(you can see Leo's little foot and Isaac is reading the Dora book)February 9, 2010
Reading
(you can see Leo's little foot and Isaac is reading the Dora book)
teaching the boys to clean
I'm a huge believer that my boys are to learn the correct way of my cleaning. They have been cleaning bathrooms on their own for over a year. Here's how I plan it...
1. I have them clean before bath time. (this way, they can get wet and it doesn't matter)
2. With cleaner, I spray and squirt down bathroom.
3. They have a sponge (with scrubby side) and a big plastic cup from gas station.
4. They clean sink, toilet (brush and Clorox wipe around porcelain) and shower/tub.
5. I wipe mirror, counter top, toilet and bath sides with windex on a rag.
On Saturday, I thought it would be a good idea to watch as they clean to add my 'help' (comments). I really did it to see how thorough they are (their wives will appreciate it later) and maybe even missionary companions will be glad to sit on a clean toilet.
They don't complain about cleaning and they take turns cleaning theirs and the master bathroom.
Once I was teaching Ethan how to do something (can't remember what) but he questioned as to why we have to do it "that(my)" way. I just explain that it's the correct way and he shouldn't be in the habit of doing it any other way.
I'm teaching them how to clean the tile floors (vacuum & mop), laundry (start to finish (includes sorting and starting the washer, taking clothes from washer to dryer and folding to putting away)), loading & unloading dishwasher, and taking out all the trashes, vacuuming house. I'm trying to get into the mode of teaching them to prepare and cook. I've had Ethan learning to make Lumpia (Phillipino egg roll). He's learned to wrap them and fry them.
January 29, 2010
Projects
It all started about 5 months ago. I took down everything off my walls. I patched every hole and then I did nothing for several months. I had been wanting a different style in my home. So with the help of other blogspots and their creativity... I've tried doing things with what I had and could get my hands on. Here are just a few things. Nothing is final yet. I may still change things around. I'm starting somewhere.
Before:
After: I did print a picture for the frame, but it was too small. I also plan on making my own throw pillows.
Before: I forgot to take a picture of the before, but under the table you can see the color it was.
After:
Before/After: I wrapped jute around the letter. I forgot to take a before... the letter is finished in jute.
Before:
After: The shelf was turned upside down, spray paint and I attached a handle to it. It's a stand for the cable box.
Here's my living room. It's coming together slowly, but here's what I've got...
Before:
After: I did print a picture for the frame, but it was too small. I also plan on making my own throw pillows.
Before: I forgot to take a picture of the before, but under the table you can see the color it was.
After:
Before/After: I wrapped jute around the letter. I forgot to take a before... the letter is finished in jute.
Before:
After: The shelf was turned upside down, spray paint and I attached a handle to it. It's a stand for the cable box.
Here's my living room. It's coming together slowly, but here's what I've got...
January 19, 2010
friend birthday party
The boys had a couple friends over for a late night to celebrate their birthday's. Because my boys' birthday's are a day apart, a put up streamers for Ethan in his choice of color. Later that night, I take Ethan's down and put up new streamers for Isaac. They do much of the celebrating together, but I want to make sure that each boy feels he is an individual and each has his special day. Hence, Ethan and Isaac have their own cake in two different flavors/colors.
writing on the wall
I never had a kid of mine write on my walls... until I had Leo. I did have to take a picture of his art work. He was happy to stand next to his mess. This kid keeps me going and I love him to pieces!!
January 18, 2010
PINKKK!!
I had an ultrasound today and found out that we will be having a girl. I'm really excited, but then after a couple minutes I felt confused. I'm so use to the doctor saying that I'm having a boy. What am I going to do with a girl? Polish her toes and fingers, pour her in PINK, and bows everywhere. Ethan said he wanted another brother to wrestle with. Isaac asked "when do we get her?" I'm pretty sure Leo knows because he's been nothing but a brat.
We aren't sure on names. Nathaniel is considering my input, however he gets to make the final decision.
I told Nathaniel that we needed to save up for her blessing dress. Nathaniel said that we'll just find a silky pillow case. I can tell I'm going to have a hard time with him. Come September, my little girl will have her ears pierced. Honestly, if you know me, you know I've been waiting for this.
We aren't sure on names. Nathaniel is considering my input, however he gets to make the final decision.
I told Nathaniel that we needed to save up for her blessing dress. Nathaniel said that we'll just find a silky pillow case. I can tell I'm going to have a hard time with him. Come September, my little girl will have her ears pierced. Honestly, if you know me, you know I've been waiting for this.
January 14, 2010
Resolutions
For the past 10 years I have hated the whole New Year's Resolutions. Aren't they usually the same for everyone from the past many years? It's such a cliche and I would jokingly say that I'm perfect with nothing to fix... I know I'm not perfect. But why do I need to do it at the beginning of the year? I find that I repair myself throughout the year.
However, this year it really hit me that I need to teach my kids about doing better, striving for more. Maybe just to be goal-oriented. For Family Home Evening I gave them my little shpill about finding the things that we could work on. I told the boys my goals and then asked them to each think of 2 things they could work on. So far, I'm doing well on one of my goals. But then, we are only 2 weeks into the year. 50 more weeks to go.
However, this year it really hit me that I need to teach my kids about doing better, striving for more. Maybe just to be goal-oriented. For Family Home Evening I gave them my little shpill about finding the things that we could work on. I told the boys my goals and then asked them to each think of 2 things they could work on. So far, I'm doing well on one of my goals. But then, we are only 2 weeks into the year. 50 more weeks to go.
Boy's birthday's
Ethan and Isaac both celebrated their birthday's the beginning of January. I think they get to carry out their birthday's a little longer because the other brother is the day after or before. I started making a treasure hunt for each boy to find their presents. I make about 4-5 clues for them to run around the house. This is the highlight of their day. I didn't make them a cake when we celebrated with Nathaniel's family. The kids made ice cream sundaes. So, the boys blew out candles in a scoop of ice cream.
Ethan
Isaac
Isaac
Christmas
I'm really bad and REALLY behind. We had an amazing Christmas in Layton at my sisters home. My parents, siblings and their families came up for a week. My parents stayed for 2. We had a lot of fun of shopping, going to Cafe Rio and staying up late talking. The things you learn about people 11 o'clock at night. Let's not forget about rearranging Mary's home (my mom's idea).
December 11, 2009
Merry Christmas 2009!
Nathaniel.... taking boys fishing with Grandpa Cox, rollerblading with Samuel, took our family to visit family and friends in Colorado, camping at Bear Lake with family
Sarah.... coached Ethan's soccer team, ran 5K, PREGNANT - due June 6, 2010, visited parents in Virginia, Palmyra, New York Temple
Ethan.... Bear Scout, played soccer, catching snakes, X-box360, fishing with daddy
Isaac.... reading, riding bikes with friends, sleepovers, PLAYING IN THE DIRT, fishing with daddy
Leo.... walking, playing with his brothers, loves Sesame Street
Sarah.... coached Ethan's soccer team, ran 5K, PREGNANT - due June 6, 2010, visited parents in Virginia, Palmyra, New York Temple
Ethan.... Bear Scout, played soccer, catching snakes, X-box360, fishing with daddy
Isaac.... reading, riding bikes with friends, sleepovers, PLAYING IN THE DIRT, fishing with daddy
Leo.... walking, playing with his brothers, loves Sesame Street
October 16, 2009
Ethan got lucky this time...
Last week we were reading scriptures. Each boy has his own set so that he can follow along. I've also asked the boys to start reading a verse or two. Isaac had just finished reading. The last word was seed. Ethan wasn't paying attention, so being the mean mom that I am, I asked him to read. He asked where we were. I told him that he wasn't paying attention and that he needs to figure that out. And if he got it wrong, he would be grounded. His first instinct was to go with the last word he remembered hearing... seed. I gave him a clue and told him that 3 of the verses end in 'seed'. I reminded him again that if he's wrong, he's grounded. He asked if it was verse 18. I told him I wasn't going to tell him and that he was to just start reading. He took a couple seconds and started reading verse 20... the right verse!
October 15, 2009
I ♥ FALL
Fall is absolutely gorgeous here. It's especially nice to feel and see the changing of seasons. The cooler weather has brought a little snow to the mountain tops.
A while back we were mowing down our garden that was deeply deprived. The only thing we did was allow the sprinklers to water it. Taking care of a garden is work and it's not easier to do with a kid that you have to keep an eye on. Much to Isaac's surprise, a pumpkin seed that he put together at school and planted in the garden grew. We found tomatoes, carrots and green onion... and I didn't do a darn thing!
A while back we were mowing down our garden that was deeply deprived. The only thing we did was allow the sprinklers to water it. Taking care of a garden is work and it's not easier to do with a kid that you have to keep an eye on. Much to Isaac's surprise, a pumpkin seed that he put together at school and planted in the garden grew. We found tomatoes, carrots and green onion... and I didn't do a darn thing!
September 28, 2009
my boys...
My boys are getting bigger. It makes me so sad. I look at Ethan and think it was barely yesterday that he was Leo's age. Now he's a boy. An individual who has his own thoughts and opinions. Yesterday in church I motioned him to sit closer to me and he didn't want to. He didn't have an attitude about it, but I thought 'Is this it? He's not a mama's boy?'. I felt like he had suddenly grew up. He does give me kisses and hugs. He's very patient with me... well, sometimes he is. I was cutting his hair and it turned out that what I did looked really bad. I ended up shaving it without a guard. Ethan was really good about it. It didn't bother him. One less thing to do in the morning.
Isaac is still my wild child. He lost his first tooth yesterday. I had to bribe him with a can of Pepsi to let me pull it. I finally used floss to get under the already really loose tooth and BAM! out it came. It surprised Isaac. He said "Ethan's right. It doesn't hurt". I also gave him a Mohawk last night. It fits his personality and looks great with his crazy cowlick. This is why I can grow my hair out. I can take my emotions out on my kids hair. If I feel like doing something crazy, I ask my boys if they want a haircut.
Leo said his first word September 17. He said 'cheese'. My idea of a first word is when the child understands and knows what he is saying. He will also say 'up' and 'pop'. For pop he will also smack his lips. If I have a Pepsi close by, he knows what it is and wants it NOW. I keep dum-dums in his diaper bag when I'm running errands to keep him happy. He knows where they are. He will bring me his bag mumbling something to the extent of wanting a sucker. Leo also fell off the dresser (the same one he was standing on in the last post). He's a boy. He didn't pass out either.
I'm not doing anything new. I'm trying to stay focused as the primary chorister and the assistant to the Cub Scout Master who happens to be Nathaniel. We have the primary program in November. I'm freaking out a little.
Our garden ended up being more of a success than Nathaniel and I thought. I was good for about the first month of staying on top of it and trying to weed it. But then it got to be too much. The freaking weeds took over and I let them. I was sad that I can't grow anything because I'm lazy and figured that I would have died in the 1800's. BUT on Saturday Nathaniel thought he would just mow it. Much to our surprise carrots, green onions and a couple of tomatoes grew. We were late getting to the corn. Next year, I'm using 1/4 of my garden. It gets to be overwhelming.
Oh, I have to add that you don't use WD-40 on the metal part the wheels use to go up and down of a garage door. I did this in my last house. The wheels slid. I'm thinking noise is good.
Isaac is still my wild child. He lost his first tooth yesterday. I had to bribe him with a can of Pepsi to let me pull it. I finally used floss to get under the already really loose tooth and BAM! out it came. It surprised Isaac. He said "Ethan's right. It doesn't hurt". I also gave him a Mohawk last night. It fits his personality and looks great with his crazy cowlick. This is why I can grow my hair out. I can take my emotions out on my kids hair. If I feel like doing something crazy, I ask my boys if they want a haircut.
Leo said his first word September 17. He said 'cheese'. My idea of a first word is when the child understands and knows what he is saying. He will also say 'up' and 'pop'. For pop he will also smack his lips. If I have a Pepsi close by, he knows what it is and wants it NOW. I keep dum-dums in his diaper bag when I'm running errands to keep him happy. He knows where they are. He will bring me his bag mumbling something to the extent of wanting a sucker. Leo also fell off the dresser (the same one he was standing on in the last post). He's a boy. He didn't pass out either.
I'm not doing anything new. I'm trying to stay focused as the primary chorister and the assistant to the Cub Scout Master who happens to be Nathaniel. We have the primary program in November. I'm freaking out a little.
Our garden ended up being more of a success than Nathaniel and I thought. I was good for about the first month of staying on top of it and trying to weed it. But then it got to be too much. The freaking weeds took over and I let them. I was sad that I can't grow anything because I'm lazy and figured that I would have died in the 1800's. BUT on Saturday Nathaniel thought he would just mow it. Much to our surprise carrots, green onions and a couple of tomatoes grew. We were late getting to the corn. Next year, I'm using 1/4 of my garden. It gets to be overwhelming.
Oh, I have to add that you don't use WD-40 on the metal part the wheels use to go up and down of a garage door. I did this in my last house. The wheels slid. I'm thinking noise is good.
September 1, 2009
August 20, 2009
Colorado - visiting Johnson Family
Our family was lucky to get in a family vacation before the boys went back to school. This was the first in a year. I've been on several trips with the boys while Nathaniel worked. Nathaniel went on this one. YAH!!
We decided to visit a childhood friend of Nathaniel's and his family, Lynn and Cameo Johnson. We had a full week. And I'm hooked on Colorado.
We arrived Monday night and were able to visit with Cameo's little sister and her husband as they were passing through from Kansas.
Tuesday we went to the Asian Market. It was more like an Asian Wal-Mart. The boys had fun looking at all of the frozen fish, chicken heads, pigs feet... you name it, it was there. Lynn made a simple Korean lunch for the boys with seasoned squid slices. Leo loved the squid, but he wouldn't try the anchovy. Lynn made us Korean soup for lunch (that I'm craving now) and then Korean lettuce wraps for dinner.
Wednesday we went to Elitch's. It's a really great amusement park. We were there most the day. I took Leo on some ride's that he was too small for. He seemed scared, but as long as I held him close, he was good. Ethan was tall enough to go on all the rides. He had a blast with Cora. Isaac loved the rides he and Granger rode on together.
Thursday we hung out at the Johnson home. Later that afternoon we went up north to visit my Aunt Laura and her family. We had a nice visit. She had kept some toys from when her kids were younger - which made it perfect for Leo to have something to occupy him. Is it weird that I was once a kid, playing with her kids and now that I'm married and have a family... I have conversations with the adults? Look Mom and Dad! I'm at the big person table! But really, we had a nice visit. Love those people.
Lynn had purchased a BIG raft awhile back and wanted to try it out. Friday we went to REI that was built inside a Power Plant from 1901. We also took a trolley to see a couple sites and learn a little more history about downtown Denver. In the middle of the city is a river (that flows north - crazy!). About 100 feet of it was built for families to come and "go down the river rapids". There were kids going down with regular pool floaties. And then there was this idiot that decided he would be cool and walk on the outside of the bridge and jumped into the river. And he didn't die. Idiot!
Saturday we went to Arapahoe. There is a man-made lake. It does not allow anything motorized. It also doesn't allow water from the river the day before. The guys had to wipe the raft down first. It kind of reminded me of something out of "The Truman Show". The kids had fun playing in the water and also building a sand castle. Lynn and Nathaniel went out several times with passengers on the raft. Everyone wore a life vest.... even 5 month old Ezra. Ask Lynn...
Later Saturday night, we went out with the adults. Cameo and Lynn have a great setup of a babysitting co-op with several families in their ward. It was the adults and 2 babies. We went out to the Cheesecake Factory. The city in Denver is really nice. For those that know Arizona, it's not dirty like Phoenix. It's more on the side of Mill Avenue, but not even as trashy as that. It's got more class and adults going out having a great time and dressed up. There were girls with a Bridal shower. Everyone out there was having a good time. It was fun just being in the city... I live in the country, so I was easily pleased.
We stayed up every night watching a movie on their Clear Play (it blocks out the "rated R" stuff). Or just talking. I had a great time. I felt very at home their. Their home was the first friends home I stayed at. It was comfortable and now I miss them!
But this does not end our travels....
We left Sunday morning to start our travel back home. Into Wyoming (only 2 and a half hours on the road) our car stops. It won't start. Nothing. My boys had to use the bathroom and since there aren't any bushes on the highway for them to use, there was a small gas station in Arlington. It was a mile away and we had to walk on the highway. After talking to our insurance and getting it all set up to be towed... 5 (FIVE! CINCO! V.) hours later, the tow truck arrived. There aren't enough seats in a tow truck to fit the family, so the boys and I rode in the car hooked up to the tow truck... 38 miles back the opposite direction we were heading and we found ourselves in Laramie. It's a college town of the Pokes. It also has many bars and western shops. Nathaniel made it as comfortable as he could without having a car. It was a good thing the repair shop was 3 blocks down the road and the motel had a refrigerator. We took the boys to the park and walked down a couple of streets lined with many old stores. Finally, Tuesday the part we needed was shipped and we were on our way home.
We decided to visit a childhood friend of Nathaniel's and his family, Lynn and Cameo Johnson. We had a full week. And I'm hooked on Colorado.
We arrived Monday night and were able to visit with Cameo's little sister and her husband as they were passing through from Kansas.
Tuesday we went to the Asian Market. It was more like an Asian Wal-Mart. The boys had fun looking at all of the frozen fish, chicken heads, pigs feet... you name it, it was there. Lynn made a simple Korean lunch for the boys with seasoned squid slices. Leo loved the squid, but he wouldn't try the anchovy. Lynn made us Korean soup for lunch (that I'm craving now) and then Korean lettuce wraps for dinner.
Wednesday we went to Elitch's. It's a really great amusement park. We were there most the day. I took Leo on some ride's that he was too small for. He seemed scared, but as long as I held him close, he was good. Ethan was tall enough to go on all the rides. He had a blast with Cora. Isaac loved the rides he and Granger rode on together.
Thursday we hung out at the Johnson home. Later that afternoon we went up north to visit my Aunt Laura and her family. We had a nice visit. She had kept some toys from when her kids were younger - which made it perfect for Leo to have something to occupy him. Is it weird that I was once a kid, playing with her kids and now that I'm married and have a family... I have conversations with the adults? Look Mom and Dad! I'm at the big person table! But really, we had a nice visit. Love those people.
Lynn had purchased a BIG raft awhile back and wanted to try it out. Friday we went to REI that was built inside a Power Plant from 1901. We also took a trolley to see a couple sites and learn a little more history about downtown Denver. In the middle of the city is a river (that flows north - crazy!). About 100 feet of it was built for families to come and "go down the river rapids". There were kids going down with regular pool floaties. And then there was this idiot that decided he would be cool and walk on the outside of the bridge and jumped into the river. And he didn't die. Idiot!
Saturday we went to Arapahoe. There is a man-made lake. It does not allow anything motorized. It also doesn't allow water from the river the day before. The guys had to wipe the raft down first. It kind of reminded me of something out of "The Truman Show". The kids had fun playing in the water and also building a sand castle. Lynn and Nathaniel went out several times with passengers on the raft. Everyone wore a life vest.... even 5 month old Ezra. Ask Lynn...
Later Saturday night, we went out with the adults. Cameo and Lynn have a great setup of a babysitting co-op with several families in their ward. It was the adults and 2 babies. We went out to the Cheesecake Factory. The city in Denver is really nice. For those that know Arizona, it's not dirty like Phoenix. It's more on the side of Mill Avenue, but not even as trashy as that. It's got more class and adults going out having a great time and dressed up. There were girls with a Bridal shower. Everyone out there was having a good time. It was fun just being in the city... I live in the country, so I was easily pleased.
We stayed up every night watching a movie on their Clear Play (it blocks out the "rated R" stuff). Or just talking. I had a great time. I felt very at home their. Their home was the first friends home I stayed at. It was comfortable and now I miss them!
But this does not end our travels....
We left Sunday morning to start our travel back home. Into Wyoming (only 2 and a half hours on the road) our car stops. It won't start. Nothing. My boys had to use the bathroom and since there aren't any bushes on the highway for them to use, there was a small gas station in Arlington. It was a mile away and we had to walk on the highway. After talking to our insurance and getting it all set up to be towed... 5 (FIVE! CINCO! V.) hours later, the tow truck arrived. There aren't enough seats in a tow truck to fit the family, so the boys and I rode in the car hooked up to the tow truck... 38 miles back the opposite direction we were heading and we found ourselves in Laramie. It's a college town of the Pokes. It also has many bars and western shops. Nathaniel made it as comfortable as he could without having a car. It was a good thing the repair shop was 3 blocks down the road and the motel had a refrigerator. We took the boys to the park and walked down a couple of streets lined with many old stores. Finally, Tuesday the part we needed was shipped and we were on our way home.
July 13, 2009
2 years ago...
Sylus came into our lives. We were able to get a stone for his resting place. We took some roses and a toy tractor. We couldn't stay long because Leo wanted to play with the toys on the grave site next to Sylus'. The 2 little boys next to Sylus' is a family in our ward. Small world.
He may be physically gone, but we never lost him.
He may be physically gone, but we never lost him.
Demolition Derby
We took the family to the Demolition Derby at the Cache County Fair. It was exciting watching cars crash into each other.
Leo's adventures
Leo has been watching his brothers play. He turned the TV and X-Box360 on. I caught him on the couch having fun and feeling proud of himself.
Leo thinks it's great to have big brothers with cool stuff to climb on. 
I didn't have a rocking chair with my first boys. I found this one at a yard sale. I love it! I love the special moments that I get with Leo as I'm rocking him.
July 3, 2009
THIRTY! (or something....)
I've been 30 for all of 3 weeks. I know! Exciting isn't it? Hopefully by my enthusiasm (or lack of it, you will bare with me as I find myself... yet again!) I find myself confused with many things. Okay, just one thing.... my personal style. I'm not a young, hip 20-something (aka Spring Chicken). But I'm also not a refined lady that uses proper English. I still feel 17 (and wish I had the body to go with it).
Here's my story... I decided enough is enough and I wasn't going to be a frumpy lady anymore... I say that because I had been a brunette for a year (A YEAR!). 30! I'm going to do something crazy and hip - start going back to blond. And get a haircut of course! 2 weeks later, I'm in Sally's purchasing a bottle of 3N color (a shade darker than I was). Now my hair is black (or dark brown)... I'm washing it every night just to get the fading process to begin. As I was laying in bed tonight, I think to myself that I didn't like the flaps on the side (the A-line haircut) and that I must cut them tomorrow. I... I can't wait. Can't sleep. I shouldn't. Really! But I have to do it or it will bother me until I actually do it. With the scissors in my hand, I snip away until I figure that in the morning I will be some what happy with what I did. And don't worry... besides this post, I got rid of all evidence that I "fixed" my problems. Now I can go to sleep. Night.
Here's my story... I decided enough is enough and I wasn't going to be a frumpy lady anymore... I say that because I had been a brunette for a year (A YEAR!). 30! I'm going to do something crazy and hip - start going back to blond. And get a haircut of course! 2 weeks later, I'm in Sally's purchasing a bottle of 3N color (a shade darker than I was). Now my hair is black (or dark brown)... I'm washing it every night just to get the fading process to begin. As I was laying in bed tonight, I think to myself that I didn't like the flaps on the side (the A-line haircut) and that I must cut them tomorrow. I... I can't wait. Can't sleep. I shouldn't. Really! But I have to do it or it will bother me until I actually do it. With the scissors in my hand, I snip away until I figure that in the morning I will be some what happy with what I did. And don't worry... besides this post, I got rid of all evidence that I "fixed" my problems. Now I can go to sleep. Night.
June 23, 2009
June 11, 2009
Still here
I guess I have some catching up to do!
Ethan had his Pinewood Derby. It was a crazy putting his car together. Nathaniel broke the car the day before the race, I had to buy another car. Ethan is excited that summer is finally here. He loves to play with friends. The boys found a snake the other day in the field. They kept it in a bucket on the porch. When Ethan went outside to check on it, he caught it from the last 6 inches before it went behind the siding. I told him to grab it with both hands and pull it back... I was wrong.
Warning... this is GRAPHIC. The snake ripped in half...
Isaac is glad school is over too! He loves to be around his friends. (Ethan and Isaac play with the same group of boys in the neighborhood.) Isaac learned to ride a 2-wheel bike.
Leo will be a year old on Tuesday. We celebrated his birthday with Nathaniel's family along with Father's Day.
Leo's cake. It's suppose to be a farm... but the cake had a little earthquake...
Leo enjoying the cake...
Leo on his play horse...
He is a chatter box. I love to listen to him talk away and the boys try to make sense out of the babble. He took his first step May 16 and continues to try to walk everywhere.
Leo loves to be around his brothers. He loves their attention and loves to get their attention.
I've been trying to teach Leo his alphabet. He tries to repeat them...
I ran my first 5K Saturday. I ran it in my fastest time - 34.29. It was a lot of fun and felt good to have finished it alive. I have to thank Janet for being a great motivator.
I also turned the BIG 30! If my birthday is any indication how well my 30's is going to be, I have to say that I'm going to love being thirty. I had the best birthday!
We planted our garden about a month ago. This is our first attempt to have a garden. We have beans, radishes, green onion, cucumber, lettuce, bell pepper, hot peppers, cilantro, carrots, corn, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and a pumpkin. The most exciting part is watching for the plants to come up. I will post pictures once I get all the weeds pulled. It's nuts how many weeds can grow. I hate morning glory. That weed is a monster!
I've been having a couple of the neighborhood girls over to play beauty shop. They've let me polish their toes and nails and style their hair.
Ethan had his Pinewood Derby. It was a crazy putting his car together. Nathaniel broke the car the day before the race, I had to buy another car. Ethan is excited that summer is finally here. He loves to play with friends. The boys found a snake the other day in the field. They kept it in a bucket on the porch. When Ethan went outside to check on it, he caught it from the last 6 inches before it went behind the siding. I told him to grab it with both hands and pull it back... I was wrong.
Warning... this is GRAPHIC. The snake ripped in half...
Isaac is glad school is over too! He loves to be around his friends. (Ethan and Isaac play with the same group of boys in the neighborhood.) Isaac learned to ride a 2-wheel bike.
Leo will be a year old on Tuesday. We celebrated his birthday with Nathaniel's family along with Father's Day.
Leo's cake. It's suppose to be a farm... but the cake had a little earthquake...
Leo enjoying the cake...
Leo on his play horse...
He is a chatter box. I love to listen to him talk away and the boys try to make sense out of the babble. He took his first step May 16 and continues to try to walk everywhere.
Leo loves to be around his brothers. He loves their attention and loves to get their attention.
I've been trying to teach Leo his alphabet. He tries to repeat them...
I ran my first 5K Saturday. I ran it in my fastest time - 34.29. It was a lot of fun and felt good to have finished it alive. I have to thank Janet for being a great motivator.
I also turned the BIG 30! If my birthday is any indication how well my 30's is going to be, I have to say that I'm going to love being thirty. I had the best birthday!
We planted our garden about a month ago. This is our first attempt to have a garden. We have beans, radishes, green onion, cucumber, lettuce, bell pepper, hot peppers, cilantro, carrots, corn, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and a pumpkin. The most exciting part is watching for the plants to come up. I will post pictures once I get all the weeds pulled. It's nuts how many weeds can grow. I hate morning glory. That weed is a monster!
I've been having a couple of the neighborhood girls over to play beauty shop. They've let me polish their toes and nails and style their hair.
April 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Mom!
Today my mom is.... well, it's her birthday. My mom is an amazing woman. I know that everyone thinks their mom is the best, but my mom really is. She is understanding and never judges the mistakes we've made (and continue to make). She is the person on the side lines cheering you on. She's behind you to pick you up when you fall. She is a selfless person. Everyone and everything comes before her. She's thoughtful, kind, and full of love. She's also very funny. She knows how to laugh at herself. She is a great homemaker. My kids absolutely love their mema. She loves to do things with my kids to make it memory. She is my bestest friend. She's the one I turn to for advice or just to talk to. I love my mom!! Not just because she's my mom, but because of the person she is.
April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
We had a simple get together with Nathaniel's family. The kids hunted for eggs, the boys played football and the girls?... the girls chatted.
COUSINS (not pictured Cici and Harrison)
COUSINS (not pictured Cici and Harrison)
April 2, 2009
I love contests....
A friend of mine that is a photographer had a contest and guess who won? Me
Me so happy! You have to check out her website. She takes amazing pictures! Thanks Alana!
http://www.alanalangephotography.com/
Me so happy! You have to check out her website. She takes amazing pictures! Thanks Alana!
http://www.alanalangephotography.com/
March 28, 2009
Projects II
For the bathroom, the towel rack was hanging by a thread... or just loose screws. I decided to take them down and put up something a little easier for the boys to hang up their towels. I bought these great rod hooks at Tai Pan for $2 each. Now each boy has his own hook with his own colored towel (Ethan blue, Isaac green and Leo white). The picture above was a long time in the making. The picture of the sailboats is a puzzle (thrift store $1.50). I had the frame it's in for about 6 years. The larger frame was another great thrift store find for $2. I spray painted it black and voila! Hung and done.
Now if you read 'Joys of Home' or 'Thrifty Decor Chick' blogs, there seems to be a trend with spray painting branches. Only I painted mine black. I bought ribbon and glue gunned it to plastic Easter eggs. It was interesting to get the ribbon to go around the egg, but it was fun and now I'm addicted to glue gunning anything!
Now if you read 'Joys of Home' or 'Thrifty Decor Chick' blogs, there seems to be a trend with spray painting branches. Only I painted mine black. I bought ribbon and glue gunned it to plastic Easter eggs. It was interesting to get the ribbon to go around the egg, but it was fun and now I'm addicted to glue gunning anything!
boys room
The other day I was looking at a friend's blog and the cute room they have for their son. Grant you he's 2 and there is an age difference for how a room is put together. But still, I was sad and wanted something cute for my boys. I got to work. I organized their shelves, closet and put their wall together.
Crawling and Sesame Street
Leo absolutely loves Sesame Street. Once it's on, he's hooked. He had just woken from a nap and he wasn't in a good mood. Found the recorded program and BAM! He's good to go.
Leo figured out crawling last week. I didn't even need to show him how to move his knees and hands at the same time. He's a quick learner. I'm just scared that he'll be walking next week. (And yes... the gate is not up to block the stairs.)
Leo figured out crawling last week. I didn't even need to show him how to move his knees and hands at the same time. He's a quick learner. I'm just scared that he'll be walking next week. (And yes... the gate is not up to block the stairs.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
