Bath or Scuba facility...you decide

Tyson loves a bath.  In fact, he asks us almost on an hourly basis if he can take one.  Probably the cleanest kid in the neighborhood.  I understand baths are nice and relaxing and stuff, but what I did not realize was, it's also a place to hone in on your scuba diving skills.  It has become clear to me that Tyon's love of bathtime has absolutely nothing to do with cleanliness, and everything to do with scuba-ing.  He loves to take his "guys" in the bath, throw them in the water and then dive in after 'em.  Next on the 'to get list'...goggles and a snorkel.

Quick trip to Portland

Last Sunday there was a Gear Up for Baseball event at the Nike employee store in Portland.  (Thank you, Janet for continued access...our lives wouldn't be the same without you.) Steve and I decided it was a great reason for us to make a quick trip to Portland before our lives get taken over by baseball.  We left Sunday about 11:30 am, and drove straight to the store. The event itself was pretty cool.  There were a ton of people, it was impossible to push a cart through that place.  While the free popcorn and smoothies held the kids attention, the DJ and raffles held Steve and mine.  (We didn't win anything.) But Steve made a contact with a Nike event planner, so hopefully we will be seeing a Krush hitting booth at the event next year.  We chose to do our shopping the next day.  (That is an entire post of it's own.)

After the shopping was done, we wanted to find something for the kids to do to get their energy out before the car ride home.  We've taken them to the zoo and the children's museum, but had not taken them to the Forestry Discovery museum, so we decided to give it a go.  It turned out to be super fun.  Funny thing is was, we let the kids skip school on Monday, so Steve made the kids read about the exhibits to us, since they weren't in school.  This way they could at least learn, something.  I guarantee if they were given a choice between the two, it would be reading off facts at a museum...every.time. 

So here it is...our weekend, in pictures.

The train outside of the museum.

Tree planting, tree cutting machine simulator thingy, and a smoke jumping simulator...oh, and my smoke jumping boyfriend.

A big machine, some reading, and some rafting.

Exhibits, weirdos, Steve climbing in logs, and Steve climbing in trees.

As these guys are getting older it is getting easier to pick up and go to do things like this.  I look forward to many more adventures, in fact, we might just take off and do it again this weekend...who knows. 

Picture from the car on the way home.  It was 61 degrees when we were leaving Portland, and absolutely gorgeous out.  It was beautiful to get to see the mountains on the way home.  All in all it was a great trip...can't wait to do it again.

Sweet little reminder...

This is what I found on the back of Easton's homework.  Easton had completed his homework, but aparantly had forgotten to write his name on it.  Graycie must have felt some sort of obligation to not only write his name on the front for him, but then give a sweet little reminder on the back.   I can only imagine the kind of reminders yet to come.

Looking forward to....

• Dinner at my Mom's tonight.  (She must have read my mind, I was dreading the thought of making dinner tonight with Steve gone again.  Cue phone call.  My Mom asked if the kids and I wanted to come for dinner.  My exact response, "Yes, Please."
• Sleeping in tomorrow.   Graycie's first soccer practice, in the morning.
• Warm weather.
• Summer.
• Wearing nothing but flip-flops.  (On my feet.)
• Green grass and flowers in my yard.  I am so missing my back patio. When the weather is warm I sit out on the swing on me deck...every day.
• Girl's night out.  (I don't think you have to have one scheduled to look forward to them.)
• Selling this house.  
• Being outside.
• City League volleyball...starting in March.
• Seeing my husband again.  He has been running his baseball camp for the last few days, with the last session tomorrow.  (So very proud of him...just sayin.)
• Menopause.
• Getting my hair cut and colored on the 26th.  (uh, don't know when the last one was...so this is a big deal.)
• Beachcombers Haven!!!  (I don't think this needs explaining.)
• Buying and watching Couples Retreat. 
• Retirement.
• Going to bed tonight.
• Being debt free.  (estimated for summer 2010.)
• The next Rock Band session.
• Traveling.  
• Being done with this post.
• The End.

Item of the day.....

There's an ewok in my shower

it's been there for a while

every time I see it

I can not help but smile.

I think of how it got there

how it's not been put away

because of what it represents

I'm content to let him stay.

It signifies this stage of life

where my kids still play with toys

a wild imagination

from my daughter and three boys.

As the rain comes pouring down

another chapter begins

an exciting watery adventure

for that ewok and his friends.

A world that's still so simple

and worries still care free

I wish for them to remember

this is how it used to be.

I know these moments come and go

too fast it seems unfair

so that ewok in my shower

for now, can still live there.

Coming soon....

There's a batman on my counter

and....

There's some nerf darts on my table

....okay, but not for reals.

The Best Part of....

Television:: Reality TV shows, and almost anything in HD.


Having a small house:: Being able to vacuum the WHOLE thing....from ONE outlet.


Rock Band:: Hanging out with AWESOME people, and being able to play the drums on medium!


A sick kid:: Having a legitimate excuse for letting them watch TV all day.


Making dinner:: Sitting down to eat it together.


Paying taxes:: Getting a tax return.


Tax Return:: One step closer to being debt free, oh, and a big screen TV.


Tri-cities:: Family (everything else about it pretty much sucks.)


My van:: It's paid off (everything else about it pretty much sucks.)


My body:: My butt.


Costco:: Being able to shop easily with four kids, thanks to the samples.


Walmart:: Running into a friend and her husband while holding unmentionables in your hand.


Sisters:: everything.


Driving the kids to school:: Saying a prayer with them every. morning.


School:: Summer vacation.


Summer vacation:: Beach vacation. (Beachcombers Haven BABY!!!)


Beach Vacation:: EVERYTHING.


My day:: This.................................................

2nd pic in Nov...sort of

The photo challenge was the second picture in November...this was mine. The only thing is this was actually taken in December, I don't know why it was stored in November, but I wasn't going to change it on a technicality...it was just too cute not to post.

My sister in laws and I put on a Christmas party for the kids at Rachaels house. We try to do something every year to kick off the festivities. This little tradition has evolved over the years, and this years was the best. There was good food, the kids played games, and the adults visited. The kids played bingo...and won a prize. They played musical "pictures" (all drawn by my wonderfully talented daughter, Graycie)...and won a prize, then Amy read a story for "Pass the Present."

Prior to this party, Amy, Rachael, and myself spent some time shopping for the perfect prizes and the perfect gifts for the games. I think we did an amazing job...except for one gift. The hot cocoa gift set. We all LOVED the gifts and talked about how we hoped each family ended up with a musical snow globe...they were adorable. The mug set, however, we all talked about how we'd be okay if our kid didn't end up with it, to put it politely. I'm laughing now thinking about us talking about this.

So pass the present begins...and ends, with Trenton ending up with the mug set. I was slightly disappointed because I knew he had ended up with it before he even opened it. But then something amazing happened...he opened it. The look on that kids face, pure JOY. He was more excited about HIS gift than any other kid...I'm sure of it. Probably because it was perfectly suited for him, he LOVES hot chocolate. I don't know what I was worried about, but that moment topped the evening for me. And the evening was AMAZING, so that's saying A.LOT.

8th picture in December challenge

So Rachael extended a challenge for everyone to post about the 8th picture in their december folder. This is mine....aren't we cute? This was taken at couples night hosted by Karen Landoni. She put on a fantastic night of food, fun, and well, inapropriate humor...seriously, there were many moments where I almost peed my pants. I'd like to blame it on the guys, but if I'm being completely honest...the girls were just as bad, if not worse than the guys. We played games, won prizes, ate to our hearts content, and we were all almost kidless. (Addy doesn't count). Needless to say, it was a good time had by all. Thanks again, Karen!!! You rock!

Pet turtle

So the other night Graycie was talking to her Dad about getting a turtle. They have the cutest tiniest turtles at Petland. Steve told her we will have to talk to your Mother about it, good man. We were all together the next day and Steve brought it up to me about Graycie wanting a turtle. She was sitting at the counter just smiling away. I told her it was definitely something we would be willing to look in to. Bigger smile. I wanted to make sure that I gave her all the information about what it would entail to care for her own pet. Just keeping it real. Whenever my kids had to get their shots, I never said, "Oh, it won't hurt" or, "we're just going for a check-up." I always told my kids, "yep, you're getting a shot, it'll hurt...you'll be fine." I always made sure they knew I'll be there the whole time, it'll be quick, and hey, you get a sucker when you're done. Such is the same with most things in life. You have to know what you're in for, before you're knee deep in it.

I explained that having a real live pet is a huge responsibility. This isn't like Webkinz, if you don't make sure your pet is cared for, they can die. We went over some things and after a bit Gray says, "I think I will have a turtle when I'm older." I looked at her and ask, "How come?" she says, "I don't know, I just think I will have a turtle when I'm a grown up." So I take her into another room to carry on the conversation with her. She was pretty distraught and I ask her, "what's the matter?" she says, "well what about when I'm at school?" I tell her that we'll have to go talk to somebody at the pet store to find out about all of this. Like how many times a day they need to be fed. I didn't know all the answers so we need to go ask some questions. She still looked pretty upset and then started to cry. This broke my heart. I asked her what was going on and she says, "I'm just nervous." I can't tell you how proud I was at that moment. I told her that this is her choice and that in reality... ALL pets die. It's sad, but we should always feel happy about the quality of life we've provided. Like our dogs. They have a warm house to live in, food to eat, each other to play with, not to mention a house full of kids to play with. We should always feel happy about what we've provided for them. And yes, they will die too but they will have had a GREAT life. One much better then if we were not in it.
I convinced her that before we got too upset or worked up about this we need to make a trip to the pet store. And besides, we should probably go and look for ideas of what to get Jett and Bella for Christmas. This put a smile back on her face, and away she went.

I could not believe that my little girl...only 7 years old was capable of sooo much compassion. She has always had a love for animals. But it blew my mind that she gave it THAT much thought. Most kids when asking for a pet spew the same ol' story, "yes, I'll take care of it, I WANT IT, I promise I'll take care of it, I WANT IT!" I was proud that she was not only concerned about what would happen when she was at school, but asked if I would help her!!! I mean seriously, that was proof right there that she would take this more seriously than most adults would. I wanted to buy her a turtle right then and there. I was so incredibly impressed with her, and it made me feel sooo proud. I adore that girl, and love the fact that if nothing else...she's made me feel, I must be doing something right.

*UPDATE*

We have since gone to the pet store only to find out that all reptiles carry salmonella. Luckily Grandma Lando got her some Zhu Zhu pets for Christmas. (Thanks Grandma Lando) These seem to be making the perfect pets...for now. She LOVES them. *sigh* The End.

Bedtime at our house...

Bed time has gotten a little crazy at our house lately. Reason being; it's cold out. All of you with kids need no further explanation. For those of you who don't, let me explain. When it's cold the kids are couped up...when the kids are couped up they turn into psycho monsters who

are extremely loud and extremely rambunctious. This behavior is only magnified by the mention of bedtime. Last night however, things were a little less psychotic and a little more entertaining.

Graycie was content in her room writing in her new diary. I have to give her credit because she has always been the best at bedtime. Most nights we don't even have to tell her to go to bed. All on her own she will announce, "I'm tired." and go to bed. And that's that. This could be because she (being the only girl) has her own room or it could be because she understands the importance of beauty sleep. Who know...who cares. Either way she does a great job.

Tyson, hmm what to say about Tyson? He's pretty much a hellion hopped up on Red Bull. He runs around wrestling and tackling any child he can catch. No matter what age, no matter what size. If he can catch you, he will tackle you. Having a three bedroom house with four children makes bedtime just a little challenging. Usually we rock Tyson to sleep, and wait for Easton and Trenton to fall asleep so we can lay Tyson in the boys room. It's the best solution we have come up with thus far. Last night Steve rocked him and he fell asleep quite quickly. The older boys were still awake so he just laid him on the couch until the boys were asleep.

Last night I laid in the the boys bed with them and started asking them some questions about their names. I was curious to see if Trenton actually knew all of his siblings middle names, he did. So then I started asking them about their cousins middle names. And the conversation went a little something like this;

Me-"What is Aubrey's middle name?"

Easton-"???, what does it start with?"

Me-"T"

Easton-"what does it end with?"

Me-"A"

Easton-"Terra? Tyra?"

Me-"No, NO"

Easton-"Tina? Tyna?"

Trenton-"Tiny Tim?"

Me-"haha, No, it's Teresa. What's Sophie's real name? It's short for something."

Easton-"Sophies. Sofas. Sofadis?"

Me-"haha, no, nope and are you kidding me?"

ENTER STEVE

Easton-"Dad, what's Sophie's real name?"

Steve-"Josephine."

Me-"Hmph...thanks for ruining the game."

EXIT STEVE

Me-"Okay, what is Raelyn's middle name?"
Easton-"what does it start and end with?"

Me-"A and E"

Easton-"Ane?"

Me-"No, it's Alise...what's Kaitlyn's middle name?"

Easton-"Alise?"

Me-"No...it starts with an R and ends with an N."

Easton-"Ran...Rain?!"

Me-"heehee, nope...it's Ryan, okay now you guys better go to bed."

Easton"Okay, but can we play this game tomorrow night?"

Me-Smiling, "sure."

It was nice that bedtime was actually entertaining. Great change of pace from the usual madness. I laughed pretty hard at some of the things the kids said. Moments like that make bedtime...well, almost bearable.

Kids say...

After coming out of my room wearing my new cardi-coat, Easton says to me, "Mom, you look ghetto."  Me (voice all high and shocked-like) "WHAT?!!!"  Easton laughing at my response, "I don't even know what ghetto means...I thought it meant cool."  Me laughing at his response, "Oh, well next time just say that...sheesh."  I then explained to him what ghetto meant.  

Trenton in the van, "When I tooted in my chair it sounded like a fiyaweck."  (firework)  Talk about force. 

Tyson on the carebear phone, "Hi boleese? Take Tenten away okay? Bye."  After a moments thought he redials and adds, "take Tenten only, okay boleese?"  He then makes sure to give Trenton a heads up..."Me call boleese man to get you." By the way...Tyson is terrified of the police, but waves to him almost every morning as we take the kids to school.  

Graycie and Tyson were playing roughly on the couch the other day...shocker.  Amidst the rough housing they bonk heads...shocker.  Graycie ended up with a black eye...shocker.  The next morning as I'm fixing her hair she looks at the bruise under her eye and says, "HEY, my black eye looks kinda like a NIKE sign."  Ahhh, proud moment.  She also said that she hopes her black eye doesn't go away.  

First day...yada yada yada

So it seems I am behind the times...way behind. It's Friday and the first day of school was Monday. Not to mention, this is my first post in I don't know, 3 MONTHS!!! "Better late than never" said one random genius. What are you gonna do with a crazy schedule that won't allow you to blog AND lay in bed after you drop the kids off at school? (HEY...I have my reasons.) So here it is, documentation that summer is officially over. (This is the one and only reason I cry, mean Mom right?)

(I have no idea why Easton looks sooo much happier than Graycie does. Weird, right?)

Procrastination...

Sometimes I procrastinate...well okay, a lot of times I procrastinate. Sometimes this means that I lay on my couch and play games on my Ipod, or play Scrabble on facebook with a fellow procrastinator I won't call her out...but I totally won our last game. (To be fair it is the only game we've played...but still...I won.) Sure, I should be preparing for a garage sale that I'm having on Saturday, or hmmm, maybe getting things in order for our vacation that is quickly approaching...but yeah, like I said I procrastinate. But this time procrastinating meant that I not only edited some photos, but actually POSTED them!!! Here are some of my favorites from the last batch...

Tyson being...well Tyson, throwing sawdust in cousin Katelyn's face

Again, being Tyson...stole Trentons hat and ran like the wind

Raelyn...posing (not shy around a camera...to say the least)

Tyson throwing sawdust...at least it's not in anyone's face

He's even cute when he's not being naughty

My favorite up and coming photographer Just some tulips
Aubrey and Trenton swinging together...Love this

So there you have it...the product of my procrastination. Not always a bad thing, ey?

On a good note...

::My family is healthy!

::Graycie finds constant joy in finding "treasures" in our junk drawer

::Tyson laid and talked with me on my bed this morning when the rest of the kids were at school, I was laying there first when he came to find me and asked, "mommy, why you laying in yours bed?...you sick?" I tell him no, he asks "you sad?" yes, I said. "you miss tenten?" I tell him yes, and he says, "I'm here." I pulled him up on my bed and gave him the biggest hug ever, and thanked him for making me "feel better" See, I wasn't really sad, I was just curious as to what he would do, good to know he'll come through for me. After that we laid and talked for quite some time.

::The sun is out and oh, so warm...weird to think there's a baseball game tonight.

::The kids (especially Easton) have been loving Land of the Lost reruns...simply because Steve used to watch it when he was a kid. I find it outrageously ridiculous, but it keeps them occupied for episodes at a time.

::Only 12 more days of school left...well, 10 for us...SUCKAS!!!

::Only 14 days til vacation!!!

::Dinner is in the crockpot and smelling fantastic!

::I have been seeing a lot of my family lately; birthday parties, family barbeque, memorial day road trip and picnic... a lot of the "usuals" but some of the "unusuals" too. The Reids (Spokane family) were up here for softball regionals so I got to see the ol' fam and visit for a bit. My sister came through on her way home to Portland for the summer. We hackysacked in my Mom's backyard all night, my Mom even joined in...it was so good to see my sister. And my Dad and his wife are coming to visit for a few days from California.

::I am going to be playing outdoor volleyball this summer...DOUBLES...which should definitely whip my booty into shape.

::Summer is so close I can smell it (BBQ's, freshly cut lawns, flowers, wet cement, sniff-ahhh)...which makes me all giddy, I can't wait to start our summer adventures this year. This is my goal: to have an adventure filled summer full of exploring, camping, trips, and finding cool places to play in the water. I want to be outside as much as possible. I want to play like I did when I was a kid. I want to create awesome summer memories that will last us until the next one.

Memorial Day 09
(click to enlarge)

Happy Birthday, Noodle!!!

Yesterday you weighed 9lbs. 9oz.....

Today you weigh 9lbs. 9oz....
What you haven't gained in pounds you've definitely gained in attitude. Here's hoping that year 5 will be a great one...considering you have learned all about what not to do in the first 4. All though you have already given me a run for my money in just 5 short years...I love everything about you!!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Chubba!

Yesterday he looked like this...
Today he looks like this...
In 9 short years he has become the coolest kid I know, and I have loved well, almost every minute of it!!! ;)

Happy Birthday, Easton!!!

My life as of late...

Well there it is...that's it. Oh wait, there's volleyball too...but I dont' have a cool picture of me playing. Ahh too bad.

My schedule goes a little something like this.

Monday-baseball practice 5:30
Tuesday-soccer practice 5:30 volleyball 6:30
Wednesday-baseball game 5:45
Thursday-baseball practice 5:30 soccer 5:30
Friday- NOTHING!!! (I love Friday's!)
Saturday-Soccer and Baseball games...usually overlapping in some annoying way.
Sunday-get ready to start all over and do it again.

Did I forget to mention Steve is Easton's coach? This is great for them...not so much for me. It is definitely better than it was last year. Trenton and Tyson are doing a MUCH better job of staying within their given perimeters. But still I get the joy of taking both the little guys when Steve is coaching. Fan-bloody-tastic.

I can't even imagine what life will be like when Trenton and Tyson are doing their things too. Is it bad that I totally support cloning?

Treasured Conversation...take two

In the van on the way to Walmart to get a last minute gift for Spencer. That's how we roll. Just so you know, if my child comes to your child's birthday party, best believe that the present was bought 30 minutes prior to the party and put together in the car on the way over. Don't believe me? Just look on the van floor, tissue paper and Walmart bags galore. Anyway, I had Easton come "help" me pick out a gift. Turns out he's not the best helper. Oh, he gave me PLENTY of ideas for his birthday, but not really any useful one's for Spencers. So he starts a conversation with me and this is how it went:
Him: Mom, I have a question for you...and I want you to tell me the truth.
Me: (very intrigued) Yes?
Him: Is the Easter bunny REALLY real?
Me: Well what do you think?
Him: I know that Santa Clause is real, and I KNOW that you're the tooth fairy, but I'm not really sure about the Easter bunny.
Me: Would you be sad if the Easter bunny weren't real?
Him: (after a moment of serious contemplation) Well, maybe Heavenly Father doesn't want me to know if you really know.
Me: Okay.
I had to laugh to myself because he is on the verge of knowing the truth but you can tell he would rather not know quite yet in hopes of keeping the magic alive...just a little bit longer.

Stupid BLOGGER!!!

"Your blog post published successfully." REALLY MOTHER BLOGGER?!!! Does that look SUCCESSFUL to you?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have tried to fix the post below with no luck. Do I have to redo the whole thing and not use the font size thingy? GRRRRR, any suggestions?

Treasured Conversation

In the van on the way to Walmart to get a last minute gift for Spencer. That's how we roll. Just so you know, if my child comes to your child's birthday party, best believe that the present was bought 30 minutes prior to the party and put together in the car on the way over. Don't believe me? Just look on the van floor, tissue paper and Walmart bags galore. Anyway, I had Easton come "help" me pick out a gift. Turns out he's not the best helper. Oh, he gave me plenty of ideas for his birthday, but not really any useful one's for Spencers. So he starts a conversation with me and this is how it went;

Him: Mom, I have a question for you...and I want you to tell me the truth.
Me: (very intrigued) Yes?
Him: Is the Easter bunny really real?
Me: Well what do you think?
Him: I know that Santa Claus is real, and I know that you're the tooth fairy, but I'm not really sure about the Easter bunny.
Me: Would you be sad if the Easter bunny weren't real?
Him: (after a moment of true contemplation) Well, maybe Heavenly Father doesn't want me to know if you really know.
Me: Okay.

I had to laugh to my self because he is on the verge of knowing the truth but you can tell he would rather not know quite yet in hopes of keeping the magic alive...just a little bit longer.

I love...

I love- leaving my house a mess to go visiting teaching, only to come home and find the whole thing cleaned, thanks Stefana'.

I love- that it's springtime and I can kick my kids outside without worrying about frostbite.

I love- that there are like a kabillion free applications for the Ipod touch...do i need to mention I love the Ipod touch?

I love- new babies in the family. (I have a 6 week old nephew and a two week old niece.) I get my baby fix without actually having to have a baby...this is new for me.

I love- that Tyson is potty trained. I'm a bad Mom though because I didn't do a fantastic post about his amazing accomplishment...my bad. I thought this would be an emotional transition for me because we are officially out of the baby phase, but I'm not gonna lie...I'm loving it!!!

I love- the SUNSHINE!!!

I love- jalapenos? weird, but true lately.

I love- that my kids are in sports again. (minus the crappy weather we have to sit in every week to watch them play sports. UGH!)

I love- playing volleyball every week...DUH!

I love- that Graycie (after twisting her arm ) went shopping with me to get new church dresses and shoes. She ended up having a great time and wants to know when we are going again. Plus she wants to wear a DRESS to SCHOOL!!! *gasp*

I love- that Steve stayed up with Easton last night helping him with his homework (after all three of us forgot/procastinated about it since thursday) but my favorite was when Steve told him that "hey, its like you're in college and you're cramming for a final." Uh, I did not love when Steve didn't quite understand Easton's homework and said, "this is stupid." At that point I had to have a little talk with BOTH my 8 year olds.

I love- that Trenton's hair is getting long again.

I love- IKEA, and can't wait to go back.

I love- to love. ;)

Only the best note...EVER!!!

Last night I was watching Rhapsody rocks NYC featuring the FRAY... Steve recorded it for me earlier because he knows that's my favorite band. (so thoughtful.) Easton was laying in bed with me watching it and I was telling him how much I loved their music. He then asks me, "do you want me to write a song for you?" I say, "Heck yeah." So off he goes to write a song. When he comes back with his paper in hand, I asked him to sing it to me...he said he wrote a note instead. ;) So he gives me my note and this is what it said;

Mom your the best mom ever. I wish I was a super hero so I could take you to Hawaii but when I earn a fortune I'll take you and Dad.

Sincerely Easton
Incredible how your child can make you so happy with such a small gesture. (take notes gentlemen.) I'll admit I'm banking on him rakin' it in one day so this note will definitely come in handy.

Thanks buddy!!!

I almost forgot my password

I have pretty much been in a rut lately. Not necessarily with everything...just my blog. I go through phases where all I want to do is think of things to blog about. Other times it feels like a chore. Like now, for instance. I haven't blogged in quite some time....duh, and I'm not doing it now because I want to, I'm doing it because I feel like I have to. I haven't posted or read anyone's blog in so long I'm feeling a bit out of the loop. So here I am dragging myself away from Webkinz (yes, you read me right) to do a little post. Getting my toes wet if you will. I am not doing anything fancy, funny, or creative...just a little, "hey, I'm still here" type of post. I'm hoping that by doing this I will have the urge to do more. Maybe even post a picture or two in the next few days...nothing crazy, I wouldn't want to strain myself. Who knows, we'll see.

P.S. My title...true story. (that might mean its been TOO long)

Loving me some....

Loving me some....

....DIMPLES!!!
(and the fact that he still wants me to rock him to sleep.)

Christmas re-cap

I wasn't really planning on doing a Christmas post, but if I ever actually get my blog published (which was the main reason for me blogging in the first place) then I would probably regret not doing it. So here in as few words and pictures as possible....our Christmas festivities.

On the 21rst we went to Don and Karen's and spent time with the Great Grandma's of the family. We had chili and Grandma Landoni's spaghetti (you haven't had spaghetti until you've had Grandma Landoni's spaghetti...nothing on earth like it!) The kids all got to open a present. It was a great way to kick of the week!!!

Christmas eve we spent with my family. My mom just got a new house...and it was finished in time for her to have the celebration there. (Phew, dodged a bullet with that one.) Her house is beautiful and perfect for large get-togethers. The food was delish, the kids especially loved the hot-dogs.;) It was great to have them back this year. Last year they were away on their mission...and it just wasn't the same. So, here's to more get-togethers at your house Mom!!!

Christmas morning my kids were up at 3:45, I REPEAT 3:45!!! I told them that everything would go back if they did not GET BACK TO BED! So they tried again at about 7:45...that I can handle. The kids took turns opening presents and this year they had a name draw (a tradition that has been in my family for as long as I can remember.) It is a fun way to teach them to think of their siblings. This seemed to be especially challenging when shopping with Easton. He had Graycie's name and I suggested that he get her Martian Matter (something that they both had wanted.) He drug his feet about it for a while, but I finally convinced him that it would make him feel so good to give her something that she really wanted. What a good sport, ey? Don and Karen came over as they finished up opening presents. All in all it was a smooth, relaxing, enjoyable day.

The day after Christmas is usually spent with Steve's parents. This year it was the day after that. Our Christmas lasts for almost a full week. I absolutely love it this way. You get to savor the season. Karen once again went all out and the kids couldn't have been more excited. When it is time to open presents, Karen shoots off her gun and shouts, "GO!!!"...seriously. Okay, okay she doesn't shoot a gun, but she does shout, GO! And they're off! I wish I had a video, not only to capture the sheer excitement of it, but the sound...oh, the sound. I have never heard paper tearing so loud in my life. It was a blast and the kids literally played with their stuff for the rest of the day.

This Christmas was splendidly wonderful. I absolutely love everything about the season and hope to pass that love and excitement on to my kids. I remember so vividly the excitement of Christmas Eve and not being able to sleep as a kid. Now, that excitement I feel has shifted from me...to my kids. The excitement is the same, but I enjoy it more now as it is not focused on me. I will always be a big kid when it comes to Christmas...well, I suppose that is true for most things. ;)

DISCLAIMER: There was no way to possibly capture the amount of food, gifts and fun had by all in words or pictures. I realize I left out several details and that there were a lot of people that weren't photographed. My apologies, oh and also...bite me.