Happy Halloween

 #1 with her costume.  I am SO happy she was happy with it.  Even though it wasn't perfect by any means.

 #2 In her fairy outfit.  She decided she wanted her hair done like Fawn.  Well... you know how it goes.  =)

#3 in his Chicken Little outfit.  No hat with the red rooster stuff.  If you look close at his bum, you can see his rooster feathers on his outfit.  TOO CUTE!  Love him up!

All Hallows Eve

Want to know one of the best things about being LDS?  

   Having trunk or treat on a non-Sunday no matter what day Halloween falls on! 

Alas.... tonight will be a Tri-Ward Trunk or Treat for our little munchkins.  Since we have an awesome Activities Chair - You Rock TARA! - we will be having a little carnival for the children as well. All homemade of course.... lots of really fun games for the children to enjoy before packing it up and taking it outside for the children to make their rounds "Trunk or Treating".  Clue:  Some people will decorate the trunks of their cars in the parking lot and then have the children come by for candy.   Bottom Line:  No need to worry about the candy in that bag, it's all safe AND no one will be darting out across streets or getting lost, they are all in the parking lot! 

Tonight's line up, you ask?  

#1 - Tinkerbell - her outfit isn't perfect, but the best I could find since I am a HUGE procrastinator.  It will be dark green velvet, with lime-green wings.   Go figure.  

#2 - Fairy - she wasn't too particular about which fairy, so she will just be your average one tonight.  

#3 - Since I got all of the stuff from the thrift store.... YESTERDAY.... I found this really cute "Chicken Little" costume in little man's size.  Not really thinking I will figure out the head part.  

All of my children will be missing accessories to their ensembles and will look incomplete.   My opinion ?   OH WELL!   I vow every year once trunk or treat is over to make the cutest costumes ever.... and each year, I let it slip away from me.  Maybe we will try again for next year.  Any ideas?

Hard

There is a saying that says, "there is a time and a season for all things".  (not a direct quote... cut me some slack, I talk to children 5 and under day in and day out!)  Unfortunately, this "season" of my life seems to be one void of joy and happiness.  Every day that passes,  I am more certain that I was not cut out to be a mother....or any form of nurturer.  Shocking?!  I know, right!?  Honestly, I don't really think it is all that shocking.  Why? 

 *Most of my career as a "mother" I have gone it alone.  Yeah, sure, there was a paycheck coming in from the other side of the world.... but in the grand scheme of things... what I really needed was help.  The Lord blessed me in many ways with some amazing friends to help me along the journey of the "single parent".  But, the first sea tour in the military for us has left me severely damaged.

* I have an obsession with wanting a nice, respectable looking home.  I envy those with the talent of interior decorating.  I pretty much don't have a gift in that area.

* It is that obsession that drives me over the edge when I get to add another task to my housework list instead of maybe for once having some time to make something for the house.  We don't have much, but I am trying with what we do have.

* Laundry piles, that get chucked around in other bins (or closets) to be folded another day.  Ever wonder why we never have pressed shirts/pants?  Yeah... if I don't have time to fold, you can bet I haven't dusted off the iron in YEARS.

*  We own a dog that is not potty trained, and maimes herself if we stick her in a kennel - as well as pottying in the kennel creating HOURS of work to scrub and clean.  I can't own a nice rug - because she'll ruin it!

* I believe that I should be given the kind of children that behave as I did as a child, which according to my parents was great!  My childrens CONSTANT misbehavior is very bothersome.  Lots of time in their room. 

Is there hope for me?  I feel that I lack friends because I am the mother to the children with the leash, whining and running away in the store,  teach bad things to sweet - angelic children,  and who can never sit still when we go out to eat.  Will there ever be a season of "happiness"?   I am honestly buried in housework, punishments, dog doo, laundry,  depression, and extra weight.   Could really really use a vacation - to a place where there are no children.

FOUR

My #2 turned 4 today.  I can not believe it!  Definitely seems less than 4 years that I was in the hospital waiting to meet her, with my sweet husband desperately trying to reach me.  It was truly a blessing that he was able to figure out where I was and talk to me not quite 2 hours after I gave birth to her.  She is my blossom amidst adversity.  Being born on Friday the 13th,  her superstitious mother would think she has a hard life ahead of her.  I am amazed to see her rise above any trials thrown her way.  Not only does she have one of the greatest smiles, she has one of the purest hearts I have ever had the blessing of being around.  There are many more life lessons that I am sure she will teach me.  We are very grateful to have her in our family.  Happy Birthday!! 

Beauty and the Beast

Tuesday was the most recent debut for one of my all-time favorite Disney Classics.  For those of you who do not know, Disney has this awesome thing they do each time they release a new movie.  You simply visit their website and click on special promotions.  I am also a Disney Movie Club member, so I think that may help a little.  Anyway... I paid $13.99 for the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack of Beauty and the Beast.  Wanna know how I did it?  First, I went to BJ's.  They had $4 knocked off the regular price ($27.99) which put me at $23.99.  Then I used my $10 off the combo pack in addition for a grand total of $13.99.  That is an even better price than buying just the DVD!   Dork that I am, I just LOVE getting a deal, don't you?

Nook App

I realize I am VERY behind the times.  However, my husband and I have been eying the nook as of late.  Who knows?  Maybe he will even get it for Christmas...... right Santa?!  Anyway.... they have an app available for your pc so that you can enjoy having a book ready to read without it taking up valuable space in your home (and without having a nook..... yet).  Those military families out there know what I am talking about.  Anytime you move (which in the military is supposed to be VERY OFTEN yet in my case is HARDLY EVER) there is a weight limit.  Anything that goes above that comes out of your paycheck.   That is right, we have to pay for it.  I don't know about you, but I would rather spend that valuable weight on household items (beds, tables, kitchen ware, etc) than on books, and plenty of them.  I have had to try to find places to stash books to keep down on the amount of bookshelf space we need.  If all goes well, we may just have an extensive ebook library instead of taking up space (and weight) to correspond with our love of books.   Come to think of it... books seem to be my only friends these days.   Maybe it is because you ignore them when you aren't reading them, instead of them ignoring you.  Interesting.....

Ward Campout

We headed to the ward campout friday night.  Got there about dark, set up our tents (we got a small 2 man tent for the girls to sleep in - worked out beautifully) and visited with the others that attended.  Overall it was fun interesting, but boy did we realize what a mistake it was for the dog to come along.  My hubby really wanted to bring her... help her have outside time...blah blah.  Except she barked and woke up the baby, (yup...he was asleep already) and then continued to growl for about half an hour or so.  Baby slept with us for half the night and because my hubby just wanted to pack a long sleeve t-shirt (and no layers/pjs to keep him warm in the 50 some degrees it was that night...) he FROZE and kept trying to snuggle up to me.  Since I am a really awesome wife though, i had a change of underwear and shorts and multiple shirts for the next morning. Yeah, I realize I am complaining a little bit.  The campout experience this year (first year with my hubby) was kinda hard for me.  In more ways than what I wrote.  I have a lot of changing/growing to do I guess.   Oh yeah, sorry, no pictures to share.

Living the Doldrums

So, yet ANOTHER day to notch on the calendar as a rainy one.  Pretty much ALL last week was full of rain, to only give us a break for about 48 hours.  Honestly, if #1's school is closed for the THIRD school day in a row.... I think I am going to scream.   Oh yeah, did I mention that rainy day = dog not wanting to go out = "accidents" on the fake wood floor = mopping, AGAIN. 

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!

climate blues

I absolutely abhor hot weather. Honestly, I really really dislike it which is why my children have been out to the park (located in our backyard) maybe 10 times this summer. I do not want to sit out there in the heat and watch them play while I fume about all the things I would like to get done inside the house. When I actually get them out of the house and try to go do something "fun" we all end up grumbling about how hot and sweaty we are. Let me tell you, my little family, when hot and sweaty is REALLY not pleasant. Oh... and that also is with myself included. I have decided recently that since my back door pretty much overlooks the playground in entirety, I would very much enjoy staying inside and doing the cleaning, while my children make a tornado welcome at the playground. I know that I suffer their cleanliness, but... a tub every night in exchange for the opportunity to clean some house? DONE! I love the fall and winter months much more than those pesky hot summer days where the bees hover over you if you even smell remotely of a bouquet.

My dream place to settle (if I ever attain the dream) would be somewhere where it is either 65-75 degrees everyday of the year with maybe 60 days of rain each year. That is at least a good rain per week. Either that or the summers range from 65-75 degrees with fairly mild winters that see enough snow for a couple snow days and to make a snow fort and snowman. That would be the life. Oh and I must mention the near to zilch population of flying bugs. I do not like sharing the outdoors with them.

I LOVE Christmas, and it can't come without snow. There have been far too many green Christmas' down here. I am ready to see some white come Christmas morning! Most of my favorite things are those that happen during fall and winter. There is hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, roasty fireplaces, snuggling on the couch with a warm blanket and awesome book, cozy socks, warm pjs, and jeans. I really miss that about my slightly "yankee" upbringing. I love having seasons that actually feel like the seasons should! Bring on the fall weather and let's have it stay!

Got good books?

I am in dire need of some FABULOUS childrens books that would keep the attention and feed the imagination of children 5 and under. My brain works HORRIBLY when it comes to remembering authors and book titles, most times our trip to the library consists of me browsing through the books and trying to pick ones that "look" entertaining. Having three small children does not allow for much time to actually READ the books before checking them out. Most trips include a short play time (while I pick out books), checking out, and dragging everyone home. This of course cuts down on the time they have to fight with other children (or for other children to try to fight with them). When they get a little older...... *dream*