & snowsuits for four very anxious little boys. So what if it was only 7:00 AM and the neighbors were, quite possibly, still sleeping? MY CHILDREN were ready. I hadn't had an ounce of coffee yet, and was just as eager to send them out for some 23 degree fresh air. It took much longer than anticipated to get them dressed. WHY? NOTHING from last year fits. The clothes that could be handed down from brother to smaller brother, have seen their limit. For the life of me, I can't imagine why I saved them one more year. Tonight we'll be at Target, along with everyone else in our neighborhood, replenishing our winter wear. Until then, and for the rest of today, they'll wear whatever I can pull together. Mommy's little orphan's.....