Affleck Inc.

2011-04-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

5 Reasons The Wii Rocks

It keeps the kids occupied while I sneak a piece of candy.

It keeps Gary occupied while I take a nap.

Lizzie likes to watch all the colors :)

It has games with funny names:"Super Monkey Ball"

I found something the whole family likes to play!

Happier Days :)

2011-04-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

I am loving life again! All the family is well and healthy. Kids have gone back to school and we're back to a regular routine. I love having my down time with just 2 kiddos. Mikey and Lizzie go down for their naps 30 minutes after Jake boards the bus around 11:15am. Then I usually get about 2 hours of silence.

GOLDEN SILENCE!!!

You would think that I would be able to get things done. Nope, not yet. I'm still nursing which means that Lizzie wakes up to eat at least once during the night. So I usually nap with them or take a time out on the computer. I know I should be cleaning or paying bills or just be generally productive. I will when I can get a full uninterrupted 6 hours of sleep. I'm not greedy.

Just 6 UNINTERRUPTED hours!!!!

Virus, Virus GO AWAY!!!

2011-03-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

One worn out Mama!

Man, I've just had it with all the viruses hitting our family, from all sides. All the kids got sick this last week. Poor Lizzie had a fever for 5 days then broke out in a full body rash. I always hated when this happened to the babies cuz they're just so miserable already :( She's a little trooper though and still smiles and talks to me after nap time.

As for the other kids they were all throwing up. I literally would be cleaning up one kid and another would start. Not all of them could make it to the bathroom either. I finally kept them all in their comforters in the living room. It was an easier cleaning process. One or two would throw up and I'd start the washer. By the time it was dried other kids would start throwing up and the whole process would repeat itself. My hubby didn't understand what I was doing. He kept telling the kids to throw up on the floor. Well then I'd have to clean it up off the floor and the blanket cuz they wouldn't make it! Needless to say I told hubbs to butt out since I was the one doing all the work. After that, I didn't have to wipe up any more puke cuz it was all contained in the blanket. Which then went to the washer and so on.

I did this for three days straight! I'm so tired and worn out. I've kept all the kids home this week and had them do school work here. I didn't want them going back to soon and catching something else!!! They are of course driving me crazy. So much energy! I have to remind them to relax and rest so that there little bodies can recover. But when your a kid and you feel better, that means play time :)

I'm happy they are all feeling better. It's good to see them smiling again and laughing. All the crying and whining was getting old, fast! I even have the girls and Preston begging to go back to school. Preston actually woke up, got dressed and put his backpack on today. It was a meltdown waiting to happen. It took him an hour to accept that he wasn't going to school and had to stay home with mommy. I did promise him I would swing with him this afternoon. He's a happy camper again :)

Did I mention I'm ready for a vacation? Somewhere without kids :)

Poor Baby :(

2011-03-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

This pic was taken

when Jake was standing

on the front seat of the van.

He loves the sunroof!

He was helping mommy clean Lizzie's saucer. Playing outside in front of our house. He's a really happy kid when he gets what he wants...lol! Cowboy Jacob :) You probably can't tell by these pictures that Jake has been sick for almost a WEEK! Poor baby is running a fever, puking and pooping.. ewwweeeee! He is a good trooper and is resting quietly, in whatever room Mommy happens to be in. At least he has some company while sick, Mikey and Lizzie joined in today. FUN TIMES :)

Glass Half Full

2011-03-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

Things That Suck Worse Than Pneumonia

Changing dirty diapers, especially toddler ones
Getting an ingrown hair, anywhere
Throwing your back out
Hospital food
Braking you littlest piggy
Sleep deprivation
Cleaning up Puke
Medical, Tax and Credit card bills
Burnt popcorn
A BIG FAT HEADACHE with A COUGH!!!

(Funny how we take breathing for granted)

Spring Has Sprung in the Neighborhood

2011-03-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

What is better than...

Riding in the "car" while

teething on the steering wheel?

Getting hit in the cheek

with a soccer ball

by your big brother?

(Dirt around his mouth was

prior to incident,

he was

licking the street...NICE!)

Drawing pictures on the driveway

with sidewalk chalk?

Riding bikes and racing

to see who's the

FASTEST!!!

And of course...

getting up the courage to

grow your first tomato plant

...on the kitchen table!

(Gary was told he'd lose his

gardening privileges

if said plant stayed on said

kitchen table!

Herman was moved

promptly to the bay window.)

I LOVE SPRING

It makes me smile :)

Am I Out of My Mind?

2011-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

We are sick again! This flu season has been long but not terrible. I'm so grateful that all of us have made it through fairly unscathed. I count my blessings that all the kids haven't missed much school and they seem happy even when they were sick. As for me, well I'm just tired! I don't get a lot of sleep because of all this fun. I'm looking forward to sleeping more than 2 consecutive hours in a row. How and when is any one's guess!

I would love to have a clean house again too. I get behind in laundry really quick if I don't wash a load a day. Eight people generate a lot of clothes. Even when we wear them twice in a row. I have been weeding threw the kids clothes too. Each kid has gone threw another growth spurt. The girls are now in sizes 8-10 and some size large for kids. The older boys are in the same size, 5 in kids. Mik As for Mikey he's shot threw size 2T and is now a size 3T. And Lizzie, well let's just say she's long and skinny but has never "filled out" any of her clothes! And don't get me started on shoes!!!!

Summer is fast approaching here and I'm thankful because that means swimming and flip flops, shorts and tanks. I always have a schedule throughout the summer or things get extra crazy here. Preston will be participating in a summer program for Autistic kids. I'm still looking for the money that will pay for this program...lol. Jake is going to play soccer at the YMCA in Itty Bitty Sports for his age group. Zoey has asked to go to dance with her friend Aubree. They plan to go to a hip hop class. Mikey and I are going to participate in a Mom and Me gymnastics class. I think he'll really like this when he sees all the things he CAN climb, jump and hang on. Emily is still trying to figure out what she wants to do this summer. She desperately wants to be with Zoey but I told her she needs to pick out something just for herself. We're working on her independence. She is struggling with this difficult decision. As for Gary, me and Lizzie, we plan on relaxing as much as possible!

You would think I'm crazy to do all these extra activities with each kid but I don't let the kids do any of this stuff during the school year. It's just to much driving and not enough studying or free playing. On top of all the activities for each kid, we will do our usual fun things too. Like Library time, the Zoo, swimming, crafting and vacationing. (I can't wait for Memorial Day girl's vacation to Las Vegas!) We also have a special event this summer: Emily's Baptism. We're still trying to figure out if it will be in Colorado or Arizona.

As the song states, "Welcome to My Silly Life" (by Pink) !!!!

Spotlight Zoey

2011-03-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Zoey is thoughtful and kind.

She's the first girl and oldest of her siblings.

She has her father's blue eyes and mommy big smile.

She still sucks her thumb to mom's dismay!

She is a social butterfly..wonder where she gets that from?

Here is two of the triplets she has gone

to school with since kindergarten.

Zoey is very nervous to speak

in front of her 3rd grade class

and

primary at church.

She has a great sense of humor

and loves to ham it up

for the camera!

She is a second mommy to all

her siblings.

It comes naturally

to her.

Can you say,

"Future Mommy of six?"

LOL

Her favorite thing to do is

to take care of her

baby sister Lizzie.

Zoey is a great daughter

and

one of my best friends!

This Lil Piggy Screamed In Pain

2011-02-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

I broke my lil piggy on my right foot.

How?, When?, Why?

running through the living room
tripping over the recliner
last Friday night

The kicker (pun intended)

was to get the Binky in Lizzie's

mouth before she woke herself up at 10pm.

The things a mother does for sleep!

Exhausted

2011-02-24T21:23:00.001-08:00

I am finished with this "flu season". We have gotten every known symptom of the flu this year. Of course all of us at different times and different symptoms. It's not easy being queasy...LOL. I have been into the pediatrician's office to many times to count with a different kids each time. Sometimes repeat offenders got to go to the doctors more than once. I wonder what my life would be like if we had no health insurance. *shutter* I am so thankful for Gary's employment and the benefits. We are truly blessed!

I continue to clean my house but seem to fall behind with all the illnesses to keep up with. It helps that Lizzie has only suffered a stuffy nose so far. She's also a really laid back kid. Likes to watch everything going on around her. She talks to me as I'm picking up around her and smiles too. It's a good way to encourage me. I wonder if she knows this? But the house sometimes gets left behind because I need to spend the time cuddling a sick one. Now onto allergy season in a month. Sooooo not looking forward to that.

Life is never boring at the Affleck house. Zoey came home complaining of a headache. I didn't think anything of it and sent her to lie down. This was last Friday. She complained more Sunday evening and it was bad enough that she was out of school this week. She confessed to me Tuesday that she had hit her head on a fence post at school. Well, duh? I told her that even if she didn't pass out, vomit or get a goose egg, she could still get headaches from just hitting he head. I took her into the doctor an he confirmed she was having post contusion headaches. It's now Thursday and she is doing much better. Poor child just needs to watch where she's going!

As for the rest of the bunch, they are all doing well. Emily is....well Emily. Gives me grief about everything. Preston is starting conversations with us more. Although he walks away after he's spoken only two random sentences. It's progress, so I'm happy. Jake is struggling with his emotions. I think he's a sensitive kinda guy. You never know how he'll react when spoken too. It's funny and frustrating at the same time. I've tried all kinds of tones with him. I've been consistent too. He just seems to be trying to figure out where his place in the family is, so I give him extra loves lately.

Now Mikey is climbing the terrible two slope. And can I tell you what a champ he is? Yeah, he's got a set of lungs on him!!! I am praying for this period to be over quickly. But as with most 2 year olds, he's so dang cute sometimes, you just have to laugh. Which can make him really mad at times....LOL. I love this little man. Those big blue eyes make me melt. It's just to hard to stay mad at him.

Gary is happy to go to work and leave the chaos behind each day. But he looks forward to coming home each night too. Being a father doesn't come naturally to him. He struggles to understand baby talk, girl mood swings, wrestling boys and basically "why" children do what they do. I have to say that he has made such great strides to connect emotionally with them. I am overly emotional, so we make a really good team most of the time. I always said the two of us could make one good parent :) He has been teaching gospel principles during family scripture time to the girls. They are old enough to discuss the scriptures and relate them to their lives. The boys are still young (Jake and Mikey). Preston however will take a few more years to "get it".

I love being a mom. I have seen the Lord's hand in my life. He has such love for us. He blesses me with strength to get up and keep going each day. Sometimes that's everything I need. I am so grateful to have Him in my life. What a great life this is becoming. I never knew I could be this happy. A little faith goes a long way when you believe in Christ!

Look Who Growing Up!

2011-02-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

Look mom, I'm a model. Take my picture :)

She has the biggest smile.

Lizzie talks to Emily the most.

And Emily LOVES talking to her too.

Daddy likes holding Lizzie but gets distracted

..... a lot :)

She has learned to roll onto her back from her tummy.

I have to say,

her smile reminds me of...

well me :)

She is trying so hard to sit up

by herself.

It's just a matter of time

before she starts

crawling, then

standing,

walking,

running,

jumping,

spinning,

you get the point!

I will really miss having

babies!

*sigh*

2011-02-13T17:28:00.000-08:00

Uncle Doug :)

One of the coolest,

nicest, funniest

people I know!

Emily and Uncle Doug are best friends.

Here is the family watching Despicable Me.
Mikey loved the minions :)

Lizzie didn't care for the movie.

Thanks for visiting Uncle Doug and
come back soon!!!!!!!

Hurricane Affleck

2011-02-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

I took the kids down to

the Foothills Mall.

They have this

REALLY COOL

new way to

waste mommy's

$$$$!

It's called the Hurricane Machine.

This is what $2 gets you

for about a

minute and a half!

All five kids are in there, I swear.

Poor Mikey didn't even know what hit him...LOL!

So that's what we did on President's Day

last month.

They also played in the play place,

for kids and had ice cream.

Now who's the coolest mom ever?

YES, that would be me :)

Oh How I Love This Little Man

2011-02-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Cool shades man!

Caught sleeping in his baby sister's saucer.

Fancy hairstyle from his sister Zoey.

This little guy keeps me busy

cleaning,

laughing,

crying,

smiling,

running,

screaming,

and

in general

playing around!

I love spending my days

with him,

learning

and

teaching.

He is so happy to spend the day

with Mommy too.

He has learned to be a

class clown.

He makes me and his

siblings laugh

ALL the time!

I'm blessed to have him as my son.

He's a keeper :)

Long Day!

2011-02-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love when you wake up to utter chaos? That was my morning wake up call today. I had made a birthday cake for my Aunt Maggie and we celebrated it at her home across town. I didn't put away a few items because we were late. We got home late that night and I went to bed. This morning I found the boys in the kitchen with hot pink food coloring and powdered sugar all over themselves and my kitchen. Needless to say I had to clean them up first then lock them in their room so that I could clean up the mess. Gary cleaned the kitchen floor while I cleaned up the bathroom and floor throughout the house, of pink footprints. It was a disaster! Gary overreacted of course. I had to calm him down and keep my temper in check too. I think the longer I'm a parent the more I can appreciate my Heavenly Father. He must have the best patience! I'm thankful that we were able to clean up and get to church on time. I'm hoping that I will never forget or avoid putting away things that could potentially become a disaster when presented to three troublesome boys.

Fighting Bedtime

2011-02-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

pick me up!

I'm bored, mom!

I'm gonna cry until you pick me up.

Fine, I'll suck on this until it falls out.

Hey what are these things?

I really need a nap.

If I turn my head and suck my thumb, mom won't notice..hehehe.

All these emotions

caught on camera, within a

5 minute

time frame!!!

But oh how cute that little face is,

so I picked her up

and munched on her cheeks

until she fell asleep.

Now time for mama to go to bed :)

Financially Ignorant Part 2

2011-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

After high school I went to work with my mother again to save money for community college. Little did I know the pattern would repeat and I would be spending my money on clothes, a new car, food and helping with rent again. This went on until a couple months before my 21st birthday. My friend Cari asked me to move to Utah with her and go to the community college there. I put my first college application in and was so surprised to see they accepted me. I didn't know they accepted almost everyone. I'll never forget how I felt when I opened that letter. I still have it :)

So off to Utah I went in January 1997. I stopped in Tucson Arizona where Cari was staying with her parents. She informed me that she really liked it there and was going to stay put. I was a little disappointed but I made my way to Utah and stayed the first semester.

This was the first time I ever lived on my own. I had a new car and college to pay for. I had no job and no money 3 weeks after arriving. I took a job at as a telemarketer making $9.00 an hour. I hated this job! I'm not a sales person. But I had to pay rent some how. My parents couldn't help me and I needed to stand on my own. By May I realized I couldn't do this yet and called my friend Cari. I moved to Tucson and stayed with her family for almost a year. Cari got married that June and I didn't know what to do with my life.

I was 21 years old, living with my friends parents and broke. On top of all that I gained 60lbs living off Taco Bell food. Cari's mom was so sweet and encouraged me to look for work other than fast food. She told me how talented I was and that I could do so much more with my life. This was a real contrast to being told, all my life, how stupid I was and how I would never make anything of myself. She got me an interview with a temp agency and I was able to start work at a local bank. I was making $7 an hour. I still hadn't learned how to manage my finances.

Cari's sister Erin and I moved into an apartment with 2 other girls from church a year later (1998). That year I learned a lot about responsibility and what needed to come first in my financial life. I always paid my share of the bills first. Then I bought my groceries. But all my other funds went to fast food and entertainment. I just didn't have control. I thought I was doing fine though. I even bought a used car. However, I got into credit card debt before leaving Florida. I declared bankruptcy at 22yrs old. I was ashamed and I still hadn't managed to complete college. I had only 12 credits to my name. What was I going to do?

I decided to go to work full time. I knew I wouldn't be able to complete college and live on my own. I transferred to Phoenix when the local bank I worked for was purchased by a national bank. I bought another used car at %23 interest. )No one ever taught me about purchasing a car either! We only had 2 cars growing up and that was for only 4 years of my life.)

It was now 24 years old, single and in a better place emotionally than I had ever been. I met my husband in October 1999. We married February 12, 2000. Boy did he NOT know what he was getting into with me. Like I said, ignorance is bliss.

We have made a lot of financial mistakes over the years. Both of us! It's been 11 years now and I'd like to say that I have learned how to control my finances. But I would be lying. I am however much better at budgeting than when I was single. I have kids and a husband to think of before I can be selfish. But how far have I really come?

I am now, for the first time, budgeting out monthly expenses like groceries, gas and utilities. We have always had money for these things. But I would rack up credit card debt buying clothes and such. I've done this 3 times! Finally I can say that I am taking my finances one day at a time. I look at them each day and make sure I'm on track. That I'm not overspending and that I remember what is a want and a need. Priorities are everything!

So, at almost 35 years old, I am happy to say that I'm still learning and growing. But the difference from childhood to now is understanding my mistakes. Plus having the Lord's help is really great too!

I don't know why I blogged this but I have been making such good progress lately that I had to share. I couldn't just tell about my success until you heard about the failure first. Life is hard but two things are certain. 1 I will eventually die and 2 I will pay taxes even after my death!

I'm just hoping for a little fun and happiness along the way!

Financially Ignorant Part 1

2011-02-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

I've have always been a shopper. I had my first job when I was 12 years old cleaning an elderly neighbors house every Saturday morning for $20. It was usually 3 - 4 hours of work. Back then $5 an hour or more was a sweet deal. Then we moved a few miles away but I still cleaned her home for another year.

In my new neighborhood my next door neighbor worked at the local newspaper stuffing advertisements into the papers. She asked me and a group of my friends if we'd like to do the same. So, to my next job I went! I made $3.18 an hour stuffing papers. Because it was the summertime, I worked 20 hours a week. I worked hard all summer and spent my hard earned cash on junk food and a few new clothes. What did you expect me to say? That at 12 I knew to save my money? My parents were always broke, due to my Dad's drinking and smoking. Plus my mother ate out for lunch during the week. We didn't have water, electric or gas, all at the same time most months. They never taught me how or what to do with my money. And an allowance was not a word I knew!

By the time I turned 15 years old, my mom and dad split up for the third time. We moved down the street to an apartment. This was high class for us. We had always lived in a "trailer" or mobile home. Whichever you want to call it; they were all gross, used and filled to the brim with roaches. So the apartment life was a lot of fun. My mom and little sis shared the master and me and my big sis shared the other room. six months later Dad was back and life was still hard.

During all this time, I maintained a job with the newspaper. I turned sixteen and started looking for another job. We also moved again but to a HOUSE! Things looked like they were getting better but really nothing changed but our address :( I decided to drop out of school and just work. I got a job at the local Burger King serving up hot fast food. I made $5.25 an hour and thought this was a step up. I missed my friends and going to school to socialize but not actually studying. (During the last part of living in the apartments, my big sis got pregnant and dropped out of high school.) However, I wasn't as happy as I thought I could be, so I asked my mother to see if she could get me an interview with her medical billing company.

A few weeks later, at 16, I was working as a Data Entry employee. I thought I was so classy! I made $6.50 an hour. Each time I got a new job, the pay would increase. So in my little brain I thought I was making a lot of money and moving up in the world. (ignorance is bliss!) But my story doesn't end here...

I realized after my mother kept asking me to help pay the rent, I wouldn't be able to ever leave the nest if I just worked minimum wage all my life. So, I decided to go back to high school and be the first to graduate. (My mom is a graduate and lil sis too. My big sis is working on a GED right now.) I quite my job and took a retail job with Big Lots to keep some money coming in for a car. I went back to school and found out I would have to put in another year before graduating.

My senior year of high school I took a second job with Taco Bell making $5.75 an hour. The shift was 10pm to 2am. I made enough money between the two jobs to make my monthly car payments. My mom took a loan out of her 401K to put a deposit of $700 on a GEO Spectrum. I loved this little cute white car. I made $124 monthly payments for 15 mths along with insurance each month. I slaved for that car and still graduated. I was never gonna be a high achiever in high school but I did finish.

The whole time I was growing up, no one showed me how to manage my finances. I learned, however to rob peter to pay paul. I learned to set priorities for wants, not needs. I never thought I could go to college. I didn't have the grades or the money or even the resources to. but that didn't keep me down! Oh no, I would prove to myself and others I could succeed!

Flu Season Come and Gone

2011-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

The flu hit our family this year in January.

All the kids were sick,

with different symptoms!

I cleaned and scrubbed for a month

but they just wouldn't

get better.

Until I had this great IDEA!

I made a giant bed

on the floor of my room

and made each

child sleep there for 4 nights

STRAIGHT!

I put the humidifiers down near

them and tucked them in

each night.

5 DAYS later, all the kids were

feeling better and I

could finally get some sleep :)

As for Lizzie, she got a

stuffy nose and that was it!

She slept in our bed too :)

I'm happy January is finished

and

hoping that February

will be "flu" free.

Christmas Eve Affleck Style

2011-01-03T17:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at our home is crazy! We open all our gifts from each other and family and friends. Christmas morning is when Santa comes with the stockings and "big" gifts. This year my hubby gave me an early morning christmas eve gift...FINISHED hardwood flooring in the livingroom! I was so excited to see it Finally completed. The base boards are not up and the transition room/room boards are still being cut, but it was so sweet to have all the floor gleaming in the christmas tree light. It was a lot of hard work and took from March thru to December to finish this project. We did it all ourselves. (Thanks to Brother Lemburg who helped repair a water accident that resulted in a third of the floor being replaced in late July.) So it wasn't completely by ourselves....lol.

The kids had so much fun opening their gifts. Here to the left is Preston, in his usual attire, underwear, opening a ZuZu Pet. With his Autism he rarely plays with toys the way they are supposed to be played with., if that makes sence. He will take small toys and make them planes or cars. he's great at making nosies that sounds just like them too. His best sound effect if the repulser blast from Ironman toy. He's very talented, but getts on my neveres after hearing the sounds ALL DAY LONG!

Jake had a great gift from his Aunt & Uncle Gifford, a ZZuZu Pet. Likes them more than Preston. He also got some tracks from me and Gary. He played with them for 2 hours straight.

Below is a picture of the a wrapping paper piling onto the floor! We couldn't even see the wood when we were done opening presents. That's what happens when you have a family of our size :)

I was trying really hard to get Mikey to show me his new Salty Train from the Thomas collection. He has inherited the train set from his older brothers who don't play with them anymore. It has since found a perminant place in the middle of the living room. We play everyday and I've noticed that he likes to make all the trains stop on the bridge Santa brought him.

This is Gary opening his gift from me; a Dilbert daily calanedar. He loved the one he got so much last year I gave it to him again :)

Emily asked for a LIV Doll from Santa. I one upped Santa and gave it to her myself. I think it was the first time she ever stopped to open the box before going onto another gift!

Zoey was also very excited to get a Moxie Girlz Doll that she could dye and paint her hair. Since then she has dyed all her brothers hair.

This is all the kids in front of the tree before the raviging of the presents. they were in very good spirits. I don't know why, the rotten little boogers!

2011-01-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture I promised to post. This is also her birth announcement.

I'm still learning how to use blogger. But this is our Affleck Family Christmas picture. It was taken at Marriott Starr Pass Resort in front of their Christmas tree. We had so much fun taking these pictures. (Insert Sarcastic voice here!) Out of all the pics taken, the first one was the best one. All the kids were tired and cranky and Gary was too! All I ask is once a year we take a family photo. BUT NO!!!!! Everyone has to be cranky. I just wanted to get that off my chest. Don't we look like we're a happy family though...lol. You should see all the faces the kids were making. I used one of the pics for my blog header. The boys were so funny. (Not at the time, of course.)

Well, I hope all of my friends and family are having a great holiday. We wish you a happy and prosperous new year.

Love,

Marti

Cathcing Up as Usual

2010-12-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

So, we've been busy for the last few months. Elizabeth was born on September 5, 2010 @11:13pm. She weighed 5lbs 3oz and measured 20 1/4" long. She was born emergency csection because her heart rate dropped. She was born not breathing and had to be intubebated. I was rushed into the OR and they couldn't get my epidural to work. So I got feel EVERY cut and pull. I finally passed out before they knocked me out. I didn't know what happened until I woke up @6:30am the next morning. Elizabeth stayed in the NICU for only 4 days. She turned around very quickly in under 24 hours. The doctors said it was a miracle that she lived. After researching the details leading up to my delivery, it was determined that my bag of water had sprung a leak 3 weeks prior to birth. She was very lucky to survive! We kept her out of public for a couple of weeks. But she proves to us that she's here to stay. Her weight has been an issue. She is trying to gain but seems to have hit a little plateau. She is doing fine health wise. Personally I think she's got Gary's metabolism. She looks exactly like Jake only a girl version :) Emily and Elizabeth are very similar in looks also. But she is our first baby to be born with blonde hair. It has a red undertone too! I think she's beautiful. I will post some pictures on the blog as soon as I get them transferred to the computer with Internet...lol.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

This message says it all! It is everything I am grateful for. My loving Savior Jesus Christ who has given me everything I will ever need in this life and the life to come. Thank you Lord I pray.

Preparing for Our New Arrival

2010-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

To Do:

wash all the baby clothes

paint the rest of the crib

tell Jake AGAIN that it's a girl

don't go into labor before Gary's surgery

eat as much as I can before the "eating for 2" excuse is over

get all the baby stuff out of "storage" aka: top self of garage

possibly shave my legs

get kids off to first day of school ...with all their supplies

sleep through the night without getting up to pee

get a full body massage

Some Rain is Better Than None

2010-08-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

Arizona rainbows are the best!

So we finally got some much needed rain here in the West foothills of Tucson. Our garden looks refreshed and greener for sure! I love the smell of the desert after it rains. It's so nice! I wish all of you could experience it just once. I took this picture in my friend's neighborhood because that is where we were when it stopped raining. If you look closely you can see the other rainbow on the right side. There were two but just barely. The kids loved it!

As we wait patiently for Lizzie to be born, Gary decided to go have some fun down at the church playing volleyball. He came home last Thursday night with what we thought was a sprained ankle. He went to Urgent Care after I reminded him that it wasn't common to not be able to walk at his age. When he got home the new was worse. It seems that he has a ruptured Achilles tendon and will be going into the doctor tomorrow to schedule MRI and surgery. He says he's not in any pain but just uncomfortable. Now I get to take care of him crippled and our 5 kids while 8 months pregnant. This is not an easy task. But I am hanging in there and so is the rest of our family. I can truly say that we don't lead a boring life. It's always something here :)

So if you remember, please keep Gary in your prayers. I hope he will heal well and be able to have a fully functioning leg soon. We love you guys.

Thank heavens school starts next week!!!!

Catching Up

2010-08-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Now we're just waiting for the last 2 weeks of summer to end...

in all our nakedness :)

Gary started our hardwood floors in the living room.

It's still getting done.

5 kids and a pregnant wife don't help the situation :)

The girls had a blast at the water park.

They even went on the big slides with me:)

Nothing like watching a pregnant woman shoot down a water slide.

Preston was excited to go on the slides at Splashland in Mesa AZ.

We spent the weekend with friends playing at the park.

We found out our baby was a girl!!!!!

Started the summer by washing the van.

Pool was closed still for repairs :(

We chilled out for Spring Break in front of the TV.

Uncle James and Aunt Sahra came to visit us.

We went to Reid Park Zoo.

We attended the U of A book fair for the 3rd year in a row.

LUV it!

Kids got their faces painted and the lady remembered us from last year.

Don't know if that was a good thing :)

Zoey got her ears pierced with her friend Olivia in Las Vegas.

Emily got her tonsils removed in February.

I got pregnant with our 6th child in December.

(Photo taken @7mths pregnant.)

Have You Ever Had A Kidney Stone?

2010-03-10T16:24:00.001-08:00

I just want to know if you have ever had a kidney stone. Because I got my first one with this pregnancy and was in terrible pain yesturday. Thankfully I went into the ER and got some morphine and an IV. It was small but very painful. It passed in a few hours but my back still hurts. I just want to say for all those who have suffered this cruel pain; I UNDERSTAND! They should give epiderals for those things because I've had longer and easier labors than passing that stone.

I made it home last night and manged to crawl into bed. No kids came to sleep with me last night. I am so thankful for that little blessing. It was a long night.Today I have spent all day "recovering" with lots of drinking water and as much rest as the boys will allow. The baby is doing well through all of this cuz I felt "him" move today. I'm guessing it's a boy cuz of all the sickies I've had. Plus the ultrasound tech said she thought it was a boy in the ER last night.

Or maybe it's a girl with a tail? J/K

Vegas Baby!

2010-02-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

We are headed to Las Vegas for a long weekend. Did I forget to mention that it's just me and the girls! NO BOYS ALLOWED! I get to go see my best friend Julie and her family. They moved last August and I have been struggling ever since to regain my balance. No friends in the neighborhood that live down the street, are LDS, you can borrow their car, or have sleep overs and mom's night outs with. Needless to say, we will cram everything into this weekend. I hope we can visit this summer as a family. Of course staying in a hotel and not at their house :)

Zoey and Emily have grown up with Bella and Olivia since 2003. Aah the good old days. They are so excited to visit and see their new dog and house. I bet they come home and repack their suitcases...AGAIN! This will be a fun trip. And a much needed break from being Mom to 5 kids. Now I can just chill cuz the girls get along so well. I hope I didn't jinx myself!

So one more day of laundry, cleaning, reffing fights, dishes, bath time, etc! Time for a relaxing vaca with a great friend and my girls. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Thanks for this birthday present Gary! You are the BEST husband.

More Forgiveness and Less Judgement

2010-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

My life isn't perfect. My house isn't clean. My kids misbehave sometimes. My husband doesn't listen to me most of the time. So why am I so happy? Because I believe in forgiveness. It's the one feeling that can help anyone become happy. Especially when you apply forgiveness to yourself.

We all have shortcomings, faults, weaknesses. However you want to look at it, we can all use forgiveness in our lives. Saying I'm sorry to those you love the most helps us become more Christlike and humble. Receiving a sincere apology is always good for the heart. I have learned that applying this principle in my life makes me happy. This is the Lord's gift to us. His Atonement gives us the opportunity to love one another more fully and grow closer to Him.

So, if you have something to say that can be hurtful and offensive; please keep it to yourself. I am learning to hold my tongue and really think about what I want to say to those I love. Our most difficult relationships in this lifetime are the ones we share in our families. We need to apply more forgiveness and less judgement to our loved ones. If we applied more unconditional love and forgiveness in our families, I think we would be a happier society.

This is my opinion. This is my testimony. I truly believe that if you love someone, then you will accept and love them for all that they are and all that they can be. This will help you become a happier person; in your life and in the life of others.

I wrote this specifically with a few people in mind. Not to hurt their feelings but to show them that they have really hurt mine. I am applying forgiveness and will try harder to love more unconditionally like the Lord. May you have His spirit in your life and feel His love like I do.

Daily Struggles

2010-02-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

A very common Preston pose!

In the playroom at the hospital.

(He managed to pull his IV out there too!)

Our little man at Diamond Children's Hospital with pneumonia.

Autism can affect many. Not only the person who has it but also those who love and care about that person.

Autism is hereditary. This is my belief as well as all of Preston's doctors and teachers agree.

You cannot cure Autism! It is a neurological disorder. In other words, they are wired different from most of the population.

Being Autistic is hard in a world that doesn't accept "different", "special" or "unique" individuals.

Autistics physical bodies can look "normal" but most have medical problems they will deal with the rest of their life.

What is "normal"?

Teaching an Autistic child is challenging and rewarding.

Seeing the world threw their eyes is important to knowing HOW to teach them.

But the most important thing you can learn about Autism: Accept change, love them unconditionally and encourage them to be WHO THEY ARE!

Some of you will not agree. Some of you will.

But I have come to accept

and love this little man forever.

He's my boy!

He's my hero!

He can do anything and everything we can.

His father is a great example.

Bills! Bills! Bills!

2010-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Reasons to pay your Bills:

You may not love your house but it is nice to have heat/AC
Going naked isn't an option above the age of 2
You can't see as well in candle light; even if it is romantic :)
Water is essential for your body, inside and OUT
No one wants to live next to "the dumpster" and burning trash is illegal
I guess you have to feed the kids (dash of water, crust of bread)
Walking everywhere is NOT an option!
Having money when you retire is really nice
Fueling the cars helps them drive

And Lastly,

Cold showers, need I say more :)

School is Back in Secession!

2010-01-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Yeah baby! School is back on and I am so grateful. Jake started Project Able at Tolson Elementry. He was born tongue tied and we thought he would be able to overcome that physical problem. It happens all the time. But his tongue started to curve down and he couldn't speak clearly, blow bubbles or stick his tongue out. So last August we had his tongue clipped and arranged for private speech theropy. It helped tremendously but he still needs a little more. He was accepted into the Project Able in TUSD and we placed him in with other kids that have this problem. He LOVES school. He's ready every morning even though his school doesn't start until 11:50am. His speech theropist Kim says he's a real delight and is a quick learner. He is however stubborn. An Affleck stubborn? No way...LOL!

Preston is at Richey Elementry Project Able for high functioning Autistics and loves his teachers. He is making slow but steady progress with his social skills. He is also making more eye contact. We are discussing having him put into ABAT. I think that's what it's called. It basically pushes Autistic kids in theropy to work on their particular deficientcies. Preston's is attention, comprehension and social awareness. He gets this at school and he'll get even more next simester when he attend main stream kindergarden. We are very grateful for good teachers that help him learn and grow in his own way. And he developes his talents his way also.

Zoey and Emily have both lost another tooth yesturday and today. They are really excited since the Tooth Fairy pays double when sibbs lose at the same time! They are also happy to be back at school and among their friends. The birthday invites are coming in and sleepover too. They're keeping they're rooms really neat so they can go to such events. Yeah for me!

Michael is the best baby! He talks to me non-stop and takes a 3 hour nap. This is such bliss! We get alot of stuff done at home with all the quiet. I'm not used to such things in my house. He is gettng so big and has been walking since August last year. He "helps" with the laundry, feeding the "cats" and "sweeping" the kitchen. I will take some pictures of him helping. It's really cute.

Gary still loves working at Raytheon. Especially since his new boss is LDS and he has some common interests with him. He works really hard and gets appreciated for his attitude. He got a see's chocolate box and movie tickets for christmas. I really liked the chocolate!

I am working on my "Christmas" cards. So have patience and they will get to your home.

Love ,

Marti & Co.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T21:30:00.001-08:00

All the Affleck's (plus Dee & Marlene Larson) except Uncle Steve and Aunt Teresa :(

The proud parents of Zoey!

Daddy & Zoey before being baptized

A naked Jake...shocking! NOT!

"Santa" Preston

Emily the "Angel"

Zoey & Mikey the "Wise Men"

The Christmas pictures were taken on December 24th, 2009 just before the "acting" of the nativity began. All the kids were excited except Preston. He really wanted to be Santa. We spent our Christmas with the Affleck's in Loveland, Colorado. It snowed for 2 days straight when we got there and the kids had so much fun sledding and eating it! (Those pics to come later when I get them from my sis in law. Our camera broke.)

While we were up there, Zoey was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She turned 8 in October but we waited so that most of our family could be there to support her. She was so beautiful all in white. She says the water was really hot! Murell Johnson, a friend of the family got the font ready for us. He did such a great job conducting too. Thanks again! Zoey cried when she received the Holy Ghost. It was a very spiritual experience that I don't think she or her family will forget. She of course wrote everything down and drew a picture when we got back to Grandma's house.

We had a good time visiting all Gary's cousins too. On New Year's Eve, Gary, Preston, Emily and Zoey all went to his cousin Debbie's house to ring in the year. I stayed behind with Jake and Mikey who were sleeping. They later woke up @9pm and proceeded to keep me up with them until 2am. That is when the rest of the family came home. My little party-ers were really pooped but had a great time. I should have joined them since the other 2 woke up but noooooo; I thought they would go back to sleep. Boogers!

January 1st came way to soon and we packed up the van and kids (Irene wouldn't keep them) and headed back to Tucson. We stayed in Albuquerque, New Mexico overnight in a really comfy La Quinta Inn. I got the kids bathed that night cuz we thought the shower head didn't work. Little did we know that when Gary tried to fix it, it was clogged with sand from a previous patron as a joke. How do I know, cuz when we turned the shower on and took the head off, we were then splattered with sand from head to toe! I hate being punked! After that incident we went to bed and no one woke up until 9:30am the next morning. That has never happened! We then packed up again and pulled into our driveway @6:30pm. I was glad to be home and so were the kids. Before I could even get the van unloaded, Gary was hooking up his charging station he got for Christmas and putting the new memory in the computer, then after I asked him to help again, he proceeded to hook up the new Wii. I just laugh because he really is so easily distracted.

A new year has begun and I have already broke my diet, not written my thanks you notes, read my scriptures everyday, worked out or cleaned my house. So, it looks like 2010 will be very similar to 2009. Hopefully I will still become a better person each day as I TRY to do all that I can. I hope that you will all have a great new year and remember that you are loved here in Tucson.

Happiness, Health and Heartfelt Love to all !

Marti & Co.

Christmas Season

2009-12-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

We are all excited to get away from Arizona and spend some time with family. We really miss having fun with family. I can't wait to play some games with my in-laws and maybe catch a movie with my father in-law and brother-in-law Matt. We're movie junkies! (Love you guys!)The new Sherlock Holmes movie looks really good. I'm also looking forward to visiting with my sister in-laws. I don't get to talk to them often. This time of year is when I get to spend time with Gary's family and participate in their family traditions. I love that they read the christmas story on Christmas Eve. We now have enough people to act it out. Maybe Mom will get to be in it this year. (So sorry about last year.) I have a great picture of it last year. Just need to get it off the other computer. I'm also excited to add a new tradition this year; the Wii! My kids are so excited. They saved ALL year to get the Wii. It just happens it's at this time of year. We're very proud of them.

But the best part of this season is remembering Christ's birth. He is our Savior and He came here for all of us. I am truely grateful for His sacrifice and His love. I would not have the blessing of His glorious gospel without Him. He is our Redeemer and our Friend. I love the music of this season that is a constant reminder that Jesus Christ is our Lord. I do love the gift giving and the decorations; don't get me wrong. But this year I am more focused on the giving. I hope that all of my family and friends will have a good holiday and remember what Jesus gave to us. Help someone out this year and give the gift of hope and love. Share the gospel with your family and friends. Even if they are not receptive, give them the gift of YOUR love. We all need to feel that from our family. I'm grateful I get love from all of mine and Gary's family. What a great blessing!

We love you!

The Affleck's
(Family picture to be posted when I have lost 40lbs. (J/K) That won't happen soon, so tomorrow when the other computer is working.)

Many illnesses too :(

2009-10-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

Before pnemonia struck Zoey, this was what she looked like for Picture Day at school. Emily had her pictures done the day before with her hair straight. But she really wanted her hair done again. I got up an hour earlier to curl Zoey's hair. She really wanted her hair curly for her picture. I put so much hairspray in her hair it didn't even look like it had moved all day long when she got home. Emily's also! I was amazed. I think they looked so cute. Within 3 days though, Zoey was in the hospital ER @ the new Diamond's Children Hospital @UMC. It took 4 1/2hrs to been taked back to a room and another 1 1/2 to see the doctor. They did x-rays and you could see the softball size in her lower right lung. No wonder shes couldn't bend over or walk for a day. they gave her an IV and antibiotics and debated for an hour weather to keep her there. She did better in an hour and they decided to send us home because she didn't have the swine flu. Which most of the ped patients did that were admitted. She is slowly recovering. We go for my x-rays tomarrow. Hoping all is well and she will be able to go back to school. She's lost 4lbs and looks very unhealthy. Her appetite is coming back though. Thanks for all the prayers on our behalf. Please continue because we have Jake with strep and Emily with Croup. We will get through this winter healthy; at least that's what I say every morning to myself!

Many happenings....

2009-10-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Jake loved looking at all the monitors and snakes!

September:
We went to the Tucson Reptile and Snake Show in September. The kids LOVED IT!!!! Zoey really wanted to buy a Blue Tongued Skink for her birthday. We figured the amount out and how long it would live and what we would need to take care of it. IT's like a child that will never leave your home cuz he lives until he's 40yrs old. It costs as much to raise this thing too. We said no way but she really begged us. In this picture it peed on her shirt. And not just a little. Emily looks scared but she loved it too. Preston wouldn't put the thing down. I even picked one up also but then screamed when it started moving. It was so much fun there. The oder was very gross to say the least.

October:
We were at the Foothills Mall to pick up our Family Portrait clothes. Mikey had so much fun on the green gecko. He kept looking at it like it was going to take him for a ride any minute. Then a couple nights later he fell asleep in his high chair from ehaustion. His upper tooth finally broke through. He wasn't getting much naptime. I am thankful he finally slept the whole night through again. I also found this onsie and socks at Target for dirt cheap. Elmo is the only thing he will stop and watch on the TV. He just stares and then starts laughing histarically. It's so fun to watch.

We told the kiddos that we wanted to have another baby. I was suprised to see Emily happy about this discission. She wants another sister. I really hope the Lord hears those prayers. I would love either but I am leaning towards another daughter. I must be a glutton for punishment. Gary even helped pick a name out for another girl. We are keeping that a suprise until we find out if we'll have another baby though. Other then these fun things we are happy here.

We Have Decided

2009-10-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

So Gary and I were talking again about having another child. It wasn't scary and I had a good feeling that I wanted another but I wanted to take the time to decide when. So we decided to listen to each other and our prayers. Hopefully there will be another Baby Affleck next year. After that we are done. I am sad that I can't have anymore after the 6th but I don't think I could handle any more than that. I know most of my family and friends think it's too much. I appreciate all your input. We have been thinking about this for months now. I would always laugh and say "no way, we're so done." But I didn't know. I kept having a nagging feeling that there was another baby. I just didn't know if we could handle another child with all of Preston's challenges. We are now discovering that Emily is exhibiting some of the same autistic characteristics. So our plate is full.

Which leads me to the follows revelation: I am truely blessed with the family I have and I have enough love and sometimes energy to give 1 more baby. So I hope that all my friends and family will help support ary and I as we continue on our journey of building a happy family. Thank you to all my friends that gave us their opinions and advice. We love you and really appreciate all that you do for our family.

So wish us luck or send some prayers; however you feel about it.

Now peel yourselves off the floor and just be glad it's not you. LOL. And by the way, I'm not quitting anymore. Gary gave me a little me time with my girlfriends. What a wonderful hubby. Sometimes he really knows how to pamper his wife.

I Quit!

2009-09-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

I Quit! I Quit! I Quit cleaning anything and everything! I Quit trying to keep the kids clean and respectable; the house clean; my husband happy; my self bathed; my family fed; my yard weeded; my hair perfect; my laundry washed, dried, folded and put away. I Quit! Now that I have gotten that off my chest, I have to get back to work. Thanks for listening. Or at least glancing at this message and hitting delete.

Never Leaving

2009-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here thinking about how much our family has grown. Gary said when we got married, "we'll only be here in Tucson for the next 5-7 years". Those 7 years were up 3 years ago. Of course when we bought our home it was to be a "starter home". Now it is 10 years, 5 kids and the same "starter house" later. I have realized we may never leave. This is the longest I have ever lived in one home. I should be grateful! But I'm getting antsy. So, I have started a project for our house: I will be pulling up the living room carpet from entry way to kitchen. I am hoping to lay laminent wood flooring there soon. This should really help the cleaning process! Don't know when we'll be starting this project but I am already pricing and measuring the floor. Next will be a coat of paint for these white walls in the living room. I'm thinking brown. We'll see because Gary always has an opinion about my decorating. Why couldn't I have gotten a husband that didn't care?

Been Awhile...lol

2009-09-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

Flying kites with daddy

Emily & Olivia

Domino & Zoey

Saying goodbye to the Holladay's :(

Mikey standing for the first time.

Emily's birthday cake that Jake destroyed.

My Aunt Maggie and Mikey @the pool.

So let's start with the summer. We spent alot of time at the pool this summer. Preston learned to put his head underwater and hold his breath. Eventually he tried to swim too. He took lessons at the YMCA but had a hard time waiting his turn to do everything. He was so excited to be in the pool, so we gave up after 2 lessons. I taught him myself at our community pool. Jake of course had to do the same as PReston. He has never been afraid of the water. He decided to try to swim without his floaties a few times without telling me. So needless to say I had to rescue him a few times. I bet he'll be a great swimmer next year. Of course Zoey and Emily are like fish. They had great times there pretending to be mermaids. Takes me back to my childhood in Florida. My sister Sandy and I would do the same thing. Mikey is also a little fish. He loved his lessons and knows how to blow rassberries in the pool. He couldn't quite get the bubbles. He laughed alot!

June was a fun month because I did a craft class twice a week with the kids. We had two of their friends Savanah and Mackenzie craft with us. They made masks, wood people, visors, birdhouses, t-shirts, and much more. The girls really liked it and Preston got his Ocupational theropy with the crafting. (He struggles with his writing.)

July was a different month. I missed my friend Julie though cuz she went to Cali for the month. Took all her girls so that meant I had to entertain my girls. We did get to hang out with Maricella and her kids Alyssa and Nick. So we kept really busy. We swam and went to the YMCA but for the most part we didn't do much. Hung out at Mcdonal's alot cuz the weather was so HOT. Went to the mall too. Anywhere there was AC we were there. Watched a lot of movies too.

August came and went with many ups and downs. Gary's brother was married in the Denver Temple on August 13th @1pm. Gary and I missed it because I was in the ER there in Loveland because of health issuses. (I am slowly recovering from an intestinal blockage.) The girls were beautiful as flower girls. So I hear. I don't have pictures but the relatives are sending them to us. We also came back home to say goodbye to our best friends the Holladay's. They moved to Las Vegas on the 1st. We cried alot and I tried to stop them but I guess a job is more important than me. :( We all really miss them. The girls are struggling with not having their friends here. We have known this family since Zoey was 18mths old. Time really flys. Kids also started school. Yeah for mom! We also celbrated Gary's 36th b-day by giving him a new 6mth old cat named Domino. We adore him.

September is going well. Kids are having fun and learning in school. I am always busy with Preston's needs and keeping girls up with homework. We are trying to get into soccer for the girls too. We are also planning piano lessons for the girls starting next year. Mikey is 10mths and took his first steps a couple weeks ago. All day today he has been standing and taking steps. The most he's accomplished is 4 in a row. My freedom is all gone now! He is so cute and loveable. He is really laid back and hardly cries at all. Eats really well too!

So that is our life here in the Affleck house. Of course Gary and I are just happy to be so blessed. We are very boring people ourselves. Gary started a garden last year and is experimenting with it. Okra seems to be what's growing now and 1 sole watermelon. He also stays really busy at work. We are very thankful for that. Me, I just try to stay awake during the day and asleep during the night. That hasn't happened since I was 21!

Summer Time is Here Again

2009-05-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's already hot and over a hundred degrees here in Arizona. That must mean school is out and summer break is here again. The girls have graduated to first and second grade. Preston is going into the 4 year old class in preschool this August. So everyone is taking a much needed "brain break". So does this mean I get one too? NOOOOOO!

All mom's have to find things for their children to do during this break so that they don't lose their minds. I count down the days until school starts and the house is quiet again. But I do love going to the pool most days. The kids love it too. I drag the "bucket" of pool things. In this bucket is our sun screen, swim shampoo, comb, pool toys (balls, darts, squirt guns, rings, spider man sticks, diving rods), also the water wings, cups, plates, forks, wipes, diapers, swim diapers, water bottles, and occasionally some soda for mom. I love this big bucket because it can hold everything and then some. Plus it's water proof. I haul it in with the double stroller. Of course Mikey is riding shotgun. I bring a cooler with lunch or dinner (depends on the time) and a shade pavilion that I know how to assemble and take down myself. Can you tell I'm proud of that fact.

The girls know how to swim and Preston is learning really fast with his lessons. I think he'll be out of his water wings later this summer. Jake is also fearless but never without his water wings. I keep a good eye on everyone where I sit near the spa under my pavilion. I have learned to run and jump in when the water is too cold so that I won't get out of the pool fast. The water is still a little chilly. Of course I do hate one part of summer: finding a new bathing suit. Because of course I never fit into the one from the year before. I'm either fatter or pregnant. Oh well! This reminds me that Bella Holladay asked me today, st the pool, if I was pregnant. I said no; just fat. She looked at me then her mom. She signed that I eat alot! Amen sister!!!!! On a positive note, I have lost 5lbs watching what I eat lately. Maybe I won't fear next summer as much?

Of course Gary is missing all the fun! He's working very long hours and when he can get to the pool with us, he's usually cold within 5 minutes. Must suck being so skinny. (I'm not bitter!) He loves being there with us though. We like to play "toss the kids". Jake used to like it until he swallowed a bunch of water and now he'll say "nope" when we ask if he wants to play. HEHEHE!

Life is sweet. It can get hairy here with little space and my Aunt Maggie living with us for now. But all in all, we love the summer time. We're looking forward to camping and going to James' wedding in August. Hopefully we'll get to go visit the Holladay's in Las Vegas too. I don't want them to move in July, but you go where the work is!

Have a BLAST this summer everyone!

Marti

I'll fight ya for it!

2009-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have a great camera and a pretty good camera phone but I haven't downloaded any new pictures cuz I have to fight for my time on the computer. Preston is really developing his cognitive abilities on the pbs website. He's starting to connect the sounds to 2 letters in the alphabet. I am so happy. I have other sites that help me with his home theropy. (Since getting theropy is so expennsive!) Also, Emily is my little artist and she makes drawings on the computer. Gary is working on a program just for her talent on his PDA. Zoey has "web reports" and research she has to do for homework. (Wow, how school has changed since I was a kid.) Then Jake has to be right in my lap to see what all the fuss is about with the "T.V." on the desk. Gladdly he's watching the real T.V. now so that I can get on this one. I'm sure Mikey will be in the mix soon enough. So that's my excuse for not posting more often. And because Julie needs to give me back my camera cord for the computer that she borrowed 2 weeks ago!

Preston's Diagnosis

2009-05-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

So, for those who have been kept out of the loop; Preston was diagnosed with Asperger's Autism last week. (Along with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Auditory Processing Disorder!) In other words: Preston is Special!

Gary and I noticed that Preston wasn't speaking to us after we took his pacifier away when he was 2 1/2yrs old. That was December 2007. We also noticed that he couldn't hear us most of the time. After months of tests we were told he needed tubes because of continued fluid in his ears and that he would be delayed in speech because of this loss of hearing since his birth. Well, Preston was enrolled in a special program through our school district to get him the help he needed. We thought he might be socially behind because of the hearing loss. Last August the Pediatric Neurologist informed us of the possibility of Asperger's Autism. So we scheduled a follow up appointment for this April to track his progress. Preston would have opportunities to help him through his preschool and then we would evaluate the situation again.

This is where we have ended up: Preston will now go see the Autistic Pediatrician in Tucson for a defined Autistic therapy plan. This means he will get the therapy needed to help him progress in his life socially and academically. We are not necessarily surprised with the diagnosis. Preston has always been different from our other children. But we still love and accept him. He is so sweet and so lovable. He gives the best hugs and we're just happy to know that he has a mild case of Autism. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't have a hug or smile from my little boy. He lights up my life in many, many ways.

And that is what's happening this week in the Affleck household. It has made us stronger as a family. We are more tolerant for each others feelings. More kind in our thoughts and prayers for each other. And we give our love more freely. I think it's a win - win situation if you ask me! We are blessed with an eternal family and we're happy too. Trials are to be expected, but the blessings that come from them make us a better family. God Bless your families too! (Not that I think any of you should have or get Asperger's...hehehe.)

Brothers

2009-05-06T17:15:00.001-07:00

As much as they can't stand being together one minute and are the best of friends the next minute; they will always be brothers! I was wondering if they would become real close friends as the years go by or will they be glad to leave home without a backward glance?

Today started like any other: wake up, eat cereal, referee a fight, shower, referee a fight in the shower, try to run errands, referee a fight in the van, threaten to beat them in public, come home, referee another fight, pray for bedtime to come quickly, referee a fight during prayers, etc., etc., etc. until one of them gives into unconsciousness. (That's to say go to sleep, not beat them into it.) Of course I added Mikey into this because it will only be a matter of time before he's in the middle of it too. Am I crazy? Or is there a pattern here? I've been trying to see the positive about raising three boys under the age of four and work hard on my patience but a mom can only take so much before she wants to be adopted by Brad Pitt herself. But when all is said and done, at the end of the day I love to wipe away the tears and kiss those beautiful cherub cheeks. So hopefully they will learn to get along and play nice...while I'm still on this earth, preferably. Hell might freeze over but who's watching hell when you have three pieces of Heaven here now.

Ouch :(

2009-04-15T21:57:00.001-07:00

I was doing some landscaping this past month in our front and back yards when my shoulder started to ache. Then I took Jake to his annual eye exam that he vehemently didn't want to do. He slammed and I mean slammed his head into my shoulder in the doctor's office. I went to urgent care an hour after that because of the pain. My point is: I separated my shoulder and collar bone where they join. It is very painful too. This was the last week of March and today I went to the Orthopedic Surgeon to see if he could help me with this pain. One cortisone shot later and I'm doing better. But for those who have wondered where I have been or where their birthday cards and gifts are; I will try to catch up this week. Thanks for all the prayers and help from my friends and family. I love you guys. Now let's pray that the shots will help and I don't have to have surgery!

2009-04-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Mikey was having so much fun with these bunny ears that I had to share this picture on our blog. We had a good Easter weekend. No one threw up this year. (A couple years ago everyone was sick and we went to Julie Holladay's for dinner. Zoey ended up throwing up her dinner on the kitchen floor 15 minutes into the evening. Later Gary joined in that night. It trickled down from there. Lots of fun for me.) I made a ham and Easter potatoes and corn. I bought the fluffy rolls that go so well with the leftovers. The kids enjoyed dinner this year. We set the table very nice with 2 center pieces of purple flowers. Zoey said that the table looked like we were attending a wedding. What a compliment. Emily told everyone they should use their best manners too. Jake and Preston didn't get the memo. Jake came to the table butt naked and Preston used his fork as an airplane. Oh well:) The family was together and the kids were behaved all day. Even at church they were awesome. We reflected on Christ's Resurrection and the girls really understood that this year. We are truly blessed and hope everyone else was able to enjoy their Easter weekend as well.

Reid Park Zoo

2009-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

We recently went to the Tucson Reid Park Zoo during our Rodeo Days Vacation February 20 &21. (For those who don't live west of the Mississippi River, these days are for all the kids that belong to the 4H clubs and rodeo.) I love the Flamingo Birds there and so do the kids. This is our favorite part of the Zoo. We can really get close to the birds and they are friendly most of the time. There is a spitting frog statue that Preston loves to play at. Of course he gets so wet; but that's half the fun. The girls like to watch the ducks dive for food. Sometimes they get really close and you can almost touch them. We'll have to take you there when you visit Grandma and Grandpa Affleck. It will be lots of fun. Can't wait to see you soon.

2009-04-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Family,

I have started this blog to help keep in touch with everyone and let you guys know what's going on with us these days.

This is a good picture to start with cuz I love my girlz. If you know me well, you know how important my family is to me. I have five kids now; so don't expect me blogging everyday like some friends I know!

For now this is what is going on. I separated my collar bone and shoulder yesturday. It was painful but not bad. Labor is definately worse:) I am in a sling for a week. Can you say impossible with kids? I have a friend's daughter coming over and helping with kids and chores. Many thanks to Lexi. Other than that I am good.

Gary is working hard at Raytheon. He's there alot lately and we get to see him on weekends only. The kids really miss seeing him at night. We are thankful for his employment. The economy is worrying Gary. So the security of a job helps ease his mind. He is starting to really get into gardening. He has grown lettuce and 1 squash. Trying brocholli now. I got him a drip system for the garden for his birthday last year and he finally put it together this weekend. We both enjoy the cool weather right now, so we're outside more.

The girls are getting bigger each day. Zoey is in first grade and Emily in Kindergarden. They love school. Emily has been tested for the GATE program. We are so proud of her. We find out the results this month. Preston is doing well in his Developementaly Delayed Preschool. He was diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) last August. His speech has grown leaps and bounds and is cognitive reasoning is coming along. Jake is...well, Jake. 2 and a real handful. Love him one minute, try not to choke him the next. But he loves his mama:) Michael is getting bigger and you wouldn't even know he was 5 weeks early!

So, that's us in a nut shell. I'll post some pics of the kids and a recent zoo trip we took.

Love,

Marti