Easy Bake Whatcha Going To Make?

As I've talked about before, my Mother is staying with me while they wait for a few banks to agree how to split up the cash for the sale of the home my parents are trying to buy. She has been here for 3 weeks and counting. I'm trying to talk her into staying longer, but I think she is getting antsy to get away from my crazy house. ;)

Her time here has been really nice. My kids have loved having Grandma here. It's been a great time to bond. Mada and Grandma have been baking. Grandma took some time to do Mada's "Easy bake, whatcha going to make?" as my kids call it. Madison just glowed as she and grandma made a little cake and frosted it.

Good memories.

Midnight Chores

What can I say. I strongly believe in chores for kids. My kids have had chores since they could walk. Give the dog a scoop of food, pick up there toys, or take there clothes to the laundry. I know I know . . . pretty intense chores there, huh? Well currently Grace is responsible for picking up the dirty clothes out of the bathroom and taking them to the laundry. Every morning she is asked to do this chore.

Last night I went into the girls room to wake them up so they could go potty. I do this every night, about two/three hours after they go to bed.

"Grace. Mada. Wake up!" I said.

Grace pops up and stumbles out of her bed. She groggily shuffles across the hall to the bathroom. Normally I take her hand and help her with her nighties, but last night I stayed in the bedroom trying to wake Mada up. Grace got into the bathroom and stumbled around a bit more. I finally woke Mada up and went to the bathroom to see what was taking Grace so long. I walk in to find an armful of dirty laundry in Grace's arms and she was trying to lift the lid to the toilet. I do believe I have succeeded. Even in my daughter's sleep she knows to do her chores. ;) Now, I just need to make sure she doesn't put the laundry in the toilet, but in the laundry room. :)

Glasses

Mada got her glasses today. I think she look beautiful :)

Hedlund Grandparents

I'm always so thrilled when my parents come up to visit. I don't get to see them often, so the time I do get with them is always cherished. This past week my parents came up. My dad stayed for a few days then left. My mom is still here and planning on staying a few weeks. Of course I'm always giddy when my kids and my parents get to spend time together. I believe the grandparents/grandchild relationship is huge and very special.

On the weekend we celebrated Mada's 8th birthday. During the party my sister in law snapped a few pics of my dad spinning the kids on the merry go round. I don't think the kids walked straight for a week. It's funny, watching my dad spin the kids brought back memories of my brother and I on the 'Mad Hatter Teacups' at Disneyland. My dad spun those teacups so fast that neither my brother or I could even move. We were pushed up against the sides of the cup. I remember laughing so hard but tripping on my way off the ride.

My mom was able to go with us to the Pumpkin Patch. What fun that was. She helped Madison find her perfect pumpkin. Which is quite the feat since Madison saw none that would meet her standards. My mom also got to take the kids here and there around the farm to look at things while Mike and I waited in line. My kids adore there Grandma Gayle and I know she adores them as well.

Reece has had fun playing his DS with Grandma Gayle. It warms my heart to hear them over there giggling and laughing as they try to smash each other in Mario Party. What a cool Grandma they have!!

This last pic is just special to me. I have very few pics of my dad and I. The last pic taken was from when I graduated from High school and my dad came down on the field and gave me a rose. It was a special moment and this pic reminds me of that. What can I say, I'm a daddy's girl. ;)

Pumpkin Patch Day

Just a few pictures of our annual tradition, the Pumpkin Patch. We had a wonderful day spending time with our Grandma Gayle and finding the perfect pumpkin. The weather couldn't of been more perfect. A sunny day in Oregon and you have to go and take advantage of it!!

We started the day off riding the worm. The kids always get a kick out of this little ride. I've decided that I am going to buy a tractor and give our neighborhood kids rides and make some big dough too!!!

Afterwards we took a boat ride out to the pumpkin patch and the kids ran around looking for those perfect pumpkins. Reece ran off with Mike across the field to the farthest possible location to look for his. Grace walked around ruling all pumpkins with the slightest bit of dirt on them, "icky" and would not have anything to do with them. Mada took the most time with Grandma Gayle examining all the pumpkins. It wasn't until we told them after they picked there pumpkins, we would take a pony ride. Mada quickly picked her pumpkin and was eager to get on the pony.

The pony rides were great. The kids rode on Fancy, Cherokee (or Turkey according to Reece) and Squeekers. I'm not sure what Reece did to his pony because "Turkey" dropped his "stuffing" and we had to stop and let them take care of that. ;)

After the ride we took the train back in and talked about how we all had a wonderful day. I know, this is pretty gushy isn't it? What can I say, we all LOVE the pumpkin patch. So many fun memories made each year.

Singing In the Shower

A few weeks ago I was sitting at my computer doing what I love to do most, reading all my favorite blogs, and I hear some singing. "Hmmm," I think, "I wonder what station the kids are listening to on the radio, I better go check."So I meander down the hall, using my stealth steps so they wont know I'm coming to check on them. But, it is me, who gets the shock. It isn't the radio at all. It's coming from the bathroom. Reece is the bathroom. Yikes, I had better run and get the camera so that I don't miss this super cute moment. Here is what I caught.

Awana &Twilight

I haven't blogged in a bit. Not much new to tell. The kids have started Awana. They have been really enjoying going. It warms my heart that they are excited to go and learn about Jesus. Madison is having a few problems with some girls there. I don't know if it's Maddie being sensitive or the girls being clicky. Either way, she still wants to go, so I'm trying to remember this is all part of life and some good lessons for her to learn.

I tried to upload a video of Reece that was super cute, but I can't figure it out, so I'll keep working on it and now you have something to look forward to. :)

I have been filling my days reading the book Twilight. I'm so hooked! Not a book that I would normally pick up to read, but after a good friend of mine told me I HAD to read it, I decided I would give it a whirl. Now, I'm dying to get my hands on the second book in the Saga, but our library is taking there very sweet time getting it. I swear it has been "in transit" for a week. I'm driving Mike crazy going back and forth to my email to check if the library alert has come through. I even went into the library to kindly ask about when to expect it.
"It should be in today, I see it has your name on it." - That was 48 hours ago and still NO book!!! This is cruel!!

So, that is the quick little update on whats been going on. :)