My Laughin' Place

Peaches and Pears and Grapes... OH MY!

2010-10-16T09:40:00.003-07:00

Canning up a storm here at the Ball house!

Just look at these BEAUTIFUL Grapes we were able to pick yesterday!!!

Applesauce, grape jam, tomatoes... all on today's agenda. I was hoping to take the kids to a movie this afternoon, but 3 out of 4 are sick, so might as well get the canning done! :)

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-23T15:56:00.006-07:00

I know that all there are a bunch of "back to school" blogs going on out there... but here's another one. *winks*

Taylor is in the 6th grade. (Every time I say it I want to CRY! I can't believe that this is his final year of Elementary School!!!) He is VERY excited to be on the Safety Patrol this year. His first order of business as Safety Patrol is to "guard" the office. (Not let any kids run in/out before or after school unless they need to be there.) He came home from school today really happy about his teacher. I'm happy too because she seems to actually care about the kids and HOW they learn. I know this because she sent home a letter today asking for the parents opinions on how they learn, what the parents think their children find challenging, what their reading habits are and if they are hands on, better at watching or better at just listening to learn. I think it's a sign of a good teacher... one that realizes that children all learn differently and there is not one set way the class should be taught. Hooray!

Jordan is now in 3rd grade and lucky for us, we have the best teacher in the entire school! (Okay... there are many other "best teachers" in our school, but Mrs. Baese holds a special place in the "best teacher" category. :) ) Jordan had a great summer and is eager to get back into learning mode. He's a great little student if you can keep his attention... (and if you can keep his nose out of a book.)

Madison is in 1st grade and I don't know how that happened. She just CAN'T be old enough to be at school all day long!!! Her teacher is PERFECT for her. Madison loves her already. Her favorite part of today was taking her new lunchbox to school. She says that she's waited FOREVER to FINALLY be able to eat lunch at school.

Had to get a picture of the new backpack for Madison. (And the knee highs are DARLING too!!)

My three school aged children.

Brian was able to take the day off and was sweet enough to walk them up to the bus stop since I needed to be at my crossing. These are some of the photos he took... I was thrilled to see that for another year Nigel (our crazy cat) followed them up to the bus stop. :)

My cute "little" kids walking up to the bus...

And Nigel following right behind...

Waiting for the bus. Reagan needed to be a part of it all too.

The THIRD Graders:

The SIXTH Graders... (and Gracie... in Fifth. Hi Gracie! )

The bus stop crew

The "excited" FIRST GRADERS! (Some of them at least! :) )

We're excited for a fun year!

Back to School 2010

2010-08-22T20:12:00.004-07:00

Took a nice blog break but I'm back!

Tonight was our family Back to School Feast. We had a nice dinner... (Chicken Cordon Bleu, corn, broccoli, rolls, roasted rosemary red potatoes, apple pie and a TO DIE FOR Raspberry Bread pudding thanks to Natalie's recipe. :) )

We also introduce our family "theme" for the year:

I thought that "Be the BEST Version of YOU" was the PERFECT theme... just want my kids to know that no matter what they do... no matter what their strengths or weaknesses... no matter WHAT!!!... as long as they are doing their BEST, they're just perfect.

We had a great summer. I'm really sad to see it come to an end! :)

Nicole's Quilt

2010-01-16T06:59:00.002-07:00

Actually, this isn't Nicole's quilt at all. It's for her NEW BABY!

Her baby shower is today, being given by Nicole B. who, I must say, has outdone herself! She found out that Nicole had never had a baby shower for her first baby... so what do good friends do? Put on the BEST shower possible of course!

Can't wait to give it to her! :)

Baptism Quilt

2010-01-01T22:15:00.003-07:00

Welcome to 2010! Obviously, things around here have been crazy since I haven't blogged since mid November!

We're starting out 2010 with a baptism! Jordan turned 8 on December 10th, and tomorrow morning, (January 2nd) is his baptism day! He is terribly excited about it.

I thought we would be having his baptism in February, so I ended up having just under a week to get his "Baptism Quilt" complete. I started Taylor's quilt 2 months before his baptism... Had to get this one done in a few days!

We had a few glitches, but I think it turned out cute in the end. :)

Looking forward to tomorrow's festivities! Family will be joining us afterward for a lunch, and then MAYBE we can rest for the rest of the day from birthday's, Christmas, New Year's and the baptism! It's been insane!!! :)

Our Family

2009-11-18T10:05:00.004-07:00

A portrait by Madison.

Christmas Dance Costumes 2009!

2009-11-17T14:41:00.005-07:00

Madison AND Reagan are both in dance this year! I was asked to make dresses for Madison's Christmas dance. The song is about a doll who is in the repair shop, hoping she makes it home for Christmas. :)

The dance teacher surprised me when she said she wanted a Christmas dance costume in PINK!!! Yet, it still needed to be "Christmas-y". I found some great fabric for an overlay over the pink, and some DARLING beaded ribbon to add as an accessory!

Front

Back

With Hair Bows

Different view

Details

9 little dresses hanging in a row

Pardon the food storage in the background. My sewing room shares an unfinished wall with the storage room, so for right now, this is as good of a shot I can get. :)

Growing Up but hopefully not growing apart...

2009-11-02T10:37:00.005-07:00

Ive been struggling recently with Taylor and Jordan's relationship. They've always been so good to each other. I mean... they have their moments... they are brothers after all. But recently, Taylor has been "seeking his independence" from his younger brother. And it hurts.

Of course it's mostly the complaint that Jordan "hangs around" Taylor too much. But Taylor is such a great kid and Jordan just wants to follow. I don't want to force them to have a perfect relationship, but I can't seem to not involve myself either.

It's hard to watch them grow up, hoping they don't grow apart.

Meanwhile, I love these kiddos more than anything! Even when they're at odds with each other, how can you help but not love them to pieces?

Taylor 10, Jordan *almost 8*, Reagan 3, and Madison 5

Too Much Canning.

2009-10-14T18:46:00.003-07:00

You know you're canning too much when the 3 year old starts imitating you by canning things for play.

Reagan's Birthday

2009-10-14T17:38:00.004-07:00

The "baby" is Three. And it kills me just a little.

Unfortunately, her birthday falls right in the middle of crazy canning season. My big plans for her third birthday fell short and it's one I'm glad she won't really remember.

I made her cake in about 30 minutes. I think it turned out awful. She wanted a "sleeping beauty" cake, and I should have taken the time I did with Madison's to make it look decent.

The morning of her birthday she woke up and told me that she didn't want to be three yet she wanted to stay two. She said that she wanted her party "next week". Should have listened!

By the time party time rolled around, she was fine with being three. She rushed through all of her gifts, not thanking anyone for anything. She love everything though. The day after she played and played with all her new "loot".

Happy Birthday my little Reagan! Thanks for putting up with our crazy family! And thanks for adding a little "attitude" to our family dynamic!!! :)

I'm LAME!

2009-10-09T10:39:00.003-07:00

Reagan turned THREE on Monday and I still haven't pulled my act together to blog about it.

Seriously... sign me up for "parent of the year". I mean... if Obama can win the Peace Prize, be a lame parent to my kids should put me in the running still for parent of the year... right?

Back later to post photos of the little twerp. (Reagan that is...) :)

Madison's First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-09-10T07:38:00.002-07:00

I thought I posted this earlier!!!

Madison's First day of Kindergarten was August 31, 2009. She's loving it!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Back to School 2009

2009-08-25T07:13:00.006-07:00

The boys started school on Monday, August 24th. It's a strange feeling having a 5th grader and a 2nd grader. On top of that, Madison will start school on Monday, August 31st. Having just Reagan at home will be interesting for sure.

We started this year by having a "Back to School Dinner". Sunday night we set the table with all of our fine china, then proceeded to eat bbq ribs, corn on the cob, dutch oven potatoes and homemade rolls.

Our family "theme" for the year is "BE PREPARED". This is mainly because last year I felt so unorganized and UN-prepared. That was probably due to the fact that Brian was in school as well - we just never really got into the swing of things.

We ate dinner and read the Scripture found in D&C 109:8: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God." I found this fitting for our family and a perfect guideline for those of any faith.

In order to be more organized and "prepared", Brian helped me make a magnet board for each of the kids. This way, they have a specific place for their homework pages, notes home, etc... instead of being lost on the kitchen table or on the floor of their rooms.

The kids had a great time making their magnets for their boards, and hopefully it will really help in keeping everything together this year.

We also put new hangers up for backpacks/jackets at the back door. Hopefully this reduces the clutter in the main coat closet... it was difficult last year to find what was needed to quick run out the door with everybody's stuff piled in there.

Taylor is excited to start 5th grade. He wore the LOBSTER shirt that he paid for. His teacher is Mrs. Daynes.

Jordan is in 2nd grade and excited to be in Mrs. Rubie's class.

Haven't they both grown up so much???

After a quick breakfast in the morning (they wanted CEREAL... what kid just wants cereal when their mom is willing to make pancakes, eggs, waffles, WHATEVER in the morning? My kids, that's who...) we were off to the bus stop.

And our Cat, (who thinks he's a dog) followed.

Everyone at the bus stop will know Nigel. Silly kitty.

Neighborhood kids ready for the first day!

The three 5th graders: Taylor, Hannah and Spencer. (Waiting for a friend to send me photos of the three 2nd graders: Jordan, Sam and Christian.)

The bus came and they were off. The girls and I walked back up to the bus for the return trip home and there was a lot of excitement. Madison and Reagan missed the boys all day long!

We're excited for the school year!

Camping in the Backyard

2009-08-23T06:51:00.008-07:00

This weekend, we were planning on attending our Ward Camp-Out. The kids were excited! Plans totally fell through as we ended up taking Brian back to the eye doctor on Friday morning. We felt it was best to stay behind. So in order to compromise with the kids, we set up the tent in the backyard!

Of course, we needed to eat... so out came the dutch oven!

And plenty of drinks we don't normally have.

Camping out just wouldn't be the same without S'mores....

Our little "campfire"

Had to put this photo up because the girls look PLASTERED. See what happens when you even give them Root-BEER????

At about 10:45 PM, we ended up back in the house. The kids would just NOT SETTLE DOWN. It's one thing to chat and not sleep when you're actually camping, but when your tent is set up next to the neighbors fence, you end up having to play by the rules.

We are totally going to do more back yard camp outs in the future... The kids loved it!

Down in the Garden

2009-08-21T18:17:00.005-07:00

I honestly meant to post photos of the garden as it progressed this year. Now it's the end of August, I'll only get to remember what it became instead of what it once was. :)

Looking into the first raised bed (which honestly, isn't very "raised"... we put the beds in before we laid the sod, so they're more of a sunken/raised bed...) you'll see the "herb" garden - dill plant (oh wait... that died...) Cilantro (oh wait... that died too....) spinach (oh wait... no spinach left....) lettuce, radishes, basil, more basil, lots more basil, parsley, oregano and two different types of cherry tomatoes. (Sweet 100's and Sunsugar).

Along the fence we have Brussels sprouts, brocc-a-flower, cauliflower, green beans that were not green beans at all, just a growing vine (grrrrrr....) and then some onions and chives. In the distance, behind the pool, is the empty chicken coop that is now being used as the compost pile. (Bring back my chickens!!!!!)

Flower Garden (Obviously) and our blue irrigation hose that is running to the front yard.

Taylor stood by my tomato plant to show how tall they are. If I look out my kitchen window, I see just the tops of tomato plants and it makes me happy.

The big, mama basil plant that is YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY!

Looking over into the tomato garden.

Pepper plants, a few beets, and a cucumber that finally started to produce.

A shot of the whole backyard. I'm going to miss it back here when it snows.

Reagan playing in the irrigation water. I don't mind... I used to do it as a kid too.

Front yard banana squash.

See? There's one hiding in there!

And it wouldn't be a garden without a zucchini plant, right? Love that it's growing in the very front flower bed.

I'd call the garden this year a success. I'm excited for next year as I'll be armed with this years knowledge of what to do and what NOT to do!

Bedtime at our place...

2009-08-20T08:38:00.004-07:00

Night time at our place is interesting. We tell the kids to go to bed and they proceed to READ for HOURS (or at least it seems). I think we are the only parents on the face of the planet who have to take books away from our kids.

The boys were busy reading too, but I did not take photos. This is because their room was WAY too messy. I'm not about to have that sort of documentation on my blog.

Taylor and Jordan are running out of book options. Suggestions would be awesome.

Is this thing still on?

2009-08-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

Wow. Crazy summer!

Kids are back to school this coming Monday. (How did that happen??? School JUST ENDED, I swear!)

Brian is recovering nicely from an eye injury... (Just as a warning... don't stand so close to a BBQ grill. BAD NEWS.)

I'm excited to start blogging again!

Baby Shower Gifts!

2009-07-18T07:39:00.004-07:00

This weekend is full of baby showers! So thanks to my friend CHAR and her fabulous tutorials that I totally stole, these babies will be stylin'!

For the GIRLS:

And for the BOYS!!!

LOVE THEM!

Rainbow

2009-06-29T08:35:00.002-07:00

The kids and I took pictures of a *beautiful* double rainbow last week. The rain has been nice, but it's fantastic to dry out a little bit. :)

Disney World Vacation, Part 1 of who knows how many

2009-06-11T07:25:00.010-07:00

Oh where to begin!

Our family has been planning a Disney vacation FOREVER! We haven't been to Disneyland since Madison was 21 months old. If you don't know us, you know that since she's FIVE now, not being back for so long is just crazy for our family. We *used* to go multiple times a year.

This trip ended up being different because we found it more cost effective to go to DisneyWORLD! So... the Florida vacation planning began! We started a family count down chain with 109 days to go!

10 days of Disney, 2 days of Sea World and then another day just hanging out at our rental house - it was great!

Minus all the rain.

And BOY did it rain.

While we still have a bunch of photos, we have almost none from our first week there. It was raining too badly to pull the cameras out and since we had to haul around rain gear, there was just too much to take. All of our cell phones etc. were placed in zip lock bags. The rain was insane.

So here are some photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom we took when the rain stopped for a moment or two. (Our clothes/hair are wet in most of the photos.)

Hooray! Animal Kingdom! And it looks like it's going to be a great weather day!

Don't let that blue sky fool you. We walked in the gates and got poured on.

Our family:

Our entire group: (Brian, Heidi, Taylor, Jordan, Madison, Reagan, Mom, Dad and sister Kellie)

Dinosaur area

Taylor dressed in the poncho. Seriously... we should have had group photos of us all in them since that's how we remember the trip.

Kali River Rapids
Waiting for the bird show. (This is the first time we got to experience really HOT Florida weather. The bird show was great though and about 5 minutes afterward, we were back in our ponchos.)

The birds were amazing.

We had to get a photo of us in front of Expedition Everest. Madison went on it 3 times as did Jordan. Taylor only twice and Grandpa once (and he said a bad word.)

Seriously, one of the highlights of the trip was the Kilimanjaro Safari. The animals must have loved rain because they were all out, right next to the van every time we went on it. AMAZING. The ride was a bit bumpy, so most photos didn't turn out... but it was so worth seeing the rhinos, elephants, hippos, etc. We LOVED it.

After the safari, there is a great walking tour with amazing animals.

More quick photos of the kids before Everest. Loved that ride.

We were so excited to see the parade on our last day! It was canceled ever other time we were in Animal Kingdom because of rain.

So many things that we loved about this Disney Park. We saw Finding Nemo the Musical twice, ate at Tusker house which was YUM, and just enjoyed being up close to so many animals and beautiful landscape. We MUST go back to Disney World and this park with DEFINITELY be in the "must see" category!

Princess Dresses Part Two

2009-05-14T10:11:00.002-07:00

The final two Princess dresses. (They are not ironed so ignore the uneven hems and such... I just have no more energy for these things.

Here's Snow White!:

And Sleeping Beauty!:

All the hair accessories are done now too. I didn't have them finished for the first round of princess dress photos.

So glad to be done!

Princess Dresses Part One

2009-05-13T09:30:00.004-07:00

I wanted the girls to have princess dresses for our trip to Disney. With the HOT weather we'll be facing, I wanted to modify the princess dresses to be SUN-dresses instead. These were fun to create!!! And I think the girls will stay cool and comfortable in them while walking around the Magic Kingdom!

First up is CINDERELLA!

Then BELLE!
(I LOVE how these turned out... Lots of work, lots of gathering, but love the outcome.)

A favorite around here is TINKERBELL!

Photos soon of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty!

Minnie Mouse Outfits

2009-05-12T06:19:00.002-07:00

"Minnie" outfits for the girls.

Random

2009-05-07T05:11:00.002-07:00

Seriously... turn me in for blog neglect. Things *could* be crazier around here, but not by much. Here are some random pieces from our lives recently.

Brian's last final is today. Then "we" are done with school. Man alive, I can hardly wait to have him home and not stressing about school! I'm so glad that he went back and finished up - it was not an easy decision to go back... but he's DONE! Happy Graduation to Brian! YIPPEE!

Taylor still has his nose in a book... he read the 6th Harry Potter book in record time so he could start book 7. This school year he has read books 4, 5, and 6. I would not be surprised if book 7 is finished by the time school is out. He read for over an hour last night and is already on page 220.

Jordan is following in Taylor's footsteps and asked if he could start the first Harry Potter book. I told him it might be difficult and to not get discouraged if he needed to just read another book instead. He's excited for the challenge - He's been reading smaller chapter books for weeks now and can read ones that are 75 pages easily in an evening. I'm so glad they like to read! Jordan was so sad to bring me his spelling test the other day. He missed one word. He has not missed any words since the beginning of the year. He was SHOCKED to see a minus one, but admitted to his "mistake" and vowed to do better. Where did I get this kid?!?!?

Madison has Kindergarten Orientation tomorrow. I'm hoping that Kindergarten won't bore her to pieces. She's starting to read a lot more, corrects kids work at preschool, and really is an adult trapped in a 5 year olds body. Her dance performance is coming up and she's way excited. While all the family is counting down to the Disney World Trip, she is counting down to the dance recital. She says that she'll be excited for Disney AFTER dance is over because dance comes first on the calendar. Okay then.

Reagan has started talking in her sleep and tells quite the tales. When she wakes up she has a hard time distinguishing from her dreams and reality. If she's talked in her sleep about Jordan taking something away, she's not nice to him the rest of the day. While cute, the little night conversations are getting tiresome as she comes into our room around 2:00 AM to sleep with us and Brian and I are both too exhausted to haul her little fanny back into her own bed. We'll keep her anyway.

Many a sewing project, pictures of the master bedroom construction and more coming soon. We'll turn this blogging slump around yet! :)

Dance Costumes

2009-04-21T10:33:00.003-07:00

THEY ARE FINISHED!!!!

NINE little dance costumes for Madison's class. *phew*!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!!!!

2009-04-19T06:31:00.002-07:00

To my sweet firstborn child: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

You will never understand the HUGE change you made in my life. I can't even remember what life was like before you were here. And holding you in my arms for the first time? The thought of you turning ONE let alone TEN sounded just so far away.

Well, the time quickly came, and as you've grown, you have also shown what an amazing person you are meant to be. So caring about the feelings of others, so helpful and warm... so much like the best role model you could possibly have in your life, your DAD.

What a privilege it has been to be your Mom.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Taylor! Thank you for being such an important, wonderful and delightful part of our little family!

Love,
Mom

Hooray! Our Neighbors Save the Day!

2009-04-13T09:54:00.005-07:00

I was SO SAD to not have photos of the Easter Egg hunt, but our neighbors took photos before it started! Is this not just THE best yard for an egg hunt? So many rocks and trees and sculptures to hide eggs in... It was FANTASTIC!!!

Thank you, Olson's! We may have to make YOUR yard our family Easter tradition!!! *winks*

Easter Pics!

2009-04-13T08:00:00.005-07:00

The blog entry for today should have been pictures of our FANTASTIC Egg Hunt we had at our place (well, actually the neighbors place as they have the BEST EVER yard for an egg hunt...), but unfortunately, Brian took a bunch of photos WITHOUT the memory card in the camera. (I could just CRY!)

So what we DO have are photos of Easter Sunday, the kids dressed up in their new Easter best!

All the kids, Reagan extra "Cheesy"

Taylor, Jordan, Madison and Reagan

Taylor, 10 next Sunday!!!

Jordan, the subject of the entry before this one, age 7

Madison, age 5...

...going on 16

Reagan, 2.5, who was actually smiling for the camera, but pulling faces in more photos than any of her siblings.

Facebook Conversation

2009-04-12T20:11:00.002-07:00

This conversation is how my Easter ended.

Madelyn

Heidi, Jordan said the funniest thing today in primary. His class read the scripture about rubbing Jesus' body with oil and spices after he was crucified and before they put him in the tomb. So Jordan got to paraphrase and he told everyone, "after Jesus died they put sauce on him and then..." It was so funny.

9:01pmHeidi

OH NO!!!

You never know what's going to come out of that child's mouth!!!

I've got to write that down...

9:02pmMadelyn

It was really funny, maybe he'll be a chef, I can see why he thought of it as a sauce...oil spices it makes sense.

9:03pmHeidi

oh man... that is "classic Jordan"... lol

Thanks so much for sharing!

*so embarrassed*

Hero Status

2009-03-26T05:00:00.003-07:00

Taylor had a school assignment where he was supposed to write about his "hero". He sat down last night to get it done (since it's due today) and was trying to figure out who he should write about.

Brian and I were giving him some suggestions. Since he is not thrilled with having a writing assignment every week, these projects have become quite the challenge. He's burned out on writing, and in an effort to make things a little more fun, Brian started suggesting "strange" people to write about.

Like "John Crapper" who came up with the idea for flushing toilets. I mean, really... aren't we ALL grateful for John Crapper? He could definitely be considered a "hero". We were even saying things like "Even as I write this paper I'm thankful for John Crapper". It was great fun.

Taylor started writing and Brian asked whom he had chosen to give his "hero status" to. Taylor replied that he was writing about "Mom".

My heart burst! How wonderful that I raised my kid well enough to give me such recognition! The sweet, sweet child. At this point I am feeling honored to be his Mother!

A few minutes later as I'm downstairs taking care of some laundry (and folding Taylors neatly in his basket so he doesn't need to do it later,) he comes down and says the following:

"I've decided to do my hero report on Walt Disney. He's easier to find on Google than you."

He walks upstairs, I unfold all his clothes, and this morning I type up his paper on Walt Disney as I watch my Hero status go down the "crapper". (At least I lost out to Walt not John at this point. Got to think positive.)

Who's your hero?

St Patricks Day 2009!

2009-03-17T07:52:00.004-07:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

The kids have really taken to this holiday. A few years ago we started making "Leprechaun Traps" to see if we could catch the sneaky little fellers. Yesterday after school they reminded me about St. Patty's Day and asked when they were going to make their leprechaun traps.

Since St. Patrick's Day came early this year, (hey... it did for me okay? We just got BIRTHDAY'S over with... I thought I had more of a break before St. Patty's and our Anniversary...) we had to scramble. And when I say "we", I mean Brian. He figured out boxes to make the traps while I played on the computer.

They set out their traps and this morning caught some lovely green to wear to school and some yummy gold candy that I'm desperately trying to stay away from. The sneaky Leprechauns always hide the traps, so it's a bit of a hunt in the morning to find them.

The kids enjoyed a bit of green egg breakfast. Well, they all did except Reagan who said: "Mom? I need *lellow* eggs, not green eggs. YUCK." She would not eat them.

Our little Leprechauns this year -
Taylor
Jordan
Madison
Reagan
All sporting their green and looking forward to more fun tonight!

Grandma and Grandpa are coming over this evening for "Leprechaun Meat". (We call it that now. It's tradition ever since Taylor asked years ago, while we were eating corn beef and cabbage: "Mom, is this REAL Leprechaun meat?")

Yup. Leprechaun meat. Caught our dinner myself in one of the traps. *winks*

Happy St. Patty's Day Everyone! :)

6th and 6th

2009-03-10T14:40:00.003-07:00

Stolen from my sister in law Stacie, this is my "6th and 6th" photo. In my photo folders, my 6th folder down is called: Beach. This is the 6th photo in that folder.

My Dad and Taylor on *some* beach in California. What a great photo!!!! Play along and post over here when you post YOUR "6th and 6th"! (No cheating to find your favorite photo!!!!)

The great shoe hunt.

2009-03-09T11:20:00.005-07:00

Every day.
EVERY.DAY.

Every day we go on "the great shoe hunt" before school for Madison.

These are the shoes we came up with today.

Why is there never a sinkin' match?!?!? And why can't she put her shoes in her own personal shoe bucket after she takes them off every day?

We ended up finding some "hello kitty" shoes for preschool today and I swear I'm going to staple them to her feet!!!

P.S. All these shoes are the same size. However, the two on the end, made by the SAME company? One says it's a size 9, the other size 11. This does not make sense. I can see from brand to brand there being a slight difference in sizes, but for the same BRAND of shoe being so off? What the heck???

Sisters

2009-03-03T13:28:00.003-07:00

Sisters LOVE to play "Polly Pockets" together the day after birthday parties.

Love these girls!

Too quiet.

2009-03-03T13:17:00.003-07:00

I just dropped Madison off at preschool and was sort of complaining to myself how Reagan never takes a nap anymore. It's really sad that she won't nap because I used to get the bulk of my cleaning and computer work done during the time that she was asleep and the other three kids at school.

When we got home I made Reagan some Mac & Cheese and started some work on the computer. It got REALLY quiet. And around here, man... that's TROUBLE. But instead, I walked into the kitchen to find this:

I guess she's decided to take naps again. :)

Happy Birthday Madison!!!

2009-02-28T13:13:00.006-07:00

We had so much fun putting together Madison's Princess Party! Here are some highlights... a video follows if you want to see A LOT of photos of all the girls! :)

Our Invitations! We attached them to tiara's for all the girls.

Instead of taking cupcakes to preschool, we took jump ropes instead!

The big day arrives...

The CAKE!

Room Decor

Cake on the table, ready to go!

Treat Bags - many other contents added as activities were accomplished.

Necklace making station

Wand Making

Our own "Bibbity Bobbity Boutique!" We let the girls pick their own lip color to take home, painted nails, put on make-up, dusted them with hair glitter, picked our rings and bracelets! Popular station!!!

Madison waiting for the "royalty" to arrive

Jordan wanted to dress up too - every castle needs a guard!

Make-up

The whole crew! What a party!!!

We had a great time and most importantly, Madison had a "BALL". She loved it!

Click on the video to enjoy more photos!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

It was a Fairy Tale day...

2009-02-27T21:12:00.003-07:00

And this little princess:

Is now FIVE years old.

It's been a *lovely* day! The fairy godmother is exhausted and will have to post our lovely birthday adventures in the morning.

Sweet Dreams Madison!

Pay it forward

2009-02-19T12:19:00.002-07:00

How cute is this idea??? Got this from Autumn. Here goes!

The RULES

Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!
Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!
The gift that you send to your 3 Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!

Don't forget to e mail me your address!!! (heidi@brianheidi.com)

READY, SET, PLAY!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T18:47:00.002-07:00

I'm getting ready to sit down to a special dinner with my favorite people: My family!

Shrimp cocktails, steak with onions and mushrooms, ceasar salad, broccoli, au gratin potatoes, pink lemonade... HEAVEN!

After we are making sugar cookies, eating ice cream, diving into the chocolate and playing wii games as a family. Gosh I love these people!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Valentine Box for 2009

2009-02-13T07:48:00.003-07:00

Some of you may remember the Valentine box last year for Taylor. It was that time again, and we wanted something better than last year. You know... BETTER.

So this is the Valentine box for 2009! (What am I going to do next year when I have TWO to make?)

He wouldn't let me put "Taylor's Toilet" or "It's time to POTTY!" on it. Darn.

I hear voices early in the morning

2009-02-12T14:33:00.003-07:00

I hear these voices clear as a bell. Especially around 5:45-6:00 AM.

This morning the voice sounded like Reagan.

*reagan*: "Mommy? Can you share?"
*me*: "Uhhh *groan, moan*... What? What do you need?"
*reagan*: "Mommy? Can you share?"
*me*: "Reagan, what do you need me to share?"
*reagan*: Mommy? Can you share your pillow?

We are trying HARD to get her to stay in her own bed. Since Brian is the one that puts her to bed at night and is the "enforcer", she waits until he leaves for work. Because really? How in the world am I going to say NO to the little darling that wants to "share" my pillow?

Reagan has been great at nap time recently. (Boy does this kid need a nap every day. I've never had a good napper so this whole thing is WEIRD.) Nigel (the cat) has been taking naps with her. Sometimes he's a great protector. He's not so nice when he wakes her up.

Reagan and Nigel in dreamland today after taking Madison to preschool. (So tired I couldn't get her coat off before she zonked out.)

In Memory of Grandma Banham

2009-02-03T17:43:00.003-07:00

This evening, my grandma, Erma Lyla Young Banham, passed away at the age of 93.

She was a *wonderful* woman whom I will always admire.

Grandma holding Jordan when he was a baby:

Grandma with Jordan and Taylor:

Our 4 generation photo after Madison was born:

Love you grandma! Thanks so much for EVERYTHING! For your caring nature, your soft sweet voice, your example and your courage. We will miss you something awful, but know you have been welcomed "home" to once again be with your sweetheart and lovely daughter who was gone too soon.

Grandma loved pink roses and I must think of getting a nice rosebush to plant in our yard which was once her yard. My home will always be filled with memories of her as my house was hers for so many years. I'm so grateful to have constant reminders of her love around me. :)

Wow. I stink at blogging this year.

2009-02-03T13:32:00.004-07:00

Seriously.

Has it really been that long since I blogged? Wow.

I know you've all been waiting for another entry... that is evident by the hundreds of emails I've received wanting me to grace you with my presence. Those are all really nice by the way.

I shall try and highlight all that has happened in the past few weeks, just so we're up to speed.

* Reagan went a full 4 weeks without passing out. She broke that fantastic streak last night however, and we shall begin the count once again. Maybe she can go for 8 weeks this time. Heck, I'd rather it just end forever.

* Had a way ultra fun cooking class at my house on Crepe making. mmmm... crepes....

* Taylor had a blast building a car for the pinewood derby. Fantastic, fun, sweet neighbors brought over the movie "Down and Derby" the day before the race to "pump us up". WAY cute movie for the cub scout age... my boys laughed their pants off. If anyone wants to borrow it I might let you. It was nice to watch a real family film and not worry about "content".

*I was a slacker mom and ran out the door to the pinewood derby without the camera. I have no pictures of Taylor nor his car.

*The house has been spotless and filthy again about 15 times over.

*Jordan has only missed ONE WORD on a spelling test this entire school year.

*Taylor is sick of writing and getting a C- in that portion of his reading grade. Frankly, I'm sick of him writing too, and I don't give a flying flip that he's getting that grade. He loves to read and constantly has his nose in a book. He would do fine if he didn't have a writing assignment every week that required "webbing" out a story, writing one, having an adult "proof" it, and then re-writing a final copy. EVERY WEEK. He's getting an A in math and 2 B-'s in his "reading" classes. Honestly? I think maybe it's a teacher issue and I wrote a note today saying:
"If Taylor is doing so terrible in reading (which is pretty evident from the grade he's been given), then why has he not been moved to a lower reading class?"

Looking forward to a response back. Most likely by email since these teachers seem to fear calling me on the telephone.

*Madison has become even more of a picky eater. Which is surprising because I thought we couldn't get much worse. Soup last night could not be eaten because she saw a piece of celery.

*I've been on the computer a lot, just not blogging because I'm making preparations for our Disney World trip. In May. And it must be planned out now. We have made a countdown chain, worked a "disney dollar" reward system into household chores and the kids work like crazy. I'll be honest: The kids are excited, but I can hardly stand waiting this long. I have never needed a vacation so badly. Every day a chain is taken off the countdown, I breathe a little easier knowing it's actually coming.

*Brian has been working HARD on our master bedroom. Won't be completed forever, but there are noticeable changes that have taken place. Plumbing is almost all in and there is even a door and stairs leading up to our little haven. Can't wait until it's finished.

That's that! :)

I will never ask Brian to give the boys a haircut...

2009-01-19T21:28:00.003-07:00

Because if I do, he might follow what his cousin Aaron did to his kids.

Please see the video over on his blog... watch it until the end for his dear wife's reaction. Seriously worth it. (So sorry Catey! They're still adorable! It's just a little, you know... SHOCKING!)

Sometimes they just don't get along.

2009-01-19T09:13:00.004-07:00

These are the signs I found on my children's bedroom doors the other day.

This is on Madison's door:

And this on Jordan's:

NICE.

A bit late, but here's our New Years Eve for 2008!

2009-01-14T08:43:00.004-07:00

We had so much fun on New Years Eve with just our family. :)

We spent the evening playing Monopoly for the first time with Taylor and Jordan while Madison and Reagan watched "Snow White" over and over and over and over again.

After about 4.5 hours of the game (which actually was pretty fun and didn't drag on as much as I feared...) it was almost midnight and we bundled up to go outside and light sparklers. (Thanks to Heather for giving us theirs! It was totally fun!)

Reagan LOVED the sparklers.

Madison didn't want to do sparklers. We convinced her to hold one so we could take a group photo and one with just her. She's not a fan, but smiled for the camera anyway.

Jordan, Reagan and Brian

Brian and Taylor

This was the first New Years Eve that the kids have stayed up until midnight. We turned on the TV and watched the ball drop in Times Square. The kids enjoyed it, but were trying hard not to fall asleep.

Happy New Year! We're excited for all of 2009!

Our Christmas

2008-12-29T17:46:00.010-07:00

Oh we were so looking forward to Christmas! Reagan has been wandering around for MONTHS talking about "presents". Seriously, I didn't think we would get her to sleep the night before! Turns out, she was the last one up! No harm - she needed the rest!

Our Christmas begins with dinner at my parents on Christmas Eve. All the kids are given their one present to open:

New PJ's of course!

Taylor enjoyed his "Dear Santa, I was FRAMED" pajama tops.

While Jordan enjoyed his "It's all fun and games until Santa finds out"... which is actually quite fitting for this little guy... *winks*

Madison had her little light up Rudolph PJ's. (And she does a little dance pose for me to take a photo...)

And we found Wall-E Christmas PJ's that light up for Reagan. She has a strange obsession with Wall-E and Eve-a. (Cute, but sometimes annoying. *winks*)

All the kids gather round the tree for a photo...

...and Reagan starts doing THIS:

So they all join in. Typical, so we found it fitting.

Especially Taylor. Gosh... He DOES look more and more like his Dad every day... *tee-hee*

We take the trip back home to spread our Reindeer food outside and hunker down for the night.

And despite everything that's gone on in this house over the last year? SANTA CAME.

He even left his BAG at our place. He must like the leg lamp.

But what we found in place of Taylor and Jordan's stockings ended up being SHOCKING. The stockings were hung, but replaced with two tiny little bags of coal. This could mean that they were only a *little* naughty.

That sneaky Santa was tricking them and hid their stockings in the Christmas Tree. *phew!*

He ate his cookies before leaving.

And the kids were excited to just dive right on in to gift opening!

This is Taylor's expression after every gift he opened.

Early in the morning, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie and our friend Paul came over. Christmas doesn't feel right if you're not watching kids rip into gifts, right?

Madison opens the Rose Petal Cottage from Grandma and Grandpa:

And falls in LOVE.

Taylor is so excited for all his gifts he jumps IN the Santa bag.

And after all the madness, this is what I'm left with.

Family arrives a bit later for the traditional Christmas Breakfast at our home. Brian does a wonderful job of this and both families pitch in to help. Hash browns, eggs, sausage, bacon, Belgium waffles with syrup or strawberries and whipped cream, raspberry cream cheese crumb cake, biscuits and gravy... If anyone leaves here hungry? It's their fault.

Our Christmas was lovely and hope yours was too!

Happy New Year! :)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T11:56:00.002-07:00

From our family to yours: A Very Merry Christmas! Thank you for being such great friends and family! We *heart* you all to pieces! :)

Madison (age 4), Taylor (age 9) Reagan (age 2) Jordan (age 7) Leg Lamp (spending it's 2nd Christmas next to our tree.)

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2008-12-19T10:09:00.006-07:00

Twas the night before Christmas at Madison's Preschool!

Madison was excited to wear "Christmas Pajamas" to school yesterday. They were having their "night before Christmas" party, complete with pj's and hot chocolate. So, we made some special Christmas pajamas for her to wear:

And we decided that she needed a warm, festive Christmas robe as well!:

They had a little performance that parents were invited to. I told Brian about it, but since it was before he got off work we weren't expecting him. She was ready to sing and so patient sitting with her class waiting for all the parents to arrive:

When she saw her dad, her face was PRICELESS! (And I'll be sure to add the photos as soon as blogger stops having a brat attack!!!)

She sang the songs so cute and had so much fun.

This is Madison with her "BFF" Bailey. She says that she and Bailey will be best friends forever and ever and ever. Awww...

Madison wishes Ms. Janice a Merry Christmas

And then wishes Ms. Lori the same. Lori will be attending the Sugar Bowl as her son plays for the U of U. (GO UTES!!!!) I love that she wears something with a "U" on it every Thursday and that the Christmas party was no exception.

One short, cute little song that the kids sang for the program. :)

Christmas Open House!!!

2008-12-17T21:15:00.003-07:00

I'm totally LAME!

I did not send out Christmas cards this year, therefore, I sent out zero open house invites!!!

We have so many friends/family that we just LOVE to see at the Open House. I'm sad that I just didn't get them out.

If you're wanting to come, it's this Sunday at my parents house. (For those that don't know, my Dad has a pipe organ in their home and we've had open house the Sunday before Christmas ever year for the past 21 years.) If you need the address, leave me a comment with your email address. I moderate comments, so I won't publish comments with email addresses in them.

I would LOVE to see some old and new friends there!

Here's a link to last years open house post.

Button Clips

2008-12-17T10:39:00.002-07:00

Bows for my sis to take to work:

Madison's Dance Performance(s)

2008-12-15T21:12:00.007-07:00

Madison could hardly WAIT for the dance performance on December 8th at Trolley Square. All day long she kept on asking "how much longer". It is just so fun to see her so excited about performing!

All dressed and ready to go!

The girls all in line waiting to go on stage. They were all SO HYPER... that was good because they really let their personalities shine during their dance!

Madison walking past us to get in her place.

Ready for the "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" dance!

Dancing with Hippos

Sitting in Sana's Sleigh after the Trolley Square performance.

THEN we had a second performance this past Saturday. Of course there was a massive snowstorm that morning and while the roads were okay on the way there, the way back was a different story.

Madison was just as excited for this performance as she was for the first one.

It was terribly cute and the whole audience went "awww" as the girls looked surprised and pulled their hippos out of the big Christmas boxes.

My niece Lauryn and her Hippo. (We're so proud! She even danced this year!!! *winks*)

Madison and Lauryn after the performance. They were so excited to take their hippos home.

Madison's hippo is a permanent fixture on her now. She sleeps with the hippo. She ate breakfast with the hippo. The hippo even gets it's own bed in front of the Christmas tree during the day.

Way to go girls on your great dancing! Maybe we can get Stacie to load a video of the dance so we can link!

Jordan's 7th Birthday Party!

2008-12-13T17:50:00.004-07:00

Oh boy, were we busy with the birthday!

Jordan wanted a "Scientist" Birthday, so we gave it our best shot.

The "Science Lab"

The great science table that includes bubbling potions, an "eye" cake and of course, a "brain".

Treat bags for the kids to take home took on a science flair with notepad, pen, calculator, frog, bugs, Nerds and Smarties.

The experiments all ready to go!

The Birthday Boy ready to Party!

For the friend party, we blew out the candle on the "brain".

And then grossed the kids out by cutting it up.

Fun experiments!

There were more at the party, but I only managed to get a shot of these boys together.

He's got his eye on the eyeball cake...

Gift time is always fun

After the kids left, all the family came over to celebrate. We had a nice potato bar before blowing out the candle on the eye cake.

Happy Birthday Jordan!!!

December Birthday's STINK!!!

2008-12-09T18:52:00.004-07:00

It's this boys birthday tomorrow:

Having a birthday in December stinks.

I have tried SO HARD to not put Christmas before his birthday. We haven't done any decorating (partly because I've just been too busy... but using his birthday as an excuse for not having it done makes me feel better.)

Shopping is double hard because I have Christmas for 4 children AND a December birthday. For some reason, I totally feel the need to go the extra present mile for Jordan, simply because he's so close to Christmas. I always felt SO BAD for my friend Catherine who was born the day after Christmas. I'm totally guilty of being one of "those friends" who would give her a gift and say "Merry Christmas AND Happy Birthday!". Ugh.

There will be no Christmas paper tomorrow. It's BIRTHDAY paper only.

Still, I've had a million and a half things going on this week. Monday was a dance performance for Madison, and I also took dinner in to a friend. *(((hugs))) dear friend of mine - my whole family is praying for you and that sweet little boy.*

Brian and I are teaching a candy making class on Thursday which has seemed to occupy a lot of our time. My in-laws have their Open House this weekend and I have food to prepare. Madison has ANOTHER dance performance on Saturday. Along with dance CLASS on Thursday.

I don't mind doing ANY of this stuff - it just seems that so much of my time is divided and I never get to spend as much time preparing Jordan's birthday's as I do my other kids.

I hope he grows up knowing how loved he is and how much he means to us, despite not being able to give him 100% of our attention around his special day.

We love you Jordan, and hope you're thrown together birthday party turns out even better than I'm anticipating!!!

*smooches*

p.s. just realized I don't have a class treat for him to take tomorrow. Good golly add that to the list of tonight's adventures!!!

p.p.s. just had more neighbors drop off "neighbor gifts" and I haven't even given thought what I should do. Any suggestions would be oh so very welcome!

Ornament swap!

2008-12-05T13:53:00.003-07:00

Kelly sent me this LOVELY Christmas Ornament as part of Tib's Ornament swap!

I just LOVE it!

She sent me a darling little note too that I'd love to scan in, but the scanner is currently not cooperating. So here's the text:

"from the land of 10,000 Lakes":

HO HO HO...

Here fishy fishy fishy...

Merry Christmas Heidi!
I hope your family will enjoy this little trinket on your tree! I selected him because he seems to be enjoying one of our favorite summer activities here in MN - Fishing! i hope you all have a blessed holiday season!

Well Kelly, we WILL enjoy our fishy little Santa on our tree! He's fabulous! Thanks so much! :)

Taylor Goes Skiing!

2008-12-05T11:21:00.007-07:00

Taylor went skiing with the 4th grade today. He was so excited!

I have a feeling he's really going to enjoy this, and it's going to turn into a VERY expensive activity. Brian won't complain - he's been itching for an excuse to get back up in the powder. *winks*

Ready to go! Hannah, Taylor and Spencer this morning after being dropped off at school!

Can't WAIT for him to get home so I can find out how it was!

Jordan's 1st trip to the beach

2008-12-04T21:29:00.003-07:00

Gosh... this photo must have been taken just before Jordan turned one. I can't even remember what month we were in California with him, but October of 2002 seems about right.

It was COLD but Jordan wanted to experience the water nonetheless. Grandma got to hold him up to the water so I could snap a photo or two.

That was a great day. :)

2 week old Jordan

2008-12-03T06:20:00.004-07:00

Jordan was 13 days old in this picture. This was at my parents Christmas Open House.

He has the biggest blue eyes and when he was a baby, he would sleep with his eyes open. Like, all the way open. I would go in to check on him while he was sleeping and I would think he was awake. I'd say something to him, he'd startle and wake up! He's grown into his eyes now and it's much easier to tell when he's actually sleeping. ;)

Jordan sneaking cake

2008-12-02T15:57:00.002-07:00

This is a photo of Jordan just after Madison was born. He had just turned 3.

While I was taking care of baby Madison, Jordan decided to sneak the cake that war brought in to us for dinner.

I'm sure sneaking still happens 4 years later. *winks*

Jordan on his 1st birthday

2008-12-01T22:38:00.005-07:00

I've been a blog-slacker. Seriously, so much to do once the week before Thanksgiving hits.

Jordan will turn 7 years old next week. SEVEN.

And since his birthday always seems to get a little bit lost in the busy Christmas season, I figured it was fitting to dedicate a few blog entries to just him for a few days.

Jordan on his 1st Birthday.

I remember this day like it was yesterday. The party was so fun to plan and he was such a cute little boy all day long. He had a "fish" cake and talked about the little fish for DAYS.

It's ALIVE!

2008-11-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Oh it's been a long week + !!!

I'm back! The computer LIVES! (Significantly reduced my files and I had to start from scratch, but hey... it's a computer again!)

Happy day!

Death of a computer

2008-11-23T07:59:00.002-07:00

Having to rebuild the computer after it's untimely death.
Haven't been able to do much of anything online for almost a week.
Can't check email or my Reader 100x's a day and it's driving me crazy.

Someone send a new mother board.

*sniff*

Totally Random

2008-11-17T10:18:00.004-07:00

Found a few pictures on the camera that I wanted to remember.

First up is Jordan. I was taking some pictures of the snow outside and he opened the window to say "hi". Jordan is every one's buddy... you can't get very far away without him tracking you down.

Next up we have the ever fashionable Reagan who has taken to dressing herself in the morning. Reagan is sporting her purple leggings, her sisters pink shirt, a lovely multi-colored headband and, as a fashion statement, her high heel red shoes. (Thank goodness we were staying at home this day because she would have insisted on wearing this in public.)

Finally we have Jordans lunch. I work really hard to make lunches that I know the boys will eat. The junk they serve at school scares me. The reason I took a picture of lunch this day was to get opinions from everyone who might read this. You see... Jordan thinks I'm the worst mom on the planet. He thinks that I should pack Taylors lunch (since Taylor likes my lunches...) and let him eat school lunch.

I've explained that school lunch is unhealthy and expensive. He still thinks I'm a big old meanie-head for making him eat such things around his friends. He eats almost all of what I pack everyday... but maybe there is this stigma attached to non school lunches in the first grade.

So, let's vote people! Am I mean for making the kids eat this???

When you stab your brother with a pencil...

2008-11-12T22:20:00.002-07:00

You get your fanny sent to time out!!!

I had to take these photos. She was sitting there sobbing like the world was ending. Hello! YOU stabbed HIM with a pencil! Not the other way around! You can cry like this, *girlfriend*, when it's YOU that get impaled with a sharp object!

(love that she's like... you know... almost posing for the camera here...)

(It's so painful sitting here in the time out corner! Whaaaaaaa!)

(Oh man... I stinkin' LOVE the "fake cry" at the end...)

Nobody call CPS on me, k? She was out of time out and promptly gave Jordan an apology. I just had to share a little bit of our "drama". (Oh she's the QUEEN of drama recently!!!)

Catching Snowflakes

2008-11-06T08:04:00.002-07:00

Our 44th President of the United States

2008-11-05T08:00:00.004-07:00

I didn't think that I would go "political" on my blog this morning, but since my blog is a journal of sorts, I thought it would be important for my children to look back at my thoughts on this history making election.

Barack Obama won the election last night to become our 44th president elect of the United States.

To my children:

This election has been something to behold. We had so much time to make the decision on who we wanted to vote for to be the next President - it was not a matter that I took lightly. I read everything I could about ALL the candidates.

I made the decision to NOT vote for Obama for a number of reasons. I do not believe he has the best intentions for our Nation.

However: The majority has spoken, and that is how the voting process works.

The President of the United States of America holds the highest office. Whoever is in office deserves our support. We may not like all the decisions that are made, but our family will respect the office of President. We will pray for our President, his Vice President, and ALL those men and women who are running our country.

I feel that there are different times ahead. There is quite a bit of uncertainty. But something I've learned over the last few months: Faith and Fear cannot co-exist. Our FAITH is stronger than what it is we need to fear. We will stick together as a family - we will be happy - we will be prepared - we will be loving, giving, kind and charitable. We will cling not only to our Faith, but to the words of our Constitution - for those words were written by Men who sought inspiration from God. We live in a blessed nation.

If we remember this, all will be well.

I love our Country! I'm grateful for the opportunity to make my voice heard through voting. Not only is it a privilege, but it is our duty to cast our vote for those men and women who we feel will do the best for our State and our Nation.

It's okay that my candidate didn't win. It's not always about winning. Your future is bright because of what our family believes - because of who we are! Never turn your back on your Faith - it's what will see us through!

Love you kiddos!

Mom

I finally did it!

2008-11-04T10:55:00.002-07:00

I made my own laundry soap!

And so far, I *love* it!

It was easy, cheap, and it smells so wonderfully CLEAN! (Huge thanks to my "laundry soap buddies" that walked me through!)

I'll post the "recipe" later when I make sure that this combination is the right one for "me". :) (Because I know you ALL want to try it... RIGHT?!?!?)

Halloween Goodness

2008-11-04T10:17:00.006-07:00

The School Parade was a whirlwind. Like... there was no chance to get photos of the boys walking through because the pace was just too fast! All the parents wanted to see costumes and were yelling to the teachers: "SLOW DOWN!!!" the entire time.

But a bit of Halloween Goodness comes at the tail end of the parade when Taylor's class comes in. Taylor had gone in that morning and told his teacher that his sister was really part of his costume and could she please walk in the parade with him.

So when Taylor came walking in, he ran up to Madison, grabbed her:

and took her in line with him.

All the parents sitting behind me were saying "Oh my gosh! Look how SWEET! He just came and took his little sister with him! And he's HOLDING HER HAND!!!"

Madison LOVED it. A few of Taylors friends said to him "hey, nice lady you're with" and she thought that was AWESOME. This morning even she said: "Taylor taking me in his parade was just WONDERFUL, don't you think? Just WONDERFUL".

To get just a little mushy for a second... I am so *beyond* grateful that the relationships my children have with each other are POSITIVE. They love each other SO MUCH. Truly. They love to spend time with each other and I'm so proud of them for having such loving feelings towards members of their family. Taylor and Jordan wait for each other after school. As I go and pick them up, I see other children running away from their younger siblings... telling them to "leave them alone" and "go by yourself". My kids never leave each other. They protect each other and honestly consider each others feelings. (Not saying it's always perfect, but for the HUGE majority of the time, they are so kind to one another.)

I sat in that fast paced auditorium, shed a few tears, and was so THANKFUL that Taylor would have such a big heart to include is "little sister" in HIS Halloween parade.

I love them. I LOVE THEM!!! And their actions are sweeter than any candy they came home with Halloween night!

Weekend Discoveries

2008-11-03T08:28:00.005-07:00

I have realized after this weekend that I don't have near enough of these:

Or THESE:

The "flu bug" hit our home and has decided to give it another round it appears. Reagan is on her 2nd go around now, and I'm STILL trying to catch up from "Halloween Puke Madness".

After I have some fun with this:

AND this:

I'm going to dive into my fabric scraps and make some EMERGENCY QUILTS so we don't freeze our patooties off when the you-know-what hits our bed. (Always MY side of the bed too... what gives?)

A Grateful Heart

2008-10-31T04:53:00.002-07:00

I don't know how to properly express my gratefulness to someone today. But I AM grateful and overwhelmed at the kindness of others.

Along with the 5 political campaign mailers in my mailbox yesterday was a small thank you card addressed to my family. Inside the note: $100 and the words "Thank you for being such a good example".

So, to the person(s) who sent this note: THANK YOU. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I don't think you'll ever fully understand what this means to our family. Brian and I looked at each other and had no words as our eyes filled with tears. We feel so blessed and thank YOU for YOUR example - times are tough for everyone and $100 is a sacrifice, not pocket change! We were able to breathe a small sigh of relief last night.

Thank you. No... really.... THANK YOU.

20 years

2008-10-30T07:50:00.003-07:00

Dang I wish I had photos for this entry.

20 years ago, my life pretty much changed forever. Not that I knew at that time it would... but it did.

You see... there were two best friends who attended different Jr High schools. Jenifer and Lorie both lived in my neighborhood, but one attended Evergreen Jr High and the other, Granite Park Jr. These two friends decided to put on a smashing Halloween Party in Lorie's backyard, inviting classmates from BOTH Jr High schools.

It was to be an OUTSIDE party - complete with food and dancing. I was terribly excited to attend and decided to dress up as "Cleopatra". I wore a long, purple dress that was my Mothers, sprayed my hair black and straightened it, and adorned my head with jewels. Thinking back, since it was such a cold night, wearing sandals was NOT the best idea.

I remember walking in to that backyard, amazed at how many people were there. So many I didn't know (since they were from another school) but so many that I DID know. People were talking, dancing, eating... having a great time. I was shy and stood to the side, watching my friends have a good time and wishing I had the nerve to join in on some of the fun.

Across the way was a boy, dressed as a Genie, standing with his friend, dressed as a baseball player. We glanced at each other every now and then for what seemed like hours until, FINALLY, the Genie came over and asked if I wanted to dance.

I accepted, and we did the "side step, jr high slow dance" and the song ended. I smiled, said thank you and walked back to my corner.

A few minutes later, the Genie came by again. Without saying anything, we started dancing again. And kept dancing. And dancing. My toes were frozen - he must have been awful cold too since he was wearing that Genie costume that consisted of puffy pants and only a vest for the top.

Too shy to say anything to each other, we never found out names. I would leave the party as soon as one friend came and grabbed MY Genie to take him to the gazebo to "marry" another friend. (grrrr Jenifer... can I ever forgive you for taking my Genie Man??? *winks*)

I left the party with only memories - no name but "The Genie". I knew he must be from the "other" school since he didn't look familiar, and I was pretty sad that I never found out who he was.

Years pass. We move on to High School where I become friends with a few of the Madrigal girls. We start hanging out when one of these friends introduce me to Brian - he's a funny guy and we hit it off right away. Mostly because he was diabetic and I "understood" him since my sister is diabetic also. Our group became GOOD FRIENDS, and I cherished them all. Brian especially. We would call each other after dates (we were both pretty serious with our boyfriend/girlfriend at the time...) and I'd go see him at work.

Sitting in English class one day my senior year I start talking to Jenifer - one of the girls that hosted the Halloween party. We start talking about the people that attended the party, and imagine my surprise when she says "Oh, and Brian was there".

"WHAT?!?!" I say. "You're kidding! Brian and I are great friends! What was he dressed up as?!?!"

And she says: "The Genie"

SHOCK!!!

I couldn't wait to get to his work that night. (He was a server at Frontier Pies.) I asked to be put at his table and tell him when he has a second I need to talk to him.

As he sits down I say: "Do you remember a Halloween party your 9th grade year?"

"Yes" he says... "Oh, but don't tell me YOU were there! The only thing I remember about that party was dancing all night with CLEOPATRA ..."

And I yell out: "THAT WAS ME!!!!"

Brian and I remained friends for a long time. We were never anything more than friends for a long while. When I realized I had "feelings" for him I was scared. I didn't want to "be in love" with him - I knew that those feelings might ruin our friendship - and our friendship was AWESOME and more important to me than anything.

When I finally told him how I felt, I was excited to find out he felt the same. We made "rules". We DID NOT want to ruin our friendship, and we gave it a lot of time before we let the romantic side of our relationship show.

So here we are... married 13.5 years now. Still best friends. And it all started 20 years ago at a silly Halloween Party.

Happy "meeting" anniversary, Gene!

Love,
Your Cleo

Halloween Party

2008-10-29T19:08:00.003-07:00

Our neighborhood Halloween Party was this evening. It gave me the chance to take photos of the kids WITHOUT candy all over their costumes!

A few photos, and smilebox slideshow for those who want to see more. :)

Reagan as Little Miss Muffet:

All together: Jordan as "Spider", Reagan as "Miss Muffet", Taylor as "Wolf" and Madison as "Little Red":

The Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood:

The Spider and Little Miss Muffet:

Slide show:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Halloween Costumes are COMPLETE!

2008-10-29T09:37:00.003-07:00

Thank HEAVEN! I think I can put my sewing machine away (for a day or two anyway... *winks*)

This by far was the LEAST expensive Halloween! All my fabric, with the exception of Taylor's, was in the basement. Having to purchase Taylors *wolf* fabric, and then baskets to go with the girls costume brings our grand total for Halloween to: $8.58

LOVE IT!

Taylor is going as the WOLF from Little Red Riding Hood. There was no wolf pattern. His is completely original (and you'll be able to tell that... LOL) but I enjoyed the challenge and think it turned out just fine!

Jordan will be going as the Spider from "Little Miss Muffett". I was fortunate enough to have my good friend and neighbor hand me their spider outfit from years past. (Maybe I have a little guilt still not making his, but it was nice to have one costume totally taken care of.)

Reagan will be "Little Miss Muffett". It was a good excuse to make her a new church dress. The pattern was totally modified - the pinafore done freehand. Had to make two of the little hats because the first one was way too small. I love the bloomers and must tell you they look better ON then hanging there. :)

Madison is "Little Red Riding Hood". I couldn't have asked for an easier costume to make! I'm sure there was a better way to make her cape, but it turned out fine. I didn't make her shirt (thought about it... then decided... nah!) but it looked dumb sitting there with just the cape and skirt. Thought the little apples on the skirt fabric were appropriate and "riding hood-ish". Love her basket to go with it!

I'm glad to have it over! Can't wait to take pictures of them IN their costumes tonight when we attend the Ward Halloween Party!

P.S. Someone PLEASE clean the mirror in these photos! Good grief I didn't realize how dirty it was until the photos came through! ICK!!!

Will Work for MONEY!

2008-10-28T17:00:00.003-07:00

How does one go about getting a LEGITIMATE, part time, possibly work at home, evening or weekend job???

Emphasis on LEGITIMATE?

Because I need to find something to get us through the next few months and everything out there is a total FRAUD!

Either that, or it's something during the day where I'd have to leave my children. It would be STUPID for me to pay someone to watch my kids while I work... I'd be working just to pay them!

So... ideas anyone? I think now-a-days you have to "know" someone to get anything. (Realize I've been out of the workforce for over NINE YEARS now! I don't know anyone!)

Someone lead me in the right direction...

Date Night

2008-10-26T08:41:00.003-07:00

I had a special date with a special guy last night:

My JORDAN!!!

Jordan's teacher is part of the Murray Symphony. He asked me a week ago if we could go.

For some reason, I wasn't thinking that just he and I could go... I was thinking that Brian and I should take him, but I knew I wouldn't have a babysitter. (My parents were going out for their anniversary... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!... and Reagan just doesn't do well with anyone else... not that we try that much, but still...)

Yesterday morning at the breakfast table Jordan tells me: "I had a dream last night that we went to that concert. You and dad just found someone from Dad's work to watch Reagan so we could go."

Brian volunteered right away to stay home with the rest of the family, and Jordan waited all day for 7:30 to roll around.

The members of the symphony dressed up in Halloween costumes and the audience was encouraged to do the same. The director was fun and it is really nice to go somewhere that the ENCOURAGE children to be there. It's sometimes hard to introduce children to classical music because of the "sit still" factor. The fact that they WANT children to be exposed and don't mind the outbursts is fantastic!

Jordan was delighted to see both Maggie and Zoe from school there, and his teacher came to talk to them. (She's a GEM! She has been so wonderful for Jordan!) She showed them her violin and told them how happy she was knowing there were people in the audience just for her.

Jordan and I settled down next to Maggie and her mom for the first half of the concert. He opened his program and found Mrs. Blackburn's name. "Joan Blackburn" Jordan says. "That's my teacher because her REAL name is Joan, but we just call her Mrs. Blackburn."

Thanks for a fun "date" Jordy! I'm so glad you enjoyed the Symphony with me! "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" was by far the best! :)

Brooklyn's PJ's

2008-10-26T08:34:00.004-07:00

Madison was invited to Brooklyn's birthday party last Friday. Note to self: Stop telling the 4 year old about upcoming parties... the days leading up will be filled with "is it today???" and "How much longer???"

Needless to say, she was SO excited to go!

Madison helped me pick out the fabric. Princess stuff and fairies... what could be better?

Hope you had a happy birthday Brooklyn! Madison had a GREAT time at the party!!! :)

Halloween Skirt

2008-10-26T08:26:00.002-07:00

Found some Halloween fabric in the basement and HAD to make a Halloween Skirt for Madison! She wore it to dance class on Thursday, and will probably wear it to preschool on Monday. Gosh, they're so quick an easy! (No patternbtw for those that asked... I just threw it together - I don't know measurements or anything...)

Farewell, Meg

2008-10-24T07:19:00.003-07:00

Our Meggie has gone to doggy heaven.

The poor thing was suffering so much over the past month or so. She had gone blind and was having a hard time walking up the stairs. So sad!

Meg had such a hard time moving here 6 years ago. Her "sister", Roo, had passed away just a few months before, Jordan was born and then we moved to a new place. I think we stressed her out BIG TIME.

But she was still such a fun part of the family. She was so devoted - you would pull in the driveway and she would cry and cry and CRY until you came over to see her in the backyard. She couldn't stand being in one place and you in another. She had a fondness for leftovers and I think she hardly ate dog food because everyone was willing to share the last little bit from their plate.

We'll miss you Meg-burt! Have fun chasing birds and knocking over the garbage can in heaven!

Real Quick...

2008-10-23T14:05:00.002-07:00

I was busy blogging my last entry when Madison starts patting my arm.

I'm in blogging mode and her attempts to get me to listen are ignored.

She keeps on tapping and calling "Mom!!"

I don't answer until I hit "Publish Post". I turn to her and say: "Yes Madison?"

She replies: "If I were you, I'd start listening the FIRST time."

Maybe she'll send me to time out? *winks*

Homework

2008-10-23T13:52:00.002-07:00

Oh the massive amounts of homework my 4th grader has today!!!

He was lazy and didn't turn a few things in. Now, in order to get credit, he MUST have them turned in tomorrow (only 75% credit) otherwise he gets ZERO credit.

2 rough drafts for his autobiography plus 2 finished copies...
math homework
book report
and studying for a spelling test tomorrow.

Since it's close to Halloween, his spelling words are "themed". I thought some people might get a kick out of what he needs to spell tomorrow on his test.

butcher
annihilate
trepidation
incantation
rapt
somber
catacomb
mausoleum
rancor
malefactor
clairvoyant
zombie
enchantress
recluse
phantom
shriek
macabre
evildoer
enmity
bugaboo

Oh! And he's supposed to know the definitions too!

Tonight, we're in for a FUN EVENING!!! (Didn't I promise someone something for tonight? I need to leave the house, right??? Someone help me out here!!! )

Twirl Skirts

2008-10-20T09:37:00.003-07:00

My friend Char inspired me. I just HAD to sit down and make some twirl skirts!!!

Not the best photo of it, but here's Madison's in hers:

And Reagan's that I made this morning:

Thanks a lot Char! My girls are going to have many a skirt made out of all my scrap fabric!!! The pattern/color combo's are just too fun to come up with!

Life is just a bowl of.... cereal?

2008-10-18T20:09:00.004-07:00

Reagan is funny.

She's ultra smart (not just sayin' that... she's *almost* potty trained - all on her own, she knows all her colors, can identify her shapes, can count to 10 even though she sometimes skips the number five, she uses big words like *annoying* AND it is no longer proper to term all sea creatures as "fish"... there are whales and dolphins and sharks... they're not FISH...)

So it should come as no shock to me that she's learned to open the dishwasher door so she can retrieve items she "needs".

The other day she grabbed 5 bowls from the dishwasher. I asked what she wanted them for and she looked at me like: "DUH!"

I went about my business because we never question her intentions and came in the other room to find THIS:

She was sorting cereal for all members of the family. (Not Brian because he is at work...) She's even given Taylor the largest ration in the blue bowl... she grabs a handful and carefully places it in each bowl, saying the name of who the lucky recipient is.

Do they have preschool for 2 year olds? I fear I'm going to be WAY too boring for her really quick... *winks*

Hey... at least she was SHARING her fruit loops!!! (Who got them out of the cupboard for her I wonder???)

Another Quilt

2008-10-18T20:02:00.003-07:00

I know, I know... "not another one!!!"

But hey... If I post photos here, I'll know where they are when I "need" them.

This one was a "train" quilt for my cousin's little boy, Cayden. He just turned TWO and has a bit of a train obsession. :) This one (like the Nautical quilt I made before it) is bigger than the normal "baby quilts"... Toddler bed size, there about.

Front of Quilt:

Quilt Close-Up

Back of Quilt:

Ready to GO!

I like this one, but think that *maybe* it would have looked better in the squares vs. "lines". Next time I would try it that way, but it turned out just fine for a two year old, I think... :)

Madison's New Outfit

2008-10-12T07:34:00.003-07:00

I had the sewing bug on Friday... Decided to stop making rag quilts for just a bit and sew something else.

So... I made Madison a new outfit. I had plans on making Reagan the same one, but I cut some of her fabric wrong AND had to re-do Madison's pants as they were too tight. I still will make Reagan one - just haven't had a moment to sit back down at the sewing machine!

I love the colors, and loved the price! Clearance fabric and I think the entire thing cost me $5, and that's with enough to make Reagan's top.

Let it Snow!

2008-10-12T07:29:00.003-07:00

Crazy! It's October 12th!!! (Warmer weather next week, but STILL! )

Nautical Quilt

2008-10-10T09:04:00.004-07:00

Madison is taking this quilt to a birthday party this evening. I'm fully aware that she might get the "most boring present taken to a 5 year old birthday party" award, but I'm happy with how it turned out anyway.

Hope Josh likes it! (Even though it *is* sort of a "boring" birthday present... *winks*)

My Sanity

2008-10-09T20:11:00.003-07:00

Possibly the best birthday present ever purchased in the history of birthday presents!

After everyone is at school (and sometimes earlier in the morning), Reagan sits playing with her dollhouse while I'm free to do the dishes, throw in a load of laundry, sweep a floor or scrub a bathroom. Without her in my other arm or pulling at my leg.

For real.

Thank you, thank you Fisher Price! I'm loving all the potentially harmful little plastic pieces! (Please don't anyone write and tell me the paint is full of lead... I might seriously cry if I had to give this little piece of heaven up...)

Sanity is being restored in our household!

Frozen Butter DOES NOT...

2008-10-08T07:16:00.003-07:00

I repeat: DOES NOT need to be microwaved for ONE MINUTE.

Minty Freshness!

2008-10-07T07:16:00.002-07:00

After a neighbor comes over this morning to learn how to make bread...

After babysitting another neighbors little boy for a few hours...

After Madison is taken to preschool...

And Reagan has successfully gone down for a nap...

I'll be diving in to THIS:

A beautiful, large bag of mint for mint jelly

A huge box of apples for more applesauce

And

A box of peaches. Turning these into Jam.

Not to mention the box of acorn squash sitting behind it all. Haven't decided how to preserve those yet.

All this will (hopefully) be done before:

Jordan's soccer practice

Homework

and Taylor off to Cub Scouts.

What a fabulous, busy day!

mmmmm.... I wish you could smell the Minty Freshness in my house! And holy cow... I'm loving this photo with the CHICKEN FEATHER in the middle of my mint!

Reagan turns TWO!

2008-10-06T07:04:00.002-07:00

It was Reagans Birthday yesterday! My "baby" is TWO!

We had a great time with lots of family and friends - thank you ALL for stopping by! And thank you for all the fun gifts! Everything was just PERFECT for her! She got everything she LOVES!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Not Quite "Whistle While You Work..."

2008-10-02T20:31:00.005-07:00

I ask...

I beg...

I plead...

They whine...

They moan....

They groan...

They bicker...

They fight...

They cry their cute little eyes out.

It still doesn't get done and I say:

"You won't get dinner unless it's finished!!"

"You don't WANT to know what I'll do if you don't complete this task!!!"

"I've had it!!!!!"

"Wait until Dad gets home!!!!!!"

"Stay in there until it's done!"

So, today Madison DID stay in the room she was supposed to clean. But instead of getting it done? Well... See for yourself:

Yes my friends... While other tasks were being done around the house, Madison enjoyed a nice nap in the play room.

I want a nap.

I want someone to tell ME to stay in my room until it's "done".

I assure you I'd do just about the same thing Madison did. That girl has the right idea. (She'll be hating life tomorrow when she is told a million times to "get it done this time, or ELSE!" )

What a life!

*disclaimer:
That room was SPOTLESS a few days ago. And contrary to popular belief, I DID get rid of a HUGE load of toys that are no longer used. It looks mighty overwhelming, but honestly? The toys she's SLEEPING ON are the ones that had been out and played with days before. Whomever "helped" with cleaning the tv room just THREW all the toys in the middle of the floor vs. putting them away. (Not naming any names here!!!) The job really would have taken me about 3 minutes to do... but it was WAY more fun yelling and pleading all day long for it NOT to get finished. I mean... like... WAY MORE FUN. Just think of the "fun" I'll have tomorrow! Hooray!!!

I know you're all sick of baby quilts but...

2008-10-02T06:18:00.003-07:00

Here's another one I made yesterday for my friend Maddie.

You might say I'm a little obsessed making them. I love picking out the fabric for each one of them, and I love watching these come together.

I didn't get very good photos of this one as I pulled it out of the dryer just 2 minutes before the baby shower. That, and I was pulling pies out of the oven too.

I'm trying to learn my lesson about not putting everything off until the last minute, but I'm failing miserably!!!

Anyway... I love this quilt, and each new one I do becomes my new "favorite". In fact, as of right now... I want the above quilt in king size for MY bedroom. Oh, how I'd love that!

Parotitis

2008-10-01T10:08:00.003-07:00

Taylor has Parotitis.

That's Parot-itis.

No, this does not mean that he's turning into a parrot, or growing feathers for that matter... it means that (once again!) his saliva glands are "clogged" and causing pain in his upper jaw behind his ear.

We've had this twice before... and honestly? It's Taylors FAVORITE sickness to have.

You see... to help cure Parotitis, you get to eat:

SOUR CANDY.

Lots of sour candy. You know, to help make your saliva glands produce enough to get the blockage/infection out.

Look at that poor, sad face... having to stay home from school all day eating nothing but sour candy.

And he gets it in his lunch every day for the rest of the week too.

It's a rough life.

Kids... if you're going to get ANYTHING, THIS would be the thing to get! (Everyone at the grocery store thinks he's a spoiled brat because he kept on finding sour candy, asking for it, and me letting him have it. Niiiiiiiice.)

Taylor's Cub Scout Bear Award

2008-10-01T06:05:00.003-07:00

Amazing! We got him through his Bear for scouting! And early at that!

He's supposed to have it complete before his birthday - his birthday is in April! I knew we were working hard on getting it done, but it went so fast! A total of 6 boys received their Bear awards last night.

The boys doing their skit:

Putting together the Bear puzzle before the awards:

Brian was at school last night and not able to attend. My parents came along to help with Reagan... that left Jordan in charge of the photography. This is the best shot he got of Taylor pinning on the Mothers Bear Pin:

Taylor was such a sweetheart. They told the boys to turn around and give their Mom's a hug, and a kiss if they were brave. He totally did, and I'm so glad that he isn't embarrassed yet by his Mom.

Afterward, Grandma and Grandpa treated us to Wendy's:

The girls sitting with Grandma decided to give the camera their "strange" faces:

Reagan enjoying her Frosty. Nothing is better than a chocolate "mug"!

Taylor - You're SUCH a great kid! We're so proud at how hard you work at everything! Sometimes it's totally crazy around here, but you manage to keep things straight, be such a help, and just a fantastic kid in general! We love you!!! So proud that you got your Bear award so soon! :)

No Time!

2008-09-29T08:07:00.002-07:00

It's been BUSY around here. B.U.S.Y. !!!

10 more quarts of spaghetti sauce
16 more pints of applesauce
korker bows made for last Thursday's boutique
crazy, busy schedule to keep up with
and
a potty training *almost* 2 year old. (Why did she choose NOW to want to potty??? That girl has a mind of her own...!!!)

The house has never looked worse and it's Reagan's Birthday on Sunday. I haven't even invited anyone over yet, no party is planned (yet), and I'm wondering how I'll get it all done!

Hey... I thrive under pressure, right???

See you in NO TIME!

The "junk" tree

2008-09-23T09:04:00.005-07:00

Oh man... I HATE the tree in our backyard.

It's a JUNK tree.

And I'm allergic to it.

And it "drops" pollen like 4 times a year.

It makes a horrible mess of our little pool, covers the ground with horrid leaves, and it shaded the backyard so much that almost all of my grass is DEAD.

Also, it's root system has emerged, thus making our once flat lawn sprawling with "hills and valleys".

OHHHHH I just can't stand that tree!

But there is hope! Brian spent about 30 minutes last night having a talk with the tree.

How do you talk to a tree you ask?

Well, our tree responds very well to a chain saw!

Hooray for power tools!!!! Hooray for bulk garbage day! Hooray! Hooray!

(And Hooray for a hubby that's going to finish cutting the tree down??? Pretty please???)

This weeks 4th grade challenge word is:

2008-09-22T19:41:00.004-07:00

Perturbed

All I can say is... At least I know the meaning of it. That's more than I can say for last weeks word! (Which, by the way, Taylor spelled correctly on the test. *phew*)

Who can that be knocking at my door?

2008-09-21T20:06:00.003-07:00

The "older" kids tell a lot of "knock knock" jokes. ALL DAY.

Reagan has obviously picked up on it because this evening she had the following exchange with Brian:

Reagan: Knock Knock!

Brian: Who's there?

Reagan: Um.... Nana

Brian: Banana who???

Reagan: Um... uh... um... APPLE! *laughs hysterically*

Gosh she's at a fun little age...

Wow.

2008-09-19T07:07:00.003-07:00

I swear if anyone gives me one more thing to do, I'm going to LOSE MY MIND. These past 2 weeks have been INSANE! And the outlook for the next week or two? NO BETTER!

Anyone have a good therapist to recommend?

On the Side

2008-09-18T05:19:00.005-07:00

Shhhhhh.... whisper. If this information is overheard, a disaster might happen.

You see... Reagan has slept ALL NIGHT in her OWN BED for the past three nights now. This is HUGE. She's slept in there, alone, a total of like... oh... twice before this? And now 3 nights in a row?!?! (ohhhh... I must stop shouting... My excitement gets away from me...)

So at about 11:00 PM, Miss Madison comes walking into our room.

Madison: "Mom, I LIKE sleeping on the side of my bed."

Me: "What?!"

Madison: "I just like sleeping on the SIDE of my bed."

Me: ???!?? huh????

Brian: "I told Madison to scoot over to the middle of her bed so she doesn't fall off"

Madison: "And I just don't like sleeping in the middle of my bed I like to sleep on the sides."

Me: "Okay... go back to bed and sleep on the side"

Madison: "And my bed is really really un-comfy."

Half and hour later we hear the pitter patter of little feet.

Me: "Madison, what are you doing up?"

Madison: "Can I just sleep with you?"

Brian: Moan, groan, ugh!!!

Me: "Yep, go get your pillow"

I realize that we just got the "baby" out of our bed - but how can you say no?

Oh, and she slept comfortably, all night in the middle. I guess the middle is fine in mom and dad's bed, but the sides are better on her uncomfortable one. And hey... lets look on the bright side here: At least it was just ONE kid in bed with us... if it were to have happened last week, there would have been TWO in there!