Sweet Mommy

How could you name a post like this I wonder?

2011-11-12T08:24:00.001-08:00

So here is a list of things my mind has been occupied with recently:

1. Tongue wrestling! Ok I think there needs to be some explanation here. I have been observing in dental offices all week for my dental assisting class. I have found that a big part of the assisting job is to retract {wrestle} the tongue from getting in the way. At least at this early stage of the game for me anyway. I would love to get a job as a professional tongue wrestler! Besides tongue wrestling there are some pretty sweet prehistoric looking syringes. Holy huge needle! Am I making anyone feel like a trip to the dentist yet!? In all honesty they make your lip numb before the anesthetic is given so they are much nicer than regular doctors ;). I loved the opportunity I got to use and pass all of the cool looking instruments. I have never before had to use my pinkie so much in my life.

2. Conferences. So Tristan is doing great in school, but when we were talking to his teacher the other day I realized that I am going to have to relive the whole school experience again through my son. Every feeling of doubt, anxiety, accomplishement, failure that I have ever felt about my own school experience came rushing back and my shoulders began to feel heavyish with the weight of all of it. I am glad Tristan seems up for this 12 year challenge. His class is so cool because almost the whole neighborhood has kids at the same age right now... and most of them are in his class. The kids already know and love each other and the teacher is beyond amazing. He is having a great year even though his mom has moments of panic haha.

3. Face planting into tape. Ever since I was enlightened about this awesome prank I have been wanting to try it on the hubs or other unsuspecting innocent. Just put packaging tape across a doorway and wait for the the victim to open the door and walk into the tape. I am assured that it will stick completely around the head and when the tape is taken off eyelahes will be stuck to the tape. Bonus!

2011-10-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

Clean up on aisle...

Tyler and I have learned our lesson when it comes to grocery shopping with the kids. Leave them at home! Tristan manages a clumsy tip the cart over move at least once a month and since Natalie was a toddler she has created grocery store drama. Mainly trying to throw my yogurt into other people's carts. "Mom, I made a basket!" Most people at Rosaurs know her by name because of her shenanigans and her unique princess dress attire. It had been awhile since I had taken her so I decided I would chance it today.

When things were going smoothly through most of the trip I mistakenly let my guard down when we were finished ringing up. Tyler wanted a redbox movie so I pushed my cart over and was looking through the selection when I heard... Beep! Beep! Beep! Zooooom! Natalie had climbed on top of the motorized shopping cart and hit the reverse. I went on a highspeed chase and luckily, I was able to manhandle the cart until I figured out how to stop it. Disclaimer: Nobody was hurt in the making of this blog post. Oy!

Rock around the Clock

2011-07-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

First... small children cannot tell time. I am sorry Natalie, but I am not going to make waffles at 3 AM! Have you ever heard of an adult eating waffles at 3 AM. I think not! She is going through a phase where she wakes up before the birds and expects mommy to put forth her A-game. I stumble out of the room and she's off. "Mom I need to wear my princess dress. Mom, my Lucky Charms! Mom I wanna watch Tangled." Then Tristan is slowly roused by all the commotion and being the child that would rather sleep in he comes out expecting me to read his mind. {I said milk, but I meant apple juice, stupid!} This phase of life requires a venti Starbucks every once in awhile for parental survival before work.

Then there’s the kinder age. While they may not be able to “tell time”, they will certainly try... and I am always surprised at the attention they pay to routine. Tristan may know a particular day is a Thursday because of PE at school. He comes flying through the door and yells, “Survibor” is on TV tonight, Waaaaaaaahoooooo!"

Did you ever notice how much harder it is to put kids to bed in the summer? At 9 oclock I am trying my hardest to set the relaxing mood and tell them that it is late. They don't believe me at all because it is still sunny outside. In the winter it is dark by 5 and by 7 Natalie will say. "Look at that. Can you believe what time it is? It's dark outside, it's really late. Wow mom it is 15 30 o' clock and that means bedtime." Me: "Yes!" Sometimes you gotta make the clock your friend, am I right?

tball and white rappers

2011-07-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Tristan had his last tball game for the summer, this is a picture of his last at bat. He is a good little ball player. I do have to mention here that this picture was taken with Tyler's new Droid phone and I have one too! No more conjugal visits to the smart phones in their prisonly stores. At first I wasn't worried about my ability to figure out how everything worked but then when my hubs was calling I touched the screen frantically trying to answer it. As I was fumbling with the phone my coworker grabbed it and swiped the icon for me. Oh that's how you answer it. I'll figure everything out eventually. After the tball game we went to Spot On for some fro yo with Jody and Hailey. Cookies and Cream! As we were loading up to leave Natalie asked if she could ride home with Hailey and since we are neighbors and all we decided that would be fine. So as I was loading Natalie I looked up and my hubsdeserter drove off without me, but can you imagine! I politely asked Jody for a ride home and we jumped in. When the car started the speakers were pumping Vanilla Ice on the radio. Before we knew it Natalie was singing, "Ice, Ice Baby" at the top of her lungs. Some kids like the Wiggles, some like Nursery Rhymes... mine likes a white rapper with some street knowledge.

Then my four day weekend commenced. Due to extreme sleep shortages I ended up taking some long naps two days in a row. Today I am proud to say that I have been up for six hours with no nap! Becky and I did cross fit together a couple times this week and we did forty five minutes of lunges yesterday. Yep just lunges. I must have left my leg muscles on the field because my legs feel jelloish today and I haven't been able to get started on the huge laundry mountain in our bedroom yet. Guess I better get to that.

Finding Balance

2011-06-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Life for me has changed so much since last time I blogged. This is the first time since I had my kids that I have been working full time hours. Since my job is to teach toddlers it can be pretty exhausting and spending quality time with my own kids can be very challenging. It puts me in a dark place sometimes wondering if it is worth it. However, my kids are getting free care from the only 4 star facility around here. They really love going and there are always fun activites planned for the day. Tyler is off early so they are picked up by 2 most days which is nice for them to go home and not spend too many hours away from parents. Can I just give the hubshero props right here. He takes such good care of the kids/house while I am away at work that I am finding it so much easier to make muh money.

Through all of my ups and downs I have found a healthy outlet to make the transition from work to home. I discovered that going to the gym after leaving the toddlers gives me some time to work off the stress of the day and also be around some pretty cool people. Surprisingly for a couple hours or so afterward I have some energy. Then I crash hardcore and fall asleep before I hit the pillow. My favorite classes at Gold's right now are RPM and Cross Fit. I haven't felt this physically healthy in a long time. When I noticed that I had quad muscles in my leg again I about went through the roof. However, trying to eat healthy is a daily struggle, but isn't that the Brad Pitts. I formed a pretty good habit for a couple months this winter. I always had a veggie plate and lots of fruit in the fridge. The proteins I made sure I got everyday were egg whites, Tilapia, and chicken. I stupidly decided to take a few weeks off and have been trying to find the will to be in the place I was ever since. If I am on this diet it frees up my mind to not think about losing weight and ponder the more important things in life. I will let you know when I have found my place of zen again.

Oh and my sista is pregnant. Pregnant! I know she will soon find that mommyhood is what she has been put on this Earth to do. She will love it and be so great at it. I know this because we are swimming in the same gene pool and that is how I feel about motherhood too.

Oh and I have missed this blogging thing :).

ketchup

2011-02-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

Yep I am still blogging about Christmas and playing catch up. We have been trying to pack as many activities into each day and life just seems to get more crazy, but we love every bit of it! Here are some pics from Christmas time. We had a good one for sure.

Twi- hard :)

Full set of Toy Story

Santa's Cookies: Peanut Butter Blossoms

Christmas Eve

Christmas Morning!

I have had to increase my magic eraser supply, but that is okay especially when it gets eerily quiet in the house when she is playing with this :).

Santa Picture!

2010-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I titled this post "satan" picture at first. Typos scare me sometimes YIKES! This pic was taken at the annual Costco Kids Christmas Party. Every year it is so much fun! There is always good food and cute crafts to do. This year my babycakes was rightfully labeled a "terror" because she ran around and opened the drawers in the kitchen area. After awhile she would exit the kitchen to find something else to leave in disarray. The drawers were still wide open, hanging out there. Then some poor, unsuspecting person serving food would walk into them. Sorry for the bruises!! I am definitely pulling the Santa card recently. "I wouldn't do that if I were you! Santa is watching!"

let's hear it for glue!

2010-12-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

It is definitely not easy getting 10 toddlers to the table to do an art project. Trying to convince them that they should not take a bite of that crayon is even harder. But boy do they love using glue! Some of them just hold the glue stick and rub their fingers across the top wondering why their fingers won't come apart. Others get it on the paper and pile all sorts of fun stuff on top, and then there are those that just sit at the table and ask for snack the whole time. All of these scenarios add up to one thing-- PURE ENTERTAINMENT! Love those kids!

Here is the gift we made for parents... the kids filled up the jar with marshmallows. I decided that I didn't want to spend the next ten years cleaning the carpet so I put the hot chocolate into the bottom jar. I used a hot glue gun to attach the jars together and tied the ribbon. Easy as pie!

Here is our current bulletin board and the snowflakes are dangling from the ceiling.

my year in status updates

2010-12-13T22:12:00.000-08:00

Facebook has an application that compiles most of a person's updates for the whole year. Since we are very close to a new year I decided I would post the list here :). It is a great way to look back at the year and remember all the fun times with my sweet little family!

Potty training a toddler is a bit like carrying a loaded weapon...

My little guy loves the slip-n-slide... our water bill will be astronomical...

my babycakes mixed her potatoes, ranch dressing, and cucumbers in her milk... future chemist??

just went on a high speed chase after babycakes who decided to open the fridge and take off with the chocolate torte ha.

my little guy wants a second dinner... sigh... forever a waitress or short order cook.

*News Flash* My little guy lost his first tooth tonight!

my favorite flower for no reason... thanks Tyler Simons you're the best ever !

Hey all the mommy's out there... my babycakes doesn't have a diaper on this morning-----> Wish me luck!!

body pump is a killa... weights, lunges, squats, and scary things called planks. i think i am going to crawl up the stairs now and go to bed...

we are on our way to spokane for hoopfest this weekend and already had to stop at the orchards mcd`s for a bathroom break yikes!

soaking up the sun at the venetian pool in vegas

We did a major spring cleaning yesterday. Both Tyler and I got rid of a bunch of stuff. He decided to throw some of his old, beat up baseball hats away... and I made sure to throw the coffee grounds on them this morning ;p.

Going to Tristan's last soccer game this afternoon! It has been so much fun being a soccer mom :).

Trying to avoid eating the chocolate bunny head...

my alarm clock has blonde curly hair and I wish she was set not to go off before 6.

the remote master just went to bed so i'm going to watch big brother, thank goodness i'm a dvr girl.

my little guy turns anything he touches into projectiles... usually aimed at my head.

There is a certain someone in this house that needs to learn that 4:30 is not an acceptable rise and shine time.

I hate when I step out of the shower and it looks like someone threw a fraternity party. Toddlers and toilet paper aren't the best combination...

Big girl bed madness---> it was 4 AM this morning and babycakes came in the room, poked me in the eye, and asked me if I wanted to play hungwy hungwy hippos.

I am buying stock in Spray-n-Wash--> my kids are having a messy childhood.

My magic eraser and I... we have been inseparable lately. We are quite the busy duo eliminating crayon from windows, TVs & various non-paper surfaces. Gotta love my artistic 2 year old.

just got a gingerbread latte to get me through my marathon monday with work and class... it tastes like christmas morning mmmmm.

love Sundays... made a late pancake breakfast with a tot wrapped around my ankles of course :).

preparing for the afternoon with my one year olds... and by preparing I mean drinking lots of coffee!

sometimes you really *do* feel like crying over spilt milk...

I am thinking in Seuss today. I want COFFEE. I would drink it here or there. I would drink it anywhere. With a mouse in a house and a fox in a box.

I am having a great Thanksgiving break! I would love to list all I am thankful for, but I haven't had my coffee yet.

Natalie asked for a cup of daddy's "foppy" {coffee} this morning. I am heating her up some hot chocolate right now so she can be just like daddy :)

The tree has only been up a couple days... lil 'cakes loves the "wights" and "dec-o-washus". It’s hard to explain to a two-year-old *not* to touch something so cute & sparkly, which is how Rudolph lost his head.

bedtime on thanksgiving break

2010-11-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

I feel like I’m living my life in a Laura Numeroff book...

When you ask your son to get ready for bed he will need to brush his teeth. After he brushes his teeth he will want to find his penguin with the ear muffs. The penguin will remind him that there is a bin full of winter clothes to try on. He won't know which ones he wants so he will just scatter them all around the house. The energy it took to scatter will make him thirsty and he will ask for a drink of milk. After the drink of milk he will need to brush his teeth again. Then he will wonder where his penguin with the earmuffs went...

a pumpkinny day

2010-11-13T23:42:00.000-08:00

Tristan had an eye appointment in Spokane so we jumped in the car with our 20 oz. coffees fueling our ride. When we got there we grabbed the elevator and babycakes got scared from the motion and attached herself to the nearest pair of legs. Turns out those legs did not belong to mommy or daddy. She held on the entire time and the nice man patted her on the head while we all laughed. When the elevator stopped she looked up and said, "uh oh" and ran for daddy.

Later we stopped at Quiznos to pick up sandwiches and sit down to eat. An elderly man came by our table and told us that our kids were cute and handed them each 2 dollars. We told him he didn't have to do that, but clearly he needed someone to talk to and share some wisdom with. He told the kids to save their money before they buy something. He does not like all the credit card usage these days... he was sweet :).

After lunch we called cousins Nick and Rachelle and decided we would head to the pumpkin patch at Green Bluff.

It was a rainy day but lots of fun. We got the pumpkins back home and daddy broke out the power tools.

And we all got covered in goo...

Tyler wanted to carve scarier pumpkins this year, but the rest of us love our smily pumpkins. Later, he got his wish when a couple weeks passed and they started to mold and shrivel. They were horrifying!

Toddler Teacher Top Five

2010-11-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

1. You sometimes really *do* feel like crying over spilt milk

2. You discover after leaving work and running errands that there are stickers all over your backside.

3. You take a toddler with you to the kitchen because she insists on tucking the sippy cups in the fridge for night night time.

4. You threaten to stab a person with the blunt end of a pom pom because they slammed the door at nap time.

5. You feel like a million bucks when you point to the color of the week at calendar time and by Friday they are saying "bwue."

Love Always, The Cat Herder

2010-10-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

So it is official. I took a job with Fingerprints Daycare where I will be teaching one year olds. This job picked me and I want to see how it goes. My kids will be going to daycare for free now and I can see them periodically throughout the day. I love that! I will miss subbing soooo much. I really loved the freedom it gave me. It has been hard to process that I am on a full time fixed schedule now.

I met all the little learners that will be in my classroom today. One thing that I loved was combining my nurturing motherly side with being a teacher. The kids need to be hugged and held at times and that is something that I am happy to do. Now you ask... how in the world do you teach one year olds??? Well it's a bit like herding cats, but soooo much fun! Here are some activities we have done this last week. I was too busy to take pics of my own materials so I found these internet images, but this is exactly the items I made.

PUMPKIN STAMPING

*We used vanilla yogurt with food coloring in case they decided to snack on it while printing. I did not encourage them to eat. It was more about painting.*

EYE SPY BOTTLE

*They really had fun with this. They shake the bottle around and find items inside... or just be noisy either way :)*

I am sure I will have a lot more fun things to share about my new "fwens" very soon!!

Love Always,
The Cat Herder

navigationally challenged

2010-10-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

It was time to try out the corn maze this weekend. We left around 7pm when we are normally getting the kids into jammies and reading books. We decided since it was Saturday we could make it a late night. I did have one condition... Tyler and Tristan needed to stay with Sweet Sweet and I because of my navigationally challenged condition. The maze is about 3 miles long they say, so I was picturing me carrying a toddler that wanted to go bye bye only to discover that I couldn't find my way out. I knew if I stayed with Tyler we could leave when we wanted... the man is a human compass. Tyler agreed to stay with us deciding every now and then to get ahead and jump out to make our hearts skip a few beats. Isn't he thoughtful.

We wore glow sticks around our necks, it was really dark. Sweet Sweet ran the whole time in pitch black insisting on leading the way. Tristan my more cautious and logical child had a bright head lamp that blinded the unsuspecting passerby every now and then. My favorite comment, "WOW that's a light!"

We had FUN! A great way to spend time together on a Saturday night.

more fitting?

2010-10-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sweet was going to be Buzz Lightyear this Halloween, but maybe a flesh-eating vampire would be more fitting. She keeps asking me to let her eat raw bacon for a late night snack.

a day in history

2010-10-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin carving with Pumpkin belly!

OCTOBER 2007

birthday boy

2010-10-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

Can someone please tell me where the little boy in this picture went?!? And then pass me the Kleenex?!? I am truly amazed at how fast the time goes and the major changes that kids go through year to year. I will be okay though... he still gives the best hugs!

We hit up the bowling alley for the big oh 6 this year. He did really well and beat my usual score by the 5th frame :). We invited 10 adorable neighborhood kids to share it with us. It was beyond entertaining watching them.

Sweet Sweet did not bowl, but made sure to run on the benches and crawl over everyone's lap. Later on she had the important job of emptying the french fry platter. They are a vegetable you know. And mommy learned real quick not to leave scissors on the counter... almost lost a piggy tail!

Cheers!

Tristan was getting used to being the birthday boy and made sure to ask for Happy to you cake the next morning for breakfast. He was getting used to hearing, "Yes of course birthday boy!" When that didn't happen he asked how long it will be until his next birthday. Sorry buddy, it is oatmeal now for another year :). How I love my SIX year old boy!

my very talented boys

2010-09-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

*Photos taken by Marci

A creative way to feed seagulls!?!

Extremely good nose control!?!

when camels attack: a county fair story

2010-09-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

What is a weekend at the fair without being chased by hungry barnyard animals!! The petting zoo has always had a special place in my heart and of course is my favorite thing about the fair. There are times though, when no matter how cute or tame these animals can be... something just doesn't vibe well with them and it turns into barnyard animals gone wild. My little guy went on a field trip with his Kinder class and when he got home he said he was run over by a camel. We later found out that the animals got spooked that first day of the fair and Tristan and his lil friend were in the middle of the stampede. At first I was disturbed thinking he was actually trampled, but it turns out it was just his foot that got stepped on. So I gave myself permission to laugh about the whole thing. I mean that is the last thing I expected to hear when I asked him how his trip to the fair went.

We took the whole family to the fair today and again decided to visit the petting zoo. That is when I realized just how gigantic the camel is. He was also very alert as opposed to the camel they had last year...

Tristan made sure to mention that he was so glad the grumpy camel was locked in a cage this time. Thinking we were home free I took Sweet Sweet with me inside. She was in love with this black and white mini goat and was hugging him when a little goat with horns next to him got jealous. It butted the mini goat off of the hay bail and knocked Sweet Sweet down with it. She screamed. Just not our year for socializing with the petting zoo I guess.

It was our year for rides though. Tristan did the ferris wheel with Tyler for the first time and Natalie got to ride with the big kids instead of sitting in the backpack.

binky prevention through divine intervention

2010-09-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

God must have known that I would never have the strength to take away the binkies myself. I may or may not have said that we should install a GPS device into all of them. Since they did disappear yesterday at her daycare it seemed like the right time. Originally I wanted to put them inside a build a bear so she would know that her binky was still near her since she loves it so much. Unfortunately, when they all disappeared I came up with an excuse instead. I told her that Dora took her binkies and gave them to the babies. The look of shock and disbelief on her face was horrible. I am trying to restrain myself from getting online at Amazon and buying the whole line of the buggy binks. I think it's hard for me because she is no longer a baby. She has to give up the binks and I have to give up her babyhood and embrace the new big girl she has become.

We will miss you buggy binks.

laughter in the morning light

2010-09-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

My little sweet sweet can be such a handful sometimes and I have to admit that in the moment her shenanigans stress me out. For example, this picture could not be any more true to reality for me...

By the end of the day I am so exhausted. Sometimes Tyler even feels sorry for me and gets the kids ready for bed. See -- God does answer prayer! I usually stay up too late basking in alone time when the rest of the house is sleeping. The next morning I get up with a cup of coffee while thinking about the previous day. Everything seems hilarious in the morning. I find myself laughing-- completely ready for more adventures in mommyhood.

Natalie has become quite the artist and colors on every surface that lacks brightness: the table, the kitchen floor, windows, my couches, and her brother. There is a magic eraser in every room of the house. Now that she can open the fridge she loves to make suggestions about her snacks and dinner. She'll ask for juice and want to put ranch dressing in it. It is not easy convincing her that it is yucky. Then she'll say she's "gungry" and I'll spend 10 more minutes convincing her that she doesn't want to take a bite of butter , it is just a topping. While I'm cooking she loves to open the fridge and provide more options of ingredients for dinner. "Sorry sweet sweet we are not putting caramel syrup in our chili."

Her level of determination is unmatched. It doesn’t matter how many times you raise your voice, threaten a time out, or take away favorite things. If she has the desire... it seems she is unstoppable. For example, she is constantly tipping herself back in her chair. She has been moved to and from every spot at the table trying to break this habit. The other day this tipping was responsible for a near concussion and many tears. Her big girl bed was an obstacle too. Her bed rail became a pommel horse. I am all for exploring but it is also my responsibility to keep her from crushing her skull too. I think gymnastics is in our future lil teddy bear...

like a brand new friend

2010-09-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming about jumping into the full time career world for awhile now, but just haven't had the right opportunity pop up yet. This has developed into feelings of failure and low morale recently. It has been weighing so much on my mind that I have forgotten to celebrate all the gorgeous moments that are given to me because I can make my own schedule and have ample vacation time. Yes, my family could use more money. A retirement plan would be comforting. The hubs would love for me to share the burden of bringing home a worthy paycheck. He also recognizes my worth as a mommy who has time to work, clean, cook, and play. The goal here is to stop mulling over every decision as if the choice is going to make or break my career. I will continue to take the opportunities that are coming my way and enjoy them. Even more importantly I am allowing myself to feel the great fortune and happiness I get as being just a mom too. *Freedom is my current BFF, so why not make friends with uncertainty as well.*

a promise to my little guy

2010-08-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

My little guy starts Kindergarten next week. I am the emotional of the emotional. Most of the time I am feeling the excitement for him and how much fun I know he will have. There are also some worries. When school begins... inevitably we start making comparisons between our child and others, with only the best intentions of course. It is important for me and the rest of his support system to remember that he is always going to be his *own person.*

Maybe some of his qualities at this time include being cautious and emotional. These qualities will not necessarily stifle any of his experiences. I want him to be happy, but I can't say that I know what his definition of happy will be.

I have defined my job as a parent *in this moment* to be the observer of my child. Everything he does gives me a clue and tells his story. Later I will be able to offer guidance using the pieces of these clues and observations, hoping that at that time the answer will be clear. I refuse to put projections of who he should be on his shoulders. I don't care about what anyone thinks he should be. I want to know him profoundly for who he really is. And I do. I always will. That is my promise to my boy.

Toy Story 4: The Hunt for the Captive Beach Gear

2010-08-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

A few days into our beach vacation we decided it was time to get out the kites. Greg, my step dad visited a kite store for some string and then spent awhile getting the string attached correctly... it was a complicated kite. Tyler and I had been away and pulled into the driveway to see that Greg had not waited to get to the beach, but instead decided to fly his kite next to the house we rented. Incidentally, a lot of times there are... ummmm power lines next to houses. Sounds like a great place to fly a kite huh??? Luckily I do not have to write about a trip to the hospital, there was no electrocution on our vacation! However, we pulled in the driveway just in time to see the kite disappear into a lush tree and then to see Jeff climb the freakishly tall neighborhood tree in his flip flops. Again, I do not have to write about a trip the the hospital! He managed to untangle the kite and we all went to the beach.

The next day Tyler could not wait until we got to the beach to start tossing frisbees to people. The tree once again took a prisoner. We all had flip flops on so Tyler decides it would be best to throw his football in the tree to knock it loose. Genius! Unfortunately, the plan went awry when the football disappeared as well. Still avoiding climbing in flip flops Tyler jumps on top of our SUV with a broomstick and violently pokes until the tree gave up the captives.... for the win!

i got my toes in the water and diaper in the sand

2010-08-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

We just returned from what felt like the world's shortest vacation, even though we were gone for seven days. We would leave in the morning, grab a Starbucks... yummy, go play around the shore and the cities, then all of the sudden the sun was setting. Don't get me wrong a lot of the time I was trying to suppress the terrible two from coming to the surface, but mostly the coast just rocked her little world. She would see a bird land by her feet then giggle and follow him around. Squish her toes in the sand. She would run from the waves. Fly a kite. So much to do! The seals funny noises made her smile (and throw her buggy binky off the dock). I almost went in after it thinking the rest of the day was going to be impossible. Luckily my sweet sweet always carries a spare. I *am* aware that they will have to go soon... on vacation is not the right time.

I think one of her favorite things though was being buried in the sand by daddy.

The joy and delight that she got from all these experiences made all the work it takes to get to the coast *totally* seem insignificant. More post on our adventures to come :).

what's in a name

2010-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I decided to change the name of my blog. I have to give credit to Greg and Jeff for this name because they call my daughter Sweet Sweet or Semi Sweet Sweet or Bitter Sweet Sweet... whichever the situation calls for as she moves through her terrible two mood swings. I laughed so much about this that I thought it would be a fitting name for my blog. And okay I guess I can be all those things too. At times people throughout my life have described me as "sweet"... and even though I would rather have it be "cool" or "funny" or "outgoing" I will take it!

bear necessities

2010-07-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tyler decided the kids needed a bear that is 53 inches tall today.

Sounds great to me!!

i used to have a friend...

2010-07-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

I used to have a friend named Becky. She is so fun. We have a lot in common and get together with family for BBQ's every now and then. That was before.

My friend Becky ~~hyperventilates when~~ ...is a little uneasy around germs. Her daughter had been playing with my sweet sweet Natalie and then went up to her mom and gave her a hug. After the hug Becky had something on her fingers. I saw her squish it around a little trying to deduce what this substance could possibly be.

At that point I realized what happened as I saw the horrified look on her face. My sweet sweet must have put in her thumb... but what she pulled out wasn't a plumb....

Becky's poor lil girl was an innocent bystander. Gagging and chaos ensued and at that point I said my goodbyes.

... but as it turns out she may have given me another chance after all ~~because we have a Costco sized sanitizer bottle~~. That was a close one.

bat girl

2010-07-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

the princess and the frog

2010-07-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

The kids have been taking full advantage of summer. They are in the backyard constantly swimming in the blow up pool or playing with neighbors. We had a visitor come to our backyard that wasn't your typical neighbor though. A frog. Tristan and his friend's first reaction was to grab the super soakers and power spray the poor little guy. He sat there and took it like a champ... maybe he liked getting wet. Tyler did come to the rescue.

My little princess playing in her castle wanted to see the frog.

Hmmmmm... he's pretty weird lookin'!

Well maybe he's pretty cute after all.

Tyler took our "neighbor" back to the fountain he was living in next door.

somebody grab his cape

2010-07-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

*Read in your best movie trailer voice*

In a world where cranky customers and the mortgage payment are the enemy... is a man who works tirelessly to provide for his family.

This superhero finds inspiration.......... backpacking 12 miles up the side of a mountain. And he did it alone.

All photos taken by Tyler.

He took this pic of himself by balancing the camera on a rock. ♥ it!

He camped by Aneroid Lake along the way.

All superheros need a sidekick, but this time his sidekick stayed home to fight her biggest enemy... chocolate milk stains...

So Nelly the dog went with him... she probably rolls her eyes less anyway :).

I am glad our superhero escapes his enemies every now and then.

t-ball with my little guy

2010-07-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

the electric slide

2010-07-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

it takes two baby

2010-07-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

My lil sweet sweet's binkys have become like real friends to her. Hey... she doesn't discriminate when choosing play mates. Buggy binkys need friends too.

She talks to her binky... oh hi bink- eeeeeeeee.

She hugs her binky.

She throws her cute doll out of her stroller and replaces with binky, then promenades it around the house.

And sometimes when mommy has urination determination... and is set on potty training... it takes two binkys for comfort.

Please wish me luck when the buggy binkys have really got to go....

hooper heroes

2010-06-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hoopfest 2010 is in the books! They won the first game in overtime... it was a fun one to watch. The next two didn't go as smoothly and they were handed the loss. No worries though... we all had a gigantic sno-cone afterwards and felt a lot better.

Here is some of the behind the scenes footage from my point of view...

** We first get there and there is a discussion of what we can leave and what we can carry around all day. The hubs wonders when I will stop rolling my eyes at him and/or complaining. I inform him that he should know by now that the answer is never. **

** The kids made it through the first game with no meltdowns... it was a lot cooler this year! However, during the second game I had to pull out the emergency m & m stash to keep the screaming at bay... that meant that we would not be staying for the third game. **

Okay back to the guys... the 2010 team is...

I love watching the action and as usual the guys don't disappoint!!

carrot top's soundtrack for vegas

2010-06-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

Carrot Top was soooo funny. He describes the parts of Vegas that nobody else talks about perfectly. It fit what Tyler and I had gone through to a tee. He had a soundtrack to go with the experiences.

*I Would Walk 500 Miles*

"Oh look at that hotel, let's go check it out! This one looks really close." (20 minutes later still walking) "Wow the entrance has got to be here somewhere." (10 minutes later still walking) "WTH... why does it look farther away now!!!"

Even walking through our gigantic hotel to our room took about 20-30 min. "We are supposed to be in the Venetian... why does it say we are in the Palazzo???"

We get down to the pool... "oh balls I forgot $$$$ to pay for a drink." "You stay here... I'll see you in an hour."

*Jeopardy*

So turns out there are a lot of people in Vegas... even right now in the "off" season. We have to wait in line for everything... the jeopardy song is playing in my head all day long...

you must be to the airport three hours early... so you can wait... doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

you must be to the show an hour early... so you can wait doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

bar line... doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

bathroom... doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

monorail... doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

*Move, Get Out the Way*

This one most applied to Tyler... he LOVES it when he is slowed down by people... NOT REALLY. The last day he ran into someone who was walking with the flow of traffic and came to a dead stop. He had to pretty much pull some Barry Sanders moves not to completely crash into her.

And lastly we flew with DELTA airlines and were a little bit wary of checking luggage after my mom's bags were lost and her suitcases came back destroyed after a trip to Jamaica. We decided to carry on since we were only going for a few days.

Carrot Top says DELTA stands for "Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive" Loved his show!

natalie my ♥

2010-06-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

She is daring and gets herself into hairy situations

But she still needs to snuggle with her mommy

She likes to empty all toy boxes and scatter them through the house

But she is always entertained

She shakes her diapered hiney to the Wiggles

She won't leave the house without gathering extra binkies and toys

Her only fear is the vacuum and she runs and hides when I turn it on

She is learning her colors and knows purple the best

She makes friends wherever she goes

She likes to wrestle with brother and daddy

And God she is beautiful

end of the year OR i would do this for free

2010-06-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of my long term sub. job. I thought I would be ecstatic leaving the empty classroom this afternoon when the principal said that I could bounce for summer vacation. Surprisingly, I didn't feel that way at all... instead I felt some dangerously close to the surface tears at my eyes. We had soooo much fun. The staff was more than amazing and the kids were unforgettably full of life and exciting. The social studies curriculum lead us to research and create some awesome projects together.

The P.E. curriculum included two days of swimming. Learning about water safety was never more fun and right up my alley! Swimming is one of my favorite things to do ever! This reminded me so much of when I taught water safety as a lifeguard.

And for fun I will add a list of things that I never thought I would hear myself say:

*Sorry, you can't come into the classroom with worms in your pocket.

*No, no, no you did not just drink the vinegar!

*Me: No backpacks the last day of school... Don't bring anything! Student: But... can we wear clothes?

*Mmmmmhmmm you will need to wear clothes.

pep talk from mommy

2010-05-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Last soccer season I gave Tristan a pep talk .... so here is the big pep talk for t-ball.

* Third basemen only cover that base... not the whole infield... not the whole outfield.

* Even though you bat lefty you still have to run to first base FIRST!

* Pretend there is glue in your glove and the ball is going to stick in the middle.

* A couple practice swings will help you get lined up... 12 practice swings will put everyone to sleep.

* Have fun and know that mommy and daddy think you are amazing ♥

To Grandpa Lloyd...

2010-05-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

The significance of Memorial Day is so much more than a Monday off of work. It is a day to remember that even though the fallen can no longer march they can be remembered with great honor. Every morning I say the Pledge of Allegiance with the rest of the school and I do not let my mind wander about what will go on the rest of the day. I truly know that it is not just a routine for kindergartners, but a way to show loyalty to our country. A way to show that I'm grateful for those who have put their country before themselves.

This is my Grandpa camping with the family.........

I have learned throughout the years that there is a part of my Grandpa that I will never know... the part where he traveled as a very young man to Korea to fight for his country. The Grandpa I know drives an old truck, is happiest when outdoors, loves his family, and has an affinity for dogs. How lucky we are that he came home.

Love,

Lainie

4 minutes

2010-05-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Tyler took the kids to the playground a couple hours before nightfall so all of their energy would be used up and we could just relax for the evening. We put in Princess and the Frog, made them a cuddly bed on the couch with all of their comfort items needed. Tyler and I sat down hoping for some rest after long days in 3rd grade and at Costco. We only had 4 minutes....

Natalie was the first to start squirming and being wiggly. Then Hailey started doing back flops off the furniture. Tristan soon jumped over the side of the couch onto the table. Then wrestling matches ensued and the screaming began. This is exactly the reason I wear athletic clothes to parent!

revenge

2010-05-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

One day I was downstairs doing laundry and Tyler and Tristan walked in from being outside doing yard work. They were soaked! He said that they were attacked while unarmed with super soakers by the neighbor boys.

A couple weeks later Tyler returns home with a two pack of super soaker guns.

Tristan is so happy about no longer being a sitting duck.

He practices for an hour on his unarmed sister before taking his stand with the neighbor boys.

Geez, It's really wet out here...

As a bunch of people showed up for Tyler's poker tournament... Tristan sees his opportunity when the boys are walking around with their soakers. He came home a couple hours later when he got hungry, but he was no longer the only one soaked. (evil cackle).

star crossed mother

2010-05-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Last night I was completely engrossed in Romeo and Juliet with Claire Daines and Leonardo DiCaprio. If that movie is ever on TV I might as well give up my plans for a couple hours. I am powerless to get away. Towards the end of the movie I became teary eyed. Why, Why, Why do I torture myself by watching this movie. I start yelling at the TV (like a man watching football) trying to get her to SAY something when she wakes up. SAY something... he is going to drink POISON!

And then I look up at Natalie and she is doing this............

Thanks for bringing me back to reality babycakes!

mother's day

2010-05-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

The best years of my life have been those as a mother. Everything I do feels more purposeful and the love that I feel is more intense. Being a mom and wife will always be what makes me the most happy in life.

chasing the ghost of a good thing...

2010-05-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

I guess it’s luck, but it’s the same
Hard luck, you’ve been trying to tame

But, you’re chasin’ the ghost of a good thing
Haunting yourself as the real thing
It’s getting away from you again
While you’re chasin’ ghosts

Just bend the pieces ‘till they fit
Like they were made for it
But, they weren’t meant for this
No, they weren’t meant for this

~Dashboard Confessional

Feeling a little melancholy and this song is speaking to me right now. I wish the pieces in some aspects of this life would come together a little easier at times. Sometimes I wonder why things can take so long. When does unwillingness to give up actually break your wings?

I guess it takes moments like these to remember all the pieces that did come together with ease... and be thankful for each and every one of them.

that's how we roll

2010-05-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

We are stuck indoors these days, 35 mph winds are making sure of that. Trees around town have been uprooted and our full size basketball hoop blew over. Luckily the glass didn't break. Our garbage and recycling bins caught air and I had to retrieve them from a neighbors yard a few houses down. Mom and Greg are laughing at us from sunny Jamaica... until they return to Lewiston with a tree on their house... JUST KIDDING. I'm just jealous! However, we too will be free to roam about the country in June when we go on our Vegas trip.

I just started my long term sub. job! I am a happy girl because it is for a really nice girl... in a really nice class... at a really nice school... with a really helpful teacher next door. REALLY! I am hoping the end of the year goes smoothly and fun-ly for all of us. ha.

another day in paradise

2010-04-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I try to convince them that juice is not a food group.

...and this is also what their mommy does when you try to convince her that caramel lattes are not a food group!

soccer game or ufc match?

2010-04-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tristan had his last game over the weekend. Turns out both Tyler and his Coach could not be there. He ended up losing his focus and no matter how hard I tried to get him in the game... he was always up to his shenanigans. He was yelling at (and attacking) his fans on the sidelines if they were not watching him well enough to his liking.

(Nobody was hurt in this picture... these two boys do this ALL the time.)

Though he did not score any goals that last game of the season, he had fun... and that is what really matters to me. Until next season this is soccer mom signing out :).

A napkin si'l vous plait

2010-04-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

She is sitting at the table, sitting straight and tall

My freshly mopped floor is sparkling

Until her spilt milk drips down the wall

Potatoes are a hand cream

There are noodles stuck to her face

The spotless house of which I dream

depends on this toddler I chase

Her biscuit becomes crumbled

Then turns into confetti

Her portion of meat is fumbled

Dinner with Natalie- Who's ready?

head butts

2010-04-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tristan's last soccer practice was this week. I must admit I was enjoying being a soccer mom :). Tristan's coach and team were so much fun to be around. I think Tristan... and even Tyler and I have made some new friends as the season comes to a close. We are proud of his FIVE goals this season and are cheering him on for another one this Saturday.

In this picture Coach is having them practice a throw in and he head butts it from there. He was brave to do this because a couple times more than one ball flew at his face. He left practice with no facial contusions though!

Paybacks! The head butting lesson :).

post game watering hole

2010-04-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ball-az

2010-04-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

random tuesday thoughts, with a lot of these "..."

2010-04-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

I truly believe that class and kindness are measured by the things a person *doesn't* say. Too many people hide rude behavior behind being "honest." And there is a very thin line between the two. As for me... I try not to go near that line! I say there is a way to solve problems by being kind... not only with strangers... but with husbands... with kids... with family members. When I have crossed that line... because I do sometimes... I always apologize ♥. And if there is so much negativity in the equation that veins start to pulsate and eyes start to look bulgy... I give myself permission to divide and subtract to get a more friendly solution. I have never been afraid to peace out if that will keep my positive strength in tact. Plus I have found that those that really love me... those that have made it from my past to my present will remain a compassionate and uplifting force in my life.

.............................................

..............................................

I have been subbing in Kindergarten a lot and I find that when I do, I have a lot to write about. Maybe it is because I love them all so much. Maybe it's because when I get home I am too exhausted to do anything but move my fingers across the keyboard.

First lesson of the day. Quietly is an adverb. Please place it in front of everything you do from when the bell rings until when you get onto the bus after school. Quietly listen to the story, quietly eat your snack, quietly walk instead of thundering and wailing through the halls, quietly use the bathroom because *yes* we can all hear you singing "All the single ladies" in there.

Second lesson of the day. Yes I am a substitute, but my shirt is not a substitute for soap, water, and paper towels. I always feel like a used napkin by the end of the day by the time they have all wiped their milk mustaches on my sleeve. I also NEVER wear my favorite pants with Kinders because on finger painting day it is enough to need a vicodin.

Third lesson of the day. Don't ever change. In kindergarten originality is everywhere... it's only when we grow up that we become ordinary.

when holidays become violent

2010-04-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Smashing Coloring Eggs

Tyler and I had a week off together recently. We had lots of fun preparing for and celebrating Easter. We also had some down family time. We all would hang out on the bed right before the kids' nap time and "snuggle." When I say "snuggle" I mean getting a quick hug followed by a severe trampling over that ends with elbow drops to the head and body. We only suffered minor facial contusions. I'm still wondering how our little cuddly lumps of baby became so... strong??

Above are the "out takes" from Easter. ha.

easter & bunnies held hostage

2010-04-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

This was Natalie's first year coloring eggs... she did okay... the whole waiting for your eggs after dunking them did not appeal to her too much.

Tristan dyed eggs in his unders... turns out he loves to eat them just as much as coloring them. "Oops mom... I accidently dropped this one... it's all broken... I guess I'll just have to eat it... okay? okay???"

The easter bunny is so ornery... he hid the baskets in the game cupboard so they had to hunt them down. He also hid a present (New Moon) for me in the window... when I opened the blinds I didn't even notice it. Tyler finally had to point it out in fear that his oblivious wife would never, ever find it.

The kids got into their nice clothes and we headed over to my dad's new house on the golf course. He moved in with a nice lady. I am happy for him... he deserves to be with a nice lady ♥

They live on the fourteenth hole of the golf course and have a membership... they can just go out and start playing whenever they want. On Easter the guys went and hit a couple holes with the kids. Tristan liked it a lot! He got to drive the cart and he had a great swing.

Time for the egg hunt... this was their third for the year... starting to become egg hunting pros.

Next stop was Grandpa Jim's house. We had beer butt chicken for dinner and then it was time for the fourth hunt of the year.

Grandpa lives up on a big hill above the town of Juliaetta. Daddy always looking for the scenery shot took the coolest picture of the day. There really is a big drop right off the end of the grass there.

Tristan had to work for his eggs like a mountain goat.

Running into daddy's arms ♥.

When we got home Tristan took all his bunnies from his easter baskets and did this...

"... just one more jelly bean mom or they are going over..."

easter eve with the kellers

2010-04-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a wonderful dinner and a fantastic egg hunt!

it's spring... let's get dirty

2010-03-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

We decided to put some river rock into our landscaping this year... like 10 tons to be exact. My husband is a *rock* star. He has shoveled and moved it by wheelbarrow to the curbing areas and I have been pushing it around making it even.

Here is the front yard. LC Lawn and Landscape poured the curbing border... they are really good!

I love the red bushes... they get so pretty in the spring/summer when they start blooming... they get a lot fuller than this.

This pic isn't the best, but you can see the whole side after it has been completed.

Here is the back yard. We wanted it to have a finished look so we decided to put a narrow curbing border around the whole yard. It was mainly because of a huge dirt mound that was back there. We had no clue what to do with it. After giving the kids a year to dig for buried treasure with my kitchen spoons we decided it needed to be leveled off and bordered in. Here it is after being leveled and bordered.

We finished all of this yesterday and just have the above 3/4 to finish off. Eventually we will add some low maintenance plants.

wake up in the morning feeling like p-diddy...

2010-03-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

My sista showed off her hip hop talent in a variety show fundraiser for the schools in Lewiston yo. They won a couple hundred dollars for Whitman School... that's right.

saturday morning soccer

2010-03-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

It's Game Time Boys and Girls

Here is some pep talk heard from the sidelines

*Make sure you run the right way*

*Don't steal the ball from the kids wearing the same color as you*

*Stay on your feet... no need to stop, drop, and roll unless there is a real fire*

*Run like you are being chased... cause you are being chased*

*We're having so much fun watching you*

I can't tell you how much I believe being on a team fosters friendships and self esteem. He also knows that there is some work involved if you want to be good at something. Tyler has him working on drills a couple days a week in the backyard and the little guy is very enthusiastic about doing them. One afternoon he told me, "Mommy, I have to take a nap so when daddy gets home I am ready to play soccer." Coming from a kid that pretty much gave up on naps earlier this year that is a complete turn around. I hope that Tristan will always want to be involved in a sport or activity as he moves through school!

We are so proud of him... he scored TWO goals at this game. He broke away like a champion and had good control of the ball. His cheering section was quite impressive...

As promised to family members here is the schedule for the remaining games (all on field 1):

April 3 11:20

April 10 10:30

April 17 12:10

April 24 12:10

Binky Binky

2010-03-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

(To the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

Binky, Binky on my face,
In my heart you have a special place
You are smooth and pacify
When your lost I scream, I cry
Binky, Binky on my face
In my heart you have a special place

Forever yours, (For 1 more year... says Dr. Ambroson)

Natalie Mae

Gooooooooallllll!!!

2010-03-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

Tyler, Jody, and I are having so much fun watching soccer! The kids are practicing hard and loving it. Tyler has also been practicing with Tristan in the backyard. They are having some great bonding time. Being athletic and fit has always been important in Tyler's life and I love that he is passing it on to the kids. And the big news...

Tristan scored his first goal in a game on 3-20-10

I managed to capture it on video too! We are very proud of his hard work and focus that he is bringing to soccer this season.

All Sweet Sweet

2010-03-25T08:29:00.001-07:00

This is the perfect visual of how motherhood takes over your life... never a moment to yourself... but also making every moment more special. Natalie follows me everywhere. Charging through the door before I shut it to go to the bathroom, playing peek-a-boo through the shower curtain, on my lap as I type this post, a little shadow when I am cooking dinner, and handing me clean dishes one at a time to put away in the cupboards. She finds the fastest possible way to demolish every room in the house... I always scoop her up... "you little homewrecker!" and then look into her eyes and realize that every part of it... even the hours of cleaning is worth it. It's a roller coaster of emotions... but I never want to get off.

Here she is cheering on brother at his soccer game...

Celebrating a 60 + degree day...

Cheering on the Bengals with daddy...

Putting on her favorite shoes...

... helping mommy celebrate her birthday.

... making everyday more important and memorable!

Go Big Orange

2010-03-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

It's time for soccer again!!!

They have been practicing and are ready for their first game this weekend!

... and Tristan has a very special new teammate ♥. COUSIN HAILEY!

Viva la Vida

2010-03-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

So my husband decided to do something spontaneous yesterday... he booked us a trip here. We will be going in June. The main reason he wanted to go back is to see the Grand Canyon. He found some really great package deals and the rest is history. I was a little surprised at first, but he said, "We only live once right?" I couldn't really argue with that. I was thrilled we wouldn't be going on our usual camping trip this year. We have been going on camping trips in desolate locations for 10 + years and I welcome this luxurious change! Yes, we will actually have running water on our vacation this year. It's a MIRACLE!

By the way, if you are reading this and thinking June would be a great time for a first class robbery... think again... the in laws will be staying at our house. My mother in law is like a bear protecting cubs when she is around my children. You've been given fair warning. Plus the only thing of value we own is... well... the house itself.

..................

In other news we have been working outside on our landscaping. After shoveling 21 bins of disintegrating bark we laid down a few truck loads of river rock. We have also been talking to a landscaper and are really excited about the plan for our backyard. I will post some before and after pics of the backyard later... once it is all done. I would post some of the front yard... except... I forgot to take before pictures. oops!

..................

Finally, I have been really dragging my feet on letting Sweet Sweet grow up and get a big girl bed. *tear* My little tiny baby has a 100th percentile head, 98th percentile height, and 96th percentile weight. She's not so little tiny anymore. I have been looking at the bedding for big girls and really really like on this one. If I get this one... I wouldn't have to change the butterfly theme or the colors that she has right now.

going boneless

2010-03-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Trying to get myself and the kids ready in the morning is a killa. Tyler is long gone so it is up to me. They are such pokey eaters... we really have to get up early so they don't feel cheated out of their lazy breakfast. We sit down together with our coffee and sippy cups. Cheers. I finish up and start to multi task while they continue eating and watching Spongebob. If they get the chance to finish up themselves the morning usually runs smoothly... if I have to hurry them along everything falls apart.

Tristan will start to feel overwhelmed and look at me like I just asked him to climb Mt. Everest instead of put on his pants. Natalie goes boneless on me. She lifts her arms and drops her weight so that my efforts to pick her up are futile. I have finally learned to pick her up by putting one hand under her armpit and then grabbing her leg. By the time she is dressed, in a fresh diaper, and an attempt made to calm her blonde fro... I have usually broken a sweat.

The good news is that we are all happy once we get out the door and start the day. Here is a little glimpse of Natalie getting some musical enrichment at daycare. Alane shared this photo on facebook and I couldn't resist sharing it here too.

*Clunk* .... that was me falling over laughing when I saw this pic. What a little super fan!

couldn't imagine a world without him...

2010-03-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

There now, steady love

So few come and don't go

Will you, won't you

be the one I always know?

When I'm losing my control

The city spins around

You're the only one who knows

You slow it down....

~The Fray

Married six years today ♥

Thank you to Grandma Etta for taking this picture and for always sending us a special card on our day every year :)

a getaway

2010-03-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

For two parents deep in the trenches of raising kids sometimes a quick getaway can bring a sense of excitement back into life. I pictured in my mind a quiet meadow overlooking some water with a nice breeze. I prepared for the trip by going to the store and buying some wine, goat cheese, fancy crackers, grapes, and chocolate. Gotta have chocolate! We managed a babysitter and were on our way out to Waha.

Surprisingly even with 60 degree weather in Lewiston... Waha looked like this...

So... not quite the idyllic picture I had in my mind, especially when I kept falling through the 3 foot snow and making some oooooomph noises that weren't so romantic. And our mud covered, wet feet were not so romantic either. But who cares about that!

Tyler decided that he was going to walk on the ice covered lake... his logic was that if the heavy rock he threw didn't crush through the ice he would be fine. There is Tyler and the rock... do you think he was right????

Of course he was... he is perfect ha.

Our teeth were a little chatter-y to have our nice little picnic, but when we got home we gathered around the table with the kids and snacked together. We are not in a place where romance rules the relationship... but we are okay with that :).

Work it

2010-02-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

Glad the treadmill is seeing some action :)

How to's... behind the scenes

2010-02-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

In the 1950's these were the guidelines to follow if you wanted to be a good housewife... and as a wife that only works a couple weeks a month... I have to admit I have strived to make these a reality at times.

... and I can see how it all can go so wrong too... underneath each tip are experiences I have had while trying to make these happen...

Tip #1 Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

My reality: The plan to make delicious meals are taking shape. Groceries are purchased, recipes checked twice. The preparation process is underway... I do enjoy cooking... however, an hour later every dish in the house is dirty and sitting on the counter... flour is all over my face, hair, and clothes. The kids start smelling the food and come in the kitchen. They just cannot wait another second, start wailing or screaming... whichever is more violent sounding. Husband walks in the door to utter chaos! He retreats to basement.

Tip #2 Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

My reality: I have every intention of taking that 15 minutes, but it never happens. Ponytail in hair... NO ribbon... makeup melted off of face from trying to complete Tip #1. Yoga pants and hole-y t-shirt. The only interesting thing I have to talk about is the fact that Natalie's poop was green that day.

Tip #3 Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

My reality: Oops, forgot about the dust cloth... for two months. Husband wades through toys strewn across floor and sits on couch. Tristan drills him in the head with a dart from a nerf gun.

Tip #4 Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

My reality: His little treasures' faces are stained with grape juice mustaches. One is sporting a curly fro and the other a Dennis the Menace tweeker. I would never change their clothes... do you think I want MORE laundry???

Tip #5 Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home.

I ask children to be quiet... as Tyler walks in the door they scream at the top of their lungs "Daaaaaaaaddy" At least we got the "glad he is home" part right ♥

Some don’ts: Don’t greet him with problems or complaints. Don’t complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

My reality: I am completely unable to internalize the problems of the day for too long. He has a way of solving problems and I have a way of making them known ha. Babe I'm so glad your home!!!: "The computer is not working, your Playstation is making a weird noise, Natalie ate some paper, there is a spider on the ceiling, I'm not sure you'll like this dinner, I went 50 dollars over the grocery budget, that stain is really set in your jeans........................................................" When he decides to lay down a few minutes before dinner... he shuts his eyes... and it becomes the perfect time for the kids to make their surprise attack to start a wrestling match.

The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

My goal: To appreciate Tyler for embracing our chaotic lifestyle and understanding that perfection is not the only path to happiness.

Hangin' out

2010-02-18T20:10:00.001-08:00

The Meal of Looove

2010-02-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

I love when I can get my kids in the kitchen! This was a special Valentine's meal for them and it was a lot of fun to create together!

I started out by making homemade pizza dough. I used the fabulous PW's recipe from her cookbook.

This is what the dough looked like when I first got done rolling it.

Here is the dough after it had a couple hours for the yeast to do it's work.

I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into a Valentine-sy theme.

Here is where the kids take over! We had mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan, sausage, olives, and bacon.

Tristan loaded the pizzas abundantly...

While Natalie put on one strand of cheese at a time ha.

Just as many toppings ended up in her mouth as on the pizza :).

Tyler made a couple too...

Served on our best china... Spiderman plates.

Yummy!!

grey skies are going to clear up :)

2010-02-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

This winter has been unusually warm, but it has been very grey, windy, and rainy as well. Tristan was beside himself this morning when he saw a small patch of bright blue in between the cloud cover. Some days, we all would like a little sunshine to put on a happy face. Usually I can get my chores done while Natalie entertains herself happily or follows me around "helping." Lately she has been so disgusted with lack of time "ousiii" (outside) that she has started ramming my leg trying to get me to open the door. When her physical efforts are unsuccessful she uses her Dora doll as an assault weapon to take down anyone that gets too close.

We have been fighting off these symptoms of cabin fever! We drive to the levy to walk by the river, visit playgrounds, and we went to a basketball game!

Marci and Jeff invited us to go to the LCSC basketball game. We also got FREE pizza and pop for Whitman school's family night.

The smiles in these pics show that at this age it is simple to find a cure for the blues. I think about how lovely it is to have little children ALL THE TIME. I treasure these days!

Dora Dora

2010-02-05T10:08:00.001-08:00

Dear Dora Dora,

I want to thank you for keeping my child still and quiet for a half an hour everyday. While your show is on TV... the toilet paper stays on the roll, the clean clothes stay folded, and the drawers of the toy box remain intact. I don't have to worry if lil Sweet Sweet will stick her landing when she climbs on the furniture. For a brief moment in time I can see the floor of this child's room.

Dora Dora is one of the first and most frequent words Sweet Sweet uses. And she never fails to participate in the "We did it!" dance at the end of the episode. I am not ashamed to admit that at 9:00 every morning Dora Dora is on the TV and mommy sips her coffee in stillness.

Yours Truly,

an appreciative mommy!!!

transform and roll out

2010-02-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here is Sweet Sweet's transformation...

This mask has a voice changer inside it and there is nothing more hilarious than Natalie singing the Dora Dora song as Optimus Prime. Picture Darth Vader singing Doo Doo DDora Doo DDora... I must get this on video... if she would hold still long enough. I don't want to be responsible for motion sickness!

It's so nice to have a functioning computer! Can't believe how much we rely on it for entertainment. Net Flix, Facebook, Blogger... this part time housewife felt pretty isolated without it! Though I did have 3 seasons of Dexter to comfort me. I still don't understand how they made a serial killer so lovable...?? My love of Dexter does not lead into this next subject very well... but what can you do?

I have been working on a little bit of a transformation as well. I turned 29 on the 25th of January so I have felt the pressure to get going lately. Tyler bought me the Bible for my birthday... I started with John and now am reading Matthew. I have found many things to be inspired by and I want continue to learn. My mom used to read The Precious Moments Bible to my sister and I. There are some great stories in there and I still have it. Now my kids are enjoying the stories as well :).

I have not registered for my last 3 credits in continuing ed. yet, but I have signed up for the West B test. If I pass I will be able to substitute in Washington, who pays 20 dollars more a day! I have been avoiding it because I am a horrible test taker!! I am already going crazy and the test is a month away!! My sister offered to help me study and I will gladly accept... maybe this will ease my suffering :p. I love getting my teacher and mommy time so this is something I can do to take a little of the financial burden off of Tyler.

Since we have not had pop in the house I am 5 days free of it... though I may give myself one here and there I feel that I am a little more free of my addiction to having a couple everyday. That is all I have accomplished so far... but am hoping to work on more and transform myself into what I believe will make me a more well rounded person.

In the words of Optimus Prime, "Fate rarely calls upon us at the moment of our choosing. Transform and roll out." Who knew Optimus Prime was so quotable :p.

first family hike

2010-01-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

The weather was lovely today... in the 50's! We decided to take advantage of it and this is our first ever family hike. It's a place not far from our house. Tyler carried Natalie in a backpack for some of the way, but she also walked a lot too. Tristan did extremely well and has so much energy! Tyler won't have to look very far for backpacker buddies in a few years.

Hot chocolate break...

Pretty view of the river...

The kids walked the whole way up this hill after our break.

We made it to the top!! The view overlooks Asotin.

Tyler set up the camera, and then rushed over with Natalie... not bad.

Very thankful for this day :).

bedtime stories with daddy

2010-01-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

Tyler reads us all stories at night sometimes... especially on this night which was a particularly difficult night for me... he found a way to make me feel at peace. Sitting and listening to nothing but his voice was very soothing to me. I remember the same type of feeling when I was delivering our babies. His voice and looking into his eyes helped me tremendously. I think that's why I jumped up and grabbed my camera... to remember this peaceful feeling...

He will only read from one type of literature though... Backpacker magazine... I think we all just love listening to his voice more than anything...

Thanks Babe!!

Natalie on her 2nd b-day

2010-01-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

My baby turned TWO last month. I posted a little bit about it on our Christmas post, but here is a little more. And I know she is officially a toddler now, but to me she's still and forever will be my BABY!!!

Here were her Rainbow Bright cupcakes I made her.

On her actual birthday the next day we took her to the movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. She got a huge Icee and popcorn that she was supposed to SHARE... but the sharing part didn't happen.

Doesn't she look like a lil model?? Marci did a good job on getting her the adorable vest!

She makes me smile :).

"Gohls"

2010-01-15T13:39:00.001-08:00

My little Sweet Sweet loves the wooden girls she got for Christmas. They have magnetic clothes that you can stick to them. She has always awakened with enthusiasm for the day... beginning with the routine of watching daddy make coffee. Now, before even sitting up, she rubs her eyes with her tiny hands and you can hear a high little voice coming from the crib that says, "Gohls, Gohls!!!" (Girls) She does it after nap too. The coffee pot has almost been completely forgotten.

She will play with these girls longer than I thought any toddler had the attention span for...

I think she is pretty talented as well... maybe the next major fashion designer!!

impromptu road trip

2010-01-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

My parents and grandparents decided not only to spoil our kids with presents, but Tyler and I as well. We both got gift cards to our favorite stores and some cash. A couple days after Christmas we were still on vacation. Tyler and I do not get days off together other than on holidays so this was pretty awesome!! We spontaneously decided to take off for the day to Spokane. Those cards were burning holes in our pockets!!

Natalie was voted out of the trip... sorry Sweet Sweet... so she stayed behind and went to Marci's house. She didn't mind a bit, Marci even took her out to Applebee's with a couple of her friends. Even though everyone was covered in chocolate milk by the end of the meal, they had a fun girls day :).

We went to Northtown. Tyler and Tristan went to the arcade on the bottom level while I scoured the rest of the mall. I had not even a little bit of trouble spending my gift card. This is the only time of year that I buy clothes so I was in much need. And if you are wondering... no I really never have anything to wear in the summer for this reason.

Here is Tristan playing mini golf.

A kids dream to get to play mini golf, bouncy house, and video games all in one day... lucky little guy :).

When we got to Cabela's Tristan and I looked at all the cool stuff in there while Tyler was unleashed looking for backpacking stuff.

He found some really light, yet durable clothing he can carry in his pack. Lookin' good!!

Thanks to all of our family for making this a very memorable holiday. We love you!!!

baby blues, curly q's, and contagious smiles

2010-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Natalie's curly hair... I can control it for about an hour after bath time.

Here are my children standing on their chairs and screaming. We had Christmas music on and they jump up when the spirit moves them...

The spirit moves them a lot!

I call this one "Girl in Toy Box with Fro" I love her blonde fro!

What am I going to do with this girl??? She's had us around her finger since birth! The blue eyes, the hair, the soft, squishy cheeks. We are in big trouble here!!

30 things to do before 30!

2010-01-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

I will be 29 this month... gulp! So I have one year to accomplish these goals. Hope I can do it!

Finish up the credits I need for continuing education this year.
Try at least 15 recipes from my new cookbook.
Make a blog book.
Learn more about photography.
Organize a bunco tournament.
Start going to the gym.
Kick my Coke addiction... the soda (ahem)
Work outside more in the summer time- I want to put down some rock and plant something new!
Offer to do something kind for a friend... such as babysitting or treating to lunch... once a month.
Read about the new innovative practices for the classroom.
Go to bed on time- maybe then I can cut out the caffeine!
Focus on myself- embrace the things I can do instead of worrying about what others are doing.
Explore a new city, town, or scenic area.
Offer a massage to my hubby at least once a month... he has a very physical job and really needs this.
Read from the Bible... open to suggestions on where to start!!!
Upload some of my gram's pictures to my blog... love their ranching pictures!
Read to my babies every night.
Get caught up on my scrapbooks- I am on Tristan's first year... yikes!
Go to the dentist and wellness checks. Take care of myself better in general... not washing my face before bed is bad for the complexion.
Remember to be thankful on the sunny days and give in to getting help on the rainy ones.
Organize the junk drawers in the kitchen.
Practice letters, numbers, rhymes, and writing with Tristan this summer- Kindergarten next year!
Make a homemade craft and give it to someone- this one will be hard for me :).
Go dancing
Continue watching my favorite shows... but stop eating while doing so.
Get Natalie potty trained and get her beautiful curls under control :).
Eat more "leafs" because it is healthier... and I love when Tristan calls them leafs.
Work on my fitness.
Make sure I keep all receipts for Tyler... he is in charge of bills and it makes his job easier.
Complete our family... there are some stipulations that I will have to accomplish before doing this... so it is something to strive for... but also very well might not happen this year. That is why I saved it for last.

If you made it all the way down the list bless your heart :). I will keep posting on whether or not I have accomplished these throughout the year.

New Year's Snow Day

2010-01-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

We traveled over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house on New Year's Day. We were hoping for enough snow to play around in and we got it!

Here is my dear friend heh heh. He hangs out in Roxanne's yard all the time with his four other buddies.

There was quite the snow storm after we got there!

There is Tyler looking fine at 29!! Thinking about planning a trip to Vegas for his dirty 30... but it's a long time away so we really have no clue if it will work out or not yet.

Awwww... snuggly cousins...

Natalie doing her usual activity... dump all toys out, spread around, find more toys to dump out... repeat.

The next day we were ready to play!!!

Here is Natalie wishing she had some mobility... her favorite activity of the day was to sit with Aunt Jody on the four wheeler and haul everyone up after going down the sled hill.

Here is Hailey on the first run of the day. Grandpa Ron made this sled hill the day before. It is built up on the sides so that the sledder doesn't go off course. Everyone stayed on course except for me. I blew through the barrier and landed in sticks.

Tristan speeding down the hill... I'd say it was almost as long as a football field...

Yes that is my husband trying to break a bone! Don't worry, he didn't break a bone... he only fell on his neck and cringes every time he moves... no big deal!

Matt giving rides back to the top...

Natalie even went down a couple times!

Here they go!

Sledding really makes a person work up an appetite. Warming wieners by the fire!

Now we are back home and I am avoiding laundry by writing a couple blogs and realizing that Tristan goes back to school tomorrow. I go back to work. The holidays are officially over. December is one of my favorite months ever even though it tires me out!

I loved 2009!!! And I am hopeful that 2010 will find me continuing to be deep in the throes of motherhood/wifehood, spending time with friends and family, and thanking God for the love our family has for each other, our health, and our safety. Amen.

New Year's Eve

2010-01-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

We rang in the New Year with this angel. I know... Mike is a pretty good guy, but I was talking about the lil babycakes. She stayed in daddy's arms throughout the night and was perfectly content.

We played games and ate appetizers all night until I finally glanced up at the clock and it was 5 minutes to midnight. We made it in time to see the ball drop though! Fun times!

Here is the crew!

parasols

2009-12-31T00:04:00.000-08:00

I went into Pier 1 and walked around looking for some wall art. We have been in our house almost a year and the walls are still pretty bare. I looked closely at all the paintings and then I came across this monster that is 4 feet tall. All of the sudden Rhianna's song burst in on full volume in my head. The one that goes, "~When the sun shines, we'll shine together... but when it's raining more than ever, we'll still have each other... you can stand under my umbrella ella ella ella... hey hey" Okay I'll stop!

Tyler told me to keep looking around so we went to Spokane and I looked around. All I heard was silence. Not one voice in my head! The next day I ran to Pier 1 and looked at the painting. I got the same burst of music and I liked the symbolism. It also made me very happy that this was the only one!

When I got home Tyler was waiting to see it. I asked him if the painting was speaking to him... he said no and that I may need to be checked into a mental hospital. I said pipe down and hang up my painting... okay not really on that last part.

Since it was so enormous there was really only one wall that it would fit on. All split entry houses have it... the one in the entryway when people first come in. Tyler was a little alarmed at the size of the picture and again said that maybe I should get help... but he moved ahead anyway. Like his dad Tyler is very prone to expletives and frustration when things have to be precise. I just about rushed the painting back to the store when he said, "put me out of my misery." He had to teeter from a ladder placed on stairs and hold the gigantic painting, hammer, nails, and level at the same time... so I really can't blame him a bit. He did a great job in the end and the painting still speaks to me all the time!

Christmas '09

2009-12-30T23:13:00.000-08:00

Santa made it! We celebrated Natalie's birthday on Christmas too so she got her kitchen and doll house all together. Tristan is into action figures and technology... so his presents were smaller this year.

Our little family had Christmas morning together and then I immediately preheated the oven to roast my turkey and get the food ready for our 16 guests. I told myself if anything goes wrong I am not going to have a meltdown, but instead a glass of wine. I didn't need my glass of wine until towards the end of baking time when I forgot to take out the meat thermometer and it melted. Luckily, it did not melt onto the turkey. Gram saved me when she had her thermometer with her. All the food that everyone brought could not have been better. Very satisfying Christmas around the table together.

Afterwards there was another round of presents. The kids have 8 grandparents and 3 great grandparents that love nothing more in the world than making their grandchildren happy... so you might be able to imagine the mountain of presents for the kids.

Tyler and I were spoiled pretty good by my parents as well. Mom and Greg got us gift certificates to our favorite stores... Cabellas and GAP. Gram and my dad also gave us some $$$$. It was enough to send us to Spokane on a whim. I will have to show you on the next post what I spent my benjamin on!

Tristan has always loved Tara. So sweet!

Some of the guests...

Grandpa Jim was the dessert man... he brought enough for the marine corps.! We STILL have some!

Grandpa ♥

Tara helping Tristan get to his present FASTER!

Gram got a printer from mom and Greg... I am so proud of my technologically savvy Gram ♥ Always entertaining the crowd her famous "blow job" comment sent us into an uproar. She was referring to Natalie's nose needing attention (ahem)!

Natalie wearing her new backpack.

Hungry Hungry Hippos. I love that Natalie can play this too! Notice the sweat pants under the dress... she started screaming uncontrollably until mommy caved and let her wear them... the frilly dress days may be coming to a close :(.

Tristan kept beating daddy... he was pretty thrilled with himself!

And last but not least Natalie's very own celebration. I made her rainbow bright cupcakes and her eyes twinkled when we all surrounded her and sang Happy Birthday. My 2 year old ♥.

The very next day Tyler got a case of elf-fluenza and started clearing out any trace of Christmas decoration. He can't stand it up after the holiday. While he was on his rampage I organized the closets and toy boxes so that our house was not bursting at the seams.

twas the night before christmas

2009-12-29T22:22:00.000-08:00


Twas the night before Christmas, at my sister's house
  All the creatures were hungry, especially my spouse  
The surf and turf dinner cooked with precision and care 
 While the toddler and pug searched for scraps by the chair.    

 Later, the kids nestled in, all snug and well fed 
 While visions of shiny presents danced in their heads. 
 They got in their new jammies & took gifts from the elf  
Tristan needed no help, he opened them himself.

The moon through the window shined light on the wall  
Natalie put on her new sunglasses and ran down the hall.
On her head was a stocking hat with a bow  
And her little blonde hairs were starting to fro. 

When in the next room there arose such a clatter,  
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter. 
 A nerf rocket was launched and it flew like a flash 
 I spun and ducked, it required a dash.

With all these new presents, the kids were all set
Then Grandpa Allen surprised them with a Zhu Zhu pet.
Chopper had finished and started to pout
So Marci got him another present out.

Betty served up the huck-apple pie
It was so yummy, oh me... oh my.
Soon Natalie stuck her bink in her mouth
And I knew the whole evening was about to go south.

We returned home and I lay down in a heap
It was finally time for our family to sleep.
Quietly we left cookies for Santa and shut out the light
And I whispered, "Please little baby, won't you sleep through the night?"

The End

My stable sheep

2009-12-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

Here is my little stable sheep! His lines were:

Here is the stable

Where Jesus was born

Where laid in the manger

That first Christmas morn

Unlike his daddy who froze during a performance for Dare... he delivered his lines perfectly! Sorry babe I had to throw that in there :).

During the last week of school before break the kindergartners and pre-schoolers did 3 performances for nursing homes around their school. They were amazing!! My lil man is in front wearing a Lightning McQueen stocking hat.

Tristan was locking arms with his lil friend on the way to the destination. So cute.

After they got back to school for their snack...

Tristan shared his with sweet sweet because there was not enough for her... nobody even asked him... he is very protective of her and helps take care of her where he can. We are very proud of his compassionate heart.

Here is the big performance in front of the parents!! It was packed in there! I missed the whole show, but Tyler got to see it.

Santa made a surprise visit afterward!

Here is the reason I missed the show... lil sweet sweet turned into bad bad Mad-alie. Tyler took this photo from inside during the show.

I want to rock and roll all night... and potty everyday

2009-12-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

Sweet Sweet started potty training a couple days ago. She has yet to be successful in going. Usually she says she has to go, runs in the bathroom, sits on her chair, gets up, pulls up her pants, and then goes in her diaper. The end.

Whenever lil sweet sweet tries new things she is up at night. Not sure what this is all about. She needs extra comfort though and that means Natalie and I sleep on the chair at night...

Sleep deprivation plus potty training makes me:

a.) want my mommy

b.) eat m&m's that are supposed to be for Natalie when she finally goes in the potty.

c.) have the following conversation with the coffee lady at Hot Shot:

Me: "Hi, do you have anything bigger than a 20 oz.

Coffee Lady: "No that is the largest size we have."

Me: "Darn it!!!!"

Seussical the Musical

2009-12-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

We looked!

Then we saw him step in on the mat!

We looked!

And we saw him!

The Cat in the Hat!

~Dr. Seuss

And they ran to us fast.

They said, "How do you do?

Would you like to shake hands

With Thing One and Thing Two?"

~Dr. Suess

He's a Mean One!

Tristan was absolutely star struck tonight! He met all the characters from his #1 favorite book of all time. Thank you so much Marci and Gram for organizing this and bringing Tristan's imagination to life!!

Our lil babycakes was there too and she sat through 2 hours of the show completely taken in... towards the end Tyler took her to the lobby to stretch her legs... and to have her meltdown. It's just so hard being a toddler.

Ugly Sweater

2009-12-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Marci and Jeff are throwing an ugly sweater party soon and here was a conversation between my mom and sister on the subject. I thought it was pretty cute :).

Marci: "Mom, can I go through your closet... I need a sweater for my party."

Mom: "Oh sorry, I don't own any ugly sweaters."

Marci: "Well, can I just look???"

ha.

Gifts

2009-12-14T23:35:00.000-08:00

Tyler and I went Christmas shopping the easy way this year!!

That means shopping without a toddler in tow... because nothing is ever easy with a toddler in tow. When I go grocery shopping I am always finding myself counting down the minutes I have to shop before my lil sweet sweet turns into the Incredible Hulk, starts knocking down food from the shelves, and then gets banned from Rosaurs. Or praying that we do not have a repeat of the time she launched her toy from the cart whilst screaming... and I watched in slow motion completely powerless as it landed in a little old man's fresh fruit. Goodbye forever Rosaurs... oh how I will miss you! Never mind... you can't get rid of me...

Anyway... here is what the kids are getting for Christmas this year... I realize the pictures aren't the best quality, but you can still kinda see everything.

Sweet Sweet was born on the 26th of December... she was due on the 1st of January... I wish she would have stayed in a little longer. This day after Christmas birthday celebrating stuff is pretty crazy. So the kitchen is her Christmas present and the doll house is for her birthday. Tyler will have them set up and under the tree for Christmas morning.

Here is the kitchen... it makes sizzling sounds. We got it at Costco. We also got her some extra food for it.

This is the dollhouse... also from Costco. We bought her a couple extra dolls for it.

This is a magnetic wooden doll set. She can dress them in all sorts of clothes and accessories. I bet your wondering how I will possibly keep this together... I am wondering the same thing...

This set of Spongebob toys is for Tristan... he loves Spongebob so much. When he gets frustrated he says, "oh barnacles." He never gets enough of my Squidward impression. We could not find one Spongebob item in stores around here so Tyler found this whole set on eBay. I can barely contain myself from giving it to him early because he is gonna love it!!

Natalie and Tristan will share the hippos game and probably the legos since they both love to build so much. In the front it is hard to see... that is the "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" video game. He has been wanting this game for a few months and made sure that it was known to Santa when he climbed onto his lap.

Tyler and I had the best time getting these presents and wrapping them up. When the kids saw there were presents under the tree they started jumping around and screaming. Everyone has been mentioning how lucky we are to have little kids to celebrate with... how it will never be this special again...

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow ♥

2009-12-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Snow evokes many emotions in me. Skittishness being the main one when I have to drive in it.... but I absolutely love it when I am in my cozy house and can watch it from inside. I adore it when I get to take my kids out to play in it!

Just look at this gorgeousness! Tristan made a beautiful snow angel... man I love snow angels!

Snow makes my babycakes smile... so anything that makes my babycakes smile is splendid in my book!!

Tyler had an idea for playing in the snow... and when Tyler has an idea... my super cautious freak side comes out. What kind of life threatening contraption has he brainstormed this time???? ????? ??????

Alaina, "oh geez babe, I don't know if this is safe."

Tyler, "come on! Stop being so paranoid... you psycho!"

Alaina, "oh I can't look (*spreading fingers... peeking through*) Oh... that doesn't seem so bad!"

*You truly have no idea how many times we have had this same conversation!*

They had so much fun! Tristan pulled Natalie up and down the culdesac...

... until he wanted a little taste of sledding...

Tyler says next time he wants to hook the sled up to the four wheeler and take them for a ride...

Oh geez... I don't know if that is safe... ha.

Shiny and bright

2009-12-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

We decided some festive activities were in order even though it was 19 degrees outside.

It took us about an hour to dig out all of the outerwear needed and then wrestle our children into it. We were happy to discover that Tristan's old snow pants and boots are a perfect fit for Natalie this season! We are planning on playing in the snow!

We were able to stay at the park for a good twenty minutes... it takes longer to get ready to go outside than to actually be outside. It was worth it though... it is gaaaawwwwgeous down there!

Grandpa Greg and Grandma J. met us there and later took us to dinner at Sharps where we had candy cane shakes for dessert. Grandpa Greg had so much fun playing with the toy that the kids got in their saddle bags that we decided he should keep them ha. It was a telescope looking thing that has mirrors and such so that the person looking through it can see behind them.

Natalie ran through every arch at the park... she was fascinated that she could make the colors change when she walked through.

Please don't judge my boy for the choice of clothing... notice the high water pants and the pink snow boots. Last year there was not one pair of boy boots left by the time we went to get them. I think it's time to update his outerwear :).

There is Christmas music blaring and a platform to dance on... I love this season!

Your love is like food to my soul...

2009-12-10T21:25:00.000-08:00

Gma Etta taught Tristan and I how to make homemade noodles last month. She said that Tristan made them twice as fast as she does because of her hands. She doesn't know how much those hands can really do though...

... as a child those hands have always hugged, held, and tickled me. Her hands fixed me hamburgers and homemade curly fries... cinnamon rolls too. They always drove me to the farm to see the goats. They turned the TV channel to Nickelodeon and picked up the toys I always left on the ground. They made a comfy bed on the couch when I stayed home sick from school.

Her hands make it apparent that she has worked hard and that she has been given trials to face.

Her hands always give...

Now that I have my babies... they are finding comfort and love from those same hands...

... and of course the delicious food she creates with them.

Those hands couldn't possibly give more.

With love,

Lainie

Sugar Rush Part 2

2009-12-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

You can tell by the expression on her face when the sugar kicks in... see Sugar Rush Part 1 here.

You better not pout...

2009-12-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

I'm telling you why... Santa is coming to Costco!

Tristan went right up to Santa because he knows that this man brings him stuff, he jumped on and before Santa had a chance to speak Tristan says, "um... um... um... Santa? I want uh... uh... uhhh... Santa... I want... ummm... uuummmmmm... Santa?.... ummmm... the Chance of Meatballs game!"

Santa is a very patient man!

Natalie made a brief appearance without her binky...

The kids at the Christmas party had a lot of fun... eating pizza... running... eating sundae's... running... making ornaments... running... and running.

It was so nice to go home with kids that were completely spent...

it's up... for now!

2009-12-01T22:32:00.001-08:00

We spent a couple hours tonight getting ready for the big day... we put together our tree...

I had lots of "help."

Then we called in our light specialist... he managed to fix a string of lights using only one expletive!!

So here it is!! Anyone think it will make it to Christmas??? *crickets*

I will be making a list of ornaments gone MIA... starting with the penguin in ear muffs carrying a hymnal... please contact me if you have any information...

Happy Holidays with love... from the Griswolds... I mean the Simons!!

be yourself

2009-11-30T04:58:00.000-08:00

This blog has been an awesome way to document fun and happy times for my family... but there are also decisions in life that we struggle with... insecurities that have to be faced... days where things are not perfect. Though I don't want to share every personal struggle I go through... yesterday it was ridiculous... I kept adding this little "poem" about a subject that tears me from my sleep... and then deleting it because it was personal, it demonstrated a sadness in me, a feeling of failure. If my kids ever do want to read this to learn more about me or their childhood, I don't want them to think that I wasn't being real. From now on I don't want to find myself deleting something because someone might think that things are not perfect...

So here it is... something that has been on my mind... it's a very personal thing... something that my husband and I have made a decision about... yet it still weighs on me heavily...

third

instinct a sharp probe

it whispers in the breeze

the figure in the skies

a lingering of dreams

forgive me if you never come to be

Thanksgiving '09

2009-11-28T00:23:00.000-08:00

Tyler and I are blessed with 4 sets of parents... all of whom we wish to see on the holidays... but it's just not possible for our family to move that fast. The parents are always encouraging us to spend time with them whenever we can... even if it's not on the actual day... isn't that lovely?! They always say a holiday is the atmosphere and togetherness, not the date. This kind of attitude has made the holidays so much fun for us... no stress or pressure!

We went up to Grandpa Jim's a few days before Thanksgiving for some time together. He put on his favorite Christmas show, "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" and we ate toasted cheese and soup... it was perfect <3.>

Grandpa Jim saved this tree from being cut down at his hunting camp and planted it in his yard... I love when you can watch a tree grow with your kids!

Tristan's preschool class made a special cookbook for parents... they asked, "How do you cook a turkey?" Tristan's answer was adorable and gave everyone a good laugh at the dinner table...

"Go hunting to the turkey place and you'll see lots of turkeys. If you ask nicely he'll get in your car. Be sure to put a seat belt on him so he'll be safe. Drive him to your house and push him in the oven. Turn the oven to hot and leave him there for 10 hours. When it's done take him out of the oven. Take him to the table and take out the feathers and eat it."

On Thanksgiving Day we cleaned up and went to Grandma J's... despite my efforts to try and help she ended up making the whole dinner herself... it was delicious!!

Look at that pose... preciousness!

They make the holidays so much more special... for everyone!

When we got to Grandma J's we wanted a picture in front of their "blue tree." Grandpa Greg took a lot of pics so we decided to use one for our Christmas card... not this one though. This illustrated how much patience Grandpa had... and we still didn't get a perfect one. I like that it's not though.

Natalie loved Grandpa Greg's deer sausage jerky... She kept sneaking over to the table for more.

Thanksgiving cuddles...

We had a very small and cozy Thanksgiving this year... so relaxing!

4 generation baking day!

2009-11-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Gma, Mom, Marci, the kids and I all got together today for a baking day. Though I love to cook dinner for my family... I have not attempted too many baking projects... so I wanted to learn from the best!

Tristan and Marci are crushing nuts for the mini nut pies. Tristan amazes me in the kitchen... he helps me at home too and has a very long attention span for these kinds of projects. He is also a really good helper!

Mom is putting the finishing touches on our family favorite... apple pie. She is telling us all her secrets to get the perfect pie crust... and the most flavorful apples.

Marci made sugar cookies for the kids to decorate so that I could help with the pies... the kids sat and decorated these cookies with stamina... and ate them with stamina too... I turned away for a bit and Tristan's pile had diminished quite a lot in a few minutes... after he had a couple he was ready to really get going.

Marci getting the mini pie crusts ready... they have to be the perfect thickness.

Tristan's cookie art... we tried them... he did a good job!

Natalie did a good job of eating the scoop of frosting she was supposed to be spreading onto the cookie.

Oooohhh... you mean I am supposed to leave it on the cookie... now I get it.

Below is all of us... a very memorable and fun day... Gma told us a couple stories of how she helped her mother in the kitchen when she was little. Her mom was cooking a holiday dinner and asked her to poke some holes in the pie crust so that it wouldn't bubble... so she did... so many that the pie crust came out of the oven like a stone :). She also remembers one time that her mother told her she could cut whichever slice of pie she wanted... so she cut a circle out of the middle... so honery... so precious...

While we were baking the boys cooked some bite size steak and we had a yummy dinner and apple pie for dessert.