Wishing you a...

Snuggle time with mommy.

I don't know how I'm going to get the kids up next week when they go back to school! Today I woke them up at 7:15 - later than a usual school day. Just to take them in their PJ's over to Grandma & Grandpa's house. They had a lazy morning, not wanting to get up and out of bed. I grabbed Bubs and asked to hold him in my arms. Snuggled him like a little baby. He can be so sweet in the morning! And then K wanted in on the action. She came over to cuddle with us. We were sitting Bubs bed and I looked across the room into the mirrored closet at the 3 of us. Then K said the following:

Mom, you can't hold us with you like you did when we were little. We are big now.

I agreed with her. Squeezed her tighter.
And then in her little "mommy" voice...

We are just growing up tooooo faaaassssst.

She's got that right!

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine feels like a whirlwind. 3 days off and then back to work.

Just wanted to say hi to all. Sorry its been a while. Bubs is keeping us busy with nonstop holiday activities. Christmas night, he asked if we were going to take down the decorations "tomorrow." I said no, we can enjoy them just a little longer. And he asked ... but why, Christmas is over.

And then the next morning, he asked me if he can take the ornaments off the tree and stack them. I'm just not ready for that yet! We have a house full of new toys and clothes that we have to find places for.

And with 3 extra people (my mom, dad, & grandma) in the house, its a tight fit! Cozy but enjoyable. I've truly enjoyed having everyone here for the holidays. Thank so much for coming - Mom & Dad. I think everything has gone pretty smoothly! Hope the accommodations weren't too bad!

All for now. If I don't get back before Thursday - Hope everyone has a safe & happy New Year!

Scouts on Skates

K's girl scout troop was invited to an event at Dublin Iceland last night. I had RSVPed for 3 of us last month. It was Monday night football so I didn't know if daddy would join us. Turned out we all went as a family - we went ICE SKATING!

I had agreed to let daddy go ahead and skate with the kids. But, after tying up their skates and watching him juggle the 2 kids I ran to the front door to see if it was too late to join them. For one, I was anxious to get out there on ice skates myself. And for 2 - I thought he could definitely have used my help! They were 2 kids that have never been on skates before hugging the rail.

Bubs really surprised us though. He wanted to do it all by himself. He'd skate a few steps, fall down, get right back up, skate some more and then do it all over again. By the end of the night, his gloves, pants and bottom of his shirt were all soaked with ice. Reminded me of Bambi at times, slipping all over the ice. I was really impressed with both kids though for first timers. K was a little more hesitant but got the hang of it and only fell a few times. Mostly she and I held hands as we step and glidded around the ice rink. Daddy stuck with Bubs although he didn't want ANY help. He was a very determined little fellow. Definitely the type of activity he needs to be more involved in to exert all his energy.

We skated from 6:45 to almost 8pm. I had heard some kids make it around the ice once and end up in tears because they are so frustrated and want to quit. My kids ended up in tears because it was time to leave - K had tears rolling down her cheeks. We were one of the first to go (and only by 10 min or so), but it was 8pm and their bedtime. She woke up this morning and already asked to go skating again.

A successful night! And fun family event making it feel even more like the holidays! Nothing better than bundling up in layers, ski hats, gloves, and ice skating to Christmas music with the family! The girl scouts even treated to hot chocolate and cookies. What a memorable evening. (We won't forget it either this morning - as daddy & I get older, there's a little more aches and pains after ice skating!)

Where have all the days gone?

Trips always throw me off.

I know, I've been slacking in the blog department. After doing so well for a little while. Well, I have to say, I've accomplished a few things instead. My Christmas cards & note are all in the mail. And the Christmas tree is up. Thanks to much help from my holiday loving son! The tree is very well decorated at 4 ft and below. Everytime an ornament falls, I move it up to a higher branch. Every ornament we own I think is on that tree. I've never had such a full tree before because I usually just stop when it looks full. No, this year the tree was not "done" until all ornaments were on the tree. And they definitely fill up all the empty space in an artificial tree.

I just wanted to sum up our trip to Nevada. I took the kids to visit my parents in Henderson, NV for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately daddy only got Thanksgiving day off, so we left him alone on his busy work week to have Thanksgiving with his parents and siblings.

I had high hopes of relaxing, brought 2 books to read - and only read a couple pages of one on the plane there! No, I didn't relax. With the help of my parents, we kept the kids entertained. And of course they did some entertaining themselves (Dances and shows for the adults). But I must say first that I had a wonderful time doing it all! Even though I felt like I needed vacation after I came home. Sitting at my work desk was never so inviting!

Here's a random summary of the things we did on our Thanksgiving week:

-Arrived with Bubs in his Santa Suit
-Visit Great Grandma and played many games of Uno with her
-Dinner at Joe's Crab Shack - my request for crab!!! Bubs tried some and enjoyed it.
-Disney Store Outlet - one of my favorite places to visit & got some xmas shopping done.
-The Lion King at Mandalay Bay - the kids really enjoyed this performance
-Portraits of the kids at JCPenney's
-Learned to GeoCache with Grandpa and found 3 caches during our trip - see geocaching.com
-Visited Ethel M's Chocolate Factory and walked through the cactus garden. Braeden loved the big blow up Christmas decorations everywhere
-At night, drove through Sunset Park's The Gift of Lights: A drive-through holiday light show with several displays and millions of lights.
-Went back at night to Ethel M Chocolate's 13th Annual "Light the Night"
-Visited with my high school friend Nicole and her 2 son's 2 & 4 at Town Square. As a treat we ate at California Pizza Kitchen & all the kids got yummy desserts afterwards!
-Played endless games of Mario Kart & Neighborhood Games on the Wii with 4 players

-Introduced my mom to 4:30am shopping on Black Friday! But she got a lot of her xmas shopping done!
-The kids built a gingerbread house.
-Bubs colored what seemed like a million Thanksgiving & Xmas Coloring Pages printed off the internet.
-The kids also glued together placesettings for Thanksgiving Day, along with some Cricut pilgrims & indians, and gingerbread people.
-And then survived the trip home with Santa & K. It was a little unnerving as the lightening was clearly visible right outside our windows.

Whew. I think that was most of it. And I forgot to mention that the kids were up before 7 every morning!
Thank you Mom & Dad for putting up with us all week! You have to know how much we enjoyed ourselves - by the tears the kids cried about leaving! See you soon!! At our place.

Three Word Thursday

Happy. Thanksgiving. Everyone.

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving Day.

Stop to smell the roses.

I just wanted to share a website about a beautiful little girl fighting for her life. I came across this story from a mom in Pleasanton who is a friend of the family’s. It is about another person, this time a child, affected by cancer. One more reason that I fight and participate in the Relay for Life! I have been following her & her family’s story from the moment I started reading a couple months ago. It brings tears to my eyes and pulls at my heart.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliepotvin

It is a constant reminder about how precious life is. I find myself giving the kids hugs more often. Telling my husband and the kids I love them every chance I get. Taking more time to enjoy our moments together. Stopping to smell the roses.

I try not to get so upset about certain things. I realize that life can be taken away at any moment and I think, really, what is important? Is it a clean house? Or the dinners shared with family? The weeds may grow a little taller, because I chose to take the kids out on their bikes instead. I spend a little more money on the holiday decorations than I should, just so I can see the kids excitement when we put them up. I love the kids laughter and how K wants to give me every type of kiss before bed. We share Butterfly Kisses, Eskimo Kisses, the hand jive/shake/peace out sign, and 2-3 cheek kisses each! One more mom! And I go back for more, just because.

I share this with you with hopes that this story touches your heart as well. More prayers are needed for this little girl and her family. And I send this with hopes that it reminds you to tell someone that you love them, are thinking of them, and care about them. With Thanksgiving next week, I am reminded to give thanks. I give thanks for all of you, reading this right now. I care about you, think about you & love you. God bless you.

What a nice surprise

As I was taking Bubs to his before school care in the morning, we walked up the steps and he grabbed the door from me.

"Ladies First."

We've been trying to teach him good manners. It really makes ones day when your child surprises you out of the blue on their own!

Way to go Bubs. Keep it up!

Three Word Thursday

Shopping. With. Bubs.

At first that doesn't really sound all that inviting. I had errands to run last Sunday, and Bubs spoke up to say that he wanted to go. I think the real reason, was to see what decorations were out there on the streets and in the store. He is constantly on a look out! Doesn't even matter anymore what kind - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. He loves them all & points absolutely everything out. Its exhausting to listen to all that enthusiasm!

At one store, I took Bubs to the dressing room with me to try on clothes. Its been awhile, I guess a LONG while, because when we got in the little room he said "Mommy, is this the bathroom?"
I said, "No, this is the dressing room."
Bubs: "I'm going to sit here (on the little corner piece ledge of a seat) where are you going to sit?"
Me: "I'll be trying on these pants, I don't need to sit down."

The dressing room was practically full and since Bubs is not ever very quiet, our conversations must have made a few people laugh if they overheard.

After the first pair of pants I tried on, Bubs said "Mommy, you look beauuuutiful." I laughed and said thank you. But then he said it after the next pair of pants and again after the next - same exact saying. I was cracking up and at one point I said I wasn't sure what he was looking at because one pair was way too big.

I have to say, my little 5 year old knows how to make Mommy feel good!

Onions & Tears

We had onions on the table last night for those who wanted to add them to their salad. K asked how the onions make you cry. Grandma M, Daddy & I all attempted to answer, but I don’t think it was any clearer than when we had started. She took the bowl of chopped onions and put it near her eyes to see if it would make her cry. Unfortunately the onion had been chopped earlier so she didn’t get to feel its effects. I told her next time I cut up a new onion I’ll have her try it out.

Later at dinner, I got sappy and had some tears come down my face. Tried real hard for it not to happen, but just couldn’t help myself. K looked across from me at the table and asked me why I was crying. Then she asked – “Is it because of the onions?!”

That made me laugh to the point that I was laughing so hard I was crying more.
It was just what I needed!

Soccer Season #2 over.

Learned it at school

A lovely child in Bub's class (the trouble maker) has taught him a new phrase that I'm not too thrilled with. Here's the scenario around the first time I heard it:

Bubs was upset because he didn't bring his "magazine" to EDCC. He was so excited to share his "magazine" which was in fact the recently obtained Toys R Us - "Their Biggest Big Book ever with the hottest Christmas toys of 2009." Apparently he thought it was mommy's job to remember and put it in his backpack. And if it wasn't important for school, I was not turning around to get it. Sorry. I'm the mean Mommy.

A friend, seeing him upset, asked him what's wrong and he sharply said "It's none of your business. Don't you worry about it." I had to pull him aside and tell him that was not a nice way to talk to his friends. Since that morning earlier in the week, I have heard this phrase several times. Last night he finally told me where he had heard it. Hopefully this is just a phases & we'll move on to something nicer. On the bright side, it could have been something worse!

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween!

Here are our trick or treaters - Dorothy & Darth Vader.

For the 2nd of November, this pretty much sums up our weekend in twos...
2 soccer games
2 birthday parties
2 hours of trick or treating
2 tons of candy (or at least feels like it!)

The weekend came & went...so very quickly. And now its time to put away the Halloween decorations. I was just too tired to do it yesterday. Bubs was busy with the decorations putting together his very own Haunted House. He uses all our Halloween stuff and combines them all together on the family room floor. For hours yesterday he was talking to the pieces & "playing" haunted house.


He was so exhausted from the weekend, he crawled up on the couch with daddy & before we knew it found Bubs asleep between 6-6:30. We woke him up at 7 to shower & sent him to bed. It worked out perfectly and he woke up on his own at 6:30 this morning to get ready for school.

Hard to believe its November now. Time flies when you are having fun!!

Results are in...

Email from the Junior troop leader:

Good evening,

Today Michael drove his van full of all the food we collected to the Alameda County Food Bank in Oakland. When he pulled up and opened the back all the workers exclaimed, "Wow! That is an amazing amount of food!" He was very proud to say it was collected by two Girl Scout Troops. Michael helped them unload everything into barrels which were rolled over to the scale. His guess was 250 lbs of food, I said 225 lbs. Michael said he was floored when he saw the total. Our Troop, with the help of LuAnn's, collected a total of 688 lbs of food. THAT IS AMAZING! I get shivers every time I look at the receipt. I may frame it.

Please share this information with your Scouts. They should feel very good about what they accomplished. I am so very proud of each and every one of them and can't wait to hug each of them.Thank you for your support. You all just rock! Without your support we would not be able to do these types of events.

Defy the ordinary. Be a Girl Scout.

Katherine

Girl Scouts

K is a big Brownie Girl Scout now & she wears her new Brownie vest proudly! She's been to 2 events now and chose to wear an entire "Brownie" outfit both times. She picked out brown pants and a hand-me-down (got to love them!) Brownie t-shirt and her vest. I haven't even had time to put her troop number or any other patches on her vest, but she doesn't care. It sets her apart from the rest of the troop, the younger 1st grade Daisy's (in blue).

Yesterday we helped the Juniors (in green) from her school collect canned goods for their food drive. The food collected is all going to the local food banks. Here's a picture of all the girls at that event.

Bubs was there too, but wasn't allowed in the picture. He had fun running from house to house with K and her new friends to ask for food donations.

I think his favorite part though, was walking around a new neighborhood looking at all the halloween decorations. Every time he saw anything - "Momma! Looooook, a pumpkin!" or "Mommm-mmmaa! A spooooookeeey skeleton..." All the other moms thought he was just sooo cute. Of course, he was on his best behavior!! I guess I just need to keep him outside with the spooky stuff, right?

Three Word Thursday

Bubs. Sharing. Day.

So I was a bad mom last week, I forgot Bubs' sharing day last Thursday and did not realize it. It was on the calendar, but it would help to actually look at that calendar DAILY! There was no school on Friday (Teacher furlough day) so it wasn't until after school Monday that Bubs brought it to my attention. That night, we picked out the item to share, practiced his "speech," & sent it to school with him on Tuesday. He didn't do it Tuesday but said something about doing it in 2 weeks. Wasn't sure what he meant by that, but left it in the backpack all week just in case.

The night 2 nights, I mentionned sharing & we went over what he was going to say in front of the class. We practiced - the words, the sound of his voice, and looking out at the class.

Turns out what he was telling me was that he would do it in TWO DAYS. On Thursday he brought in his brown paperbag with the following 3 clues:

1. It's scary. (in a sc..ar...y voice)
2. It makes noise.
3. Its for Halloween.

Did you guess what it is?

I thought those were very broad clues and figured no one would guess it. I talked to his teacher during my volunteer time at the school today. First, I apologized about missing his original sharing date. She said that it was ok, but she only does sharing on Thursdays. The point of this sharing is that the kids get practice getting up in front of the class to talk. I mentionned that we had plenty of time to practice - the entire past week!

She said that the kids all seemed to guess what it was. (I'll have to ask him if he told his friends beforehand!) He did well and then she talked about his strange little man voice! Sort of deep, scratchy. How funny, I've had several people tell me that!

(Oh & by the way did you guess what it was? A toy zombie doll. When you squeeze it, its eyes light up red and this horrible screeching sound comes out of it.)

Inside a 7 year olds mind

Anyone know what goes on in there? A tired 7 year old has some crazy thoughts.

Last night, 15 minutes or so after mom & dad had said good night to our dear daughter, she woke up & came crying. K was sad, she didn't want either of us to get old because that means one day we will die. She said she wanted to be with us forever. Did not ever want to be apart. With tears in her eyes, the things she said made me start to cry. P came into the room and thought his 2 girls were both crazy.

And then he reminded K to remember this when she was a teenager! By then she probably won't want anything to do with either of us.

Nike Women's (1/2) Marathon

Wish me luck! This Sunday at 7am, I will be in San Francisco running/walking in this half marathon. If you want to read more about it, check out the website: http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/?tags=nike_womens_marathon

My cousin Bobbie, friend Samm, & her cousin will be staying in SF Saturday night to rest up for the 13 miles we have waiting for us on Sunday. My camera is charged & ready to go. Thankfully the weather looks like it will cooperate and forecast does not call for any more rain. It will be chilly though - maybe good running weather, high 61, low 56.

Besides taking on this challenge, here's another reason that I am participating in this event...

Each finisher of the Nike Women's Marathon and half marathon will receive the following: A Nike Dri-FIT Finisher T-shirt and an Official Finisher's Necklace designed by Tiffany & Co.

Now, hopefully my 5am workouts & runs have prepared me enough. I just let my boss know that Monday may be questionable as to whether or not I will be here. I'll let her know if my legs do not bring me into work on Monday.

Three Word Thursday

Gotta. Love. Google.

K had a homework assignment earlier this week to look a word up in a dictionary. She pulled out the only dictionary we have in our house - a Children's dictionary with limited words in it. Of course she did not find her word in that book. So, instead we went to the computer and pulled up google. She was supposed to write the page number of the dictionary where she found the definition. In that space we just wrote: GOOGLE!

And Google saves the day once again.

BOYS

HELP! Where can I find a manual? Thats all I have to say for now.

Halloween Decorations

Last night, Bubs went through all the Sunday ads looking at Halloween Decorations. He always points out ones that he wants to get. He of course loves the fancy $100+ ones that move & jump out at you.

We found this Mad Scientist in the Cost Plus ad for $9.99. I thought - Great! Maybe I can pick that up for $10 bucks and make him happy. I told him, that if he really wanted to get it, he could buy it with his money.

He was definitely serious about this decoration. This morning he woke up & reminded me about the it once again. He went straight to his piggy bank and asked me how much he needed to take out. I said he could wait until after I pick it up, but only if I think it is worth it & not a piece of junk. At breakfast he got all excited when he saw the ad again.

Now, I have to break the bad news to him. I looked it up on-line & the item was actually on sale for $29.99. I even went by the store on my lunch hour & there is a notice of printing error on the door & by the item. I'm so bummed! This will break his heart! I can't tell him that I thought it was really cool too. But no, we didn't want to spend $30 on it! $10 would have been easy.

Three Word Thursday

Today's. Technological. Kids.

Last night at dinner I told the family that I was planning to move our old Sony computer into K's room. There, it could be used to play their kids games that seem to take up lots of the computers memory. The computer is over 7 years old, but I just had a friend wipe it clean for us, so we could still try to use it. K got all excited and asked if she was going to be able to "Google" on it.

After laughing, I told her no, we had not planned on connecting it to the internet. If she wants to do that, she could do that out on our main computer in the family room. She said, "Ok, so if I don't know how to spell something, you will be right there to help me." EXACTLY! I would hate for her to misspell a URL and get something in appropriate.

Earlier in the evening Daddy & the kids were at soccer practice. K loves to borrow our phone and usually begs to send the other parent a text. She sent me a text during Bub's practice. This is exactly how it looked:
Hi mom we might go to Mikadonls. I love you so mush then you.We will be back. 6:22pm

(translation by K: Hi mom, we might go to McDonalds. I love you so much more than you will ever know. We will be back soon.)

Too cute! She came home & I told her how I loved her so MUSH. :) And to think, when I was that age, I was only playing pong on our ATARI!

Wonderful Surprise!

I came home yesterday to find more Halloween decorations up! Some outside the house & some more in the living room. Bubs has worked it so much that Daddy decided I wasn't decorating in a timely fashion. Maybe I was secretly hoping it would get done all by itself. And some of it did!

Of course, he still woke up & asked to get more decorations out. And he wanted to drive around the neighborhood on the way to school to look for the "Scary Stuff." He wanted to see the decorations that daddy drove by last night. He said that they may be gone now. I tried to explain to him that they will be up for a couple more weeks - until Halloween. That people won't be taking their decorations down until after trick or treating. This kid just can't get enough! :)

Planning his own party

We got an Oriental Trading Company catalog in the mail yesterday. Bubs wanted to show me some stuff in it. He said we need to get this for our party. I said, "what party?"

He said for our Halloween Party for our friends!

And then he got on me all night about putting up Halloween decorations. Unfortunately we had a busy weekend and there's not much time on a school night to pull out decorations. I do pull out a few items each day, but its never enough for him! He wants MORE, MORE, MORE!! Hopefully we'll finish the decorating by the weekend!

And we still owe him a trip to the other Halloween Store in town. He just can't get enough of the holiday and decorations - I love his enthusiasm. Its exhausting at times, but keeps me on my toes!

Broccoli is number 1!

What is so wrong with carrots? Not sure why, but K has all of a sudden decided that she will have nothing to do with them. Today at lunch I asked her and Bubs to eat 2 mini carrots each. No complaints for Bubs, he'll eat them whenever offered. K, on the other hand, put on a huge fuss. I happened to have broccoli in the fridge as well, so I said "How about a bunch of broccoli then instead?" She said as long as it wasn't something like 20 of them. So I gave her 5 large bunches of broccoli. One of them must have been almost 2 inches in diameter. A plate full of it! And by dipping it in ranch she happily at the tips off all the broccoli. Go figure! My picky eater chooses broccoli over carrots.

Reminds me also of the time we were in the produce department of the grocery store and she begged me loudly to buy broccoli. Who doesn't want others hearing their child say those words!

Best Day Ever

Mom & Dad went out of town last weekend to Las Vegas for the Creed concert. We left Sunday & got back on Tuesday, so I'm having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. It was a nice, quick vacation and thankfully its Friday!

Before we left, last Saturday we decided to take advantage of a great offer that Gilroy Gardens was offering. A back to school special for $9.99 per person.

http://www.gilroygardens.org/schoolspecial.html

I never really thought we'd head back there, we had been twice when the kids were younger. Its a bit of a drive and I thought the kids were getting a bit too old for the park. But for a day away together to ride some rides at for $50 for the entire family (with parking), what the heck!

We got there right as the park was opening at 10am and went straight to the rides. On some rides, K & Bubs were the only riders. They got to pick which "car/strawberry/artichoke/garlic" whatever they wanted to ride on. And there were 2 rollercoasters that both kids were tall enough for. Bubs made it by less than 1/2 an inch! We rode them 5 times. One time staying on and moving to the back of the coaster. There just wasn't anyone in line so they got to pick front or back - where ever! They thought that was the coolest thing!

We were so busy, the kids just wanted to keep going & going. We had to stop them so we could eat some lunch and that was after 1pm! By then it was close to 90-100 degrees so after lunch they cooled off for the 2nd time in the water play area. We let them go in their clothes and it didn't take too long for them to dry off again. The longest wait for a ride ended up being for the Train that circled the park. We had to wait for it to circle the park twice. That was our last ride though & we said goodbye to Gilroy Gardens & the heat at 3pm. It was quite a full day.

The kids had a blast. The best part for me was hearing K say "That was the best day ever!" in the car heading home. I couldn't believe it. It didn't really compare to Disneyland. But it made me smile thinking about how it was a very good day. The family all together having fun. It just goes to show that kids don't need much. A trip to the simple amusement park made our day!

A 5 Year Old's Solution

We were getting in the car, on the way to school in the morning...

Bubs said to me - Mom, we need to get a new house.
I said - Why do you think we need a new house?
Bubs - Because our door is broken.

Yes, our front door sticks a little & we've had more issues with it the last couple of weeks. But it still locks and closes, with a little more effort than before. But its funny how a little one thinks of solving problems.

I told him, that's not a reason to move. The best solution would be to fix the door.

Something we'll have to work on! Silly guy!

Three Word Thursday

Volunteering. Is. Fun.

I really wish I had time or energy to volunteer more. Now that school is back in session - I'm back at the elementary school library for my 2nd year as a "Friend of the Library." Once a week (on Thursdays) I take my lunch hour and head over to the kids' school. I signed up for one 1/2 hour time slot which equals one class visit to the library. It gives me approximately 15 minutes to drive there, 1/2 hour there & 15 minutes back.

This year, I was early signing up & lucky to get Bub's class into my schedule. Which I thought would be good because I could keep up with Bubs and his teacher (little did I know when I signed up how much I really needed to check in with the teacher!)

K's schedule just didn't work out for me and she understood. Her one request was for me to try to stop by the classroom to say hi. The first time I tried to visit, she was off to P.E. Today I went in before I volunteered and reached her just in time as they were getting ready to head out the door. Its amazing though what one minute of visitation will do - she came over & hugged me with a huge smile on her face "Mommm-my!" And it put a smile on my face too, even now, thinking about it. So much love passed between us in that one little hug!!

From there I went back to the Library. Bubs was line leader today, so he led the class (all smiles when he saw me) into the library. They turned their books in on the cart and then sat down for the Librarian to read them a story. I checked in all 20 something books and then got to staple Library agreements on the wall of the school's main corridor. (The children signed that they were responsible for their library books). I must say that there is something therapeutic about smacking that stapler against the wall. A nice break from all other outside responsibilities! I didn't get too much time to do that though, because Kindergarteners pick books out really fast! I guess since they can't really read yet, they are more anxious to grab their books & be first in line to check them out. I heard Bubs proudly mention to other kids that I was "HIS mommy". A smile rose between the two of us! And before I knew it, time was up, the students walked in a line out the door back to their classroom.

The time passed way too fast! I'll be back next week for more volunteer work!

Afraid this day would come...

There's really only 2 reasons a teacher calls home, right? One, if the child is sick. Two, if the child did something wrong in class.

Unfortunately today was the day for number 2. I got back to my desk at work to find a message from Bubs' kindergarden teacher. She would like to talk to me about his "silly behavior" in class today. Apparently today, "he was particularly disruptive and he had a hard time controlling his playfulness and laughter."

I knew this day would come. Unfortunately I've been trying my darnedest to curb his "class clown" behavior. Not sure what to do. We've warned him about taking things away from him one by one until he learns. Movies, toys, desserts, etc. We'll see how this goes. P & I are going to have to stand our ground and not cave in. "We will need to talk to him about good choices and keeping his playfulness for outside. "

If you have any wonderful suggestions or solutions, I would love to hear them! I could use the help. And to think, at least another 13 years...? :)

How to Cool off on a Hot Day

It got hot yesterday. (and its only supposed to get worse today & tomorrow) Yesterday was Sunday so P & the boys (his dad & Tom) were watching the football games. Bubs finished his homework for the week. K finished hers for Monday. The kids were good & kept themselves busy most of the day. But by 3pm it was pretty hot in the house. The kids were also a little hungry for some snack. I took off the "handsome" shirt Bubs wore too church & gave him a popsicle to take outside. K wanted a fudge bar, so I sent her out with that. Luckily as they get older - they manage not to make such a mess of their melting desserts!

But then, to top that off, I turned on the sprinklers (to help aid our dying grass!) and told the kids that they could run through them. CLOTHES and all! Really they asked? Well why not. I let the kids take off their tops (K said it wasn't the girlie thing to do. Good girl! BUT I said - its ok, you are in the backyard, no one will see you.) Within seconds they were off - washing off their melted ice pops off their face & hands. It was so much quicker than finding their swimsuits. Everything was going to go in the wash anyways! And they got a kick out of doing something they normally shouldn't.

The kids moved their slide into the sprinklers & made themselves a waterslide. I ran the sprinklers around the yard for a little time at each station. Then we moved to the front yard (and K put on her top for that!). The front was set for 8 minutes and when it was off I let them continue with their water guns. I must say I loved watching them run around laughing & having a blast for at least a good hour or so. No "fighting," no accidents, just lots of fun! I know the grass is probably a little happier with me today. I just don't want to see the water bill. :)

Just when I thought the girlie girl stage was over...

I think about it now & wonder.

Example 1: Today was Picture Day for the kids at school. I put sock's in K's hair last night to curl it. We practiced this once earlier this week. I'm just not sure what to expect out of pics though, because by the end of the day, her hair will be stick straight again. She will put up with the torture though of me rolling her hair, pulling it, tying the socks & then sleeping on it! She wakes up on time anxious for me to take it out. This morning we had big ringlets and from the moment I sprayed her hair to the moment I dropped her off at EDCC - she had a huge smile on her face. I had to tell her not to be so jumpy as she skipped everywhere. The curls just kept bouncing all around - I said they were really getting a workout & would soon go flat. She did her best from then on not to disturb her curls!

Example 2: Since school started, K has decided that she won't wear dresses to school. Or skirts and skorts. This, by the way, has been pretty much of her wardrobe. 2 weekends ago, K & I had a mommy/daughter weekend & had an opportunity to see WICKED in San Francisco. I told her I wanted her to get dressed up, so we went through her closet to pick out an outfit. We narrowed it down to 3 choices: dress pants and silky top, or 2 silky dresses. She tried the 2 dresses on and with each one spun around in front of her closet. In the end she picked the dress that spun around the most!

And I was thinking my little girlie girl was gone.

There's still hope.

Curls and spinning dresses!

Happy Birthday, Niece!

A curly little red head is celebrating her 2nd birthday today! Wish we could be out East to celebrate at her Fancy Nancy party! We love & miss the NJ Shull family! Hopefully we can see the new baby sister soon. Hope the middle C is having the BEST birthday today!

Three Word Thursday

Growing. Too. Fast.

I got an email with photo today of the birth of a baby boy born yesterday. It got me to thinking about my children's birth and how it almost seems like yesterday that I held them in my arms as newborns. In actuality its been 5 and 7 years! How hard that is to believe.

On Tuesday, Bubs let me hold him in my lap like a baby while he cuddled with me. He was heavy and his body extended in both directions way past the width of my lap. But his warmth felt good in my arms as he looked up at me with the same big brown eyes as he did as an infant.

Yesterday, K came running out of her room to me - "I've grown mom, I've grown!" I came quickly, wondering how she could be so sure that she had grown. To me, yes, she's bigger than she was when she was an infant, but seeing her day to day, she seems just about the same size. She jumped into her closet and showed me. We have been marking her wall in pencil with dates and lines since 2003 when we moved into the house. To my surprise - she was almost 2 inches since the last measurement. That measurement was in MAY! Wow. I looked down at her beautiful blue excited eyes and said that she must have been going through a growth spurt. She was so proud of herself.

And of course, its not pants season yet, so we'll see how hers fit as we move into fall (next week)!

Best Friends

Its funny to hear little ones talk about their friends. Last night, 5 year old Bubs was telling me that Jonas was his BEST friend. And so was Nicholas and JT and a several others. They were all his best friends. But his bestest friend of all, he said, was Brenda.

Brenda is Grandma & Grandpa M's BLACK LAB!

Disney Cruise coming back WEST!!

An announcement was made last Friday - from the Disney website:

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Sept. 11, 2009) – For the first-time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Disney is also repeating their Mexican Riviera cruise! Decisions, decisions, and lots of saving. The kids would be older this time around (9 and 7!). I think they could enjoy it even more than last time - if thats even possible. And as parents we might get a little more time on our own as the kids experience the kids only clubs. We are already thinking about it! Scary thing is - "Guests will be able to book Disney Wonder and Disney Magic itineraries for the 2011 season beginning Sept. 28, 2009." Thats just a few days away!

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Three Word Thursday

In. My. Heart.

Bubs favorite game at the moment is this Disney Edition Memory Game.

What surprises us most is his ability to make the matches without even trying. He has beaten everyone in our household and even adult friends & grandparents. When I play him and want to try to beat him, I have to fully concentrate on what cards are being flipped. He pulls matches out of the blue. When asked how he knew that was a match - he responded while patting his chest...

"I know it in here, in my heart."

One of the head to head matches.

Three Word Thursday

Taking. It. Literally.

Since Bubs has been sick, he hasn't quite got his appetite back. In the mornings before school, he would eat non stop. K noticed this & has been commenting lately about his eating habits. Last week I explained growth spurts causing a rise in eating habits. And then warned her that one day Bubs might be eating more than the other 3 of us combined! ...as a teenage boy!

This morning, Bubs drank a Danimal and had half a piece of toasted french bread. That was it. He said he couldn't finish the toast and that he was full. K told him that he was going to SHRINK if he didn't eat anything.

A few minutes later, I went down the hall to find Bubs in his room. He had been standing in front of his mirrored closet looking at himself. "I'M NOT SHRINKING!" He yelled when he heard me coming. I smiled and said he wasn't going to shrink. He just needed to eat a good breakfast. We need to eat healthy to grow big & strong.

I went to brush my teeth and Bubs followed. He crossed his arms on the bathroom counter, put his head down on them and sadly said "Mommy, I don't want to shrink."

Good news of the day!

Bubs test results came back. I was pretty sure this was the case, but I think the Drs. are checking everyone that comes through their door now.

INFLUENZA VIRUS A+B + RSV RNA, PCR, QUAL

Final Report
NEGATIVE FOR INFLUENZA A, INFLUENZA B AND RSV BY RT-PCR.

Spoke too soon!

Here we are at Wednesday, of the 2nd week of school. Bubs has not been to class at ALL this week. Sunday evening he came down with something that basically had him coughing all night. Monday morning he was coughing nonstop - I couldn't send him to school like that. He would be a distraction and not be able to concentrate. We got a Dr. appt and his Dr. sent him for X-Rays of his chest. Thought he had pneumonia! What a shocker. No fever or other signs just a heck of a lot of coughing.

We got antibiotics and took him to Grandma & Grandpa's house to rest. Not much change that night. Gave him some cough medicine before bed and he went right to sleep. BUT, at one in the morning he had to go potty. Once he was up, he started coughing again and couldn't sleep. This time, so much coughing he had a hard time catching his breath. We tried everything that you do with Croup - cold outside air, warm steamy bathroom, drink warm liquid... Nothing seemed to work.

Bubs "Mommy when am I going to be able to breave (breathe) again"

I called the 24 hour nurse and after she talked to a Dr. we decided that Bubs needed to be taken to the ER. My first visit to Walnut Creek since Bubs was born! I had to get directions again. And my first visit to the ER ever! (& hopefully last) Nothing much but quiet & waiting. Bubs was very calm but asked a lot of questions. He was so patient (and alert) for being up in the middle of the night. They could hear him wheezing & he ended up getting a nebulizer (breathing) treatment. Apparently he does not have pneumonia, but some viral infection. Through all of this, since Sunday night - no other signs of anything - no runny nose, no fever! We got a prescription for albuterol so we should be able to take care of any breathing problems at home now. We managed to get back home by 3:30am and back to sleep by 4 for 2 more hours.

Besides mommy & daddy being tired at their work today we all survived! Bubs picked up his activity and appetite today. Unfortunately we started a bad pattern now & Bubs decided he would much prefer to stay home and go to his grandparents house, instead of go to school. He just came out of his bed & room, coughed, and said "mommy I still can't breave, I can't go to school." Stinker! I think he's on the road to recovery!

What a difference a year makes

The kids played their first soccer games of the season yesterday. This is the second year for both of them. Now they are both the oldest of their age group with a little experience behind them. They both did great yesterday.

The set up is a little different this year. The entire team is split up into 2 teams and they play on 2 fields 4 against 4. The fields are smaller. We were a little hesitant with this new set up. No goalies, smaller goals, no throw ins - they kick the ball in from the sidelines.

I'm am getting to like this plan for the younger kids though. There seemed to be less bunch ball around all 14 or so players on both teams. Stronger players don't seem to take over the entire game and everyone gets a chance.

Bubs definitely had fun and was on the top of his game! He scored an amazing 3 goals. He was super excited!

Made my day

Happy Friday. Bubs woke up early this morning, but then fell asleep in my bed while I was in the shower. He started waking up once I used the blow dryer but he remained cozy on my pillow. I was done getting ready & walked out of the bedroom - he said the words that made my day. I smile now thinking of how sweet he sounded.

"Mommy, you look pretty."

Three Word Thursday

Breaks. My. Heart.

To see my kids cry. Why do kids have to be so mean?

We had a great morning & once again got out of the house on time. (Yay!!) I dropped Bubs off at his EDCC building while K walked in hers. She was all smiles! We all were. But everything changed when I walked through her EDCC doors. I heard sobbing & then looked up to see her with tears down her face. She had tried to join a pair of kids playing on the floor and apparently they told her she could not play with them. I couldn't get a whole lot of info out of her, but I tried to comfort her. I told K that, yes, what they did was not nice. We should make sure never to treat anyone else like that. We know how it feels. There were plenty of other things to do, was it possible to do something else? "No" she said :( I wiped her tears & gave her a bunch of big hugs. The teacher started talking to her, distracting her. I asked her for a smile - she tried. And then I had to leave. Thinking about it now, saddens me! I know she was probably fine a little while later. But it really breaks my heart - I can't wait to see her when I get home. More hugs are waiting!!

Off to a great start!

2nd day of school today. This morning was a breeze! Kids were all up once again before I had to wake them. K got dressed before I asked her. Bubs ate, got dressed, & then asked if he could do "homework!"

Last year - when K sat down at the table to do her homework, I gave Bubs a journal to write in & draw a picture. It started out with "My name is B..., I am 4 years old, I was born on ....etc." Each topic would have his own drawing to match. I would write the words out & he would copy them. That has become his "homework." Last night we added - "I am in Kindergarten. My teacher is Mrs. Peterson."

On our way to EDCC this morning, Bubs was a little upset and said "I want to see Mrs. Peterson." I said - "Oh, you will, in one hour EDCC will take you there." That was sweet. I hope that excitement continues throughout the school year!

First Day of School!

K is off to 2nd grade today and Bubs is off to Kindergarten. My "baby" is now in school! I have 2 school age kids. Where did the last 5 years go!? The more I think about it the more I find it hard to believe. My recollections of school really begin in 2nd grade - and thats where K is. My my teachers, my friends, my love for math, my projects - let it all begin...

Here's the poem that I got from Bubs' Kindergarten teacher.

The First Day
I gave you a little wink and smile
As you entered my room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
And know your child must stay.
You've been with him for five years now
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave him at my side.
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks may flow
I'll love him as I would my own
And help him learn and grow.
For as a parent, I too know
How quickly the years do pass
And that one day soon it will be my turn
To take my child to class.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
For I will love him and take him in
When you leave him at my door.

Best wishes to my kids for a great school year!

And here's a little proof that they survived their first day! Coming home...

Congratulations to my brother & his wife!!

On their new baby girl!

Casey Ann

7lbs 11 oz

20" long

Born this morning, 8.22.09

http://www.flickr.com/photos/caseyshull/

Proud Parents, excited child!

It was not a smooth registration process at our local elementary school. In two years, this was the worst. I waited an hour in line, luckily with a book in hand to pass the time! At the end we got Bubs & K's teacher assignments. There isn't just one family with our last name - there's happens to be another student, Jared that they wanted to give me paperwork on. I said no, that he wasn't my child. They corrected it & gave me 2 pieces of paperwork. With K's they gave me an envelope with her name on it. That sidetracked me - I was wondering what it was - homework before school started?

Not sure who the teachers were for either kid, so headed home to look them up in last years yearbook. On the way, double checked the paperwork & noticed that I had one for K & one for Andrew Morrison. WHAT? I had to turn the car around, find parking again, cut back in the exit & get the one for Bubs. I did that & was happily surprised - he had the same teacher K did in Kindergarten. That will make for an easier year to have 2 kids in school. We like her & are comfortable with her, her classroom, & her assignments. And Bubs should also be familiar with her face, so he won't be walking into a classroom of a complete stranger!

When I got home, I couldn't wait to open the envelope. I started reading & then started reading it outloud to P & then yelled for K to come! She was selected to attend a 2/3 grade class called Academic Odyssey. Her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Brown recommended her for this special 2nd grade class. She was so excited - jumping up and down. She really felt special! I'm not sure any of us really get what its all about yet. We'll find out Sept 3rd for Open House!

I was reassured that this class was a good opportunity for K this morning. At EDCC, the teacher asked me what 2nd grade teacher K got.
Me - O'Reilly?
Teacher - Oh, thats the same as Carson.
Me - So, is this a good thing then?
Teacher - Definitely. That class is hand picked. Now that I see who is in that class, I know why.

I never feel like I'm doing enough or pushing K & Bubs enough in the learning environment. I feel like I'm always running out of time to teach them & show them new things. This class placement makes me feel like we are doing something right! Good luck K! Keep up the good work. Mom & dad are so proud of you. :)

Is he serious?

I tried to wake Bubs up for EDCC this morning. He was all warm and cozy in his bed. He didn't want to get out. He said he was all "cuddly."

Bubs - I want to be all cud-dul-ee. When its a stay home day, can I stay in bed and be cud-dul-ee?

Me - Of course you can. I would love for you to sleep in & stay in bed! (Instead of get up at the break of dawn - 6:30!)

Three Word Thursday

Starting. Something. New.


I thought this was a great idea when I saw it on a blog from an old friend from Heidelberg High. http://samanthaleelee.blogspot.com/

I could do that. Just think of 3 words for the day. Might get me writing at least once a week. We'll see how it goes. I now find myself trying to sum everything up into 3 words. Funny how much thought I put into the "perfect" 3 words. I had one completely different idea today, up until the last moment & then went with these. I felt like I should explain what I was doing.


Might as well go with 3 more words - random thought that P might find funny, if not now, maybe in the future.

Yummy. Butter. Puffcorn.

My work got a sampling of the Butter Puffcorns from Frito Lay and absolutely fell in love with them. They wanted more so I asked P where we could buy them. He said everywhere. So off I went. Pick up a few things at Walmart, check out the chip aisle - No Puffcorn's. OK, I'd better get back to work, but let me swing by Lucky's first. No Butter flavored, just cheese. Aaaghhh - P, what did you mean everywhere? I can't find it anywhere. He said it looks like they staled out of the stores. It's a new product that hasn't caught on yet. So my co-workers mean business & call Frito Lay's 800 line. They get a list where they can find bags - a place called "Bottom's Up Liquor" in Oakland, or a couple other mom & pop shops 15+ miles from here. They don't go that distance for them, but we just got word that TODAY is the day, they have been put in a store near us! For just $2 a bag, my co-workers would buy out the case. So, if you have an urge for Butter Flavored popcorn - this is the snack for you!! Oven Baked, no hulls or hard kernals. They melt in your mouth. Enjoy.

My little girl...

isn't so little anymore. I guess I have to admit that she is growing up - she is 7 now. She won't let me dress her at all! If I pick anything, she picks something else. Its been over 6 months now at least that she hasn't been interested in Princesses. That was tough for me! My little "Princess" doesn't want anything to do with princesses! How could that be?

And now, the other day she told me she was no longer into skirts or dresses. That seems to have caused a problem for us, finding outfits to wear everyday. With the hot weather, her only options are are capri's, pants & leggings. She keeps wearing all the capris & I keep on washing them. We found short shorts in her drawers that she tried to put on - she used them under dresses. I put a stop to that - I never felt they were appropriate to wear by themselves to school. Other than that, she had skorts - but she considers them a skirt! So here it is, the end of summer, & I'm searching stores for Bermuda type shorts. If anyone finds shorts on clearance anywhere - let me know! We went to Old Navy yesterday & everything was back to school & fall/winter! Unfortunately (or should I say FORTUNATELY) we probably have many more weeks of warm weather! Lets see what 2nd grade has in store for this former "Princess!" I'm sure it will bring some more changes...

Knowledge of the day

Bubs - Mom, I know what school is all about...
Me - Oh, yeah?
Bubs - It's for learn-ing!
Me - Yes it is.

And now I think our son is ready for Kindergarten!

1st Camping Trip

“That wasn’t fun!” were Bubs’ comments about going down the little rapids. He didn’t think there was enough excitement going over the rocks with “Auntie” Bobbie in an inner tube.

But, it all changed to…
“That was awesome!” – when they both started a little further down the river & fell out of the raft! Bobbie didn’t think it was so fun though. She quickly managed to grab onto Bub’s life vest!

Luckily, mommy didn’t see any of it! She was around the bend with K, behind a Big Rock waiting with a water camera, ready to take their photo.

The kids experienced their first camping trip this past weekend. It was just me with 7 others (4 adults, 3 kids) I believe they had a great time and made new friends. My kids enjoyed sleeping in a tent & being dirty all weekend long! K’s highlight was jumping in the river Saturday night with her clothes on. Why not? They were getting ready for bed, lets get crazy.

We all found ourselves having fun in the great outdoors without video games, computers, no cell phone reception – it was great. (I did let them watch a movie before bed on the portable DVD player, though.) It was a way for all of us to relax before bed.

Thank you Navarro’s for booking the 2 best campsites! And thank you Bobbie for bringing all the camping stuff and letting us join you!

Note to Bobbie: Bub’s was so tired last night. He followed me around the house. At first he was crying, and then bawling. Lots of tears and gasping for air. It was cute in a way, but also so sad to watch. He was crying for Cody. He loved Cody; he wanted to live with Cody. He was afraid that he was never again going to see Cody. He missed Cody. He wants a Star Wars book just like Cody. He wants everything like Cody!! Your son had quite an impact on Bubs! Must have been that 40 minutes or so bonding time at your house. He woke up this morning asked when he can have a sleepover with Cody. We’ll definitely have to get together again sometime soon!

Monsters vs. Aliens Cake

I haven't seen the movie, but P took the kids when it came out. Here's the B.O.B. cake I made for Bubs. It turned out to be a big hit!!!

Happy 5th Birthday to Bubs!

A little belated - it was Friday. But, I have sort of been out of commission since Thursday night with an awful Flu bug. Felt like a human pinata (got that from the Kaiser phone nurse!)

Bubs seemed to have a great "Real" birthday as he calls it. At breakfast I let him unwrap a gift. It was a Monsters vs. Aliens hat w/ B.O.B. on it. He loves his hats & I knew he could wear it to school that day. My mom was in town & thankfully got the kids ready, made lunches, and took them to EDCC. They were much better off there, away from me, with plenty of things to keep them busy.

When Bubs got home, daddy gave him the news that we had postponed his birthday party one week. He took it much better than we all anticipated! Maybe its the FIVE year old in him! He got to open our presents and he let K read the cards.

To help him celebrate the big day, my mom & P's parents took Bubs to Lucky's pizza & brought a birthday cake. I sadly missed all the fun, but got to see plenty of pics & hear the stories!

Bubs was smiles all day long. And instead of a party on Saturday, my mom took the kids to see the movie G-Force. He absolutely LOVES his movies! He just wants to see them all. I'm so happy that he had a great birthday. He thinks he has another "Real" birthday this coming up weekend that he is just so excited for. I am praying daily though, that everyone else stays healthy & that we can infact go through with this backup plan.

Lastly - I'm still shocked that I have a 5 and 7 year old - Kindergarten & 2nd grader. INSANE! Where does the time go?

We miss our little girl!

For the first time ever, K is away from both mom & dad for about a week! She's been away from us for a day or 2 here or there, but I believe this is the longest apart. Grandma S. flew her back to Las Vegas and will be driving back with her Monday or Tuesday next week.

It is a little weird around the house - only having Bubs around. But he's getting alone time with us, and that has been good. We've been able to chat with K & my mom & dad on the Webcam every evening. The first day it was hard, she was clearly showing that she missed us. But last night she was all smiles! Here's a few of the things she's having fun doing: swimming in the community pool everyday from 10-12, going shopping with Grandma, and visiting the "Grossology" exhibit at the Lied Discovery Children's Museum
http://news.ldcm.org/newsrelease-cid-1-id-10020.html
They still have lots of other fun "indoor" things to do because it is in the triple digits there. Can't wait to hear what's next on their list. Miss you K! Hope you are enjoying your trip!

Bubs on the other hand makes us laugh daily with his little phrases & comments. Here's just 2 that have me cracking up the way he says them. Of course, I can't think of the others at the moment. I'll write up down for next time.

"I'm just having a bad day."
"Why you so mad at me? I'm just a little kid." - reminded me that yes, he is still little!

I want to mention one more thing - P & I just celebrated our 9th anniversary! I can't believe how quickly time flies. I feel like we were just dancing our first dance Sunol Valley Golf Club. Now we have a 7 year old and (almost) 5 year old. Amazing! I love you P! Here's to many more wonderful years!

The Relay for Life - Dublin, CA

This is my 4th year participating in American Cancer Society's Relay for life. Tomorrow I will be walking the track CELEBRATING the lives of those who have battled cancer, REMEMBERING loved ones lost to the disease, and FIGHTING BACK against a disease that takes too much.

One day. One night. One community. One Fight. The Relay For Life is a life-changing event.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/shullshock

Tired kids!

How is it that by Friday the kids & I have our morning routine down so well that we are actually out of the house on time! Monday & Tuesday we were running late. I forgot some non-essentials at the house - like my breakfast one day. I had K set her alarm for Wednesday because she wasn't getting out of bed on time. And by Friday we were actually ready early!! Hurray.

I've been dropping both kids off at the same place all week - and I love it. 2 different buildings, but one stop of the car. The first day Bubs went to EDCC I took pics of both of them. Bubs went through a mix of emotions on Monday morning. Scared, sad that he'll miss his friends, and excited about all the new things (games, food, people). Since then, 4 more days of being excited to get to EDCC. Hope that he keeps that excitement up all summer long.

Yesterday they kids even had their first summer field trip to Super Franks! http://www.superfranks.com/
They got to take a bus there. I can't believe they are growing up so fast. The summer will be full of all these fun adventures. Best of all, by the time I get home I can see that they are exhausted. Its been so easy to get them to bed. Bubs doesn't come out of his room 2-3 times with excuses that he's scared, or not tired. Hopefully they'll sleep in a little tomorrow.

We don't have any plans for Saturday (but clean house, garage, etc!) so maybe the kids can rest up. On Sunday we'll go to the Grandparent's house and they'll play with their cousins.

Wishing all the Dad's out there (and especially my DAD) - a very Happy early Father's Day! We love you & are thinking about you.

K's Rock Star Party!

7 girls,

crafts,

pizza and

music from 12-3pm

I think it was the perfect birthday party. K seemed to have fun. Here's a photo of my cake!

When she first woke up to a PINK cake she got upset & almost cried. She doesn't like pink anymore. Her favorite color is BLUE. She's also not into princesses!

Once I was finished though & she took a look at the cake and said - "Mom....I love it... more than you do!"