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."