Weapons Grade Moose Drool

Planets

2011-03-23T06:00:00.001-06:00

Aren't these great. They provide so many question. I wish I was better at my history. See I was not a very good student of school. I was/am a great student of life.

Any ways, back to these GLOW in THE DarK planets. They are so much fun. I at first hung them with tape. Only held a couple hours. Than I got the 3m adhesive out form Xmas. It has provided minutes of enjoyment.

Why Why

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

ISO 4000, F 2.8, 1/40
6:50am
I wish had the cure all for this problem./ Why my children get up so stricken early.

Good Morning

2011-02-23T07:00:00.001-07:00

This is how I was greeted.

You have to love the imagination that happens early on. It was before 7am and he had the idea that he was a ninja buzz ligthyear batman thing.......

happy happy day to you all

make a movie

2011-02-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

Cabin in the WINTER

2011-01-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Knees

2011-01-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Iso 2000, f5.0, 1/125

This is how some of my weekend was spent.
I swear my boys can go threw a pair a jeans in weeks. I feel like I patch more knees in jeans than in anything. Or maybe I am too cheap to buy new ones. Poor Bear has only 1-2 pair of pants that do not have knee patches on them. And Shag is getting to be the same way. Heck even my oldest is starting to have a couple of pair of pants with patches in them. I keep telling myself I will spend more money on theier clothes when they do not ruin them in weeks.

Cake Pops

2011-01-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

Cake Pops are dessert on stick. Not only do some people make them so darn cute, they taste really good too. I have admired Bakerella's talent for awhile. She makes all kind of goodies, but I love her designs on all of her cake pops. She is really talented. I have followed her blog before she was making the book, or should I say before she published her book. Since I have liked looking at her site, of course I wanted her book for Christmas.

So this my first attempt

Iso 1600, f3.2, 1/50

not all of them would stay on the stick

Iso 1000 f3.2, 1/60

And the chocolate did not melt like I had wanted.

Iso 1000 f2.8, 1/60

These are not the prettiest. But they tasted good. I brought them to a party and they went over pretty well. I would like to make some that turn out and are kind of cute looking. Practice I suppose.

Soap Box Derby

2011-01-18T06:00:00.002-07:00

I am so long over due in posting these pictures. This was defiantly one of my highlights of the summer. The dad's of the our cul-de-sac decided to have a soap box derby race. All the dad's and the kids had to make the car. No specific rules- just build together. Oh our team was over the moon. We were not the first one's done by any measure or the last. I went to the local ReSource yard and looked for wood and wheels. I found a some wagon wheels (2.00$) of some sort and an old staircase part (free......oh oh oh). I told my parents what we were doing and my mom thought she had some really old soap box wheels. Well she did. One rusted out pair and a really GOOD pair. So my guys started to build.

Be warned for picture overload....................

You gotta love the look on there faces. We had NO idea that the car would go that fast. Can you see NO helmets- what cRaZy bad parents we were- but seriously we thought it would barely go. Plus there is NO brakes for them to stop that car at this point. Well I don't think we put any on, now that I think of it.

This picture cracks me up every time I see it.

Ready for RACE DAY----- 4th of July afternoon
(not to self- have race on a non busy weekend- I co-hosted a community/subdivision party that morning and was a part of the BIG cul-de-sac/neighborhood party that evening)

4 teams Who know how many children......................

I felt like I missed them go by I was laughing and smiling so hard

AND THE WINNER IS......................

My guys......... yah yah yah oh yah................

The dad's of course had their turn.

We already have plans for next year. We are thinking of opening it up to more neighbors and maybe having different age groups? The possibilities are endless. Even if it is just our cul-de-sac in the race, we will all have just as much FUN

Let is SNOW

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'd been telling myself for weeks that is was gonna snow, so I should get all the boots out of the closet and figure out what fit who. Well it snowed and I never went through the boots. I consider myself lucky that it so happen to be a weekend and we had NO plans. Well 16 boots in a pile and only 2- maybe 3 fit. I think it is so hard to tell if kids shoes really fit. Than they fight with you because they want to wear a pair that clearly does not fit. 3 pair that fit ok. Than time for the 10 pounds of gear to put on before they go out. I am thankful that my oldest can FINALLY put all of his stuff on and GO. He just needed help finding all of it.

But the two other kids.... Oh boy put on my patience hat, than go find more patience and finally give up and realize I did my best. I needed to go outside because I let the 3yo out. My 6yo had to figure the rest out.

Can you see it on his face how sad he is.

A little distraction and it seems to be ok. I really did not get all that much help actually shoveling the drive way. But someday (for a short period of time- years) I won't have to go out and shovel. I will ask my children to do it for me.

where to my middle child go............

he does not like to be cold- but still wants to be involved.

Beignets

2011-01-07T06:00:00.001-07:00

In November my hubby and I went to New Orleans. He had business and I had well pleasure. I spent my days wandering, eating, wandering and relaxing. After he got done with his stuff we would head out for the evening. So much great food. One place I loved was Cafe de Monde. How could you not love beignets. So I brought a box home to make for my kids. The smell of burning oil turned most of them off, but my middle son (sweet tooth) loved them. They of course did not turn out like the New Orleans beignets, but still it was the idea. The trip was refreshing. Much needed. I am glad that the in-laws were willing to watch my monsters for 5 straight days. Thank you...

T-Pee

2011-01-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

These T-pees crack me up. The boys go through phases where they play with them all the time. Than we don't see them for a long time. My grandmother, so their great grandmother got them for them. She saw them at a craft fair years ago. Than contacted her a year after to got them. They are great. In the winter they are set up all over the house. Today in my room.

me 1/52

2011-01-02T21:16:00.005-07:00

I joined a flickr group 52 weeks of me (you)
I missed that everyone else was doing a traditional pose. But this is how I spend a lot of time. Insomnia for me is a way of life. I am either a heavy sleeper or I am up ALL night. Lucky me I know. My mother also has insomnia, so I think it may be a family thing. I spend most of time on the internet in the middle of the night. I am afraid that if I sew, turn on the TV or many lights that I will keep other people up in my house. So this me, and how I see myself.

Iso 1600, F2.8, 1/6 at 1:30am

Happy Holidays

2010-12-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Holidays.

2010-12-27T20:45:00.003-07:00

Christmas is over and they are finally getting out the their Xmas PJ's. I have loved having family here for days and hosting many meals. It warms my heart to be surrounded by our family. I love all the cooking and ciaos.

Iso 1000, F3.5, 1/100

ISo 1000, f/7.1, 1/320

Trying to find our way through mounds of TOYS. Which we love. We have spent days filled with play with no schedule to tend to.These jammies have made it through two seasons. I LOVE LOVE them. They are Hanna Anderson. Soft and comfy. By far the best I have ever bought. I even bought Halloween ones. If you knew me, you know I do not pay full price on Brand Name clothes but these are MY splurge for them.

drawing

2010-12-03T10:16:00.002-07:00

ISo 325 50mm f 6.3, 1/50

These days this how we spend some of our free time. They all like to draw. We encourage it and praise them for their creativity.

XMAS

2010-11-29T07:50:00.002-07:00

I have started thinking about Xmas cards. I think that Superhero's is must. But the saying is what is tripping me up this year.

2010-11-08T05:59:00.002-07:00

A flyer was put in our door for the two neighborhood girls to rake the leaves and make 5$ per yard.

That gave these three the idea to offer it at a lower cost. Than to take it one step father, they knocked on doors and with their cute little faces told the home owner only 3$ for your front yard.

They ended up doing about 4 houses and by the end, you could tell it did not matter about the money. My boys where having so much fun. Moose actually ran by me and threw his dollar at me to take home and I commented that it might be mine now and he said "ok mom".

happy monday..........................

Change is GOOD

2010-11-04T06:00:00.002-06:00

I have been wanting to do this FOREVER and finally did.
I needed help, this was a BIG project. Recently (at least a year ago) my mother-in-law painted her kitchen cabinets. I knew I could do it with a little help. We knocked them out in about a week. Thank goodness, if I would of had to do them myself it would have taken me a month or more and it would of been torture on my family.

Started in the garage so I would not disrupt the house, but the cold weather forced us to reset up in the living room.

They are brighter and better than I could have imagined. I love them. Still tryingt o decorate, but loving the new cream cabinets. Now when do you think I can get new floors. If I am anything like my mother there is always a project in the wings.

And yes the S did turn into a 5. It's a number I have come to love.

Weekend FUN

2010-11-01T20:42:00.002-06:00

We have dressed up for years so it was fun to. We were honorable mention at one of the parties and won a 3lb Summer Sausage. I really like summer sausage but I am gonna need help eating this one.

We had two Adult Parties to go to. And I made these... a little on the sweet side.

Commander and I are thankful for both of our parents who watched our kids so we could go out and celebrate.
We ended the weekend with this

Every year we trick or treat with the whole neighborhood. In the picture we are minus 3 of the older girls. So each house we go to 10 kids land at the door yelling "trick or treat". Two of mine went home after a short bit of hitting houses.

Today we are a wreck. Coughs, low grade fevers, and general whinning. And just plain tired..........
Tomorrow is new a day right

2010-10-11T20:48:00.001-06:00

Not bad for a 3yo taking the picture.

I wish our days could be filled with

And I really miss heading to the pool

Go Kart Race

2010-10-01T08:21:00.000-06:00

Do all kids beg to play video games at restaurants, have candy or a toy at every store and want to do every activity at all places they go. Like most people we give in once in a while. So this day, Commander and I were doing a little batting practice before our Sunday night Softball game. They have go Karts at this place. So we indulged the boys in them. It was fun that ALL THREE got to participate at the same time. Driving was a little hairy cary for all them. Shag gave up about a lap into int. The kid running the karts was nice enough to continue driving for him. I think they are all really enjoyed it. We should probably do more of that stuff more often.

Movie in the cul-de-sac

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

We put our kids to bed one night and I heard these strange noises coming from neighborhood it was about 830pm. I peek outside to see.

Cool Huh. The neighbor is testing out his outdoor theatre. I am amzed at how good the picture is.

Another night , we put the kids in bed 8pm or so. I sit down and finally check my email. It’s a neighborhood email about a movie showing in our cul-de-dac tonight. Bummer the boys are already in bed.
A minute later. We get a text.

A:Are you coming out? The movie starts in 5 minutes.
Us: No the kids are in bed
A: really it starts in 2 minutes, bummer it’s Toy Story 2, u can have a beer
Us: maybe another night.

5 minutes later we joined the group. Such a great experience to pluck your kids out of bed for. It was a good time. The kids were in front of the screen in one drive way. The adults were across the cul-de-sac in another. What a fun summer memory.

2010-09-13T08:17:00.000-06:00

Yum-o as Rachel Ray would say. Commander suggested I try this deli, because he knows how much I love deli sandwiches. Currently my oldest and I share a Wise Guy at Spicy Pickle. (Which we love) Now we have found a new one to share as well. The Itialain at Snarf’s is just as good. I love that my oldest has a great flair to try new foods. He likes to eat and will pretty much try anything. As long as one of his buddies is not there to tell him how gross it might or might not be. Moose can eat more than me by far. Sometimes at dinner he has about 3 servings. He is a skinny guy that is literally still running around from the time he is awake. At some point we will need to teach him portion control so that he does not struggle later in life. Commander and I love food. I am sure we hope that all 3 will have an appreciation for it. Well maybe when they are able to buy their own food. The thought of three teenage boys in the house eating at once scares me. We will be solely shopping at BIG BOX stores probably once than once a week to feed them. If I have it correctly we’ll have an 18 yo, a 17 yo, and a 14 yo for 3 squares a day. Instead of saving for college maybe I should save for a food fund.

Now that was a GOOD sandwich.........................

“I’m Indy Jones”

2010-09-10T08:13:00.000-06:00

You have to love the imagination of the 3 year old. He is Indy Jones, with the hat, satchel, coat and gun one day. Sandlot baseball guy, then Wolverine the next day. Whenever he is doing something that is naughty he is usually a character, not himself.

I thought that I would share this last one, because it is cute to me. He stopped napping. I have made my peace, but some days he sneaks one in.

Chess

2010-09-06T08:10:00.000-06:00

Chess is game I remember very little about. I know there are pieces that move a certain way and there is strategy. To see all the neighborhood boys out playing chess was a little odd. I associate this game with mature adults. Not rowdy neighborhood kids. None the less they were quiet for most of an afternoon doing tournament style chess with each other. Now I have not seen them play it since, but it was a quiet afternoon in the neighborhood.

Build to Grow

2010-09-03T07:54:00.001-06:00

Lowe’s has a great kids program called Build to Grow. It is really awesome for kids. They provide the space, tools, material and instructions. The staff is friendly and willing to help. We have done a couple of the projects this summer. I think we literally stumbled upon this program the first time over Memorial Day weekend. We went in for something else and saw this going on. Our kids were immediately excited. It was neat to see the independence and concentration among them. You’re suppose to register for the day and location for the program. At one location there were only 12 kids, another had at least 50 kids. That one was fun to hear all the hammering at the same time, along the LONG isle of Lowe’s. This will something that we defiantly come back to.

Check out a class in your area at Lowe's

Mars needs more MOMs

2010-08-31T07:52:00.003-06:00

Everything about books is cool to me; the smells, the feel, the rollercoaster of liking or not liking a story. So the boys and I go to the library pretty frequently. I am trying to foster this same love of books. Currently my kids are not patience enough to look through the shelves to find the books that may peak their interest. They go through more in a SMASH AND GRAB way, not sitting and lingering on covers of pages to see if there is a spark. Our typical run through is to hit the major sections of superheros, military and bugs. Than I normally have a stack of children’s book ‘s I have already reserved. I reserve them based on recommendations by other mom’s, amazon searching of books.

One search I found this book. Mars needs more moms by Berkeley Breathed. The story is the beautiful imagination of a toddler whose looking for his mom on Mars. Great story but better illustration. By far my current favorite…………… It is vivid, lively and loveable. The colors just pop. I was in awe almost every time I have read th
is story. It ranks higher than the David series by David Shannon.

This is our book recommendation.

So what books would you recommend that we go check out?

playing catch up

2010-08-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

It seems that small details need to be finished and it is hard to find the time when the pool and summer fun calls us to come play.

Quite Day for lego Building

2010-07-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

It was rainy and cool out, so we needed to find something to do. It just so happen that all the neighbor kids came calling each other at around the same time due to boredom. Yes I think I might be the crazy mom who invites ALL the kids into my home at once for a play date. All nine kids (not sure what the 4 siblings not pictured here were doing) were content on me bringing out the legos. Dumping all of them on the floor and asking them to build something. Music was playing in the background and it was fun to listen to some of the kids sing along. They just talked to each other and the pleasantness lasted for a surprisingly long time. Maybe 60 minutes- wasn't counting but it felt like forever, I folded about three loads of laundry. Anyways, all good things come to an end with some sibling dispute (luckily it was not ours this day).

Cabin

2010-07-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

This year my parents bought a Cabin in the mountains. It's fun to drive about an hour away from home and just be. They have been doing a TON of work to fix it up and make it slightly more modern. Nothing too fancy just updated. My boys enjoy going so much, that one evening this summer when they were headed to bed (later than usual I might add) they begged to go to the cabin. After a small debate on the how late it was.
9:00pm we loaded in the van and went.
Two of them fell asleep on the way and I was thankful for my middle child staying awake and talking to me the whole way.

My Publisher Book

2010-07-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

I use to scrap book and would still like to do it, but it takes me so long to set and than create. There are so many photos to choose from that can take me twice as long to narrow it down. Printing is a pain in the booty. My printer is a Canon, which I thought to be very good, but after a couple of years the photo fades and is not so lovely anymore. So I saw these out on the intrawebs, and loved them. My Publisher is one of many photo albums company's you can buy from now days. It was easy to load and set up. I do miss the scrapbook creation, but I am really into this right now.

Target Practice

2010-07-20T02:08:00.003-06:00

They were so into target practice for a better part of a morning. Rearranging furniture, changing length of shot and their own positions.

Swagger Video

2010-05-30T07:01:00.001-06:00

I have this van and well it is s total mom ride. This video made me laugh and has such a catchy tune.

sUmMer BegInS

2010-05-28T07:58:00.002-06:00

Jello Shots while filling up almost 200 water balloons
3pm pick the kids at bus stop
4pm Picture while PARENTs plan water gun AtTaCk!!!
Water balloon and gun fight till dusk (water balloons only last for 5 minutes)
Beverages flowing all afternoon.
This summer should be fun...

SIX EYES

2010-05-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Look Ma "I have SIX EYES......"
I laughed and laughed.

I have called him four eyes for a while.
Maybe not the best mom move but
I never want another kid saying that to him,
and it hurting his feelings. I hope that I am
toughing him up and NOT hurting his feelings

Just a Day

2010-05-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

Who took a bite out of the deodorant

2010-05-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

This might not be something you have ever said before.
But this was I heard Commander yelling to the boys.
"Who took a BITE out of the deodorant?"

Of course NO ONE fessed up. Each other blaming the other. Did they all try it?
Who knows, and I am sure that we will never know. Maybe I don't really want to know.

We miss YOU...

2010-05-11T21:20:00.001-06:00

Away on business.

We miss you so MUCH...

Now we need to teach him

2010-05-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Shaggy loves his orange bike. He is fast and can easily get around. His balance is awesome
We assumed that his transition to a normal bike would be a piece of cake.

A few same details are in the way.
he does not know how to PEDAL
he forgets to steer

lipstick???

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

IS that my LIPSTICK?

"yah, doesn't it look gooood?"

He learned

2010-04-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oh the joys of teaching a child how to ride a bike. It has never been an easy task for our family. So far, two of the three boys have yelled, cried and moaned over the process. Than just one day it clicks. Commander had the idea that maybe Bear was feeling to much peer pressure to ride in front of the 10+ neighborhood kids that are always out. So we took him to a near by parking lot. He did it!!!!! And now it's no big deal.

Bike to School Day

2010-04-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

It was bike to school Day. Moose was so excited up at 6am to make sure not to not miss any of the fun. Bear is still learning, so I will drive him and the cupcakes to school. Looks like fun, maybe in a couple of years I will be able to ride with them.

They were all out "practicing"

Off all the neighbors went.....

We saw them as we were driving to school

Now how to get the bike home. I have an appointment that I have to pick him up from school.

Should of been............

2010-04-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

While the house was a wreck and lots needed to be done.

The boys and I were doing...

ReSource Yard looking at odds and ends

Coloring

Maybe tommorrow

Change

2010-04-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

Trying to encourage good behavior and weeding out the BAD.

Potica

2010-04-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

Potica

Have you heard of this little recipe.

heaven, but for years i did not eat it. I was married into this family for about 8 years before I tried it. Why did I wait so long. Crazy I suppose.

Now it is gone before you know it. I thought that it was about time that Gram come and show me how to make this. Patience is the key. I have not tried the recipe by myself yet. But I need to learn. All of boys are crazy for it.

Photo bag and Contest

2010-03-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

Commander got me this amazing bag.

Epiphanie Bags

It was hard for me decide which one and now I want another one to hold the rest of my gear. I got Ginger (the brown one), and now want the Belle (the teal one). Do think he'll buy me another????

Anyways, Maile Wilson with Relish Portrait Studio in Texas is amazing. She runs a successful photography business, started the Epiphanie Bag Company this past year, and is a frequent contributor to Shutter Sisters. You should hop over to the bag website and enter to win her contest. It's awesome.

Also I saw on DesignAglow they are a fabulous give away.

HaPPy

2010-03-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

I LOVE these........

They make me HaPPy..........

eBay for 60.00$

2010-03-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that this is sold on eBay for 60.00$

A friend of mine was carrying one of these around all summer. So I searched high and low. On the intrawebs, they are a zillion dollars. But than the day came, she emailed and said the winter ones were in. I ran as fast as I could. And I did not pay a zillion dollars for it. I rarely go to a coffee shop any more, but this I had to have.
This makes me Happy

it is STILL here

2010-03-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Snow is still here. You will notice that one of mine is missing in this picture. He gets cold like me, so he never last very long.

Friday Night Fun

2010-03-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Friday Night Fun

The boys just Love this. They have there own weapon and Commander attacks them all at once. The laughter is fun to hear. I rarely take part. Its better to help the boys attack him.

Franchise

2010-03-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have thought about trying to own one of the franchises, but than I realized I would eat out my own profit. Especially with three growing boys and a husband. There is not one really near me, and that might be a good thing. But I find ways to run errands near one whenever possible.

On this day, Commander took me there when I was feeling overwhelmed and it changed my day.

Green Eyes

2010-03-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

He tells me all the time that we have the" same green eyes, but I do not have a penis". I just laugh, honest and true. I am glad one of my boys has one of my features. Bear has Commanders deep chocolate eyes, and Moose has cool blue eyes. With his sandy blonde hair he looks like the mail man's kid. But he sure is cute.

little laugh as I walk by

2010-03-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is how Commander pulled them off of him and hung them up to dry.

Every time I walked by I laughed.

Home Improvements

2010-03-01T06:00:00.002-07:00

It's been awhile since we have been there. But doesn't it seem that once you start, you keep going back every day for something on that list.

I am restless in our home currently and wanted change. So I put up rope lights above the kitchen cabinets. I like the look, but now I want some under the cabinets. The lights were easy to put up, but kind of expensive.

Now I just need to change those pictures of vegetables to something else. Any suggestions?

Bath

2010-02-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

They don't fit all together any more.
They are growing so fast

Googles

2010-02-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

I found this from the holiday season and LOVED it

This is the neighbor boy

Silhouette Part 2

2010-02-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Taking after one of his older brothers who has a serious candy addiction

LAzY Sunday

2010-02-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

What is it about Happy Meals?
Some drug that is pumped into the air
Something in the food that make them crave it
Why do they beg for it, every time we are near one?

Silhouette

2010-02-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

Practicing making Silhouettes

Air Hog 360

2010-02-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

He has been wanting this for SOOOO long...
Finally Xmas came and he got it.

How do they know how to work these controllers so quickly

It flew and there was excitement in the air

3

2010-02-15T03:18:00.001-07:00

Time goes by too quickly

Be My Valentine

2010-02-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Alone with Indiana Jones

2010-02-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

We won't have these quiet moments in morning alone for long.
With the school year almost half way over and him starting
preschool next year I will miss my time with him.

Happy Birthday

2010-02-06T06:51:00.001-07:00

5:45am
That's when you woke up this am.
Your first whisper of your birthday was at 5:46am
than back to bed- but how do you sleep with such excitement...

6:38am the whole family is UP
Wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

..........

2010-02-04T12:22:00.002-07:00

it's cold out
when will summer come

Boring Old Day

2010-01-28T15:31:00.003-07:00

Today was catching up on a pile of sewing. Eight pants with holes in the knees, a dress hem, hat reconstructed, 1 of 3 capes refastened, and 3 number shirts.

This guys has been sick.

You know something is up when your 2yo who does not sit still, falls asleep next to you while you sew. Poor Guy........

Next up homemade stromboli. My mother-in-law's recipe. I remember hers is good, hopefully mine will turn out.

Our Evening

2010-01-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

We started out the 3 hour cooking adventure like this

Then we finished it like this

We let things digest by doing this

And ended our evening with this

Happy Birthday Commander................
We LOVE you

..........

2010-01-20T16:01:00.002-07:00

It's been so cold. We hardly ever go out anymore. A glimpse of sunshine and he made his way out.

Happy Belated Belated Belated Birthday

2010-01-17T20:57:00.002-07:00

Yummy dinner and than they brought out the SADDLE
Like the great sport she is, she hopped on and let us
sing Happy Birthday and Ye-Haw to her.

I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law.
My only problem is that they live 2 1/2 hours away.
Wonder how we can get them to sell their newly bought
home to move closer to us????? Don't think it's going
to happen, but I can ponder.

We love you Gram........

Shaggy get back in BED !!!!!

2010-01-10T21:01:00.001-07:00

It's late he should be in bed.
But this is how he greets us.
Too cute to really be mad at.

Slippers

2010-01-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's to Good Neighbor's

2010-01-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have really good neighbors. I have enjoyed really getting to know them all these past couple of years. It feels like a community raising kids. In the summers we spend many evening out in the cul-de-sac together, so in the winter it sometimes feels like we don't talk that much. It was fun to celebrate New Year's Eve and than walk two doors down. It can be over whelming with all the kids in one house, but it fun.

12:10 am

2010-01-01T10:57:00.002-07:00

We started out the evening really good.
Dinner with Grandma S, Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and my Parents
Invaded the neighbors house to celebrate with all of my family
Sad to see them leave TOOOOO early in the eveing (but I know they left at 5am this morning)
We lasted until 12:10. Those last 20 minutes were rough.
Kids were glassy eyed.

My 7 yo is handling the camera pretty well.
Especially for 12:15am.

I think the kids did not get the memo to sleep in after being up so late.
7:05am- "MOMMMMMEEEE, can I sleep with you"
7:12am- next child, "Ma can we go play the Wii"

Happy New Year
Looking forward to the many good things this year will bring

Wrappers

2009-12-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

Instead of cleaning the house, finishing Xmas Shopping, making food of the week, or a million other small things.
I cleaned out every TOY in our house. Getting ready for the new invasion of toys this week. Not only did I clean the toys, I checked all clothing sizes and reorganized all clothes storage. Too small one bin, right size drawer, and next size up different bin. Than a healthy consignment pile and donate pile. It felt good but I was exhausted.
It didn't stop there. After the kids were in bed I went to the toy storage. We rotate out toys, so they don't get tired of all there toys. Wish I could see how other people kept toys in their kids room or somewhere else. I need new ideas. In the toy storage I jsut made sure all toys were grouped in with each other and have an idea of what new bins I will need based on Christmas lists.

One of boys is a sneak. This is the second time I have found food in his room. I worry, why is hiding food, AND when is he getting it. He must be stealth during quiet time, or is he planning it and putting it in pockets before going up stairs. Are bad food habits getting started????
Anyways is was a surprise to find the wrapper stash while bad cleaning this weekend.

We all Wii

2009-12-28T22:10:00.002-07:00

Almost everyone I know got a Wii this year.
It has consumed us.
It is fun.
I think it is crazy that a 2 1/2 yo has fun on Mario cCart going the wrong way.
Commander came home early and played Wii minutes upon arrival.

Merry Chirstmas Take 2

2009-12-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Black and White version is nice, but less festive....

Happy Holiday's

2009-12-20T07:14:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas Take 1

2009-12-16T20:38:00.003-07:00

How do you think they get child models just set and look sweet for a photographer? Do you think that they are bribed and with what? Really how were they trained. Maybe they don't ever photograph with their siblings. Maybe the photographer has someone else assisting, place the child, think of details in the shoot, do the lighting. Someday I will have a trained and paid assistant to do all this for me. Than my unpaid helpless husband can get back to his life.

Necklace

2009-11-01T13:46:00.001-07:00

I saw this somewhere on the intrawebs.....
So I decided to make one.

Not the best picture, but love the way it turned out.
Notice there is room for more

Great Way to Start the Day

2009-10-27T08:16:00.002-06:00

SOOC

It was vibrant, striking and ohhhing. My 2yo was the one that pointed it out to the rest of us.
What could be better than your starting your day with this view out your back window and a peppermint mocha coffee (thanks commander for picking up my favorite coffeemate)

Now off to clean up the house for book club tonight.

How we spend our free Time

2009-10-25T08:42:00.000-06:00

This is how we spend all of our time lately
For a awhile we only had Wednesday and Sunday
But one practice dropped so now we only spend
4 days a week with FOOTBALL

This is what our future holds.

Walking to the Bus

2009-10-22T15:15:00.001-06:00

Some days walking to the BUS is slow and painful to drag everyone there.

And this is what they do when they walk~ I mean RUN home.

Contest Wordsmith

2009-10-21T08:53:00.002-06:00

I have been eyeing these products for awhile.
Wish me luck
But enter too

Here the website:
http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/10/21/winguides/

Besides MCP is an awesome site

Pediatricians Bear

2009-09-25T06:59:00.000-06:00

At the pediatricians office there sits this over stuffed Bear. It is a greeting to all the children who come for a visit. Well I have a personal beef with stuffed animals. I think they are gross, yucky and full of bahhhh. Don't get me wrong I did have a stuffed bear growing up and still have him in a trunk, and many dolls and other stuffed things. But as an adult, yuck. My boys each have 1 or 2 stuffed animals, mainly from build-a-bear. Cute yes, but still.
When I work, kids are always coming out of surgery with their stuffed things. Of course I quickly give them they animal, but I always think how gross they are.
Anyways back to the pediatricians bear. For years I have directed the boys not to touch this gross overstuffed germ filled thing that greets all the sick children. But I am trying to let go of my hesitations and see that the kids really want to hug and love this thing. It gives them a smile both on the way in and way out of the office.

Consignment Sale

2009-09-20T08:03:00.000-06:00

Run Away

2009-09-15T06:50:00.001-06:00

75% of the time when I am taking pictures of the boys, they are running away from me. I try to get their attention, but often this is what I get.

But I want to see their faces................

Sunday Night Fun

2009-08-31T05:47:00.000-06:00

We have played co-ed softball on Sunday Nights for about 4 years.
I grew up playing competitive fast pitch softball.
He played little league baseball and was more of a football player.

I have enjoyed having this as our something.
We are grateful to my parents who watch the three monkeys
every Sunday while we play.

Some years our team is good and some years just OK

After each game the boys all run the bases

I play in-feild and he plays outfield. It's nice for both of us to have our competive outlet.
But really it is just Sunday Night co-ed Softball........

Changing Table

2009-08-28T06:42:00.000-06:00

I see this sign and hope I do not have to look for it again until I have grand kids. Potty training.......
Such joys.........
Laundry..........

Sit Together Please

2009-08-27T06:25:00.001-06:00

I have been trying for awhile to get the expose in my bathroom right. The lights are far from them, and the tub is in a dark corner. Then of course you have three children who don't really want to sit still for me. The whites are not turning out. So why not run an action to distract the eye.
High ISO, and no flash.

Next I need to start working on my flash exposure. I really need a lot of help with this one. Have a nice speedlight, but unsure of how to manipulate the settings.

Capes

2009-08-25T06:39:00.000-06:00

Oh how I love these capes
Gram made them and they are so wonderful
Reversible and smooth satin
Inital on each, different lengths
Hours of enjoyment

I just need to figure out how to get them
in focus during the action

Motorcycles

2009-08-20T06:30:00.001-06:00

This kid LLOVESSSSS motorcycles.
He can spend a day racing one around the house.
He squeals when commander rides home on his motorcycle.

Stay~cation

2009-08-17T05:21:00.002-06:00

The plan was for a road trip to Mount Rushmore.
Two days prior to leaving we had no clue what route,
what activities, or what the plan was.

Stress~ so many projects hanging over our heads.

Instead we had a stay~cation and wiped out our list:

Caulk the outside of the new sliding glass door
Cut trim boards for inside frame of new sliding glass door
Caulk the trim and door
Paint the trim around door
Install a whole house fan (not a ceiling fan)
Send picture of old sliding door to recycle company
Remove wasp nest from a high peak of the house
Change felt pads on underside of chairs in eating area
Paint kitchen trim around counter tops
Touch up paint all base boards in house
Pour cement pad for shed in back yard
Laundry
Host dinner for good friends
Buy camera lens
Drive to Boulder to pay lumber yard for sliding glass door
Move some furniture around
Organize school supplies
Haircut
Pack donation and take away
Some odd returns
Organize and edit pictures from past 2 months
Get new book for book club
Grocery shop twice
Found out Shag's crib was recalled
Assembled Shag's BIG BOY bed
Build Lego star destroyer

Just to name a few.......

We are gonna need a vacation from our stay~cation

Sliding

2009-08-13T07:22:00.002-06:00

What better way to learn to slide for T-Ball.

But it always make me think of this song:

When you're sliding into first
And your pants begin to burst
That's diarrhea, diarrhea

When you're sliding into two
And your pants are filled with goo
That's diarrhea, diarrhea

When you're sliding into third
And you feel a greasy turd
That's diarrhea, diarrhea

When you're sliding into home
And your pants are filled with foam
That's diarrhea, diarrhea

Name that movie?

T-Ball Season is Over

2009-08-09T21:23:00.003-06:00

I wish that my close friends and I could have our kids in every sport together. I looked forward to going to practice twice a week and the games on Friday. Even though it was 90 degrees out with no clouds and I would often forget chairs. It was nice to sit and talk for 45 minutes so many times a week during practice.

So cute here, but not really into it this year.
Would rather play with the grass.

Totally into it and knew what all the kids should of have done.

Camping

2009-08-06T14:26:00.002-06:00

First camping venture. Such highs and lows.
show up to light drizzle,
fresh air,
nice camping spot next to lake,
water skiing,
one kids vomits,
luckily there are showers facilities,
good dinner,
wind and rain,
no one sleeps well,
great breakfast,
water skiing,
small hike,
no one eats dinner,
camp fire,
lots of whining,
conversation with good friends,
no one sleeps,
diarrhea at 4am for another kid,
no one eats breakfast,
water skiing,

I thought it went well.

Boating

2009-07-22T06:26:00.000-06:00

Our good friends bought a boat this year. Her and I grew up water skiing with her dad's boat. It was really fun, some of my best memories. I was not sure how 5 kids and 4 adults would do on a boat for the day, but it was great.

Like we were reliving the good old days. But than later she showed up us all how easy it was for her to pick up skiing again.

Moose loved every minute of this day. He keeps asking when we are buying a boat. Commander keeps saying some of the best days of your life are the day you buy and boat and the day you sell your boat. He of course can not appreciate this.

The lake had a small beach. Kids enjoyed some sand, building and playing in the water.

I think you have to be really tired to sleep on a boat. A short cat nap and he was ready to go again. It was really fun. We all enjoyed ourselves.

Commander

2009-07-21T05:52:00.000-06:00

This is what commander would really like to do EVERY weekend.

It called Action Pistol Shooting. He is getting really good. Has won a couple of trophies.

Skate Park

2009-07-17T05:47:00.005-06:00

We drove by the skate park a few days prior. The boys seemed interested.
So I made a deal. First we ran a few errands and than to the skate park.

When we showed up, there was another first timer just starting. So that made it nice.
I think it helped the boys. Some of the other kids were really experienced.

The boys took to it so well.

Even my 2yo wanted to do it. I think he LOVED it.

NOW they are begging to go back all the time.

Boy and a Stick

2009-07-13T05:46:00.000-06:00

I was testing lighting and he was my subject. He thought that showing me his stick and moving really fast was helping. I should of been glad that there were no tears. The area was ok for lighting, a little cool for what I was looking for and a lot shadows.

Garage Sale

2009-07-10T05:43:00.001-06:00

1 Mini Van
2 Moms
6 Kids
1 Neighborhood Garage Sale

We tried to allow one kid form each family out of the car at a time. It worked for awhile. She cleaned up and got some really good deals. We were looking for a new bike. And still have not found the one we want.

Weapons Grade Moose Drool

Planets

Why Why

Good Morning

make a movie

Cabin in the WINTER

Knees

Cake Pops

Soap Box Derby

Let is SNOW

Beignets

T-Pee

me 1/52

Happy Holidays

drawing

XMAS

Change is GOOD

Weekend FUN

Go Kart Race

Movie in the cul-de-sac

“I’m Indy Jones”

Chess

Build to Grow

Mars needs more MOMs

playing catch up

Quite Day for lego Building

Cabin

My Publisher Book

Target Practice

Swagger Video

sUmMer BegInS

SIX EYES

Just a Day

Who took a bite out of the deodorant

We miss YOU...

Now we need to teach him

lipstick???

He learned

Bike to School Day

Should of been............

Change

Potica

Photo bag and Contest

HaPPy

eBay for 60.00$

it is STILL here

Friday Night Fun

Franchise

Green Eyes

little laugh as I walk by

Home Improvements

Bath

Googles

Silhouette Part 2

LAzY Sunday

Silhouette

Air Hog 360

3

Be My Valentine

Alone with Indiana Jones

Happy Birthday

..........

Boring Old Day

Our Evening

..........

Happy Belated Belated Belated Birthday

Shaggy get back in BED !!!!!

Slippers

Here's to Good Neighbor's

12:10 am

Wrappers

We all Wii

Merry Chirstmas ***Take 2***

Happy Holiday's

Merry Christmas ***Take 1***

Necklace

Great Way to Start the Day

How we spend our free Time

Walking to the Bus

Contest Wordsmith

Merry Chirstmas Take 2

Merry Christmas Take 1