As Promised!

Here are some of the pictures taken at the party! We had 16 kids there including my 3 and it was the most stress-less party I have ever thrown. The most expensive but it was well worth it. This is the fantastic Belle cake GG got and she absolutely loved it. I only wish I could take credit for it :)













GG playing air hockey...

***Warning Extreme Bragging to Follow***
GlamorGirl got two birthday cards from her friends and at first I thought it was really funny what the one boy wrote then I realized. These kids are really smart look as I looked at the sentences they were writing. GG writes like this, too, all the time!

I tried to scan the cards onto my computer to show you the penmanship and writing skills but it didn't pick up the words and just left a blank box on my screen. So I will type them out for you with all the capitalization they use and punctuations!

The first card from the boy said: Dear ___, Happy birthday and may the good Lord bless you. I heard you love me. May your wish come true. And before happy Valentines day.

The second one from her girlfriend: Happy BirthDay. you are a good friend

I really wish I could of shown you their handwriting!
I totally credit it to the fact she goes to a private school with small size classes. The teachers are so involved with the kids and so caring...they are actually allowed to hug the kids! Plus, they make sure the parents get involved with their schooling. GG came home today telling me all about the different Presidents we have had and some of the facts about them, I didn't even know and I had to look them up but they were accurate! She is only in Kindergarten and reading and writing better the the 2nd grader across the street. Here is a video of her reading homework for today...you tell me does she sound like a Kindergartner?
This is the words she read they won't let me show a video with the words in it. You can follow along!

My Mama!

Over at Adventures in Babywearing she posts about her mom and has challenged us all to write about our moms and have pictures! This is a picture of the 4 generations of girls in my family. We have taken one every Christmas except this last one because we didn't get together.

I love my mom so much. She has taught me how to be the mom that I am to my kids. Since I have become an adult and mom myself we have moved from the mother-daughter relationship to more of the friendship...even though I still ask her for advice on occasion! When we get together it is usually just to talk and laugh. The funny thing about my mom and I are that we are polar opposites. I am wild and crazy and she is very mild and well-mannered. We balance each other out...she calms me down a bit and I get her to come out of her shell. I could go on and on about my mom but who couldn't? Mom's are the best!

Red Mania

What can I say? He is just such a sweet little boy. The other night I was throwing up and he was right there by me rubbing my back saying over and over, "Mommy sick? Mommy sick?" It was very sweet. Then about 5 minutes after I was done Red was in the bathroom pretending to throw up!

Then there is the food aspect. I ate almost all day long because I can't eat big meals. So when I have a snack I have a little Red saying, "Want some. Peas have some." How can you say no to that?!?!

Then there is television...whenever he sees a baby he points to my tummy and says, "Baby" then he lifts my shirt hugs and kisses my belly. I don't think he has a clue as to what life is going to be like when the baby comes :)

Moving along, tonight is the anticipated big birthday party for the GlamorGirl. It should be a lot of fun. There are about 12 kids coming and we just got the cake and it's fantastic! I will hopefully be putting pictures on here some time within the next few days...depending on how tired I am after tonights event. I'm actually getting tired just thinking about it. I should got put Red down for a nap and try and get one myself!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I woke up this morning to a dozen roses and a card from the hubby. It was such a sweet thought but I wasn't able to get to close because of the smell...just one little annoying thing about being pregnant. But they were beautiful. Then around 10am I went to school to help out in the kids classes for their parties, I wasn't feeling up to going right at 8:30. They got so much candy and they each got a heart shaped balloon from Jeff and I delivered to their class. The rest of the day has been normal minus homework because they didn't have any today. I hope everyone is having a great Valentine's today!

SNOW DAY!

We woke up this morning and school was canceled. It was wonderful except that J had already got the kids up, dressed and to school when he realized it was called off for the day! We have had a pretty lazy day around here. In fact GG is in her pj's, she put them on as soon as they came back this morning. We have played games, did valentines cards, watched movies, played PS2 games and danced.

I am so excited! I finally figured out how to get my archives back on my main page!!! I just had to sit down and really search the *help center* and it only took about 20 minutes. So I am happy with that outcome. Then I realized that I have 4 years worth of blogging...wow it doesn't seem that long but it has been :) I'm off to go enjoy the company of my warm little kids!

Randomness...

Saturday GlamorGirl went out with my parents they took her to Rainforest Cafe to eat lunch and she really enjoyed it. Then they went shopping and this is what she came back with...


It is a Princess wig. She looks so funny in it because she should not be a blond, but she really likes it! I even tried it on but took it off before anyone could take a picture :) Then GG and I went to her friends bowling party and we had a fun time. Yesterday after church we hung out with some friends. We went out to eat for lunch then went back to their house to chill. The kids had a blast and so did us adults. We didn't get home until 6:15 so it was a long day!

The kids have gymnastics and then it is back to the regularly scheduled programming around here. Ok one more random thing...we got our taxes done! Yay, bring on the refund check...you got to love kids.

Saturday...I love 'em

This morning my dad and step mom came over to take GG out for her birthday time with them. Before they left they had brought gifts for all of us from Costa Rica. Very cool. I got an XL t-shirt, so that I can grow into it! I think it will still be too big, at least I hope it is. The kids and J each got a shirt, too. I wash our clothes before we wear them so I went to look at the instructions and they are in Spanish. I guess that is what you get for buying clothing in another country! I am guessing that they say pretty much what all of our clothes say in English. The rest of our day is going to be pretty busy. After GG gets home she has a bowling birthday party to go to! Yesterday Monkey got to have a friend over to help the sting of GlamorGirl getting to do everything today. He seems pretty ok with everything right now.

As for me. My official due date is September 20st. Which makes me 8 weeks and boy do I feel the morning sickness. Like I had mentioned earlier I have had a miscarriage so I am still concerned with the growth of the baby. It is almost ridiculous sometimes every little pull or pain I get scared. This could possibly be because I have had some bleeding and two ultrasounds already. We have tons of people praying for this little baby so that is comforting.

Wordless Wednesday

The *New* Big Brother in Training!

We're Pregnant!!!

What's been happening...

Well I think it is finally time to update this blog! Saturday and Sunday I was knocked off my feet with a really bad flu that didn't allow me to eat anything and if I did it came up almost as soon as it went in. Not cool. I totally hate throwing up. I have such great support from my family and friends it is so comforting. They totally took care of me and the kids! Actually right now Aunty Becky has the kids at gymnastics because I didn't know if I would be up to being out that long. I am still pretty weak from the violent throwing up that occurred.

On to a happy note...remember I said that kids didn't have school on Friday?! Well J took the day off and we took the kids to the Children's Museum. It was a great time. When we got there the first floor was closed due to the fact that they were getting a new exhibit called The Blue Man Group making waves. The media was there and the Blue Man Group actually preformed. We got to see it and it was really cool. I guess we came on a good day except for the fact that we didn't get to go into the new exhibit, it opened on Saturday for the public. At one point in the show one of the Blue men came walking up the stairs where we were sitting and GlamorGirl squeezed my arm and Monkey moved really close to me. It was funny. After that was over we walked around to the different rooms and after lunch we went into a room that had a photographer for a newspaper. We were the only people in the room and so he was taking our pictures and J signed a release form to use any pictures they wanted in their brochure. So we might be in the Children's Museum's new brochure...they will contact us if the use any of the pictures. It was a really fun day. Well I am starting to get tired so I am going to go lay down, got to take advantage of the fact the baby is sleeping and the other two are out of the house. Quietness = priceless

Our Friday.

I know that today isn't Friday but to us it is because the kids don't have school tomorrow. It is mid-semester break. Anyways, GG comes home from school and starts telling us what happened in Bible class. Oh by the way she did apologize to her friend and all is right in the world! I guess they go around the room and each take turns saying the Bible verse of the week. This is the conversation we have at lunch.

GG: I always say my verse first because, you know, my last name starts with the letter A. And we go in alphabetical order.
Dad: Really because my last name starts with A, too.
Giggles from the GlamorGirl
Me: That's funny because my name does too!
GG: Well I said my verse but I didn't have the right page in my folder so I didn't say the right reference number.
Dad: What was your verse?
GG: Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart.
Monkey: Hey that was my verse too. Psalms 111:1
GG: That's the part I didn't get right.

We had other conversations about there day like Monkey's teacher's birthday was today and J asked him to guess her age. She is a grandma of 3 but he thought she looked 25 :) Of course, I called her on her lunch break to tell her and she loved it. She really doesn't look old at all...very hip dresser and her face is young looking too.

The last funny thing of the day was right after the kids got home from Awana Clubs, they were getting ready for bed which Red wanted to do the same. (Monkey See Monkey Do type thing) So I undressed him and went to get a new diaper but before I got back he had pulled his diaper half way down and EVERYTHING was hanging out. The older two laughed uncontrollably so he thought he was super funny. I'm thinking "great all this kid needs is to think that getting naked is funny." Well I'm off to bed.

Drama Queen

I usually don't like using that term to describe GlamroGirl but she won that title today. Last night I got her birthday invitations address to the different kids in her class she wanted to invite. She sat down with me and made a list about 3 weeks ago. Well she comes running out of her class with tears in her eyes. "I didn't want to invite Christopher. I only wanted to invite girls." Then her friend Jacob comes up to her with the invitation that was placed inside his homework folder and says, "I thought you said I wasn't invited to your party." AT this point I am starting to get uneasy because the hallway was crowded and the little boys mom was standing right there and GG says, "Why does Jacob have an invitation...I DON'T WANT BOYS AT MY PARTY!" Now tears are falling from her eyes. Other moms watching this whole thing go down are laughing at the drama that is GLAMORGIRL! I was very upset with the fact that she was telling kids in her class they weren't invited. Not everyone did get invited but to be so mean like that is not something she has done before. We had a nice LONG talk with her about how she acted and then I proceeded to show her the guest list with both of the boys names on it and she was fine. I don't understand what was going on in that little head of her that she had such a melt down. But ever since we have gotten home she has been fine.

Well I didn't update last night because I was busy with Red and his grape colored puke flying everywhere. I can't remember the last time Red was sick and throwing up. Poor little guy just wanted to be cuddled. Which, of course, lead to me being covered in it...that's the price of motherhood...to be clean or covered in toddler puke?!?! On a happy and more exciting note, I finally have a garbage disposal. J put it in yesterday and he did a great job! Bring on the table scraps...

Blogger and other stuff

So I finally made the switch to the NEW blogger. I don't really know if I like it because it doesn't have any of my archives. Maybe I have to do something to make them visible. I'll have to fiddle with it.

For the most part I am a pretty private person especially when it comes to my feels and emotions...at least on my blog I am. Well a friend of my just lost her baby yesterday (she is another blogger) and then another friend lost her baby today. It just opened the scar in my life of when I lost a baby at 9 1/2 weeks. All the feelings and emotions of that loss came flooding back to me. The scenes of the ER and everything else that happened. My heart is breaking for both of these women. But now my baby has friends to play with in heaven. So that is where my head has been at and why I didn't updated yesterday. So please pray for these women who I am not going to name...but they need comfort and healing that can only come from our Father in Heaven.

Surprise!

This morning we got up and had the kids get "ready" for school. Then we got in the van and clearly were not heading towards school. So we told them we had a few errands to run before we took them. We got to our destination and walked into the building and then to our seats. GlamorGirl was wide eyed and looking all around asking, "Where are we? What are we doing?" When we got to our seats we told her, "Do you see the ice down there? Well the Princesses are going to be ice skating on it." She was so excited. For the last few weeks Disney Princesses on Ice has been advertised on the local kids channel and she really wanted to see it. The best part was that we had already bought the tickets for her birthday present. I think it was the best surprise she has ever gotten...at least her faced said it was! Monkey and Red enjoyed the show as well. It was a great family time and it just brought back the memory of going to Disney and seeing all those characters.

The rest of the day was pretty normal. Except that when we got home from the show our friend from church (an electrician) had put lights in the living room and a switch in the kitchen for the garbage disposal. That was great excitement for me...one step closer to getting my Christmas present from last year put in the kitchen.

Tonight we had girls night out. My friend came over and we took the kids to the sitter then headed to our other friends house. I ate so much food tonight I thought I was going to be sick. It was a great time hanging out and just laughing with those women. I talk to some of them on the phone at least once a week but getting to hang out is just so much better! We didn't get home until almost 11pm which is extremely late for the kids and myself. But I knew I probably won't be able to sleep if I didn't get all of these things out of my head and on to my blog.

Wordless Wednesday

His shirt says, "I do all my own stunts"

I'm Back!

I have been flying under the radar for the last few days. I was just sitting here thinking how nice it is for my dad and step mom to be able to take a 2 week trip to Costa Rica. Now don't forget that they just took us to Disney world in November and paid for all 13 of our family members to go for my dad's 50th birthday. Well it is Roberta's turn because she has her birthday this month.

I'm a little bummed/stressed about this weekend. Friday my small group is getting together at our friends house and I can't find a sitter. I really want to go and she really wants everyone to be there it actually got changed from Saturday to Friday because one of the girls couldn't go. But Friday is even worse for me, now that I am trying to find a babysitter. I don't want to be stressed about it because I want to go there and have a relaxing time.

The Dentist

Yeah so we went to the dentist and I forgot to mention it because the rest of the day yesterday was so much fun...you know with the hair cut and Chuck E. Anyways, the two older kids and I had our teeth cleaned yesterday after school. J got done in the morning because his appointment was longer because of x-rays needed. Well Monkey got his teeth cleaned first so GlamorGirl sat in the room with me while I got mine cleaned. She was talking up a storm to the dentist. Which was kind of nice because with his hands in my mouth I really wasn't able to carry on a conversation. At one point when his hands did come out of my mouth I commented on how *the girl* is really shy. He says, "Maybe one day she will come out of her shell and actually talk." It is so true the girl is way too comfortable around strangers. Well then the kids switched because my teeth take longer. Monkey sat in the seat and continued on the way GG was talking with the dentist. I guess it was because I was in the room...at least that is what I am telling myself!

Well we had a great day today. We went to a 5 year old birthday party. We have been friends with this family for about 4 years now. We met them where we went to college and now they live about an hour away so we get together with them about once a month. They have two girls one 6 months older then the Monkey and the other is about 6 months older then Red. Our running joke and I really hope it happens is that since they will be in the same grade that one day their girls will marry our boys. We can always hope.

I got a hair cut!

I realized I hadn't gotten my hair cut since May and it *really* needed it big time. So my friend met me at the place and she watched the kids for the 45 minutes it took for me to get the shampoo, cut, blow dry and style. I love the feeling after getting your hair done. Too bad my husband went snowboarding he hasn't even seen me yet.

For dinner to night we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate GG's birthday with my side of the family. We were going to order pizza in but she really wanted to go there. The kids played games and we ate, had cupcakes I had made and brought with and then she opened her presents. She got a really cute sign for her room that says "Princess Parkway", she got a precious moments figure (she gets one from her Aunt Becky every year) with a little girl on a bike with the number 6, and she got a card from my dad and inside was a coupon for a day out with grandma and grandpa. It was really cute. I asked her what she got in the card and she says, "I got a gift certificate." I asked her, "What kind of gift certificate." Her reply, "I get a day to spend grandma and grandpa's money!" We all got a good laugh from that one and my dad says well I guess she is right. She has my dad wrapped around her little finger just like I did when I was little. It's really funny to watch...he has trained her good...she knows to ask him for money :) Well it is my bedtime so goodnight.

Ah The Birthday Girl!

The day started with GG coming into our room and us telling her Happy Birthday! She was so excited because there were streamers hanging on her door with balloons (a birthday tradition) and cards hanging on her door. She went to get the cards and then snuggled right in the middle of J and I to open them. Then it was get ready for school. Today she had her picture re-takes for the graduation pictures, I really hope they turn out good. Then after school we went for her birthday lunch at a Hotdog place she really likes. Then home to open her present. Once all of that was done it was normal day with homework and stuff. She got at least 6 phone calls and one of her friends stopped by to give her a present. I think she had a great day. At one point in the night the phone rang and she looks at me and says, "Is it for me?" She is definitely loved. And I still can't believe that these 6 years have gone by so fast! What a blessing she has been in her daddy and I's lives.

Thank you Lord for giving us this precious little girl to care for and love. She truly is a blessing and gift from You. Help us to raise her in your truth and love. Amen

Wipe OUT...

So this morning I took the kids to school because J had guitar lessons which meant I had all three. Well when we got home the garbage truck pulled up to our house to take the garbage...so as I was walking to the house holding Red (who weighs in at 29lbs) I was talking to him about the garbage going in the big truck and so on. I was at the end of the driveway about to turn onto the sidewalk when I go down. Yeah I wiped out holding Red, but I must admit I did it pretty gracefully. Red stayed in my arms the whole time as I cracked my knee on the ground along with the hand that wasn't wrapped around the baby man. I look up and the man says to me, "I've done that a few times today." That was pretty embarrassing, not to mention that my knee still hurts but I am so thankful that we didn't get hurt worse. Thank you Lord! I was a bit shaken by the fact that I could of dropped Red...he is HEAVY!

Right now I am listening to Superchicks the song "We Live" is on now and the kids are dancing. I must say that CD was a great buy. Tomorrow is a great day in our house...GlamorGirl is turning 6 years old. She still hasn't chose her lunch choice for tomorrow it goes between two places. She already has that indecisive gene at work in her :)

So not cool...

Yesterday I had my phone on vibrate, which it tends to be on quite often because of sleeping babies and when I went to make a call I noticed I had 3 voicemails. I don't like the term "panic attack" but that is the best way I can describe the way I felt when I listened to the message that said...

This message is for (My Name) and I am calling with (Credit Card Company). It appears that there has been some fraudulent activity on your card. If you could please give us a call at (the number) we are here 24 hours 7 days a week.

My reaction...almost too fast for hubby to understand. "The credit card company just called and said they think there has been fraudulent activity on our card and I went to the online banking and it won't let me pull up the account to see what is going on with it." Sweet hubby, "Ok calm down give me the number and I will call." 5 minutes later. He calls back to tell me that he activated he *new* card with his cell phone and that sends the credit card company a red flag. That actually makes me feel good that for one, no one was using our card and two, that they called and temporarily froze the account. That identity stuff really freaks me out.

Then my second freak out...my friend Amy and I took the kids to the library. I went to pull the van around and when I came back in, Red was gone. We searched *everywhere* and yelled his name. Yeah in a library we were yelling his name! Which I think made him become panicked because he was in the elevator and Amy said he was screaming right before she opened the door and when it opened his little face was right there. The librarian said that little kids run to the elevator all the time while their parents are checking out, they walk in while the doors are open then they close and the kids are stuck. Apparently our screaming his name and looking frantically made her aware that a kid was missing. I didn't even think to tell anyone that worked there that he was missing. I went in the "I must find my baby fast" mode. I am just happy today is over :)

A little confused!

We are watching the Bears game and GlamorGirl says, "Do we cheer for the Bears or the White Sox?" Sorry Joe, my dad is a *huge* White Sox fan and she sees him more. We explain to her they are two different sports and we cheer for both, plus the Cubs! Then Monkey says, "He shoots...he scores." Um sorry buddy wrong sport, but nice try. They are too funny sometimes.

So Red has moved to a Big Boy at meal times, he no longer sits in a highchair. He won't even sit in one at a restaurant. There have been a few mornings I have given him something to eat at the table then went to help the other two get ready and he comes walking down the hallway. At first I was like "how did he get out of his chair?" but then I remember he isn't in one anymore. I just can't believe how fast they grow up he is almost 20 months old and he is saying 3 word sentences. His most favorite Hairy Compy bye bye. I count bye bye as one word. Which he is talking about his puppet movie Hairy and Company. I am so amazed by his communication skills just over the past few weeks and how he can relate to GG and Monkey with talking...and they understand him! I'll end because now I am just rambling :)

Birthday Blues...

That is the song that GlamorGirl was singing today. Monkey got invited to a birthday party and she didn't. She was having a rough time with not being able to go. She finally got over it and we had a great time together. Monkey got home from the party and says, "Mom I have so much stuff to tell you, I can't stop thinking about it!" Needless to say he had a ton of fun, I'm just glad that GG was sleeping by the time they got home no need pour salt in her wound. But J said that we should definitely take the kids to play someday because they have a drop in and play time.

Speaking of songs Red loves music and by loves I mean he screams "SONG! SONG!" When a song ends and the next one hasn't started yet.

Can I blow on your belly?

This is Red and I's new favorite game. I ask him that question then he hoist his shirt up to show his bare belly. I then blow on it and he laughs. After the first time I ask him again and he says No. He is still a little confused about what yes and no means. I say, "Please." then repeats "pleece" and I say "yes" then he says "esh" then I blow again. And the whole thing repeats a few more times. After about 5 blows on the belly I stop, to which Red says, "gen" which means again. So I blow some more on that cute little belly of his. Sometimes I ask if I can blow on his cheek too. Well last night Red was laying on my bed and I started playing our game and daddy came in, he totally wanted in on the action! We switched off blowing on Red's belly. When we got too tired we laid down, one of each side of him. He then puts his hands under both of our heads and pushes them to his belly screaming, "GEN! GEN!" We were laughing so hard. We of course, obliged him with a few more belly blows! He is just too funny sometimes. We actually just got home from going to the Christian bookstore the kids love it there. At one of the red lights J gave me a kiss and Red's reply was, "Ewe, ucky!" I've noticed he has started saying that anytime he says people kiss, on the Disney movies.

P.S. After I posted yesterday I learned that it is national de-lurking week, which means that people who read your blog leave you a comment so that you know they were there. So leave me a comment :)

Toys...

I am very frustrated right now with our oldest son. He brakes toys all the time, mostly his. It really isn't a big deal because they are just possessions but at the same time I want to teach him that you should take care of your things because they cost money. Well lately he has been braking toys that are his baby brother's and some Christmas presents. He just brought me Red's Buzz Lightyear that he just bit the hand off of. Now why he would have it in his mouth, I really don't know. This was a Christmas present that we got on our trip to Disney. I just want to cry because Red is sleeping and it is his favorite toy and the rule in our house is if the toy is broken it goes in the garbage. Which Monkey knows very well and has thrown away many of his favorites that he has broken. But Red is too young to really understand that his favorite toy has to go in the garbage because his brother broke it.

Moving along...J just took GlamorGirl on a date and since the house was somewhat quite with the baby sleeping I thought I would update. I don't even remember what I was going to write about before Monkey brought me the broken toy. Sorry.

Our First Picture

This picture was taken by some friends of Jeff, at the time, (now friends of both of us) a few days after we met, ten and a half years ago. Neither one of us remember them taking this picture but we sure think it is pretty funny. Don't we look young?

And look what 10 years plus gets you! Our family now :)

Nursing

I have been trying to get Red to wean his nursing to once a day for awhile now. He usually nurses 2 to 3 times a day. I am getting some resistance from him. Any time I sit he comes up to me and says, "Nurse side. Nurse side." Then points to the side he wants to nurse on. Sometimes I can distract him but lately I haven't been able to...I think he is getting a new tooth. I totally don't mind the extended nursing but he is a big wiggly kid!

Snipet

After dinner we were in the living room and Monkey was brushing my hair (I know I'm addicted) and he says, "Mom you are my favorite person in the whole world...boy or girl. Because you are prefect. You're not fat or skinny. I love you."

Well I'm glad he doesn't think I'm fat! I'm happy he *thinks* I'm prefect. But above all else I'm just glad he loves me, because I'm really not prefect.

Comical

That is what the kids have been today. First Red ran an errand with me to the bank and was being a goof. Then I picked the kids up from school and they asked what was for lunch and this is my reply..."Pork chops with cottage cheese, strawberries, vanilla yogurt, guacamole and chips." They scream with delight! "That sounds YUMMY." It was just funny to me because it is always..."I don't like this or I don't like that" whenever we sit down to eat. After lunch J left earlier so he could shower at the department. We will have our shower tomorrow! The kids were great with doing their homework that we even got to play a game while Red slept. Then they colored we watched a little television together. Ok, I admit it I was only there so the kids could play with my hair. I love that feeling and thank goodness GG loves to play with hair. A match made in HEAVEN. The kids are at Awana Club and I am catching up on some things that didn't get done while they were at school. That's about all that happened today but I want to leave with these verses...

Psalms 121: 1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

I just love knowing my help comes from the Lord who created the heavens and the earth. Very powerful.

Life

The kids had their second day of school today and I really miss them when they are gone. But I haven't missed doing their homework with them! Our bathroom is almost finished. We have to wait for the grout to dry then it has to be cocked then more waiting for that to dry. Once that is dry we can use our new shower. We are going to seal it on Sunday and then all we have to wait for is spring to pain. I told J that the glue smell was too strong and I wanted to wait until we could open the windows to do the paining, but we picked out the color. No need for our family to be high from the paint fumes :)

As for the rest of the day we are waiting for J to get back from court then we are going to do our errands and go to the school's basketball game. I think the kids are going to wear their new school shirts!!! But right now they are making crafts at the table while Red is sleeping. I do need to do their Awana stuff with them sometime today...

Happy New Year!

I haven't been on here in awhile...busy busy busy we have been. I can't believe the kids have school tomorrow. They been off for 2 1/2 weeks and it has been great getting to sleep in and just hang out and do fun things as a family. Tomorrow it is back to the daily grind of school, homework, gymnastics and so on. Today we usually go over to our friends house for a day of games, puzzles, and tons of food and fun. But their grandma is in the hospital so it got canceled. So instead J and his dad are re-modeling our bathroom. I am so excited to see the finished product. I wish I would of taken a picture of the before but they have already ripped out the plastic insert and taken off one of the walls.

Yesterday J had to work so my friend Amy and I took the kids out for some fun New Years Eve activities! First we went to Wendy's and got 9 frosties, I had gotten some coupon from my mom-in-law at church that expired that day! It worked out good because Red got one and the rest of us each got two...they were only 6oz! They have vanilla flavor now so I tried it and I must say it was pretty good. Then we went to Chuck E Cheese! Once again we had coupons! We were there for 4 hours. We played for about an hour then ordered pizza and we left there with over 600 tickets! And GG got a free bag of cotton candy, which she decided she doesn't like the taste of it. The kids had a blast and it was a lot of fun for us adults too :) We have another coupon that doesn't expire until February so I think GG might be going there for her birthday lunch!!! I can't believe she is going to be 6 in a matter of 16 days. But I saved the tickets so when we go back we can get more and maybe get nice prizes instead of the cheapo ones. After we left we met J to tell him Happy New Years before the kids went to bed. The kids went to bed right away when we got home and Amy and I watched Pay It Forward then J was home at 11pm and Amy left then we snuggled in bed until the New Year and we kissed! Exciting isn't it?!?!?!

A new twist to the Nativity Story...

I found this story online and thought it was too funny not to share! Click here :)

It's funny isn't it?!?! I'll update more from the funny farm tomorrow.

Christmas Memories

This Christmas will forever be remembered as the Christmas that mommy burnt her wrist and foot in one foul swoop, while making dinner. I'm not quite sure how it happened but the pot of hot water slipped off the stove and onto me. I began yelling and stripping the wet hot clothes off of me. J came running to my aid and all the motherly instinct in me yelled, "I'm FINE, Don't let the kids go in the hot water!" It hurts to type so I don't know how much I will be able to write about...I'll probably take a break and come back.

Ok, I took a break and I am going to one hand type now. This morning the kids got up around 8am and didn't ask to watch tv like last year! They came and woke me up because J was already awake he couldn't sleep from excitement. We opened our stockings and then made breakfast. We read Luke chapter 2 in the Bible, it is the story of Jesus' birth. Then we opened the rest of the presents. GlamorGirl and Monkey loved their gifts and they tore through them in a matter of 10 minutes. Red on the other hand was not wanting to open presents but rather play with the one he just opened especially if it was a book. He would take it turn himself around and plop down in my lap. I had to keep him motivated or we would never of gotten done. After the kids opened their presents J and I opened ours while they played. J did a fantastic job this year in the gift department. I got a Chris Tomlin CD, matching gloves, hat, scarf, and ear warmer, an Anne Geddes calendar, a circle brush (the only gift I asked for), a white shirt to layer my clothes with, and 5 new pairs of pants...and they all fit!!! It was cute the way he did it too because on each present there was a little saying like for the calendar it said, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." The matching hat and gloves set said, "Baby it's cold outside." And to make it even better is that most of the says were inside jokes between the two of us so thoughtful and sweet.

The kids gifts were pretty boring this year, from us anyways. Mostly summer clothes and a few toys. Their main gift was a little tikes picnic table that seats 8 kids. They are never hurting for gifts at Christmas...thanks to grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles!

To finish the day off after dinner we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and ate the cake we made last night. We had a really fun day playing with the kids and their new toys and games.

Try Again!

Well I have been told by a few people that the movies I had on my blog weren't working so while my brother-in-law is in town I had him help me with it...he is really good at computer stuff! So I am going to try to show you those videos AGAIN! I also added one of Red singing Jesus loves me with J. And hopefully soon I will have a video of Joe, Virginia and Isaac's visit to our house.

This is the kids Christmas Spirit coming through...


This is the story of the candy cane told by GlamorGirl and Monkey with me asking questions so they don't talk over each other!


Red and J singing as I hide :) But he caught me!

Family and Friends

This morning J left the house at 9am and at noon he still wasn't back and I was worried I wouldn't get to see him before he had to go to work at 2pm. Well he got home shortly after those thoughts and then his brother Joe, Virginia and Isaac showed up. J called work and asked for a few hours off and he got them! Then two more friends came over and our house was full and fun. The kids were loving the "party" as they called it. Then my dad and Roberta came over and a few people left. We ordered pizza and hung out with my parents and Amy until about 7pm when my parents left for the movies then Monica came over and it was Amy, Monica and me with the kids. We put the kids to bed at 9pm...way too late considering what we have going on tomorrow but hey it's Christmas break! Monica just left and I'm alone with the sleeping babes. I'm going to go to bed so that I am ready for some more family and friends tomorrow!!! Sorry it is a boring update but I am EXTREMELY tired.

Oh one more thing...Red has learned a new trick/skill however you might not want to know about it! He can burp on command...yes I said BURP. It is too funny and so incredibly cute!

Lovin' Christmas Break

The kids and I have been keeping busy doing some fun stuff! After the weekends activities I thought it would settle down a bit but it didn't really happen. Tuesday Amy came over and we walked to the Library and were there for about 2 hours then we walked back home. We had homemade pizza and popcorn for dinner and the kids watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that we checked out. While they were occupied I finished wrapping their presents and Amy kept me company...she mainly just laughed at me while I wrapped.

Today was real busy we changed our shopping day to Wednesday so that is what we did this morning. After lunch I got the kids ready and we met Amy at the pool to swim. After swimming we grabbed a bite at BK then headed home around 6:15...by 6:45 both Monkey and Red were sleeping in the van. I carried them both into the house and only Red stayed asleep. But Monkey took off his coat and shoes and went right back to sleep. I was glad because cat naps are the worst late at night.

Tomorrow the plan is to make cookies and Jesus' Birthday cake. Of course, Amy is planning on coming over for the fun and also my friend Monica is hopefully going to join us, she has the day off. I think the kids are having so much fun they won't want to go back to school!!!!

7 years later...

Well today is actually our anniversary. I forgot to mention that J bought me a new ring, too. It was sent away so I forgot about it when I posted last, oops! My friend came over today because she is off of work so J and I could go out for lunch just the two of us. It was a nice time. Before she came over we took the kids over to Lowe's and looked for tiles for our bathroom. We ended up leaving there with nothing we went looking for but we still needed. I can't wait for J and his dad to re-do our bathroom. I liked our bathroom when we moved in but since the handle to the tub broke off we have had to use a pliers to turn the water on and off. I know it has been over a month since that happened but we were deciding if we wanted to put tile on the walls and we have finally decided to do it. Oh the joys of owning a home :) We have so many things we want to do to this house...all small but definite improvements. I love talking about all of that with J and then seeing it happen. Well I'm going to go enjoy the rest of my anniversary with the kids. J already left for work!

Couldn't Wait!

J and I will celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary on Monday but we gave each other our presents last night. He gave me a precious moments ornament and 7 beautiful blue roses with glitter on them. I was in awe when I saw them they were so pretty. I got him something I don't wish to share with the public!

I am starting to feel better which is good but our next few days are extremely busy. Tonight the kids have their Awana Christmas Program. Tomorrow is their Christmas parties at school. Saturday is J's department Christmas party and then Sunday morning is the kids Sunday School Christmas Program. I have been working with Red on his song "Away in the Manager" with motions and his line "little baby Jesus" and he does both really well so I hope he doesn't get stage fright. But I will be up there with him so hopefully that will help! The motions to the song are so sweet and he does them so adorable. They are suppose to lay their head on their hands to the side and he puts one hand on each side of his face instead.

I'm SICK :P

I hate being sick and especially when throwing up is involved. My sweet husband took the day off to help with the kids which I greatly appreciated. I got on here because I didn't want to forget what Red did yesterday at lunch. We went out to eat with grandma and some friends from playgroup. When his plate was empty he held both sides of the plate and pretended to drive it like a car, complete with "beep beep" sounds a car makes. It was really cute and it entertained him so well!

I'm back...

These last few days have been a bit busy! Yesterday after church J and I met with our couples small group that meets once a month and we were there for over 3 hours. We are both really happy about the group we are in and are excited to get to know some of the people better. Then we went to the Choir's Christmas Program at night. My favorite part of the whole night was when they had all of us sing and GG was standing next to me singing into my ear, with her sweet voice, all the words to the songs. I was actually a little shocked she knew a couple of the songs. We sang...Joy to the World, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Hark! and The Herald Angels Sing. It was a good time of praise and worship songs.

Today the older kids had their last day of gymnastics which is a performance. This is the first one Monkey got to be in because he was usually just watching GG. They did really well and had a great time showing us all they have learned. GG is doing cartwheels better and better all the time.

On a Red note...I just have to share how funny I think it is when he says the word cartoon. He says, car-coon! He is saying so many words it is amazing and getting so big too! He is mainly in 2T clothing and he is almost 19 months...big boy.

Go Elf Yourself!

We had way too much fun with this website! See Red,Monkey, and GlamorGirl. I found this off of someone else's blog and I thought it was too funny not to try and the kids enjoyed doing this!

Banks

I love it when they make a mistake in your favor! Our Mortgage company has been taking more money for our Escrow account then they needed and they sent us a nice reimbursement check today. I was going to turn around and put all of that money towards our principle but our car insurance is due in a week so I'll use it for that instead. That's not even it! They lowered our monthly payment because of their mistake :)

This morning I learned that Red has watched too much television. Every morning he watches Curious George, on the public station, while I take my shower. This morning I sat with him for a few minutes and the station says, "This program was funded in part by...viewers like you. Thank you." Well as soon as the guy said "viewers like you" Red says, "Thank you" I looked at him then at the t.v. which said "Thank you" on the screen. That is when I realized he has watched just a little too much of the boob tube. I do like that 30 minutes of getting ready uninterrupted, though.

The Nativity

J and I did something that is a bit out of character for us today. We took the kids to a PG rated movie at the theater. Of course, before we went we read the reviews and talked to people we knew and trusted about the movie. There was only 4 other people at the movie so it was nice to not be in a crowded theater, it was the 2:30 showing. The kids were cute too. The older two randomly would talk out loud about what was going on in the movie. For instance, when the angle came to Mary to tell her she was going to conceive a baby by the Holy Spirit. The kids say, "That's an angel!", "That is John the Baptize", "The three wisemen" and my favorite "Look there's baby Jesus." Red on the other hand screamed "NEIGH" whenever he say a horse or donkey. I would tell him, "Yes that's a horse." Then he would try to say Horse, very cute. There was also a boat scene that he yelled out "BOAT" he did very well at the movies, I was impressed :)

practice run...

After GG's bath I tried to put some make-up on her eye to cover it up. It was so hard because it is bruised and hurt her to put any form of pressure on it. Can you tell she has make-up on?

Graduation Pictures!

GlamorGirl is having her picture taken tomorrow for graduation. She got her cap and gown today at school. This would be cool except that she woke up this morning with purple under her eye now! It just keeps getting worse looking. She is going to need some serious make-up. I just found out they don't do re-takes either...bummer. Well I guess we are going to practice tonight hiding it with make-up so we'll have an idea of how she will look tomorrow. Today when I picked the kids up we went to the cafeteria and GG got her picture taken with Lexi (a sophomore) who was also in a sledding accident. They both got hurt on/near their eye. They did a gangsta picture and then a sad picture, but GG kept laughing! Pictures were as cute as they could be with two banged up people!!!

Oh in other news...J and I got the kids their big gift today and we saved $20 we were so excited or at least I was :) We bought them an outside picnic table that holds 8 kids! This summer should be fun, once J gets the ground leveled behind the garage our neighbors are giving us their swing set. I am also working on J with getting a fence put back up but he likes the openness of our yard right now. We'll see what the summer will bring.

Story of the Candy Cane

I was going to write out the story as told to me by GlamorGirl but I thought she can tell you with the help of Monkey! So I ended up asking them questions because the first time I tried recorded them they were talking over each other and you couldn't really understand what they were trying to say. Enjoy!

Christmas Spirit

I have been trying to get this video on my page for a few days! We had fun making it and now that I know how to do this you might be seeing some more :)

My Poor Baby Girl

Her eye is so blue, purple and reddish in color. I know it has to look worse before it gets better but I don't know if I am going to be able to handle seeing her like that. She has been such a good support through it all. She did break my heart this afternoon when she asked, "Why did God let me get hurt so bad?" But it was a good time to talk to her about trials/troubles and hard times and how God uses them to teach us something or show God's love through them to other people. The man who had kicked her apologized about a million times and she looked at him and said, "I forgive you." He was so thankful to her for saying that so I simply told her that maybe God used her getting hurt to show that man God's love through her words of forgiveness. That helped her put everything into perspective, she can be used to the glory of God even at age 5. I love that little girl that is for sure!

Wild Crazy Sledding!

This morning we got up and decided that we should go sledding on the big sled hill by our house. Yesterday we got some boots for Red from a friend and they fit! After the kids came in the house yesterday after playing we realized that the snowsuit that Monkey was wearing was a little small on him. So now it is Red's and it fits pretty good...it's a little big but totally doable. Here is the little stud...

We had new snowsuits in the closet so we got them out for today. Then we bundled everyone up to the point of almost no mobility :) We had so much fun and I totally recommend taking your kids sledding! Even as young as 18 months...Red had a blast and didn't want to leave. But we had to leave because GlamorGirl got kicked in the head and had a big knot on her head. It was a complete accident and the man felt really bad but we had already been there for over an hour so it was time. When we got home we assessed the kids clothing for warmth and noticed that Red needs some better gloves/mittens his hands were cold, his feet warm hands not so much. Everyone else's hands and feet were warm and toasty...even mine! I hate being cold. J told me before we left that I had too many layers on and that I was going to get too hot. I told him I would rather be hot then cold. I had two pairs of socks, sweat pants, leg warmers, a pair of my wind breaker pants, on top of that a pair of J's wind breakers(so that I didn't get wet), a cami, long sleeve t-shirt, short sleeve t-shirt, my coat, two pairs of gloves, ear wrap and a hat on top of them and my boots. I was very warmly dressed and loved it. It made my sledding experience way better then when I was a kid and was freezing. At least I know how to dress my kids so they have a great winter experience. Here is GG's head.

On a side note: We had a wonderful time at the wedding last night, we actually got home in the AM! We knew almost everyone there because it was a church wedding! I would say maybe out of the 200 guests we knew 125-150 of them. And our table was fun too!

Here are some pictures I took of the kids playing in the snow yesterday with some of our neighborhood kids. They made a snowman! I took the pictures through the window so there are a few drops of snow on the outside of the window. I know lazy...I should of bundled up and went outside to take them but I didn't want to leave Red in the house by himself or take him out with me.

God is in CONTROL...

I know this but I need to be reminded of it sometimes. And this was one of those times. J and I are going to a wedding tonight (Lord willing) our normal sitter does stats for the basketball team which was scheduled to have a tournament this weekend starting tonight. So I asked another friend on Tuesday if she could watch the kids and she told me last night she didn't think she would be able to because of other things she had going on this weekend. So I called a few more people and since it was short notice everyone of them had plans. I was really worried/nervous about it last night before I went to bed. We responded to come to the wedding and they have already paid for us to be there. I feel real chumpy ditching so I really want to find a sitter. This morning we woke up and school was canceled so I was excited because I thought if school is canceled so is the game tonight. We got a message from the school saying that the game was still on for tonight. I was bummed. J looked at me and said, "Don't worry God is in control and if we are suppose to go to the wedding tonight we will get there." Not even two seconds later the phone rang and it was the school again and they canceled the game for tonight. Now I just have to call our sitter and she if she can still come over tonight, but the chances are good because the game she had to work is canceled.

The kids are outside playing in the snow while J plows our driveway and our 76 year old neighbors. He piles our snow on the side of the driveway that is next to our neighbors then he piles their snow towards our driveway making a huge pile of snow which he can make small sledding hills for the kids. The kids are having a blast and Red is watching them out the window. I feel bad he can't go but I don't have stuff small enough for him, don't feel it would be a good investment since he would only play for a few minutes. He will get to play in the snow next year.

GlamorGirl right before she went outside!

Monkey right before he played in the snow :)

Having fun in the snow!

I love having snow days...

Red watching from inside the warm house!!! He soo wanted to be outside.

It is SNOWING!!!

The temperature dropped so much that it went from 65 to producing snow, don't really know the exact temp today. What a shock to your system. I really only wanted to get on here to tell you about the newest Red thing. He is just so funny as are all kids, in my opinion. Anyways, whenever someone laughs...so does Red. Our babysitter laughed and then he did and it almost sounded like he was making fun of her because it wasn't a *real* laugh. Then last night I was watching King of Queens before I went to bed and we were snuggling and I actually thought he was sleeping and I quietly giggled and next thing I knew Red was giggling too. At least that time he actually sounded like he was really giggling and not making fun of me. So I waited a few minutes and giggled again...so did Red! I did this a few times just because I thought it was so cute.

School Update

Monkey came home from school today with his first reading book! So exciting. Also they each got their report cards and not to brag but they did amazing! The don't get grades but they use O for outstanding S for satisfactory and I for improvement needed. They both got a lot of O and a lot of S+ and one or two S. I was pleased with the report cards. I just can't believe I am going to have 2 readers...it's a little scary to know you can't spell words infront of two of the kids.

How do you keep a sleepy 4 year old awake in the van?

We were driving home from dinner with my dad and it was about 6:15pm and Monkey started nodding off. I kept waking him up but I was having a hard time keeping him awake. So J thought of the prefect way to wake him up and keep him up until we got home at 6:30pm. Out of the clear blue J puts his hands on his face and blows really hard making a super loud farting noise. That sure woke Monkey up! He did it again and I said, "Monkey, say excuse me." loud explosion of laughter throughout the van. Then the kids wanted to know how to make the noise themselves so we taught them on our way home. The kids even Red thought it was super funny and laughed the whole way home. I love those moments. And I'm sure their teachers appreciated their new found talent :) But hey they stayed awake and then went to sleep at the normal time so mission accomplished!

What was I thinking...

This morning I took a shower after Jeff got done. I didn't want the hot water to run out so I was rushing to get clean and I grabbed the kids soap. By the time I realized it wasn't my soap I had already put it on my loofah and didn't want to waste it so now I smell like clean baby. But I will say my skin is very soft!

Back to School they go...

The kids are back in school today and it seems so quite here. They were so excited to see their friends which is a good thing.

Yesterday we went to church and then spent the afternoon with my in-laws. In church they had some puppets so we let Red stay and watch before taking him to the nursery. He yelled "Pup-peets!" while pointing to the stage the whole time there were up there. Then when they left he repeatedly said, "Bye Bye" while waving. I had to take him out of church because he was being to loud...they didn't take the stage down so he thought they were going to come back. During the service the puppets went to Children's church where GG and Monkey were.

The puppet people "The Windles" came back for night church so we brought the kids back. They loved it. They had the kids that were in Children's Church to come up and help them with a song they taught them in the morning. GG and Monkey jumped up and when to the stage. The lady behind us was the kids' Sunday school teacher and she says while they were singing the song, "Too bad GlamorGirl isn't animated." She was cranking us up with her facial expressions, such a ham that one is. Monkey just did the motions like all the other kids! Of course, Red was in heaven seeing ALL the different pup-peets! He did get scared when one of them screamed but then he was ok once he realized they stay on the stage!

In keeping with the goofy things that GG does after I posted about her, J and I were laying in bed talking and all of a sudden we hear..."I'll just I'll I'll just...I'll just." Then J says, "You'll just what GG?" It was silent, I guess she was sleep talking:)

All about the GlamorGirl!

She has been cracking us up lately. Today we went to church and she was telling me about a game they played with the 1st and 3rd graders...she's in kindergarten. I said, "The 2nd graders didn't play?" I thought that was a bit odd that all the other grades would play except the 2nd grade. She looks at me and says, "Well actually mom all the graders played." It was just the funniest wording.

Tonight before J came home I asked GG to call him and see if he was going to eat what I made or what he had taken to work. She simply asked, "Are you coming home" ...because she told me "he was in the middle of a fight. You know, that he might have to hurt someone and kill them." So when he got home he clarified the fact that it was a fire not a fight and that he doesn't kill people. He was a little more elaborate with her about what he does at work but at her level of understanding. We both got a laugh at the fact she thought he would answer he phone while fighting with someone.

The last of the stories and I believe it is the funniest! We were at the library coming home and this is our conversation.

GG: "Mom, did you know that when dad was a little boy he had a dog just like my cousins dog, Autumn?"
Me: "GG those are not your cousins...
GG:(interrupting me) "oh yeah I mean my uncles. Well daddy had a dog like theirs and one day grandpa was mowing the grass and he left the gas can out. You know, the jug that holds the gas for the lawn mower."
Me: "Yeah"
GG: "The dog started drinking the extra gas. Guess what happened to the dog?" She was completely serious at this point, almost looking sad.
Me: "It died?"
GG: "NOOO! It started running all over the yard and doing flips and going crazy. Then all of a sudden it stopped. Do you know what happened now?"
Me: "No, GG please tell me."
GG: "It ran out of gas!" Loud burst of laughter comes from GG because she thinks she is the funny thing on the planet.
Me: "Did daddy tell you that joke?"
GG: "No mommy it wasn't a joke, it really happened to his dog!" and that is what made it all so much more funny :) And if you know her personality you know that she was quite animated the whole time while telling me this story.

Oh another one I just remembered J was looking up the lyrics to one of Michael Jackson's songs and his picture came on the computer screen. She asks, "Is that a boy or a girl daddy?" I wonder that half the time :)

The Day after Thanksgiving...

It is one of my favorite and least favorite. I'll explain but first I would like to say we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'd also like to take a minute to tell everyone what I am thankful for...

1. How much God loves me and cares about me and how he has shown me this in the last few months. I have been learning so many things about exactly who God is and his Grace and Love, it is truly amazing. I know that I didn't do anything to deserve it but he gave us the gift of salvation through his son Jesus, who died on the cross for ALL of our sins. What a GIFT that is. There is so much more I could write but I'll leave it at that for now. If you want to know more just ask. I love talking about God and what the Bible says.

2. My family. I love them so much. They are truly blessings from God. My husband is a great dad and leader in our home. My kids are a joy even in their trying times. I am just so thankful for them being in my life.

3. My friends. They have been there for me when I needed them. I just feel so completely blessed. Need I say more?!

Now back to why I love today...it is the day we put out the Christmas decorations and put up the Christmas tree. We play Christmas music and I just love the feeling of togetherness when we work together as a family. Then we played some games which is becoming a tradition after putting up the tree. Even though we play games all the time anyway!

My least favorite part...you can't leave the house because it is crazy busy everywhere you go. I set up a playdate for the kids today at a playplace at the Mall. This Mall wasn't too bad actually but it was still pretty busy. Traffic is horrible though. We had a great time playing with our friends and it was nice for the kids especially since they haven't been in school for a week now. They were needing some friend time! That is all I have to say so I'll leave you with some pictures of today and decorating the tree.

Our Day

This morning we got up and went bowling with the kids. The last time we went we got 4 free games so we used them today. To bad the shoes weren't free! We have been talking about getting some shoes for J and I so that when we want to go we don't spend so much money. When we got home J had the kids outside doing leaves and hanging the lights around the house. I went to go get my massage...and now I am sore, but at least I'm not tight! It felt very good and was very needed. After lunch and J let the kids play while Red took his nap and I did a few more pages of the scrapbook. I really want to get it done so that we can show people the pictures of our vacation, without getting smudges all over the pictures. When Red got up we went to the library for about an hour and a half. Came home kids watched tv while I did some more scrapbooking and then we ate dinner and my friend Amy came over. She helped me get some better pictures of Red for his 18 month shots. These are the ones that I really like...



Then we put the kids to bed and hung out talking. She hasn't come over in such a long time that we talked until 9:40, we were both yawning so bad that she left so she could go home and to bed. She is coming with us tomorrow to my dad's for Thanksgiving so that should be fun. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Makes me want to SCREAM!

This is a major vent from today and I am not in a good mood so sorry if this offends.

Today we took the kids to this placed like is like a glorified McDonalds playland. It is a huge with a carousel and the kids love going there. Every time I go I tell myself I will not go back there again. I get so frustrated. Well I went back today with the same feelings...I'm never going back there again. J tells me I need to be more outspoken and in these moms faces about what is going on but that is just not my personality. Needless to say, Monkey had a really good life lesson today. He was building a castle with another little girl and I was gone for a minute and when I got back he was yelling at these two kids, "PLEASE Stop recking my castle. Stop I was making something." I stepped in and asked what was wrong and he burst into tears. I asked what happened and he told me those kids ruined the castle that he was making. Which when I walked in I saw them kicking at it. As soon as I got there the kids stopped and left, even though their mothers where standing right there. That's the part that bugs me. I told Monkey I would help him make another castle and we played and I ended up making a big pile of the soft blocks and threw him into them. As we were playing one of the "mean" I should really say unsupervised kids threw a ball and starts screaming for someone to get it for him. Monkey ran over and got it. I was thinking what a good kid he is going to be nice even though they weren't nice to him. I was wrong. He just held on to the ball. So the other kid that was part of the destruction of Monkey's castle comes over to him and tries to get the ball from him. She was jumping on him and swatting at the ball. I call him over to me again and ask him if he is holding the ball because they were mean to him. Of course, he says yes. That is such human nature (revenge) but I asked him if that would be what God would want him to do. He said, no. Then I asked him what he thinks the right thing to do would be. He said go give the ball to him. I said yes and you know what you don't even have to say anything but hand it to him. He gave it to him. That was a small trial for Monkey but he learned a huge lesson. We have a choice to be nice or mean. About 20 minutes later these same moms still weren't paying attention and one of their kids hit Red. Well my protective daughter GlamorGirl was standing right there and told the kid not to hit Red so he started hitting her. She pulled Red out of that situation and came right to me. I was there watching and it happened so fast that GG took care of it before I could get there. The mom noticed what was going on...how could you not when two kids are crying pointing at your child saying they hit them. She made her son apologize then put him in time out. After about a minute this mother calls her son over and ASKS him, yes she asked him, do you think your time should be over? Wow, now I know why her kids are like that. I'm sure this is just a small look into her life and maybe it was just a bad day for them but it seems like every time we go there the moms are somewhere else. My kids aren't the only ones to get hurt by these unsupervised kids, either. J tells me I should of said to the mothers, "Do you mind watching your kids so they aren't hurting others." That is way to confrontational for me. J always handles stuff like this way better.

First Day of Break

Wow was it a busy one! We did all the normal Monday things, grocery shopping and gymnastics. But we added getting Red's 18 month pictures taken. Which I decided I wanted to try doing myself. I think I got 3 good shots but I am still wanting one more really good smile shot so I'm going to try one more time before bed :) Speaking of Red, I completely forgot to tell everyone that he says, "I love you" which sounds more like I wove oooo. He started saying it while we were at Disney, go figure! After taking pictures GG and I started doing our Disney Scrapbook together. She is really excited about doing this with me and I am a little nervous about it not being prefect.(I really need to get over that fast!) So I have been taking deep breathes and remembering that this is something that we are going to look back at and know that we did it together mistakes and all. We got the first page done and there are a few smudges and I'm ok with that. Tonight the kids are planning on watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Special. Well that is all I feel like updating...maybe some pictures tomorrow?!?!

Oh Yeah I have to mention that Gold Canyon Candles ROCK. I love them so much. They smell so good and burn even all the way down the candle and last a long time. The best candles I have ever had and I *will not* buy any other kind.

Totally Forgot

With the kids being sick I totally forgot about their Thanksgiving Program that took place on Friday. It was so incredibly cute. GG was a Pilgrim and Monkey was an Indian. I, of course, have pictures of them in costumes and a few of Red waiting to see them preform. I hope you like the pictures. We are on Thanksgiving Break and so that means no school for a whole week. Oh the fun we will have :)








There was only a few good pictures during the performance that turned out good and they were only of Monkey because GG was too far away. But I had some people with better cameras taking pictures of her so we'll see when they give them to me how good they turned out.

We have Sickies

GlamorGirl and Monkey have taken turns throwing up. GG has gone in the toilet and Monkey made it once in the toilet and half in his bed and half in the toilet per J running him into the bathroom at 5am this morning. J took Red to the store this morning and I am here with the sickies! It is ok with me because I was able to get all my laundry done that has started to pile up because when you come home from vacation with a weeks worth of clothes to clean plus, the clothes you wear everyday, added with puked on items (blankets and pillows etc) it piles up FAST! I am really hoping that Red doesn't get it because he will just spew where ever he is and that is no fun. I could handle Monkey's few drops on the bed and floor, even though his bedding had to be washed. So pray that my little man doesn't get what they've got. I have to look at it on the bright side they got sick during Thanksgiving Break so they don't have to miss school.

We have been pretty busy, J took his sister driving last night she just got her permit and I guess I am suppose to take her tomorrow. So far everyone that has driven with her has had a near death experience so we'll see how tomorrow goes! We took the kids to the school's basketball game last night and they lost that was a bummer but we had fun cheering them on. There was a megaphone there and Monkey was screaming different things into it that made us laugh. He said things like, "I'm watching you guys" "Play better" and "Go C. L. A. Go" He was having fun and we were getting a good laugh!

Finally Pictures!

Hopefully this worked because it took me over an hour! I didn't even put all the pictures we took, I left out the individual ones each kid got with the characters. I hope you enjoy the pictures because we had a wonderful time while taking them :)

Man it is **COLD** here!

We got back from our trip to Disney World, last night, and I have been freezing ever since. I can't believe how cold it is here. I'm not trying to brag but we enjoyed some really nice weather while we were there. I think it goes without saying but I'll say it anyways, we had so much fun :) I am completely pooped though. Today we went to church came home fed the kids and left the kids with Amy and went to our Bible study with church. It was nice to have a little brake from the kids. I really do love them but we needed a little reprieve from the 8 days of non-stop fun!!! I have a ton of pictures but it is going to take me some time to get them on here. My hope is to do a slide show of our trip. But we'll see...laundry is coming my name. I'll talk more about our trip tomorrow.

Sugar HIGH

The kids are coming down from their sugar high from yesterday and they are acting CRAZY. Plus, it is Jeff's first day back to work and that always throws a wrench into our schedule/plans. I finally separated them and the noise level went down almost completely! I will say I am glad that Halloween is over with for the year. It seems like this time of year is always jam packed with activities. Pumpkin carving, apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas(that is always a week long event!) then you have New Year's Eve and then New Year's Day. Then we get a break until Valentine's Day. Or am I missing something? I'm not complaining I just feel like I am blowing in the wind trying to hold on by my pinkie trying to keep up with everything that is going on. I wish it was bedtime :)

They say it's your Birthday...

I am now a year older, my birthday was yesterday and we were extremely busy. Red and I had playgroup in the morning then we went to get the kids. We ate lunch at Olive Garden, my choice. Then we took the kids bowling for one game because it took forever! GG bowled a 64, Monkey a 67, I got 119 and J got 126 and we used the bumpers for the kids sake. We got home from bowling half an hour before trick or treating started so the kids did their homework and got ready then we went around our block. Jumped in the van got subway for dinner and drove to church while we ate. The rest of the night we were at church doing Trunk or Treat. The kids had a blast. They had a band that GG and all the other little girls in the church danced to. Monkey hung out in the back of the van helping pass out candy. They sang to me twice, the first time I was in the church and didn't hear them the second the band leader walked up to me and told me Happy Birthday and then asked if I heard them sing to me. I should have lied and said yes but I told him I was in the church but that people had told me they sang. So they sang to me again. So embarrassing! I thought having them announce my birthday in church was bad...I was sitting there and all of a sudden I hear my name in the announcements. GG was so cute she told everyone that my favorite candy was snickers and that they should give me one. That was her present to me. Needless to say fun was had by ALL :) Here are some pictures of my little trunk or treaters!





The close up of GG is to show off her make up that she got to wear for Halloween. She thought that was super cool!