Our nightly routine goes something like this:
Get Ready for bed, and then head to your beds.
I go into the boys room, and kiss and tickle, and then Ryan prays with them.
I then go into Chloe's room and pray with her.
Ryan then comes into Chloe's room and kisses and says good night.
This has been our routine for as long as I can remember. Now, there are occasional nights that I'm either out or Ryan is out, and then you're on your own.
Well, last Monday night happened to be a night that I was on my own. I did the whole routine, and started walking down the stairs, and Brett yells out to me, "Mom! You're supposed to say Good Night Men! Daddy does that!" :) That's my Brett! The last time I put them to sleep, I didn't pray quite right, and he had to tell me how daddy prayed ~ apparently daddy doesn't mix it up so well! :)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
She needs me...
Today, my mom, me, my kids, my neice, Leah, my sister, Melanie, and her three kids all went to the mall. (Phew! that's alot of people!:)) We went primarily to let the kids run off some steam, not really for anything specific, although my mom got a really cute outfit for my neice's bridal shower! ;)
Anyway, Melanie and I parked right near each other, and then pretty much ate lunch, let the kids play in the play area, and that was about it. We attempted to go into Carson's to find outfits for my sister and I, but the kids didn't cooperate. It was o.k. though, because like I said, it was primarily for the kids.
I promised Chloe that we could go into Claire's and find a new pair of earrings for her newly pierced ears, so we said our goodbye's to Melanie and the gang, and headed for Claire's. We found a great sale (10 things for $5) so we were in there for quite a bit! When we came back out, Melanie was getting out of the elevator with a very stressed out look on her face. She couldn't find her car. She had been walking around (inside and outside) the entire time we were in Claire's. I think her exact words were, "I think I'm going to pass out!" :) I hate too laugh, but between the three of us (my mom, Melanie and me) I am pretty much the only one who has a sense of direction. I can remember going to Florida, and finding my way around so easy, and I kept telling them, "I'm a genius - don't ever forget it!":) Anyway, I immediately pointed her in the right direction, and we started to head to the parking lot. I looked at her and said, "You need me! I may be the baby boss, but you need me!" :)
Anyway, Melanie and I parked right near each other, and then pretty much ate lunch, let the kids play in the play area, and that was about it. We attempted to go into Carson's to find outfits for my sister and I, but the kids didn't cooperate. It was o.k. though, because like I said, it was primarily for the kids.
I promised Chloe that we could go into Claire's and find a new pair of earrings for her newly pierced ears, so we said our goodbye's to Melanie and the gang, and headed for Claire's. We found a great sale (10 things for $5) so we were in there for quite a bit! When we came back out, Melanie was getting out of the elevator with a very stressed out look on her face. She couldn't find her car. She had been walking around (inside and outside) the entire time we were in Claire's. I think her exact words were, "I think I'm going to pass out!" :) I hate too laugh, but between the three of us (my mom, Melanie and me) I am pretty much the only one who has a sense of direction. I can remember going to Florida, and finding my way around so easy, and I kept telling them, "I'm a genius - don't ever forget it!":) Anyway, I immediately pointed her in the right direction, and we started to head to the parking lot. I looked at her and said, "You need me! I may be the baby boss, but you need me!" :)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
So, onto the exciting (for me) news...
Let me start this out be saying that I am not a Star Gazer, I do not drool over Hollywood stars. I do, however, think it's pretty cool when Johnny Depp is filming a movie just one town over from me. (top photo courtesy of popsugar.com ~ the rest are mine.:))
Yep, that's right. This is what Ryan and I accidentally found on Saturday, while we were running some errands...
We knew that Johnny Depp was going to be making a movie here, but we just weren't exactly sure when it was going to happen. Apparently, Johnny is going to be playing John Dillinger in the movie. John Dillinger was arrested, and then escaped from the jail in the picture. (brick building)
Yesterday, Ryan called me and asked if I wanted to meet him there at lunch, and we could just sit in the car and watch from the same parking lot that we were in on Saturday (directly across the street from the jail) I thought it would be fun, so I packed up some sandwiches, and headed for the set. I have no idea what we were thinking, but you wouldn't believe the amount of streets that were closed, and the amount of people that were there! So we definitely could not go to the same parking lot that we were at before. We got out of the car with the kids, just to see if we could see anything, and it appeared that they were only doing filming inside the jail, nothing outside.
This is his trailer, and of course, just 2 minutes after I snapped this picture, and started to walk away, everyone starting screaming "We love you Johnny!" I turn around and he had already gotten into the SUV! No big deal, but it would've just been fun to see him.:)
The street was lined with all of these old cars.
And then tonight at dinner, Ryan asked if we wanted to go to the set again. I, of course, agreed, and the kids were quite willing to go too! :) I only got this one picture, and then my battery went dead. And, of course, again tonight we heard much screaming and saw many flashes, but no sight of Johnny...maybe tomorrow!?!?! Just kidding. It's just fun when stuff like this is going on in your own neighborhood!
Monday, March 24, 2008
I'm gonna need some of that...
I forgot to write this earlier, and I want to remember it, so I'm gonna write it now...
Yesterday, after we got home from Aunt Lori's, Chloe started to feel sick. She had a sore throat and a headache. We just kind of layed low, and then she got a fever, and felt like she needed to throw up. The poor little thing went from feeling just fine, to completely sick! I felt so sorry for her.
She was just laying on the couch and I was sitting next to her watching T.V. We saw a commercial for Lunesta, (a sleeping-aid pill) and Chloe says, "I'm gonna need some of that, because tonight's going to be a bad night." :( I couldn't help but laugh, but she was totally serious about it.
And for the record, it was a bad night - very bad....:(
Yesterday, after we got home from Aunt Lori's, Chloe started to feel sick. She had a sore throat and a headache. We just kind of layed low, and then she got a fever, and felt like she needed to throw up. The poor little thing went from feeling just fine, to completely sick! I felt so sorry for her.
She was just laying on the couch and I was sitting next to her watching T.V. We saw a commercial for Lunesta, (a sleeping-aid pill) and Chloe says, "I'm gonna need some of that, because tonight's going to be a bad night." :( I couldn't help but laugh, but she was totally serious about it.
And for the record, it was a bad night - very bad....:(
Easter Weekend
WOW! What an awesome weekend we had! It was a great time for us to reflect on what Jesus did for us, and then a time of Celebration on Sunday morning!
Friday night, we dyed Easter eggs with the kids. Such fun. I only hard-boiled 12 eggs, so each kid only got 4 eggs. That was the only problem - they wanted to do more! :)
Saturday morning we went into town, and found the Easter bunny walking the streets! Brett thought it was so cool!:)
I just love our little town. The downtown area is pretty old, but it's just so cute!
After that, we went for a little drive, and came across something pretty exciting (for me anyway!) but I have to save that for another post! Stay tuned!!
Saturday night, we made Easter Story Cookies with the kids. This was the first year we did this, and in my opinion, it was just way over the boys head. They got really interested in pounding the pecans, but that's about it. They didn't really want to pay attention to the story ~ Next year might be a bit better for Brett.
Chloe, on the other hand, LOVED it!! I thought it was really sweet, when I made each of the kids smell the vinegar, and then explain that when Jesus was thirsty, they put some of this on a cloth, and let Him drink it. Chloe said, "that makes me really sad that they did that." She really understood it. So for her, she got alot out of it, the boys not so much, but their time will come! Brett had fun putting the cookies in the oven though!:)
My kids know the real meaning of Easter, (or are learning it anyway) but I think it's still fun to mix it with other fun stuff to, i.e., the Easter bunny...yes he came to our house...
And apparently, the Easter bunny shops at Wal-Mart. It was hilarious. Chloe wanted this cute pen from Wal-Mart, and I wouldn't let her get it. I then snuck it onto the conveyor belt, and secretly paid for it. When she pulled it out of her basket, she yelled "Hey! The Easter bunny got this at Wal-Mart!" HA HA!! I then pulled her aside, and told her that I snuck it in the basket! :)
AND - he brought the boys Nerf guns!!! If I had known how big of a hit these would be with the boys, they would have 20 of them! ;) They have played with these things for hours on end - TOGETHER - NOT FIGHTING!!! It's been great. Oh, and if you can't find one of the bullet thingies...check the windows...
We searched high and low for that thing, and couldn't find it...until an hour or so later!;)
After an awesome church service, we went to Ryan's Aunt Lori's for Easter dinner. I love getting together with family. We always have such a nice time. Aunt Lori had the kids decorate cupcakes to look like bunnies. They turned out really cute!
Owen liked licking the frosty off the knife, alot more than decorating it!
And Brett did his all by himself! Even after announcing that "he couldn't use a knife, because my mommy doesn't let me!"
And of course, Chloe's all about crafts, so she loved it!
I'm not sure who's this is, but this is the finished product.
Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of all three of my kids, before Chloe spilled orange pop and got red marker on her outfit, so we had to change her clothes. Here's a picture of my boys though...
Can you tell Owen missed his nap? :)
Ryan and I were talking on the way home from Aunt Lori's and we just thought we had such a nice restful, relaxing weekend. I hope all of you enjoyed your weekend as much as we did!
Friday night, we dyed Easter eggs with the kids. Such fun. I only hard-boiled 12 eggs, so each kid only got 4 eggs. That was the only problem - they wanted to do more! :)
Saturday morning we went into town, and found the Easter bunny walking the streets! Brett thought it was so cool!:)
I just love our little town. The downtown area is pretty old, but it's just so cute!
After that, we went for a little drive, and came across something pretty exciting (for me anyway!) but I have to save that for another post! Stay tuned!!
Saturday night, we made Easter Story Cookies with the kids. This was the first year we did this, and in my opinion, it was just way over the boys head. They got really interested in pounding the pecans, but that's about it. They didn't really want to pay attention to the story ~ Next year might be a bit better for Brett.
Chloe, on the other hand, LOVED it!! I thought it was really sweet, when I made each of the kids smell the vinegar, and then explain that when Jesus was thirsty, they put some of this on a cloth, and let Him drink it. Chloe said, "that makes me really sad that they did that." She really understood it. So for her, she got alot out of it, the boys not so much, but their time will come! Brett had fun putting the cookies in the oven though!:)
My kids know the real meaning of Easter, (or are learning it anyway) but I think it's still fun to mix it with other fun stuff to, i.e., the Easter bunny...yes he came to our house...
And apparently, the Easter bunny shops at Wal-Mart. It was hilarious. Chloe wanted this cute pen from Wal-Mart, and I wouldn't let her get it. I then snuck it onto the conveyor belt, and secretly paid for it. When she pulled it out of her basket, she yelled "Hey! The Easter bunny got this at Wal-Mart!" HA HA!! I then pulled her aside, and told her that I snuck it in the basket! :)
AND - he brought the boys Nerf guns!!! If I had known how big of a hit these would be with the boys, they would have 20 of them! ;) They have played with these things for hours on end - TOGETHER - NOT FIGHTING!!! It's been great. Oh, and if you can't find one of the bullet thingies...check the windows...
We searched high and low for that thing, and couldn't find it...until an hour or so later!;)
After an awesome church service, we went to Ryan's Aunt Lori's for Easter dinner. I love getting together with family. We always have such a nice time. Aunt Lori had the kids decorate cupcakes to look like bunnies. They turned out really cute!
Owen liked licking the frosty off the knife, alot more than decorating it!
And Brett did his all by himself! Even after announcing that "he couldn't use a knife, because my mommy doesn't let me!"
And of course, Chloe's all about crafts, so she loved it!
I'm not sure who's this is, but this is the finished product.
Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of all three of my kids, before Chloe spilled orange pop and got red marker on her outfit, so we had to change her clothes. Here's a picture of my boys though...
Can you tell Owen missed his nap? :)
Ryan and I were talking on the way home from Aunt Lori's and we just thought we had such a nice restful, relaxing weekend. I hope all of you enjoyed your weekend as much as we did!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Stage Fright
Yep, I've got it. I'm not a good public speaker, nor do I claim to be. I clam up, get all red in the face and stumble over my words. I hate it actually, because if you put me in a comfortable environment, I can talk anybodys ear off, but put me on a stage or at a podium, and it all goes down hill from there.
So, when Chloe's teacher sent an e-mail asking any parents/grandparents/friends to read a Dr. Seuss book to the class for Dr. Seuss's birthday, I thought I'd give it a try.
On Tuesday, I headed over to Chloe's school, with "Green Eggs and Ham" in hand, and nervous as can be. I actually picked up Ryan from work (it's only a couple of minutes from Chloe's school), so he could stay in the car with the sleeping boys while I quick ran in and read the book. As I was walking in, he rolled down the window and said, "Imagine them all in their underwear!" :) He's too funny!
The students were all watching a movie when I walked in the class, so I had to wait for it to end before I started to read. It was crazy, really. I was a nervous wreck - to read a book!! I think what intimidated me the most was not the 27 kids that I had to read it to, but the two teachers that were going to be observing me too!
The teacher introduced me, and had Chloe put on the crazy Dr. Seuss hat and then she took a picture of us...
I started to read the book, and was actually amazed at how calm I got, and how much fun I had! I know, it's sounds stupid that I was nervous to read a book to kids, when I do it everyday to my own kids, but this was just different to me somehow.
After reading the book, I had to ask the kids a couple of questions, and they seemed like they were really having alot of fun! I thought it was really cute, because the teacher asked the kids out of the 5 Dr. Seuss books that were read to them so far, which was their favorite? I would say that more than half said "Green Eggs and Ham!" Now, I know I didn't WRITE the book, but I really read it to them in a fun way, so I'll just believe that's why they liked it best! :) I did a good job - despite my "stage fright." But don't expect to see me on a stage anytime soon! :)
So, when Chloe's teacher sent an e-mail asking any parents/grandparents/friends to read a Dr. Seuss book to the class for Dr. Seuss's birthday, I thought I'd give it a try.
On Tuesday, I headed over to Chloe's school, with "Green Eggs and Ham" in hand, and nervous as can be. I actually picked up Ryan from work (it's only a couple of minutes from Chloe's school), so he could stay in the car with the sleeping boys while I quick ran in and read the book. As I was walking in, he rolled down the window and said, "Imagine them all in their underwear!" :) He's too funny!
The students were all watching a movie when I walked in the class, so I had to wait for it to end before I started to read. It was crazy, really. I was a nervous wreck - to read a book!! I think what intimidated me the most was not the 27 kids that I had to read it to, but the two teachers that were going to be observing me too!
The teacher introduced me, and had Chloe put on the crazy Dr. Seuss hat and then she took a picture of us...
I started to read the book, and was actually amazed at how calm I got, and how much fun I had! I know, it's sounds stupid that I was nervous to read a book to kids, when I do it everyday to my own kids, but this was just different to me somehow.
After reading the book, I had to ask the kids a couple of questions, and they seemed like they were really having alot of fun! I thought it was really cute, because the teacher asked the kids out of the 5 Dr. Seuss books that were read to them so far, which was their favorite? I would say that more than half said "Green Eggs and Ham!" Now, I know I didn't WRITE the book, but I really read it to them in a fun way, so I'll just believe that's why they liked it best! :) I did a good job - despite my "stage fright." But don't expect to see me on a stage anytime soon! :)
Baby Boss!!!
It's pretty well known in my family that I am the "Baby Boss!" I'm not really quite sure who started calling me that, (although I'm pretty sure it was my mom):) or when they started calling me that, but it's a fact....I am the Baby Boss.
Because I'm the youngest of five, sometimes it's hard to be heard, so I guess I just had to speak up, and then I became the boss!
Well, I think that I can officially hand down the title to my youngest, Owen.
One reason, in particular, stands out in my head. On Friday, I took the kids to the library. Before we went in, I made sure to make the speech that I make EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. "Be quiet, no running, stay by me, blah, blah, blah...." Anyway, I was trying to find a book for Chloe, and we couldn't find it, so I went to ask the librarian. As I'm talking, Owen says, "Mommy, shhhh, shhhh, shhhh, you not talk in the library. You haffa be quiet!" Yes son, thanks for the reminder! :)
There are many other examples that I can't come up with right now, but I think I am ready to hand over my reign to Owen! :)
Because I'm the youngest of five, sometimes it's hard to be heard, so I guess I just had to speak up, and then I became the boss!
Well, I think that I can officially hand down the title to my youngest, Owen.
One reason, in particular, stands out in my head. On Friday, I took the kids to the library. Before we went in, I made sure to make the speech that I make EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. "Be quiet, no running, stay by me, blah, blah, blah...." Anyway, I was trying to find a book for Chloe, and we couldn't find it, so I went to ask the librarian. As I'm talking, Owen says, "Mommy, shhhh, shhhh, shhhh, you not talk in the library. You haffa be quiet!" Yes son, thanks for the reminder! :)
There are many other examples that I can't come up with right now, but I think I am ready to hand over my reign to Owen! :)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Easter Story Cookies
I had a couple people ask me for this recipe, and I think it's a really cool thing to do with your kids, so I decided to post it up here.
To be made the evening before Easter
Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 24:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represent the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bit. The cookies are hollow!! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9.
Have fun with this! While it's fun for the kids to get an Easter basket and pretty dress, we have to remember the real reason we celebrate Easter!
To be made the evening before Easter
Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 24:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represent the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bit. The cookies are hollow!! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9.
Have fun with this! While it's fun for the kids to get an Easter basket and pretty dress, we have to remember the real reason we celebrate Easter!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
Well, officially, I'm not Irish - at all - I'm as Dutch as Dutch can get! :) My husband and kids, however, do have a bit of Irish in them, so each year we get together at my in laws for a good ole' St. Patrick's Day Feast - complete with Irish Soda Bread! (I think that's my favorite part!!!) We went there yesterday, and had a really fun time!
Here's all the nieces and nephews on Ryan's side. I'm really bummed that I didn't even think to put green on the kids. O well.
This is our nephew David. He's just such a sweetie!
I couldn't believe that I actually got this picture - my boys are actually acting like they like each other! :)
And here's Robert. Just hanging out talking with the adults!
Ellie and Chloe sat like this for so long. They really have fun together, despite the age difference. The only two princesses of the family! :)
And at the end of the day, I took this picture of Chloe right after she tied her shoe by herself for the FIRS TIME!!! We have been working on this for a very long time, and she finally did it!!!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Owen...
Having a fun time with my Owen right now. The rest of the house is in their beds, and the two night owls are just playing around whispering. Too sweet! :)
Why is Owen awake, you ask? Well, I mistakenly put him down for his nap too late, and then let him sleep even later! No big deal though, he'll sleep in tomorrow - that is if Brett doesn't get to him first! ;)
Why is Owen awake, you ask? Well, I mistakenly put him down for his nap too late, and then let him sleep even later! No big deal though, he'll sleep in tomorrow - that is if Brett doesn't get to him first! ;)
Ahhhh, the day I've been waiting for!!
I have been waiting for this day for a long time now. We went to the PARK!!! It was nearly 60 degrees here yesterday, and we played outside All.DAY.LONG! It was great. I had to stop at the post office in the morning, and on our way back we noticed that by the grocery store they had a jump house type thing. Well, of course we had to stop by and jump a bit, so we did, and the boys LOVED it! They were so good too, when I told them we had to get going! We're turning another corner my friends! :) We came home, and went in the backyard to play. I think the boys have been waiting forever to go on the riding bronco. They had a blast! 
After we picked up Chloe from school, we had an hour to waste, before going to dance class, so we headed to the park! It was packed, but we had alot of fun! 
It was pretty windy out there!:) 
This was such a fun slide, the little round tubes would go round and round, and that's how you went down the slide. (If that made any sense, but I'm sure you get the idea.) Well, I had this great idea, because it was wide enough, to have all three kids go down the slide together. Louis (a crazy three year old at the park) said I want to go - I want to go!! Well, my kids had already sat down, and there wasn't any room left for him. My kids started to go down, and he came down right after them - only to push Owen right off the slide, and then he landed on top of Owen and hit his head. If you could've seen his mom! She says " well, obviously that wasn't a good idea!" I just bit my tongue, because believe me, I could've done some damage with what I could've said. Needless to say, both kids were fine, but I just could've believe it! I can't tell you how many times Brett went down this slide. Every time he went down, he would make noise so that it would vibrate while he went down. I tried to capture it in the video, but you can't hear it too good...
Ryan even had time to wash my van! It needed it pretty bad! Oh, and he even fixed my kitchen sink! Not too bad - just a little over 4 months! :) (Just had to throw that in there honey ~ love you! :))
Phew! Long post. Sorry about that!
After we picked up Chloe from school, we had an hour to waste, before going to dance class, so we headed to the park! It was packed, but we had alot of fun! 
It was pretty windy out there!:) 
This was such a fun slide, the little round tubes would go round and round, and that's how you went down the slide. (If that made any sense, but I'm sure you get the idea.) Well, I had this great idea, because it was wide enough, to have all three kids go down the slide together. Louis (a crazy three year old at the park) said I want to go - I want to go!! Well, my kids had already sat down, and there wasn't any room left for him. My kids started to go down, and he came down right after them - only to push Owen right off the slide, and then he landed on top of Owen and hit his head. If you could've seen his mom! She says " well, obviously that wasn't a good idea!" I just bit my tongue, because believe me, I could've done some damage with what I could've said. Needless to say, both kids were fine, but I just could've believe it! I can't tell you how many times Brett went down this slide. Every time he went down, he would make noise so that it would vibrate while he went down. I tried to capture it in the video, but you can't hear it too good...
Ryan even had time to wash my van! It needed it pretty bad! Oh, and he even fixed my kitchen sink! Not too bad - just a little over 4 months! :) (Just had to throw that in there honey ~ love you! :))Phew! Long post. Sorry about that!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spring has sprung?!?!?
I know, because I'm going to write about our nice weather, it's going to start snowing outside, but hey, I'm going to relish the fact that we had an awesome day yesterday, and it's supposed to be 56 degrees today too! Woo Hoo!!
Anyway, the kids and I had so much fun playing outside. We actually put on Spring coats to go out ~ no more big heavy coats ~ until next week.;) I pulled the kids around in the wagon, the kids rode on their bikes, and we even enjoyed some popcorn on the front steps! It was fantastic! The one thing that I didn't think to do yet, was charge the batteries for the Barbie Jeep. I made sure I plugged them in, so I'm sure today will be a day for some off-roading ~ Barbie style ~ with two boys in it! :D
The one thing I am bummed about, is that I didn't get a picture of Brett while he was playing. Apparently he has his seasons mixed up too, because he had on a baseball cap, swim goggles, a whistle around his neck, and his snow boots on! It was hilarious, but I couldn't find my camera to take a picture ~ maybe today!?!?
Anyway, the kids and I had so much fun playing outside. We actually put on Spring coats to go out ~ no more big heavy coats ~ until next week.;) I pulled the kids around in the wagon, the kids rode on their bikes, and we even enjoyed some popcorn on the front steps! It was fantastic! The one thing that I didn't think to do yet, was charge the batteries for the Barbie Jeep. I made sure I plugged them in, so I'm sure today will be a day for some off-roading ~ Barbie style ~ with two boys in it! :D
The one thing I am bummed about, is that I didn't get a picture of Brett while he was playing. Apparently he has his seasons mixed up too, because he had on a baseball cap, swim goggles, a whistle around his neck, and his snow boots on! It was hilarious, but I couldn't find my camera to take a picture ~ maybe today!?!?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Snakes and Crocodiles!
Ryan is a Cadet Counselor at our church. Every other Monday, he doesn't get home until about 9:00 p.m. It makes for a long day, but he really enjoys doing it, so I won't complain! ;)
Bedtime around here, is usually pretty uneventful. Except for last night. Of course when daddy's not around!:) I won't go into details, but I did finally manage to get them all down. I was hoping to enjoy some Jon and Kate plus 8. Not the case - the boys were jumping around like crazy, so I run upstairs, only to find Brett in his brothers crib. I don't know what it is about that crib lately, but Brett wants in - BAD! Got that all settled, only for Chloe to call me and I could tell that she was crying. She yelled - "could you please come and rub my head - I can't fall asleep!" So off I go, up the stairs again. I start talking to her, and ask her why she can't fall asleep. To which she replies, "I keep dreaming of snakes and crocodiles. I tried to ask Jesus to take them away, but they won't go away." I've told her in the past that if she has trouble sleeping, she could either pray or call me - she did both!;) I started to rub her head, and then I also prayed with her. Not long after that, she was sound asleep.
I'm just so thankful that were are raising our kids at such a young age to ask Jesus for help when we need it!
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On another note, Ryan and I were just starting to doze off last night, when we heard one of the boys talking. We laid there for a bit, only to here Brett say, "EXCUSE ME! WATER PLEASE!" I couldn't stop laughing! Brett has a tendancy to sleep walk, and I really think that he was asleep while he asked for the water. Too cute! :)
Bedtime around here, is usually pretty uneventful. Except for last night. Of course when daddy's not around!:) I won't go into details, but I did finally manage to get them all down. I was hoping to enjoy some Jon and Kate plus 8. Not the case - the boys were jumping around like crazy, so I run upstairs, only to find Brett in his brothers crib. I don't know what it is about that crib lately, but Brett wants in - BAD! Got that all settled, only for Chloe to call me and I could tell that she was crying. She yelled - "could you please come and rub my head - I can't fall asleep!" So off I go, up the stairs again. I start talking to her, and ask her why she can't fall asleep. To which she replies, "I keep dreaming of snakes and crocodiles. I tried to ask Jesus to take them away, but they won't go away." I've told her in the past that if she has trouble sleeping, she could either pray or call me - she did both!;) I started to rub her head, and then I also prayed with her. Not long after that, she was sound asleep.
I'm just so thankful that were are raising our kids at such a young age to ask Jesus for help when we need it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On another note, Ryan and I were just starting to doze off last night, when we heard one of the boys talking. We laid there for a bit, only to here Brett say, "EXCUSE ME! WATER PLEASE!" I couldn't stop laughing! Brett has a tendancy to sleep walk, and I really think that he was asleep while he asked for the water. Too cute! :)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Today's a new day...
Well, thankfully, I got out last night and played cards with my girlfriends! How refreshing it is to get out and have a little fun! Thanks girls!=)
Today started a new day - the kids slept in a bit - 7:00 - not too bad. I made some French Toast, and for the most part it has been a pretty low-key kind of day. I've even done some laundry! (I'll still take you up on your offer to come here next week though Mom! :))
Chloe has been doing great with her chore chart. Brett's another story, but he's only 3, so I'm not stressing it as much. She wanted to earn more money this morning, so I said I'd give her an extra sticker if she wanted to do the dishes that were in the sink. She, of course, was thrilled. The boys wanted at it so bad, but I wouldn't let them. I didn't think though that when I was in the bathroom this would happen...
Don't mind my kids hair and outfits. I put Chloe's hair up so it would stay out of her face while she washed the dishes - not thinking that I'd be taking a picture. :)
Yep, there were suds everywhere. What could I do but get the camera, right?!?
Owen was pretty upset when I told him he couldn't "help Chloe" anymore. He'll get over it!
Here's to another new day tomorrow...
Today started a new day - the kids slept in a bit - 7:00 - not too bad. I made some French Toast, and for the most part it has been a pretty low-key kind of day. I've even done some laundry! (I'll still take you up on your offer to come here next week though Mom! :))
Chloe has been doing great with her chore chart. Brett's another story, but he's only 3, so I'm not stressing it as much. She wanted to earn more money this morning, so I said I'd give her an extra sticker if she wanted to do the dishes that were in the sink. She, of course, was thrilled. The boys wanted at it so bad, but I wouldn't let them. I didn't think though that when I was in the bathroom this would happen...
Don't mind my kids hair and outfits. I put Chloe's hair up so it would stay out of her face while she washed the dishes - not thinking that I'd be taking a picture. :)
Yep, there were suds everywhere. What could I do but get the camera, right?!?
Owen was pretty upset when I told him he couldn't "help Chloe" anymore. He'll get over it!
Here's to another new day tomorrow...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
It's going to be one of those days...
My boys are fighting over a telephone...a BARBIE telephone...
And now Owen is crying hysterically because he can't find his robe, and I can't find it either. I sure wish their wasn't a mound of laundry in the laundry room just begging to be cleaned...
And now Owen is crying hysterically because he can't find his robe, and I can't find it either. I sure wish their wasn't a mound of laundry in the laundry room just begging to be cleaned...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
My weakness just rang my doorbell
O.K., well my actual weakness didn't just ring my door bell, but the little 10 year-old boy selling the Dutch Classic Caramel Chocolate bars did.
Um, I got 5. Yea, 5.
Um, I got 5. Yea, 5.
Thought I'd share...
I'm sure that most of you have already seen this blog, but if you haven't, I encourage you to take a look. This morning's post is just amazing!!!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Retail Therapy
On Friday, I was just having one of those mornings. You know, the ones where you feel like your kids are just bouncing off the walls and fighting like crazy, and at any given moment, you are going to have a nervous breakdown kind of morning. (Do you like all of those commas?! Hey - I never claimed to be a writer! :))
I called my mom, and she said, "I wish that I lived closer so that I can come over to help you." I agreed, and then said , "I'm coming over to your house!" And I hopped in the shower, and got the kids ready, and off we went.
My mom lives about 1 hour and 30 minutes away - maybe 1 hour and 45 minutes away, so it's not too bad. The kids were so well behaved in the car - they usually are, but with the price of gas these days, I just can't drive around all day! :) Anyway, my mom and I took the kids to Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch, and then headed to Target, and I got this...
We also found another throw pillow to put on my chair in my room for $4.24! I said to my mom in the store, "Sometimes all you need is a little retail therapy to help you feel better!" :) I don't mean that everytime I'm down or upset about something I go out and buy something, but sometimes it just feels nice.:)
We went back to her house, and hung out for awhile, and then headed to Mel and Jon's for dinner. Mel and I fed the kids while the guys went and picked up our food. By the time the guys got back, the kids were done eating, we had set the table for us, and sent the kids downstairs to play. I remember Ryan saying that he felt like we were at a restaurant, because the kids were playing so nice, and we were able to hold an adult conversation! (Mel - we have definitely turned a corner!!!)
Thanks Mommy for getting me out of the house! It's what I really needed! Let's do it again - SOON! :)
I called my mom, and she said, "I wish that I lived closer so that I can come over to help you." I agreed, and then said , "I'm coming over to your house!" And I hopped in the shower, and got the kids ready, and off we went.
My mom lives about 1 hour and 30 minutes away - maybe 1 hour and 45 minutes away, so it's not too bad. The kids were so well behaved in the car - they usually are, but with the price of gas these days, I just can't drive around all day! :) Anyway, my mom and I took the kids to Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch, and then headed to Target, and I got this...
We also found another throw pillow to put on my chair in my room for $4.24! I said to my mom in the store, "Sometimes all you need is a little retail therapy to help you feel better!" :) I don't mean that everytime I'm down or upset about something I go out and buy something, but sometimes it just feels nice.:)
We went back to her house, and hung out for awhile, and then headed to Mel and Jon's for dinner. Mel and I fed the kids while the guys went and picked up our food. By the time the guys got back, the kids were done eating, we had set the table for us, and sent the kids downstairs to play. I remember Ryan saying that he felt like we were at a restaurant, because the kids were playing so nice, and we were able to hold an adult conversation! (Mel - we have definitely turned a corner!!!)
Thanks Mommy for getting me out of the house! It's what I really needed! Let's do it again - SOON! :)
Monday, March 3, 2008
I love rainy Mondays!
Chloe doesn't have school on Mondays, so we "hopefully" get to sleep in on these mornings. Nine times out of ten though, Brett is up at the crack of dawn and chooses to wake everyone in the house up! Ugghh!!
Not today though!!! I'm not sure if it was because it was such a gloomy, rainy day, but we slept in until 7:30!! Woo Hoo!! It was great!
And if that wasn't good enough, my kids started doing their chores without even being asked! WHAT!?!?! You see, Auntie Mel, if you haven't already figured it out, is in love with Webkinz. Her kids have like three of them each, and she even has one of her own! She has a chore chart for her kids and they earn a sticker each day for completing various duties. Chloe saw this, and immediately wanted a chore chart. So while we were at Auntie's on Friday, she made charts for Brett and Chloe. They have an opportunity to earn 25 cents a day, and then extra during the week if she does certain chores. We printed out a chart for Brett too, and he's actually doing really well also. Anyway, this has just sparked a new enjoyment of doing chores, because there is actually a reward in sight! I didn't normally give an allowance, but I was seeing how this worked with Melanie's kids, and thought I'd give it a try. So far so good!:)
And now my three wonderfully awesome children are sitting on the family room floor coloring away - sweet as can be! We'll have to see what the rest of this day brings, but so far - it's a good one!:)
Not today though!!! I'm not sure if it was because it was such a gloomy, rainy day, but we slept in until 7:30!! Woo Hoo!! It was great!
And if that wasn't good enough, my kids started doing their chores without even being asked! WHAT!?!?! You see, Auntie Mel, if you haven't already figured it out, is in love with Webkinz. Her kids have like three of them each, and she even has one of her own! She has a chore chart for her kids and they earn a sticker each day for completing various duties. Chloe saw this, and immediately wanted a chore chart. So while we were at Auntie's on Friday, she made charts for Brett and Chloe. They have an opportunity to earn 25 cents a day, and then extra during the week if she does certain chores. We printed out a chart for Brett too, and he's actually doing really well also. Anyway, this has just sparked a new enjoyment of doing chores, because there is actually a reward in sight! I didn't normally give an allowance, but I was seeing how this worked with Melanie's kids, and thought I'd give it a try. So far so good!:)
And now my three wonderfully awesome children are sitting on the family room floor coloring away - sweet as can be! We'll have to see what the rest of this day brings, but so far - it's a good one!:)
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