yucky day

Today it is raining.  Yucky rain. I know that it keeps plants growing and all that jazz, but really!?? I do not like those rainy days, I do not like them Sam I am. Apparently, this is supposed to go on for most of the week. Ugh. Although all of this was supposed to start Saturday night and it didn't until yesterday afternoon. Maybe there will be a few days without so much "wet". Here's to hoping. Really trying to find the motivation to get up and start cleaning - instead of wanting to read a book blog.

New Book (series)

I have finally decided to give in and read the Hunger Games series. Honestly I am a bit apprehensive about it and probably still will be as I hit page 100. I was finally able to finish the other book I was reading to make way for this series. I am grateful that I have some friends with the books to lend out! I will review it once I am finished with the series for any of you who are still holding out.

FINALLY FINISHED THE SERIES!  You'll just have to read 'em.

New Project

I have put my nose in another project (of course) and am really hoping to finish it before the rain arrives this weekend. Today I will have to do a little sanding (only a little) and a LOT of painting. I am trying to flip an old dresser and paint it/re-hardware it and get it ready for my girls room. After it is done drying and we put it in the girls room we are going to stamp/stencil butterflies and flowers all over it and then run with that idea for the rest of their room. I think that theme can stick for a few years at least. I plan on doing so much! hmmm..... all the tasks I seem to take on. What am I thinking?

Thoroughly Enjoying Julia

I realized that the previous post didn't shed light on the fact that I can actually enjoy my time with my middle child. I am here to state that indeed I CAN and DO enjoy my time with her. The other day we sat down and played food (she occasionally calls it "tea") and then had a quick game of hide and seek. I have really enjoyed having the time to do simple things with her. Most of the time she is playing on her own or I am busy doing house work. I am just so happy that I decided to take the time to be with her. When she plays food ("tea") she doesn't spend anytime eating, but rather tells you what to eat. Always concerned with her guests I suppose. When she plays hide-n-seek, she will hide and as you get near to her hiding spot and ask, "hmmm.... I wonder where my Julia could be!?" She'll pop out and show you!! No surprises there. Thank you Julia for showing me what life is about, love you!

Hurricane Julia

Some of you are aware of the Hurricane by this name that lives in my house. Others of you may not be aware of the Hurricane by the SAME name in the Atlantic right now. It is an answer to our prayers that it shouldn't be found hitting the US coast at any time in its future. Especially since we already have one IN the US. I am sure she could give the real Hurricane a run for its money.

Doggone Mess!

I have a confession.... I am a VERY MESSY baker. I really enjoy baking, yet I can't seem to keep things clean as I spin my way around the kitchen. Today I was throwing together a double batch of chocolate chocolate chip cookies (a favorite of Jeremiah's coworkers) and in the process, an item fell from above the microwave, tipped my bowl of flour and cocoa powder and most of the cocoa landed on the CLEAN DOG. Lately, Keela will lay down on the rugs in front of the refrigerator or the oven. She had had a bath not 30 minutes earlier and was now covered in powdered chocolate! Poor thing had to be hosed off AGAIN and dried and then I had to proceed to clean up the kitchen, living room rug (which she promptly ran to and shook off on as soon as the accident happened) and the floor between the two. Today was most definitely a doggone day in baking.

Best part was.... I laughed the whole time! There IS hope for my sanity.

Newest Project

Betcha didn't know my hubby was good with some woodworking tools, huh? NEITHER DID I!! I found some really great ideas and plans at Ana White's Knock-off Wood. There are plans here for people of every skill level. I think I might go outside, get me some power tools and try my hand at making something too. We left out the wheels and I still need to add a protective clear coat as well, but the girls are LOVING it. I told them they don't have to play on the floor anymore, and so that is what they tell others about their new table (naturally)! We decided on the red, not quite sure why.... just for some fun maybe in a completely white walled house (that I may have to remedy later).

Bubby's 1st Birthday!

Little man @ the hospital after his birth
Bubby (little man) had his first birthday on the 10th. Some very good friends invited us over to have a double celebration. Their daughter (a Beehive in our ward Young Women program)shares a birthday with Hunter. She turned 14. They were kind enough to make him a birthday cake which he REALLY loved. You may notice in the photos that half of the cake is missing, we finally cut off half so he could dig in a little better. LOVE how the pictures came out. The diaper the next day was tons of fun.


Little man on his big day

-Little man has been such a tremendous blessing in our lives this past year. I can attest that he has brought me lots of joy the past 12 months. It is wonderful to see a personality forming in him. He likes to laugh and play. Now that he knows how to get around, he doesn't enjoy being held very much - but would rather crawl around on the floor and get into trouble. We generally throw him in his walker to help exercise those muscles, sometimes he gets upset. His mother appreciates it though so her somewhat clean house can mostly stay that way. HOORAY buddy, you are ONE!!!



Bubby and the birthday girl - Courtney

First day of Kindergarten

My darling #1 had her first day of Kindergarten today. When I dropped her off this morning, I walked down the hall with my hand outstretched so she could hold it and she kept ignoring it. Silly me! I should have remembered that she was a big girl and didn't need to be seen with her mother holding her hand on the way to Kindergarten. When it was time for me to go - she came over, gave me a hug and "high five on both hands". I pick her up in a few minutes and we'll see how her first day was! Then on to MY homework - the never ending pile of paperwork!

Last Shot at Summer Fun

Yesterday was the last day of "summer" for us. We decided that we would end the summer with a bang. Off we went to Busch Gardens for a day of "hopeful" fun. The last time we took the kids to Busch we were sadly disappointed with children who did not want to ride anything due to fear. This time around was much different. I was so relieved and I think that a season pass may be in our future. #2 took a trip on the tea cups with a bunch of total strangers and had a blast while all of the other kids yelled her name and waved. #2 also loved the roller coaster while #1 looks around as though she isn't sure if she should smile or grimace. In the Sesame Street area of the park, we saw Grover, Zoe, and Abby. Of course they needed to be hugged before moving on.

Overall, we had a really great time and I was happy we could be together as a family. Hooray!