Thursday, December 30, 2010

Sleeping It Off

Jack has been getting better and better the last couple of days. Today at about 5:30 he decided he was tired. As he was rooting around in the closet he fell asleep in the hallway. I guess it all just caught up with him. Poor kiddo.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Just A Little Bit

We decided to have just a little, humble Christmas this year. We could have done more, but we really didn't want to. I had been working on making a Christmas present for Jack since October so I decided to make something for all of the other kids too. Then we got each of the kids two more gifts. One of Santa's helpers called and asked me what they could bring me. I asked them to make sure not to go overboard as we wanted a small Christmas. Timm got me a very thoughtful gift and I think I did pretty well for him too. I was only worried about one thing, Christmas at my mom's. My mom starts shopping early and loves to spoil the kids. I was pleasantly surprised by her this year. She still spoiled them, but she got nice thoughtful things for the kids and didn't give them too much. It was really nice and all of the kids have mentioned how much fun this year was. Alison even told me that it was her favorite Christmas ever. All in all I think we kept the true meaning of Christmas with us more than ever.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Honk

Jack started to fall asleep last night. He popped his eyes open and said, "My honk is better! From my honk shoo." Then he smiled and closed his eyes. He could breathe last night! YAY!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

What A Day

Jack had his tonsils and adenoids removed today. He also had tubes put in his ears. He is such a fun child that I am having a hard time trying to imagine what he's going to be like now that he will feel good. He astonished all the people at the surgical center with how good he is and mere hours after his surgery he was somersaulting through the living room. I know that the real pain is yet to come, but can I just say wow?

Monday, December 20, 2010

Music

Sometimes I wonder if my children know how blessed they are to grow up in a house with such beautiful music. I know that even I forget sometimes. Then, my wonderful husband pulls out his guitar and wows me yet again. I am so grateful for his talent and thankful that he shares it with others.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Working Together

We all worked together to get a bunch of stuff done in the house today. It went by quickly and for the most part it was a pleasant experience.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Favorite Mommy

I told Jack that he was my favorite boy named Jack. He said that I was his favorite mommy named Mommy.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Brownies

I love the smell of brownies baking.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

14

Yesterday was our 14 year anniversary. We spent the day finishing up Christmas projects and doing some shopping while the kids were in school. Then, we went out for dinner. We wanted something inexpensive, but decided last minute to go to a restaurant instead of just grabbing burgers. That was a mistake. We had a HORRIBLE dinner and laughed about it the whole time. Seriously, the "egg drop soup" was thick campbells chicken noodle soup with eggs. After dinner we went over to the theater and watched a very funny movie. We were by far the youngest people in the theater and boy did those older couples like to talk. The best part about last night? The laughs.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Grown Up Friends

I had dinner tonight with 10 other grown ups. Who knew you could go through a whole dinner and not hear the word poop?

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas in Spanish

We just went to the kids annual Winter Festival. I always enjoy these nights. Andrew has been singing gobble dee gook for a month. I thought that maybe he was making up words, but no, he just knows more languages than me.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Other Cute Couples

I love seeing other couples that have been married for years and still look at each other with gaga eyes.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Girls Night

I'm taking my girls to see A Christmas Carol tonight and we are all so excited! I can't wait until tomorrow to post about it. I love taking all of my kids out, but sometimes it's just fun to have a night with just a few. It makes them feel special and I love that. Timm will be busy at home making sure the boys have a great Boys Night In. FUN!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Hand-Me-Downs

Hollee is wearing the nightgown I made for myself in 7th grade. How cute is that?

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

MSG

I was in the grocery store and a guy asked me if I knew where the MSG was. He likes to sprinkle it on his food to enhance the flavor. Ever hear of salt? I waited until I walked away to giggle. I have excellent self control.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Snow

EVERYTHING is pretty right now.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Fun Day

I woke up this morning and worked on a Christmas project for a bit. Then I went to the Temple with a few of my friends. After that we grabbed a shake and some fries. I came home and Lorelei came over and we hung out for a little while. When she went home she left little Sam here. We played all night with Sam and now all the boys and Sam are asleep in the front room. It was a busy day and tomorrow will be a repeat, but it was great.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

New Beginnings

Today is the beginning of something new. Today may change everything. Today may only change one thing. Only tomorrow knows.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Oh the Little Things

I went out today to get a little present for my niece. I want her to wake up in the morning and have a wonderful birthday all day. So, when her mom was here today I sent her home with a little bag of goodies. I big light up pin that says it's her birthday, three bead necklaces and a tiara that says Happy Birthday. i told her to tell my niece that she has to wear it all day, even to school. I know this isn't all that cool, but it makes me happy to do little things for others. Especially these kids I just love and adore.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Controlled Yelling

We were in the grocery store parking lot tonight. A little boy was being very naughty. His mom kept telling him to stop being naughty. He didn't want to listen. That is when the hilarious controlled yelling started. I love it, all the emotion of getting your head bit off, but not the volume. Perfect for yelling at naughty little boys in public.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Boom Boom

Andrew did a book report on the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. He says his favorite part is when they say, "Chicka chicka boom boom". Then he told us what he would say to his teacher if she asks him why that is his favorite part. He said, "I would tell her it's because boom boom is poop, and poop is funny." I really hope she asks him.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Homework

We were sitting down around the table today. I was working on a project and the kids were doing homework. Only two were left. One of them was Eli who is working on long division. He didn't quite get a problem and instead of asking me (who was sitting right next to him) he got up and found Ali. He thinks it's pretty cool that his sisters are willing and able to help him with his homework and takes advantage whenever he can. It was pretty cute.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Being Thought Of

A friend thought of mine has some really cool stuff she is doing. She thought of me and let me join in. Im really excited to be doing stuff to. I know this is cryptic, but the stuff is going to be a Christmas present to my most faithful reader. The point is, I'm happy.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Claw

I have been walking around with one hand in a claw and I am so excited! I am crocheting a Christmas present for Jack. I have been working so hard on it and I hope he loves it and cherishes it. Yay monsters!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Dragons in Church

I spoke in church yesterday. As I was up on the stand I looked down and saw Jack flailing his arms and the rest of the kids (and Timm) laughing. Turns out there were dragons in church with us and he was battling them. No wonder the bishopric is always giggling at us.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Story Night

Tonight we had Story Telling Night at the elementary. Our wonderful librarian was sweet enough to ask me to come read to the kids. I was very excited until I saw who I was following. He is such a great story teller that I got pretty nervous going after him. Even though I had to follow a great act, I had lots of fun. The kids enjoyed going out with their families and listening too. It was nice to see all the kids curled up on the floor with their parents. One thing that did surprise me though was a couple of the parents looked just as happy to be read to as the kids. all in all, a pretty good night.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Nice Girls

We had our annual Young Women's Halloween Party last night. All the girls came over to my house and we had dinner, ate treats and watched a movie. A few months ago this wouldn't be such a big deal when we had about 6-7 girls coming to activities, but last night there were 12 girls and 3 leaders over here in my little bitty apartment. It was lots of fun and very noisy. The best part? All the hugs I got from the girls as they filed out the front door.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Sweet

Jack rarely sleeps in his own bed. He is too much of a cuddler to sleep alone so he is always climbing in bed with someone. Just when I think my kids can't be any more perfect, I walk down the hallway to find Jack crawling in between his two sisters with a book. Then, Hollee yawns, smiles and gets her book light and pats her pillow. How sweet is that?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Alone Time

Jack wasn't too happy about sharing me today. When he finally did get me to himself he smiles and yells, "It's just us! Yes!" fist pump and all.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Peace and Quiet

Going somewhere quiet with a group of kids that usually bounce off the walls is always a risk. When the risk pays off and everyone behaves, nice.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Awards

Andrew got his first award in school today. It was adorable, he is always so proud of his sisters and brother when they get awards and was little sad last year when he learned that the Kindergarteners didn't go to the awards assembly. Now that he is a first grader I was so happy that he got an award at the first awards assembly. It is for academics and citizenship. I asked him if that means that he is super smart AND super nice. He said "Yep!"

Monday, October 18, 2010

In Laws

Sometimes getting a whole second family can be difficult. You forget birthdays, you have to schedule holidays, you live far away from some in order to live close to others and once in a while you have a brother-in-law that just gets to you. Last week I was pretty angry at a particular family member and I was at the point of "why talk to anybody that doesn't live in this house?" that I get to every couple of years. Then, I checked the mail. Last year while we were in Oregon at Timm's parents house (who I adore!) I was talking to my sister-in-law about sweets. She has a sweets business and was trying to find some cute designs for cake balls. I sent her over to Bakerella's web site and she now makes adorable cake pops all the time. She recently went to a Bakerella book signing and remembered that we had talked about her. So do you know what she did? She got me a book, had it signed and sent it to me. It was a wonderful surprise to find in the mail. Plus, it came at the perfect time. It's nice to know that even when some people can make you so angry that you just want to SCREAM!, you have a family out there that thinks about you and loves you.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Winning

I hosted Bunco and every body had fun, then I won a contest. Score!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Knowing

Sometimes there are difficult obstacles put in our path. These obstacles are never fun, but isn't it nice to know what they are? Sometimes they are just there, big and shapeless and daunting. Then the thing gets a name and all of the sudden it's not quite so scary. Sure, it's still big and it's still gonna take awhile to get over it, but now that it has a name, it also has a shape and it isn't quite so daunting.

Monday, October 11, 2010

More Ice Blocking

The Swaner's were here yesterday. We were all thinking of going to a park and just watching the kids ride bikes and play when I changed plans and took them all ice blocking. We all had tons of fun, but I think the dad's had the most fun. Watching those two go down the hill as fast as they could and fall off their blocks, tumble three more feet and then just lay there laughing. That was priceless.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Books

So I read to another class today. The kids were having so much fun during the story that they kept yelling out comments while I was reading. Cute kids.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Noticing

It's nice to let go of your own drama for a while and notice if somebody else is having a bad day. It's even better when you can make that person feel better. Forget about yourself for a while and get out there and be a good friend.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Concord Grapes

Why hello childhood, you taste good!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Steve

I don't know if many of you know this, but Alison is really funny. She really has the best sense of humor of anyone I know. She not only sees the humor in hard situations, she can even laugh at herself which is something most people can't do. If you ever see Alison laughing, you better look around because you are missing something. She has been writing little stories in her Language Arts class. I just read one of them. "He decided it was a chameleon bird. So, he named him Steve." Need I say more?

Friday, October 1, 2010

Birthdays

Today is a cute little boys birthday. I went and picked him up for school today and he had a big grin on his face. He sat in the car with my boys as we dropped off the girls and smiled and talked the whole time. When they came home today I could hear him chatting away on the porch as I opened the door. When his mom came and got him a few minutes later he immediately told her how many birthday cards he got from his class today (like 90 cards!((his class has 25 kids)) cool huh!) I wonder why grown ups aren't so excited for their birthdays? This is the one day a year when you are the most special person around. Embrace it!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Distractions

Sometimes you just need a good distraction.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

My Pillow

This blog is supposed to be all about the things that make me happy. Well, today I think only one thing could make me happy and that would be my pillow. I would give a lot to be able to just lay down right now.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sickness and Snuggles

Every Mom hates to see their kids sick. Sometimes you sit there and hold them and think, "I wish I could do something." The thing is, you are doing something by just holding them. The fact that I haven't slept well in three days means that my baby will get better sooner. It makes me feel good to know that my love is doing as much as that amoxacillin. It makes me feel even better when that kid getting the snuggles KNOWS that I am doing something by holding him and he thanks me for it. Have I mentioned I LOVE being a Mom?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Too Much?

Jack has been sick for the last two days. I took him to the doctor today.He has Strep so we went straight to the pharmacy after the doctors. When we got back in the car I looked in my mirror and asked him if he was buckled. He nodded and it was just too cute with his big swollen chipmunk cheeks. I told him "You're the cutest!" He said, "You too!" I said, "I love you so much!" He said,"And I love you too much!" Gah! How cute is one child allowed to be?

Friday, September 24, 2010

Carnival

We went to the annual school carnival tonight. It's always a crazy night with tons going on, but tonight was Crazy with a capital C! The elementary school has doubled it's size this year so the crowd was INSANE. The night always starts with the kids performances then the carnival games. With the school being the size it is now I doubt we will ever do the games again because it is so easy to lose each other. The dances though were fun as usual. Eli and Andrew both had a dance. Eli is just too cute for words because he wants to do what his teachers ask, but feels like he is too cool to be doing this. Luckily his teachers are just so fun so he got into it and just grinned while he danced. Andrew, well, he is a different story. That kid loves to sing so even with 50 kids singing and having four rows of people between me and him I could still hear him above the others. He just sings his little heart out and wiggles his cute little hips. What a cutie! I think one of my most favorite parts about carnival is the weeks preceding. Andrew has been walking around singing his little song in Spanish all week. Have I mentioned that I have cute kids?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Noisy Kids

Have you ever sat in a room next to a play area and listened to kids play all the while knowing that the noisiest one is yours? I have, lots of times. You know what? I don't care either. I don't care because mine may be the noisiest, but he isn't crying or making anybody else cry. He's just laughing his insane laugh and playing with the loudest toy. Sometimes having the noisiest kid means you have the kid that is having the most fun.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Feeling Special

I was hanging out with my most favorite friend Angie today. She told me something that just made me love her even more. She told me that she had told her husband that if she had ever had a sister it would probably be just like this. As in me and her. I didn't even know what to say. Can you ask for a nicer thing to be said about you? I don't think so.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Ice Cream

We were all outside and Jack drives up to me on his little car and says, "Give me 500 dollars."
I said, "You give ME 500 dollars."
Jack, "YOU give ME 500 dollars."
Me, "Noooo, YOU give ME 500 dollars."
Jack with a super annoyed look on his face, "Give me 500 dollars and I will give you an ice cream."
I have now realized he is playing Ice Cream Man so I say, "I'll give you 50 cents."
He now has a disgusted look on his face and says, "Fine, take it."
Then we have our little exchange of pretend money for pretend ice cream.
Lucy has been watching this whole thing happen and pipes up with, "I want some."
Jack quickly turns to her and says, "Give me 500 dollars."
Lucy, "Ok."

Monday, September 20, 2010

Andrew

Andrew has been learning to ride his new bike this weekend. The first day it was just Daddy and Andrew. The second day we all went out. I really only thought there were two types of kids when it came to falling off your bike. There is the ever so dramatic type that screams and bawls and milks it for as long as possible. There is also the strong silent type who tries really, really hard not to cry and hides their face when they do. Apparently there is a third kind and that kind is Andrew. Every time he fell he would lay on the ground and cackle like an insane person. I don't know what was so funny about falling, but it got him every time. I wonder if he imagined what he looked like to every one else. The laughing is contagious too. The first couple times he fell I would wince a little and he would laugh. The third time he was riding for a good minute, doing turns and everything, then he ran straight into a wall. He fell pretty hard and just laughed. It was so cute and funny, between his laughing and the fact that he had just run into a wall, I couldn't help but laugh too. I love my little clown.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Sam

Jack was telling us all poop jokes the other day because "poop is funny". Sam came up to me a little bit later and said, "I like poop too. It stinks real bad." Then she just walked away.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Tummy Troubles

Jack: "What are you eating?"
Me: "Potstickers."
Jack: "Are they yummy yummy in my tummy?"
Me: "Yep, you wanna try?"
Jack: Nodding and taking a big bite.
Me: "Was it good?"
Jack: "I think it was yucky yucky in my tummy.......... it tastes like poop."

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Invisible Guy

More about Jack's new friend. I inadvertently called him the wrong name last time. His name is Invisible Guy. Jack has been playing with his new friend ever since all the other kids went to school. I was so worried that he would have nobody to play with, I guess I should have known Jack would take care of it. Primary teachers have told me about things he does in church. When I ask him..... "I was playing with Invisible Guy." He loses his shoes..... "Maybe Invisible Guy took them." He gets mad at somebody..... "Fine! I'm gonna go play with Invisible Guy!" He doesn't want to go to bed...... "Can I still play with Invisible Guy in bed?" I have never had a kid who had an imaginary friend for longer than 2 or 3 days. This is fun.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Fish

Timm and Eli left the house at 5:00 this morning and caught up with Drew and Lauren at Willard Bay. They spent all morning fishing and didn't come home until about 12:30. Eli caught two pretty big catfish and Timm caught a pretty good sized small mouth bass. After they came home we had lunch and visited with Drew and Lauren for a bit. We just hung out and did nothing. It was great. We ended the night by throwing all that fish in a pot and eating a Thai inspired fish soup. The best part about today? Timm was just so relaxed all day. I don't know if it was the fact that fishing is so relaxing or the fact that he had been up since 4:30, but either way it's nice for him to just kick back and not try to do a million things at once.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Story Lady

I went to second grade today. My friend Angie teaches and asked me if I would like to read to her class once in a while this year. I went today and read Little Red Riding Hood to her class. They are going on a Fairy Tale field trip soon and she gave me a stack of books to choose from. I picked Little Red Riding Hood because there just aren't a lot of fun voices to do in most fairy tales and Jack likes my wolf voice. It was lots of fun, all of the kids were so good and listened the whole time. There were even a few kids who had said that they didn't like that story before I started, but even those kids listened and giggled at my voices.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Just Happy

I am very tired today, but I am also just happy. I have a new nephew who I got to see yesterday and Lorelei is amazing. Jessica went with me last night to see him and that was fun. Then, to top it off Gabrielle came over today and just hung out with me. I even got to spend a little bit of time with Alex this week. So pretty much, just happy.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Myles

I just held a brand new baby. He is so perfect. He just laid there and made the cutest noises. His big sister was enthralled. She asked me to pick her up so she could see better when he was in the warmer. She just stared and stared and smiled. She said, "That's Myles. That's my new baby brother." Oh I cant wait to see him again and it's only been about an hour. Mmmmm, my hands smell like new baby.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Timm

I know, I've already posted about him, but I also said that most of my posts would be about the little things. Timm is most definitely not one of the little things in my life. He is the biggest thing in my life. He is wonderful. I can't even tell you how much he took care of me this weekend. He is just completely amazing.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Rain Days

I had a tough weekend. It started out really fun and went way down hill. Now I am pretty much exhausted. It made me really happy to hear the rain this morning. Now I have my amazing husband here to help me out today. The girls left to school and he put me back in bed. By the time I got up the laundry was folded and put away and the dishes were done. I think I'm okay living in a cave as long as Timm is here.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Andrew

Another special day, 7 years ago today I got yet another perfect child, but this one was a boy!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Invisible Man

"Jack what are you doing?"
"I'm talking to the invisible guy."
"Oh....... what is he saying to you?"
"Nothing, he talks like this, (flapping mouth like fish out of water)."
"Oh."
"Cause he's invisible."

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Alison

Today is a very special day. Eleven years ago today I got a perfect little girl.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Beans

I'm making dinner right now. Yes, right now, as I am typing. Almost no effort goes into dinner tonight and I will be the most popular lady on the block. My husband will sing my praises. My boys will not stop eating until we make them and my girls will love it too(they just won't eat so much they explode). I am Supermom and I'm not even trying.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Staying Home

I love being a stay at home mom. The days that I appreciate it the most though are days like today. Poor little Jack is sick. He woke up with a fever and a yucky cough. All he has wanted to do today is snuggle and I sure am glad that I have the opportunity to stay home and do that. I love my wonderful husband for working so hard so I can be here for the kids. I love that my family is happy with the decision to make sacrifices so I can be here. They really are, if you heard half of the things my kids say about our life, you would never question it. People always ask, "Don't you hate living in that little apartment?" I don't think they believe me when I say no. I am happy with where we are. We made a decision based on what is right for us and only us. I love being home, and I love my tiny little apartment.

Monday, August 23, 2010

I Did It!

I made a whole blanket all by myself!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Can't Sit Still

I am full of nervous energy today, and I can't do anything about it. I want to get out and have some fun, but not only has there been nothing to do, My head is pounding. Good thing we are going out to a friends tonight!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Do You Have A Song?

Jack sang to us during dinner tonight. He sang over and over and each song was great. After he was done singing he looked at each one of individually and asked, "Do you have a song?" His eyebrows were practically touching his hair line. He was so excited at the prospect that one of might have a song too and over and over people just told him no. So, when he got to me I said yes and sang him a song. He loved it so much that he clapped and asked for another. It was adorable!

As soon as youtube processes the video I will share his songs......


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Neighbor Fun

We cooked out last night with the neighbors. It was a lot of fun, we had some nice salmon (great sale at Macy's) and some risotto and salad. It was a wonderful dinner, the company was great and the weather was perfect. There was even a nice breeze. I love having neighbors that are fun to hang out with. We actually decided to do it the night before when we were all just talking outside and they offered my boys hot dogs. So I guess for some of us it was two nights in a row.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Just Jack

It is now officially just Jack that is home with me. He plays with me for a bit. Cuddles for a bit, goes and plays by himself for a bit. Yesterday he was fine with it being just us. I wonder if that will last? Anyway, I'm really glad that the last one home with me is a cuddle bug that likes to sleep in!

Monday, August 16, 2010

New Year

I took the kids to school today. First I took the girls. We all piled in the van and drove the few minutes it takes us to get there. We pulled into the parking lot and Hollee jumped out of the car and said, "Bye Mom!" and left. Alison looked at me a little hesitantly and I smiled at her and she smiled back and said, "Bye Mom!" and walked off. Then we drove back home and the boys asked if they could walk to school. I told them that I was going to walk with them the first day. They looked at me like it was completely unnecessary, but agreed. We walked over and the only reason I got to go in is because I insisted. Not even the first grader needed me there, he had his big brother. I helped them find where to put their back packs and they looked up at me and both said, "Bye Mom!" and ran outside to find their friends. I know this might make some moms sad, but I just love how they have so much confidence. I love how they lean on each other, and I love how they take care of each other. I love this part of my life, but I like to remind myself that I do not want little kids forever. I want to raise great children that will turn into great adults. I think it's easy for me to say this now because I still brought one home today, but I don't think it will be so hard that I can't handle it when they all go off to school. The only reason it won't be is because of them, because of how wonderful they are.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Shopping

You won't believe it.... I went school shopping and it wasn't stressful! Crazy right? Today went really well. I have the most amazing kids, I took 5 kids to Old Navy all by myself (along with hundreds of other school shoppers) and they were all so good and patient. Plus, I only had to make one excursion to the bathrooms. We did it in record time too. I have the best kids!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ice Blocking

When I was young I always somehow missed the ice blocking activities for YW. Well, this time I planned it so I wasn't going to miss it. We went to the park that Timm took us to for July 4th. It has an excellent hill and it was a blast. I was zooming down that hill, let's just say that not being a tiny skinny teenager is an advantage when ice blocking. At one point I started going so fast that I had to throw myself off of my ice and my sunglasses popped off my head and flew three feet. It was great and I can't wait to take my family out to do it!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Over Time

I love that I am on a committee with friends. I went to a meeting last night and we finished up all of our business, then stayed and talked for a while. It really sucks when you HAVE to go to a meeting, but it's great when you GET to go to a meeting.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Cold

I missed a few posts last week because I left. I went where nobody could call me, email me, or IM me. It was GREAT! We had a blast with a few of our friends and Eli had a wonderful birthday camping trip. He even got a new fishing pole from the Maag's.
It got a little cold at night and the last night was the worst. While I was sitting around the fire Jack crawled up on my lap and tried to curl into a tiny ball. He was FREEZING. I asked him if he wanted to go to bed and he said yes. I took him to the tent and put him on my bed and cuddled him for a few minutes to make him warm. He looked up at me with his big eyes and little red nose and said, "I'm a Jack-cicle." After a few minutes I climbed out of the blankets to get the other kids all arranged under their blankets. When I climbed back in I rubbed his back to warm him up and as he fell asleep he snuggled in and said, "You're a good mommy." It was way too cute. That kid can make anybody warm just by saying those sweet things.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Perfect

I make this butter cake that is requested all the time. I made one last night with blueberries in my 14 inch round pan for a group of girls. The thing is, you have to be really careful when you use such a big pan. You really have butter it a lot and then throw in some flour. You have to cover every millimeter of the pan because the pan is too big to loosen the cake with a spatula before you dump it out. Well last night after a big headache with the cake board I think I would have cried if the cake didn't come out cleanly. I do that... I cry if my cakes get ruined..... I know, you don't have to say anything. Well, I turned that cake over and it plopped onto the cooling rack so quickly..... I was so scared to take that pan off. You know what happened when I did? I saw a PERFECT cake. I think I giggled.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Yawn

This heat makes me so tired. I am tired and sick of being in this house and REALLY sick of being hot. All I can say is thank goodness for ice. I am so looking forward to our camping trip this weekend. It will be great to get out of the house and up in the mountains where it is cooler. We are looking forward to 40˚ nights.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Ripping

There are a pair of Timm's pants that have a lot of holes in them. I mean a LOT of holes. I keep trying to get rid of them and he uses the "They're my work pants" excuse. He thinks if he only wears them to tinker on bikes he can keep them. Well, in the past few days I have seen him wear them out of the house twice. This is his official warning..... When I get my hands on them, they are toast. This will be fun!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Being The Grownup That's NOT Boring!

I took my kids to the splash pad today. I was absolutely amazed at how many parents sat in the hot sun on blankets and watched their kids play in the water. Not me! I got in the water with my kids and had so much fun. My favorite part had to be when Jack would sit on top of the fountains so the water couldn't come out. Then when those fountains would turn off he would stand up, pump his fist, and yell "Yes! I killed the water!" Pretty soon he had each one of us sitting on fountains so we could help "kill" the water.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Being The Grownup

It's nice to be the grown up. Nobody yells at you when you spray small children with a hose.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Something New

So how fun is it when you have been friends with somebody for years and you just figure out that you have common interests that you didn't even know about? I'll tell you..... It's LOTS of fun!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

SO COOL!!!!!

I just saw wild elephants! The whole family has been using this web site that has 4 different web cams in South Africa. We have been hoping and hoping to see elephants, but haven't yet. Just now as I was about to walk away from the computer I decided to give the cams a quick look and I found an entire heard of elephants right there getting a drink. I know it is Africa and I'm no where near it, but I just saw elephants in real time!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Again?

So remember when I said I saw a guy on his bicycle carrying a ceiling fan? Well I've seen something even better now. I saw a guy riding his bike with a highchair on his head. It was pretty funny. I don't think he expected his yard sale find to be so LARGE.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Just The Boys

It seems so quiet when the girls are gone and they are gone until tomorrow morning. Now we need to figure out something fun to do with the boys tonight. Not that they need it, they got to go to a Raptors game last night. They are just so dang cute though, it's fun to spoil them.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Coco

Nicole came in on the train today. She walked in and all my kids crowded her. They all had something to tell her or show her. I was even pushed out of my seat by my 4 year old so he could sit by her. We love our Coco visits and I am always happy to claim her as my "sometimes kid". Now I have promised to take her to Walmart so she can teach my girls to make bracelets, so I guess I'm off.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Midweek Get Togethers

Getting together with friends on a Tuesday has to be so much cooler than waiting until the weekend. It makes me happy that I have friends that are close enough that I can call and say, what are you making for dinner, do you want to combine? It's even better when what you are making goes perfectly with what they are making. It's like it was destiny to have dinner together.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Interesting

I just had a very interesting conversation with Jack... cute, sweet, innocent, 4 year old, Jack. He had just been bonked (accidentally) on the head by Eli. He climbed on my lap and said, "If Eli hurts me again I will just drink his blood. Cause I am a half human, half monster, half ghost." Then he started pointing to random parts of his body and continued, "This part is human, this part is monster, this part is monster, this part is human, I mean ghost. That means Eli will be dead."
Then he climbed down and walked away.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Pretty Bird

Timm has to take the bird out of our room every morning now when he leaves for work. If he doesn't my cute, naughty bird talks to me all morning until he wakes me up. It's pretty funny. He rarely talks when Timm is around and talks all the time if he wants my attention. In fact as I am typing this he is sitting on top of the blinds whistling and saying, "pretty bird" over and over to get my attention. He knows I can't resist him when he talks so he uses it against me. I don't even know if Timm has heard half of the things this bird can say. For me he talks, for Timm he cuddles. He is definitely a smart, pretty bird.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Helpers

Oh, yuck, I don't feel good. I mean I REALLY don't feel good. I don't know why I always get sick, but that is not the point. It is so much easier to be sick when your kids are old enough to help out. They have made their own meals, brought me things when I needed them and haven't complained once. I am now going to go to sleep, and I can rest easy knowing they will be fine while I sleep. I have the best kids ever!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Ducks

The irrigation canal runs along the back fence of our back yard. Jack came into the living room yelling, "There's ducks in the water!" over and over. I didn't know what had gotten him so excited since this is a very frequent occurrence. When he was finally able to breathe he said, "The ducks are talking to me. The are saying, (in his best duck voice) 'Where are you Jack?' " It was so cute how excited he was that the ducks would talk to him. We went and got our stale bread out of the freezer that we keep just for ducks and went outside. Sadly, the ducks left while we were walking down the stairs.

By the way, is it strange that he is not the first of my kids that actually believed that the animals were talking to him?

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

So Grown Up

I just took Hollee to get her hair cut. She looks so pretty and so old. After the hair cut I took them over to get a summer school lunch and a 15 year old girl that sat by us was shocked when she heard that Hollee is 13, she thought she was 15. I am constantly amazed at how beautiful and grown up my kids are. Where did all the time go?

By the way... the girl that did Hollee's hair is amazing and she would like to do more work out of her house so she can stay home more with her daughter. Her at home prices are fantastic and I have NEVER been disappointed by her. Let me know if you need her info.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Ummmm, O K.......

Last night during dinner Jack left to use the bathroom. He came back completely naked, making horns with his two pointer fingers like a bull, running at full speed, yelling, "Look at me, Look at me!" It is very difficult to not laugh at all and say in your stern "mom voice", "Jack! Go put on your underwear!"

Friday, July 9, 2010

Yarn

All the happy colors of yarn make me happy. Is that weird?

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Girls Night Out

Two nights in a row of knock-me-out-migraines should always be closely followed by Bunco or some other type of Girls Night. Bonus if you are not super close to every single girl there, then you don't have to "talk", you can just hang out and have fun.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Being Cheap

I was out with friends and we were looking at some cute things in a little boutique. Do you know how great it is when you find something really cute that coast $12 dollars and realize that you can make it just as well and it won't cost you anything because you have everything you need? I do. I saw these really cute flowers, I have already made 3 plus headbands to put them on. Plus, mine are better because I can pick the colors. Yay me!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Going To Bed?

My kids love that they can stay up late in the summer. What I love is that they still end up going to bed earlier than they think they will. Sure, sometimes they push it and talk for a bit longer once they get in their bed. Sometimes they just don't want to go, like last night when Jack pointed to the alarm clock and said, "Mommy, why all these letters mean we gotta sleep?"More often than that though they just get tired and decide to go to bed. I find Andrew sneaking off to bed earlier than the others most nights and Jack staying up longest. On the 4th of July just as the fireworks were about to start Jack snuggled up on my lap and hid his face. I said, "You aren't going to sleep before the fireworks are you?" He just looked up at me and said, "But I'm tired!" Of course he ended up wide awake and making jokes the whole time, but it's just so cute when these kids who think they can stay up for 3 days straight are just too pooped to keep their eyes open for one more second. My favorite times like these are when you find them falling asleep on the couch and you send them to bed and they walk all the way down the hallway without opening their eyes.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Flying

We went to see Angie and her family do the indoor sky diving today for her birthday. She couldn't stop smiling for hours. Her smiles were contagious. It was great!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Cupcakes

Timm took me to a new little place here in town called Vintage Cupcake Co. That place is so great! They make the most fabulous cupcakes. I had the Creamsicle and Timm had the Chocolate Raspberry. I don't know which one is better. We also got some day olds for the kids and they were yummy too. The whole store is adorable, they have the greatest furniture. Plus, they sell a bunch of vintage things in the back boutique style. Until today I never would have dreamed of buying cupcakes for entertaining. Now I am sure I will and the prices were not bad at all. Go check it out:
Vintage Cupcake Co. 470 24th St. Ogden

By the way, sorry I missed some posts... We had a family reunion for a few days, followed immediately by Girls camp.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Jen And John

I've been super busy today and am posting late. I went to a book signing for Cake Wrecks. If you've never heard of it.... cakewrecks.blogspot.com be prepared to lose hours of you life if you're a first timer. It was so much fun!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Bad Jokes

I have a four year old boy who idolizes his older brothers. His older brothers are always telling jokes, so he is always trying to tell jokes too. He is really, really good at killing punch lines. The best part of his jokes though.... after he annihilates the joke, he does a fist pump and says, "Yes!"

Monday, June 21, 2010

Daddy

Timm has never been "Dad". He has always been Daddy, even now with my 13 year old daughter. He is such an excellent Daddy. He spends so much time with the kids. He plays with them, he talks to them, helps them with homework, teases them relentlessly, straightens the girls hair when I'm busy and they can't reach the back of their head, builds legos, plays board games, watches kid movies, and every other thing you could possibly do with your kids..... he does. I love that my husband doesn't think he is babysitting when I leave the kids home with him, they are his kids after all. I love that they can talk to him when something is on their mind. I love that when he tells them a story they look at me to see if he's telling the truth. I love that when we are celebrating he doesn't want it to be just the two of us, he wants the kids there. (What is with people thinking that they have to leave the kids home to have it be a celebration?) I love that the kids bought him games to play with for Fathers Day, one to play with friends and one to play with them. I love everything about that man, but I love how great of a Daddy he is the most.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Callous

I finally have a callous from my crochet hook. Yay!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

So Funny!

For Date Night we went and watched Date Night. Can I just say I love a movie that makes you laugh so hard that your face hurts when you walk out of the theater? I had so much fun last night!

*note: This movie is not kid friendly.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Date Night

On your mark......


Get set.....


GO!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Finding Old Drawings

I was going through some papers a bit ago and found a bunch of pictures that were drawn by the girls when they were really little. I absolutely LOVED how Ali drew people. They looked like potatoes with arms and legs. Just a few days after I found these little treasures I went to my mom's house. I was looking for measuring tape when I found an old valentine that I made her when I was a kid. It was pretty good even if I do say so myself. THere was a picture of a heart on the front with a key hole in it, on the inside I had made a pocket with a little paper key in it. It said something about her holding the key to my heart. It was nice to see that my mom still has my old drawings too.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Something Cute

I have recently made something UBER cute. I can not disclose what that something is incase the wrong person reads this (it's a surprise). I just can't get over how cute it is. I really, really can't get over that fact that I made this cute something. Just looking at it makes me smile. Yay! I can't wait to give my something cute away!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Alone

Taking a bath with out any interruptions has to be the best thing a mom can ask for.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Good Ideas

Jack has this new thing he says, "I have a good idea!" which is then followed by whatever he wants you to do for him. Then he says, "does that sound like a good plan?" and looks at you with his big blue eyes. It's pretty cute.

A couple days ago he came up to me with one of his good ideas, when I asked what it was he said, "It starts with a S."
"Ok...."
"Actually it starts with a S and a E and a C."
"Ok, what good idea starts with an S an E and a C?"
"I will get a bowl and you will poor cereal and milk in it and I will find a spoon and I will eat CEREAL!"
"Well I am going to make rice and pork chops for dinner."
"I know, I will eat cereal and you will eat rice and *mumble mumble* for dinner. Does that sound like a good plan?"
"Not really, you already had cereal today. You only get cereal once a day."
"Aw, but I want to eat cereal two times a day."

Let me just tell you, it is pretty dang hard to not give in and give the kid cereal two times a day.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Timm

He makes me happy because he is the most wonderful, caring, supportive, hard working, loving, awesome husband in the world. On top of all that he is the greatest dad ever who would do anything in the whole world for his children. Yay Timm!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Food

As you can tell by yesterdays post, food makes me happy. Food is a major gateway to happiness for me. I know that sounds like I eat way too much, but I like to share it more than eat it most of the time. Sure, sometimes wanting, then getting something like fried chicken makes me happy. Sometimes I am just having a blah day and cooking for my family makes me happy. I know that is weird, but it's therapeutic for me. It's something I know I can control. Sometimes it's talking with someone like my sister and brainstorming about an upcoming party and finally figuring out what to eat at the party. It makes me happy to not only help figure out the menu, but to know that I get to cook some of it. If I'm down I bake. If I'm really down I bake then take whatever I made over to the neighbor. I think my neighbor is a lot like me when it comes to this. I am always having the neighbor kids knock on my door with a plate full of tamales or something. Tonight it was a strawberry drink. It makes me smile every time because I get it. I get that sending that food over makes her feel good. So the point? Yay food!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Friday, June 4, 2010

13 Year Old Girls

Yesterday Hollee had her 13th birthday party. All of her friends came dressed as a celebrity. We had Marilyn Monroe, Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Hudgens, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga and Ashley Greene here last night. Hollee dressed up as Helena Bonham Carter since we were doing a movie premier of Alice in Wonderland. My daughter has chosen the best friends ever! Really, I don't think you could have happier parents when we think about who our daughter is hanging out with. Each girl gave Hollee her birthday present as if they were presenting her an award. They said such nice things about her, it makes me proud to know she is so kind to others. The whole night just had me smiling.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Christmas Lights

Decorating for a party? Don't have the time or funds to go to the party store? That's ok, just pull out the Christmas lights. Pick a color and glam up the room. A 13 year old will think it's AWESOME!!!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Dreams

I love waking up from a dream happy. I don't have a clue what my dream was about, I just know it made me smile. The only problem is, you are happy so you think you should get up and just let it seep into your day, but you also just want to lay in bed and bask in the good feelings. Maybe even try to drift off again and see if you can get back into the happy dream.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

What?!?!?!?!

I was over at a friends house last night enjoying some good food (BBQ) and good conversation. As we were sitting around I watched a guy ride his bike past us and all focus on our conversation was lost. Did I really just see a guy riding his bike down the street holding a ceiling fan? Yes, yes I did. That sure made me giggle.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Playing In The Rain

The kids wanted to play outside this afternoon. A little bit after they went out it started to rain. Imagine their surprise when I told them they could stay out and get as wet as they wanted. Watching kids laugh and run and yell, "You're it!" while getting rained on is fun. Laying on the ground and having it rain on your face while laughing with little girls is even funner.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Field Day

Isn't it great that those wonderful teachers spend the last day of school squeezing every bit of energy out of the kids? It makes the transition into summer so much more peaceful.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Getting Excited

I love that my kids get excited when they see a cool bird. It's a hobby that my husband has loved since he was a child. Bird watching kind of got pushed to the back burner for him for many years, but when he started pursuing this hobby again he quickly got me and the kids excited about it. There are days when we can't convince them to get out of bed to go look at birds, but most of the time they at least show interest. Today was a little different. I was driving them home from school when Hollee said, "Mommy, look at that bird!" I pulled over and pulled out the binoculars and we had a good look. Luckily we had the camera with us too so I was able to get a few shots of it. They weren't very good given the height he was sitting at, but we have them. We had NO clue what he could be so we drove two more blocks to home and grabbed the bird book. We turned around to go get a second look and got there just in time to see him in flight which is also good for identifying a bird. We looked through the book and I kept going back to the same bird, but was sure that nothing that exotic was here in Utah. We came home, did a little bit of research and yep, I was right, it's a Double-Crested Cormorant. The best part of all this? As I'm sitting here typing, Hollee is in her room reading up on the bird. And the others are chatting about it, holding the yard stick to see how big he was and generally just being excited. It's nice to get the kids interested in something besides all the usual stuff. It's even nicer when we get to do those things as a family, I just wish that Timm could have seen the bird. We'll go out tonight and check the area and hopefully have another sighting.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Kindergarten Teachers

Sometimes I feel so bad for Kindergarten teachers, they get these tiny little kids in their class. Kids that are little enough to still say "I love you" to a teacher, kids that are still little enough to cry when they get hurt and run to their teachers for hugs, kids that are little enough to still say they have a tummy ache. Then, after we give them these little kids and they teach them and care for them and fall in love with them, we not only take them away for the summer, but we make them have a ceremony. Being a teacher and sending the kids out the door with a "See you next year!" would be hard enough, but to have a whole graduation ceremony and have singing and speeches? I haven't been to one yet where the teacher didn't cry. Thanks to all the teachers, especially the ones who take time to form bonds with our kids!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Rewards

I walked a group of kids from the school to the theater this morning. It was one of the end of school reward days. 183 kids got to leave school and go watch Shrek 4. The school has also had a dance and a Lagoon day. All for the kids who have not received any detentions. Do you remember the time when you would be rewarded for good behavior? I don't mean all of these little blessings in disguise we get for being good people, I mean flat out rewards for being good. How fun would that be to get rewards for being nice? Like a certificate for not being late to anything for a whole month (we all know how hard it is to get the family ready and out the door on time), or a free ice cream for being the friend with the shoulder that gets cried on, or a round of applause for not losing your cool when the third cup of juice gets spilled at dinner. How cool would that be? Anyway, back to the real world. I am glad that these kids get recognized for good behavior. Too many times we overlook the good and focus on the bad. These kids need this recognition too, out of the five kids I walked over I think only one of them knew how to walk with her head up and I happen to know that this little girl had to work hard to get like that. These teenagers and preteens are at a point in their life when it feels like it's them against the world and they could use all the confidence boosters they can get. So go write somebody a note, take somebody to get some ice cream, or just give them a hug and tell them how good they are.
Here are my virtual hugs to the people who have been especially good to me lately.....
(((((((((((Timm)))))))))) ((((((((((Gabrielle)))))))))) ((((((((((Lorelei)))))))))) ((((((((((Jessica)))))))))) ((((((((((Alex)))))))))) ((((((((((Angie))))))))))
((((((((((Hollee)))))))))) ((((((((((Alison)))))))))) ((((((((((Eli))))))))))
((((((((((Andrew)))))))))) ((((((((((Jackson)))))))))) ((((((((((Darlene))))))))))
((((((((((Anybody who takes the time to read my blog, I love you!))))))))))

Friday, May 21, 2010

PUDDING!

Jack woke up yesterday after coming home from the dentist. He walked over to the fridge and managed to get there with out falling over (he was very wobbly from the anesthesia). He opened the fridge, looked inside and said, "Aw! No pudding?" Luckily we had anticipated this and Timm was at the store picking some up at that very moment.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Nurses

Sure the doctors and dentists are important, but it was the nurses that made my boy feel so comfortable today. Although, I do have to say that the anesthesiologist was super nice to him and made him smile a few times.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Being A Mom And Not A Dad

Sometimes, when I am the one who gets puked on and I am the one who has to go to 6 doctors appointments in 2 weeks and I am the one who has to go to the school 3-4 times a day, I have to remind myself that Mom's get extra perks too. They believe my stories and look to me for confirmation of Daddy's stories. They make sure I don't have to do any chores on my birthday. They grab stories to read when going to bed, and can't go to sleep with Daddy telling the stories, Mommy has to read the last one. They come to me when upset or hurt. They know that only Magic Mommy kisses can make the pain go away. I can get puked on once in a while.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Lilacs

Right now, every morning when I step outside, I am assaulted by the most wonderful scent in the whole world..... LILACS. They will be even better today with the rain. I would give up every other season of the year (even though I would miss the snow and the hot enough to swim all day days) if I could smell lilacs all year. I think it's about time to send my husband out in the middle of the night to pick me some lilacs so my room will smell like them. He has to sneak out at night since we don't actually have our own, and yes, he does this for me.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Warm Days

The kids played outside for hours yesterday. They didn't want to come in either. Also, I noticed that when kids are outside the whole neighborhood notices. Just one group of kids is out, then a few kids across the street come out, then the neighbor kid comes and plays with my kids, then finally you hear laughter all down the street. It's like once they hear somebody outside they can no longer resist.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Kids On Parade

The Kindergarteners all in their cars walking over to the fire station was priceless. The best part? When they were crossing the street and a police man stopped at the light and the first cardboard car to cross was a police car. The police man was just grinning from ear to ear.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Cardboard Cars

We have been making a car out of a cardboard box for Andrew. All the Kindergarteners will be "driving" around the school tomorrow. This is not the first cardboard car I have made and I think they are just getting better and better. You know how I know? The kids keep getting more and more excited about their cars. Am I the only one who sometimes wishes they had bigger boxes so I could play in them too?

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Couch Cuddles

Everyone likes to curl up on the couch and get in some good snuggly time right? You know what's even better? When you look over and see your "I'm too cool for hugs" 8 year old boy sit next to his dad and snuggle in. He casually throws his arm around his dad, waits for his dad to do the same, and lays his head down and starts watching tv like this is nothing unusual. I was grinning so much I had to leave the room incase he saw me and got embarrassed. I for sure did not want to ruin the moment.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Confidence In The Good Guys

Jack: Daddy, do good guys die?
Daddy: Sometimes.
Jack's eyes go huge and his face is filled with disappointment.
Daddy (stumbling over his words): Oh, no, no, good guys don't die.
Jack (smiling and walking out of the room): Porter! Daddy says good guys don't die!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Moms

I love being one. I love having one.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Friday?

I forgot it was Friday today. My husband no longer works on Fridays and sure the kids went to school, but it was a half day. After we picked them up we went to the grocery store and ran a few other errands. By the time we came home I was surprised when I saw them getting out of the car with their back packs. By the time summer hits I'll have to start calling Friday Saturday #1.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

New Books

I have a pile of new books just waiting for me. Instead of wanting to read something and standing in front of the book shelves for 15 minutes trying to decide which book I would like to read again, I can just reach over and grab my little pile and decide which one will fit my mood. I love having books waiting for me. Each one is like a little vacation already planned out and marked on the calendar.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Wrapping Paper

Why is it that people have started using gift bags instead of wrapping paper? You get more mileage out of it right? WRONG! You buy a gift bag, put one present in it and give it away. Sure, the person you gave it to is grateful you didn't write on the tag and uses it for someone else. then they use it, and then the next person uses it, until it's too wrinkly to use, but unless one of those people give it back to you, you only use it once. With wrapping paper you get a whole roll. That's 20 square feet, baby! You can wrap 3 really big gifts or 103 really small gifts!

Then there is the issue of the peeker. All that stands between the peeker and their present in a gift bag is a piece of tissue paper and that's no fun. With wrapping paper that box just sits their mocking the peeker. They have designed wrapping paper so that if you lift that tape, the color of the paper is coming with it, leaving a little telling white square. Sure you can see the shape of the package, or shake it a bit, but that's why false packaging was invented.

Now we get to the BEST part of wrapping paper. RIPPING IT! Come on, you know it's not just the kids that like to do it. Every body likes to tear into that package. Don't worry about saving the paper, we have 20 square feet. What is more satisfying than ripping open that paper that has been sitting there all day enticing you with those pretty, colorful polka dots? Not much, that's what.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

ABC

I love ABC Mandarin.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Trains

I love going to the Union Station. We had a birthday party there on Saturday for my now 4 year old. It was pretty fun. He wasn't the only birthday boy there either. There was another little boy who was also named Jack having a party there. It was just great seeing how many different types of people love trains. From the two birthday boys, to the little old lady in the gift shop. There were a bunch of old men from a train club having a little swap meet there, or as the old lady said, selling their junk to each other. The kids ran around playing on the old trains and watching the model trains, while the dads stopped at the boring displays and read the same things that have been on the walls all the other times they have been there. Trains seem to be a bridge between the generation gaps. The old guys would just smile as the little guys ran past. It was a great way to spend a Saturday.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Figuring Things Out

My three year old will be four tomorrow. He has spent the last few days practicing how to put up four fingers instead of three. It's really funny watching him stick out/bite his lip, furrow his brow and concentrate so hard. Then, when he gets it, he holds out his hand to you and smiles. Love it!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

This

I sure am starting to be thankful I started this project. When I am having a day like I am today and can not think of a single thing to write, at least I can go back and read previous posts and almost smile.

If I have anything later I'll just come in and change this.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What?

I love it when you say something and little kids have NO clue what you are talking about. Some new friends of Jack's gave him presents today. He said thank you then gave them a hug. When he went to hug one the other couldn't wait for his turn so it ended up one of those hugs that just about knock you over with all three of them. When I said, "Group hug!" the little girl looked at me, raised one eyebrow, cocked her head to one side and said, "What's a group hug?" It was pretty cute. It sometimes takes a second for us grown-ups to realize just how weird we sound to little kids.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Caterpillars

My six year old was riding his big wheel on the sidewalk. We were going under a big tree that had dropped it's seeds, you know the green fuzzy things that are about and inch long and curl a little bit? Well he had the most horrified look on his face as he crunched over these seeds. After a few seconds in which I thought he was going to barf he says, "Wow, that's a lot of dead caterpillars!"

Monday, April 26, 2010

Dinosaurs

Two 3 year olds were having a conversation. It got pretty heated. One ran up to her mom almost in tears and said, "MOM! DINOSAURS ARE MEAN AND HE SAYS THEY ARE NICE!"
The other one just calmly said, "They are nice."

Friday, April 23, 2010

My Van!

I got to spend a week driving around a 2010 Dodge Ram with a Hemi and I am soooooo excited to get my little Mazda Mini Van back. Weird right? I am just glad that I don't have to park that monster anymore.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Dreams

Do you remember the first time you were aware of dreaming? Jack does. The other night he came into my room scared and told me, " I don't want anything in mine eyeballs!"
I asked, "Do you have something in your eye?"
"There's ghosts in mine eyeballs."
So I told him to climb in bed with me. I could tell he was scared and didn't want to go back to sleep so I told him that he was in Mommy's bed now and Mommy's bed is safe from all the scary things. He started to fall back asleep, but pretty soon those eyes just popped open, and again he looked up at me and said, "There's ghosts in mine eyeballs! I saw Ben 10 (a cartoon character) and he was orange and I was Superman and I smashed him!"
I couldn't resist a giggle or two and told him, "Those aren't ghosts, those are dreams."
"Dreams?"
"Yes, dreams are like movies when you sleep."
"They are?"
"Yep, dreams are fun."
He wasn't buying it and refused to go back to sleep. I decided I needed to get his mind off of things and I took him to the couch where he could watch some late night tv and I could get some sleep. I told him to go get his pillow from his bed, but he ran out of his room and told me, " I saw something (sounds more like sussing when he says it) in the window!"
I told him that he didn't, but went and got his pillow for him. He was so worried about dreaming again that he just refused to go back to sleep. The problem of him not sleeping is that to keep himself awake he kept taking to me. At about 3:15 I went to bed and told Timm it was his turn. After I finally got some sleep I realized just how cute that whole night was. He has a great imagination when he's awake, I can't even begin to imagine what his reams are like.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sweet Child

Yesterday my kids went and played in a neighbors yard. She has a big fenced in yard, a swing set, a tree perfect for climbing and two dogs. The kids all had a blast. ABout 20 minutes after they got home
Jack came up to me and said, "I need help with the door."
So I helped him outside and he walked over to the sidewalk and looked across the street at a plot full of dandelions.
He said, "I need those flowers".
I took his hand and we walked across the street. He started picking all the "big" dandelions.
As he was picking flowers he said, "I'm gonna give these to a girl."
I said, "Really? What girl?"
"The girl I just saw."
I looked around and didn't see anybody, "What girl did you just see?"
"The one with the dogs."
Then it dawned on me, he was picking flowers for our neighbor who had let him play in her yard. After he had gotten a nice handful of flowers I walked him over. He made sure to hide the flowers behind his back while he waited at the door.
It was probably the sweetest thing I have ever seen a three going on four year old do.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Look Of Relief

The look on my husbands face when his new boss told him they would start this week was priceless. That look said so much...... wow!...... I get to drive a truck every day!....... I am actually going to have time to do the things I need to do for MYSELF for once!........ I have a new boss!

I think that last one is probably the best. My husband, in just a few short days, will no longer work for the most despicable man in the city, wait, the state, nope that's not right either... the country! I'm pretty sure that's as far as I can take it. Hmm, maybe the continent.

Anyway, the point is YAY!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Trampolines

Five words......
Eight kids on a trampoline.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Kissy Heads

I LOVE babies! I love skinny babies, fat babies, bald babies, hairy babies, cute babies, ugly babies, I just love all babies. You know when you look at that baby with all of that hair and you just want to put bows and tiny ponytails on the top of their heads? I know that's fun, but there are very few things better than holding a baby with just an itty bitty amount of hair. Their warm little round head is just BEGGING for kisses!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Motorcycles

My little guy is getting so big. I'm already planning his 4th birthday, can you believe it? As he gets big he changes. All those adorable little things that kids do like always saying mine instead of my, like, "Mine elbow hurts". They are all slowly going away. I have noticed these things more and more with him so today I was tickled when he picked up two of his matchbox motorcycles and said, "I'm gonna play with mine mogorgycles." I love that word!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Sleep

When you have a long day, when you can't wait for the next day, when you crammed too much into today. No matter what the reason, sometimes you can just hear your pillow calling to you. Sometimes you hurry the kids to bed so you can get to your own. Sometimes you don't need that extra time with your husband while the kids are all in bed, you just need that extra time with your pillow..... your lovely pillow that you can just flip over when it gets too warm........ and then you just sleep. Let's make it a marathon and see if we can get 10 hours!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Rain

Sometimes rain just makes everything better. Everyone is just craving sunshine right now, but I love this season and I love the rain. It was perfect that it rained last night too. While it was raining I felt like my bad mood was justified, then this morning everything just seemed so fresh, a new day for a new mood. Also, and I know this isn't so happy sounding, but it really is a good thing.... The rain makes great cloud cover for that pesky sun when my head hurts. I guess that would be the literal silver lining right?

Monday, April 12, 2010

Sesame Street

I'm having a hard time trying to find something to fill my cup today. I had a bad night, my head hurts and I just want to sleep all day. I got on the computer and checked my facebook and saw a post about Mister Rogers. Well, a friend and I have been having a friendly argument on what was better, Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? It's a no contest sort of thing for me, I mean Fred Rogers was a great man, but his show was boring! Anyway, one of the things my friend likes about Mr. Rogers is his love of jazz music. He had never even heard of Hoots so I spent the morning finding him some youtube videos of Hoots and they made me smile. I found one video in particular when Hoots was having a bad day and John Legend made him feel better. I don't know how to add a link, but I'm trying. Enjoy it.....



Friday, April 9, 2010

Taking People By Surprise

I went out with my husband last night and saw a great band from Vancouver, Canada. We had lots of fun. One of the highlights of my evening was when I went up to the bar and ordered myself a Shirley Temple (seltzer water with cherry grenadine). A particularly drunk girl sitting on a stool looked at me and said, "Did you seriously just order a Shirley Temple?" I said yes and was promptly offered a high five.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Hay

We had a church party last night. One of the games we had for the kids was a pile of hay that they dug though to find prizes. It was pretty cute watching them get covered in hay. The really little ones didn't even realize they were digging for prizes, they just liked playing in the hay.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Friends

My kids have been cooped up during Spring Break but still having fun. First day they had their cousins to hang out with. Yesterday and today both Andrew and Jack have had their best friends over all day. Eli also has tons of fun with Porter. Tomorrow both girls will be hanging out with their best friends. I just love watching how these little people handle friendship. They don't hold back at all. If some body is annoyed they tell them and they get over it. They also are so willing to let each other know how much they love them. The girls went out and got best friend necklaces that they bought with the money they work so hard to earn. I love the way kids are so open. I have only had a few friends I could be like that with in my adult hood besides my sisters. It's nice to watch the kids and learn all over again how to be a friend.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Museums

It's spring break here for the kids. There is also 7 inches of snow in my back yard and the xbox isn't working. That is why we love museums so much. Especially the free ones. Sure we've seen the airplanes thousands of times, but at least they aren't at our house. We may go see some trains this week also. Yay for museums!

Friday, April 2, 2010

People Watching

Yesterday while running errands I did what I usually do and was just watching the people around me. While sitting in a waiting room I saw a woman just staring at the woman in front of her. Finally she just looked at her and said, "Where do you work?" It totally caught the other woman off guard and it was pretty funny to watch. The best part? After about five minutes of talking to each other they figured out that they are family. They knew they should be able to place each other, but just couldn't quite get there. I had a pretty hard time not giggling at them.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Mountain Dew

I have a headache. My brain is trying to explode out of my head. All I can do to be ok right now is to look at my cup of Mountain Dew sitting next to my bottle of Excedrin Migraine and know that it will pass. I just hope it's sooner than later.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Snow Days

You would think that after having my husband home without a job for 4 months I would be glad to have him gone. It's true, I'm glad he has a job, but I still greatly enjoy the days when he gets to either stay home or come home early due to weather. He's home, the little boys get extra time with him. We all instinctively climb in the bed to spend the whole afternoon snuggly and warm and we'll have something warm and comforting for dinner. I'm thinking biscuits and gravy. See? Even inclement weather has it's bright side.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Glimpses of the Past

Last night my ten year old wasn't feeling great and she ended up sleeping in the living room. As I was leaving I got one of those "Don't leave until I'm asleep" looks, so I sat on the couch and waited for her to fall asleep. As I sat there she looked at me and I could tell she was trying to stay awake, but her eyes kept closing and her head kept tilting. She fell asleep in mere seconds. Crazy thing is I didn't just see her falling asleep. I could actually see her as a little baby nodding off. It was like seeing her in two times. I could see her pretty little almost a teenager face, and her perfect little angel baby face all at the same time. It made me fall asleep with a smile on my face.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Feeling Human

Waking up in the morning after a long weekend of food poisoning I finally feel human again. Sure I am an exhausted human, but I'm awake and not doubled over.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Lick-a-beaters

Apparently when my husband was young when his mom would make cookies he would ask for the lick-a-beater, so that is now what all spoons, beaters and paddles are referred as. Every one wants the lick-a-beater. My oldest child sneaks into the kitchen when nobody else is looking and asks me really quietly, like she doesn't want any one to know she still likes it. My youngest child doesn't even wait until I'm done mixing to ask. I have pictures of my oldest when she was two sitting on her grandpas lap while they both had a lick-a-beater. Last week when I made cookies with the girls at church, a shy little twelve year old girl who doesn't talk much asked me if she could have the spoon. Don't tell me the woes of eating raw egg in the cookie dough, The real risk comes when you put that perfectly good lick-a-beater in the sink.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Beads

We went to the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet last night. Eli received two beads and is very, very close to getting his bear. It was great watching him stand up there so proud of himself while trying to look like he didn't care.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Kids Talking Like Grown Ups

I love it when kids talk like they are tiny little grown ups. Love it when they not only use big words, but they use them in the right context. The younger the kid, the better. Oh, and when you tell your husband how much you love it and the kid looks up at you and says, "I am a grome up." That's the best especially when you say, "You are?" and he answers back, "Ya..... I am a mall (small) grome up." then instantly falls asleep when he's done with his sentence.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Spices

I love buying new spices, the smell when you open that bottle for the first time is to die for. Then, there is discovering a spice you have never used before. The possibilities waiting for you in that little bottle are endless. Spices = adventures in the kitchen.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Eccentric People

Last couple days I have been out picking up kids from school I happen to see the same guy. He rides his bike and always wears his helmet. His helmet has been painted metallic blue. On top of his helmet is a Burger King crown. The crown has also been painted metallic blue. Placed on the crown, like jewels are reflectors. It's so funny, he seems to be a very average person, in his mid twenties, but his helmet is just crazy! He makes me smile every time I see him.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Hair Cuts

Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! I love getting a hair cut, especially if I have let it grow so long that it's actually too heavy and making my neck hurt. The first two hours after my neck is actually sore from the change in weight. Then it just feels so nice! Oh, and when you shower and pour out all that shampoo into your hand, then realize you don't need that much, now you not only have a lighter head, you get a heavier wallet!

Friday, March 19, 2010

No School

There is no school today, we all slept in, we had smoothies for breakfast and we have no intentions of changing out of our pajamas for at least another hour. Today is all about Mom and the kids. I get to choose what we do..... IF we do anything. Today will consist of movies and cuddles. Today will consist of treats for kids. Today we will all relax, kick back and have fun. Today we will SMILE!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Girls

While I was writing about my boys I knew I would write about my girls today, but they gave me even more reason to yesterday. The youngest boy had a bad day yesterday. He woke up in the night with a tooth ache. I called the dentist and he was in Logan yesterday so I had to go out there. I went and got the kids out of school early so they wouldn't be stranded and we all drove up. Once we got there he and the kids all sat down on the couches in the waiting room. He climbed up and cuddled with his big sister. She just held him and made him feel ok. After he went in the two girls kept their other brother entertained for over an hour. Then on the way home they made sure to keep everyone quiet in the car while their baby brother slept. These girls are just so sweet. They are such good friends with each other that they instant message each other while they do homework on separate computers. They are always looking out for their little brothers, and are always willing to lend a hand at home. I'm so glad I had my girls first, I love our talks and I love how girly they are. The house smells like finger nail polish, the bathroom is too crowded and they have to use space saver hangers so their clothes will fit in the closet. I look at my girls and can't figure out what I have done to end up with such great kids.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Boys and Poopy

I always wanted five kids. I just thought I wanted them to be all girls, or maybe one boy. I am so glad I had three boys. If I hadn't who would make videos on the computer singing "poopy, poopy, poopy"? Who would giggle at all the bathroom humor on tv? Who would have sword fights in the living room? Who would make all that noise I love to hear in the house? I love my boys and I love that they act so different from my girls.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Yardsticks

Don't ask me why because I have no idea. Maybe because in elementary we were NEVER allowed to use the teachers yardstick, so I always wanted my own yardstick. I bought a yard stick, I've never used it, but it makes me happy to have one.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Sunshine and Bicycles

The sun is shining more and more right now. Every time I go outside I find myself testing the warmth and waiting for wind. I'm gearing up for a bike ride today. I think it's finally here. Two days ago I was ready and that morning I decided that it was the day, then it rained. Yesterday my husband went out with a friend. I had to go pick up my kids. Nothing will stop me today! Every time I walk past my bike just sitting there by the door waiting for me I smile. I'm ready, the bike is ready and now so is the weather!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Hugs

There are a lot of different hugs out there to make us happy. There is the hug I get from my two year old niece when I say ow. There is the hug I get from my other niece every day when I pick up my kids from school. There is the line of kids waiting to give good night hugs. There is the good old fashion cuddle on the couch with the three year old while watching Sesame Street. Then, there is the unexpected hug, the one from the kid that is too old to cuddle, or when your husband sneaks up behind you while you are making dinner. We all know that hugs fill our cups, so let's share the wealth and pass out a hug or two to someone else today.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Gold Coins

Last night we went to Chuck E Cheese. It was my nephews birthday party. He was very cute about the whole thing. He had a smile for every one. Even though he just wanted to run off and play he made sure to tell every one hi and when we left he yelled thank you across the parking lot. This was the first time my kids have ever gone to Chuck E Cheese. Was the pizza their favorite part? Nope. The tickets from playing the games so they could get prizes? Nope. It was getting that little cup full of little shiny gold tokens. Looking at that little cup you could see them thinking about how many games they would get to play. Every gold coin was one game. That was a cup full of games. A cup full of fun. Seems to me that there should be a cup full of fun handed out to every one, every day.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Running

I know, strange subject right? The only way I am going to go running is if someone or something very large is chasing me. I have no desire at all to run. I have a bike, and my shoes are much cuter than any of those running shoes. My girls on the other hand both love it. I love that my girls have both decided to run. Neither one of their parents run, this is all them. They decided it looked fun and they did it. When they come home after a run they are happy, they feel great physically and they feel like they accomplished something. I am not sure what it is about the running, but it makes them more pleasant people, not that they aren't perfect little angels anyway. Right?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Questions

Shopping in the grocery store I was barraged by questions. What is that? What is that? What is that? Oh! What is that? This is the favorite question of my four year old, it's his version of the famous WHY. He wants to know what EVERYTHING is. He may explode if somebody doesn't tell him. Some people may think that this would drive them crazy and it easily could. If he is awake he is wondering about things. Maybe it's the fact that this is the fifth time I've gone through this. Maybe I'm just ultra patient. Maybe it's because he is just too cute to be annoyed with, but whatever it is I love it. Every time he does it, it makes me smile. I like that my boy wants to know everything. I want to tell him as much as I can then send him out into the world to learn the rest. So next time somebody asks you "Why?" or "What is that?" don't sigh and say "Go ask ______". Just smile and answer and try to find something you haven't learned yet and ask the question yourself.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Family Night

Sitting down to watch a movie after having to pull teeth to get every one settled. Taking a deep breath, and waiting for the next question you can't answer. Turning off the light to trick them into submission. Slowly getting into the movie..... then it happens. The kid who doesn't really seem to have as much fun with movies as the rest of them bursts into hysterical laughter. They are laughing so hard you have to rewind the movie so you can hear what you missed while they were cackling.

Friday, March 5, 2010

When Little Kids Read To You

I love when the Kindergartner pulls out a book and plops down on the couch right next to you. Sometimes you are in for a bumpy ride, making sure they know that D is not a B, reminding them to actually read the next sentence and not just put in what they think should go next. It's just cute. Every once in a while you get the best book ever! One was brought home this week for me. It's called "I Can See It!" and the best part about it is that my kid is missing his two front teeth. Let's just say that right now a snake says SSSHhhhhhhh. Well he is zooming through this new book and we get to page 3... "I can see a man sit!" page 4...... "I can see a dog sit!" then he stops and looks at me. "I can see a dog sit! is a sentence. It's a sentence because you CAN see a dog sit, because a dog CAN sit." I had to leave the room and laugh until I cried. Then when Daddy came home from work and he was a little bit grumpy, I sent him in to read to him. After that Daddy wasn't grumpy anymore.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Uncles

I was picking kids up from school yesterday. While I stood, waiting for one of my kids I saw a mother and her brother waiting for their kids. They had to run across the parking lot so the mother calls out to her son: "Wait here for your sister and your cousin."
Boy: "Aw, do I have to?"
Mom: "Yes."
Boy: "But...."
Mom: "Do it."
The boy was then resigned to his fate of waiting in one spot for 2-3 minutes. TORTURE! Right?
Uncle: "Hey..."
Uncle reaches into his pocket, boy stops to watch with an "Is he going to do it?" look on his face.
Mom: "No.... NO!...... Really?"
Uncle hands the kids at least three dollars. The kids just beams and Mom rolls her eyes. Mean while the uncle looks like nothing just happened.

I love it! There is no way that man would have handed his own kid three dollars to wait for his cousins, but since it was a nephew it was all fair game. Uncles are great, they don't care if their sister is there telling them not to. They can spoil the kid as much as they want. You know why? THEY don't have to take them home.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Sleeping Babies

Is there anything better than holding a sleeping baby, looking down and seeing them smile?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Neighbors

I am an apartment dweller. Sure it's small, but it comes with perks! One of those perks is neighbors. Yes, you have neighbors when you live in a house, but it's not the same. There are four apartments in this building, and we all work hard to maintain a good relationship. We have cookouts, we hang out on hot summer evenings, we make each other cookies. Last night my neighbors daughter brought me a bag of tamales. I happen to be a lover of tamales and have tried them from many people. Let me tell you this, my neighbor is a tamale genius! Later in the day she asked me if I had got my tamales. I told her yes and she told me that she had been making them all day for her friends. I was so glad to hear that I was no longer on the neighbor list, but had made it onto the friend list. In all my years of having neighbors I don't think I've ever had better ones! Oh, and later in the day when she saw my kids playing outside she gave each one a sucker. What a great lady...... I think I need to go bake something.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Random Acts of Kindness

My cousin who used to live in Japan came over yesterday. She delivered a gift to me. Last year she had posted on her blog about Girl's Festival or Hina-matsuri. She had posted pictures of these adorable little dolls that her friend had made for her. I commented on her post and said that they were so cute and that I wanted some. I meant this as a compliment to the maker and as a thought that if I ever saw any in a store I would buy them instantly. Well, my cousin's cute friend not only sent her more dolls, she had made some for me too. How nice is it that somebody on the other side of the world saw a small comment and a year later made a gift for somebody that they had never met? That right there proves that my belief that most people are good is true. Hah! Take that you cynic! (You know who you are.)

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Talking To Strangers

We went to pick up our share from a food co-op yesterday. We were supposed to be there at 7:15, but the truck was late so they were not set up in time. We stood in line (outside) for about 45 minutes. Now think about this.... February, 7:15 am, Saturday. Nobody really wanted to be standing in a long line outdoors. Two ladies in line behind me started talking. We didn't talk about anything in particular. We just chatted and laughed. It made standing in that line so much nicer, and it made the time go by much faster. I used to be annoyed by my mom talking to people she didn't know in the grocery store. Now it just makes me smile.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Buying Someone A Gift

The look on their face. The look that says "You really shouldn't have done this, but I am so glad you did!". Giving a gift is almost always so much better than getting one.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Seeing Potential

Last night we went to the Science Fair at our kids' school. Not only did Ali win first place in her category and division, but light bulbs went off for her and her brother Eli. Ali saw her blue ribbon on her project, and you could see in her eyes the desire to do more. I can't tell you what she's going to do next year, but I can tell you it's going to be big.

Eli spent an hour walking slowly from exhibit to exhibit, soaking in every piece of knowledge available. Not only did his light bulb go off, but it kept getting brighter and brighter.

Watching Ali see her own potential, warms my heart. She has so much fear of doing things wrong, that when she gets a blue ribbon and somebody acknowledges how smart she is, it's like a brand new discovery each and every time. Watching Eli is completely different. He is still so new in this world of learning, that anything and everything is an adventure he wants to take. I'm lucky enough to go on these adventures with them and see them realize their own potential.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

What brought this on?

I had a whim and decided to act on it. I knew if I didn't do this now, I wouldn't do it. I have another blog and it's been fun, but it wasn't very fulfilling. I never post on it unless I have a big story to tell. Well, I wanted something I could post on every day. Somewhere I could write down all the little things. You see, I'm a big believer in little things.
The little things are what make the good days good. The little things help me get through my day when I'm having a bad one. I don't need to go to Disney Land to have the best day ever. I just have to open my eyes and look around.
So here's the plan. Every day (at least the weekdays) I'm going to post a little thing. Something that just tickles me. Maybe you won't understand why it tickles me. Maybe it will make your day brighter. Hopefully it will make you look for your little things. These posts won't be very long, but they will be there. (If this sounds a bit like 1000 awesome things, it's because he inspires me, but I won't be able to write like him.) Then I can finally do what my wonderful sister has been telling me to do and print this out every year and have these little things with me forever. So here goes with day one...
Last night I was up way too late! I had tons of fun and I'm glad I went out, but boy am I tired today! I just can't seem to wake up fully. Poor Jack has been keeping himself busy all by himself and he just looks bored. He decided to just come and sit by me while I was working on my blanket and I beeped his nose. He smiled to I squished his cheeks while making a funny noise. He thought that was funny too. Pretty soon we had a noise for his forehead, his ears, his belly button and his chin. We made our noises in sequence, then we mixed them up. He started giving my nose and cheeks noises. We were soon enough both laughing so hard we had to stop just to catch our breath. That kid just makes me smile.