SURVIVING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Twin Rocks

2011-08-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

It's camp time!! Talk about a busy week. This week the kids are going to Day Camp during the day and then Vacation Bible School in the evenings. They have been very busy! Here are a few pictures from Day Camp.

Miss Princess Found A Home

2011-02-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

What a special day for Gracie!! She has been wanting the unicorn pillow pet so bad but has been unable to find one. Finally, after searching, she settled on her pig. Although she loved her pig, it was no Unicorn. Well, today, her dear, great aunt Chris and Jordon, along with the rest of Ferral gang, sent along Miss Princess (Grace named her this).

Seconds after I shut off this video, Grace looked up at me and said, "Oh Mom!!! Can you believe it?! I'm going to go introduce her to Pinky (pig pillowpet) and everyone else. Hmmm, what's her name?"

A Friday Song

2011-02-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

It sure has been quite a while since I have had time to do any blogging. Today, Madison sang a song in chapel and wanted to sing it for me when she got home. Of course, Reece and Grace wanted to sing along too. Then they asked if they could video it and put it up on the blog. How could I tell them no?

**The video I really wanted to put up, just doesn't want to load, so . . . we'll just settle for this. They are still pretty cute.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

DNA

2010-10-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

"Mom, I left some DNA out in the grass." Reece tells me tonight. We were standing in the kitchen and he was working on making his dinner.

"What Reece?" I look over at him startled. "Do you know what DNA is?"

"Yep, it's stuff that's in our body." He says, not missing a beat. He looks over at me and smiles sheepishly. "I spit in the grass."

Grace's First Day

2010-09-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Grace at her desk.
Grace with her teacher, Mrs. Porter, outside her classroom.

Grace's first day of school.

I figure Grace can tell you better, about her first day.

A Bit About Each

2010-09-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Grace wore a shirt a few days ago that says, "Daddy's Girl". Reece, Madison and I were at school and Grace was to spend the day with her daddy. Mike had some errands out in Portland to do, so he told Grace to get dressed. She came out with her shirt on and told Mike, "See my shirt, Dad? I'm wearing it because I love you and this is our day."

This kid is insane. I dared him to run through the fountain. I told him, if he did it, I would do it too. He called my bluff and ran through it. Then, trying to really make me pay, he kept running through it and got completely drenched. He figured, that however many times he ran though, I would have to run through. I told him, this Mama only made one deal, he go through,
I go through. That's it. Anyways, I went through and of course, got pretty wet and cold. But, for one evening, I was a cool mom who still played around.

Madison is becoming quite the young lady. She has become a very good brownie baker. I love that I can ask her to make some brownies and she will go and do it all herself. She has opinions about everything. I love to go shopping with her and giggle when she heads to the sale racks to save money or will find coupon and pull it and put it into my coupon folder. She is a great help to keep tally of my spending when we grocery shop. She is very loving and affectionate.

Carousel

2010-09-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have so many pictures of my kids riding the carousel. It's a classic, isn't it? Every time they come across one, they beg to ride it. Their faces still light up as they go around and up and down. I admit, they are getting to be a bit more thrill seeking, but still love the classics

Fall

2010-09-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

As we are struggling to adjust to our new Fall schedule, we like to stop and take notice of a few fun changes and life steps.

The kids had their first day of school this week. It was a smooth morning, we all got up and dressed and out the door by 7:15. We had time to kick-off the first day by going and getting a coffee and hot chocolates at our favorite coffee house.

Mada started 4th grade and got her very first locker. She was so excited and has been thinking of ways to dress up her locker. She is excited to be going to school without glasses, this year. How wonderful it is for her to see. We love her nighttime contacts. What a blessing!!!!

Reece started 2nd grade. He wasn't thrilled about heading back. He would much rather be out riding his bike and climbing on whatever he can find. He is happy about the new playground equipment and has spent all his free time out there climbing the rock wall and playing army men.

Grace has an interesting year ahead of her. She will officially start Kindergarten full time this year. Her first day is Monday. Normally, Kindergartners get out at noon, but Grace will be staying longer and moving up to the Learning Center in the afternoons with all the 1st graders. She is going to be in PE and participate in the other activities the bigger kids do too. She is excited to be going to school, but told me last night that she doesn't like the work part.

Our weekends that we all have off are treasured. We have enjoyed going out and hiking this summer. On our last summer day together, we hit some more hiking trails and enjoyed an evening on the beach. On our hike we came across on old WWII bunker. They used to use it watch the Pacific Ocean for Japanese subs. Reece LOVED this find. Of course he found a stick and he was off in another world fighting bad guys. The girls got involved in his game and Mike and I sat back watching our kids run around and play, knowing that all to soon they will be too "grown-up" to pretend.

David Crowder*Band - Oh Happiness Live - Summer 2010

2010-08-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

There's Grace

2010-08-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

Our family's favorite song these days, is David Crowder Band's, "Oh, Happiness." The kids always ask for me to play that when we get into the van. Mike noticed the words," . . . there's grace. . . " and he started pointing at Grace. Well, it caught on, and now not only do we sing this song out loud, but we started pointing at Grace every time these section of words comes. She loves it.

I posted the video and song below this post.

Dancing In The Rain

2010-08-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

We were visiting Bend on vacation. My husband and I decided a day of caching would be a great way to experience and explore all the many beautiful parks Bend has to offer!! Plus, it would be a fun thing to do with the kids. We started off our morning letting the kids paint ceramics with their cousins. It's a tradition for us to all go.

After they were done, we headed on our way to pick up the first cache, thinking we could probably fit a few in. Finding parking near the park was dreadful. It was a warm, gorgeous day and many people were floating down the Deschutes River, playing Frisbee with their dogs and enjoying the beautiful day. We finally found parking and got out of our car and started over the bridge. The kids climbed up the side to view the ducks and people on the river. A few big raindrops plopped down on us, but nothing us Oregonians' can't handle. I was quick to say that a little rain wouldn't hurt us and it would soon pass. Our gps set us right over to the rocks and after helping the kids up the rocks, the rain really started to pound down. We thought we could wait out the rain, knowing it was just a quick summer rain and would soon pass. The kids climbed under some big rocks and Mike and I leaned over them to help shield them. The kids are used to the rain and don't normally mind, but wow, this was no ordinary rain, the drops were huge and mixed in, was the biggest hail our family had ever seen!!! After trying to wait out the hail, ten minutes later we decided to make a run for our van. Mike and I had enough welts on our backs and couldn't take much more. We dashed back to the van, drenched to the bone!! Everything was flooded. Reece and Grace made it first. By this time, Grace was hysterical. She crouched down by the van and Reece, being a true man of valour, covered her with his own body so she wouldn't get wet or hit by the hail. My heart melted at his sweetness and show of character.

We all laughed (later) and vowed we would come back and get this cache. We did the next day and kicked ourselves! We were sitting right on top of the box the whole time, but were so consumed with trying to avoid the huge hail that we never did see it!!!
This is one cache this family will never forget and still laughs about!!!

Morning News

2010-07-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

We are currently on vacation with all of Mike's family. We have rented a big house and each one of Mike's siblings have a room to share with their spouse and kids. So, Mike and I have found ourselves sharing a room with our three kids (plus one).

Reece is sleeping at the foot of our bed on a bed of pillows. This morning he pops up and says, "Dad!!!"

Mike groggily replies, "Yah, Buddy?"

"Did you know I helped build the Eiffel tower?"

"What?"

"Never mind."

Children's Museum

2010-07-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

What a busy summer! Is there anything more fun than summertime? I just LOVE this time of year. It's these late evenings, kick-back attitudes and sunny days that make summer so memorable.

The kids kicked off the summer by heading down to Grandma Gayle and Bop's home. They spent an action packed month with them. They went to the library, swimming, golfing and so much more. I was able to come down and spend a week with them.

One of the days we went to the Children's Museum. Before we went, I was thinking how my kids are starting to get "too old" for these kind of outings. But the day was hot and we had free passes, so why not!?

My nieces and nephews came along and we were quite the tornado. The kids had a blast dressing up and putting on plays. Madison and Lyndsea put on a production of the Evil Witch and Princess. That was about all of the plot I could follow. Witch bad, princess good.

Grace enjoyed playing with Garrett at the local pizza place. I was served piping hot pizza. My server informed me I ate my pizza too messy.

Reece loved putting on the fireman clothes. He has been telling me for quite awhile that he would like to be a firefighter when he gets big. Hopping on this firetruck and wearing the gear was wonderful to him. He kept asking me to take pictures of him.

I have decided my kids aren't too old yet for places like these. I'm so glad. Now, next time I'll be even happier to go, after I pack my earplugs.

Water

2010-07-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

The kids take a rinse off shower every night. On Saturday nights, the girls wash their hair. Everynight, the girls always ask me if they need to wash thier hair.
Tonight, I tell Grace to go take a shower and put her PJ's on.
"Do I need to water my hair?" She asks.

Mada's Geocaching

2010-05-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

I do relize that this post is "off." I will come back soon and finish it up. Apparently the video didn't load and a few of the explanations for the pictures are messed up. Plus, I had a few more pictures to add. In the meantime, enjoy the the raw blog ;)

We decided to go out again and try and do a little geocaching after church. Madison brought her camera and took all sorts of pictures. As we were looking around for our treasures, I kept seeing Mada taking pictures of leaves, stairs, moss and such. Here is a glimpse of our day, taken from Mada's point of view.

This is a geological marker. You'll find these all around. They are the official longitude/latitude.

A light that has interested Mada, on a stair near the Court House.

Our 2nd time to a spot that we knew had a cache, we looked and looked. The kids climbed trees and scrambled around the bushes. Finally, we spotted it hidden under a tree in some moss. Mada's commentary.

Geocaching

2010-04-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

We tried our hand at geocahing again today. We had tried last year and had a horrible time. I was finally able to figure out our gps and how how off it was. We found a couple geological markers and took the known coordinates from those and subtracted how off our gps was.
After we got all the technical stuff figured out, we went out on our own. Never having found a cache /treasure before, we were unsure what to go looking for.
Mike actually figured out our first clue and found the cache. After that, we were hooked. One of our caches actually took us into the library to locate a fake book! It was a lot of fun looking for clues in the library. Felt like characters from the movie National Treasure.

Right Around the Corner

2010-04-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Only 6 more weeks of school left before summer is upon us! The kids and I are counting down the days. We can't wait for lazy days spent in the backyard having picnics and reading books, running through the sprinklers, bike rides, hikes, pool trips, Sun River vacation,Camping, Twin Rocks Camp, Hoopfest and all the many things we have talked about doing. The kids are most excited about going down to Grandma Gayle and Grandpa Bop's house. This trip is the highlight of their summer and it's all they are talking about these days. I'm excited for them and quite frankly, myself. I'm hoping to knock out a few home projects while they are away. Can you imagine painting a room and being able to work till you are done with no interruptions?! Oh, sweet bliss! ;) Our only problem is the kids are so ready for summer, they are starting to check out at school. If I can only help them stay focused on finishing up the year. While I ponder how to most effectively do that, I'll leave you with a fun video of what I'm sure the kids will be doing again in only 6 short weeks.

How We Pass Our Days Away

2010-03-27T12:19:00.001-07:00

So, I finally figured out how to add video to my blogs again. Be ready, my friends, the video's are going to start rolling now!!! *side note* I hate when people update an already good program. Facebook keeps changing their page and then blogspot did the same, getting rid of options that I loved and used.** I know you have been dying to know how this family likes to spend our downtime. In summer, we often go for bike rides and hikes. Living in this beautiful part of the country, we have many spots to choose from. In the winter, those options just aren't options. What do we do, you ask. It's simple really. We dance, jiggle, glide and shake our booties. We need exercise, but it's too cold to go outside . . . so . . . this is what we do . . . .

Park Hopping

2010-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day up here. We spent the day hitting up our favorite parks in our county. We didn't get to all the ones we wanted, but we were pooped out at the end of our day. We topped our day off with spending the evening with our dear Krista and Jason plus family. It was a wonderful evening bonfire on the beach and playing around in the water.

We hope you all get a little glimpse of our spring weather and some sunshine!

Tres Leche

2010-03-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to bake with my kiddios. I decided early on, that when the kids are in the kitchen I'm going to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment. Of course, I try to teach them to clean up as they go and not be complete little Tasmanian devils. But, overall, I let that egg yoke dribble onto the counter and giggle with my girls as we make a flour puff that reaches the highest cabinet. Aren't those the memories they will remember?

My dear friend, Jenn, made a Tres Leche Cake the other day and it sounded downright yummy. I just had to make one too. I texted my Honey to pick up a few things on his way home and the girls and I set off to work that evening.

I found my Tres Leche Cake recipe online and poured over the comments while picking Jenn's brain too.

*Side note, I have found allrecipes.com the best place to pick out a recipe that I know nothing about. I love all the comments from those more experienced bakers. They do a great job reviewing the recipe and suggesting hints to make it better. Perfect for a recipe I know nothing about.

Next, we got started:

We measure out our flour.

Butter.

Sugar and eggs.

Creamed them together well.

Then spread our cakes into two circle pans.

Of course, we had to taste our work. ;)

After the cake bakes, you have to poke it full of holes. We used toothpicks.

The girls thought this part was the best.

After the cake cools, you mix the three milks (whole, sweetened condensed, and evaporated) together and pour over the cake. Make sure you don't pull out an old can of sweetened condensed milk. My can was from 2005. It was hard as a rock and disgusting. I think I ruined my son for life. Of course, at this point, my hubby got sent to the store again and I finished it up after the kids went to bed.

Top with Whip Cream and Cherries. Of course you can use strawberries, mangos, pineapple . . . the choices are endless!

Let it sit overnight to soak up all the yummy goodness.

Enjoy my cultural friends!

Sparkle

2010-03-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

It's been a long week. Seriously, I haven't had a week feel this long in FOREVER!! What's funny, is that I spent the week actually doing nothing. I had been sick all week and beside working on Tues, spent the rest of the week on my back watching tv. Funny, how I finally get to rest and try to relax and the week dragged by so slowly. Perhaps there is something to be said for being busy, at least the work week flies by.

I did get to paint some cute little toes this week. Keep in mind, I was incredibly dizzy when painting these, so it's quite an accomplishment that I actually got the paint on the nail. Of course there was paint on their little toes too, but hey, I can't always be perfect! ;)

Aren't these just too cute!!! Girls are fun! I love sharing these little girly things with the girls. It's always fun to listen to the girls talk about what colors they like and their opinions on how they look. Throw in some sparkle top polish and it the evening couldn't of been more perfect.

Savings

2010-03-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

I have couponed for years. It all started back in the early baby days when I figured out if I saved my diaper coupons for big sales, that I could stock up at a great price. Those diapers are already expensive enough, right?!
Recently, my sister-in-law, Krista, cousin Dianna and I have really been going crazy. It's so much fun to find great deals and be able to share them with someone who gets as equally as excited about them as I do. We share good finds and help each other out. SO FUN!!!
Today, I hit Safeway. It was a perfect kind of savings storm, so to say. Safeway is running huge deals, throw in some Catalinas, and top it off with coupons and the savings were huge!

This is what I got:
5 boxes Reese's Puff (Reece loves these things)
5 boxes Apple Jacks
2 Gallons Milk
3 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats
2 boxes Raisin Bran
10 boxes Fruit snacks, fruit by the foot
5 bags Nut Clusters
5 boxes Granola Bars
1 bag string cheese
4 boxes Hot Pockets
4 boxes Hamburger Helper
Subtotal = $150.93
After coupons = $24.92 - that's all I paid!!!! That's an 85% savings!
Pretty nice, don't you think?

Happy Birthday, Mom

2010-03-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

It was my mom's birthday last week. The kids and I decided to go and surprise her for her birthday present. We did it! She had no idea we were arriving till we appeared. It was a wonderful week and it went by way to quickly.

I was able to take my mom to go see Wicked in San Francisco. We had a wonderful time. The drive up the coast was lovely and it sped right by since we were able to just talk without any kids or distractions. Wicked was phenomenal!!! By far my favorite musical so far!

My brother took some time off and he took us shooting. We had a blast.

Would you believe I actually hit the clay pigeon on my second try!! I know, unbelievable!

We spent many evenings playing cards (which my sister-in-law clearly owned us at) and talking.

The kids spent many hours playing with thier dear cousins! Time flew for them!

A day at the park flying airplanes and playing hillbillie golf. Every moment down there was cherished and much needed. How I miss my family!

Prayer

2010-02-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

My dear friends and family. I have no funny little tidbit my kids said or even anything fun to relate to you that we have done the past few weeks. I come to you to ask you to pray. My heart is heavy and burdened. My dear church is dealing with some things and what we need the most is prayer. Prayer for wisdom. Prayer for a miracle. Pray for us to give God all the glory. We don't see His plan and big picture. How wonderful that would be, wouldn't it? Our church is in the midst of a trial. We know God uses trials to His glory and great purpose. So I ask you, please, please pray for us. Pray for our deacons, the road ahead of them is great and wisdom is so greatly needed. Pray for our Pastor. His trial is great and peace and direction are needed. Pray for our church body, that we can act and sacrifice and seek God's Will. That this whole situation would build our church up stronger.
Thank you in advance for your coveted prayers.

Gentle Prodding

2010-02-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

The past two years, Mike and I have really been trying to put a part of our lives in order. We have been working hard and trying to be strong when the other is weak. Recently, we got back on the same page and have been going full steam ahead with our plans to get back on track.

This area of my life, is a huge weakness for me. The Devil knows this and has gotten to me on more than one occasion. My prayer life has definitely increased by three folds this year as I tried to give up my worry and fretting to the Lord. It's so much easier said than done, isn't it?
Yesterday, as I sat in church, my Sunday School teacher said something that stuck to me for another reason, but came back to me last night as I laid in bed.
"God uses people to help people." He said. We are studying in Genesis and how God used Joseph. Through all the trials Joseph had to go through, God was using him. Joseph had to go through each of those trials to get to be where he ended up and be used to witness to the ones he did.
He then gave an illustration of a man sitting on top of his roof during a big flood. I boat came by and told the man to get in, the man declined and said, "No, God will help me." Shortly after that, a helicopter came by and told the man to grab the rope and they would lift him up. "No, God will help me." The man dies in the flood and when he gets to heaven asks God why he didn't help. God replies, "I sent you a boat and a helicopter!" The point being, God uses us to help others.
Last night, my dear In-laws gave each of their kids a very huge gift and blessing. This gift was amazing and so generous. A portion of Mike's and My, 'Get This In Order" has been taken care of. One thing checked off our list, plus a little extra to put towards getting another thing checked off our list.

How can I even describe how huge this was to me? One of my weakest spots in my life and they came in and took care of a portion of it, a gift. As I was laying in bed last night, I remembered this Sunday School lesson. God used my in-laws as a way to bless us. How undeserving we are, but how loving and patient our Lord is. How amazing that my In-laws were so generous and their hearts sensitive to the Lords prodding.

The lesson God is laying on my heart today is listen to the Lord. Those gentle prodding's the Lord gives us to help each other are how He helps and works in the lives of all of us. Such a humbling lesson for me. How often I have ignored some of those prodding's. To be on the receiving end of one, again, I feel so undeserved and thankful.

Sisterly . . . ummmm, Love?

2010-01-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

These girls. What can I say, really? I'm assuming this is the typical sister relationship. I would not know since I grew up with a brother 5 years my senior. These girls are always at it. If they aren't fighting about ~~Gracie~~ who got the room all messy, then they are fighting about the other's toys getting in the other's way. On the plus side, they LOVE being able to share each other's socks, hats and toys, when the mood suits them. They have double the stuff.

A few nights ago we were playing Wii for our family night. We have a little family rivalry going on with another family from our church and well, my family stunk (yes, it was my fault, I stink at playing the Wii). We lost the big family showdown and have a chance to redeem ourselves shortly and we are practicing so we can have a better showdown. :) Back to point, the girls were playing . This is what happens when they go against each other. They crack me up. Again, I figure all this fighting is typical sister stuff. They love each other and still get along . . . . well somewhat.

One Thing Checked Off My To Do List

2010-01-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

I had blogged awhile back about the black and white pictures I was wanting to put up of the kids. I finally got around to printing out pictures of my kids to put up in the living room, thanks to my Mother In Law. Anyways, I had the pictures done up today and I just got done hanging them. I had such a hard time deciding which one I loved the best of each kid. Mike didn't agree with one of my choices, so I ended up changing one of Reece's. You can see the final picture in the clock photo. In my old house I used to have a bigger wall to put these pictures. I've decided that my next house must have a big wall for all my black and white family pictures. Just one more thing to add to my growing list of MUST HAVES. ;)

I ended up running across an adorable frame that I thought would be the perfect size to go above the TV. I'm not so sure about it now, but am going to let it sit up there and see if it grows on me.

My Father In Law made this clock of the US Flag back 15+ years or so ago. After Mike's Grandfather passed away this past year, Mike inherited this clock from him. I think it's neat that his father made it. I had to find a place for it and I again am thinking, that I just don't have enough wall space. I ended up putting it up in my living room, a little splash of Americana.

After digging out some other frames, I decided to put some pretty paper I received for scrapbooking, to good use. I framed it and hung it up on my bedroom wall. Just the right touch for that little something to go above my bed. I have been looking for the past two years for a little something to go up there, never finding that perfect touch. I have given up looking and decided to put the pretty paper up there. I actually really like it and it cost me nothing. That just makes me like it all the more!

Married?

2010-01-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

I lost my wedding ring today. I'm absolutely sick and when it dawned on me that I lost it, I went nuts. I tore through the van and in a last ditch effort, I threw all the kids into the van and drove back to the school. As we were on our way to there, I was explaining to the kids, that no, mom isn't crazy and having some crazy loony attack, but that we were looking for my ring. I explained how special this ring was to me. How Daddy had given it to me when he told me he wanted to be married to me forever. That it was super special.

I looked for my ring in the parking lot where this horrible tragedy occurred. The kids scampered through the van looking in there again. No luck was to be had. I miserably climbed back into the van and tried to hold back my tears on the way home.

In the middle of a few sniffles from me, a very quiet voice from the back seat says, "Mommy, does this mean you aren't married to my daddy anymore?"

Oh, my sweet Reece. He was so worried and sounded like he too was about to join in my tears.

"Oh no Darling Boy, " I say, "You're Daddy can't get rid of me that easily."

That worked. A big smile spread across his face and he happily went back to playing on his DS.

Christmas Coffee

2009-12-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe over at Urban Farmhouse and I thought I would share it with you. What a wonderful treat to serve to your guests on Christmas and on any cold winter morning. Merry Christmas my dear friends.~S

Christmas Coffee

2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
heavy cream
lemon peel

Whip the butter until it is fluffy and then add brown sugar and spices. Mix until well blended. Add a tablespoon of this mixture to the bottom of a mug, fill with strong, hot coffee and cream. Stir until the consistency is just right.

Warmest Wishes

2009-12-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.

Kick-Off To Christmas Break

2009-12-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

I've been having a hard time lately. Personal issues that I don't really want to go into. It's been a hard week but then I received a few more bits of bad news that just really bogged me down. I thinks it's interesting how easily I can get depressed and feel down in the dumps. It's so much easier to feel that way than to find peace and contentment in my situations. I find myself looking inward and not really focusing where I should, on my Heavenly Father and His plan. I have to admit, when I get my priorities right, and my focus there as well, it's amazing the peace God gives me. To know that He will take care of us and that there is a reason for these trials and heartaches. The journey may be rough but all things work together for good to those that love the Lord.
I said all this to say, Friday was a great day. How wonderful to have a good day. I didn't feel like everything was caving in on me. Friday I was working at the school. I was loaded with testing and didn't get to join in, but Friday was just extra special and a wonderful kick-off to our Christmas Break. Friday was the Christmas party, all the kids had brought in goodies and gifts. It was so fun to listen to the excited voices of the kids as they gave their gift and the squeals as the other opened it.

Reece and Grace were able to make gingerbread houses. Grace was involved in a book exchange. Reece won "Best Christmas Costume". Maddie dressed up as the Christmas Star. Unfortunately, I didn't think to take her picture before we left the house that morning. It was just a really great day, a special one. How thankful Mike and I are to be able to have the opportunity to send our kids to a private Christian school. We feel so blessed to have our kids education packed full of God's truths and morals.

To end this day, I was able to look at Maddie's pictures. She chose to take her Christmas money and buy a digital camera. She looked threw many Black Friday ads to find the perfect camera within her budget. Here are a few pictures from her camera . . . . the world seen through Maddie's eyes.

A self portrait

Our family bowling on Reece's birthday

Something cool Maddie and Collin built

Madison and her friend from school

A girl from our n'hood

A bowling ball she likes

There were many pictures of shows she watched on TV and just items she found interesting. She loves taking videos too.

Christmas Gifting Idea

2009-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

I LOVE making cookies for our neighbors and friends at Christmas. It is one of those Christmas traditions that I started the first year Mike and I were married. As the kids have gotten older, they have enjoyed getting involved. Since I'm not the most socialable neighbor, I have found knocking on someone's door with a plate full of all sorts of cookies has won me over many neighbors. No longer am I the one who is snobby (I don't think I am, but often since I'm so shy, I come across that way) neighbor, but the sweet one who give away cookies at Christmas time. What fun it is!

This year, we really have knocked back our budget for gifts. Unfortunately, I'm afraid it has messed up my baking budget as well. So, I've been racking my brain for an idea that I could do that would be cost efficient and not look sparse. What joy overcame me when I came across this recipe over at Perry's Plate. She has become one of my favorite blogs to go check out. Fun and yummy recipes regularly appear. You really should check it out and look at past posts because there are some goodies in there!

Anyways, I'm looking at these. This picture is from Perry's page . . . don't they just look so yummy!!! What a great idea!! I think I may just try my hand at these this year.

Cuteness

2009-12-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

I had a really cute video to add to my blog tonight, but low and behold, I can't find the little filmstrip that I used to click to add video. Now, all I have is the "link" and "photo". ARG. Can anyone help me on this?

***
Mike took me out to dinner at one of my old favorites, "The Old Spaghetti Factory" for my birthday. The kids were enjoying their meals and unlimited refills of chocolate milk. It was towards the end of our dinner and Reece had just gotten a refill. Mike asked him if he was going to finish his drink.

"No, my water tank is full," replies Reece.

**
Oh yes, did I mention that my son got some bathroom knowledge tonight? Oh yes, I'm really pleased. We had to stop off at AMPM to get some gas and Reece ran into the bathroom. He came out and told us of this wonderful new bit of information he has now learned.
"Hey Dad, you know that word I'm not allowed to say? (that would be suck, it had slipped out of his mouth earlier in the evening while we were looking at Christmas lights) Well that was written on the wall along with bleep bleep."
"Yah Reece, some people don't write good things, do they?"
Thank you bathroom artist for polluting my son's mind.
***
On our way home tonight, we were driving over the summit. It was snowing outside and the snow was covering the road. Everywhere we looked, all we could see was a beautiful, white blanket. I would of enjoyed this crisp white, if we had not been trying to drive through it. As I sat in the passenger seat, trying not to show the stress I was feeling due to these road conditions, the kids sat back and listened to "Adventures In Odyssey." **No, it's not about our van, but a great Christian series on CD**
Grace takes this moment to pipe up and say, "MOM, it's snowing outside!! Does this mean it's Christmas Night?!"
Oh how precious. All our Christmas Movie watching and she is coming away with the fact that is must be snowing in order to be Christmas. Unfortunately, it's not Christmas Night. But how I wanted to box up that child wonder and magic.

Bite It's Head Off

2009-12-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those RARE days I actually get to spend the day doing what I want to do. Too bad it's too cold outside to go for a walk. I can handle cold, but 25 degrees is just too cold my California Girl Blood to deal with. So, I decided to be productive and take care of the bills. BLECK! I was running around town when I bumped into my Father In Law. I got to spend some time talking with him and catching up. It's been forever since I have been able to really do that. Grace was with me and asked to go to Grandpa's shop. Grandpa has candy there and apparently this time, he has some turtles.

"I'm going to bite it's head off first so it can't see me eat the rest of him." says Grace.

Ummmm . . . ewe and yuck.

**Side note . . . holy cow, Grace's hair is getting long!!!

About To Burst

2009-12-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am really excited about something. I can't share but I am sooooo excited that if I don't get it out of me somehow, I may burst. Bursting is not an option . . . the mess I would leave would just be horrible, so this is my outlet. I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!! SOOOO EXCITED!!!!! MORE EXCITED THAN I HAVE BEEN IN A REEEEEELLLLLY LONG TIME.

Ok, I'm done . . . that helped. Thank you.

Mada's Highlight To Her Day

2009-11-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

I haven't written in weeks. We have been too sick to do anything cute or funny.

Today, Madison, led a friend of hers, at school, to Jesus. We are so proud of our dear girl and the lady she is becoming. She loves Jesus and her friends notice. Madison was excited to show her friend how to become a Christian.

Quips From Reece

2009-11-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

We were driving home from Madison's orthodontist appointment today. The kids were in the back playing around and going bonkers. It had been a long day of sitting, waiting, shopping and a bit of a history lesson at Fort Stevens. They were blowing off some steam and being a bit more rambunctious than we would normally allow in the van.

"OH, you are going to feel the burn!" Mike and I hear coming from Madison. She is taunting him with her tough talk.

"I don't even know what that means, but I don't think so!" Reece chimes right back, not missing a beat.
---------------

As many of you have read, Mike and Reece had quite the ordeal the first time with the jet skis. If you haven't read that story, read this.

Mike bought a Transformer head decal and a Decepticons (the bad guy) head decal for his jet skis. Mike was out in the garage taking some call numbers off the side of the skis. Mike showed Reece the decals he was going to put on.
"You should put the Decepticon on the jet ski that tried to kill us." Reece says.
Mike did. So now we have the evil jet ski and the good jet ski.

Monday Game Night

2009-11-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Did you think this meant football??? LOL, no way, not in my world. Monday Game Night has officially been started in my house. A night where we sit down and play a board game. Mostly, it's just the kids and I since Mike hangs out at his friend's house and watches football. We've been enjoying all sorts of fun games. Aggravation has been the best. I have to admit, it's fun to be able to play my own hand and not need to help the kids. How fun they are growing up and can count their own dice and read their own cards. FUN!!
The highlight of the night is watching the kids do their own silly victory dance. They are some pretty funny kids; slapping their booty, doing the caterpillar . . . . all sorts of weird funny things.

My Morning Blessings

2009-11-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Three blogs in two days . . . this doesn't happen often. After my total meltdown last night, I feel absolutely horrible this morning. Is it possible to have a hang over after crying, when no alcohol was involved? Well, my first step this morning is to try and find some cheery things to think on. I was greeted this morning by a very sweet email from my daddy. Just what I needed but then, the water works started again.

I feel so blessed to have my parents. How wonderful they are. Yesterday my mother helped me navigate through a really hard situation. The points she made and advice given was just what I needed. I had been praying for wisdom and guidance and the Lord gave it to me, through my mom. - Thank you Mom!

This morning, my dad's words were the comfort I needed. Also, it was such a great reminder of the love the Lord has shown me, by giving me such a great family to surround me. Thank you Daddy!

This morning, my kids got to open up the prizes they won at the party last night. Reece's reaction to his cap guns was priceless. Of course I wasn't able to capture the first run outside, but snagged his second. He keeps telling me how awesome these guns are. Nothing like my kid's own joy and excitement to take me out of my funk. - Thank you kiddos! I hope my neighbors were already up, if not, I'm sorry they had to wake up to a kid screaming, "WOOHOO!" and a pop gun going off.

2009-11-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful evening and coming home to post pictures and videos, I of course, jumped onto my Facebook to get caught up on all my dear friends' lives and pictures. Tonight, I got a little note from a family member and it was very sweet, but it also ripped open a . . . . wound, for lack of a better word.

My dear Grandpa Don passed away earlier this year. Summer was pretty tough. Every Summer, my grandpa came up to Oregon. Most years he came up with my sweet Grandma Barb. Every year they either stayed at my home or in town. Then after a few days, they would go stay on the beach a bit south of here, for a week. During these weeks, I really got to know my grandparents. They would share stories of their lives, give me advice and always leave me stuffed full of happy memories. We often would travel around the coast together visiting fun little places. This summer was the first year, since I have moved up here, that my Grandpa wasn't here with me. Every time I saw a biker riding through town, I would recall stories Grandpa told about his adventures riding down the coast. How bittersweet. On my way to a job up north, I pass by a bridge. I remember biking, on this bridge with my grandpa and parents about 9 summers back. I can't pass this bridge without remembering the moment on this little biking adventure that Grandpa passed me and threw out a little encourgement and laugh as he passed me.

I really miss him. How odd it was to not have him or Grandma up here this summer. I looked forward to summer every year because I cherished those times I got with them. But now, those days are gone. All that I have left are my memories.

Summer has passed, the bikers coming through are slim to none and so are those constant reminders. I still think of him often and see his perfectly parted hair in my mind, but I not being reminded everyday.

So tonight when I read my note, I was taken off guard and wasn't prepared to deal with all those sweet memories. The pain of losing him feels so fresh.

I miss you Grandpa, so so much.

Apple Bobbing

2009-10-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the family halloween party. Those who know me, know I'm not really a big fan of the holiday, but how can I turn down a good family party? I put some pictures up on my facebook page, so if you are wanting more, go check those out, but if you just want to watch a few little videos of the night, stay here and catch these out.

One of the games tonight was apple bobbing. Reece was a animal. He ended up winning, getting 16 apples in 1 minutes. He threw his whole head into the bucket and was actually pretty good at snagging up those apples. Hmmm, are there professional apple bobbers out there? I think we found our sons true calling.

After the three boys, who were the only brave willing to do it, Madison decided that she couldn't be shown up by the boys, so she tried it out too.

My Darling

2009-10-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

My Darling

You don't come around very often
In fact, I seldom do see you.
You like to stay away for months at a time
Usually only staying a season.

I think about you mostly in the mornings
But pine after you at night too
You are on my mind so often
Why do you play with me so?

When you show up I grow faint
Can this really be?
Is it you or are my eyes deceiving me?
It is too good to be true.

My Beloved, come home with me
You add so much to my mornings
You are the perfect ending to my days
We will spend so much time together

My Darling Peppermint Mocha Coffee Mate Creamer .
Welcome Back.

Wonder What I'll Be Doing

2009-10-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

I bet you are out there wondering what I'll be doing this Saturday since my husband works and my laundry is almost non-existent with my super big loads being done during the week. With the free time I'll have this weekend, I think I need to use it doing something messy. I mean, really, with that free time I should use it to clean up right?!

I think I'm going to make these. You really need to go and check these out. I'm already thinking of a few people who would be delighted to receive something so warm and gooey.

Wanting To Do Laundry

2009-10-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so giddy. I know, odd right?

Me, giddy?! Oh, so strange. I don't get giddy. I wasn't giddy this afternoon, but this evening, I'm giddy.

It's Saturday. The only day of the week that I am actually home ALL DAY. I like to spend my Saturdays in my pj's and cleaning up my own home. I like to work on all my laundry and fold it while watching a movie . . . of course, still in my pajamas. I make an extra big pot of coffee and sip on it all day. Ahhhh, pure bliss.

Today started off well. Mike and the kids decided to go garage sale-ing with his mother and sister, so I woke up to an empty house. Wow, not only did I get to drink my coffee and put around in my pj's, but I got to do it undisturbed . . . a total treat.

I did a few dishes while my coffee brewed and then decided to hit the computer before going out to get my laundry started. The laundry pile was huge. My washer has been limping around on it's last leg for months now. It doesn't like to spin and I have to go out and give it a good push to get it going. As you can imagine, my clothes have been coming out pretty wet and making my drying work overtime, often taking a load of towels 3 hours to dry. A bit ridicules, I know, but I haven't had the money to spend on a new washer. Plus, I decided I would get every last bit I could out of my washer before letting it give up the ghost.

This morning I finally went out to get my laundry started. I had picked out a movie and was ready. I first went to my dryer. I had already dried this load twice, so I expected it to be done. It wasn't. I was annoyed. I started it up again and then went to my washer to check that it had spun out my towels. It hadn't. So I went through my normal procedure; pushed the button in to trick the washer that it's lid was clothed, pulled the nob out to get the machine running on the spin cycle, and gave the inside drum a big spin to get it going. This time, it spun for a second and died. It used to keep on, but this time it wasn't having it. My machine was done. Too tired to go on. I worked a while longer to try and get it going. Finally, only having two towels left in the machine I tried to get it to spin, it still wouldn't. Now what?! My pile of laundry is out of control already because of how long it was taking to wash and dry, it was putting past piles to shame. I got back online and pouted at the screen while looking again, at washers.

I'll skip the next part because well . . . . . I did a lot of pouting. Mike finally came home and I told him my frustrating news. We didn't want to head into Portland to get a washer, so we decided to trot on over to our local furniture/appliance store and see what we could settle on. I had been doing my homework on the price of washers and what I wanted. I had been saving up for the past few months knowing I was going to have to spend money on a new washer soon.

Long story short, I got the washer I had been wanting. The ORIGINAL one I wanted. The BIG MAMA one. The manufacturer had a special that Sears never told us about, so my sweet baby was the same price as the other top brands that I had thought more affordable. Throw in the local rebate from our utility company and tax rebate and I'm saving even more money. PLUS, I didn't have to go to Portland and haul it back. Mike got it all hooked up and I'm dancing around. Who'd a thunk, huh? hee hee. It's a huge mama bear washer too . . . . 4.7 cu.ft . . . ahhh, it makes my heart sing. It washes in 19 minutes, and spins the tarnations out of the clothes. My old dryer is drying them in 25 minutes . . . we are talking drying TOWELS in 25 minutes!!! I HEART my Electrolux.

Tuck In

2009-10-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, tell me why Tinkerbell (our newest little puppy) has those holes on her belly." Says Grace, as I tuck her into her bed tonight.

"Those are puppy titties. When Tinkerbell grows up and has little puppies of her own, that's where she will feed her little babies." I reply.

"They will eat there?!"

"Yes, that's how God made girls. When we grow up and have babies, we nurse them. Mommy used to nurse you."

"And Maddie and Reecie?" Grace asks.

"Yep."

"What about Peyton? Did Aunt Krista do that?" Grace asks full of wonder.

"Mmhmm."

"Aunt Morgan and Anni?!"

"Yes, Gracie. They both nursed their babies." I replied as I shut off the light.

"THAT'S DISGUSTING!!!"

"Goodnight, my darling girl. I love you." I smile and blow a kiss.

"Night." Says Grace and she rolls over and tucks her little face into her cozy blankets.

Our First Time Out With The New Toys

2009-10-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

My husband bought a couple new toys this past week. Although I am not happy with the timing of purchase, we have always talked about getting said purchase one day. What is this new toy, you ask? A new video game? Nope, jet skis.Tonight we decided to take them out for a couple of quick rides to test them out. We hitched up the trailer (I say 'we' but we all know, it was more of a hubby thing and I really had nothing to do with it), threw our life vests in the back, grabbed our extra cans of gas and we were off to the lake.

After we got there, Mike decided we would just unload one. I was the lucky one to go first. Hubby showed me how to start it and then I was off. Waves splashed and I flew across the top of the water. Oh . . . how I love to jet ski!! I pulled the trigger all the way and I was going full throttle. I let up a bit and start into my first turn. Bam . . . . it stalled. After a couple of tries I was able to get it going again and I was on my way back to the dock to give my hubby a turn. After throwing my dear hubby his life vest, he jumped on and ran a quick loop by himself. He came back and Reece was first up to take a turn. I gave Reece a little pep talk (not that he needed encouragement, he was very excited to go). I reminded him if he fell off, don't panic, the life vest will bring you right back to the top of the water. Reece flashed me a great big smile and climbed on. Mike and Reece were off. Grace and I stood on the dock and watched them for a few minutes. We saw Mike stall and then start back up again.

I turn my back to take this picture of Grace and I . . .

. . . . I turn back around and see the guys have tipped and are in the water. I can't really make anything out, but I can see the jet ski on it's side. I'm staring it down, waiting to see some kind of movement, but the boys are too far away to really see anything. Then I see it . . . the jet ski gets turned back up and I see the boys moving a bit. 5 minutes go by and I don't see the boys getting on. I keep on standing and watching. About this time a car with a older man comes into the lake area near me and sit and watches out over the lake. Then he takes off. I keep standing there watching. It looks like the jet ski is getting closer. I figure the guys are swimming it in and they had probably flooded it. As I keep standing watch, listening for any kind of yelling from them, and praying for our Lord to let everything be Ok. A woman starts to yell from the shore.

"ARE YOU ALL ALRIGHT?" she yells.

I was pretty sure everything was ok, I had no panic the boys were hurt. They were not going fast and I had seen them moving around.

The lady comes over and asks me if they are all alright. I tell her yes, I believe so, that they just tipped and it looks to be flooded. She tells me she has 911 on the phone. That a man, from the restaurant on the other side of the lake, saw the guys arms flinging around. I have a moment of panic. Could I be wrong?! Are my boys hurt?

By this time the boys are closer, they are swimming it in and dragging the now sinking jet ski behind them. Still too far away for me to see them clearly, but closer than where they tipped. I yell out to them if they are ok. I hear Mike yell back they are Ok. I tell the woman who is talking to 911, that they are ok.

At this time, in pulls the ambulance. I go to meet them and tell them what happened and that I heard my husband yell over that they are ok. Since they have no other calls, they said they'll stick around and help bring the boys in. I grabbed a rope out of the truck and we walk to the end of the dock. The sheriff pulls in now and makes a funny comment about forgetting to bring his water wings. We all giggle. Another 10 minutes pass and the boys are close enough. The ambulance driver tosses the rope to Reece and tells him to hold on, he is going to pull him in. Reece grabs the rope and instead of just holding on and being pulled to the dock. Reece only grabs the rope with one hand and swims over to his daddy and grabs Mike's vest so he can bring him in too. It was a moment I will never forget. It brought me to tears. My dear son, although scared and trying so hard to hold it together and be brave, freezing cold, wants to save his father. The Ambulance People and Sheriff all look at me and smile. They pull the boys in and I whisked Reece away to get stripped and wrapped up into a warm towel and heated truck. There is a little space between the dock and solid ground that has lake water. You have to make a big jump when you come off the dock so as not to step in it. When we reached this, sweet Reece melted down. Relief and the whole big ordeal swept over him. He cried and told me how scared he was. I hugged him and told him how brave he was. Even when he was scared he kept his head and helped his daddy swim all that way pulling the sinking jet ski back in. It's only a brave and strong man that keeps on even when scared and that was him, my Reecie.

Mike got helped in and they helped us load up the jet ski. I guess a plug didn't get put back in and the jet ski was taking in water. Which was why it was stalling on us earlier. Mike was embarrassed 911 had been called and said they were fine the whole time, just very cold.

Juggling

2009-09-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

I do not juggle. This was made perfectly clear to me today. I like to pretend I can juggle. I often put the appearance out there that I do juggle, or maybe I don't. Perhaps you are all smarter than I am and have known for quite awhile that I can not juggle.

I have started working at the kid's school two days a week. I do testing and PE there. I LOVE it. I enjoy being a part of my kid's lives, even when they are at school. I enjoy knowing who the kids are they talk about and what things are going on. I wont even go into the selfish side of it. You know, the part where I love to be out of the house, doing something other than folding clothes and washing dishes.

I am still cleaning homes and fill my other days doing that. I enjoy that as well and am SO thankful for the homes I have. I enjoy helping others that are unable to clean their own homes because of age or working outside of the home. It's quiet work and I have time to actually have my own thoughts. :)

On top of these jobs outside of the home, I still have to juggle my home and kids and all the needs that come with that. I suppose it comes as no surprise that I have been finding I am dropping more and more balls these days. I forget things to do if they are not written down on my calender. I don't get my dishes washed every morning, or my house picked up.

Last night Reece started coughing and having problems breathing. Come to find out, he went briefly out into his Grandma's garage where she keeps her kitties. Now, Reece knows he is not supposed to go out there because those cats trigger his asthma so quickly. They show no mercy on my poor son's lungs. Before tucking Reece in bed I gave him his inhaler and tucked him in. In the middle of the night, I woke up to Reece struggling to breathe. I gave him his inhaler again and some water. This morning, he was still struggling, but since I was going to the school today too, I sent him along. Making note to keep an eye on him.

Testing was out of control today, my desk was flooded and my work load doubled. Still, I gave Reece his inhaler and still, he kept on struggling. I ended up taking him out of school early and heading to the ER. His oxygen levels were at a 90 when we got there and they rushed him in and got him started on his breathing treatments.

While the Dr. and nurses are coming and going, giving Reece this and that and taking notes, I start to wonder about Reece's inhaler. Thankfully, Reece doesn't have to many episodes and we don't need it often, I can't remember when I got this one filled. I pull the Albuteral out of my purse and pop the little aerosol out of it's contraption and look at the expiration date . . . . . yep, outdated. No wonder my dear son wasn't getting any better, I was giving him an expired drug. I can't even tell you the amount of guilt I have. Needless to say, I dropped the ball on this one. I always check the dates on our drugs before I give them to the kids or hubby. I don't know why I didn't check this one. After leaving the ER two hours later, we headed over to the pharmacy to get a new Albuteral. I'll pick this ball up and try and throw it back into the mix again and just keep on trying to juggle. I'm sure I'll drop another one soon, but hopefully next time, I'm only missing something small.

Marshmellows

2009-09-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm too tired to move right now. After 7 hours of cleaning, I walked into my house and sat down on the first chair my little legs to get me to. Lucky for me, it was the computer chair ;)

So, since I'm procrastinating and not wanting to get up, I'm roaming around on the Internet. I came across this and about died. I'm trying to figure out which one of these kids, my kids would be like. I think Madison would be like the girl that keeps taking picks with her nails. Reece would keep smelling it. Grace, I'm not sure, sometimes she shows great patience when a reward is evident and other times, she could care less.

If you have a few minutes and need some major cuteness, go watch it. http://www.parentdish.com/2009/09/16/the-marshmallow-test-cute-or-cruel/

Christmas Already??

2009-09-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Christmas!!! But really, who doesn't LOVE Christmas? I can go on and on about this, the traditions, smells, decorations, kind spirits of others . . . the list is endless. Tonight, I'm going to talk, SHOPPING!!! The best part! I just LOVE to buy gifts for others. Isn't is the most fun to watch them open it up? I love the reactions. Kids are the best part. They are either super excited or on to the next. I love that they give honest reactions.

I bet you are wondering WHY I am talking about Christmas when we have only just started September. It's simple really, I'm an early shopper. I strive to be done with my shopping by Thanksgiving. I usually do stocking stuffers and last minute things in December, but really, my shopping is done by Thanksgiving or the day after ;) Do I even need to explain this one?

This year, I'm doing something I've never done before. I'm making a bunch of gifts. Scary, isn't it? Me, making something? I have no crafty-ness in my bones. I came across an idea on one of the blogs I stalk. The idea is simple and I think I can handle it. I'm going to rope Madison in on the "making" of it. I've gathered some of my supplies today. I'm getting excited to start! I would tell you more about it, but some of you who read this will be receiving this gift, so I had better not go into too much detail. I'll post a little tidbit about it after I do the gifting with before and after pictures. As for now, I'll be working on these in my spare time :)

Tinkerbell

2009-09-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

Mike decided we needed another dog.

Meet Tinkerbell.

Rusty LOVES her.

So do the kids. She is part Chihuahua, Beagle and something. She is tiny and adorable.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2009-09-08T15:38:00.001-07:00

What a fantastic day!! What a fabulous day! What a wonderful day!!! BACK TO SCHOOL DAY!!! I'm giddy!! The kids were just as giddy as I was! See for yourself!!!

Sunriver

2009-08-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

We are on vacation right now in Sunriver. I think it's funny because Eastern Oregonians go to the coast for vacation and us coastals go to the mountains. Funny. But anyways, if any of you follow me on Facebook, like the little stalkers you are ;), then you have seen these pics, if not, enjoy, leave me comments because I go nutty over them.

We went to Crater Lake this year. WOW!!! Talk about a fantastic lake!! It was calling out to me to bring on the wave runners, but alas, no motorized vehicles in this pristine lake.
A few facts about Crater Lake, so that you can say you learned something from my blog. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and I heard the 2nd deepest in the Western Hemisphere . . . but don't go quoting that last fact, because I'm not sure. It was formed from a volcano. There is also a log that floats around this lake that is famous. I believe I read that it floats vertically and you can spot it all over the lake depending the currents.

We went with Mike's Dad, Brother Ryan (plus his family), Sister Laurie (plus her family) and of course, us. It was a fantastic day. This is a pic of Mike's Dad, Mike and starting from left to right: Reece, Collin (Laurie's son), Grace, Annika (Ryan's daughter), Mike Sr., Austin (Laurie's youngest son) and Mada.

We have been going to the park, that is right across from the house we rented. The kids LOVE it. It's a pretty fantastic park. We have been going for bike rides in the evenings also. Sunriver has plenty of paved bike trails and the kids LOVE this.

I love this pic of Mike and Reece. I snuck up behind them and was taking some pics and heard their conversation. Reece was telling Mike that he was just like him. That day they had happened to wear the same color shirt and shorts. Reece idolizes his daddy and they share such a special bond. It is so sweet to listen to Reece tell his Daddy, in his own way, how he wants to be just like him.

The Tree is the popular ride at the park. The kids love this thing. Mike would get them spinning so fast. They love to try and climb up to the top while it's moving. Crazy kids.

I just had to throw this pic in too. I love this one. I think it's a pretty good one of my hubby. I love this man.

OK, more park snapshots. Trust me, you are getting off lucky here . . . I have quite a few shots of the kids at the park.

On Wed. we went to this fantastic little place, The Bounce House. It was a huge industrial type building that was converted into a wonderful little place for kids. It has a toddler/baby area for those little ones who couldn't bounce . . . . .we've outgrown that . . . . . and then 10 bounce places for the kids. The kids had a blast. They bounced and bounced . . .

bounced some more . . . .

They even had a Velcro wall. Here the kids are suiting up to go jump onto it. I think I have a video of Reece bounce .. . . I'll post that at the end.

Every family has been taking turns and making dinner one night. What a treat . . . I only have to cook one night this week! Even better is the fact that the meal are all delicious and super yummy! The picture above is Mike's sister Laurie, his brother Ryan, Mike, and his other brother Jason.

My amazing and dear sister-in-laws on Taco Salad Night.

All the girls got matching Sunriver sweatshirts. They are so cute. The boys have the same, just different colors and Krista and I ended up buying the same, but different colors too! We have such similar taste . . . too funny!

A few other shots of our vacation:

Grace with her cousin, Collin.My nephew, Austin, pushing the kids on The Tree. My niece, Peyton, loving the fun toys at the Bounce House.
Grace playing with parachute at the Bounce House.

My brother-in-law, Darin, pushing his kids around at the park. Grace spent her Bend money on a build a bear poodle.
My brother-in-law, Ryan, and his daughter, Anni.

Day Camp

2009-08-09T14:50:00.001-07:00

Reece and Madison went to Day Camp this past week. They had a great time, playing games, swimming, making crafts, playing games, fishing, eating, and so so much more.

Reece said his favorite thing to do was fish and ride in the boat. **Reece is riding in the front of this boat. Rats, why couldn't he of been facing the camera.

Madison said her favorite thing to do was fish. **Maddie is in the background running.

Spanked

2009-08-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Mike was playing one of those old school fight games on his xbox this morning. He was playing online against another player and the other player was beating Mike.

"I just got spanked!" Mike exclaims.

"That hurts Daddy!!" chimes in Gracie.

Water and More Water

2009-08-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

This week my kids are at Day Camp. AWE . . . my house is quiet. Gracie is still too young to go, but she is very happily playing and enjoying the one-on-one time she gets with Mike and I. I think she has missed that this summer.

This post is going to be short. Today is my day off and I plan on going for a run here shortly, so I had best not sit long at the computer or before I know it, my day will be gone and nothing done. But do not worry, I am enjoying my cup of hot, delightful coffee first. Simple pleasures, huh?

The past week we have done a few fun things. First off we had a orthodontist appointment up in Astoria. Fun stuff, huh? Actually it wasn't bad. Mada needed a consultation on her mouth. It's pretty small and overcrowding. Her dentist wants to pull 4 teeth, but the orthodontist says to wait and he'll probably have to pull one later on to make room. Anyways, that was great news! We were not looking forward to going through that again! If we can put it off a few months we are game.

After the appointment we decided to go to breakfast. Went to my Grandpa's favorite place. Walking through the door, I was flooded with good memories of going here with Gram's and Gramps back when I was pregnant with Maddie and spent a glories day with them both in this charming little coastal town.

We took a trolley ride down the wharf. Saw the "Goonies" house and the elementary school where 'Kindergarten Cop' was filmed. Mike remembers running around the hills, where these movies were filmed, when he was a kid. It was fun to hear his stories.

The kids loved riding in the trolley and told us at the end of the day, this was their favorite part.

We walked around on the wharf and look at the 'Columbia' ship that was on dock. The kids enjoyed playing on the anchors that were on display and exploring all the wharf had to offer.

The girls are holding up the bridge that connects Washington and Oregon.

Before we left the docks, the kids got to ring this horrendously loud bell. My head is still ringing! ;)

We went up to the Astoria Column afterwards.

We all climbed the stairs up to the top.

Yes, 164 stairs . . . doesn't seem like enough . . but we got the top.

We were so high . . . even my knees were shaking a little. Gorgeous views though. A stunning 360 degrees high above all the trees.

The kids were terrified, except for Reece.
Astoria is a wonderful little town. By far, my favorite up here. There is so much to do and see.

A few days ago we went to Corvallis and played at the Rec Pool. It was great!!! The weather couldn't of been better. It was hot enough to make the cool water feel good but not too hot. The kids played for hours and I had to drag them away when it was time to go.

We went with our long time, dear friends, Tyler, Katelynn . . . .

and Jenn.

The kids loved this big waterslide. Reece informed me that it takes 15 seconds to go down the whole thing. He counted. It was a fun slide, even Grace got to go down it!

There was a river that all the kids loved and spent hours going around.

Rope swings . . . .

water guns . . . .

Too Warm For Us Oregonians

2009-07-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. When the temperature here on the Oregon Coast reaches 70 . . . everyone is complaining about how hot it is. I have to admit, my California blood is almost non existent . . . it's warm for me too. The difference is, I LOVE IT!!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!! It makes me so happy!!

On that note . . . it's too warm and beautiful out to be sitting here blogging, so here a few pictures of the things we are doing while I am NOT sitting here. ;)

We went on a fantastic bike ride!!! We rode across town. All three kids on their OWN bikes! They did fabulous! We are biking family! Afterwards, we all lounged on the back "porch" and drank water and talked about the ride. I love this family!

Lovin' on my Honey! What better time than in the summer!

Our water slide fills up all sorts of time. We took a pool noodle and poked holes in it. Strap it to a 2x4 and run the hose into it. Perfect for keeping the slide wet and the kids cool!

Water guns. How so up Reece's alley these things are. He gets to shoot people. People don't really die. Perfect.

Come Dance With Me

2009-07-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's the weekends my Sweet Dears! One of our favorite things to do around here is dance. We often have no rhythm and we look funny but boy, do we love it.
I'll ignore the laundry that I put on the couch to fold. You ignore your own list of chores awaiting you and put on your dancing shoes and come dance with us, we love you and the way you look tonight.

Need Your Feedback

2009-07-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

So I want some black and white shots in my hall or living room of the kids. I want it to not look poised or formal, but to show off some of the kids facial features that I just love plus through in a side of their personality. I like this from over at My Life. There was another wall I saw recently, but for the life of me, I can't find it!!!

I absolutely love this shot of Mada. I love the wisps of hair falling around her face. Her profile looks lovely and beautiful. I can see her series personality here.

Reece is a goofball and I love the smile he is giving. I have another picture of him I'm debating on but I like the fun loving side I see here. I have to admit, his big gorgeous eyes are not shown off here, but his cute smile is. I love that smile!

I don't know why I am drawn to this photo of Grace. I think it's the memory that it provokes. She is smiling in wonder when she heard her brother's voice coming out of the pipe. I actually captured that look and treasure it.

Those are my three I'm leaning towards matting and putting up. I'm kinda thinking of these too . . .

How can you look at this and not smile

Or this for Reece . . . .

But then I like this profile one of him too . . . . .it's a bit more series, but I like the profile. He was talking with his Grandma on the phone when I took it and the one above. He was laughing at me sitting there clicking away at him.

What do you think? Leave me some feedback.

Running Away

2009-07-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

My youngest two decided to run away today. I came walking down the hall and overheard the kids talking about their list of things to pack. I peek around the corner and see they have their bags out and are stuffing all sorts of things in them. Hmmm, I wonder if it is my cooking that is driving these poor kids away.

"Don't forget the food!" says Madison. Apparently she wasn't too distressed to have brother and sister taking off. Probably dreaming of a room by herself. She really wants her own room.

"Dark Haired Beauty, has food at her house. I'll eat hers." replies Reece.

"I just need my shoes." says Grace

"Mom! I'm running away to Dark Haired Beauty's house." Grace informs me.

"You are?!" I'm shocked. I thought we had a good day of fun planned. This is news to me.

"Yes, I'm going to ride my bike." She says.

"But how will you find it?" I ask

"I'm going to follow Reece. He is running away too."

"Oh, okay."

"I think I'm only going to ride half way," says Reece. "it's too far away."

"Yes, that's true. It's pretty far. Plus, I think Dark Hair Beauty has company already. You really should of called her first." I say.

"Well, then we'll go to Hot Aunt's house." Reece says.

"Well, that would be fun, but I think Cool Dude got in trouble and can't have company today." I say.

"GRANDMA'S!!! We'll go there!!" they yell.

"Oh, I'm sure Grandma would really love to have you, but she isn't home. She is at work and you are not allowed to run away to Grandma's work. She would get in trouble."

"Grandpa will take us!"

"But he is at work too." I shake my head. "I just don't think today is a good day to run away. How about we pull out the Waggly Water Dog and invite the neighbor kids over to play in the backyard?"

"Okay, we'll run away another day when we can call first." says Reece.

"That sounds like a good plan." I say.

The Week's End

2009-07-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long and hard week. Everyone in my home has been effected and we are worn out. As a mother, I'm feeling like a failure. I feel like I have not been able to give my kids the time and activities I wanted to this summer. I feel I have let my kids down and not done the best I could for them. Anyways, enough of my own little pity party of one. The week has ended, it's Friday afternoon and I believe I have found a moment to breathe, kick back, relax and spend some time with the kiddos and brown eyed hunk I married.

Today we are doing this . . . . .

Of course, it's only fun when the neighbor kids join in too.

Plus, throw in some things to hit each other with and it's the perfect recipe for fun in the afternoon. We did get a moment this week to enjoy some of our favorite Portland Parks.

Reece and Grace enjoyed talking into this thing and listening to each other across the play structure. Pretty cool.

Maddie admired herself in the mirror. Such a cutie.

A funny little thing. On the way home Reece asked me about when he was in my belly. He was curios what his name would of been if he was a girl. I told him we never had any girl names picked out for him, because we found out he was boy and then a few months later, we were able to pick out his name. Reece asked about Maddie and told the kids that Maddie was almost a Morgan. It wasn't until about two months before she born that we changed over to Maddie. If Maddie had been a boy, she would of been Ethan Michael. The kids were all laughing and thinking this was funny. They asked about Grace and told them we didn't know if she was going to be a boy or girl till she born and we had Ethan picked out for her if she would of been a boy. Of course this conversation leads to more questions and Reece asked how we knew he was going to be a boy before he came out of my tummy. I told him about the machine at the hospital that can see through my skin and look at Reece's baby body inside of me.

"But how can they see if I'm a boy or girl?" Reece asked again.

"Reece, your boy parts are long and girl parts are small." Madison quipped.

Well put my dear girl.

**Lastly . . . Here is Reece, just in case you have a few extra minutes you want to spend in the sprinklers.

The Suit

2009-07-13T09:52:00.001-07:00

It's funny how one event brings back memories of another event in the past, sometimes making the pain just too fresh. I mentioned earlier about Mike's Grandpa Charlie passing away this past week. He was a fantastic Grandpa and a amazing Great Grandpa. He was funny, generous, hard working and loving. He is going to be very missed.
Yesterday, after church we were driving over to a couple's house who were so very generously loaning Mike a suit jacket to wear for the funeral. Mike's eyes were swollen and teary and I too was a bit choked up (missing both Charlie and my own Grandpa who passed a few months back). It was a solemn moment in our van.
Grace, being our ever so curious daughter, asked Mike where we going.
"We are going over to Dave and Heidi's home so I can borrow a suit jacket to wear tomorrow. I'm going to be a Pall Bearer tomorrow." Mike says.

"You are going to be a POLAR BEAR!" Grace shouts

What a little blessing our dear daughter gave us. Nothing like a funny remark to make us all laugh and lighten our hearts.

*** A little side note. Mike and I are just so thankful for our church family. The kind words given to Mike about his Grandpa have been treasured greatly. Dave who loaned Mike the suit jacket. I'm speechless. The coat Dave loaned Mike is his very best suit jacket. It's one he JUST GOT. His daughters gave up their Christmas gifts in order for Dave to get his suit. We can tell the suit was very special to Dave and he so freely loaned it to Mike. It was incredibly touching.

It's What's For Dinner

2009-07-11T00:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week. Our family has been hit hard this week and we are weary and tired. Isn't it always the case, that when you are having a rough time and life is throwing the hard stuff at you, that it doesn't hold back, it just keeps piling it on? Such has been the week for us. It's much like my laundry that I have shown you before, it just gets more and more, bigger and bigger.

On that note, tonight I was making dinner. I wanted to make something special for my husband who lost his dear Grandpa this week. I decided to make my family's favorite, Chicken Alfredo with a white wine sauce. Well, I was balancing a few things at the time and trying to get the dinner together quickly. I grabbed the wrong bottle and ended up pouring a Merlot into my sauce.

The picture doesn't do it justice. My sauce was purple. We ate purple food tonight. If it wouldn't of been so funny and given Mike and I a good laugh, I would of cried. Who serves purple food to their family anyways? Oh ya, I do. ;)

Popped

2009-07-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

I think Reece popped one of his stitches out today. Uh-oh. Official word will come in tomorrow when Mike takes him to the Dr. I hope he didn't, but it sure looks like it. If he did, he'll have to get stitched up again and have another 10 days of resting his leg. Very hard for a little active boy to do.

In other "Popped" news, 4th of July was great.

The kids got to do sparklers.Madison enjoyed sparkling the backyard.

Reece played swords with his sparkler.

I stood on the deck and annoyed all who came around. This is what I do best.

Mike lit the fireworks and then ran for his dear life.

All the cousins sat down to enjoy the display. What fun they had.

This last picture I threw in because it is just because. Mike took his little niece over to watch the big display that was going off. Looks like a hill is on fire or something, doesn't it?

Tourist Detour

2009-06-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

***** Warning******* The blog post below has some icky pictures. If you have a weak stomach or just plain prefer not to see icky flesh wounds, don't read. I promise to post fun pictures of the rest of our weekend trip soon, so you wont be left out :)

There is nothing like a trip to the ER to add that special something to any trip. Lets face it, you don't forget the trip when you went to check out the local hospital of the town you are visiting. Blood, tears and carnage will add so many memories.

We went to Spokane, Washington this past weekend with Mike's brothers, their families, friend and friend's family. It was a weekend filled with crowds, basketball, food, heat, fountains, laughter and . . . wait for it . . . . . you know it's coming . . . . . the pediatric wing of the emergency room. Was it worth that wait? ;)

Reece went with his Daddy to play Laser Tag with the guys and Mada. Apparently, he got pushed down while playing and got hurt. He didn't want to stop, he was doing pretty good and owning everyone with his mad laser skills. Plus, it was dark and Mike and I don't think he realized how bad he had cut up his knee. After the game was over, Reece came out and told Mike he got hurt.

This was when I got a phone call. "Sarah, Reece fell and cut his knee up pretty bad. I'm walking back to the hotel with him now."

I wasn't too concerned because I didn't hear my little guy crying in the background and he was walking back to the hotel all on his own. Couldn't be bad, I thought, because my kids have a flare for the dramatics and I have seen them get the tiniest cut and come unglued like they had cut their arm off.

Reece and Mike get back to the hotel and I take a peak at Reece's knee.
Hmmm, that picture doesn't really show you, does it? How about this one . . .

Hmmm, yeah, this looks a bit deep. Think stitches may be in order.

- Can we take a break here for me to sing the praises of GPSs. I love, no wait . . . . I LOVE that I was able to click in find closest hospital into my GPS and off it took me right to the ER door. Thank you my dear friend.

So, we left the girls with their Aunts and Uncles and we we jetted Reece over to the ER.

- OK, one more little break for me to say Spokane's ER rocks. They have a section for pediatrics and we got right in. I LOVED that I didn't have to sit and fill out tons of insurance paperwork before we got in the door and treated. So many other hospitals want that done before they will even see you . . . I wont name names, but lets just say, I've seen enough ER rooms since having kids and well, marrying Mike. The staff was awesome! Friendly, skilled and just plain awesome. They are super great with kids.

All right, back to Reece. The kid was doing great. Not so much as a whimper from the guy! He said it hurt, but wasn't shedding a tear. Brave little guy. They got us into our room and the Dr. was in pretty quick. He checked Reece's joints out and all was good. Verdict - stitches needed.

He flushed out Reece's wound and then brought out the HUGE needle to numb it up. He jabbed that thing into Reece's wound all over. This hurt and Reece sounded off his first wail. Mike's and my heart broke. A nurse came by and asked if all was all right in the room and shut door. After a few minutes the Dr. spoke and said to Reece, "I'm not sure you can feel this anymore, Little Guy." At which Reece took a breathe and paused and then decided the Dr. was right and stopped wailing. Out came the needle and thread.

The Dr. sewed him up. Reece was happily watching ICarly on the TV, oblivious to the whole thing. The Dr. talked about cheese to Mike and I . . because that is what people do when they find out where we are from.

All Done. Good as new . . . well, in 7-10 days, when he has to get his 6 stitches out.

Something to Tide You Over

2009-06-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. I'm worn out. I'm emotionally drained. Yes, my kids are back home and sucking the life right out of me, isn't it wonderful! Always so nice to have all my kids back under my roof. Nothing like all three of my babies home, tucked safely in their beds, when I rest my head on my pillow at night. That said to say, I'm tired, worn out and drained, a new blog post will come soon, in fact we leave for a weekend get-a-way in two days, so in the meantime enjoy a few recent shots.

Isn't life grand at home?

Hey there cute stuff!

Awe, kids getting in touch with our towns roots!

Grace and Logan feeling the need for speed!

A rare shot of me and my little toothless wonder.

Daddy is happy the kids are home too! Finally, someone to laugh at his jokes ;)

When The Boys Are Away The Girls Will Play

2009-06-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Grace and I had a lovely time playing tea party last night.

Bottoms Up! Wait, what's that? Did you see that? Here, let me bring it into focus better for you . . .

Yah, that's what I thought I saw . . . it appears Spiderman came to our tea party too, and dressed for the occasion. Yes, Cinderella's gown looks quite lovely with the web pattern going on.

"Grace what do you think Reece will say about Spiderman being dressed up?"

"Yah, that's I think too."

Bug Farm

2009-06-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

A little update from Grandma . . .

Kids were excited from the moment they woke up this morning. Usually Reece wakes up first and comes in my room and crawls in bed and watches cartoons until I get up. We have an arrangement where he can watch tv and I can sleep in until 9:00. Maddie usually wakes about that time and then we all get up and have breakfast.

This morning was a little twisted. Reece woke up and got into bed and I turned on the cartoons (that was good) but he kept announcing the time to me on every half hour or so ... thus waking me up just when I was falling back to sleep. He was so excited and didn't want me to forget or sleep through the "Bug Garden" adventure we had planned for today.

What a day they had at the bug exhibit. The park was great and the people in it were really nice and helpful to the kids. They answered their questions and spoke about bugs for at least a half hour. Then the kids got to hold "some" of the bugs. The "stick" bugs were the biggest success ... all the kids loved holding them.

I think the roaches were the next favorite for the kids. The roaches were fast so the kids had to really watch and be careful when they were holding them. GROSS! Grandma stood at a distance and used the zoom feature on the camera while taking pictures. I had already warned them not to bring the bugs too close to grandma. Bless their hearts, they didn't even try. I told them for 45 minutes while driving I did not like bugs ... so they knew.

I don't think Reece was too crazy for the bugs also ... I didn't see him holding any today. When I got home and was going through my pictures, I think I know why. Look at his face in the enclosed picture of Maddie holding the bug. He doesn't look too sure of that bug!!

Oh My, Oh My!!

2009-06-13T20:31:00.001-07:00

I'm a horrible mother. I have a very hard time holding my mouth. Tonight, Mike and I were walking out of his brother's house. I called to my Gracie to come along. She was busy practicing her ballet walk on a retaining wall.

"Come on, Gracie May." I say.

I know, May is not Grace's middle name. Her middle name is after her Grandma, in honor of her. Arlene. It drives my dear husband crazy when I say May and not Arlene. I don't know how May came about (perhaps because she was born in May), but I always call her Gracie May. I do tend to say Arlene when she is in trouble, and I drop the "ie" at the end and only a Grace in a stern voice comes out. Anyway, beside the point.

So, tonight when I called my barely five year old, over, I jokingly said to my handsome man, "I better stop saying May or she just may think that's her real middle name!"

"I know!" He lashes back with more venom than I was expecting. "I wish you would stop that and call her by her real name."

Now, if you know me, I tend to fight back when pushed. So I instantly threw back at my husband in the most lovingly way, "She is my daughter and I will call her anything I so please! I can call her Poopy Stain if I want!" Is there anyway to actually say that lovingly? I can't believe Poopy Stain came out of my mouth, because I would NEVER call my kids that!!! But, I did but only in a conversation with my hubby, not TO Grace. Ok, go ahead, shame me now, I deserve it. I'll wait.

So, we climbed into the truck and I turned to Gracie, "Grace, whats your middle name?"

Without skipping a beat she retort, "Poopy Stain! Grace Poopy Stain Motsinger!" Then she about died laughing. Oh, my sweet little girl, always the jokester.

A Blog For All

2009-06-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all! My blog has a bit for everyone, even my daughter enjoys reading her mommy's blog. She may follow suit and start one of her own.

Stolen Car

2009-06-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

My parents recently came up to Oregon to watch Reece graduate from Kindergarten and Mada at her end-of-the-year awards ceremony (that blog and pics to come at a later date). My father is on a special assignment for work, so he is temporarily working about an hour and a half to two hours north of where my parents live. So on the day of their trip up here, my mom drove up to meet my dad and left his car at work. This eliminated a very stinky round trip drive for my dad. Mada and Reece went back to my parents home and are visiting for two weeks. They are currently there.

With that said, here is another email blog my mom wrote me.

I have a story to tell you ... Reece came to me the other day and asked me in a worried voice, "Grandma, why did Grandpa steal that white car the other day?" I was stunned for a few moments and I asked him, "Reece, Grandpa didn't steal a white car the other day. Why do you think he stole a car?"

"Because the other day when we came to your house, we stopped next to a white car and Grandpa got in it and stole it." I had to laugh ... it hit me kind of funny. I said, "Reece, honey, Grandpa didn't steal that white car because that car was Grandpa's car. He left it at his work place when we went to Oregon and we were planning to pick it up when we came home." "Oh," he says and he walks away satisfied that his Grandpa was not a car thief.

Cozy Feet

2009-05-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Since the kids have been gone Mike and I have been able to actually spend time together. On the rare occasions we both have the day off, we will sit and watch some movies. I say some because we have been watching 3 or 4 in a sitting. I know, right? What a total waste of time! I agree, but I LOVE it!!! How often do you hear of a mommy of three young kids being able to sit and watch 3 movies!? It's been wonderful!
Whats my favorite thing about watching movies, you ask? Oh, you didn't? Well, I'll tell you anyway. I LOVE snuggling up with my hubby. Even after being married to my man for 10 years, I still get giddy when he puts his arm around me.

Oh, guess what?! My girls are coming home today!!! I'm so excited!

Belle

2009-05-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

The girls got to go see the production of 'Beauty and the Beast' a few nights ago. They loved it and thought is was absolutely wonderful. Mada has a love for music and this was totally up her alley. Grace loved it, but apparently was scared when the Beast was out.

Madison said the best part was when Beast turned into the Prince.

The girls got to meet Belle after the performance and were on cloud nine!

Skunk

2009-05-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm overrun by men and their icky ways. Since my little beauties are with Grandma, I'm the only female at my house. The toilet seat is being left up, burping is abundant and toots . . . . oh the toots. Reece was laying on the floor and the loudest sound I have ever heard came out of that little guy. But then, what happened next gave me a good chuckle.

"Hey Dad, " Reece says, "I know why a skunk smells really bad."

"You do?" Mike responds

"Yep, it's actually the skunk tooting."

Yep, the kid should know, he is sitting in the middle of a great big one. EWE.

5th Birthday

2009-05-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

My youngest just had her 5th birthday. We threw a party for her here and her Grandma Gayle threw one for her down in Cali. The girl scored big, if you ask me. Her party here was at McDonald's. EWE. But, seeing as it has the only inside playland and the day was downright dreadful outside, well . . . . we had no other choice.

Grace decorated her own cake. Does the sprinkle ratio to frosting give that away? Oh well, who cares, right?! She thought it was absolutely perfect and loved doing it herself. When she walked away, I admit, I tried to spread the sprinkles around a bit more, that is the only reason there isn't one big pile on the top. I know, I know, let it go Sarah, let her do it and not fix it. What's wrong with me?! It's her cake! Next time, I promise, I'll walk away and leave it.

Grace was blessed with MANY thoughtful gifts. She got lots of earrings (which delighted her to no end!), some cute clothes,a Princess, ring and even a pooping Barbie dog (thanks Aunt Rechelle!). She loved it all and has been having a ball playing with it.

The kids are so funny. I thought this picture was hilarious. Poor little Logy in the front, everyone else is giving bunny ears and he has to stop playing and take a pic. Ok Logy, picture is done, you can go play. :)

My cutie nieces were even enjoying the playland. Aren't they dolls?!

How blessed my kids are to have such a wonderful family who all took time out of there busy day to celebrate Grace's birthday! We love you all!!

The Idiot Indian Mix-up

2009-05-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

My girls are down with my parents right now. My kids love staying with Grandma Gayle and Grandpa Bop. So many special and fun memories are made during the summer month they spend there. My mom sent this little email to me and I thought it was cute. Here is what she said:

Dad and I are constantly asking Maddie what Grace says ... we have so much trouble understanding her since she doesn't speak her "r's" very well. Sometimes it is a guessing game for us ....

But on Sunday, just right after church was over, Madison sneaked up behind Bob Cox ... he asked her if she was part Indian. He explained that an Indian is good at sneaking up on people without them knowing ... He then said again that she must be part Indian.

Gracie came up to Bob and with her very scolding voice told Bob it was not polite to call Maddie an "idiot." We all just stood there ... we didn't understand how she thought Bob called Maddie an idiot.

Then Maddie told Grace that Bob said Indian not idiot.

It was cute that Gracie came to defend her big sister and even cuter when Maddie told Grace that he had not said "idiot." Grace said, "oh."

Very funny ... I guess you had to be there, but it was very funny

Sweet Cousin's Wedding

2009-05-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my kids and I had the honor to go and watch Sweet Cousin get married. It was a gorgeous wedding outside in this little haven in Old Town Pasadena. The wedding was beautiful and one of a kind. My kids have been looking forward to this wedding for months. Every day, they would ask me if it was time to go to the wedding. Everyday I would have to tell them no. My kids didn't really care about the wedding. You see, Sweet Cousin was going to have a candy table with all sorts of yummy candy for the kids. I had made the mistake of telling my kids about this part of the wedding celebration. What kid wouldn't be going nuts over the prospect of jars of candy that they could go and choice many from?!

Like I said, the wedding was lovely. The vows were heartfelt, the toasts were sweet, the dances brought tears to my eyes. My Sweet Cousin and her Funny Man were surrounded by the perfect amount of people who loved them and cared for them. Truly a wedding out of a fairytale.

At the end of the night, on our way back to my parents home, I asked my kids what their favorite part was.

Mada said, "I loved the dancing with Bubu (hee hee, we all refer to him lovingly as Bobo)." It was one of the sweetest moments. He took her out to the floor and danced with her like she was the most important girl there. He boogied with her, twirled her and gave her all his attention. What a special memory she has now. Not one she will ever forget.

Reece's told me his favorite part was all the candy and toys. Not surprising . . . there was so much candy and toys!!! My son left that party with a huge bag of candy. His eyes were twinkling!!

Lastly, I asked Grace what her favorite part of the wedding was.

"My favorite part was dancing with the Princess." Grace told us. Oh My!!! Isn't that precious?!

It was an absolutely wonderful wedding. I LOVED being able to see all my family!! I love you all so much.

Now, pictures!!!! I want pictures!!! :)

A little video of Mada's special memory

Fun In The Sun

2009-05-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post a few pics of us while down here in my beloved Cali. We have been having a wonderful time with my family. The weather is gorgeous and warm and it's soooo wonderful to be here enjoying it. I am not missing my soggy, wet town . . . . . but am missing my sweet man. :(

Grace got to open up her birthday gift from my parents. She got a a scooter and even got to ride it in the hallway for a few minutes. She loves the scooter and has been having a blast on it.

Today it was super warm so we picked up a sweet slip 'n slide and were having some fun. The kids were all running around going absolutely bonkers slipping and sliding. It was a lot of fun to watch them all getting wet and having the best time.

Tooth Fairy Bites The Dust While Knocking Santa Out

2009-04-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

Mada lost another tooth! Can I get a WOOO HOOO!! It was the easiest fall-out of all. Mada bit down on a scarf while playing Doggie with Grace. Grace gave the scarf a tug and out came Mada's tooth. It was actually pretty awesome because the tooth was barely wiggly. Yeah!!!
Have a mentioned yet that Mada discovered the Tooth Fairy isn't real? She was questioning it before, but was reading in her Baby Sitters Club book and low and behold, it spilled the beans. Mada came up to me a few days ago and told me she knew the truth about it all. I told her she was right, but wasn't it fun to pretend that there was one? She agreed and we agreed not to tell the younger ones. It was a sad moment, because Santa got snuffed too. :( Amazing isn't it that my little girl knocked out two of the fun childhood things in one day.

Beware my friends, Tooth Fairies can knock out Santa. ;)

Grace's 5th Birthday Present

2009-04-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Grace has been asking for many months to get her ears pierced. I told her that I would take her on her 5th birthday if she wanted to do that for her gift. So for the past 4/5 months, Grace kept telling me that she wanted earring for her birthday. I was actually a bit surprised that she choice earrings over all the fun toys she sees at the toystore. Crazy Girl.
This past weekend, I asked her again what she wanted most for her birthday. She quickly told me that earrings was all she wanted. Since Grace is spending some time with her Grandma Gayle during her birthday, we decided to go and ahead and do the ear thing now.
So Grace loaded up her favorite buddy, Kate and we were off to get her ears pierced. She was so excited and giddy. We got to Claires and Grace picked out her earrings that she wanted and the man marked her all up. She was quiet a bit timid, reaching for my hand. The man, TJ, told Grace what he was going to do and showed her. He was great. Then he went in and did the first ear. Immediately Grace started to cry. Heartbreaking!!! I felt like the worst mom in all the world. She wouldn't let the TJ get to her other ear. She cried, "I don't want the other one!"
Finally after a few minutes we got her to hold still for a quick second and punched the 2nd hole. She cried some more and needed some more hugs. After another minutes, she perked right up when I asked her to go pick out some pretty hair clips. Nothing like pretty hair clips and her friend to perk my little diva right up.
She couldn't wait to show her daddy her ears and giggled when she showed him. Reece asked her if it hurt and she told him, "Nope."

A Day In The Life

2009-04-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

So many posts this week! I must of set a new personal record here . . . . 4 post I think. Don't be surprised if I don't post much in the coming weeks since I have met my quota for the month already! ;)

The kids had no school on Friday and enjoyed decorating my garage floor with their friends. I believe they drew some houses, cars, farms, stores and people.

They drew some roads and rode their scooters around. I need more chalk . . . I believe they used it all on their beautiful art. I'm going to focus on all the fun they had and the colorful garage floor. Not the chalky foot prints all over my hardwood floors, in the house.

Of course after such a busy day, my kids were hungry so they ate some toe jam. ;) These are strange kids, I'm telling ya. Just in case you were wondering, I can almost do this, 4 tiny inches between my toe and mouth . . . . oh so close to being able to say I can literally put my foot in my mouth.

After they were good and full we were off to another of Reece's soccer games. He is getting so much better at it! He used to kind of float around the outside of the action and get in there and block shots. Now, he is "dribbling" down the field and getting in the mix of things. He enjoys being goalie.

Grace collected flowers.

Grace even found a worm. The worm was her bestest friend for a good 10 minutes before we took pity on the worm and had Grace go find a good home for him . . . her . . . it.

Madison took pictures of everyone and everything. She also took many videos with an amusing commentary. I may have to post some of those soon.

At the end of the day, we headed for a drive. I love taking drives. I live in a gorgeous part of the country and on evenings such as these, I enjoy just driving with my sunroof open and fresh air blowing my hair around. We stopped off at the beach and checked to see if the tide was low enough to play in the tide pools. It wasn't.

On the drive home, I had a moment. It's the time of year my grandparents always came up and visited me. My Grandpa was amazing. He rode his bike down the Oregon Coast and as we passed a stretch on the 101 where I got to ride a portion with him, I remembered some specials moments I shared with my grandpa there. Then a bit farther down the road, yet another town I have memories of my Grandpa in. I have so many fond memories of my Grandpa Don from my childhood days, but the last 10 years have been so incredibly special. It will be hard to go through this summer and not have his and grandma's visit to look forward to. How blessed I am to of had him as my Grandpa.

Airing My Dirty Laundry

2009-04-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

As I was out in the garage pulling out t-shirts to throw in the washer when Grace came out the door. My dirty laundry has taken on a life of it's own this week and doubled in size. Amazing isn't it? Laundry can take over a space before you know it. It's really my own fault it grew into such a beast. I didn't finish it up last weekend and with a family of five . . . that is a huge mistake. What was I thinking?!

It didn't take Grace long to get out of there. I think she was afraid the clothes would overtake her and she would never find her way out.

"Rock on, Momma, rock on!" Grace hollers at me as she is retreating back to safety.

I'm so proud. So, anyone want to come over and fold some clothes? I need neighbors like Kate Gosselin, to just come over and fold my laundry and another to come over and put it away. I should of had multiples ;)

Surprise Me Day!

2009-04-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yep, "Surprise Me, Day". The kids got to be creative and surprise the teachers with their costumes today. My kids chose to be "Bed Heads." We got some crazy hair stuff and spiked Reece's hair. He would love to have spiky hair everyday, if I would let him. I'm such a mean mommy. Madison pulled off the 80's look with her hair. They wore their PJ's and brought along their stuffed bears. I think going to school in PJ's would be awesome . . . but to wear my most favorite cozy thing, MY ROBE would be pure heaven! All is right with the world when I slip on my robe. AWE.

Oh, oops, this was about the kids days, wasn't it? Let me pull myself back on topic. OK, kids, school, great, PJ's. Yep, that about sums it up. Now they get a three day weekend because tomorrow is INVISIBLE DAY at school. ;)

Bible Character Day

2009-04-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

It was Bible Character Day today at school. Maddie was Marium, Moses's sister. Reece was super strong Samson. As you know, Marium helped saved Moses when he was a baby, by watching him when he was in the river. So Maddie put a baby in the basket and took that school. She fashioned herself with one of her daddy's shirts with a scarf wrapped around her waist. She actually won the contest today as best costume. YEAH!!!!
Samson in the Bible, is known for his strength and long hair (source of his strength). Reece made some paper hair and attached it to his hat. He borrowed a spiderman suit from his little cousin Logan (Thank you buddy!!) and put another one of Daddy's shirts on over the costume. He has a belt on too, when he left the house this morning. Apparently, it came off sometime during the day. Reece was pretty bumbed he didn't win today. He got upstage by a kid who was a Shepard and brought a real goat to school! There is no way to top a real goat in our books. Perhaps tomorrow.

Minnie and Bugs

2009-04-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's Spirit Week at school! A whole week full of craziness!! Today is Cartoon Character day. Madison was Minnie Mouse and Reece was Bugs Bunny. I have yet to discover what is in store for them, but they were so excited to make there costumes last night. Maddie worked on putting her ears together while Reece and I poured through Fred Meyer looking for bunny ears. You would of thought it would of been a bit easier since Easter was only yesterday!!! Do note Reece's bunny tail . . . he worked on that one all by himself too.

I'm not quite sure what Madison is doing with her arm. She must think Minnie poises like that.

Apparently Reece thinks that Bugs is a fighting Rabbit, because he was all ninja rabit on the way into school. I guess that carrot is to Bugs like spinach is to Popeye.

Tomorrow is Patriot Day(the school's mascot). I work at the school tomorrow and thought I would dress up, but I have no clue what to do!! Any suggestions?

One Of Those

2009-04-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Reece's buddy is over and spending the night tonight. Poor kid, little did he (or I, for that matter) know we were going to be given candy bars to sell. The kids school kicked off their fundraiser by sending 100 chocolate bars home with each kid. That means, we got 200 bars to sell. We went out tonight and hit up a few streets, aunts, grandparents and total strangers. The kids thought it fun to get money and sell the bars. They did pretty good too, 104 sold already. Retail Mongers in the making?
So this evening, the boys got home, threw their PJ's on and hit the Wii. Reece came over to me as I was pouring over some of my favorite blogs.
"Hey Mom, can we have a candy bar?"
I hand him one and he breaks it in half for him and friend.
"Isn't my mom the greatest?" Reece says
"I tell my mom that she is the greatest mom in the whole world," says friend.
"Ya, my mom is one of those." Reece says with satisfaction.

Volleyball

2009-04-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

My kids private school is starting up a girl's volleyball team. I'm pretty excited because the school has asked me to coach. YEAH!! Such trust they have given me . . bwah ha ha. Just kidding. ;) Right now, I'm working in the girl high school PE and we are working on volleyball skills. The group of girls is great and they are a lot of fun and such hard workers.

On that note, we have quite an uphill battle ahead of us. I'll be lucky to team 7, hopefully 8 girls. We have no gym to work out in and many have never played before. We are practicing in the grass . . which is fun (I love me my grass ball), but I'm totally lacking the lines and what-nots.

Tonight, I'm looking around online to try and find the new rule book, knowing that they have updated a few of the rules. HOLY COW!! So many rules have changed since my college days!!! I feel so dated!!

Anyways, that's my totally selfish news. I'm coaching volleyball and I'm super excited!

Golden Rule

2009-04-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

We were spending the day with some friends and their kids. The dad was playing around with our kids and sticking his tongue out and play kicking, stepping on toes . . . you know, the kinds of things we adults wish we could do but know we shouldn't. ;)

Madison looks up at me and informs me, in her most serious voice that the Golden Rule states, "Do unto others as they do to you"

LOL . . . . wouldn't it be great if that was really how it was?! Perhaps, not . . . . but she gave me a good giggle anyway.

Button Pushing

2009-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

We were riding in the van on our way to school a few morning ago. Reece was tying his shoes and Madison was sticking things in her bag. Grace was sitting in her booster seat still in her PJ's and doing something a rather. Reece spotted Grace and her lack to do something in accordance to Reece's standards.

"Grace!" Reece hollers at her. "That's not right!"

"Reece, don't push my buttons and I wont push yours," Grace responds.

I about spit my coffee out. Where did this girl get such sass?

Do You Know Where Your Kids Are?

2009-03-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

I know where mine are . . . . in front of the TV. Yep, my kids love their TV time. Since it's Spring Break and we had a rough start of it, I decided to let them have a few days of doing whatever they want and not being so strict. Our choices got minimized when the rain started (ohhhh, I wish we were back in Cali.) so it's inside for us. I think I got off lucky, really . . . at least they choose to play a game where they move around!!

Something Is Not Quite Right There

2009-03-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Reece lost his first tooth a few mornings ago. His tooth has been loose for a quit awhile and he has been wiggling the dickens out of it. Finally, a few mornings ago, a couple good tugs and it came out. We were out at breakfast with my family when this all went down. Of course he was super excited and had to show everyone for the rest of the day.

Funny thing . . . the tooth fairy hit at the breakfast table. He (yes, tooth fairy is a "he" at our house . . . . think it has to do with that Santa Claus movie with Tim Allen) swooped right in and dropped his buck on the table. Reece was ecstatic . . . . not only did the tooth fairy hit right away, but Grandpa Bop hit too!!! AWESOME!!! TWO BUCKS!!! Reece was on cloud nine.

Later in the day, Madison came over to me and had an odd look on her face. She questioned how Reece could get his money so fast. After all, the tooth fairy only takes teeth when they are under the pillow and here, Reece didn't put his tooth under his pillow and the tooth fairy didn't take the tooth.

I explained that the California Tooth Fairy(CTF) was very busy and hits right away. CTF has too many kids to give money to and couldn't wait to hit at night. She accepted this and walked away.

Last night we got home from California and the kids went to bed. Reece put his tooth under his pillow and went off to sleep. This morning he comes in and climbs into my bed. Grace and Madison were already laying there watching cartoons. He shows me his tooth and tells me that the tooth fairy didn't come.

"Hmmm, she must of been very busy last night." I tell Reece. I can't believe I forgot . . . my poor kids have the worst tooth fairy. "HE" forgets often . . . I'm running out of excuses for him.

Madison was listening to this and mused, "Ya, that tooth fairy . . . . something is not quite right there."

Uh-oh . . . she is catching on to this one.

Girls Being Girls

2009-03-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

While Reece was playing soccer (see blog below) my girls were asking me to take pics of them. They are such divas. How I love them :)

I need to get Maddie a camera of her own that is not a piece of junk. She loves to take pictures herself. Who knows, perhaps she will be the next Alfred Stieglitz.

He Had A Ball

2009-03-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

Reece had his very first soccer practice EVER, last night. He has been asking to go to soccer for ever!! I have missed the registration in the past, but by accident saw it a few weeks ago when I was signing Grace up for another class of swimming. So, for the past few weeks, this has been all Reece can talk about. Now that

is saying something because if you know my son, you know that all he likes to talk about is video games. For him to switch over to soccer is quite a big deal! I have to admit, it's been a nice change for me. ;)
As soon as I signed him up, the countdown was on. Reece would inform me, three of four times a day, how many more days till soccer. Finally, last night came and Reece got to go. Right before practice started I asked him to give me a good picture of him for his first soccer practice scrapbook page. The first pic above is what my dear boy gave me. LOL, what a stinkerhead ;) What a blast he had! The coach started off with playing Coach Says. Reece rocked it!

Then on to some dribbling drills. Considering the fact that Reece has never played soccer, I thought he did pretty well. The ball got away from him, but he kept at it and was really working hard.
Well, Reece has practice two nights a week and games on Saturdays. It will be a lot of fun to watch him progress.

**I tried to put another video on her of him dribbling the ball, but it was too big and I don't know my program very well at the moment to try and cut and resave. So, if you need your Reece Fix, you can watch him in a short clip when he was playing Coach Says.

Rope Swings and High Dives Equals Bribes

2009-03-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, the lifeguard in this picture isn't trying to beat my son. I know you just had a moment of panic, but it's ok, no children were harmed in the making of this photo.

Sunday, we had a family day. It was extra special for a few reasons. One - We didn't go hiking of biking. These are my two favorite things to do on family fun day because they don't cost any money and it's some great exercise. But alas, the kids are tired of these things so NOT doing them, made it a special day.

Two - We spent our family day with Jason, Krista and the kiddos. Sometimes we claim them as family but only on days there aren't too weird for us. ;) Otherwise we like to pretend we don't know them. ;) They are crazy.

Three - I actually played with the kids!!! Shocking, I know, but I did. Perhaps it has to do with hanging out with those crazies I mentioned. There crazy must of rubbed off on me. Or perhaps it was the lure of the rope swing. Those things call out to me, you know.

We went to the Lincoln City pool for some splashing fun on our family day. The pool was great. The kids pool was perfect. Perfect height for Grace. She was able to practice her swimming without her backpack but if she got tired she could bounce in the 3 1/2 foot pool. I think she bounced the whole 2+ hours we were there.

Reece, Madison and I hit the big pool for some swinging fun on the rope swing and later the high and low diving boards. Aunt Krista came over and swung with us too. Thank goodness she did, because I was embarrassing myself on that rope swing. I have no upper body strength anymore and just dragged my feet. It took watching Krista for me to figure out that I needed to put my feet on the bottom knot. Duh!!! So after that hurdle, I enjoyed it much more. Reece was a maniac and enjoyed monkey-ing around.

The diving boards were a hoot. Both kids went off the high dive. I was pretty proud of them. Madison had gone off a high dive before, but was a bit timid again. After a bit of bribing, they both went down. Reece got to the edge of the high dive after taking his tiny baby steps and then turned around and started back. He stopped and looked at me and asked, "Instead of getting an ice cream for jumping off this, make it a Sunday and we have a deal."

Reece got a Sunday.

It was a fun day. We were the first ones in the pool and the last ones to leave it. The kids wore themselves out and we all enjoyed hanging out with each other and letting loose.

Everything is Amazing

2009-03-09T09:06:00.001-07:00

I have got this through email forwards and links on my facebook page . . . I think it's hilarious! Just wanted to share with you . . . Double Click on Amazing!

Amazing

Rainbow Calendar

2009-03-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

When did my life get crazy busy? I was looking at my calendar this morning, marking off a few of my cleaning jobs and I started to laugh because my calendar looks like a rainbow. I don't know when my calendar changed from a few items a week to a few items everyday.

I had a good friend who was visiting this week from Central Oregon and I had every intention of making it over to see her but only had two evening to get over there. Wouldn't you know it, both evenings had activities going on that I couldn't get out of. :( My dear Beth, I'm so sorry!! We are headed your way in June and we will stop off to visit with you!!

My cleaning business has really gotten busy. YEAH!!! I got scared there for a bit when we lost some homes, but funny that it just got packed. In the midst of this "weak" economy, my business is thriving. I am so thankful God is providing! Thank you to my sister in law too!! Without her mad cleaning skills and connections who knows where I would be! :)

Anyways, back to my schedule. It's packed full of cleaning and kids activities. I was just talking this past week about how much I love that my kids are getting older and more self reliant. I don't have to worry when I leave a room that they will find some object to stick in there mouth and choke on. But I suppose with the leave of the constant care of an infant, comes the addition of a busy schedule of the kids being involved in sports, church and school.

I suppose this has made me a bit more appreciative of the "down" times. Last night, we went to a birthday party and after we got home, it was just the girls and I. We snuggled into the couch and turned on a movie. I was laying there with Grace tucked into my right arm and Madison snugged up to my left. Both girls heads were right there and I could smell there hair. Both girls have there own sweet smell, even though they use the same hair products. :) After a kiss to the top of there heads I hunkered down as happily as I could be. No place to rush off to, just a quiet time at home with my girls.

Penny Jars

2009-02-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

At my dear mother's request ;) I am blogging. Nothing all that exciting or super cute has been going around here. Actually, if anything, I am loosing my mind. My kids are driving me insane . . . I think they have decided to get rid of me by getting the funny farm to come and take me away, thus, there secret plot to driving me crazy with their bickering. Our home has been filled with kids bickering, arguing and being mean. I have talked before about our penny jars. We started this reward system last summer and it gave my kids some motivation to change their attitudes. They can gain a penny when we catch them dealing with a situation with a good attitude and the opposite, they can loose one by dealing with a bad attitude. It has also morphed into doing there chores without us asking to gain a penny. At the end of the week, if they have 10 pennies or more, they get to go to bed an hour later than our normal bedtime. The past few weeks, our penny jars have been going empty. Lazy kids and bad attitudes have taken over my home. Mike and I are again, joining forces and cracking down. Now, not only are my kids loosing pennies for there bad behavior and attitudes, they are learning verses. I love slapping the kids with a bible verse for them to memorize or write 10 times as an added "punishment." Which really it isn't a punishment at all. We are after our kids hearts and what better way to change the behavior than to go after the heart, the source of the problem to begin with! I love that they are hiding God's Word in there hearts and also gaining some understanding at why we don't act this way to begin with. God's Word, not just mom and dad, is telling them and guiding them in the path they should be walking.

Bowling Birthday

2009-02-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today is my dear husband's 31st birthday. We celebrated his birthday this weekend at the bowling alley. Mike's father actually threw him the party and we all got our bowling groove on. It was a fun night with friends and family. How blessed we are to have such fun and loving people around us. We love you guys and thanks for making my husband's birthday such a fun night!

Where Babies Come From

2009-02-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

"Mom, how do you get a baby?" Grace asks me while we were driving to go pick up Reece.

I have to admit, it took me by surprise, neither Reece or Madison have cared much to ask. They know babies come out of mommy bellies, but have not cared much beyond that. How they get there, where exactly they come out . . . .

"Babies come out of mommy bellies, Grace." Oh please let that be all I plead in my head.

"Yes, but how do they get there?" Grace asks again. She is not about to let me off the hook.

"Well, you get married (don't you love how I threw in that moral nugget) and then have a baby."

"Like Krista . . she has a baby." Grace muses.

"Mmhmm."

"But how do you get a baby?" Grace persists. Boy this girl is persistent today!!

"A mommy and daddy get married, they love each other and create a precious baby." I tell her. You have to cut me a break here, Grace is only four and I told myself I would always tell my kids the truth, but make it age appropriate. I thought I was doing pretty good.

"But Betty has a baby and she doesn't have a husband, Mom!" Grace scolds me, like I have told her something untrue.

Now how am I supposed to explain teen pregnancies?! I was just patting myself on the back for throwing in the moral nugget and Little Miss Smarty throws me a curve ball.

"That's true Grace," I tell her, "Betty does have a baby and no husband. She had love for another man that she didn't marry and they had a baby. The Bible tells us that we need to get married first though, then have a baby. OK Grace?"

"OK." Grace paused for a minute while I could actually see the wheels turning in her head. "I think I'll just have kitties."

"OK, Grace, I think that sounds lovely." I tell her.

My Morning Musical

2009-02-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

I was snugly under my covers this morning, trying to ignore my alarm clock that would not give me an extra 10 minutes of sleepy bliss. The kids are awesome at getting themselves up in the morning and getting ready for school. I normally get up about 20 minutes after they have already risen. This puts them in the kitchen eating cereal when I stumble out of bed to start the coffee pot and make lunches.

"Oh Gracie, come out, come out wherever you are!" Says Mada from the kitchen.

Grace gasps, probably because Madison never calls for Gracie and especially in such a sweet, playful manner. Grace was down in the bathroom taking care of her morning business.

"That's Maddie. I'm here. I'm heeeeere. I will dance to you. I am coming, twirling my twinkle toes. I am dancing to Maddie." Sings, Grace.

What a great way to wake up this morning. This is so much better than the normal morning bickering. I guess all the Wicked songs I have been listening to lately are starting to rub off on Grace. ;)