Sometimes Life is Interesting

Brennons Birthday

2012-02-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

We had a second child and we named him Brennon. This is him and his 8th Birthday. We had a simple day, one friend, a nice lunch at the Texas Roadhouse then home for some cake and ice cream and presents. Of course at the Texas Roadhouse we did a Texas yeehaw for the birthday boy which this photo does not show just how red his face did get! This boy of mine is 8 years old. 8 years old. One more time because it hasn't sunken in yet. 8 years old. I love him, I love the way his brain works. I love finding the strange quirky things he does. Like light bulbs and wire in my freezer!? Well, that's my boy. My 8 year old boy!

To calm those fears

2012-02-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dylan had an eye appointment. Well technically him and Emma both at the same time, which turned into a 3 hour appointment. Yeah. Anyway, were getting ready in the morning to go. I explain where we are going. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Dylan it's an eye appointment, the Dr. just wants to look at your eyes and see how they are doing"
Dylan: " Is he going to take my eyeball out?"
Me: "No"
Dylan: "But what if we get there and he wants to take my eyeball out?"
Me: "Well, I will tell him NO! then I would take you away so he couldn't get it"
Dylan: "But what if he has bad guy guards at the door to try and stop you?"
Me: "Good thing you have a strong mom, I would fight the bad guy guards, knock them to the ground and we would escape"
Dylan: "okay, we can go then"

Snowshoes recommended.

2012-01-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, they were. We go into the mountains and cut down our tree with some friends of ours. As always, we check out the website and see what the wheather conditions look like. Snowshoes were recommended. We went without them. We laughed with each step that sunk us deeper and deeper in the snow. So needless to say we didn't walk to far into the tree cutting area. We walked out with our worst tree ever. In the end Jim had to use zip ties to hold the base together. Thankfully though, he used colorful neon zip ties. Because that makes it all better?! The tree was dead by Christmas Day. It was still a good couple weeks with Gma and Papa here to go do so many fun things!

Let the Race begin!

2011-12-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to say I am super proud of my kiddos. They picked the design of their own cars, they painted their own cars. They had fun. And they all got a ribbon, and Emma got 2nd place for car design. Brennon was pretty darn close to getting 3rd for speed. Addy and Dylan, well, kiddos next year we'll go for speed, since apparently the only way to win for design is to have your parents do it. I mean really, I saw the winners of design in the younger kids age groups. Yeah right that 3 year old painted that John Deer tractor with such precision! And that's the attitude that will keep me home next year, haha! Oh well it was fun, especially with an ice cream stop on the way home.

Christmas. I mean Thanksgiving.

2011-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Oh that's right, Thanksgiving comes between Halloween and Christmas. Well, this year, we were able to try our hand at cooking a turkey. I should say, Jim was able to cook up ole' tom. My mom was in Nebraska and we were able to do it all on our own. I have to admit, we were a little excited about trying it. First the kids needed to make decorations, so handprint turkeys were made to adorn our kitchen and our first thanksgiving feast. I didn't give into the box stuffing or jar of gravy which I did look at closely while in the grocery store. Nope, I made it all homemade! Didn't turn out to bad either and we didn't end up at Ihop. Although I have to say that I wouldn't have minded if we did.

It was a nice laid back, fun, eat till your gut hurts and play some games type of day! And I am so Thankful that we don't do this every year! So FYI: mom and Connie, if we are on our own next year, I think we might go to Ihop, and feel free to join us!

Halloween came and went.

2011-11-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Emma,

Despite the fact that your mom and dad came up with some really fun, cool, group themed costumes and you were so set against them all, I still love you. Also, you made a great bat, and well, dad did a great job assembling your costume from dollar store merchandise!

Dear Brennon,

You are awesome! Love that all you wanted was a sheet over your head for a ghost, and perhaps some eyes, and mouth. Yup, easy is good. Also, you had the scariest ghost noises ever!

Dear Addy,

You were a great cat, even if your tail kept flipping in between your legs when you ran. Don't you think it's kinda weird that we had a cat following us for a few blocks? I think it is because it liked you and thought you were it's friend.

Dear Dylan,

You make a great Buzz, complete with sound effects of lasers and wings popping out. I am glad you decided you wanted to be him. I am glad we found this costume on ebay pretty darn cheap too.

4 years ago (and some days)... I birthed him.

2011-11-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

My Dylan, AKA Che Che. My superhero in the making, the kid that turns even a hot dog into a sword. The little boy that wears a super hero cape to the swimming pool in July. My boy who screams, "don't see me naked" , as he runs around the house in the nude. The boy who is into Wolverine and uses pencils between his fingers as his claws. The boy who wanted a Wolverine cake. Yup, not so easy. BUT, that's okay, because I do enjoy a good cake decorating challenge. So thank you Dylan for the challenge. It turned out...okay... there was a little mishap with my new technique but in the end it's all cake. Love my two October birthday kids. Not necessarily that there is 2 birthday cakes in the matter of 2 weeks followed the next day by a house full of Halloween candy.

6 years ago (and some days)...I birthed her.

2011-11-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

My Addy Joy, my little girl, my sweetheart, my dancing queen, my spirited bundle that makes me smile, my kindergartner, my now 6 year old. Wow, I can't believe she is 6 already. I can't believe that she only wanted a chocolate cake with whip cream on top. Thanks Addy! I hope you enjoyed it.

Oh yeah, they started school

2011-11-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yup, school started this year. It just hasn't been posted yet. Typically, I would just skip it, but since it is Addy's first year it does deserve a spot here on my little old blog. I was able to capture them as they headed out the door. Excited, that lasted a day or so.

Addy all lined up. Well, just for a quick photo and then she was off to play on the jungle gym.
And Brennon was also patient enough to let me take one of him as well.

Emma, well, she is in the other building and what 4th grader wants their mom following them over there to get a photo and kiss them off on their first day of school. She didn't. All is good though. School is good. 2 kids gone all day, 1 kid gone 1/2 day. Some one on one time with Dylan. Only 1 kid to take to the grocery store. Yup, it's all good!

Who Done it?

2011-10-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

It is October, time for a good mystery.
"Hey Brennon, would you run downstairs and get my camera for me, please don't play with it, just bring it up here".

Time goes by. I wait patiently. I wait patiently. I wait patiently.

"Brennon? come on!"

"I'm coming just a sec"

Shorter amount of time goes by.

"Thanks"

Then a couple weeks go by, and I start to review my photos. There are actually a couple of dozen random shots of walls, ceilings, dog, toys, and other such objects. I wonder exactly who did this? Hmm... I will keep these photos and I will scrapbook them, and someday my son and I will laugh about it.

Ears, everybody should have 2.

2011-10-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's true, everyone should have 2. Not that I am going to dwell on that subject matter or the percentage of people out there who do not have 2. My science professor had a fake one. Said he liked to put it on backwards sometimes just for kicks. Still not sure how to take that one.

Anyway: At the ripe old age of 10 Emma has decided that maybe she would be okay with getting hers pierced. It has taken a long time for her to come to that decision. I have always told her what they did and that it was up to her whenever she felt ready for them. I love that it has taken her this long, just goes to show her independence. Addy on the other hand has pretty much always wanted them. At least since she gained enough verbal skills to communicate that with me. Well, we did it. We let them both go get them done and they both ended up with the same little pink flowers. They both did great! I know however that when they can start changing them out Addy will probably change them hourly, to coordinate with that hours outfit. Yup, that will be fun.

3 days and 2 nights

2011-09-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

One day Emma had to turn 10. It's true. It was going to happen. She wanted a slumber party. I didn't. Dad thought I should. Dad didn't have to plan and prepare and think to much about it. In the end she had a slumber party. 3 of her friends, a good number by the way. 4 little girls to eat pizza, have cake and ice cream. Decorate pillowcases, make friendship bracelets, make smore's in the backyard and play in the dark, play WII, watch movies and eat junk food. Stay up late, keep staying up late...finally sleep. Then up for a pancake breakfast. It was great I have to say, her friends are sweet. They had a blast and Emma is 10. Double digits here we are!! I love this girl of mine.

After the pancake mess was cleaned up and girls went home, we threw stuff in the car and headed to the mountains for a camping trip with friends, which means 10 kids. Which was a blast even though we were going on very little sleep and extra cups of coffee. I love the mountains, I love sleeping in the tent freezing next to my babes who are kicking me in the back all night long. I really do! I love campfires, I love smelling like them. I love putting kids to bed and hanging around them with friends having a drink and chatting. Good times. Exhausting weekend, but worth every second of it. Best part was there was a bear that kept coming in to the campground...unfortunately we didn't see it. But at the same time it didn't try to eat our food either!

2011-07-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

This year we put Addy in dance. She loved it, of course she did. At the end of the year all the classes held a recital. Her group performed Castle on a Cloud, not sure exactly what it was but it was fun to watch them all perform there little routine as they watched the person next to them to see exactly what it was they were suppose to do, and of course just watching this little bundle of sweetness prance around on a big stage was really just to much fun.

2011-06-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dylan is usually a superhero. Today he was a cowboy. Today, he had to eat his snack while on his horse. Today I hope I remember how happy he was when I moved the chair out of his way so he could do just that. It's the little things.

2011-05-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to the science museum, it was a lot of fun. Our favorite was trying to out match each other in the power of the mind. I have to admit, I was horrible at it. The whole idea was to remain calm and relaxed and move the ball to your opponents side. Of course I had a lot heckling and a 3 year old jabbering at me too. The best one at the game...the 3 year old. He was hilarious, closing his eyes and completely concentrating, guess we know who would be the Jedi in our family.

Today was the day

2011-05-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

My little nephew that I have loved on, and hugged on from the the moment I met him and held his tiny little self in my arms, has graduated. He is no longer a little boy, (well, he always will be in my heart). He is growing up, as do all kids. In just 3 week he will be shipped off to be a Marine. Proud of him I am!

Last Night

2011-05-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Addy comes upstairs before bed.

"hey dad, I have some bad news, and some good news"
"okay what is it?"
"the bad news is that Emma is crabby"
"yes, I know, whats the good news?"
"the good news is that Jesus is alive!"

Talent

2011-05-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

That's Emma up there behind the piano. Each year at the end of the year, the school holds a talent show. Now there are only about 12-15 kids/performers, that get to put on a show for the school. This year Emma decided to try out with a little piano music. And out of about 50+ kids that try out each year. She made it! She so loves doing and being involved in as many things as possible. So proud of her!

ROCKIES!!!!

2011-05-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

So my hubby loves watching baseball. He is a Twins fan and now also a Rockies fan. So for his birthday the past few years he has gotten Rockies stuff...usually a night with his oh so lovely wife away from kids to enjoy a game. This year since kids are older and have been wanting to go, He got a bag full of Rockies gear for kids and him of course. Then at the bottom were tickets for the whole family to enjoy a game. It was a fun night and despite there being 4 kiddos, it all went well. Unfortunately for Emma, who could sit and watch game after game. The younger kids made it to the 7th inning stretch then it was time to go.

On Ice

2011-05-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

So apparently I thought that I had control, but I don't. I thought that when we took Addy to Disney on Ice that I would only take maybe 30 pics. Even while we were there I thought I had managed some self control. It wasn't only until I went to go put photos on the computer that I realized that I hadn't. 113 pictures later I have some to share.

A way with words

2011-05-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

Addy has such a way of putting things. For example lettuce is called "straps" and she hates straps. Snowflakes are often "Snowflags". And so many other things throughout the day that she comes up with in her own creative mind. My favorite of times is that she calls hooks (like a coat hook, or towel hook) a "hooker". One day she said to a friend, you can put your coat downstairs, we have a hooker. She makes me laugh, until last night in the bathroom she is holding the hand towel while Brennon was drying his hands and she says, "hey Brennon, I'm a hooker!" Yeah, we may have to fix that!

2011-05-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

With a mom who is slightly out of commission everyone has had to chip in around the house. So On Friday when the kids didn't have school Emma made everyone mac n' cheese, and the lunch conversation went something like this:

Addy: So when mommy dies Emma will have to take care of us.
Emma: Addy, Mommy isn't going to die.
Addy: Well, when YOU die, Brennon will have to take care of us.
Emma: I am not going to die.
Addy: And then when Brennon dies, I'll take care of me and Dylan, and then when I die Dylan won't have anyone to take care of him.

And Dylan interjects with a simple heart warming plea "I want mommy"

It's okay Dylan I plan on being around here to take care of you for a long long time!

2011-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Everybody say cheese.....except for Addy, you can say meow!

2011-04-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Love going to the mountains. Staying a few days with my family. Enjoy the tubing, the fire, the ice skating. Watching my kids enjoying themselves and mastering sledding skills and skating skills....My oldest and youngest spending an ENTIRE day going up and down a hill.....yup, the 3 year old outlasted his 17 year old and 15 year old cousins!!! What a Blast!!! thanks mom for the memories!

about potty training

2011-04-14T08:08:00.001-07:00

yup that is exactly what you think it is. Apparently Dylan had a little accident, now this was a long time ago when he was still trying to get it all figured out. However, I have to give the kid some credit he was trying to clean it up! So needless to say at the end the night. I relaxed and enjoyed this:

I have a dream

2011-04-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have had lots of them throughout the course of my life. They change from stage to stage in my life. I have missed blogging. I have lots of stories that would run through my brain and I would think.."wow, that's a blog worthy moment". Of course signing into my old dial up computer was so time consuming. Of course now, I have this much faster, Internet which will allow me no more excuses for getting on here and updating some of our daily life. Anyway, back to my dream. I use to dream that I would get married, travel the world with the love of my life then settle down some where, preferably some place a lot different then where I was. You know, a beach, ocean side, mountain side....London. Then start a family. Of course well, that didn't turn out so. But as it turned out its okay. I have four kiddos. Two pets. A small house in a small town. Anyway, I have a new dream. I want to be the old granny driving a little sporty red, Nissan 350Z , license plate reading "flash". On the back my hover round will be attached and I will be heading towards the Grand Canyon. Jim by my side.

Times they are a changin

2011-01-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know its been months. Yes, I know there were 3 birthdays and Christmas in the time I have been away. But this is a fresh memory. So endure it.
I am home preschooling Addy this year. I love it by the way. We are working on reading. This particular book that we are working through is awesome. Mostly because it tells me not only what to do but what to say. Anyway, she is making great progress.
You read a sentence and there are questions that you ask them about a story. So for example a sentence would go like this.

"We will run". Then you ask a question. "who will run?"
Correct response is "we". through a very complicated and confusing 10 minute conversation over that simple sentence. I realize that my poor little girl is very very confused. I finally realized that she is wondering how in the world can a WII run!!! Thank you Nintendo!

Potty training and housebreaking DO go hand in hand

2010-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

One should never potty train a 2 year old and house break a puppy at the same time but if you find yourself ever being stuck in this predicament....well...
1. Pet stain and odor remover works equally well for 2 year old messes.
2. Don't laugh when 2 year old pees on the kitchen floor ('because puppy does it').
3. Let 2 year old know that when puppy pees outside like she is suppose to she does not get an m&m.
4. Stock fridge with coffee creamer and cokes (frequent visits to Starbucks are equally good!).
5. Don't confuse 2 year old with puppy and rub behind the ears while cooing "good girl" after a job well done.
6. Carpet cleaning projects should wait until after both 2 year old and puppy are trained.
7. Popcorn for lunch is definitely okay when overwhelmed with laundry-add craisins if it makes you feel less guilty.
8. Treats work well for both child and pup. However, with child 1 m&m for pee and 2 for poop doesn't really last long. You may need to encourage child by upping the reward to a Hersey kiss, AKA BIG chocolate, for pooping in the toilet. Again refer to number 3.
9. Prepare yourself returning home after running errands. 2 year old and puppy will both have to GO at the same time.
10. Whether your rushing a squatting mutt outside, or holding a 2 year old on a public toilet, chances are high that you will get peed on.

It's a GIRL!!

2010-10-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

We weren't expecting. We weren't planning on expecting. We weren't really planning so why tell anyone that we were expecting. Actually it was only something that we had talked about. Contemplated all the pros and cons. So many pros. So many cons. Then all of the sudden without really much more thought. Guess what its a girl. It took a while to come up with a name. Honestly through some confusion, it took some time to realize that it was a girl. But her name is Paisley. She is cute. She needs to be house broken.So just to give you the story: We went to a football game to see my nephew (he rocked by the way). Then late on the dirt road at just after 11pm we almost hit something. As we were driving past we realized that it was a puppy. So of course you can't leave a little thing like that there it will get hit or eaten by something larger. We pulled over picked it up, brought it home. None of the farm houses claimed her, actually said it was a common thing to get them dropped off out there. Waited awhile to see if anyone was looking for her and no one was. So took her to the vet and claimed her for our own. The vet said she was probably 7 weeks old. The joys of being a dog owner. I am still figuring them all out.

Accomplished

2010-10-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

There's a lot to learn in 9 years. Reading, writing, math skills, motor skills (both large and small). Social skills, learn to ride a bike. Learn to play video games. Trying to figure yourself out. Yup, she is 9 already. She is still working on some of those things. Has figured out some. Has donated her hair to locks of love 3 times. (figure that the amount of hair she has given is equal to the height of my 2 year old!)

She is a terrific kid to have around. Glad she is mine!

Finally

2010-08-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Finally after weeks and weeks of watching over her. Telling her not to rub them, fighting about goopy Vaseline type meds that had to be squeezed into her eyes, weeks of no water in her eyes...pool or bath. Finally the blood red is gone, the hints of infected yellow have vanished completely. The hole in her eye that should have taken 5 days but took weeks is finally almost gone its probably only the size of the period at the end of this sentence now. yup, that's about all we have left to close up before she done. It feels good to be on the healed side of things. This has taken way to long. But in spite of it all she is still Joy. And all the other things mentioned in the previous post. Oh if only you could hear the battles over eye meds. But you didn't and so you are blessed. She is healed so we are blessed. And life is good and continues on.

Her name is Joy

2010-07-28T08:19:00.002-07:00

Joy can be found in many things.

Roller coasters, ice cream, bike riding, scrap booking, hiking, Popsicles, enjoying a good book, sleeping in late, snow days, gifts, chocolate cake, going out to eat, being with friends, snowshoeing, hand gliding, cliff diving, snorkeling, a good pair of running shoes, a new purse, Starbucks. The list could just go on forever. I have 4 kiddos. My third, part of her name is Joy. Now, I am sure that when we named her that we (meaning Jim and myself) are not the ones who really came up with that name. I am sure, absolutely positive that God Himself gave that name to that child. Don't get me wrong, she is still a child and tests her parents patience to the max often time. But mostly she brings Joy to me. I could be having it out with her over some issue, then she'll say to me "but all I want is a hug". Now, what better way to end an argument then that?! Anyway, all my bragging on this sweet girl of mine is for a reason. Out of my 4 kiddos 2 of them have had to have eye surgery. Now it is Addy's turn. We were told a year ago this was a possibility. And next Wednesday she will go in. They will do both eyes, they will have her go to sleep. Then they will use what looks like a torture device to prop her eyes open. Then they will remove the muscle on the side, re-stitch it further back to have her eyes looking straighter. All of this to help her with her depth perception. Each time we have had to go through this I question if it is the right thing to do. I mean we could argue that God himself put that muscle in her eye and God Himself does not make mistakes. But that's an argument I'll save for someone else. Right now I am just concerned for my child. She knows she has to have surgery. She has no clue at all what it's going to be like when she wakes up. As long as when this is all over, when she is healed completely. As long as she still has her joy.

Summer

2010-06-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

It is almost officially summer. I am almost officially insane. That's really just a joke. I love summer, mostly because I enjoy tan lines. Right now I am working on using sunscreen to create an interesting design on my arm. Of course its been rainy the past couple days and now the lines are almost gone. So this means that I need to be outside right now lines in place reading a good book. Here is the problem, I can't seem to find a good book. I have re-read The Princess and The Goblin. I have re-read At The Back of The North Wind. Both great books. I have also just finished a Koontz book that was mostly good until I reached the end and then became completely disappointed that I spent that much time on a book only to have it end that way. SO, if you have an idea for me I'd greatly appreciate it. Otherwise I'll be forced to watch sponge bob square pants inside with the kids while my tan line completely disappears!

Whats grosser then gross, let me tell you a story

2010-05-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was this mom. She was so excited, she was caught up on laundry. Of course this feeling is only short lived due to the fact that there is always more laundry waiting. So this mom took a couple days off from laundry. Which means the loads quickly accumulated. They grew and grew. So the mom decided it was time to get back to her work room and get some washing done. As the week went on mom thought the laundry room smelled a little musty. Not thinking more about it she went about her task. Then one long day she washed and washed and washed. Finally reaching the bottom of the white load she came across some towels and wash clothes....they were wet, they stunk, they were moldy. Oh yeah, it was gross they went of course right away into the trash. This mom moved on to the darks. After several more loads she came across a little green plastic bag. realizing that this bag was from a week ago she became quickly worried, she knew what was inside. Opening the bag the overpowering musty smell filled the room. The mom dumped out the contents, they were of course a shirt and pants (luckily just some play clothes that had been handed down from a friend). They had been played in a good week ago at Memaw's house. These clothes had gotten wet and covered with mud. So the little boy went home in just his diaper, his clothes in the bag. Now of course the clothes not only still wet and covered with mud, were also stinky with mold spots.
Now I ask, which is grosser? I go with C. All the above.
Do I even post this and admit that I don 't get everything done like I should?
Do I post this and let the world know how disgusting my laundry was?
Well, let me add, my laundry room is now organized and cleaned, and laundry...well, its almost caught up!

Swooooosh, there went a year

2010-05-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Wow. The school year is done. That was really fast. The last week was also kind of a blur. Which is probably why I feel the need to sleep more and make up for the chaos that consumed our home the last week of school. I can't believe Addy is heading into her last year of preschool. Brennon will be a first grader and gone from me all day! EmmaJean will be a third grader, WHAT?!?! Oh my gosh what am I to do...... I don't know. I'll worry about that next year right now I have the summer to get through.

SO, the last week of school went something like this:

Tuesday: Dairy field trip with Addy's preschool class.

Wednesday: Same Dairy field trip but with Brennon's class.

Ooops, someone messed up, so we stayed at school, got ice cream from the dairy, run to the store to get sundae toppings and spend the day playing with the other Kindergarten class. Oh well, its not school work so its fun right!

Wednesday evening the kids have an award ceremony for all their hard work at church memorizing tons of verses:

Thursday: Off to the next state over for a Buffalo Ranch trip with EmmaJeans class.

Thursday I get to pack and get ready to go to Nebraska for a quick weekend/day to Celebrate my Great Aunties 100th Birthday. and NO this woman does NOT dye her hair. She is lucky, I hope I get that gene.

Return home for the last day of school for the kiddos. Which means FIELD DAY!!

WHOOHOOOOO!!

Flashback

2010-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Close your eyes and pretend with me that it's February 6, 2010. Yes, I know Brennon's birthday is Feb 5th. I however would never be fast enough to actually create a post on the day the event happened. We are however, really stretching our imaginations to even pretend that I posted the party the day after the event!

I have to say that Brennon's party this year was one to remember. I do mean that since Emma said she wants a party like his next year. I need to remember all that we did. I need to remember not to make the scooby doo cake myself. I need to remember that we did a monster mash (balloons tied to ankles, keep yours safe but pop the others). I need to remember to save up on toilet paper for a mummy wrap contest. I must of course remember that Jim is great at coming up with clues as to where the hidden presents disappeared to and having kids search all over the house finding clues to get the birthday boys gifts. And of course Jim needs to remember how to draw a scooby doo on felt so we can have a pin the collar on scooby doo game as well. Since my brain is low on memory, I am hoping that Emma will pick another theme!

Perhaps

2010-04-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I should just start with today. Keep moving forward. Not revisit the past. But what fun is that? I know Dale is dying to get the Thanksgiving and Christmas updates. I didn't disappoint, it is after Valentines day. And oh my goodness, how dare I forget Brennon's birthday. Well to sum up the major holidays.

Thanksgiving is all about the Pie:

Christmas is about long car trips, in a really packed car. Being able to spend time with family and hanging out at Chuck E. Cheese with close friends and their kids (and hanging out again in the middle of a snowstorm sitting in her car for over 4 hours reconnecting, man that was good times!) Going sledding then returning to Grandmas house for hot chocolate and cookies. Its about meeting a nephew who is turning one for the first time. Its about presents, and roasting marshmallows in the fire place. Braving the Minnesota cold to sit outside and enjoy the Hollidazzle. New Outfits that are needed to celebrate the birth of my Saviour. Yup, Christmas is a good time.

Next would be Brennon's birthday. But since he is a pretty special kid, I'll save that one for a later date. Maybe combine it with next year. Come up with some quirky line about how a year has gone by so quickly and he is grown so much. But since were on holidays we'll move on to Valentines Day.

Valentines Day, is a simple day. Really it should be. But what fun is simple? Its so ORDINARY to do the flower, chocolate, dinner thing. And well Jim and I like to not be so ordinary (yes, I am admitting to the weird gene here). So we decided to get some friends together and hit the slopes. Well, the little kind, the kind that kids can go down on sleds then head into town for some pizza grub. Turned out to be not so simple. 9 kids and sleds on a hill....Never simple. But definitely a fun day out.

Why I need Caffeine

2010-02-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

I had a good 45 minute conversation with my 4 year old this morning. Of course my side of the conversation was probably 5 minutes total but if I summarize it. It goes something like this:

Mom, I'm awake now. I am drawing a picture, see here is you and you have long hair. Here is daddy and he is a boy. I am not a boy but I have short hair like a boy. Stella Blue has squiggly hair like this. But my hair was long once, when we went to the park it was long and we saw fireworks and it was long but its short now like a boy but I am not a boy I am a girl. And I can burp see watch *burp*. I am going to Stella Blues house for her birthday and I am going to get her a present okay mom. Tonight is her birthday. Mom let me trace your hand here. See here is your hand and watch me trace my hand. See there is both of our hands and I can put them together and they are on top of each other and our hands together means I love you. Did you know that mom? Did you know I love you. And I love daddy and brennon and emma and I have a cat and her name is Olive and she is silly. And I love Dylan too. Mom let me trace my foot. You can trace your foot too. Oh mom when we go get emma are we going to the store. I want to go to the store and buy something with my money. I want a princess. I have a princess but I want another princess so they can play together and mom when are we going to eat breakfast I am thirsty for some milk. Can I have some milk. Oh and I think I want waffles can you make us some waffles. Ethan likes waffles too and so does dylan. And you can eat one if you want but don't eat them all so emma and brennon can have some after school. Or maybe we should make pancakes. I like oatmeal but only your oatmeal maybe we should have oatmeal. Hey mom your eyes are getting purple mom do you see that your eyes are purple why are they purple (because i'm tired and need Caffeine). My eyes aren't purple but I have purple lip gloss but I can't find my purple lip gloss anymore from Stella Blues birthday party do you know where it is mom, maybe its in the washer......

And your tired from just reading it!
Can I have someone deliver a coke please?

Halloween

2010-01-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

Last Year. We had a, not so great, idea to let the kids pick their own costumes. (except Dylan of course). So when Emma insisted on a mummy, I thought great. Brennon could be king tut, addy could be cleopatra, and dylan could be the pyramid.....great idea except Brennon insisted on a pirate, and Addy insisted on a princess witch. ugh, so we went with a VERY traditional non-creative form of dressing up the children this year. Or I guess, last year.

The Ball Party

2009-11-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Dylan is now 2 years old, well he was as of Oct 30th. But I'm busy, and so well here ya finally go. He loves balls, loves throwing them, loves playing baseball. Loves hitting others with bats and hockey sticks. Which probably isn't so much a genetic trait as much as it is just the age he is at. But I went with it, so I threw him a ball party. Just a little, family come over for pizza, party. Which, when all the family comes isn't so little of a party really!

Now let me compose a cheesy poem for your delight:

And after all is said and done

My little boy is no longer one

So mommy cuddles him extra tight

kisses him extra kisses goodnight

Knowing how soon it will be

When this little guy is turning three.

The Fairy Princess Tea Party

2009-10-18T13:45:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Addelyn. This little girl was about to turn 4. She wanted a fairy princess tea party. The mom was delighted, for all little girls should have some sort of princess party. The mom of course gets to decorate and prepare.

This mom in particular had visions of flowers, wands, wings, tutus, and tiaras, of course all wrapped up in pastel colored tulle. The mom got busy making purple, pink and white tutus tied around purple ribbon with accents of bells to make dancing more fun! Of course finding the perfect tiara at any party good store was tricky. So this mom pulled out her creative cap, some flowers and headbands, the trusty hot glue gun and added accents of sparkly gems for dew drops. As luck would have it this particular birthday girl has her birthday in a month that delights in costumes. So lucky mom stumbled across wings at a local dollar store. Smart and thrifty this mom is! The ordinary living room turned into a pink and purple party room.

The fairy princess cake was prepared and decorated the night before. Or maybe the morning of. Depending on how you view 12:30 am. Purple with polka dots and topped with sparkly sprinkles.

The food was prepared, the table was set, a tea party prepared for 5 beautiful princesses.

The princesses dinned on a light lunch complete with chocolate covered strawberries.
They ate a quiet peaceful lunch, then danced with balloons and ring around the rosie. They played with new toys. And of course as with any type of birthday party. They nibbled cake and ice cream.

We had a Twirl Happy Time!

My Rock

2009-10-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we had the big Tenth anniversary back in September and I had been harassing him about my big diamond rock. Right, I mean every tenth anniversary should be a diamond something, a large diamond something. Well, he gave me a rock.A mountain size rock. I have to tease, its in my nature. We had a really nice hike. We hiked Deer Mountain which is over 10,000 feet. Not bad for us since we never get to do these things. Typically when and if we go hiking we have 4 kids in tow. We made it to the top and of course, it was beautiful. No, more like stunning. And Jim, we can have these kinds of ROCKS anytime. Of course you can still start saving for the next big anniversary. by next big anniversary I am thinking of the eleventh one. :)

A week

2009-10-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

A week is long. A week with kiddos getting the wonderful SWINE flue is really long. Its not much fun when you have a living room full of winter clothes and gear that you were going to sort and get ready for the cold weather coming. The kids enjoy throwing it downstairs. Which leaves a nice pile of laundry. Of course when this fun project gets started thats when the H1N1 starts to kick in. *sigh*. laundry upon laundry of winter stuff. Add to that laundry upon laundry of sick germ stuff. Yeah, the week is long. At least that was like 2 weeks ago. Laundry got caught up...then behind again. And next I post the wonderful party that was Addy's birthday. Or perhaps the 10th anniversary photos? hmmmm...

Oh and Jim and I are wondering why the Red Barron Pizza guy looks like Tom Selleck?

For Once

2009-09-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Addy was off to pre-school. It was her first day. She has been waiting for a year now. For once, the car ride with Addy was very very quiet. If only I was a mind reader. I would love to know what she was thinking the entire way there.

2nd Grade and Kindergarten...Their Off!!

2009-08-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Emma had to walk AHEAD of us. "Mom I'm just gonna do this on my own okay?"

Brennon didn't want to hold my hand. I Guess their growing up. Emma gave me (barely) a hug before heading off with her class. Brennon gave me a big hug and a big kiss before I left him at his desk waiting for his teacher to tell him where and what to do with all his school supplies (18 glue sticks????). Happy School year kiddos.

And now I get to take just TWO kids to play at the park before we pick up the kindergartner.

Cry like a what?

2009-08-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

My kids like giving high fives. Especially Addy and Dylan. Sometimes Dylan likes a high five then a Pound, then a high five, then a pound. Sometimes we do that routine before bed. Lately Addy's thing is to high five you hard enough to make you cry. So we do. And she laughs. I am not sure what behaviour we are encouraging with that but she thinks its hilarious and we do to. But to our delight one day she high fived her dad and said "I'm gonna make you cry like a boy".

Yup, its true and Addy is that girl that could do it too.

Emma Turns 8

2009-08-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today is officially the day that I gave birth to my 8lb 11 oz bundle of sweetness with a head full of dark hair all ready for pigtails. Even on day one I could have stuck a barrette in her hair to keep it out of her face. And today she is 8. On her way to 2nd grade. All about her video games, bike, friends, and listening to her favorite artist...Jackie Valesquez. I love her. So we had a birthday party for her. Because like I told her I wouldn't host a girl party for just anyone. She wanted a backyard pool party. With Pizza. And a pool. And a slip n slide. (And a new bike) And perhaps some cake. A sandal cake. We had fun. It was hot. Good thing I love her.

June's gone?

2009-07-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yup apparently so, geesh. I wonder if I'll get some 4th of July photos posted. Or that picture of that time when we were doing that thing that was fun. yeah, that was nice. You don't know what I'm reffering to since there is a lack of photo on this post. But it was good.

Yes... I am one of THOSE moms

2009-06-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Consistency is key. Its the biggest thing (apparently someone out there says) a parent needs to know, understand and do when raising children. When dealing with punishments, be CONSISTENT. Yup, I understand, I know, I generally do. So My 3 year old has will power. I should have just named her persistence. That would have been a good name for her. Persistence Nelson. And the one night a week that daddy is gone at work she likes to use that will power and persistence and fight going to sleep. If daddy were here he always wins. Sometimes (this is where I am one of THOSE moms comes into play) I do not always win. Sometimes when I know she had a long nap and is probably not tired and I just need some sweet little Joy cuddles I pull her next to me and we read, or watch a cartoon. Most nights though its "go back to bed" followed by a list long of excuses and this happens on average 3-5 times a night before she decides to turn on the bedroom light and read awhile. (yes, turn on the big light and look at a book while her older sister sleeps through it all). So this one particular night after about the 2nd round of "go back to bed" I have her follow me into the kitchen. I place her little self on the counter and proceed to hand her a cookie. Yes, at 9:18 pm. I give the little bundle of will power a cookie. And, yes it was fun, she was so excited, The child couldn't stop smiling, and laughing. Of course she says things like, "You give me a cookie cuz you love me?" "I love you mommy" and "I get a cookie because I a good listener". Well, what can I say, Thats just the type of mom I am. VERY INconsistent. ( at least when it comes to addy and bed times).

Stairs are for..

2009-05-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

From the family that brought you couch Jumping.

We are pleased to introduce - Stair flying. Oh yes, its all the rave these days. but you need wings. Definitly need wings.

Sweet N' Sassy

2009-04-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am sure you can all get a good image in your head of the girl with her hand on her hip jutted out to the side, face twisted where the eyes are at a squint, the nose has somehow managed to squish its way up between the eyes and the mouth seems to protrude farther then normal outwards from the face. meanwhile the little girl manges to speak "nah nah nah nah nah" all the while her tongue is sticking out.

Keep that image with you as I tell you a story of a girl I saw at the store.

So Jim needed to get some new work clothes. We had a great plan to drop off Emma at church then go with the other 3 to the store. 1 down right? unfortunately that 1 down really doesn't matter when its the one that actually behaves. Well as soon as we enter we realize what a mistake we have made. All 3 were on the verge of "issues". So great idea, we'll split up. I would take Addy Jim would take the boys. (yes, he had 2 but they were the better behaved 2). So we stroll around I have to keep reminding her that she needs to stay with mommy. And of course she keeps reminding me in that very loud Addy voice of hers that I need to be her friend. And yes, we were getting a LOT of looks. Addy is extremely loud for a small 3 year old. Time goes on and patience is wearing so we go off to look for daddy its definitely time to go. "Addy Joy you need to stay by mommy" "YOU NEED TO BE MY FRIEND!" "I am your friend" "GOD SAY YOU NEED TO LOVE ME!" "I do love you Addy but you still need to stay with mommy" "I SAY YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO ME AND BE MY FRIEND!" "Addy Joy do you see daddy yet?" At this point I am hoping she'll ignore this conversation and perhaps start calling for daddy since she is so audible he is bound to hear her right? Wrong I see him ahead turning a corner. "Addy come on I see daddy lets go" sidetracked by brightly colored beaded necklaces we lost him. Now, remember this type of conversation has been happening for about 45 minutes now. Mommy is ready to go. "Addy Joy we lost daddy lets go, put the necklaces away we need to leave" "MOMMY GOD SAY YOU NEED TO BE MY FRIEND" Now mommy patience has left the store. "Yes ADDY JOY, and God also says you need to listen to your mommy" (insert hand on the hip sassy girl now) "NO, GOD SAY YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO ME! "

Sales clerk asked if I was ready to check out. HAHA, actually I have a return here in the form of a blond haired little girl.

Happy Day

2009-04-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

You have until midnight to get your taxes in. Then 2 hours later they will take away your T.V. as you know it. Hopefully your all ready.

The daily drag of nelson news

2009-04-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

That is what I should re-name my blog, because that's basically what this is these days.

Brennon is recovering from having his tonsils and adenoids out. Yesterday he was running a fever and his ears hurt pretty bad. Doesn't want his pain meds say that they hurt going down and its a long process to get that 1 tsp down him. Hopefully there will be a turning point soon. He was excitied though about being able to bring home an oxygen mask to play with. When they gave him his "relaxing" meds he was pretending to be a fireman blowing out fires through it. Then he decided to use it and try to blow daddy over, of course he almost fell out of bed doing it to!

Today had an eye doctor appointment with Dylan and the possibility of re-doing his eye surgery hangs painfully close in front of us. His right eye is actually improved from the looks of it today which would mean weaker lenses which isn't what we want right now. We want them stronger to pull the eyes straight and hopefully avoid surgery that way. So tonight we do another round of eye gunk to dilate him and back in 8 am. The Doctor just wants to make sure. Were hoping that todays wasn't correct that tomorrow the extra doses will open his eyes up more so our Dr. can get a better look. HOPEFULLY, and I do mean HOPEFULLY we can get a prescription for stronger lenses and that works on our little guy. Seriously this roller-coaster needs to stop. Would someone please talk to the ride operator for us?

Once more, and perhaps, hopefully not though, again

2009-03-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been MIA. I know. Dylan had his eye surgery on the 2nd. We had his recheck on the 5th. The day of surgery went well. He woke up screaming and nothing I could do could comfort him. Of course he immediately went after his eyes. Once they gave him some more morphine he started to calm down. Then he sucked down some apple juice and we were able to come home with the full sheet of instructions. The complete do and don't list.

Anyway, he actually has done pretty good, of course mom and dad take it harder. And so for almost the past week we have literally had to follow him around to keep him from doing anything on the don't list. Its wearing, no exhausting. Thursday at his recheck however his eyes still aren't where they are suppose to be so back in a month and that will tell us if another surgery is needed. Please Please pray no! I'm surgeried out. Brennon has his tonsils and adenoids coming up April 2nd and really I'm ready to get off this surgery roller coaster ride and puke. We've had enough!

I have a sad, well, perhaps more heart wrenching story to share with all this.

Emma was at school when surgery happened. She felt for him, she really did she was worried about him she remembers what its like. After school she proceeded to homework and some cartoons and it was right before dinner I'm sitting on the floor with him and she comes to get a good look. She looked right into his little eyes and started crying, quietly tears poured down her sweet tender cheeks her little heart broken for his pain. So of course I pull her right next to me my eyes tearing up and Jim comes in to seeing all this estrogen flowing from us females and his heart melted too. That is my little Emma-Jean, sweet, sensitive little girl. I love her.

Move over Martha

2009-02-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

So I have to say that Brennon's space theme threw me a little since I like to decorate cake or whatever according to theme. Well...I have to brag a little I do think that my space cupcakes came out super cute. Almost magazine worthy...or at least blog worthy.

The birthday gone and past

2009-02-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

My Son's 5th birthday party held at Land O' Germs also known fondly as Chuck E. Cheese. I'll say it was nice though no clean up or prep work. Definitly worth the chaos and loud loud children....maybe...

I get to do what?

2009-02-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well, since Dylan still hasn't stopped on the runny diarrhea and we were at his 15 month check up yesterday it got brought up. And lucky lucky me, This morning I got to fill up 3 test tubes full of poo which now sit in my fridge. Next to some red jello. One more bigger container to go and it all goes in for testing. We'll see. I'm hoping and really thinking that its just some bug that won't let go of him. Anyway, anyone up for some dinner at my house, I've got red jello for dessert?!

When you ask

2009-02-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

When will she get Brennon's 5th birthday party pictures put up here you ask?
Well hopefully soon I say.
Just keep your fingers crossed my slowwwwww computer cooperates with me on this.

Sick baby

2009-01-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

What happens when a 14 month old gets the stomach crud and super dehydrated to the point where he doesn't cry a tear? He gets put in the Hospital Saturday night through Monday afternoon. And when their that dehydrated they have a hard time getting an IV so in his one tiny little hand they blew the vein. On to the other little tiny hand where they almost blow it (blood flowing EVERYWHERE) and two people have to hold onto it while mommy pushes the call button for more help. THEN they come in to do a catheter to get a urine sample. And sweet little boy who is already upset and screaming tries hitting mommy because he's so mad and hurt. Which mommy doesn't care and doesn't blame him. So Saturday night mommy spends most of the night standing next to his hospital crib rubbing his back. Sunday night we "sleep" in the recliner together. Monday Afternoon all tests come back clear and he is finally able to keep food and drink in him...longer then the 2 seconds he was doing. And we get to go home. And he is doing much better now. Not a huge appetite back yet but progress none the less.

The family genius

2009-01-17T19:40:00.001-08:00

Stapels

2009-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Don't you wish your kids came with an easy button?

Her Christmas Meal and Fun

2009-01-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

She got a Nintendo DS for Christmas so that was a nice "keep her inactive" activity. Of course Jim and I are also addicted but that's another post, another time. Here's to extra creamy and oh so not thick mashed potatoes and those Christmas tree jigglers that actually did turn out. But what does the girl who has eaten nothing but jello and pudding get for dessert. Well did you know that Cool Whip when eaten out of the container can turn a frown upside down? seriously who needs McDonald's...just get a plastic tub of whip from your local grocers freezer department.

Welcome to the New Year

2009-01-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

May it be a good one for you. So I have heard this saying before and was reminded of it again recently. Whatever you are doing at the end of the year you'll spend doing the entire year to come. Or something like that. Well if recovering from surgery is what we are doing than well I guess we'll be doing that this year of 2009.
Yup unfortunately it looks like it may be true. Emma is doing great off her meds, off her pain meds, eating more "real" food and right now outside riding on her new scooter. However, On the 31st Emma and Dylan had an eye appointment. Emma is doing really well, Dylan will probably have eye surgery in February. So there ya have it, Happy New Year, happy new surgeries!

2 surgeries...in 4 months

2008-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

If I did the counting right that's about what its been for her. She did great though. A little trooper. The doctor was of course late, so we didn't get started until closer to 12:45. Fortunately they had given her a dose of something to relax her so we had a very high Emma to amuse us during that time. If only I had the video camera! So far we are recovering really well. Of course we haven't hit days 5-7. But so far so good.

So in the Nelson household we often tell our kids that God is taking care of them. WELL....Of course Emma according to Addy is "sick". And as Addy informed Memaw God is taking care of Emma. Of course however, today Addy is laying on the couch watching a movie with Emma when Memaw walks in.
"Addy are you taking care of Emma?"
"Yes, I a god".

AND..

2008-12-16T12:48:00.001-08:00

He got glasses. So far about a month of battling,

He's winning.

---------------------------------

My friend Renee...3rd place it appears. The cat didn't die, and apparently it was taken by a little kid...so whatever, 3rd place is still AWESOME!! doesn't matter all her mean comments some people left her. Wasn't any of you all was it?!?!

---------------------------------

My oldest has her 2nd surgery this year. Takes place Thursday at noon. Check in at 10:30.

About 1/2 hour to remove the adenoids and tonsils. Then 2 hours in recovery to make sure there are no complications. We were told that days 5-7 could be the worst of course that's practically Christmas day so please pray for her that she's actually doing EXCELLENT! that day. I'm planning on making green Jello Christmas trees for her dinner...poor kid.

--------------------------------

Christmas is almost here so be Happy.

He's a NUTTY ONE!

2008-12-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Squirrels and Nuts were the theme of this birthday boys first party. I still can't believe he is 1. And that was over a month ago!

How much I love Renee and the cat needs to die.

2008-12-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

Because I looked into the price of taking out a TV ad or a billboard and well it was just to much effort and cash. So here's the best I can do my friend.

My friend Renee has a picture in our local newspaper contest she was one of 30 picked from..well A LOT. The winner gets published front page or something like that. So go cast your 2 votes an hour. Because if you look at the pictures there is a really stupid cat picture that is winning. That's why the cat needs to die.

http://greelytribune.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?contestid=4079&pagetype=VOTING&SubmissionID=322430

Good luck Renee!

The link will take you right to this picture of hers and you can do your 2 clicks....every hour all day and all night.....Thank you all!!

2008-11-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

They argue, they fight, they hug, they love, they hit, they pinch, they kiss. Yup, their brother and sister. That's my Addy Joy Joy and my Brennon. They also like to do whatever the other one is doing. And really, it doesn't matter usually what that is.

So on with my intriguing story. Let me forewarn some of you its a potty story and it takes place in the public restroom at our local Hobby Lobby store.

After running several errands one evening the entire family of 6 was loudly walking around the aisles of the craft store when the cute little blond exclaims loudly that she has to potty. The tired mommy sighs pulls her out of the cart and starts towards the restroom when the young man accompanying them also states a need to go. Tired mommy rolls her eyes and wonders if the young son really has to or if this is just one of those things. Not wanting any kinds of accidents the three headed off towards the restroom. Once in the restroom the young boy heads into a stall while the mother and girl take the one right next to him.
Addy "I'm going pee"
Brennon "I'm going pee too"
Addy "I have to go poop"
Brennon "I have to go poop too"

Now here is where of course someone enters the restroom and promptly leaves. And of course here is where the conversation goes from normal tone to overly loud.

Addy Grunts
Brennon Grunts
Addy Grunts longer
Brennon Grunts longer
Addy Grunts even LONGER
Brennon Grunts even longer

Addy "my POOPY is COMING"
Brennon "my POOPY is COMING FIRST"

The Day we dressed up...also awhile ago

2008-11-15T19:54:00.001-08:00

So we had a plan...a creative themed plan that involved a circus side show theme. However a certain 7 year old insisted she didn't want to take part in it. So after explaining to her I wasn't going to go buy her a costume she sat and tried to come up with something but her ideas involved purchasing some sort of accessory. So she sat for a few moments and suddenly exclaimed that she could be Hanna Montana. She had the wig, she had the sunglasses and well Hanna Montana wears regular clothes so she could just be that and we wouldn't have to buy anything. So as you can see. Our creative circus side show didn't get played out this year. Instead we dug into the dress up bins and I must admit we had a pretty cute cowboy, bear, princess "C'rella". and Yes...even Hanna Montana looked pretty good.

The pumpkins we made...awhile ago

2008-11-15T19:31:00.001-08:00

Emma carved hers to be scary...she did a great job!

Dylan discovered the knife and was attempting to carve his own. But then daddy helped him make a silly one.

Brennon made his with a bunch of eyes so it could see.

And Daddy helped Addy to make hers a cute one.

It is all my fault

2008-11-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays conversation with Brennon went something like this...

wow Brennon, (while eating lunch) I didn't know you could reach on top of the counter to get the napkins

Yup, I just step on the drawers and get up there.

hmm..maybe that's the reason my drawers are broken ya think?

Yup, That's because you guys always forget the napkins.

October 14, 2008

2008-11-08T12:59:00.001-08:00

This little boy of mine started walking, now of course thats all he wants to do. Do you think he has much time for snuggles on mommy's shoulder anymore? Not really, when he gets hurt or just before bed. Otherwise he's on the go..

October 16, 2008

2008-11-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Remember I said we went to the mountains for a photo shoot? Well here is my beautiful, determined, obstinate, sometimes (okay a LOT of times) defiant, loving and caring, full of spunk and spark 3 year old.

We celebrated not on Thursday her birthday, we (Jim and I) had a softball game to play. However on Friday when the GRANDparents arrived we enjoyed fine dinning at Chuck E. Cheese. Where a kid CAN be a kid. And Adults too...They have a fun Deal or No Deal Game...Anyway...

Happy Birthday Addy Joy Joy! Your mama loves you!

I've been Tagged

2008-10-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sarah

My 7 weird and Random Facts...(this is hard since I'm so UN-weird and random!)

1. I had a cyst removed from my head and it still sits in a jar on my bookcase.

2. I have been around the world

3. I still like to listen to my bad 80's rock music (sorry Jim)

4. I have 2 tattoos

5. I would like another tattoo and perhaps my nose pierced (sorry mom, and I said I WOULD like..not I AM)

6. I have always wanted twins, a girl and boy named Indya and Everette. (so if anyone knows of a set that need a home..call me)

7. Freshman year in college I won the burping contest during homecoming festivities..against a football player too. (maybe I shouldn't share that one?!)

So anyone reading this if your a blogger consider yourself tagged...and if your not a blogger, well tag to you anyway.

The Answer

2008-10-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

Dear positive Renee. I wish it were only true. How I need to make it to a park day and perhaps it would be, however...
answer C best fits the almost 3 year olds personality. I would like to add that she is potty trained. I know its crazy! I thought for sure when we started this scary feat of going in the toilet I would have tons of stories to share with my lucky readers. However. My most difficult of children has been by far the easiest to potty train. For a week I just gave her the option of diaper or underwear to get a feel for things and she mostly chose underwear. Opting for a diaper if she knew she was going to have to go. SO when I figured out that little trick we went straight to underwear, even through the night and shes only had about 3 accidents or so in the past 2 weeks (I don't even have to ask the little monster, she just goes in and does her thing like she's been doing it for years, which is great, I like easy!) That even includes a rather long afternoon trip up to the mountains. Which I'll get those cute pictures posted soon...maybe!

Quiz Time

2008-10-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

This exhausted child fell asleep in her mommy's arms because of :

A: An entire day spent playing outside and no nap
B: Poor helpless little thing is plagued by a virus
C: Passed out from a 4 hour tantrum

Confession time

2008-10-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

I like Spanish music. Yup. Don't understand much of it, but sometimes I like it.

Today

2008-09-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Its been 9 years.

And I still kinda like ya.

9 months old almost 2 months late

2008-09-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here's the 9 month picture I took. Yeah he's a cutie pie.

And Yes October 1st he has his first eye appointment.

The Birthday Party

2008-09-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

Talk about bringing up the past. This is from July before Emma's eye surgery we did her birthday party. It was messy art day complete with Tie-Dying and decorating your own cupcakes. Fun. Yup. Fun. Really Really Fun.

Last first day of preschool

2008-09-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Because next year he starts kindergarten.

Yeah, he's looking a little mischievous.

updates

2008-09-20T19:36:00.001-07:00

Emma lost her first tooth. Dylan has taken his first steps. Addy has exhausted her mommy's patience. Brennon has smelled his friends shoes (well they had to compare to see whose was the stinkiest).New Haircut for the shoe smelling boy.

Mastering the Pincer Grasp.

Where in the world

2008-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

I know your all wondering whats happened to me. I am sure you've been anxiously awaiting that next blog..."What is going on in that crazy nelson household, I am sure Brennon has started preschool, I am sure Dylan has done something amazing, Emma must be enjoying school..right?, And Addy well she must have done something obnoxious and or embarrassing but where is the blogging about it all?" Well, people your right and I'll get to all that soon. And I apologize for leaving you in such painful and yearning agony. But let me sum up this week with a picture.
I'm drowning in a sea of laundry that never diminishes and yes in the back you can see some jars. I have been canning peaches. So there ya go. That's where I am.

Random

2008-09-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

If a 2 year old is pretending her watermelon seed is her baby, its a good idea to go along with it. If the 2 year old wants a cheerio to give to her watermelon seed baby, its a good idea to give it to her.

Part of the battle is won

2008-08-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

So my dear friend Renee, I was beginning to think I should take one of your sons to switch out my light bulb. Until, well, I WON I WON I WON!!! WHOOHOOO...Yup, Jim changed the light bulb. He finally reached up with those overly long arms of his, gave me a "look" and completed the task. Therefore, the light bulb in the hallway is working. Well, I should say the light bulb in the upstairs hallway is working. The light bulb in the downstairs hallway is now burned out. Oh and in the boys bedroom. Hmmmmm maybe I will need to give you a call.

First Day of First Grade

2008-08-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

4 pkgs #2 pencils sharpened

1 box 24 crayola crayons

1 zipper pencil pouch or pencil box

2 pink pearl erasers

1 pr small fiskar round tip scissors

2-2 pocket vinyl folders

1 spiral notebook (wide ruled)

6 glue sticks

2 large boxes of Kleenex

1 box snack (monthly)

6 reams white photocopy paper per student

2 bottles of Elmer's school Glue

1 large roll paper towels

1 box Clorox wipes

A-L 1 box Gallon size zip lock baggies

M-Z 1 box sandwich size zip lock baggies

1 ruler with inches and centimeters

1 box of antibacterial wipes

$9 for weekly reader subscription and technology fee

$10 per child or $20 per family security fee

NO MARKERS OR COLORED PENCILS NEEDED

*1 box 24 crayola crayons (for art class)

NO ROLLING BACKPACKS, PLEASE

And most importantly.....a beautiful sweet little girl to go with all of that!

Damper Day

2008-08-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Emma starts school next Wednesday. Dylan is working on 2 more teeth. I haven't posted his latest and greatest pictures. I haven't posted Emma's birthday pics either. But really the damper is this...have you noticed its getting darker earlier?

Catch Phrase

2008-08-09T13:06:00.001-07:00

So I am sure you've all heard it. But now I'm using it. The other night while watching the TV I saw an add for an upcoming new show. I wasn't completely paying attention until I heard the girl say "I'm a trophy wife". I had to laugh and now I'm claiming it. So if I meet someone new and they ask. Or if I feel witty enough to actually place it in writing if the need ever arises. I am saying/writing "I'm a trophy wife". Yeah I have some dents and scratches. Often times food particles from a young child wiped on me. My shiny gleam reflecting more fingerprints then the on lookers image. I may be less of a trophy and more of an old tin can. Perhaps I prefer to be the tin can. I can imagine it has more uses then the trophy. I would prefer to give a drink to the thirsty. A home to a plant. Anything rather then just sit there and look pretty. Who am I kidding? Who wants to actually SAY I am a tin can. Nah, I'll stick with the trophy wife phrase.

And tonights kicker is...

2008-08-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

So Jim and I have had the fun poking at each other argument over the light in the hallway. What I am saying is, the light bulb in the hallway needs to be changed. Its been burnt out now for well over a month. I'll do something like go to turn on the light switch out of habit and of course nothing. So then I'll be obnoxious flicker the switch super fast and make a face at my husband and groan. To which he will reply. "well, get your stool and change it" (because I am so short and he apparently specially handpicked and purchased a nice stool which sits unused in my laundry room, that's a whole other issue). My argument on the other hand is mostly that he can just reach up and do it. That and the fear of a dead bug falling out on me from pulling off the cover is more than I want to deal with.

Anyway tonight Emma is heading down the small hallway to the bathroom turns around finds her dad and says something like "dad you need to change the light because it kinda makes me scared when its so dark"

And Jim's witty reply was "Emma I'm trying to teach you courage".
Really Jim... is that really whats going on here? hmmm...

The more you know

2008-07-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

S is for Snake. A prairie rattle snake is still a rattle snake even without its rattle. A prairie rattle snake is a poisonous rattle snake. Once someone (me) is told to come look at the snake husband found in the backyard, they (me) are not so likely to venture out there again. At least until its time to build snowmen. And even then my irrational brain will still tell me to be on the lookout.

recovery

2008-07-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

We arrived at 7:45 am. by 9:30 emma was wheeled through the double door, her tiny little self on a big bed wide awake and holding on to her precious "piggy". We were told we couldn't be with her when they put her under the anesthesia. That was about the only time I saw her look afraid. She did super well. I told you I sometimes under estimate her strength. And wow, did I ever. This little girl of mine has not shed a single tear over her eye surgery or pain. She has not complained to us once about it. The most she has said so far was in the middle of the night last night when daddy woke her to give her some medicine. She simple whispered "daddy they hurt". Of course they hurt, her eye has been cut into, a muscle cut and stitched back into place. Of course they hurt my sweet little girl, and I am so very sorry. The hardest part at this point in time is the thick goopy medicine that has to be applied 3x a day. That she'll cry over.

That I would cry over. Thank you all for your prayers. We have all felt them. We have all needed them.

Emma

2008-07-16T15:26:00.001-07:00

Okay enough of me and my vanity. In case I don't get on here in the next couple days just thought I'd share my week ahead and seek some prayer. We have a busy schedule planned the rest of this week. A FUN sort of busy. HOWEVER...Monday morning we take our sweet, sensitive child in at 7:45 am to be checked in for surgery. Surgery should start at or close to 8:45. That will last about 1 1/2 hrs. Then recovery for at least an hour or longer depending on how long it takes her to wake up from the anesthesia.

The details to the best of my understanding is this: Emma's eyes cross even with her glasses so surgery is needed to tighten the muscles on the inside of her eyes to help them face forward. Her eyes will still cross with the glasses on b/c of her vision. The surgery will help also with her depth perception since she really has none. And also to prevent future lazy eye should the glasses correct the vision crossing and she may eventually not need them. The incision is made in her eye on the inside white area. they take the muscle out completely then re-attach it tighter. Her eyes will be red, they will look like raw hamburger where the incision was made (that whole white area). They will be puffy. There are some "could happens" the scary ones such has loss of sight, eye, and a list of others. There is also the possibility of over correcting and under correcting, about 30% of the time one of those happens. If its over corrected they try to fix it by adjusting the glasses, if its under corrected they would do surgery again. Please pray none of this happens. If she cries (which I'm sure she will), her tears will be red with blood. When the puffiness goes down there will be bruising. They say she will recover quickly. They say she will be fine. They say mom will have a harder time then Emma will. They obviously don't know Emma's level of sensitivity. Of course I admit I can often under estimate her strength as well.

about 2 weeks ago

2008-07-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

I was pampered to a day at Aveda's X salon and spa. Oh yeah it was nice. I won't brag or go on about my 4 hrs spent there. But I'll show you my new hair, I have bangs. (haven't had them since high school when curling them straight up in the hair and keeping them that way with a bottle of hairspray was cool) Anyway, here I am bangs and highlights and all...Soft hightlights so you can't see them, unless you come visit me.

The end is found

2008-07-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I quickly realized that in my basement above my washer in dryer in a cabinet. Was behold...a true treasure. There it was, the answer to regain my sanity. A doorknob with a lock.

See I will share a weird quirk I have about me. I like to go into my back bedroom and sometimes just look through my stamps and scrap booking "stuff". Think about what I could do with it all if only I had just a little more time. So, I quickly grabbed myself a screwdriver and plunged into a task. Now, my kids know how to unlock these doors but at least it gives me about 5-8 minutes. Since it takes them at least that long to find something to unlock the door with. But during those long cherished minutes I can sit at my desk and look and try to ignore the insistent pounding at the door.

Oh, and Brennon is finally feeling better, hungry and putting back on some weight. And might I add that that doorknob has been on that door since the last post and Jim has yet to notice it!

Where's my end?

2008-07-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

were ending week one of sickness...and it looks like there's no end in sight. what does Brennon have? I'm not sure, they say its not strep. He's miserable...the rest of us are miserable. No library days, no park days, and the saddest of all...no swim day. And right now it seems like next week will be the same. Then the week after that Emma has eye surgery so yet another week or so of being homebound. Im posting this only so that if you don't hear from my by August, you'll know I've lost my insanity.

On Mcdonalds Farm...according to Addy

2008-07-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

MOM! No singa dat song

you don't want mommy to sing that song?

no, sing ol' mcdonads

Old McDonald had a farm EIEIO, and on that farm he had a...

um....um....chicken nuggets.

A Mothers Prayer

2008-06-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Dear God, thank you for plugged up sinuses. Thank you for knowing everything and always doing what is best for me. I was so frustrated that the medicine wasn't working and I couldn't breath or smell. But now I know that you were just taking care of me. As you always do. You know that I can't handle the smell of vomit. You knew that my 2 year old was going to throw up all over me. You knew I would have to deal with it all by myself. So thank you. Thank you for sinus pressure so I was able to clean up my little girl. And me. And the couch.

Tricksy he is

2008-06-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

"kids go get washed up for lunch"

"Wshhhhwshhhh"

"Brennon, seriously go wash your hands"

"WSHHHWSHHH"

"Brennon, with real soap and water not just making noises with your mouth"

"No, Brennon just getting your hands wet for 2 seconds is not washing your hands, I want SOAP, lots of SOAP especially since you've been playing with frogs, and REAL water"

The More You Know

2008-06-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

A nursing baby will refuse to nurse no matter how hungry they are if they have a leaf stuck to the roof of their mouth.

oh Brother!

2008-06-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

What?! I put it here in the hallway right outside the open door for safe keeping. I needed a quick shower. What happened?

oh I see now..apparently brennon thought dylan needed to be watching early morning cartoons with him. So I guess that's pretty cute. But I question... is that brotherly love, or child endangerment?