Deep Thoughts

Last night while I was lying awake not being able to sleep, I was thinking of my brother, Mike and SIL, Marci. We have their names for the Christmas gift rotation and I was thinking of what to possibly get someone that has most everything, or at least everything they really want. Anyways, one thought lead to another thought and then the next thing you know-I'm thinking deep thoughts and how crack up funny Jack Handey was from SNL. (Which really reminds me of Mike and Marci because I usually watched it at their house.)

As the light changed from red to green to yellow and back to red again, I sat there thinking about life. Was it nothing more than a bunch of honking and yelling? Sometimes it seemed that way. 
Jack Handey

I'm trying to quietly enjoy this season of giving and to not let the honking and yelling distract me. We've simplified gift giving for our kids this year (hopefully it won't be a big disappointment if we guessed wrong on the gift). I heard one mom tell her children that Jesus only received three gifts on Christmas and if it's good enough for Jesus it's good enough for them. I laughed and loved the honesty of that. I feel more relaxed about Christmas this year because I'm not trying to chase down every good idea I have. I'm looking forward to just enjoying the simple, true meaning of Christmas. Here's to Jack Handey's deep thoughts and our own deep thoughts (that really aren't that deep, but they sure are funny). 

Beach towels are out...

we are now ready for winter. Over the course of the night and day it has been snowing. This has brought so much joy for my kids. It's a Saturday so school wasn't even cancelled. The first things that comes out are the snow boots and pants quickly followed by the beach towels. They are the only things big enough to contain the snowstorm brought into the house upon the kids return. Why is it that it takes so long to get them dressed to go out and they HAVE to have your help because they all of a sudden become incompetent of tying shoes. But as soon as they come in, it looks like a jack-in-the-box of clothes being thrown everywhere. And there is me, trying not to ruin the fun of the season, but secretly cringing inside from the mess I'll now have to clean up. Tis the season. It's worth it!

The demise of a marriage

A few years ago I remember enjoying a night of playing Scrabble with Blake. We had everything pack up ready to move and our only form of entertainment was a Scrabble game and each other. Blake usually won (having a degree in the medical field has really increases his vocabulary.) I remember how fun that was. Last night I realized how far we have come.  Picture it: There we were laying next to each other in bed... Him- with his iPhone and me with my iTouch. We were synced wirelessly, playing Mancala on our iDistractions together.  Texting being our only form of conversation. I laugh at this scenario but cringe just a little and hope that next time I'll just pull out our REAL Mancala board and actually talk out loud to the one person I like the most in the world.  This is a reminder to me to enjoy the unique personalities around me and to not iTune them out. iHave iA iVery iMerry iChristmas. (putting an "i" in front of everything just makes me feel more tech-savvy.)

I'm grateful for Slinky Sentences

A few weeks ago I had to teach a lesson in church about "gratitude". I struggled with taking a very common topic and making it unique. Lane was telling me about how in school his teacher is encouraging them to use "slinky sentences". I asked what he meant and he easily explained that it's when you take a simple sentence and  s t r e t c h  it out using more details. "Like a slinky, mom." So my lesson for church turned into how we can express our gratitude by using "slinky sentences". (It also included me making awesome slinky stairs that actually worked.) 

So in honor of Thanksgiving, I will use slinky sentences to show gratitude for my day.

I am grateful for friends, who have become family, that are willing to share their day with us. And are willing to stare at a vat of peanut oil together. It's kind of like watching water boil- It boils faster when you have a buddy watching it with you.

I am grateful for cardboard and the hidden properties it contains to protect a grown manly-man from hot oil. I'm glad my husband was man enough to not need cardboard for his protection.
I am grateful for the golden brown turkey picture on the turkey fryer box. It lets you know when you've done something totally wrong. I don't think it's supposed to look like this. The turkey was really juicy and good despite the way it looks. Next year we'll work on perfecting the technique. 
I am grateful for imaginary tree stands. This entertained the kids for hours while the moms sat in a quiet house hoping no one was catching on fire outside.
There is so much to be grateful for both far and near. We missed family and their gatherings but are acutely aware that we are making memories wherever we are. We are thankful for our healthy, energetic kids who go along with our antics. Hope you all had a wonderful day and had cardboard to save you from anything dangerous.

When I knew everything...

Nine years ago I knew everything about being a parent. (Of course, I wasn't a parent yet).  Nine years later, I realize that I know nothing. My oldest, Lane, just turned 9 last week and we celebrated with a fancy meal.  We'll call this "crazy table". We used mixing bowls, sippy cups, tablespoons and even baby doll dishes to complete these gorgeous place settings. Draw numbers and that's what you get. 

How do you make a 9 yr. old. happy? Invite 4 missionaries over for dinner and let them act like 9 year olds also. The missionaries have since asked me when Paige will have her b-day dinner. 

Notice MY place setting: "You are special" plate, wineglass and real silverware. I didn't plan it that way, I promise. I just got lucky. A missionary actually switched me because he wanted a sillier place setting.

How else do we celebrate our 9 year old? We initiate him into the Mohawk tribe.

This whole month he's been learning about Native Americans and doing projects and reports. They finished off the week with the Tribal Fair where the parents came to learn from our little Indians and see them dance. Lane wanted a mohawk for the special day. I was going to gel it because it looked a little "bed-heady" but he quickly reminded me that Indians didn't have gel to use. My reply, "They didn't have toothpaste either but that doesn't mean you're not going to brush your teeth". Needless to say, I let him slide on the gel.

He is such an awesome Indian. I have to mention that he did shave off the mohawk Saturday night because he told us it wouldn't be appropriate for church. I'm so proud of my little man. He is always so willing to help and he understands that I'm not perfect but he still thinks I'm pretty close.

For Lane's big day we also let him kill his first big buck with a super-duty-cool-rifle-thingy-majig. Of course it was supervised within the comforts of our own home and was a simulation using a Wii zapper. 

This was the one and only thing he wanted. I never thought that I'd have a boy who'd enjoy this outdoor stuff so much and wear camo doing it. Well, we've survived 9 years together lets hope I don't ruin him before he turns 10.  We love you, Lane.

When does a cracker become a cookie?

I made an amazing discovery today in the grocery store. I found these:

They are delicious and I felt the need to ration them out to my kids so that I'd have some leftover for my late night snacking.  I only have to remember that when my kids ask for crackers as a snack I must remember if these are in the house. And if so, these crackers don't count as a healthy snack. This just proves that anything fried or covered in chocolate are better than the original. My only caution is that you don't use these for your holiday cheese balls.

p.s. I just laughed out loud at the word "cheese balls". It must be late if I'm feeling like an 8 yr. old giggling in the back of the classroom.

Man's Worst Enemy

You may wonder what this could possibly be. It can bring a (relatively) sane man to anger, swearing and possibly throwing something that is much more valuable than the "worst enemy". It will stump even the smartest of men. When man's wife brings it home she anticipates the groan followed with the refusal to help.  Man's children will quietly ask "What's wrong with dad?".I know this is no surprise but it is the dreaded plastic screw anchor. Any real man will say that they are pointless and don't work, but yet they come in all shapes and sizes and are included with most hanging things. I've managed to spend my morning putting up shelves and magazine racks using the "worst enemy" and no swearing or throwing ensued. (Just don't tell my landlords. They hate holes in the walls. The way I figure it is that 3 to 4 years of rent qualifies me for at least 50 holes.) 

p.s. Nobody was hurt in the using of these plastics screw anchors. Well, maybe his pride.

p.s.s. I love you babe for your willingness to help. I really do.

No animals were harmed...

in the making of this picture.

Here are my two goofballs. Lane had way to much fun pretending to shoot "his deer". And Paige enjoyed playing dead for him.  Blake was at the hospital working so I conned some friends into walking around the neighborhood with us. It made the evening bearable and extremely fun. I could hardly keep up with the kids. Good thing for Lane's fluorescent hat. Ever since Lane was a very little boy he has loved camo and Paige has loved animals. So this year their Halloween dreams finally came true. They used their special "gathering bags" made by Gma V to gather candy. It went with their costumes perfectly. They got pretty heavy so they also looked great with my outfit, too.

Yesterday we went for a little walk because the weather was so beautiful. The boys ended going one way and the girls went another way. They think we got lost but Paige told them we were just on an adventure and exploring. How could we get lost when we have a mobile GPS with us (Georgia Paige). She told me it was fun to go adventuring. 

Well, hope everyone had a spooktacular weekend. I'm off to ease the heavy burden of the candy bag.

Simple Women's Daybook

Outside my window...

it is raining and knocking all the leaves out of the trees. The trees are starting to look like "Halloween trees". All spooky and creaky.

I am thinking...

that I really shouldn't be spending nonsense time on the computer because I haven't completed my list. Oh well, it's never stopped me from procrastinating before.

I am thankful...

for dining room chairs that you don't have to strategically sit on so they don't fall apart.

From the kitchen...

one word. Mac'n Cheese. Don't tell me that's not one word. If it's one of your kids favorites, then it's one word.

I am wearing...

leopard print ballet flats. Makes me feel a little on the wild side. :)

I am creating...

an awesome Relief Society lesson for tomorrow. I haven't really started it yet but positive thinking never hurt anyone.  

I am reading...

nothing of importance, but my children wish I could read their minds.

I am hoping...

it stops raining for Trick o' Treating tonight.

I am hearing...

Lane and Paige doing math problems. I don't know why. It's Saturday take a break from it.

One of my favorite things...

are those new Fabreeze Illuminators. Those ones that have the flame-less flickering light but smell oh-so-good.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

finish some projects and start some new ones. I have an idea for my jewelry to help organize it.

A picture thought I am sharing...

It was mix-n-match day and Paige tackled this like a pro. She'd bring me an outfit and asked if it matched. If I said, "kind of" she'd run off and find something else instead.  This is what she ended up with. She makes mix-n-matching look cute. Lane on the other hand would not even participate in this silly foolishness. I was proud of Paige for letting her silly personality show through (and had to get on Lane's case because he was teasing her and telling her she was going to be the only one dressed weird--big brothers, go figure).

Chef in the making

In the past Lane has expressed interest in being a chef and loves watching the Food Network when it's on.  So of course when he brought me this recipe that he had invented, I was so proud (as any mother would be). The only problem is that some of the ingredients are kind of hard to find. In honor of Halloween here it is:

Monster Stew

1 cup nose hairs

2 cup snot and earwax

2 cups vampire fangs

5 cups spider venom

3 cups zombie guts

1 Davey Jones octopus tenticle

Burn 'til tenticle turns crusty black at 350 degrees.

We switched!

Now this switch was made with resistance.  More resistance than I expected.  Before this switch, this had been going on for over 11 years.  This seemed to be an uphill battle.  Similar to switching from Pepsi to Coke.  Who in their right mind would do that!?! Unless they lived in the Philippines and Pepsi was just not available and Coke was necessary to kill the worms inside your belly. (That's another topic altogether.) Okay, Okay.  I know you are wondering what we have done.  It's life-changing .  WE SWITCHED SIDES OF THE BED. I know, shocking.  I have yet to fall asleep but obviously it hasn't slow Blake down in his ability to sleep with a snap of his fingers.  The real thing that tickles me pink is that in this process I've managed to turn our bedroom back into a bedroom.  All the craft projects, rubbermaid containers, and piles of "stuff" have been removed and on to better pastures.  We've only lived here for two years and I'm actually starting to decorate for real. What a fun, creative feeling.  My only worry now, is can I get used to the fan hitting me on the left side vs. the old right side.  BTW, I forgot to tell the kids that we switch so maybe they'll scare daddy out of his peaceful sleep for once.

Super Saturday

If you are a LDS (Mormon) woman you have one of two reactions to this title.  If you've ever been in charge of one, you are feeling severe abdominal pains, a headache almost as bad as a migraine, and fevers and chills simultaneously.  This last Saturday was our wards' "Super" day.  I am too tired to explain what, when, where, or how we did it.  But I am not too tired to give you my take on the "why we did it" and mostly likely will painfully continue to do it.  

1. I enjoy being a crafty craftsman and teaching others new things/doing it for them.

2. Stress and sweat built relationships and strengthen bonds.  Some may call this 'service'. :)

3. I enjoy just being around other goofy women who have been humiliated by a hot glue gun and an occasional paint brush.

4. I reminds me of all the great qualities of others and their own uniqueness and talents. A Relief Society is such a special place.

I will admit that I do have a small sense of relief that my Saturdays will not be "Super" for another year.  But when the time comes I'll be looking forward to it once again for all the right reasons. 

The "real" Robin Hood

Very briefly...a friend (Scott) took me on my first hunting expedition.  We had a great time.  Spotted 11 deer (one of which was quite big for a white tail), numerous squirrel tempting us greatly, a coyote that was smart enough to leave us alone, and 1 deer that subsequently became my first big game kill.  I must say it wasn't "big" but exciting all the same.  A clean kill at 35 yards with a bow @ 9:30 am on Opening Day!!  A big thanks to Scott for his expertise that day.     

36 observations of turning 36

1. I'm noticing more gray hairs on the top of my head.  It could be that my new sunroof highlights the gray easier.  Either way, I may have to finally color my hair.

2. Paige thinks that on my birthday I shouldn't have to drive.  I should just sit in the passenger seat and relax. We would get nowhere.

3. I'm closer to 40 yrs. old than to 30 yrs. old. My 40+ friends think this is great. My "younger" friends think I'm old and need help walking up stairs.

4. If you are born before 1975 you don't have to take the Hunter Safety Test (or whatever it's call).  As if this is even an advantage to me.  Certain men have been plotting on getting me in a tree stand to sit in the cold and freeze just so they can use my tags.  Not gonna happen.

Okay, I'm not really going to give you 36 observations.  More like 3 to 6.  My memory is failing and I don't really observe too much anymore.  I'm pretty clueless.  For example: "I know this friend" who went into Walmart to do some shopping (not a small list either) and on "my friend's" way out she couldn't find her keys.  She made it to her car to notice that her keys were still in the ignition with the car on and the doors UNLOCKED.  Ready for the taking.  Needless to say, I didn't hesitate to say a lengthy prayer of gratitude.  I mean "my friend" said a lengthy prayer of gratitude.  (It still makes me cringe so please dad don't call and tell me how ridiculous I am).

A Special Day!!

Happy Birthday to my lovely wife!!!   Hope you have a wonderful day sweetie!!!

A billion years for this?

When we went to the caverns this summer we saw this "marriage" of stalagtites and stalagmites. They said that it takes billions of years for this to happen (does it really, or do they just say that?).  I got me thinking that "marriage" was an appropriate term. It will probably take man a billion years to understand woman and for woman to understand man and THEN eventually we meet somewhere in the middle.  Blake and I celebrated 11 years of marriage this last weekend and we are still trying to understand each other.  But we are having fun doing it. Spending our time together was a blast.  It began with a day fishing on the lake (w/o kids-they were in school). 

Saturday we spent the day with the kids at a fishing tournament.  Which we didn't win but Lane did catch a good fish.  Then he got bored and started torturing the little minnows with thorns off the bushes. It creeped me out that he enjoyed it a little too much. 

Paige didn't catch anything but she started taking pictures and got a couple great ones. This is one of hers.  The leaves are already starting to change.

We ended the day at a Jubilee. Where Blake ate this:

Why do men seek out food like this? Rule #1: If it is almost as big as your head, it is meant for a small family to share. Rule #2: Don't eat it if you don't know where the closest bathroom is (outhouses don't count). Rule #3: Consult with your doctor before starting this meal or better yet, only consume while sitting next to a doctor. Needless to say, it was a simple weekend but it reminded me of why I love him so much.  11 years down, just shy of a billion to go until we meet in the middle.

Paige's new hobby

Here in our house we have been preparing for "Super Saturday" in October and these are some clips that are so easy to do.  Paige and a little friend (Jenna) pulled apart all the silk flowers and then put them together and sat quietly and busy for a couple of hours while her mom and I did painting projects.  She loved making them and once she wore one to school she came home and had to make 5 of them for her friends and teacher. So here is the results of her work.  After she took these to school she came home and told me that every girl in her class wanted one and the boys wanted ones with black and red and skulls. She was sad because she didn't know how to do skulls. But she is the flower queen. (If you blow up the picture and see the yellow tags in the back, those have the names of the girl it goes to. She was very particular that certain ones go to certain  girls.)

First Day of Freedom...oops, I mean School

I think that the first day of school can sometimes be harder on moms than the kids. 

*I am having the darnedest time get up in the morning.

*The night before, I had dreams that I forgot to pick them up so I sent Blake to the school in an 18-wheeler.  It was faster in my dream.

*The first day was a half-day of school.  That's like giving me a Mt. Dew and telling me to only take a sip and yanking it away.  

The kids like their classes.  Lane's favorite part about school is his new locker.  Paige's favorite part is that she has a desk to put her books in.  I'm excited to see the growth they will go through.  I'm sure there will be challenges but I'll be there cheering them along the way.  I love the little people they are turning into.  Here's to the 2nd day of Freedom...oops, I mean school.

The 12 weeks of summer

(sing along in your head, or out loud, I guess if you want.)

For the 12 weeks of summer

we had so much fun.

12 hours per week of swimming (at least)

11 dramamine were taken (all by me)

10 days in Hilton Head (SC)

9 crazy kayaks

(I would include a picture of Gma Vicki and Gpa Glen right here but they don't look too happy.  Most of us decided that this was one of the most fun things in Hilton Head.)

8 dolphin fins were seen

(Blake and Lane tried to chase some down in their kayak.)

7 fishing trips were taken

(I had to include this photo of when Blake and Scott went to Lake Erie to fish.  Scott threw up for 11 hours straight and I think it deserves a little/lot of respect.  See his knees and "special" green bucket?)

6 years old for Paige

5 million stalagmites (and stalactites)

4 days in a cabin

3 mackerel caught

 2 best of friends

and

1 loose tooth finally wiggled free.

This is a long post but I guess this is what happens when life is fun and busy with a little sickness throw in.  We really had a great summer and I'm sad to see it go.  I love the memories and the people we spent our time with.  Here's looking forward to next year and all the fun to be had.  

Drumroll Please...

Finally, we have a new car.  Our 3rd baby.  I know it's only a material object and when I die I can't take it to heaven.  Remember when you drove your first child home from the hospital and if you hit a speed bump or drove too fast it made you nervous?  Precious cargo was on board. Well, I felt very similar driving our car home from the dealership.  Do you realize how many crazy drivers there are who have aim to hit you in your new car?  Or maybe that is how I imagined it.  It even seemed like mailboxes were jumping out in front of us.  And to really show you how immature I am I'll admit that there were a couple of times I wanted to scream out the window "My car is better than yours." (Am I being too honest? Are you embarrassed that you know me?)  I've never been able to experience that kind of joy. Really, who is jealous of my Pontiac? I can now remote start my car and heat up my seats. My car even has it own phone number (silly car). Blake thinks thats crazy talk to heat up seats but then again "his" thermostat has always been set a little high. I find myself trying to think of errands to run or places to go just so I can have a mini-moment with my car. 

Enough talking about unimportant material possessions.  I just need to go look out the window at it and make sure it's still as pretty as I think it is.  Maybe tuck it in for the night. Kidding, really.  I'm not that crazy. 

**DO YOU THINK I SHOULD NAME IT?

Simple Women's Daybook

Outside my window...

my flowers are dying.  Too much neglect.  Maybe I'll just plant marigolds. Aren't those foolproof?

I am thinking...

about the new car I want. Chevy Traverse. Maybe by the end of the week.

I am thankful...

for my health.  It's not perfect but it's better. One more CT scan to go.

From the kitchen...

there is nothing.  I'm crashing a friends house tonight in hopes that she'll feed us. (Thanks, Riss.)

I am wearing...

slacks and a t-shirt that was not worn to bed last night.  Yeah, I changed my clothes today.

I am creating...

a better "me".  It's really quite painful sometimes.

I am reading...

nothing right now.  Only because I just finished The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff this morning. 

I am hoping...

that I can get caught up on my blog.  We really did have fun this summer and enjoyed our time together.

I am hearing...

the kids arguing about everything.  Can you tell it's almost time for school to start.

One of my favorite things...

is spending time with my kind husband. (No Blake, I'm not trying to make you feel guilty because you're going fishing without me this weekend. You really do make me happy:)

A few plans for the rest of the week...

maybe replace my dead flowers with live ones, weed the flower beds at the elementary school, and a picnic at the park.

A picture thought I am sharing...

One of my favorite pictures from this summer.  Hilton Head, SC.  If you zoom in on this pic you'll see such happiness. I love these two. They really do like each other this much.  They are usually getting in trouble because they won't settle down and are goofing off too much. We LOVE the beach.

How are you today?

Such a simple question but this past month it has been a loaded question for me. Even updating my blog has me a little on edge. Sharing this is completely out of my comfort zone. But one thing I have learned this month is that there are some things that are bigger than one person. Many of you know that I've been dealing with positional vertigo for the past 3 years. After my CT scan and MRI this past month, we think we know what the problem is.  I've been diagnosed with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence. Basically there is a hole in an ear bone.  Who knew that such a small bone could cause so much grief. I think I was handling it okay until I found out that the only way to fix it is by doing a craniotomy. I've been full of gratitude for the strong people around me willing to take big responsibilities off my shoulders and allow me to dissolve into a mess and then pick up the pieces.  Am I grateful for trials? No. I'm still a little angry and I say "why me". Then I feel guilty because I know there are so many worse things out there.  Will I get through this? Yes. But not alone and my hair may not be as pretty. Will it be easy? Most likely not. This has been the hardest thing for me yet. Emotionally, I'm falling apart. I have good days and bad days and I'm so grateful for the good days.  So next time you ask, "How are you today?" realize that it is a loaded question that might be followed with a loaded answer.  :)  

One more year!

My baby is growing up and it's not fast enough for her.  Give her another month and she'll be waiting to turn 7.  I can't believe it's been six years and I find myself trying to see the baby-face that was there before.  Just the other day she did a crinkle-nose smile that reminded me of a long ago 1 year old.  I told Paige that she had to always be okay with snuggling me and she could never tell me that she's too old for that.  Paige brings humor into our lives and makes us laugh (and then gets mad at us for laughing at her).  She's full of honesty or telling-you-how-it-is.  She never takes us seriously and doesn't look at you when you're disciplining her.  In other words, she completely balances Lane out.  She's the yin to his yang.  She is such a blessing to our family and as sweet as sugar (if she wants something).  She still loves animals and claims she is a tomboy thru and thru.  I'm her squirrel buddy and daddy is her "koof" buddy (dog language) and Lane is included as best buddy when they aren't fighting.  These titles are also quickly rescinded if you make her mad.  

This year for her party it was all about friends.  We've always been on vacation so we've celebrated her birthday with family.  So this year we had 3 friends over with a bunch of squealing and giggling.  Lane and Blake were totally outnumbered but survived well enough. We took them to see "UP" in 3-D since our apartment isn't large enough to contain that many girls.  Paige felt like a big girl but made my heart happy that she came and sat on my lap during a small part of the movie before she ran off to be a big girl again.  I think she had a blast and we love celebrating her and all her perfectness. 

Week in Photos

This week has been the end to another school year.  Paige will now be a 1st grader and Lane will be headed into 3rd.  I'm nervous for the day when their homework will get a little too tough for me to help with.  I think I'm good for a couple more years.  With Lane's spelling words being words like corduroy, turquoise, and unfortunate, maybe I only have one more good smart year in me after all .  I'd better get studying.  On the last day of school, Paige got to celebrate her "birthday" with the snack of the day.  Since her birthday actually falls in the summer she was worried that she wouldn't get to chose between "whacks or hugs".  I guess the teacher gives them the choice to either be spanked or hugged.  What child would actually choose to get spanked?
Lane also got his summer haircut three days before summer break actually started.  He didn't like the mohawk idea.  Doesn't want the girls to laugh at him.  He also likes it short so that he doesn't have to style it every morning.  He acts like it was him doing the work!? 

No smile here!

This last week I was also able to finally spruce up my deck.  We don't have much space but now we have a little spot we can sit outside and enjoy the birds and squirrels.  It's shaded in the late afternoon/evening and just perfect.  Flowers make everything better.  Let's just hope they survive.

We finished the week off with a delicious dinner.  Blake's birthday is coming up and he'll be working and is on call this weekend so we celebrated a little early.  We couldn't think of a restaurant that we wanted to eat at (besides PF Changs, 2 hours away) so we did our own thing once again.  We are getting pretty good at special dinners at home.  I just wish someone would come and clean it up for me.  This time around we did our regular fondue but switched it up with using chicken broth instead of oil and cooking shrimp, chicken, and steak in it.  The shrimp was the best and Blake had to fight Lane off so he could have some.  The sides were bacon wrapped asparagus and balsamic tomato and mozzarella salad.  Finished off with cheesecake and fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Paige is just making sure that daddy is blowing correctly.

My little helper.  Anything to distract her from fighting with her brother.

Just being honest.

So that finishes off our week.  We had more rain than sun which means more video games with trash-talking.  Following by the lecture of "If you're going to dish it out, you'd better be able to take it".  See, we're learning/teaching important life lessons.  After all those days with the video games and rain I am now going to attempt to be a energetic, full of life mommy and plan a fun list of things to do this summer.  I don't want my kids to look back at their summer with no memories.  And I think that memories can be made in very simple ways.