It's about time:)

It was time....
We were tired of seeing a beast walking around the house...




And this was during the procedure...


And here is the handsome stud that we all know and love! He was hiding under about 4 pounds of hair!!!!!!!!




So he got a haircut, we'll work on the real job stuff later:)

Let the Dance Party Begin! Happy Birthday Royal!

So, little Royal's party was absolutely fun! The kids were wild and crazy which was A-ok since we had a huge area to let them run around in. Taylor and Titus were party animals with their cousins and have asked almost every 20 minutes when we are going back to Woobie's house. I'd like to add that my kids get their dance moves from their father only!

Then they enjoyed a good quality kick-ball game with Uncle Royal. He was seriously a good party dad and spent most of them time getting the kids to do an organized sport. I hope everyone notices how the kids tend to just run the bases no matter where the ball goes. Then they would switch to defense while the other team did the same thing. Very fun.

However, when asking Taylor and Titus what they loved the most: Tag! Yep, the old fashioned classic that never goes out of style! Thanks to Royal and Carmen for putting another great party together for us to enjoy!

OBX 09

Just hanging at the beach

Isaac did not fall off Grandma's lap if anyone was concerned...

Playing at the four-wheel drive beach

This was a usual picture for the entire week.

This was not so usual:)

Ah yes, Derek after face planting into the sand

And then doing his best Michael Phelps imitation at the pool...

So our week was amazing! We had beautiful weather for the entire week except for a slight tornado watch on Friday night but I personally thought it was pretty beautiful too. The water was extremely warm for 2 days complete with a sand bar to body surf and boogie board to our hearts content. We had a smaller group this year but it was still awesome. My kids had a blast running around with their cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents and great-grandparents. We ate like kings, played all day, and loved every minute of it. Here's a few highlights:

• My kids got to go on go-carts with Jason and my dad.
• We hit the beach every day.
• Then always followed up with the pool and a nap.
• Joni took home the cribbage skunk this year thanks to her dear hubby.
• Played too many games of the card game "golf"
• Made our own jewelry with Aunt Laurie's new hobby equipment
• A few of us watched the sunrise while Jared took pics of the event

Overall we had a great time! It's almost the saddest time of year now becase I realize that this will not happen again for another full year. Really not a reason to be sad in the big scheme of life but sad none the less.

CPYSC Kickers- Taylor's soccer season

So, Taylor finally finished her spring soccer schedule. She played for a league called the "Kickers" as opposed to the "Mini's" last year. They followed the same layout of having 30 minutes of practice followed by 30 minutes of game time against another team. This was her first year where she didn't know anyone else on her team before the season started. She was a little shy at times and didn't want to play but we finally pushed through to the end. We'll see how things head up for the fall. I am feeling that it's Titus' turn to have something to play. He gets to watch Taylor do soccer and gymnastics but hasn't had the opportunity to play yet himself. Before I know it, Isaac will be out there playing too. Too fast!

The 3 Piggy Opera

So, my oldest has graduated from pre-K. She is now "officially" ready for kindergarden. Sigh. Here's a short clip from her performance. I want to set the back drop however. We were standing off to the side of their show. Jason was holding Isaac up in the air and making Taylor giggle off and on through the performance. By the end, she was hysterically laughing and not paying any attention to her teachers. Every parent kept looking at my reaction to her antics. I smiled and kept taping and was really just sad that preschool has to end and now in the fall she will be in school every day!

Our past few months

So the Orlando household has been busy and fun and crazy all at the same time. Isaac is growing like a large weed, Titus is holding onto the terrible 2's even though he turned 3, and Taylor wants to be in charge of the world everyday.

We celebrated Titus' 3rd birthday at Chuck E. Cheese and everywhere else in between. We took 2 of his friends from church with us and had a grand old time there! We also had a party at Grandma's house and then again at Grammy's house. He even celebrated with Pop-pop (Jason's dad) by picking out his own gift at the toy store and then going to Wendy's. He is still trying to master the almighty potty but is doing fairly well with it, despite a few huge accidents (always in public).

Taylor is about to wrap up her pre-school career. She will be in half-day kindergarten next fall right down the street from us. Very sad. She seems to be excited about it. I'm sure she will have apprehensions about the first few days but will adjust a whole lot faster than me. She is finishing gymnastics and soccer as well in the next few weeks. I swear her social calendar is way more full than mine.

And then there's Isaac. He army crawls everywhere through the house and usually always ends up in the bathroom, where he's not supposed to be. He is eating anything and just about everything that he can gum down. As you can see in the pic, there is nothing he won't try. (By the way, it's string cheese between him and Jason). He is 8 1/2 months old now but still quite attatched to his favorite people. Full of smiles and belly laughs.

God has been good, like He always is. The summer is going to be full of visits to Hersheypark, the zoo, playgrounds, the beach, and who knows what else!

The video below was just an average day at our house. Titus doesn't have too many costumes so we used his Halloween costume from last year. Prince Honeypot it is!

My oh, so sexy husband

Yes, I just had to document this. You see, he actually didn't start growing facial hair until after we were married. He honestly had to shave like once a week and that was really out of habit, not necessity. Anyway, now that he's a "man" he likes to let his facial hair grow wild. And he likes to make himself look like he's truly gone crazy. Yes, he's a gem!

Isaac's Dedication

On January 25, Isaac was dedicated at our church in Hershey, PA. It's always a very special event. Although, with the other 2, we had our own dedication service just for babies. Our church has changed their format to include dedication during the morning service. So, my family got to stand in front of the congregation and dedicate Isaac to the Lord. I have to say that my prayer for the week was quite selfish and somewhat silly. I simply prayed that Isaac would not perform an explosive poop or tremendous spit-up event on our pastor. He has had massive explosive BM's as all babies do but seemed to be having one at least every day recently. I'm sure God heard my prayers and laughed while he was busy performing miracles and showing mercy to others. But, on our way to church the following Sunday, Taylor asked if we were going to pray for Isaac in church again. Out of the mouth of babes... I said no because I know what she was asking and then thought, why don't we pray for him every week with our family in church? Why can't every Sunday be a child dedication to God? Even if we simply took our kids up on stage after church was over, why couldn't we say a short prayer for each of them? Her simple question just prompted my brain to all sorts of ideas.

The Farm Show

Yes, so another year comes. And with it, here in central PA, is our area farm show. Now it may seem odd because there are literally farms everywhere around here. So why so we need an entire arena dedicated to it? I have no idea. However, my kids were super excited to see cows for some reason. We literally pass cows almost every day while driving somewhere. But, they were in awe of seeing them up close I suppose.

My dad has never been to a farm show either. Seeing that he grew up on a farm, I'm sure he thought it was quite funny to see hundreds of people oohing and aahing over farm animals. But, they do have some unique breeds of animals there. There are enormous bunnies, weird colored chickens, tons of goats and sheep and of course, TONS of cows.

So, I invited myself to tag along with my parents. They probably would of had a nice time walking around leisurely and reading through some of the exhibits. My kids put an abrupt stop to that and notoriously pulled them in every direction for 4 hours. My parents have nothing but love for them so were good sports about the whole day.

Here's the ironic part: If you ask my kids about the farm show they will say their favorite part about the day was riding a school bus and riding a carousel. We had to park in a different parking lot so they shuttled us to the complex on school buses. And one of the exhibits brilliantly brought in a carousel and charged kids $2 for a 30 second ride and probably made millions over the week. So, nothing to do with animals. Although Titus did mention all the pooping that was done right in front of us. At least it's animal related!

Just can't stop taking pics!

Yes, there's no real special event for this blog. No big events, no life changing ideas, not even a cute top ten list of sorts. Just simply the fact that I am so proud of my family, especially my kids. Not that I don't respect the crap out of Jason. He's great too. However, as every mother would attest, if there was a fire in the house would I save the kids or Jason first? Hmmmm. Every mom fights with this scenario and prays that they never have to make this choice. I am pleading the fifth on this one too. Anyway, my kids are so darn cute that I can't help but brag about it. Yes, I'm biased as well I should be. If your own mother doesn't think you're attractive, life is going to be tough. Hope everyone had a great holiday season!

Christmas 2008

Christmas was always busy and fun this year. We literally can't fit the toys in our house so we rotate toys throughout the house. Yes, we are blessed, greatly. Our first celebration was the Sunday before Christmas with Jason's aunts and uncles. We played pass the gift to a right and left story all while I simultaneously was nursing Isaac. Yes, bonus points for me!

We celebrated Christmas eve with Jason's mom and Jared. Jared picked pasta carabonara as his meal and then we opened gifts together. Jared got us the Wii so we all took turns playing together. Even Titus got in the boxing spirit.

On Christmas morning, the kids opened a few gifts from us and then we headed to Mom and Dad's for Christmas brunch and more gifts. It was awesome (Carmen, I've got good recipes to share!). We had an absolutely fabulous time with everyone. Taylor has already started planning her birthday party which is not until March. Yes, God bless the gratitude of children! I hope that all of you reading this also had a great Christmas too!

Those silly Dimond kids!

Since Erikka, Derek, Courtney, and Angelique have moved in with us things have been great. My kids are getting tons of extra attention and ask every day when they will be home to play with. Courtney is my live-in nanny and takes Isaac at every chance. Taylor follows Lique around the entire house and Lique doesn't seem to mind. Derek wrestles with Titus and teases because he says that Titus is going to grow up to be just like him. Lord, help me!

We have been blessed to have them move in with us and have the space for them to live. I will post pictures of the before and after of the downstairs. Every day that they don't have school, my kids are extra excited to go downstairs and play. It's still a learning process but I want to thank everyone that has been praying for this transition.

All year Thanksgiving season

Okay, so my family is getting bigger by the minute! No, I am not pregnant. It simply means that my kids are getting bigger by the nanosecond and sometimes it just simply makes me sad. Taylor is saying the smartest things lately and really picks up on what Jason and I are talking about. She especially perks her ears when she hears someone's name come up in conversation. I don't think I've actually said the word sex and have instead been spelling it for so long that it seems perfectly normal to do so. Titus is my enormous man child. His eyes are still as big as dinner plates and now he has found that if he just looks me in the eyes and says "peeees" that I will probably give in to what he wants, whether it be yet another cup of juice or candy. And then there's Isaac. He simply goes with the flow at home. Loves to swing, loves to eat. Much like his father. He doesn't like riding in the truck all that much. Other than that, he is very smiley and happy as you can see in the picture.

I am super thankful for my entire family and their support for my kids. I seriously don't think I would be able to handle my 3 if I didn't have them living close by. My mom is a never ending supply of chocolate chip cookies and love. My mother-in-law goes 5 days without sleep and still says yes to watching them. My nephew and nieces love to play with them and the kids eat it up. Thanksgiving should be an all year season, not simply a holiday that falls before Christmas. I thank God that He has blessed me with everything I need and even the things that I don't necessarily need but simply want.

Taylor's soccer excursions

So, Taylor has expressed an interest in soccer since she saw her friend playing last spring. So, we found the cutest pair of pink cleats at a yard sale and I took that as a sign from God that she was supposed to play. Okay, that might sound a bit heretical (is that a word?), but I take pleasure in the small things in life.

She was able to play in a small soccer camp over the summer and had a blast. Her coach was from England so for the first few days she couldn't understand anything he said. By the end of the week, she had a blast. So we signed her up for a mini's league that plays right down the street from us every week.

She loves it and is only disappointed when she can't personally score a goal for her team. She's got her father's competitive spirit and also his inability to be a good spirited loser. So, after a few tears each week, she is finally able to have a good time. Although, her favorite thing about soccer is the snacks after each game!

Isn't he cute?!?!?!

Okay, I know every mother is a bit biased, but Isaac is one seriously cute kid! Jason wasn't so sure when he first was born. He always think newborn look like aliens or really wrinkled, greasy old men. I suppose that's why mothers hormones go crazy and everything about a newborn to its mother is absolutely beautiful. From the smell, look, touch, everything is wonderful. I suppose it's similar to a runner's high when they get in their zone. New moms really get in the baby zone 1 second after the child is born. I always like their smell. I don't know why and I have absolutely no way to describe it

Isaac Royal is here!

Well, I've now crossed officially into crazyville with 3 kids under the age of 4! I really had a moment of insanity when I thought that I could handle 3 kids, no problem. Since there are 4 kids in my family, I figured that my mom did it, so I could too. First of all, I believe that she really is Wonder Woman in disguise now that I am losing my mind. She somehow managed to have 2 kids in school and 2 small kids at home all the time. Second, I think those moms who have 17 kids are a bit crazy too. I love watching the Duggars and Jon and Kate but I really have no idea how they have their families and then have cameras in their home to tape the craziness.

Isaac Royal arrived on Labor Day. So, yes I was laboring on Labor Day ha ha. They broke my water that morning at 9:30am and by 3:30 I was yelling for an epidural. However, the doctor took about 45 minutes to get there so by the time it took effect I had pushed him out. He was born at 5:10pm. So, my back was sore and my leg was numb and I still felt every blessed contraction at full force. However, if I am crazy enough to have any more kids, I would certainly keep doing the epidural experience. 2 out of 3 good experiences ain't bad.

Isaac was 8lbs 7 oz. and 20 inches long. He looked exactly like Jason when I first saw him. It was weird to think I just birthed my husband. That's twisted. Anyway, Jason was a trooper and was great as usual. Isaac scored great and was in our arms in no time. Taylor and Titus came to the hospital with Grammy and Grandma. They were excited to see the baby but were even more excited to see that Isaac had bought them presents. Taylor got some Polly Pocket and Titus got a new GeoTrax train. (For those of you without kids, these are dolls and a train).

The kids have been in Heaven lately because Grammy and Grandma have taken turns taking them over to their houses. I have been extremely spoiled because I just have to worry about myself and Isaac. That's only 1 kid, no sweat! (After this post, he'll probably cry all night to prove me wrong). Everyone is doing well and I can't wait to see everyone soon!

Ooops!

Okay, so we all know the kids say the darndest things! So, the other day Jason and I realized that we had left the kids power wheels outside and it was about to rain. Jason was holding Titus and looks out the door and belts out "CRAAAAP!" Titus almost immediately repeats this with the same tone that Jason had "CRAAAP!" I was almost on the floor crying and peeing myself with hysteria. I am very glad that this wasn't a worse word that Titus had picked up. And after about 10 minutes, both kids had forgotten this word but it still makes me smile to hear my small innocent 2 year old belting out "CRAAAP!" at the top of his lungs through the house.

Jason's shop

I suppose this is true for every individual. When you find what they really love doing, they will find time and energy to always be ready to do it. For Jason, this has been the shop he's building in the backyard. I have to kick him literally to go downstairs and work in the basement, but he jumps at the chance to work on building the shop outside. He comes home early, works late, even watches the kids while he works. It's amazing. I'm sure every husband will kick and scream if we ask them to empty the dishwasher or give the kids a bath, but given the chance to build something, play golf, or go boating, they seem to muster up some hidden energy from an untapped source.

Whatever the case, he's moving right along in building this monstrosity. He is always excited in the beginning of a project, especially when heavy equipment and wood is involved. I love him despite his decreased motivation towards the end of projects. Since I wrote this, he'll probably finish the entire thing just to prove me wrong.

Soooo ready!

Can't wait to see you guys at the beach! The boys are very excited. Nicky keeps saying he wants to go the beach. "Nicky, do you want cookie crisp or golden grahams?" Response: I wanna go to the beach. Let's hope this enthusiasm holds once we actually get there!

I have done close to nothing to prepare! I'll do it all on Friday. Yippeee!!!

Kung fu panda with Taylor

So, Carmen I've decided to jump on the bandwagon as well. If people want to read about my boring mundane life, so be it! They're welcome to comment and give opinions. Again, I'm not necessarily going to read them but so be it!
Yesterday, Taylor and I went to see Kung Fu Panda. She had filled up her "stay dry overnight" chart and chose to see a movie. She was more excited to get popcorn and soda at the theater. I was excited to see the movie. It was actually pretty funny although I still enjoy the old Disney classics filled with corny music like Aladdin and the Little Mermaid. Anyway, she ducked down under the seats at one point and covered her ears from the deafening theater speakers but overall had a great time. Then we topped off the afternoon with Dairy Queen. This was not on the agenda but I let my pregnancy get the best of me. And Taylor did not put up a fight so we enjoyed a vanilla cone and Oreo blizzard. We swapped bites although I think she always gets the better end of the deal. She tends to hold both options and lets me have a bite when her mouth is full.
So after we both spoiled our dinner, we went home to rescue Grammy from watching Titus. Taylor had skipped her nap which never goes well. I was seriously warped when I made these plans thinking that she would be just fine if she skipped a nap. She had about 3 meltdowns in 3 minutes after arriving home. So Jason "suffered" and laid down with her and they napped together for a little while. Taylor was in heaven and it wasn't even her birthday!
So we went off schedule, dined on ice cream and popcorn, and had a great afternoon!