Just because. My review of the Polar Express.

Ugh. The Polar Express was on Disney Channel. You know, this could have been a really good movie if -


a) it was animated in a little less creepy way. At least the people.
b) that whole scary runaway train part
c) that stupid stupid hot chocolate song
d) what is with the weird North Pole?? I'm sorry, but that is not what the north pole should look like. It should look cute and fuzzy like like the north pole in Rudolph or Elf, but the empty weird factory with creepy music looks more like part of the Death Star on Star Wars.

Oh, and those stupid engineers, especially the one with the long red beard.

Maybe even 45 minutes cut from it timewise too.

Because, you know I know everything and the way I think it should be is the right way!!! ;)

This girl is out for a few days, in preparation of Christmas! Yay!

Merry Christmas


I hope that everybody enjoys the season.

Mike is on his way home for a couple of days. Finally. It has been a rough month to say the least.

The kids all had their last day of school today and will be off for two weeks! I am really excited to have them home, and I think we’ll have a lot of things to keep us busy. Especially now that the weather is perfect to do things outside.

I took Piper for a walk with me tonight. She has gotten so good about walking on a leash. She still has her puppy moments. It is hard to believe with her size that she isn't even a year old yet. - But these walks are exactly what I wanted her for. A walking partner. She goes out with me and protects the neighborhood by barking at all of the animated lit reindeer in everybody’s yards right now. She’ll probably think she scared them off when January comes and they all get put back into storage.

We are off to the airport in a little bit, and these kids have far too much energy right now. :)

Ah, another favorite holiday commercial.....

Another post today. I'm just feeling bored and I'm still on the topic of commercials.

There is one that makes me laugh every single year. I remember the very first time I saw it I was on the couch, and when it was done Mike and I looked at each other and just laughed at how ridiculous it was.

Sanderson Farms.

It's all nice and mellow with a chorus singing The First Noel in the background. They show people at the chicken farm with grain silos behind them, smiling and waving. It must be a happy place to work.

Then a huge semi truck is leaving the white fenced farm. You know where those chickens are going.

Then people working in the processing plant or the slaughterhouse or whatever are smiling and waving as the peaceful music is still in the background.

Then you see somebody driving a forklift with little packages of neatly wrapped chicken pieces, waving and smiling.

In between the chicken's torure are heartwarming scenes of families sitting by the fire eating Christmas cookies, small boys putting ornaments on a Christmas tree..... awwww.....

Then the last scene is a family table, with what looks like a dozen people dressed up and sitting around waiting to have a beautiful holiday dinner.

Then...

then the grandpa carves the one lone chicken sitting on a platter, surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and lime slices.

Who the hell carves a chicken?????? I've only known people to tear them apart. Not carve it like it is some big turkey. And is that one lone chicken going to feed that dozen people waiting to eat? I feel like I watched that chicken go from farm to platter. It's just so odd.

But Happy Holidays from Sanderson Farms. I don't think the chickens share that same sentiment. ;)

were santa's reindeer really females?

Something funny my mom and I were talking about. She said she read about this somewhere. I had to google it when I got home.

Subject: Reindeer Facts

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year (the only members of the deer family, Cervidae, to have females do so), male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, every single one of them, from Rudolf to Blitzen ... had to be a female.

We should've known this when they were able to find their way.

- and you have to wonder if any of them were pregnant. Did you see the part about them retaining antlers until they gave birth? All of the pictures of the flying type still have antlers on them, which leads me to believe that they were pregnant. That gives a whole new mental image to me about pulling the sleigh.

Donner: "Ugh, my back hurts so bad. I am SO READY to have this baby"

Comet: "Can we please stop at some fast food place down there? I'm really craving some fried cheese sticks."

Dasher: "Do I look fat to you? I'm wearing my maternity harness earlier this time than last time."

speaking of commercials....

Sometimes I miss the days of PBS. Commercial-less children's programming. Because once they graduate to something like Disney Channel, Nick or whatever - they start seeing commercials for all sorts of crap.

I love it when it is something that is ONLY 3 easy payments of $24.99!

Especially this time of year. I can't even count how many times a day I hear, "Mommy! Sometime can I have that?!?!" Which I usually half heartedly reply with, "Maybe you can ask Santa for Christmas." In hopes that they will forget what it is they thought they couldn't live without for that moment.

Today I realized how bad Matthew has it when he saw a commercial for Progressive, and asked me the usual. Yeah, for Christmas you can have car insurance. For the child who has everything. - Except the car.

commercials

It could be that I'm the daughter of parents who had an advertising agency. Or it could be that I'm just a marketing person's dream...

but I love commercials.

Some of them make the season for me. It just isn't Christmas until I hear the familiar Budwieser Christmas commercials with the Clydesdales. For what it is worth, I still haven't seen one, but I'm still holding out for it.

But while watching tv tonight I realized that I love the Target Christmas commercials. The ones that have the cute/funky music and it looks like somebody opening doors in an advent calendar? I love them.

Happy holidays and all that festive stuff.

I know I haven't posted any pictures lately. I've kind of taken a small vacation from the camera. But we've been keeping busy and having fun.

One of the best things for me this year is that I have been done with Christmas shopping for awhile. I don't know what got into me this year to actually plan early. The benefit has been awesome though. I have really been enjoying everything about this season. I haven't had that stress of feeling like I have to be out in the midst of it all. Which sometimes I do enjoy too, don't get me wrong. I'm always up for shopping. But, it feels good for a planner person to have it all done.

Last night was Trevor's Christmas program at school. We went out to dinner before the concert, and had a good night. Mike was able to be home for it too, which was a pleasant surprise. He got in at midnight the night before.

Tonight we went to the zoo for Zoolights. I haven't been to it in years. Infact the last time we went Trevor was an infant and I remember freaking out hoping that he was warm enough. It doesn't seem like that long ago.

Tonight was a lot of fun. The lights there are so pretty, and it feels so good to be bundled up in winter coats and hats while you are walking around listening to Christmas music. The kids had a great time. This year they had a huge giraffe that looked real, but it was talking. It would ask the kids their names and tell jokes. My favorite part of the whole night was listening to Matthew laughing at the jokes. He had huge belly laughs. I don't think he was convinced that this giraffe wasn't real.

We also drove down Mill Avenue on our way home. I always love the bridge that goes over the 'lake' but somehow it is prettier at Christmas time. Mill Avenue was busy, and the lights on the trees were pretty. Megan and I even saw a horse when we were stopped at a stop light. Bonus for us horse lovers. ;)

After we got home I took Piper out for another walk tonight. We've had a few nights in a row of going out for walks. It feels so good to be out and be able to enjoy the neighborhood with all of the Christmas. I also admit that I like to look inside the houses that have their Christmas trees in the front window. It just feels festive.

Unfortunately we are heading out for the airport right now. That is the only bummer about today. :( This was a pretty quick trip home for Mike. He's heading back out to go play in the ice storms back east. Believe it or not there used to be a time when I was paranoid about driving through the airport because of all of the lanes and people darting everywhere. Now it's old hat.

bizarre christmas songs for the primary grades set

I love boys.

They are so weird.

This is something I have been hearing this holiday season:

Joy to the world,

that Barney is dead.

We barbequed his head.

Don't worry about the body,

we flushed it down the potty.....

and that's all I know. Or all that I hear before I tune out the rest.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Since the kids came along, winter time has meant stomach flu, asthma, colds and any other kind of funky virus they seem to pick up. I promise that we really do have good hygeine, but somehow we still manage to run a pretty full hospital ward in the family room several times during the season.

Megan was sick on Sunday, throwing up and feeling miserable. She missed school on Monday.

This morning Trevor woke up and ran straight for the bathroom. Blllllaauuggghhhhh. A sound I know all to well. Yep, it's his turn. A free ticket out of school for the day.

So I take Matthew to school, who is saying his tummy hurts, but I'm thinking he is trying to pull one over on me since he knew his brother was staying home sick. His coughing on cue was right up there with some of his other performances that once I gave in, I realized he wasn't really sick when an hour later he'd be jumping on the couch or wanting to play outside. No way. I wasn't going to be fooled this time. I told him that he could go to the nurse if he wasn't feeling well. I thought for sure once he got into class and seeing his friends he'd forget that he wasn't 'feeling well.'

I wasn't even back to the house yet when the cell phone rang. It was Matthew's school nurse, and he was sitting in her office with vomit on his backpack. OK, now I slink back to school feeling like the worst parent ever. Yep, indeed he was sick. He's since proven me wrong at least 100 times as he wretches into the puke basin next to his little bed made on the floor.

Poor boys. I'm not kidding that sometimes I'll be cleaning out one basin and the other is throwing up in his. Thanks to Mike and his multiple hospital stays for his kidney boulder from hell earlier this year, I have several of those sponge bath basins that all of your necessities for staying several days are in. The funky all in one bottle of body wash/shampoo and conditioner. The awful toothpaste and the flimsy toothbrush that dicinigrates after two uses. It's not as fancy as the maid cart at the W or something, but seeing as how insurance is paying for them, you know they cost about $200. Might as well bring the basins home.

There are benefits to having the kids home. When they are sick they want nothing more than to hang out on my lap. Which makes all of the puke and bad smells worth it. Plus how often do you get to sit down and know you can't do anything because you are already doing you job? It's one of the good benefits of being a mom.

another little update

December is a crazy month. I'm actually even pretty on top of things this year, considering. I started early with Christmas shopping, but there are so many programs, extra school activities and everything this month.

So, we're just keeping busy. Things will be back to normal at the first of the year. But right now I'm just enjoying the season.

Today is the perfect day. It is supposed to rain this weekend, and it is breezy and overcast outside. This time of year smells so good, and while I was taking Matthew to school I was enjoying watching the leaves in the street swirl behind the cars that drove over them. This may be a sight that people back east are used to, but out here it is a treat.

Mike is home, and we are getting some of the kids' Christmas presents that require some assembly put together today.

Then he is back out to fight the snow back east for a few days.

Enjoy today!

weekend update

I haven't blogged in awhile, so I figured I should update...at least with something.

Not much going on here. We're just all keeping busy with school, getting ready for Christmas and all that stuff.

This is from this morning when Matthew went in to see if Trevor was awake yet. T slept in. We all pretty much did since it had been raining all night. What is it about rain that makes you sleep so sound?

No wonder my kids call me momarazzi. You can't even wake up in this house without mom getting your picture. ;)

Today (since it is raining) we stayed inside and put up all of our Christmas decorations. The kids were like vultures as I was pulling the boxes out from under the stairs. I was bent over, hot and the light isn't far enough back where you can actually SEE anything in there. But I kept hearing, "What's in that one!?! What's in THIS one?!?"

I know why my mom used to do the majority of the work before I came home from school. That was back in the days of an artificial tree that had to have each branch put in its color coded hole in the stick of the tree, then stringing lights in it. Can I say how incredibly grateful I am for pre-lit trees?

It took all of 20 minutes to get the tree out of the box and up. Then I came in to read the news on the computer while I let the kids have it with the ornaments. That isn't something that should be done first thing in the morning. They all have to see who can put on the MOST ornaments. Why does everything have to be a competition?!?!?

So our house is looking very festive and merry. :)

Happy Thanksgiving

I have this song stuck in my head that I hear on Radio Disney all the time. I don't know who it is, but it's some pop person. Usually I know all of my people from Radio Disney, so it must be a pop person that isn't from the Disney stable like Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Blue.... etc.

Anyway.. the song says, "I'm a winner....cuz I'm awesome....."

Why am I singing that? Because I went to the grocery store this morning and got everything I need for tomorrow. I was in and out in record time.

Then I headed to Costco just as they opened. I'm so on the ball I can't stand it. ;)

I got the remainder of the stuff I needed, plus other stuff so that I can stay near my house all of this fabulous four day weekend without having to go out if we don't want to.

Yessss. My sense of accomplishment this morning is through the roof!

I loved going to Costco today. I figured it would be busy so I went in with an open mind. While I was standing there waiting to pay, and about the 20th person in line, I watched people.

It was so funny to see everybody with carts full of rolls and stacked boxes of pies. The man in front of me had 150 rolls in his cart. (He had SCADS of bags.) A woman behind me was holding probably a dozen pies in her hands with her arms stretched out and her head peeking out of the top. It just looked so holiday-ish there today. I can see why this starts the beginning of a happy season for Maddy. So Maddy, since I have 80% of my Christmas shopping done, and Thanksgiving ready.... I finally get it. ;)

I also realized, what with the theme of the week being gratitude, that we are so lucky to live in a place where we can go and buy so much food. I remember watching an Oprah show a long time ago (before Oprah got super annoying) with a man who moved here from Ethiopia. He said the first huge memory he had about our country was that he could go buy fruit in a store. Fruit from all over the world, so if he craved an orange even during off season, he could buy an orange. The biggest was that he was amazed that we have an entire aisle just for our pets, filled with dog food, cat food and treats. That was one of those lightbulb moments that I remember all the time. It helps me to realize how lucky I am all of the time. So I thought of this man again today as I was watching the millions of rolls and pies being paid for.

Now I'm not trying to get all Oprah-ish here, but I just want to say that I am grateful. I'm grateful I live in this country, I'm grateful for my family (all of you!) and my friends (all of you!)

Also for Coca Cola, andU2. Plus so many more things, of course.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family and friends who happen to read this!!! And THANK YOU for everything that you do!

Mwah!

For Shanna.....

My friend Shanna is having a boy!! This post is all for her. She mentioned on her blog how she is a little afraid of the thought of having a boy after so many girls. Granted, I only had one girl when I found out that my second child was going to be a boy, but I went through that total fear of not knowing too. How do you take care of a boy? Do you have to wrestle with them? Will they love me as much as my daughter does? Will they remember me on mother's day when they are married? A million things went through my head.

I now know better. Like I told her in an email today, boys love their mommies more than anybody else in the world. I have two momma's boys. - And I love every minute of it.

So, thinking of things that are boyish to pass on to Shanna.

Always check pockets when you do laundry. You'd be surprised at the collection of Downey smelling rocks that will accumulate on top of your washing machine. They love rocks.

Hot Wheels. They love Hot Wheels, and they are great for bribing them to make it through a trip to Target for under $1.

Trains. I think they all are born with the knowledge of Thomas. Wait until you are humming "They're two they're four they're six they're eight.... shunting trucks and hauling frieght....." The best is that there is usually one of these in their hands at all times and they love to run them along the door and window of the car when they are in the carseat. Careful though, the wheels can get stuck in your hair. True story.

Pretty much anything with wheels. They are fascinated by these things, and unfortunately as you all know they never grow out of this.

Someday you will know the name of all 200 Pokemon, including their evolved form. Trust me.

Legos hurt.

Fart jokes and the word butt.

They love to pick pretty weeds for mom. :)

These are just a few of the observations I have made since having boys. If anybody knows more to pass on... leave some for Shanna!

Congratulations my friend!!!!

The earth is flat, and it feels like I walked right off the edge of it. ;)

Wow. Do you ever have so much to update that you are almost afraid to blog?

I was so sick for awhile, and that put me out of commission for several days. Then Mike has been home and we've been busy doing house stuff and family stuff.

I promise a better post later today. :)

day 8 in the sick ward

And I am NOT feeling nurturing anymore!!!!

My boys have been sick all week. All three kids were sick since last week, but the boys and their asthma have been awful. I got them to the doctor and now they are on medication to finally kick it since they weren't getting better. Matthew even has an ear infection to top it all off.

I usually kind of enjoy when my kids are sick. They get snuggly. There is nothing better than sitting on the couch, under a blanket with a snuggly child. I like to play with their hair and give them a lot of kisses on top of their heads or on the feverish cheeks.

Until today. Today I could tell that the medication is doing it's job. They are feeling better and the coughing and wheezing has subsided. I didn't send them to school because I wanted them to be strong before they went back to the germ buffet. But today they won't let me have a second to myself!

When we got Piper we were watching the mom dog with the puppies. She was trying so hard to find a place to lie down but puppies kept following her. She looked desperate. Everytime a puppy came near her she'd growl. Mike asked the owner if she was aggressive at all and she said, "Not at all, she's just ready for the puppies to find homes and stop nursing."

I can totally respect that. Been there done that. Now I think of the look that poor mommy dog had as her poor boobies were hanging down and she just wanted to be left alone. I swear I feel like that dog today.

we are experiencing technical difficulties

halloween 2007

(I still can't get pictures off of my memory card into the computer, so I'll have to post them in a couple more days.) It's totally Maddy's fault for ruining my computer. ;)

Last night was fun. I thought if I had things in order downstairs and dinner somewhat ready that we wouldn't have the major stress out before starting trick or treating. Somehow we still lost track of time and managed to freak out trying to get everybody into costumes, fed and all that.

My mom came over to hand out candy at the house, and brought pizza with her. Thanks mom!

I loved walking around with the kids this year. They stuck together, and I let them run off on their own as long as they stopped at the end of the street if they happened to split up. It was nice that they all got a little taste of independence. I think they really liked that. Our neighborhood is great on Halloween too because there are SO many kids and parents walking around that it feels like a street party. Everybody decorates their houses like crazy, and the streets are lined with jack o lanterns. I always feel like I'm in a movie on halloween night here.

I was easy to find too, if they happened to feel lost. Like Trevor said, "You were the only one wearing a witch hat with feathers sticking out of the top."

At one point Megan even hooked up with the girl from last week's school trouble, and another friend. I swear, girls are so weird.

So all in all, a great halloween. As usual it seems like it came and went pretty fast and I can't believe it is November. It's hard to switch gears and start thinking about Christmas already, (Especially when it is unseasonably hot here still!) but I've already started a little shopping. So far I feel totally on the ball!

And admit it.... who else had candy for breakfast? Haha! ;)

Oh, and check out my ticker at the bottom. Only 11 months, 4 weeks and 2 days until the next one.

Happy halloween!

Finally.

Not only am I glad that it is Halloween just for the fun day itself, but also this marks the end of the crazy/busy month of October at our house. Fall festivals, pumpkin walks, three birthdays, another month of single parenthood and normal life. October has been a blur.

I feel so unorganized lately. I have a calendar to help me remember who has what on what days and all that, but the bad thing about the calendar is that it doesn't do some of the work for me.

Three halloween class parties today, and stuff that needed to be brought in for those, making regular lunches in hopes that some good food will be eaten by these children today, one more pumpkin to carve, plus a shortened day as far as sunlight goes. I'm sure as soon as the kids get home we'll be getting started on dinner and costumes. I am going nuts with the rushed feeling I've had lately. I'm pretty high anxiety in the first place.

I am officially worn out. Done. Cooked. Frazzled. - and 3 more days left in the countdown!

Happy halloween!

Are you smarter than a 2nd grader?

I'm sure I am like every other mom who thinks their child is a genius. Not too long ago we were in the car listening to the radio and Trevor told me that the part of the song that was on was called the 'bridge.' He told me when the reprise was, and all that. Words that are vaguely familiar to me, but if you asked me I might not remember the answer.

Tonight at dinner I asked T if he finished his homework, and if he had his spelling pre-test tomorrow. He said he had it today and that he didn't have to do the spelling part of his homework because he does "super spelling" or something like that. I didn't believe him, because he does try to get away with sneaky things like not brushing his teeth, or to get out of homework.

He says, "I am! My words are different than the ones on that list. One that I had to do today was courteous. Do you want me to spell it so you'll belive me? C O U R T E O U S. Gah, you neeeever believe me!"

OK, so he was right. Plus I caught him helping his sister on her 4th grade math today. Not that his sister is behind in math, but Trevor LOVES math. (OK and I have asked him random math questions thinking he won't know the answer and he does. It's almost freaky.)

It got me to thinking about the same thought that I had back during the conversation about music. I am so glad that the time he was a week old and I dropped him, that I didn't cause permanant damage to his little brain. Apparently that car seat really did protect him. (I was walking down stairs at a restaurant and tripped. Resulting in falling about 6 steps towards the bottom of the stairs, carseat with baby strapped in, mid air and falling fast. I felt so bad. I cried for a long time, but Trevor just sat in the seat like a happy little guy.

Then not too long after that (since he was still in the car seat and tiny) we went out for dinner one night. Trevor was a lousy sleeper, so I was in a zombie state for about a year. We went to Macayo's. I set him on the table and we ate. It took me awhile to realized that I had set the poor kid on top of one of those candles that they use to keep the cheese crisps warm. His seat was pretty toasty. Here I am, really trying to ruin this kid. I'm positive I had divine help that first year.

All in all, I'm just glad to know that I didn't ruin him. What a relief. ;)

Hallow-WHAT?!?!

I'm a little ticked.

Today I went to Target. I went towards the back in the hope that I might find some little halloween thing I couldn't live without. (A habit I keep up until after Halloween and there is no more sign of any black or orange.) On my way back I noticed that the little endcaps throughout the store that would have the Halloween type linens like place mats and table runners were gone.

Then I see that the cups and things in the kitchen areas were gone.

Replaced with - get this - CHRISTMAS stuff!

Where did the Halloween linen stuff and kitchen stuff go to??????

They just threw it all willy nilly in the Halloween section in the back! (Which already shares with the stupid pre lit moving reindeer, seal and moose.) The poor stacks of stuff didn't even have a dignified shelf tag.

They are moving out my Halloween stuff and getting it ready for clearance BEFORE it is even Halloween!! Can't I have my moment here people? I mean I've been waiting for this all year long and now it's bad enough I have to share it with Christmas, but to take it away from the other areas of the store???? To cast aside the cute little 99 cent Halloween scrubby sponges like they don't have any worth?!?!?

This rates right up there with the whole CK/KC HOF scandal. I would almost say boycott Target, but they know they have me wrapped right around Bullseye the dog's little paw finger.

.... and speaking of Target ....

"Matthew, where would you like to go for your birthday dinner?"

"Target. They have good popcorn."

I love that kid.

the tooth fairy uses new technology

Not long ago Megan lost a front tooth. I was a horrible mom and remember that was a night Mike was out of town and I was exhausted before I went to bed, so I forgot to put some money under her pillow. Thank goodness that night she had also come into my room because she had a nightmare and slept with me.

So when she woke up to look under her pillow in her room and noticed the tooth was still there, I thought quick and said that I would check my email. Sure enough, the tooth fairy emailed me to say since Megan wasn't in her own bed, she would try again the next night. Whew.

Sure enough the next night she had a visit from the tooth fairy.

Last night Megan looses another tooth. Same deal, she puts the tooth under her bed but this time I don't have ANY cash and it is way too late to go get some. I ended up downstairs and rummaged through my scrap stuff. I found a Target giftcard that was left over from when my friends decorated my front yard with a ton of them on my birthday years ago. I was saving them to make a page someday.

Instead, I wrapped it up with a 'letter from the tooth fairy' that she had $5 credit on this card. (There's nothing left on it, but I always pay the cashier so she would never notice that it was blank anyway.) I had no idea she even had a loose tooth (she told me she didn't know either, so I can't feel that bad.) But I do have to applaude myself for some quick thinking creativity! haha!

Now I have learned my lesson. Trevor has a tooth that has been loose for a couple of weeks. You can bet that I am prepared for that one to come out. I have money ready.

A revolution has started! haha! Free Simon and all that!

Long story behind how I came to have this on my scraproom wall. Add to that, a smaller button that is now pinned on my visor in my car, so everytime I drive anywhere I am reminded that "It is OK."

- and Laura. Now I think of Laura wherever I go.

Last year when Laura (don't know how to link, but she's the chick with the blog linked on here somewhere.) came out for the 2Peas crop, we ended up at Target before she had to go to the airport. She loved this little swag thingie made of felt pumpkins. So when I went back to Target after Halloween I found it and had it sitting on my desk all year. I finally got it to her in time so she could use it this year!

These are what she sent me in return! I really have to laugh when I see them. I have friends with the most odd sense of humor. Which is exactly why we all get along.

Speaking of friends, I was tagged by Michelle (another chick with the link somewhere over there) --> -->

It kind of goes with my obsession of liking to fill out questionaires. Or maybe I just like to talk about myself. Who knows, but I am thrilled to be tagged. Here it goes:

1. What is your spouses name? Mike. Or MIA as he's been known for a little while. ;)

2. How long have you been together? We met in 87. Plus married 17 years. = 20 years. Whoa.

3. How long did you date? 3 years

4. Who eats more? Me.

5. Who said I love you first? him

6. Who is taller? I think we're both the same

7.Who sings better? oooo, definitely him.

8. Who is smarter? definitely him. I suffer from mommy brain.

9. Whose temper is worse? Yeah, that would be mine.

10. Who does the laundry? me mostly, but he helps.

11. Who does the dishes? Me. He cooks. It's a fair trade.

12. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? the dog.

13. Who pays the bills? He brings home the bacon, da da da, fries it up in a paaaan... da da da

14. Who mows the lawn? like Michelle said, a team of dudes.

15. Who cooks dinner? him. He's a food artist.

16. Who drives when you are together? It kind of depends. Usually him so I can beat the kids over the head if needed. ;)

17. Who is more stubborn? Geeze, this list makes me look terrible. Definitely me.

18. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? I am never wrong.

19. Who kissed who first? Hee hee. Him. In a green Samarai listening to Alphaville.

20. Who asked who out? he asked me.

21. Who proposed? Him.

22. Who is more sensitive? yep, me again.

23. Who has more friends? split.

24. Who wears the pants in the family? both. I prefer jeans.

Now I'm going to tag Lisa. I'd tag more, but really that seems unfair to not leave more for her to tag now does it? Then again, it may take a month for her to update her blog.

guilty.

This photo cracks me up. If that isn't a look of guilt....

How do you install a doggie door on your arcadia door?

This is how we do it at our house.

First, open glass door and shut screen door to allow beautiful fall air into the house. You should already have your dogs in the backyard at this point.

Second, have somebody ring doorbell on the front of the house.

Third, have 50 pound lab puppy not realize the screen door is shut while thinking she is doing her duty of protecting the family from whoever is at the front door. Run full bore through screen until there is a hole big enough for puppy to go in and out of for the rest of the season.

for daddy

From the picture below, to this.

The last of the single digits. Nine years old.

Happy birthday Megan!

Happy birthday to my little girl!! It has been the most amazing NINE years ever!!!

We love you!

I'm the multi-tasking queen. What do you do when you are waiting for the pork chops to broil? Make a page. ;)

I think I'll just keep on making 8x12 enlargements. It almost feels like cheating.

My scanner is protesting from all of the times I have accused it of being dirty or cutting off half of a page. Or it may have been bumped by the kids one too many times. I have to resort to a photo. Which Lisa is wanting to see.

She is my inspiration for this page. Being that she gave me that cool scrollish rub on, and I pulled out the sewing machine to do wavy stitching on the top and bottom like she does.

You might be able to see it if you click on the picture. It was very stressful to NOT stitch in a straight line. I am the one who makes sure all of my brad thingies line up the same way on the back of my pages. It stresses me out to know if they are all wonky back there.

Check out the screws on all of my outlet and switch covers at my house... they are all lined up horizontally. Yep, who's OCD?

So this was a big test for me. Whew, I did it. And - I LIKE IT. *singing* think George Michael's Freedom....

Oh, and if you are interested in the journaling, here it is:

What is the best thing about losing a front tooth? Of course, it's having a place to put your straw! I love watching Trevor when he is drinking a soda. It must be a little quirk that I didn't realize I liked so much until I started to notice that I have a lot of pictures of him like this throughout the years. - We were taking a break from swimming and I was taking pictures while watching him enjoy a coke.

******

It is fall break, and we have been super busy. Which is much better than being bored! Ha!

My little girly is going to Kentucky tomorrow morning for a few days. She is so excited. She's all packed up, and we made a trip to Target to find some things to put in her carry on. Books, coloring books, a charged MP3 player, Nintendo DS..... she should be set.

Now I have to remember to breathe until she comes home.

little tiny airplanes

It is a valuable lesson to be learned. Be careful what you say because you never know when it could become birthday fodder when you have the weirdest of friends!

A million little airplanes! (At least it looked that way!) That is what I got in my front yard for my birthday this year. From what I understand, all hand cut by Beth (the original martha stewart) And since they came the night before, I had NO CLUE about it.

It was hysterical! And I really appreciate the effort considering my front yard is still gravel. Those sticks are hard to get into the ground!! See, had I known, I would have watered the yard for them. But no... they had to be sneaky.

I left them up until the morning so the kids could see them. I noticed neighbors driving slowly trying to figure out what they were. One stopped and said, "It looks like Mike got the job!" I just nodded. How do you explain this funky birthday tradition you know? Haha!

Some of my favorites that I can put on my blog (some I did have to pull out the night before. I still have to live here you know!)

Are you still lactating?

28 days until Halloween

Hello my name is Kerry and I'm a cleanaholic

U2 sucks. <-- That is SO untrue!

genre: non fiction - we love you!

I need adult time!

It's 8:08

Oops I mean 9:11

You KNOW how I feel about tank tops!

Come fly with me

Mmm smell the undo

Kim Possibly the biggest fan ever!

Have you seen my Shego costume?

Can I borrow one more sweater?

Target lover

Clinton/Obama 2008 (WTH!?!?) ;)

Love me, love my dogs

Birthdays are no calorie days

My ipod kicks your ipod's ass

There were more. A lot more. Haha! Thank you to everybody involved whether you were here or in spirit. :) Mwah!

alas, no update.

No penny yet. (I'm sure everybody has been DYING to know!) But I do have to say that I like the doctor's answer today better than the info online about what to do. If he hasn't had a bad tummy ache over the weekend then I shouldn't worry about it. It will take care of itself. If he gets a tummy ache, that is what to watch out for.

Whew. Because THAT was not fun.

I love October. Probably because

a) U2 has an album called October
b) it's cooler
c) lots of birthdays in our family
d) halloween (duh!)

and finally.... the halfway point. I have been assured that this will go by fast now. Please please please.

One exciting thing happened today. Old Navy has the cutest Halloween tshirts. Now everybody in the family has a Halloween tshirt, including the dog who has a orange and black collar that says "tricks for treats" on it. Who knew? I also saw Christmas collars. Do I really need to change collars depending on the season? Sure, those brown eyes deserve the best in doggie accessories.

I'm reeeeally reaching for blogging material right about now.

The proof is in the poo. Motherhood rocks.

How did I make it through two other children without swallowing a single foreign object or stuffing something up their nose?

Leave it to matthew.

He swallowed a penny tonight. So after a few calls, at least I'm not in panic mode anymore.

Everybody pretty much told me the same thing. Keep an eye on him to make sure that he doesn't choke. (It should be past his esophagus now.) and - get this - collect poo for the weekend.

No. Way.

Yep, all of those extra produce bags from the store and I are going to become friends this weekend, since I have to 'collect bowel movements' and try to feel for a penny. Gag. I hope I get that Volkswagen bug that I've been wanting for Mother's Day next year. ;)

He was crying so hard until I told him that he had to poop the penny out, then he just started laughing. You have to love boys. Trevor even asked me if he did get it out if I was going to put it in the scrapbook. I don't think so. Some things don't need to be put in there buddy.

Even though this sounds totally awful, I am at least hoping to find 'the object' because the next step is going to the doctor for an xray.



Motherhood. What can you say?

My house is suffering, but the kids are clean and fed.

I told Lisa the other day that I've been doing it wrong all along. I usually would do stuff that needed to be done during the day, like cleaning and laundry and then 'reward' myself with scrap time at night after the kids go to bed. This of course is after picking them up from school and helping with homework and spending some play time with them too.

The thing is, I usually end up cleaning until the middle of the night because I never know when to stop. Several weeks of this have made for a sparkly clean house, but one very exhausted me. One thing leads to another. So this week I've done it backwards. I'm scrapping first to save my sanity.

It isn't like the house can't wait, right? No matter how hard you work it is undone so fast you think a tornado went through anyway.

I have two more I'm going to work on too. Along with some Halloween cards. Then I'm sure I'll get tired of scrapping for a couple of days. Then pick up on cleaning again. I really do fun and exciting stuff occasionally! I really do! It just doesn't sound like it lately.

Here is my T. The journaling says:

I usually write about how fast time goes by, and how shocking and sad it seems to me - especially after looking at these photos. You have changed so much and gotten so big! But I also have to say after going through boxes of photos to find some of these that my biggest feeling is gratitide. I am so grateful for the 7 years that you have been here. I love having a boy, more than I ever could have known. I love your energy, your funky little observations, and the things that you do and say that make me laugh every single day. I do miss the little boy from years ago, but watching you grow has been one of the greatest things ever. My T man is SEVEN!

I just noticed that you can't see #1 on the scan on the top left photo, but it is there on the layout. I did forget #3 on it's photo though. Off to find more rub ons! Ack!

she scraps!

<-- this is one of my favorite pictures of Matthew! He was so excited that day. I stole the journaling from the blog entry I did that day, so you've probably read it before. I'll spare you reading it again. Sappy mom journaling about sending my baby off to kindergarten and hoping that he always needs me.

He did help me a little on this one. That is his writing on there. Nothing is cooler than seeing your child spell their name for the first time!












<-- This one is super sparkly in real life. The paper in the background has glitter on it. I'm still thinking about adding some of those white doodlebug paper ribbon strips on there if I get a wild hair and make it to the store tomorrow.

The black rub ons were actually in a package sitting on my desk. I thought about just putting the woman sign on there, but then noticed the cute baby one too. It was PERFECT! I love when accidents like that happen, and best of all I used something that has been sitting around.

And see? All of my journaling isn't sappy. This just reminds me that seeing these pictures and how big she looks is FREAKING ME OUT.


I'm not leaving out Trevor or playing favorites. I'm working on a page about him right now. This feels like old times being able to accomplish 3 layouts within one month! Haha!

Rock on mom!

I know, I probably sound like a broken record, but I have to be honest in saying since Mike has been gone how easily frustrated I can get in some situations. I've been good, honestly, but sometimes you just have to scream into a pillow.

Megan had a friend spend the night last night. Against my better judgement I said it was ok. So last night after a brief meltdown in my scraproom (huddled in the corner in a fetal postition!) haha! Of course out of sight so the kids didn't know. I find this note that Trevor had written and left on my desk from before school yesterday morning:


genre: non fiction <--- he's still doing that. It makes me laugh.

MOM ROCKS

AND MOM ROLLS.

MOMS ARE COOL.


then there is a little stick figure wearing a dress. I guess that is me. I mean, I don't wear dresses that often. But this note makes it all worth it. Meltdowns and all.

It's a sign of the times

Remember back in the 80's when people had cassettes? You don't see it as often anymore since CD's and MP3 players in people's cars, but while I was at a light today I saw it. Flapping in the breeze like a big chunk of brown tinsel was unrolled cassette tape. It just made me realize that with the invent of CD's, the planet is actually cleaner! ;)

Also, with some weird things that have come out of my children's mouths lately remind me of how many things have changed. It's all for the good, because really don't we want things to be easier for the next generations? Unfortunately it just reminds me of what a dinosaur I probably seem to my kids.

After some backseat driving from Megan one day, I asked her out of frustration, "Would YOU like to drive????"

"No mom. I can't drive because I don't even know how to turn on the map. How will I be able to drive anywhere without our british girl telling me when it is time to turn?" Gosh. (She's talking about the navigation system in my car. Which will probably be standard when she gets her first car. No getting lost to find your way home, which is nice to know.) Especially if you are the type to leave a crop in the middle of the night from Mesa and you turn left on Gilbert road thinking you are heading south and don't realize you are going the wrong way until you are on the indian reservation thinking, "Where the hell am I???"

Trevor: "I can't watch TV because the remote needs new batteries." So while I'm putting new batteries in, I tell him about how I used to have to *gasp* turn on the tv, wait for it to warm up, adjust the rabbit ears or slide that clicky thing on the box on top of the tv if you were lucky enough to have cable. Then, if you wanted to turn the channel you had to get up to change it. The horror. I kid you not, I had him stumped. He stared at me with his mouth wide open.

Last after finding some of my old U2 albums, Trevor asked me what in the heck those big black round things were. Albums. Then he asked, "WOW! What size was your CD player?!?!?"

So I guess the torch is passed. I am officially sounding like the parent who had to walk to school uphill both ways. In the snow. (Even though I've always lived in Phoenix.)

I pity the fool who doesn't think that this isn't the cutest Halloween tree ever!!!

It was one of those moments where I forgot that I wasn't shopping with a friend but still squealed when I saw this at Target today!

Also, I'm happy to say that I have two halloween costumes down. Matthew is going to be Captain Jack, and on a whim I bought the girl pirate costume hoping Megan would like it. She hadn't decided what she wanted to be yet. For awhile it was between Hanna Montana and a wildcat cheerleader. Now after she tried on the one I bought today it is settled. I have two pirates. I'm hoping I can talk Trevor into being one too!

*******************

I'm also back from a whirlwind trip to Kentucky to visit Mike for a couple of days. My dad and I went together. We had a great time, but it went by so quickly. I was also in a zombie like state and had a constant caffiene drip going because we left on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. So I was up at 3:30 that morning to get ready to go, drive to my parent's house and then get to the airport 2 hours early. Then of course getting used to the 3 hour time difference was hard too. Monday we had orientation at Comair all day. It was interesting, but I had such a hard time staying awake. Then Tuesday it was off to the airport again, early. I'm still trying to recuperate.

It was fun to see where Mike has been for the past month. Plus enjoy some incredible weather. It was in the 70s during the day, and I don't know what the temperature was at night because anything lower than 70 is cold to me. Let's just say it was sock weather - and I hardly ever wear socks!!!

random observations

Maybe it's because I've been a little lonely and not having had much adult interaction for a month. (so far.) But there are things that you can't help noticing. Then if you don't put them down somewhere they seem to stick in your brain. Heaven knows I need that valuable space that these thoughts are taking for even more important information! ;)

So I'm at McDonald's this morning getting my soda. (I actually went twice since my kids go to different schools and both start at different times. Shhh. It's non calorie day.) I really needed caffiene today. Seriously.

I've known this for awhile, but my particular McDonalds' has two twin men working the drive through. One takes the money, and the other one gives me my soda. I finally had to ask one day if he had to run back and forth, and he said, "No that's my brother." - You know it is really cruel and messed up to do that to people so early in the morning. WTH? At least I know the secret now. But I do feel sorry for those who aren't in the know.

Second, I am due to get my hair colored again. Besides the obvious gray streak down the middle of my head, the other way I can tell it is nearing time is my hair isn't as 'fluffy' or listens as well to what I want it to do. My hair girl was telling me that the color that is on your hair actually attaches itself to your individual hairs, so it is adding body. Ok, that makes sense.

But why is it that we want fat, fuller hair, fuller lips and fuller boobage? Why isn't it just as acceptable if not desirable to have 'fuller' waistlines and rear ends? Nature is cruel. Besides the obvious joy that our children bring us, I believe we should be rewarded with smokin' hot bodies the more children we have.

Lastly, at Costco I noticed a couple of them and I just have to say that besides adorable babies and puppies, there is nothing cuter than little old men who wear white undershirts AS the tshirt. Do they just 'give up' and not care about the fashion rules anymore? I actually like that they are at a place in their lives where they really don't give a crap about what people think and are out just doing their thing.

The tshirt is always neatly tucked into usually khaki shorts with a belt. So it is obvious that they took some time and care before they went out. Their hair is always done, and usually they have the cute socks pulled up to the knee with sandals. I just think they are adorable. Yay for them!

So that is it. Hopefully I can delete this information in the little garbage can in my mind and move on to other things. Like the fact that Survivor starts next Thursday.

I just adore Target. :)

THE.

HALLOWEEN.

STUFF.

IS.

OUT!!!!

I repeat -

The Halloween stuff is out!!!!!!!!!!

(and it is still 110 degrees today. What in the hell is wrong with that!?!?!?)

Yep. I came through the front door and noticed that they were stocking the $1 spot with the new Halloween stuff and high tailed it to the back corner of the store. I'm not kidding, did you know those carts can make skid marks? I elbowed my way and knocked over a few women and children on my way back there! Don't they know how important this is???

There working like a bunch of holiday elves were about 3 dozen Target team members putting the new stuff out! Cute new plates, acrylic cups, decorations, and that glorious smell of aisles upon aisles of candy.... Yay!!

Not only was the Halloween stuff out, but the back to school stuff is on super clearance. I went a little crazy there. I can't resist office supplies.

So now a day that started out average, has turned into an incredible day! It's like Christmas! Or should I say - It's like HALLOWEEN!

leaving little notes

Genre: non fiction.

Trevor has been leaving me little notes every night that start out like that at the top.

Tonight's note was so cute.

He's such a sweet kid, and I want to squish him.

Tonight I wasn't feeling too well. I had a headache, and I'm sure that I'm getting a little worn down since Mike has been gone. I pretty much begged the kids to be good listeners and get ready for bed. Everybody got kissed and tucked in, and then I watched the news for awhile.

So tonight I'm taking some things upstairs and I see that he has snuck another note downstairs and left it on the bottom step. It said: Get well soon mommy. I'll take care of you tomorrow after school since you always take good care of us. I'll even get up early and make you breakfast in bed. Do you want cereal or toast? Circle which one you want. :)

mall day

<-- my children stealing money from the fountain.


Actually they weren't, they were just sticking their hands in the cool water. All of us ignoring the 'please don't climb on the wall' sign. As you can see, nobody was around though, and I wouldn't have minded if I had to jump in to save one of the kids if I had to. It is still pretty hot.

Today I went and had lunch with Mike's parents at California Pizza Kitchen at Chandler Fashion Mall. I got there a little early, and am glad I brought my camera with me. We just had fun taking pictures and goofing around.

All in all, a nice day. Megan woke me up this morning with a plate of mini bagels, and iced tea. It was a nice surprise. :)

17 years. Wow.

The doorbell just rang, and look what was at my front door!

They are beautiful! - and my office smells so good!

Tomorrow is our anniversary. 17 years, and Mike is across the country playing with big airplanes.

:)

Well it has happened. A moment that has crippled me with fear in the past, but usually I can pass it off to daddy.

Unfortunately he is not here right now and I must deal with it.

I usually consider myself a somewhat smart person too. Sure, I forget basic words like:

"What is that green thing in the front yard? The thing with leaves? Birds live in it?"

Um........ what's that called? I can't remember the word for it.

A tree. Remember that because I'll probably forget a word as simple as that again. Maybe it's the heat. Who knows.

I blame it on mommy brain. Too many things in my mind.

My head is like a computer. If I get a new tidbit that must be remembered (say something very important like Hanna Montana's real name is Miley Cyrus.) then some other older bit of information must go in the little garbage can in the corner to be deleted - to make room.

More than likely deleting older, more important information I should probably remember like my pin number on my debit card. Crap, what is it again??

So what am I so afraid of?

4th grade math. Oy. Megan finds me and asks me to help her with a question on her homework.

It is REALLY bad when the 4th grade workbook stumps you. Even worse when you go back to read the chapter to try and figure it out and you are still staring blankly at the question. Well, at least megan figured it out on her own, which is good. Now she just needs to teach ME. I really hate fractions. Hate. Them.

making the world a better place - one day at a time.

Trevor. He’s such a funky little thing. He’s my rule boy. If he gets in trouble, he punishes himself more than a parent ever could. Someday he’s going to grow up to be a hall monitor.

We’ve had the talk about smoking and drugs, and he promises me he’s never going to do that bad stuff. We’ve been places where he’ll see somebody smoking outside of a restaurant and he’ll say with such a serious tone, “Oh mommy. That person is going to die. Cigarettes are so bad for you.” (Which in a way is funny because I have seen some people actually squish their cigarettes out when they hear him say this.) embarrassing yes, but we’ve also had the talk about pointing and talking to loud too. If he’s going to listen to one of my talks, I’m glad it’s the one about him not doing those bad things. ;)

So today I stop by McDonalds to get a soda. He’s in the front seat (the airbag turned off – for safety reasons of course!) and he says to me:

“Mommy, you shouldn’t drink and drive. That is what made Lindsay Lohan get in a lot of trouble.”

I should mention he’s loved her since the Parent Trap, so it isn’t like he’s surfing TMZ to find out the latest, but when her name has come up on the news he has to know what is going on!

yay rain!

Thanks to hurricane Dean we are finally getting some relief from summer. Today is overcast and awesome. As long as you don't go outside and realize how much humidity there is, but I can't complain. At least when your driveway isn't a mirage your mind thinks it is cooler.

Last night I woke up with a HUGE flash of light. Seriously, the light was so bright it woke me up before the loud thunder that followed it. I mean, it sounded like the lightning hit the top of my house.

It was funny though, because as I'm sitting there in the dark with my heart racing the dog jumps up on the bed, and I hear little feet running down the hallway. Out of three different rooms, all three kids came running into our room at the same time. Poor little scared people.

It was just a huge dogpile of kids - and Piper.

homework helper.

Trevor and Piper doing homework. I keep thinking that someday I'm going to think it is funny how small they both were.

Life, and guess who is 7!

I think that it is just becoming my motto that: Life, is crazy.

Life around our house lately has been especially crazy. Not in a good or bad way, but there are a lot of big changes going on right now.

Training has started for Mike and his new career, which means a lot of adjustments for everybody. I've gotten comfortable over the years, and you forget when starting at a new job that you are also starting at the bottom of the totem pole again. The first year is going to mean spending a lot of time apart. Birthdays, Christmas....That's an adjustment. A biggie.

Lots of other things going on as well. Life ebbs and flows, and right now we're just gearing up for a crazy ride for awhile. - It all comes back though.

We also had a big day on Saturday! Trevor turned SEVEN! He had two parties this year. One with his friends at Fiddlesticks. It's one of the curses of having a summer birthday. You are limited to where you can have a party, but it also made it to where the place was totally empty. There was only one other party going on, so the kids pretty much had the games and rides to themselves. But dang, it was HOT.

Then after a few hours there we had the family birthday party at our house. It was fun, and Trevor had a great day.

Mike and I were exhausted by the time it was all over and ready for bed. I kept trying to spend little moments during the day remembering what was going on 7 years ago when Trevor was born. Then I realized that giving birth was a million times easier than little kid birthday parties. At least when you are in the hospital you get an epidural, good drugs and somebody else taking care of you. Not you running around frantic making sure everybody has a piece of cake and that nobody has run off!

I want to find out who it is that I have to talk to, but I really believe that birthdays should be spent with the parents both getting massages and eating chocolate. You know, for the time spent carrying this child, and taking care of them year after year! ;) It's not a bad idea.

I'm lucky to have this kid though. He's awesome.
























Happy birthday T!

We're all in this together.....

There is a scent about the air tonight. The scent of teen spirit and bubble gum.

Come on all mothers of tweenage girls and younger, today is a national holiday. High School Musical 2.

I wonder if any of the teachers in classrooms across the country had the attention of girls today. I know it was all I heard about yesterday and today.

The big event is here. Or was here, it is over now and I have a living room that looks like a battlefield.

And the best thing?!?!?

A brand new Hanna Montana was on afterwards!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

*****

I also heard from a friend of mine who was shipping her daughter off to another friend's HSM2 party, that her boys were feeling left out. So they made up their own party to play air hockey and mock the dancers in the movie. I would have liked to have been at THAT party! I bet it was a riot!

Hello from the surface of the sun!

OH MY GOSH.

It is HOT.

<-- this is the parking lot at Target today. Haha!

I am ready for this crappy weather to be over. Sorry Beth, I know exactly who I sound like, but I feel like I'm about to rip my hair out in madness.

There are a couple of little things that are giving me hope right now.

The other day I found an adorable spider votive candle holder. It is on our kitchen counter and I love that it reminds me that if we survive the summer, Halloween and Fall are getting close.

My mother in law gave me a cute pillow with pumpkins on it today too. It's living on my couch. Sing with me now...It's beginning to look a lot like Halloweeeeeen!

I was going to put these things in the orange storage boxes in my holiday storage, but I don't have the heart. Add to that, I'm too lazy and did I mention that it is too dang HOT?!? I think this means I have officially started decorating for Halloween. - and willing Fall to get here. Quick.

sick day

<--- My little man who is almost SEVEN!

Today is the first official sick day for Megan. We didn't even make it through a full week of school yet. Dang.

At least she isn't the first one in her class to miss a day of school.

***

This week has been fun since Trevor is counting down the days until his birthday. I remember getting SO excited when mine was coming up! I'd love to have that excitement that kids get. Why do birthdays loose some of their excitement when you become an adult? It could be that my parents don't wake me up singing to me, and handing me boxes that I KNEW were the shape of model horses. Those were good days!

Mike and I will be singing, but I'm sure it will look more like a Pokemon birthday for this guy.

first week of school

Thank you mystery blogger! ;)

I remember thinking I'd have so much time once the kids started school. So far everyday has been FULL. Granted, I'm able to get more accomplished in a day than if I had company with me, but I'm trying to get caught up after an entire summer's worth of stuff. The big day to relax or sneak in a nap is close. I can just tell.

Today also marks a week in school, since they started last Wednesday. You wouldn't know it considering how well they've all fallen back into schedule and everything. Megan and Trevor both love their teachers, and any anxiety about not having best friends in their classes is over. I know they are both going to have an incredible year this year!

Matthew has done really well in kindergarten. He loves his teacher, and I love seeing the work he's been bringing home with him! It is so cute! I love helping him with his homework too.

He did have a rough day yesterday though. The night before we had a storm, and I guess a tree branch was low enough for a group of little boys to go over and try to hang from it. Matthew was standing on the ground and a boy pulled the branch down on Matthew. It gave him a huge gash on his neck and chest. He was so bandaged up when I picked him up from school.

I also noticed after getting him home that he had scratch marks on his head. On his temple on one side, and the other side from his ear down his neck. They were going a different direction than the tree gash. Obviously they weren't from the tree. Oddly enough there were about four on each side, and about finger width apart. Hmmm.

After calling the school, the teacher said she didn't know about the other scratches. I believe the tree story since the teacher on the playground saw that one happen, but Matthew told me that a boy scratched him after that too. He looks like he got in a fight with a cat.

I was really sad to think that somebody was mean to him already. But sadly enough, a part of me was so relieved to know that MY kid isn't the bully! I asked him what he did after the boy scratched him, and he said he went to play with somebody else. This kid was apparently mad at him for not going down the slide fast enough.

Did he tell the teacher? No, but he knows to now.

Did he fight the kid back? No, which he would have clobbered his brother if Trevor did it to him.

So I know somewhere in there he knows that he can't do that sort of thing at school. He holds his own if he has to, but I'm relieved to see that he knows the difference.

He has two really good friends so far. It is so cute hearing him talk about them.

He looks so big now. I know he likes feeling big like his brother and sister since he gets to go to school too.

Mystery Guest Blogger - Have It Your Way

Do you ever have one of those days, when all is said and done, that you just breathe a sigh of contentment knowing that you've been blessed with new knowledge? A knowledge that is so powerful that you just feel smug for having it?

Today was that day.

Out and about. It's been something close to 30 minutes since food has passed my lips. A hunger pang. A craving. Uncontrollable urging. Must have BK onion rings...with ZESTY© sauce. Regular onion rings 375 calories - check. ZESTY© sauce 150 calories per package - check. It's okay, a Diet Coke© balances everything out, right?

Well half way through the yummy onion rings, the Diet Coke© runs out. Time for a refill. Like many of you, I have a difficult time planning my meals at Burger King. The myriad of choices, the flavor combinations and overall texture just leave me intimidated. I've always felt like Larry the Cable Guy dining at The Savoy every time I set foot in BK...that is...until today...

Thanks to a very brave person. Guillermo, Brenda, Ryan H. or whoever it was. You know who you are. We all know that you're in hiding now for committing such treason. God speed my friend. Thanks for putting the secret/sacred dining & soft drink DaVinci code for all to see. Like a vision of the Virgin Mother, it burned my eyes and is a sight I shall never forget. For now, I know what drink to have with my Burger King order. Thank you.

I promise to share this knowledge with everyone, no matter what the cost. You have served man kind and it will not be forgotten.

To everyone reading this: You now have the keys to the kingdom. Use them wisely and never forget the price that was paid to get it to you...$3.81 including sales tax.

Ugh! Make it stop!

I need to know if this happens to anybody else, because honestly it drives me insane.

I do it without thinking, but twice a day, am and pm, I look at the clock at exactly 8:08 and 9:11.

You would think it's because my body is trained to look at a certain time if I got up at the same time or stuck to a rigid schedule. But I don't.

If I get up at 6:00 in the morning, or 8:00, I still glance at the clock at exactly 8:08.

Then I'll go about my morning and sure enough, when I check to see what time it is - 9:11.

This happens again at night. Every single day. It drives me insane.

First day of school: part 1

I promise the cheese factor will be way down this time. I'm feeling much better! We all made it through the FIRST day!

Mike took Megan and Trevor to their school, and I took Matthew to his school. Only because of it being the first day and there was a ton of stuff to carry and I wanted to make sure that Matthew had somebody with him before he starts just getting dropped off. It actually will work out perfectly in the morning. We drop Matthew off at his school with an earlier start time, then drive back to drop off the other two kids before their school starts.

Megan was up and dressed at 6:30. Shortly followed by Matthew. Trevor probably would have slept another couple of hours if we let him. He was excited, just not enough to lose sleep over.

After picking Megan and Trevor up from school they both have said this is going to be the best year ever! They were so happy to be back.

OK, so do you want to ask me what the last movie was that I saw in the theater? You know how that is always a question on blog tag. Go ahead... ask me!

The Bourne Ultimatum.

Yes. Mike and I went straight to the mall after dropping off the kids. I know, I cried, and then didn't waste a minute huh?

I loved the other two movies from this series, and when I saw the commercial for it I said, "I HAVE to see that!" I'm so glad I have even been able to see all three in a theater! Let me tell you, I had such a hard time walking after this movie because it is SO intense. I didn't realize that I had been sitting all bunched up and stiff the entire time until it was over. It's definitely a good flick.

Then we had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. SO everybody had a great day. Tomorrow I am definitely staying home and getting my house clean. That is something that I just gave up on a couple of weeks before school started. I maintained it, but it's time for a deep clean.

I'm actually pretty excited about that. As sick as that sounds.

Below is Matthew's first day of school story.

first day of school: part 2

I took Matthew to school. It was so weird being in a place that my other two kids went to kindergarten at! He showed me where his classroom was, and then he found his desk. He knew where he was sitting from the night before when he went to meet the teacher.

He sat right down and was watching as the rest of the kids came filing in. A lot of parents stayed for the first 15 minutes, taking pictures and just watching. I got a few pictures of Matthew and then ducked off to the side for a few minutes. The teacher told them to pick up the pencils on their desks and start drawing a picture of themselves.

A few minutes later I decided I was going to go. I went back up to tell Matthew goodbye and he looked up at me kind of surprised and said, "What are you still doing here?" Well I guess I don't have to worry about any separation anxiety then do I?

I left. I admit that I got a little teary eyed when I was in the parking lot. It is SO wierd to leave one of your kids knowing that they are a few miles away from your house.

But we did it. Matthew had a great day at school and told me that he loves his teacher and that recess is his favorite part. :)

OK, so why am I the one freaking out? Is this normal?? Sorry, it's a long one.

Have I looked forward to this day with the anticipation that a lot of moms wait years for?

Not really.

Am I dreading it?

Not really.

Is it possible to not know how you feel about something that doesn’t seem like a big event, but someday you’ll look back on it as if it was?!?!?

You know how you remember so many things about when your children are babies, and people older than you always tell you how quickly it goes by and to hang on to every memory that you have while they are young because before you know it, it will be just that?. A memory?

While you are living it, you can’t imagine that much time going by. You almost hope for the next milestone because you think it will make it easier because you are so worn out and exhausted from having a newborn, or a two year old. Or BOTH.

Plus you just can’t help but get excited when somebody learns to crawl, walk or start kindergarten. You almost wish time away wanting the next big step.

It was hard to imagine at the time of changing diapers, Blue’s Clues, highchairs and sippy cups that it would come to an end.

It honestly has come to an end for awhile here, since my youngest is now 4, almost 5. I guess I never really thought about it because he was still home with me.

Now tomorrow I’m going to be sending all three back to school.

That’s where I’m feeling numb about this. I mean, I enjoyed the baby years, the toddler years, and being the mom of little kids. I tried to hang on to every moment. No wonder I like scrapbooking, huh? I would document a nice moment of everybody playing with a toy together right up there with a birthday. The everyday things are really the things that I want to remember.

So I think that is why I’m having a hard time realizing that tonight is the closing of a chapter. I’m not the mom of little tiny ones anymore. A new chapter is starting, and I am almost terrified of it!! I think because I know how quickly those first 8 years of always having company with me on a trip to the store, or at home went. It scares me to think of how fast the next 8 years might go by!

I’m not even sure of what I’m afraid of. I’m excited about seeing my kids grow and the new things we get to do together since they are all getting bigger and more independent. I mean I finally made it out of the terrible twos, which went into the terrible threes and still hung around long enough to say we had a little bit of the terrible fours! - I made it! I can almost hear Barry Manilow singing Looks Like We Made It!

We’re ALL tall enough to go on rides together at amusement parks, and everybody is big enough to order their own food when we go out to eat. It’s nice. And I LOVE that all of my kids can get themselves in the car and buckled up on their own.

So tell me, why am I feeling like this tonight?? I think I’m just as nervous as those kids who keep sneaking out of their beds, way past bedtime because they can’t sleep!

Ack! It will be interesting to see how we are all doing this time tomorrow night!

shiny happy teeth

Look at those super clean teeth. Today was dental day. All three kids went to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned. - and also to find out that each one has one cavity. Yuck.

I was really amazed at how well all three did. The place we go to is so cool. It has a train theme, so of course it is heaven for Matthew. They have a huge wall size 3D engine that comes out of one of the walls, looking like it is coming out of a tunnel. It is really cool. Plus they have train tables to play with, and the lobby has a train that goes around the ceiling, through tunnels into other rooms. It really is cool.

I snuck the pictures while we were waiting for them to finish up on Trevor.

I feel kind of guilty though. I do make the kids brush their teeth morning and night, and bug them about flossing. Ugh, and I could hear each dentist 'reminding' the kids how important it is. Which translates into "mommy needs to make sure she is watching and/or helping when you brush your teeth to make sure you do a good job."