18 February 2010
A PSA
Plastic laundry baskets should never, ever be set on stove tops. Even if you think the stove top is off because you might just bump the knob with said laundry basket and nearly start a house fire.
We now return to your regularly scheduled blog posts.
Little Mama
I hosted a baby shower for Angie Day Chandler, my wonderful friend who knows my kids about as well as anyone. She's the sweetheart who, along with Adam, her sweetie husband, tended our kids for 2 weeks just one month after they got married. I know, they're the best.
Anyway, Angie is due with her first baby, a little boy named Dayton, the beginning of March. We had a fun shower for her at the beginning of the month.
I didn't take any pictures of the festivities, which really frustrates me. It wasn't like I did anything fancy, but it's just fun to remember things like that, ya know? We had chicken salad sandwiches, veggies & dip, chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate Rice Krispie treats, and Black Forest Cookies. Also, my favorite party beverage ever, my Aunt Sheri's Fruit Slush.
We had a lot of friends from the neighborhood and a few from other parts of Angie's life, too. I'm pretty sure she got some things she needed and it was just fun to celebrate.
Stanton did snap a couple of pictures of Angie and I together, which I really appreciated. Isn't she a cutie?
Stanton took the boys for a drive and looking at skis while I had the shower (this picture was taken after everything was over and Stanton had come home). I kept the girls with me and it was so fun. Later that evening I went to a card party at Stanton's Aunt Jen's house and took the girls with me there, too. I love that we're (finally) getting to a point where I can involve the girls in things like this and they are cooperative and even fun. Just another realization that we're in a state of change right now in our family. A good change, I might add.
Anyway, Angie is due with her first baby, a little boy named Dayton, the beginning of March. We had a fun shower for her at the beginning of the month.
I didn't take any pictures of the festivities, which really frustrates me. It wasn't like I did anything fancy, but it's just fun to remember things like that, ya know? We had chicken salad sandwiches, veggies & dip, chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate Rice Krispie treats, and Black Forest Cookies. Also, my favorite party beverage ever, my Aunt Sheri's Fruit Slush.
We had a lot of friends from the neighborhood and a few from other parts of Angie's life, too. I'm pretty sure she got some things she needed and it was just fun to celebrate.
Stanton did snap a couple of pictures of Angie and I together, which I really appreciated. Isn't she a cutie?
One final little journaly-type note about this day --
Stanton took the boys for a drive and looking at skis while I had the shower (this picture was taken after everything was over and Stanton had come home). I kept the girls with me and it was so fun. Later that evening I went to a card party at Stanton's Aunt Jen's house and took the girls with me there, too. I love that we're (finally) getting to a point where I can involve the girls in things like this and they are cooperative and even fun. Just another realization that we're in a state of change right now in our family. A good change, I might add.
Love you, Ang. I hope the next couple of weeks go well and baby Dayton arrives safe and sound.
My Little Terrorist
I wonder if the powers that be watch for blog post titles like that.....if you don't hear from me for a while, I've probably been detained by the Department of Homeland Security for a little old-fashioned "questioning."
All I'll be able to give them is this little character:
He's become a little terror in our house. He can frequently be seen/heard:
*Screaming at his siblings for touching him.
*Walking down the hallway with a butcher knife, pilfered from the dishwasher or drawer, whichever is more convenient for him.
Thank goodness he can also be frequently seen/heard:
*Singing and dancing
*Eating a bowl of cereal by himself, without ever making a mess
*Feeding himself dinner, without ever making a mess.
*Saying cute things like, "Taint Too" (Thank You), "Bahboh" (Bottle, which being interpreted means "Drink"), and "Dad!!!!!!"
*Giving tight bear hugs around the neck and giving kisses upon request.
*Pointing to his "pretty" hair, nose, ears, and belly.
*Having, quite honestly, the most infectious giggle in our home.
*Being the snuggliest of all our children.
*Going to nursery without a fight.
He's a keeper, naughtiness and all.
All I'll be able to give them is this little character:
He's become a little terror in our house. He can frequently be seen/heard:
*Screaming at his siblings for touching him.
*Walking down the hallway with a butcher knife, pilfered from the dishwasher or drawer, whichever is more convenient for him.
*Emptying entire boxes of cereal on the table (I know, I know, he was trying to get it in the bowl....sure, sure, sure....)
*Karate chopping and saying "Hi-ya" when he's angry with you.
*Sneaking candy.
*Waking up at 4:45 am for a drink of chocolate milk, but settling for 1/4 of a graham cracker when I won't budge on the beverage choice (water, thankyouverymuchinthemiddleofthenight). How did I know he wanted chocolate milk, you ask? Well, he grunted and pointed me out of his bedroom, into the kitchen, to the pantry, and right to the canister of chocolate milk, that's how.
*Coloring on himself and anything nearby with marker, crayon, etc.
Thank goodness he can also be frequently seen/heard:
*Singing and dancing
*Eating a bowl of cereal by himself, without ever making a mess
*Feeding himself dinner, without ever making a mess.
*Saying cute things like, "Taint Too" (Thank You), "Bahboh" (Bottle, which being interpreted means "Drink"), and "Dad!!!!!!"
*Giving tight bear hugs around the neck and giving kisses upon request.
*Pointing to his "pretty" hair, nose, ears, and belly.
*Having, quite honestly, the most infectious giggle in our home.
*Being the snuggliest of all our children.
*Going to nursery without a fight.
He's a keeper, naughtiness and all.
Leftovers
Chloe used some brown foam to make a bow for a Family Home Evening lesson and we couldn't let the leftovers go to waste. I cut out some mustaches and eyebrows for the kids to stick to their faces. I wish I'd gotten more pictures of them. The eyebrows looked so funny on them.
Some inexpensive fun for an afternoon.
Stanton's Getting the Skillz
This is one of Stanton's pictures with his new fancy pants camera. I do love it. I'm thinking of places I could hang it in our home.
He took this on a recent trip over to Bear Lake. Our kids love going on drives to the mountains and this particular day we decided to go all the way over the mountain to Bear Lake. We ate lunch over there then turned right back around for home. Worth it for that picture.
Vegas
We took a trip to Vegas in January. It was so fun and could have been about 3 days longer. We went with our friends, the Westfalls, Dave & Judy, and Scott & Julie.
We saw a couple of shows: Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian (Which was fabulous -- the stage itself was another character. Amazing.) and The Lion King at Mandalay Bay (LOVED this show. The costumes were stunning. The actors and singers were nearly flawless. It was simply breathtaking). We also walked around the many hotels, ate delicious food, and relaxed in our rooms. I read a couple of books, which was super nice.
We stayed one night at the Venetian, the room there was seriously awesome. The other nights we stayed at the Bellagio and got to watch the fountains. We moved our room around so we could have two chairs at the window for the view.
I have to admit, I really enjoy Vegas. It's a really fun town with so much to do and so many great places to eat and shop. I think we might try to make this a yearly little getaway.
We saw a couple of shows: Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian (Which was fabulous -- the stage itself was another character. Amazing.) and The Lion King at Mandalay Bay (LOVED this show. The costumes were stunning. The actors and singers were nearly flawless. It was simply breathtaking). We also walked around the many hotels, ate delicious food, and relaxed in our rooms. I read a couple of books, which was super nice.
We stayed one night at the Venetian, the room there was seriously awesome. The other nights we stayed at the Bellagio and got to watch the fountains. We moved our room around so we could have two chairs at the window for the view.
I have to admit, I really enjoy Vegas. It's a really fun town with so much to do and so many great places to eat and shop. I think we might try to make this a yearly little getaway.
Linda and me at the Venetian Shops -- the ceilings in there are really neat.
Do you even understand what this is? It's the chocolate fountain by which all other chocolate fountains will be judged.
With Dave & Judy on our hotel tour -- this was the lobby of the Paris, which was my favorite lobby in Vegas. Beautiful.
It was really great to get some time with Scott & Julie. Oh, and we went to visit Scott's cousin, who is part-owner of the Little Chapel of the Flowers -- Vegas' most famous wedding chapel. We got a little tour of the place and were so impressed. They've done a lot of remodeling in the past couple of years and are really on the cutting edge of destination-type weddings. It was really fun to see.
This was the view from our room at the Bellagio. Those fountain shows are so cool.
Dance Recital
The girls took dance all fall and into January. It's a great little group that is sweet and inexpensive and, my personal favorite, doesn't make the girls "work it" and wear skank costumes. It's been a lot of fun.
Here's Lil on picture day.
And Chloe
And on recital night in January (which was awesomely entertaining), here's Lily right BEFORE their class' performance:
Yep, she rubbed that eye just perfectly. We were able to get it cleaned up before she went on stage, thankfully.
Chloe has decided to keep dancing with the group, but Lily was ready to move on to gymnastics. In her words, "I promise I won't be crazy anymore like I was when I was 3." She's been really good so far, so I'm happy to oblige. Actually, I don't have to do much obliging, since my friend takes her and brings her home every single week. Don't ask how that all worked out, just join me for a moment of gratitude.
It's been fun to see the girls involved in some fun little activities with their friends. They're really growing up on me.
If You Find a Girl's Camera...
You're bound to get a picture-vomiting post eventually.
Commence Regurgitation:
We made cookies in November and actually gave them to neighbors. Yikes. It's a good thing we live in such an awesome neighborhood.
I love Lily sneaking sprinkles in the background of that second picture.
This might be the only time in the history of their relationship where Cannon is smiling when Lily is touching him. Glad we got that one on film (or memory card, as the case may be).
So, that's it. I guess there wasn't a whole lot of regurgitation to be had. I suppose that makes sense, as the camera wasn't around for all those months it missed.
Finally, the world's longest kid video that really only Grandmas and parents can endure...although there are some pretty awesome moments of Lily dancing and Brigham singing, so, you know, it might be worth the watch...
Commence Regurgitation:
I love Lily sneaking sprinkles in the background of that second picture.
This is one of the kids' favorite games. They really think they're lifting Daddy up.
This might be the only time in the history of their relationship where Cannon is smiling when Lily is touching him. Glad we got that one on film (or memory card, as the case may be).
So, that's it. I guess there wasn't a whole lot of regurgitation to be had. I suppose that makes sense, as the camera wasn't around for all those months it missed.
Finally, the world's longest kid video that really only Grandmas and parents can endure...although there are some pretty awesome moments of Lily dancing and Brigham singing, so, you know, it might be worth the watch...
17 February 2010
6th Birthday Interview
What is your favorite food? Macaroni & Cheese (Everything, but I like Mac & Cheese the best).
What is your favorite TV show? Electric Company
What is your favorite thing to do at school? Play with my friends.
What is your favorite activity? Doing fun stuff at my birthday.
What do you like to do at home? Sit and read with my family.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Everything. Anything in particular? No.
What's your favorite song? Primary songs.
What candy do you like? Skittles.
What are you scared of? The Grinch.
What's your favorite book? Petshops (Littlest Pet Shop FairyTale readers)
What do you like best about being the oldest kid? I get to have the first birthday and I get to read to the kids and that I get to decide what happens at my birthday.
What do like about having sisters and brothers? That they're fun to play with and they let me decide first.
What do you like learning about at church? Jesus. Why? Because He's a great person.
Where do you like to go in the car? McDonald's.
What do you like to do outside? Play in the snow & play ball in the summertime.
What's your favorite movie? Peter Pan & Barbie & the Three Musketeers.
What makes you sad? When my brothers & sister hit me and scream at me and bite me.
What makes you happy? When my brothers & sister say sorry.
Who is your best friend? Kaylee & Bethany.
What do you like best about your teacher at school? That she be's nice to me and is really nice.
What toys do you enjoy playing with? Coloring.
What do you like about yourself? That lots of people have blue eyes like me and care for me. And people are my best friend.
What do you want to say about turning 6? That I'm inviting a lot of people to my birthday party.
What is your favorite TV show? Electric Company
What is your favorite thing to do at school? Play with my friends.
What is your favorite activity? Doing fun stuff at my birthday.
What do you like to do at home? Sit and read with my family.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Everything. Anything in particular? No.
What's your favorite song? Primary songs.
What candy do you like? Skittles.
What are you scared of? The Grinch.
What's your favorite book? Petshops (Littlest Pet Shop FairyTale readers)
What do you like best about being the oldest kid? I get to have the first birthday and I get to read to the kids and that I get to decide what happens at my birthday.
What do like about having sisters and brothers? That they're fun to play with and they let me decide first.
What do you like learning about at church? Jesus. Why? Because He's a great person.
Where do you like to go in the car? McDonald's.
What do you like to do outside? Play in the snow & play ball in the summertime.
What's your favorite movie? Peter Pan & Barbie & the Three Musketeers.
What makes you sad? When my brothers & sister hit me and scream at me and bite me.
What makes you happy? When my brothers & sister say sorry.
Who is your best friend? Kaylee & Bethany.
What do you like best about your teacher at school? That she be's nice to me and is really nice.
What toys do you enjoy playing with? Coloring.
What do you like about yourself? That lots of people have blue eyes like me and care for me. And people are my best friend.
What do you want to say about turning 6? That I'm inviting a lot of people to my birthday party.
16 February 2010
Various (Surprising) Items
* Due to a communication error, Stanton and I each purchased four gallons of milk on the same day. We used all 8 well before their expiration date.
* Looking at Easter dresses at Shopko, I realized I won't be able to shop in the toddler department anymore for the girls.
* Chloe is turning 6. I have been a mom for 6 years. My first love is turning 6.
* I'm not having nightmares or total heeby-jeeby freakouts when I have to get up in the night -- even after watching an average of 3 episodes of Lost per night.
* Lily can read -- all because of Chloe.
* Three of our four kids can ski.
* Every once in a while I catch a glimpse of my kids (especially my girls) and realize how young they really are.
* Found the camera. Turns out I didn't lose it. Stanton "put it away" during some organizing spree and just found it in the office closet last week. I'm glad to have it back.
* Cannon, my baby, my last, my caboose, went to Nursery two weeks ago. After 6 years of having a child in class with me (with the exception of 6 months when I was pregnant with Cannon) and many months of having two children in class with me, it will never happen again. The era is over. What was most surprising was how bittersweet it felt.
* Looking at Easter dresses at Shopko, I realized I won't be able to shop in the toddler department anymore for the girls.
* Chloe is turning 6. I have been a mom for 6 years. My first love is turning 6.
* I'm not having nightmares or total heeby-jeeby freakouts when I have to get up in the night -- even after watching an average of 3 episodes of Lost per night.
* Lily can read -- all because of Chloe.
* Three of our four kids can ski.
* Every once in a while I catch a glimpse of my kids (especially my girls) and realize how young they really are.
* Found the camera. Turns out I didn't lose it. Stanton "put it away" during some organizing spree and just found it in the office closet last week. I'm glad to have it back.
* Cannon, my baby, my last, my caboose, went to Nursery two weeks ago. After 6 years of having a child in class with me (with the exception of 6 months when I was pregnant with Cannon) and many months of having two children in class with me, it will never happen again. The era is over. What was most surprising was how bittersweet it felt.
10 February 2010
Chloe's Wish List
Chloe has a birthday coming up. I couldn't resist sharing the wish list she gave me tonight:
A Webkin
A belt
A loose tooth
An apple tree
A puppy
A pinata
Loving that.
A Webkin
A belt
A loose tooth
An apple tree
A puppy
A pinata
Loving that.
08 February 2010
Conversations
Lily all in one breath and completely matter-of-fact: Dad, I'm trying to floss my teeth but I can't. Will you do it? Because you're a dentist.
Lily: Oh!
Me: Are you okay?
Lily: My foot scared my bum!
Me: Your foot scared your bum?
Lily: Yeah, 'cuz it poked my bum!
Lily's preschool teacher, Miss Traci, related the following to us. Dillon was (in Lily's opinion) talking in a mean voice to Lily.
Lily, as a matter of fact announcement: I'm going to ignore Dillon. To ignore means to not talk to him, so I'm going to ignore him and that means that I'm not going to talk to him.
Chloe came home from school today (after playing outside for 1 whole hour with her friend Winston -- the girl can dilly-dally better than anyone I know) and told me they learned about Abraham Lincoln in class. I asked her what she knew about him. She told me several things, including the fact that he didn't want people to have slaves. The following ensued:
Me: So, what are slaves?
Chloe: They're people you tell what to do. Pause. Sort of like we're your slaves.
Oh, sure, we had a little conversation about the differences -- you know, kindness, toys, a nice place to live, good food to eat, etc., etc., etc., but that's just downright hilarious.
Lily: Oh!
Me: Are you okay?
Lily: My foot scared my bum!
Me: Your foot scared your bum?
Lily: Yeah, 'cuz it poked my bum!
Lily's preschool teacher, Miss Traci, related the following to us. Dillon was (in Lily's opinion) talking in a mean voice to Lily.
Lily, as a matter of fact announcement: I'm going to ignore Dillon. To ignore means to not talk to him, so I'm going to ignore him and that means that I'm not going to talk to him.
Chloe came home from school today (after playing outside for 1 whole hour with her friend Winston -- the girl can dilly-dally better than anyone I know) and told me they learned about Abraham Lincoln in class. I asked her what she knew about him. She told me several things, including the fact that he didn't want people to have slaves. The following ensued:
Me: So, what are slaves?
Chloe: They're people you tell what to do. Pause. Sort of like we're your slaves.
Oh, sure, we had a little conversation about the differences -- you know, kindness, toys, a nice place to live, good food to eat, etc., etc., etc., but that's just downright hilarious.
04 February 2010
The Rest of the Day
I have felt significantly better today. Enough so that I have been able to tackle all the dishes and am 99.7% done with ALL the laundry. It's even put away! The girls were mighty helpful with putting away their own this afternoon.
And special thanks to Masterpiece Theatre and their excellent and lengthy (just how I like 'em!) production of Emma for keeping us all company while in the midst of the piles.
Speaking of this new production of Emma -- I'm loving it! I didn't love the gal who plays Emma when I first started watching it, but she's really grown on me over the last 3 hours. I remember the exact same thing happening as I read the novel. I'm really pleased with how they captured that on film. And what can I say about Johnny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightly? Oh, only good things. Reeeaaaaalllllyyyy good things.
In fact, all the characters are just about perfectly cast. And Miss Bates. She's played so perfectly and I have such greater love for her and her situation seeing her on the screen.
I'm loving this production so much. It's reminding me of my beloved Pride & Prejudice. Not as perfect, simply because I love Pride & Prejudice as a story so much more, but seriously wonderful. PBS is getting a big thumbs up on this one.
And special thanks to Masterpiece Theatre and their excellent and lengthy (just how I like 'em!) production of Emma for keeping us all company while in the midst of the piles.
Speaking of this new production of Emma -- I'm loving it! I didn't love the gal who plays Emma when I first started watching it, but she's really grown on me over the last 3 hours. I remember the exact same thing happening as I read the novel. I'm really pleased with how they captured that on film. And what can I say about Johnny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightly? Oh, only good things. Reeeaaaaalllllyyyy good things.
In fact, all the characters are just about perfectly cast. And Miss Bates. She's played so perfectly and I have such greater love for her and her situation seeing her on the screen.
I'm loving this production so much. It's reminding me of my beloved Pride & Prejudice. Not as perfect, simply because I love Pride & Prejudice as a story so much more, but seriously wonderful. PBS is getting a big thumbs up on this one.
The Thing I Hate About Being Sick
Here are the things I hate about being sick (besides the violent chills and 102-104 degree fever):
- The sink full of a day's worth of dishes I get to wake up to the next day.
- The laundry that, while always piled high but with clean clothes, is now in two enormous piles and all dirty and can't be washed right now because I have to wash my sweaty disgusting sheets and mattress pad and quilt and even comforter. They will take nearly the entire day, which means that the other mountain of laundry will just continue to grow.
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