This is how we do it... when Mom's gone

So, the lady is gone and I'm here with the 4 rascals to myself. For the public readers, well, nothing too out of the ordinary happened other than the pile of soil in the front has now been removed to the backyard. Finally, it's done. Now, since I know the lady will be checking in here is a power point version of the day's events:

• Ez napped till 11:15
• Put planter boxes in place and added another box, then filled them with the new soil.
• Resurrected the bounce house and patched holes in it. A lovely object for lots of fights.
• Cleaned soil off street. Chauffeuring Ez both ways.
• Bathed all the kids.
• Ate delicious meatloaf. Leftovers? I dont think so... and yes, we had a vegetable too.
• Saved Ezra's tray before a million peas went all over the floor. wahoo!
• Put kids to bed.
• Put vacuum back together and cleaned house.
• Emptied and loaded dishwasher, cleaned floor and table.
• Blog, American Idol, zzzzzzz
(results may not repeat daily.)

Boys will be Boys

This truck and its contents caused some real excitement around here! When you have a house full of boys (and girls who like to be a bit "tommish") then, a huge pile of dirt falling out of a bigger-than-life dump truck is like a dream come true!
In the process of creating our back yard, we were in need of some good planting soil (and by "some" I mean 10 cu. yds. worth). We have learned that there could never be a better source of entertainment for our little ones. Although mixed with fertilizer, it didn't deter them one bit! I was a bit hesitant at first, (how gross!) then I realized we'd be "playing" in it ourselves as we beautify our yard.
They made volcanoes, played King of the Mountain and all sorts of games. It was so fun to see them enjoy this mountain of dirt!

An Amazing Woman!

Look at this incredible picture of my Grandma and Grandpa with 10 of their GREAT-GRANDKIDS!!! (and one more was added since then). This wonderful woman, Doreen Kennan, started it all...with an adoring husband of 60 years!!

On her 84th birthday, Grandma is young at heart and spry as can be. Entertaining friends, hosting bridge, volunteering at Kaiser weekly, and traveling to see family are only a handful of events in this busy lady's life. And don't think you're going to beat her in a game of cards...
I am so blessed to have her example in my life! I have never heard a negative word or a hint of complaining when life gets hard. She's taught me that a sense of humor and an optimistic attitude will get you far and make life a little easier. And oh, the joy of laughter! Grandma is always great to share a good laugh with!
I love you Grandma!! Have a wonderful Birthday!!

Bed Time...

I often stand by the closed door of my twins'
bedroom after we've put them to bed. I love what I hear; loud whispering, over the sound of lullabies in the back ground. It usually goes something like this:



Joel: "Jaydon, are you sleeping?"
(no answer)
Joel: "Jaydon, are you asleep?"
(no answer).
Joel: "Jaydon?... Jaydon?"
Jaydon: "huh? "
Joel: "Whachu doing?"
Jaydon: "fine."
Joel: "Are you sleeping?"
Jaydon: "No"
Joel: "Oh. Let's go to sleep now, K?"
Jaydon: "O.K."

Getting Ready for Summer!

SAY CHEESE!!
Here is Ezra modeling his swim get-up. (We're struggling in the safety -swim-wear department. Regular arm floaties are not allowed in our neighborhood pool).
Despite the spandex-snug shorts, this seems to be his attire of choice. Or, maybe he likes the spandex shorts?
When we put it on him, he began dancing and galloping around the house chanting (in Ezraneese) "swim, swim, swim!"
So, until he's swimming on his own, this little muscle-man suit will have to do. There's no keeping this guy out of the water! He loves EVERYTHING that has to do with water. (good thing the fridge dispenser has a lock function).

slow down!

My goal for the week, is to put aside as many "non-essential" activities as possible, and take care of the urgent situation:
My children are growing up TOO fast and I haven't PLAYED enough with them!! Too soon, little things won't make them giggle and they'll want to be with their friends more than family. Too soon they won't find joy in simple art projects, and they won't think their mom is the smartest, funniest, most beautiful woman in the world. And too soon, they'll grow out of the magic of story-time and bed time kisses. So, I've got to remedy this by being with them and enjoying as much as I can right now.
It's such a good excuse to climb, run, skip, color, create and dance!

warning...this is VERY opinionated

I only watch a couple of t.v. shows a week. I'm not a big fan of t.v. The Office is one of the shows I watch. I was so excited for the count-down since the writers' strike! FINALLY we got to watch a new episode, after waiting what seemed like ages!

I was HUGELY disappointed! Did the writers lose their creative minds while they were busy negotiating their pay? It was completely trashy, and un-funny (my new word) in my very strong opinion. I just hated being so let down. Nothing was funny, and then they even had to stoop as low as to bleep through the mother-of-all- naughty-words! Past episodes have always gone to the edge of the social comfort zone, but last night's went way over! It left me feeling empty, annoyed, and angry. Is that REALLY what is in demand to watch in our society? I hope the future episodes can redeem themselves!

Car Talk

While driving home from an outing today, this is what I heard (from my 5 year-old-boys.)


J1 - "oh, look! a yellow Hummer!"
J2 - "is it an H2 or H3?"
Mom - "it's an H2"
J1 AND J2 - "AWESOME!!"
J1 -" when I get bigger can I have a Hummer?"
Mom- "yeah, if you get lots and lots and lots of money, you can have a Hummer."
J1 - "when I get 15 dollars, I 'm going to get a real Hummer. "
J2 - "yeah, and when I get some money, and share J1's, I'll get a Hummer too."

(pause)

J1 - "Hummers are AWESOME!"

Shout it out!!!

I might be a day or two behind in posting this, but it doesn't make it any less special!


What can I say about a mother who has it all!?
Because of her,
I can say I am the luckiest gal around!

This amazing woman has taught me more than I can even comprehend. I have learned to be confident, trusting, optimistic, caring, loving, silly, happy, loyal, friendly , and true to myself because of my mother's example. I discover new things about myself everyday, and to her I am forever grateful!
Thank you for your endless enthusiasm
and tireless example of who I want to be when I grow up!


Happy Birthday MOM!!!! I love you!

A New Post

...is coming soon! I promise!