Denim and Daisy's

So exciting! Our first sales.

2011-11-14T20:45:00.002-05:00

My mom and I opened a shop on etsy http://www.suebandme.etsy.com/ . We are trying some different things we started with hair barrettes and burp cloths and are already excitedly planning what other crafty things we would like to sell. We had two sales this weekend and we were way excited yeah! Now we just need to get some more clips posted!.

Halloween at our House

2011-10-15T17:48:00.003-04:00

We made this Boo and Headstones out of some plywood we had at our house. I spray painted them and looked up humorous headstones. I was really excited to see them up, I love that Don is into these things too. TRICK OR TREAT.

Metcalf Bottoms- an addition to summer places

2011-09-11T21:08:00.005-04:00

Our friend Lori, introduced us to this fun place of Metcalf Bottoms. I can't wait until next summer we are definetly going back. It's about an hour away and a perfect all day place. The kids could raft down or play in the water, or look for tad poles, and the list goes on.

Yes, it is that cold.

This is the life!

Holly's Birthday surprise

2011-09-11T20:50:00.002-04:00

When I asked Holly what she wanted for her birthday she said she wanted a barn. A barn? I don't even know where to get a barn!, was my reply. She simply said, "You just go to Home Depot." I asked her, "You mean a real barn. Why do you want a real barn?" Matter of factly, "So, I can put a horse in it." So for Holly's birthday I set up with a friend in our ward to go over and see her horse. I didn't tell Holly what we were going to do, just that it was a surprise.
She was so excited. I brought carrots and apples to feed Cole, the horse. At first she tried to call Cole like a dog, "Come her Cole, Come her boy.", patting her thighs. She got to lead him and brush him.

She even rode him bare back. I couldn't believe that she wasn't scared at all. Later on she feed him which was a little scary, horses have big mouths and Holly has little hands. This horse was so mellow and I am VERY thankful to Kelly for making my little girls day. (Josh's too, he went for a ride and the kids also rode together) Holly still would like her own horse, but wasn't excited to hear that she have to clean up the poop everyday.

By the way the horse is eating an apple her, not Holly's hand.

A birthday Tradition

2011-09-11T20:42:00.002-04:00

One of the things that I do on my children's birthdays is sing Happy Birthday to them for every meal. Who wants just one wish when you could have 3! They also get to choose what they want to eat. Breakfast: Yogurt and berries. Lunch: Ham and cheese roll up. I also made her a tomato flower.

Dinner was tacos and for her cake she wanted a strawberry cake with strawberries on it and a horse on top! I got a little carried away on size. Let's just saw that FHE treat and treat of the week will be Holly's birthday cake.

P.E Art Show

2011-06-17T07:33:00.000-04:00

Yep, my son is so talented that he didn't have 1 not 2 but 3 pieces in the P.E. Art show. Okay so everyone had something in the art show. The first huge guy he did with 3 other boys the next piece he calls 'Super J' and the last piece is a fish and sponge bob is standing on its back. Not bad for a six year old. Our budding artist, okay so he may not be budding, but he is ours (and cute).

Ladies and Gentlemen... I give you the preschool class of 2011

2011-06-16T07:51:00.000-04:00

This was Holly's last year in mommy co-op preschool. We get to start kindergarten this fall. She had a great time with these kids and learned alot.

From left to right we have Mable, Zoe, Holly, Benson, Brylie, and Cruze (P.J had already left).

For our end of the year party the kids played we had pizza, cupcakes and goodie bags. We'll miss you class of 2011.

Summer Reading Festival

2011-06-15T07:58:00.000-04:00

The kids and I went to the library reading festival downtown. We had a real good time we got to do a few free crafts, ate some popcorn, split a shaved ice, played in the water, saw some zoo stuff, put pots on our heads, jumped in the bounce house you know the usual.

It was the perfect weather and the kids were really well behaved. It was and I quote "The best day ever", you know we get a lot of those around here. We must be doing something right.

Oh and Holly won 3 free dance classes, yeah! Mommy loves free.

Summer list

2011-06-14T08:10:00.001-04:00

Last summer I was very structured with our time, and I would probably be so again this year if our free summer movies hadn't turned into our 3 dollar movies and we weren't going to be gone half the summer. So I am trying to go by the seat of our pants. But, you know me I can't let go totally, with that said the kids and I made a list at the beginning of the summer of things we'd like to do. Here it is: Go to the splash pad, zoo, a museum (Josh is obsessed with this one, but there are no great museums here), movies (only one time this year instead of every week), play at a friends house, go to Fort Louden, go to Greenville, go to a fun park the Roses told us about, Bounce house, go to a park and play, go to McDonald's, a family date (this was Holly, when I asked what do we do on a family date she said we go out to eat, ohhh), putt-putt golf, movie night, have an all day movie day-at home, picnic at our house, have a play date, go swimming, go to Oma & Opa's house, go to Tu-tu's house, go to Grandma & Grandpa T's house, Make ice cream, go camping and have s'mores, go to the library, ride our bikes at the park, go to the beach and make sandcastles, see fireworks, go bowling, feed the ducks, go bowling, and go to Lookout point.

Pheww, that is a long list, but we've already been able to quite a few and mostly for free, because friends have invited us here or there. So, thank you for all those who are helping us make this THE BEST SUMMER EVVVVVVEEEERRR!!!

Reno update-my food storage room

2011-06-13T08:36:00.000-04:00

Here's an update on my food storage room. We have cleared, framed, dry walled, taped, mudded, put in a floating sub floor, primed, painted ceiling and walls and Don just put in the floor pad. All that is left is the flooring and shelves. I can't wait to put in my rotating can dispensers and fill this puppy!

It's looing gorgeous.

Awards

2011-06-13T07:44:00.000-04:00

I can never get a clear shot of him. Josh was awarded a couple of awards. He got one for excelled reading, one for doing a math-a-thon and one for testing high in reading. Way to go kiddo!

True Knoxvillian

2011-06-12T20:31:00.003-04:00

We were playing at the park with some friends the other day and Holly comes up to me and says, "Mom, where do I live?". I told her you live in Knoxville, she proudly walks back to the three older boys she had been talking to and says, "See, I told you, I don't live in Tennessee, I live in Knoxville!". The other mother and I just laughed.

First Family Campout

2011-06-05T20:45:00.002-04:00

Well, I brought my camera but forgot to bring extra batteries. So no pictures, when Katie emails me some pics I will post them.

We went with our friends the Teed's, camping. It was a quick trip, but I loved it. I don't know who was more excited me or the kids. I started packing 2 days before hand and our trip would only last about 24 hours.

Katie, the kids and I went up earlier on Friday and got a site and started setting up camp. Yep, we put up both tents, started a fire, and started dinner (roasted wieners). The guys carpooled up and met up with us after they got of work. Josh was so excited. Wow! look at our tent. Wow! look at the fire. You know I was doing the same thing inside. I love the campfire smell, I love making Smores, I love playing games, I love playing in the water, I love Don telling pretend ghost stories, I love Don pointing out the stars, I loved being together as a family. I would have stayed longer.

Holly loved the water, she kept catching minoes with her bare hands. I think she loved everything except , "The dirty part" on her marshmellow. I think she thought it was cool to pee in the river, play with her flashlight, and get to play the whole time.

Josh loved every new thing. He definetly liked the swimming, and the smores, sleeping in a tent.

Don loved that he didn't get eatten by bugs, playing games around the campfire, and squirting us all with water guns.

I can't wait to go back.

Preschool Field Trip

2011-05-25T07:49:00.000-04:00

We got to go to the fire house for Holly's field trip. The firemen were so nice and soooooo patient with our 8 kids plus younger siblings. The kids loved the fire truck. The guys let them go all over it and showed the kids what firemen look like when they try to help them in a fire. Holly was totally getting her flirt on!

The group P.J, Mable, Brylie, Parker (benson's little brother), Benson, Cruze, Zoe, Holly, Charlie (Mable's little brother)

She's ready to drive, just as soon as her feet reach the petals.

A huntin' we will go!

2011-05-24T07:40:00.000-04:00

Along with our real eggs we hid quite a few plastic eggs filled with candy. (Note to self only buy to small bags of candy next year, other wise it will just end up on your hips!). We got home from our trip to Atlanta and the kids went down for a nap. We hid the eggs in our backyard. They were way excited for the hunt.

Don watched over the porch to help guide, if need be. We hid them everywhere on the playset, on the fence, in the garden, no not there Holly!

It probally took the 15 minutes to find them all. In the end Don had to point some out.

The rabbit was good this year!

Egg Dying for the first time EVER!

2011-05-23T07:34:00.000-04:00

YES, this was the first time my kids have ever dyed Easter eggs. Why? you may ask. I don't like eggs, especially hard boiled eggs. I just discovered last Thanksgiving that my kids do and will eat eggs. They will eat deviled eggs, egg salad sandwiches and Holly will just eat a hard boiled egg. Well that meant we wouldn't be wasting the eggs, so decorating we did. Everybody used their creative juices, even Don and I. We each did 3 I know not that many but a dozen was just the right amount.

Family Truip to Atlanta

2011-05-22T19:18:00.003-04:00

In April we decided to take the kids to the Atlanta Temple open house. We drove up Friday evening and stayed at a hotel. The kids were way impressed. We even got to eat there and there was fruit for Holly and doughnuts for Josh. Does life get any better?

We packed our Saturday. First is was of to the temple. The tour was quick, but the kids thought it was neat. Holly loved the chandlers and Josh said that he felt the Spirit.

Me and the kids in the courtyard.

Next we went to the Fernbank Natural History Museum. Josh LOVED the dinosaurs. I wish we had more time here. We found the coolest kid play place in the last 15 mins we were there.

Don let me get a couple of goofy pictures of him.

After dinner at Outback another exciting and special thing for the kids (and mom and dad too) we headed over to Stone Mountain where once the sunsets they do this amazing laser show off of the mountain. This is a carving in the mountain of General Lee and part of the confederate army. (I tried to take pictures of the show I just couldn't get the right setting).

We spent one more night and drove home. We really had a fun family time.

My new chair

2011-04-21T08:28:00.000-04:00

I had to order a new computer chair for my new office. I needed something tall enough for my counter high computer space but low enough for my sewing area. I picked this one our and I picked the material. I the picture the orange was much more vivid. It actaully is the color of the 1970's church soft chairs, not nessacerily what I was going for, but it will work and it is comfy.

Ward Activity

2011-04-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

We had a ward activity that I was over. It was a whole ward effort. The RS did advertising and tables, the YW did a spiritual thought on Christ and Easter, the Primary did a childrens Easter egg hunt, the Elder's Quarom and High Priest did breakfast and the YM did clean up. I was worried about everybody doing their part and that worring was a waste of time. Everyone shined in their efforts and we had a wonderful activity. The food has way better than I asked for and only went over $2-5's. I asked for pancakes, bacon, juice. We got scrambled eggs, pancakes that were huge and light and fluffy, ham, hash browns and o.j. It was so delisious. It was neat to see all the men cooking away. It was hot and ready on time. The kids loved the egg hunt, we made it an indoor one due to weather. The YW were sweet and the YM cleaned without leaders. I am so proud of our ward family. Sad to say I forgot to take one single picture.

What color are you?

2011-04-18T08:09:00.000-04:00

We had such a neat Enrichment this last week. Way to go enrichment committee. We snacked on foods from the rainbow (there was tons of fruit, yeah for me Healthy). We took a personality test. you were either Orange, Gold, Blue or Green. I am very Gold and I found myself surrounded by people I truly identify with. It was really themed night and Avery tied in to the fact we are not one compartment, but we should strive to be a bit of each, because that is what our Savior is. She talked about that Christ is the light we look to and we want our image to be in his countenance. She gave us each a crystal at the end of the night because when you shine a light on a crystal it makes a many rainbows. Christ being the light us being the crystal. I loved the whole evening.

Food Storage Room Demo and Framing

2011-04-17T20:01:00.002-04:00

Yep, I helped make this mess. It is amazing the feeling that comes when destroying something with a hammer. Of course Don was much faster than I at pulling stuff down. Don took the duct work and put it between the floor joist (or however you say that) so now we don't have this huge beam from our ceiling. It really makes the room feel more open.

So we had to fill up that new found openess with my new food storage room. Yeah! Look at the beautiful frame work Don did this weekend. He says that the wiring will be done this week and maybe some dry wall will be hung. Hmmm, I wonder what color I should paint the inside?

Her own style

2011-04-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

Holly loves dresses and skirts. Although spring has flirted with us here, it is still necessary to wear pants and most of the time a sweater or jacket. I thought that I would post of few of Holly's combinations. I forgot to take a picture of today's out fit. It was a long sleeved blue flowered dress shirt with a plum skirt underneath that and jeans under that.

These were earlier this week. A little summer dress, (which I will always make her wear a t-shirt under, but I would pick white in color), with a purple stripped tee underneath and jean stretch pants under that. In the morning she had a lavender sweater to keep her warm and don't forget the purple high heel shoes that she loves to clomp around in.

The last one actually worked and I wished I had gotten a picture when she had her pink raincoat and matching rain hat on. Plus her rain boots and matching umbrella in tote. This ensemble is a cute lime green tee, paired with a bright blue

ruffle skirt (you know ruffles are all the rage this season) and sparkly leggings to go underneath.

She just loves her skirts and maybe she will start a trend.

A funny TAIL

2011-04-07T08:11:00.000-04:00

You know that it is spring in our backyard because the rabbits are back. Last week Holly spotted a baby rabbit and chased it around the yard. I am surprised it didn't die of a heart attack.

On Saturday, Don went to mow the yard and found a baby rabbit. He put it in one of my buckets. I went over to talk to it and it hopped out. Don was a little disappointed. Not to worry. Later, as I sat in my office

watching conference, Don knocks on my window to show me he caught the rabbit again. As he tilts the bucket the rabbit sees it's escape and hops out. I got the fun entertainment of watching Don run back and forth in front of my window trying to recapture the baby rabbit. Man those things are fast. Finally success! He asked me to take it to the elementary school right away (we don't want it here by our garden, and we can't kill it either). The school is literally 3 mins away. By the time I got back he had caught 3 more and was chasing another. That's right FIVE rabbits. We never saw the mother, but if she wants to find them she can go to the elementary school. And that is the end of our furry tail, or so we hope!

New renovation to start- THE FOOD STORAGE AREA

2011-04-06T08:33:00.000-04:00

I have done my part so Don can start on our next project. I am super excited. This use to be where my computer was, but now that I have my office I moved all my stuff over. All that is left is an old sewing table that is going to my mother-in-law next visit. That wood thing is actually a cabinet and the boxes on top are either to donate or to be put in the attic. So yeah, I am so excited to see all my food lined up and organized. More to come!

FREE, FREE, FREE

2011-04-05T08:53:00.000-04:00

The children's museum was free. So Katie and I packed up the kids and went we had a fun time. We dressed up and played and even played outside and ate our packed lunch.

Best FHE- Don I'm so proud of you

2011-04-04T09:49:00.000-04:00

For FHE, Don and I decided to play a game with the kids. It was pretty nice outside so we decided it would be fun to play baseball. We told the kids we were going to go outside and do something as a family and we'd have to work together.

We went out and used the t-ball stand. Don was the outfielder and the kids and I took turns hitting the ball and running the bases (flattened cereal boxes) before daddy could tag us out. Sometimes the kids got tagged, sometimes I had to hit them home, but everyone had fun. We then played some quick hide and go seek.

When it was time to go in and have our closing prayer and our treat Don asked the kids some questions. He asked Josh if he ever made it to home plate by himself? Josh said no, mommy and Holly had to help me. He asked Holly the same question. She gave basically the same reply. Don said that is like returning home to our Heavenly Father we have to work as a family to get there, and just like they need mommy to make it possible to get home, we needed Jesus to make it possible to return to our Heavenly Father.

I was so proud of Don he did that whole thing on his own, no prompting or deciding on it together, he just spiritually lead our family.

BEST FHE EVER!

A week in my life

2011-04-03T21:13:00.006-04:00

I had this great idea I would take picutres of things I did during the week, I ended up with way too many pictures. But her are some. For anyone that really knows me I am a schedule freak. It bring sanity to my life. Monday: Go walking; do laundry/change the bedding; make bread; make treat of the week and FHE treat; pick-up Josh; homework; dinner; FHE.

Tuesday: I went walking (here are the girls in the double stroller waiting to be pushed as I walk); I swept, vacumed, and mopped all my floors; met with Katie to go to children's museum-for free!

go and pick up Josh from school. Holly buckling her seat belt. That is a wonderful time when kids start doing that themselves; read while waiting in line to pick-up Josh at school. Go to the co-op to get some plants for the garden ( a little disappointed not quite the nursery feel, but the feed store feel which is exactly what it is, but not what I was hoping it to be. Over all great prices.)

Read my scriptures (this and making meals are just part of the everyday life).

Make sure the kids get a shower or bath; went to book club (didn't read the book but had to say good bye to a friend that was moving and got introduced to Magpies a yummy cake/cupcake place).

Wednesday: Our pre-school for Holly was canceled due to the teachers child being sick. No problem everyone meet at the park. Holly rode her bike and we flew a kite. I haven't done that for a long time. I got caught up in the moment. After picking up Josh plant the plants I bought the day before. I was suppose to dust today, but it just didn't happen. After dinner a meeting with the bishop for primary.

Thursday: walking; WEIGHT WATCHERs; lunch; nap; pickup Josh; pay bills. That night I went out with the girls and we went appitizer hopping. We went downtown with these cute eateries and took turns paying for appitizers. What a great idea, thanks Aimee. This was a yummy pesto fondue and brushetta. It was soooo good. Each resturant was yummy and it is just the right amount to share and not get stuffed.

Friday: Drop-off Josh; no walking instead went to 50% off day at goodwills (went with friends, had a great time with Marla went out to lunch with her); clean bathrooms; pick-up Josh; homework; dinner; game night at the Teeds.

That was my week in a nut shell. It is not glamourous, but it is my life and I enjoy it. Even the everyday chores, meal making, homework helping, and kid rearing. It's a full time job and I am the CEO of this family. I think our company is doing well!

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-24T08:22:00.000-04:00

Spring is definitely here in Tennessee. I am a little nervous to see how hot it will be this summer, because it warmed up so fast here. All the trees are blooming. One day when we were driving I told the kids look at all the popcorn on the trees. We happily sang Popcorn Popping. On the way back from where ever we were going Holly said, "Mom, those aren't popcorn, those are flowers!" Can't get nothing past that kid!

These are my poor little daffodils in my planter box that needs a little more love.

This next picture has my tulips starting to poke up. Yes, these are my free tulips that I got earlier this year. I got dirt this weekend to fill by garden boxes and I had leftover so I put some in our front flower bed. I planted peas last week in the garden and I hope to plant a few more things this week. I love this time of year!

Basement update-my room

2011-03-23T07:56:00.000-04:00

So here is where we started. Yes, this is the same wall just dry walled. Then we painted.

Then we added cabinets. Yeah! Check out all my storage, and my cool pocket doors. Don thought that maybe while I was

sewing that I would want to get into the other cabinets and the doors would get in the way so he made them pocket doors. This is also my table that I can open up to use or close down to put back in the closet. Please take note of the outlet in the same closet so I can sew right there, and the place above to store my sewing machine, iron and sewing supplies. Why is one of the doors not white, because I'm not done painting yet and I still have to put on door knobs, but for the most part the cabinets are done.

This is the other side of the room. Ugly garage, then studded and insulated, next is a dry walled and painted..

and now we have curtains and matching cornus that I made out of a shower curtain, counter top. I still need to paint the legs. This section still needs a couple of things, but we've come a long way baby.

One bad apple

2011-03-22T07:45:00.000-04:00

Last week I tried to make a key lime pie for FHE dessert. I totally had a bum recipe, but I got a better recipe from my neighbors and since re-made a key lime pie. When buying limes for said pie (by the way never make key lime pie unless limes are on sale) I heard Josh say,"Holly, no!" I turned around in time to see Holly putting an apple back that she had taken a bite out of.

Mommy was not a happy camper. I really should have counted to 10 first, but I spanked her cute tooshie and told her that, that was considered stealing and that she would have to tell the manager, mommy would have to buy the apple, she would have to tell daddy what she did, she would only be able to play in her bedroom the rest of the day. She was more afraid to tell daddy than the manager. The manager was a little too nice, though Holly barely whispered what she did and then hid behind me. Daddy and I passed further punishment that dinner would have to be that apple. Any of you that know Holly would think that this was no big deal, she loves fruit. We were having a meal with a lot of things that she loved and we had a dessert, which was unusal for that time of the week. At one point she was full, but I made her eat it all, because she had to have it. I know I'm the meanest mom ever.

We did explain how it was a bad choice and it was like stealing and when asked why she did it she said she was hungry. Hopefully it was a lesson learned.

Spring Break

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-04:00

This week was Spring Break and that is just what I did from my normal household routine, okay for the most part I still had to make bread, do laundry, and pay the bills. But we got to do fun things too.

Tuesday- went walking played at the play area, had a friend over, tried to watch a movie at the theatre was sold out 2 shows in a row!

Wednesday- went to a friends house for a play date (Josh, Holly and I) finally went and saw Tangled loved it!

Thursday- went to a gym with a friend, kids got to play at the play center and I got to do Zumba I would like to do that some more. Went out to Wendy's for lunch, I love their Chicken Pecan Apple salad, then went to the Bounce House (thanks Oma and Opa). Ended with a baptism of a wonderful family.

Friday-went to the Zoo with the Zufelt's. Don and I went on a double date with some friends, we went to TGIFridays and then played games.

It was an excellent week, unfortunately I didn't take any pictures except at the zoo. I always take a bunch of pictures at the zoo and I promised myself that I wouldn't this time, but I wasn't successful in that.

Petting a camel and the girls following their zoo maps.

Josh and I, Holly being a mechanic at wee play, Josh singing a church song at WEE play

riding a turtle, brushing a goat, building something in the sand.

I just think he's cute!

Can I have a gold one?

2011-03-20T19:39:00.003-04:00

So last week Josh told me during breakfast that his tooth felt weird. I felt it and sure enough, he has his first loose tooth. I am so excited! I told him that he is so lucky. When his tooth comes out that we can put it under his pillow and the tooth fairy will come and bring him a surprise. Then a new tooth will grow in it's place. He then said, "Mom, can I have a gold one?". I was like what. He proceeded to tell me that Dante at school has a gold tooth and that he hoped that he could have a gold one too. I told him that only the dentist can give those and I don't see him getting a gold tooth.

By the way the tooth has still yet to fall out and I can't even use the Beerman pinch method because the new tooth is starting to grow behind it. I guess it just gives me time to sew my tooth fairy pillow. Pictures to come upon completion.

So much to say...

2011-03-13T21:55:00.001-04:00

I am behind in my blogging. All day long I have been thinking about things I would like to blog about, but I am just too lazy. I am going to bed instead. Good Night!

Goodwill Hunting

2011-03-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I went Goodwill hunting with some friends. They took me to all the best Goodwill's. It was a whole day of sales. The last weekend of the month here, all Goodwill's have 50% off of everything. I scored on everything I needed and then some. I thought I did pretty good for $39.50 I got:

2 dresses for Holly

1 sweater for Holly

1 Causal business jacket for me

1 dress for me

1 skirt for me

3 graphic tees for Josh (I hate graphic tees)

3 pants for next fall for Josh

8 pairs of shorts for Josh

1 pair of pj's for Josh

1 baby shower present onesie (with tags still on never been used).

I love bargains not to mention that some of these are Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Old Navy. Not that my kids care or does it change if I would buy it. It just goes to show you can get good stuff at Goodwill if your willing to go hunting!

And don't mind that weird smell at the store- clothes go straight into the wash.

Thanks to my friends who took me it was alot of fun. Thanks to Holly and Katarina who were excellant even though they were stuck in a stroller for 4 stores spread over 51/2 hours.

Ladies Night

2011-03-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

Let me just start by saying I wish that I had more pics, my camera was not behaving. We went to Panera bread and grabbed some dinner, yum, and a lot of gabbing.

Some of us then went bowling. I was so surprised I bowled 105 my usual is some where between the 54 to 65 range. Thanks Alice for the healthy competition. I love going out with friends!

Holly's talk...

2011-02-28T09:13:00.001-05:00

Today at church Holly gave a talk. She was so excited to prepare for it (she had seen me do this with Josh and I guess it was cool). I sat her down and I asked her questions (the talk was on I can follow God's plan), like what is God's plan for you? What can you do to follow it? Why is this good? How does it make Heavenly Father feel?

I took notes and then try to put it a little more flowey, but keep her words. We then drew pictures on piece of paper that went with her talk. Like her and Heavenly Father being together before she was born. I'm not sure which one is which.

She did really well in holding up her papers, I still had to whisper it to her, she can't totally read yet. I was really proud of her and she was pleased with herself as well.

Josh and a Friend

2011-02-27T21:05:00.002-05:00

So today during sacrament meeting Josh was looking at the Friend. I was so proud he was doing one of the puzzles or things and he had scriptures he could look up to give him answers to the clues....and....HE WAS LOOKING THEM UP!!!! Opening the scriptures on his own and looking up scriptures. I was so excited. This is a new thing for him. Thank you primary teachers, thank you primary leaders, thank you Friend magazine publishers for making it fun. YES!

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa T

2011-02-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa T came and visited us last week. We got to do some fun things while we they were here. They took us out to get ice cream, we went out to eat, we went bowling, we made Valentine coursages, my mother-in-law made me a flower arrangement, I made my 2nd sucessful turkey (it was delicious!)

Holly came in second place, now she did have bumpers and this rollacoaster thingy, but she loved it. Josh even did really good on his second to last turn he got a spare. He bowled his first try and got all down but 3. Then he held his ball pointed to the pins drew and imaginary line to the starting line, threw the ball, it pinballed back and forth between the bumpers and knocked the rest down. He was so excited and proud of himself. It was awesome!

Holly has decided....

2011-02-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

I love to listen to my kids conversations, in the car especially. So Josh and Holly started talking about when they get married. Holly has decided she is going to marry Jack (you know the 12 yr old). I told her that she would have to wait until she got older and see if he wanted to marry her.

Josh on the other hand is unsure who he wants to marry, he is thinking about marrying a girl from his class at school, Alice. He also told me that he is going to live with us after they have babies. Why after babies? How are they getting these babies? HMMMMM....

Desperate for a pet

2011-02-21T08:23:00.000-05:00

It was so beautiful today, that the kids went out to play, without jackets! This last picture is of the kids petting the neighbors cat, that foolishly wandered into our yard. They must have petted that cat for ten minutes and were so excited that they could pet it, that is until it was done and scratched Holly.

Who are we?

2011-02-20T20:14:00.003-05:00

I am a prophet.

My husband built something with tools.

I had 2 of every kind of animal come on the boat.

I was one of the first people to see the rainbow.

Who are we? Holly and Josh did this for primary today. They looked so cute in their outfits. My counselors are so prepared, they prep for sharing time way ahead of time, unlike some people who do it the night before.

Are you kidding me!

2011-02-06T21:32:00.002-05:00

Okay, so last week I posted about having to repierce Holly's ear. Well, on Tuesday I was playing with Holly's hair and the other earring was missing! Not the one we just got repierced, but the other ONE! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! ARGGGHHH!!!

I am having a hard time making her go to get her ears pierced again. I know that I am doing this more for me than her, but we have gone through so much! I just want her to have cute earrings and I am a selfish mommy.

Right now she only has one in. Hopefully by the end of the month she will have both in. I know I am pitiful.

sick,sick,sick

2011-02-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

We've been sick, not much else to say. I am so sick of being sick!

I love free

2011-02-03T07:51:00.000-05:00

This Saturday my neighbors daughter called me to let my know that a church in Knoxville was giving 25 bulbs away, to each family for FREE! It took my forever to find the place because it was on one of the longest streets here, but I got my free bulbs and left I waited in line for maybe four minutes. Totally awesome. I can't wait to plant them in my front flower bed.

Another update- basement that is.

2011-02-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

Not as many pictures of this window and not completely done. This is just a little preview. Hopefully in two weeks I can do the whole review including paint and window treatment. We will replace this window with a double pane energy efficient window some day. You can send your donations to us at: First time home buyers, going to do improvements for the rest of our lives RD.
I am not complaining, because with each improvement it becomes more us! (Have I mentioned that my husband is awesome?)

Here we go again

2011-02-01T07:41:00.000-05:00

You may recall some of these pictures, they are from September. So, Friday Holly comes up to me and says mommy one of my earrings fell out. I was like oh no! We searched for it couldn't find it. I tried to put in another pair and it just wasn't happening. Tears, screaming, and swearing she never wanted to wear earrings again.

Saturday I drove (15 mins) to the mall to go buy another earring. We get there I bribe my daughter get her all psyched up get her in the chair only to discover I forgot my wallet at home. Pack up the kids go back home run in get my wallet, go back to the mall, pay for her to get her ear pierced again (the hole had closed up). There was crying, but as soon as the sucker was put in her mouth she was okay.

So here is my sweet note on this saga. On the second time back to the mall. Holly was freaking out and Josh was trying to calm her down. He told her it would be all right because she could sit on my lap. She said she was still scared. He said that he would hold her hand and she said I'm still scared. He told her don't worry Holly, Heavenly Father will be with you. And the Holy Ghost, because he comforts people. AWWWW. They real do listen during FHE! This conversation calmed me down tons in this whirlwind of a day.

Reno update- Bi-fold doors

2011-01-31T07:20:00.000-05:00

We've come a long way baby! Here was my glorious laundry space. Before framing, framing, insulation and green board.

Then normal drywall. Paint and now bi-fold doors and trim. I am way excited!

There are no knobs due to my indecisiveness (is that a word?). I can't decided to use and paint (the color of the doors, so they blend) the knobs it came with or use the brown ones I bought. HMMM.

My Husband is awesome

2011-01-30T19:12:00.002-05:00

This Sunday is the fifth Sunday. That means there is a combined RS and Priesthood mtg at church. I was stressing because all my teachers were to go, which meant that it was my counselors and music leaders vs the kids. Then I had guilt because I was asked to speak for a bit in that meet, which meant I was ditching my awesome counselors.

As I am sitting in the meeting, my friend asks, "Where's your husband?", and I said something to likes of he's probably in the clerks office or ran home to get something to eat, and I bet I even rolled my eyes.

After I did my part of the meeting, I went back to primary. There sitting in the back quieting rowdy children was my husband. Later he told me as soon as he heard that we were going to be short staffed he decided he wanted to support me in my calling and help out. HE IS AWESOME. I don't tell him this enough. While there is not a day that passes by that he doesn't tell me how beautiful I am, or how much he loves me. I love you too, honey.

New vocabulary to add to your dictionary.

2011-01-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

Okay before the vocab lesson, Holly has started saying Silly Ol' _____. Silly Ol mommy, Silly Ol Josh. I guess she watched too much Winnie the Pooh, but I don't remember her watching it all that often. Once every six months. Hmmm.

We have the kids clear their plates. Every night I would look at Holly and say put it in the dishwasher. She would get up, take the seven steps into the kitchen and say, "Dishwasher or sink?". I started telling her that she needed to use her mind. A couple of weeks later she figured it out on her own and she proudly proclaimed, "Mommy, I losing my mind!". Just for fun we make her say it often.

Did you know that these are your glashes. On day Holly come up to me pointing to her eye lashes and said, "Mom, Jesus gave me my glashes!". I had her repeat herself so I could tell exactly what she said. Yes GLASHES .

And these are your armhits. One day when Holly was taking her shower I told her don't forget to wash your armpits and left the bathroom. When I came back to check on her she gave me the run down of everything she washed including her ARMHITS.

So proud

2011-01-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Josh got two awards at his schools award ceramony last week.

First he got perfect attendance which I think that was true, but who am I to argue. (He was the only one in his class, crazy).

Then he got an award for being above average in reading for his class. At the beginning of the year they tested all the students and then re-tested a little bit ago and he tested above average for his classmates.

I was so proud of him and he was so excited. Way to go Josh! My little bookworm.

Here's Holly doing a ditty and looking quite pretty.

2011-01-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

Holly loves to dress-up and sometimes her outfits are strange and sometimes they are just perfect. She also likes to make up songs and dance. So here is a little ditty.

Oh and she is trying to get used to these heels. They clomp alot and I am surprised that she hasn't tripped yet.

I love a good sale (okay I'm addicted)

2011-01-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

So, Old Navy had 40% off their clearance. I bought a few things for the future. I got this blue shirt Originally 10.50 final cost 3.00.

I got these boy stripe shirts org. 7.50 final cost 3.00.

I got these fleece long sleeves org 14.50 (pok-a-dots) & 9.50 final cost 4.50 and 2.40.

I got these long sleeve v-necks org 7.50 final cost 2.50.

I got these pants org. 19.50 for 5.40 and the shorts org. 19.50 final cost 4.50.

But the best deal of all was this shirt which was .29 cents. No there are no flaws it was an Internet return so it was marked way down.

Grand total org. 126.oo I paid 36.59. I was ecstatic!

I love free days!

2011-01-23T21:08:00.003-05:00

A couple of Saturday's ago, The Children's Museum had a free day. It was a really neat place. They had all sorts of stuff for the kids to do and see, and it didn't bore us parents either. This is an old school that was transformed into an interactive museum. They had a puppet room, water room, train room, and this huge life/kid size doll house.

What I found interesting about the doll house was that after both kids looked around the whole house Holly went straight for the kitchen that was fully stocked with play toys. While Josh found the nearest bookcase found a good book and sat down to start reading.

A great day!

2011-01-09T20:53:00.002-05:00

Today at church it was a great day. There was potential for rough waters. One of my counselors was sick and needed to go home (she was sick and wanted her to get rest so I am glad she went home. I f I was a true southerner I would say "Bless her heart".) and the Stake primary leaders came to visit, but all my teachers were there and my music team. It was awesome. Our music leader makes learning so fun. She made this huge dice that you roll and on each side of the die it had different ways of singing. Like sing while pinching your nose, or sing in a whisper, or with your hands over your ears. May sound kinda funny, but the kids loved it and I don't think that they realized that they were singing the same song over and over. Very sneaky.

For sharing time I am the one who did it. The kids did really well in participating and seemed interested. I am super proud of my senior primary. When I told them I was looking up a scripture in the Book of Mormon; they all got out there Book of Mormons and started looking it up too. I had more discussion with them and the scriptures, reading them and talking about the meaning of them. I felt like they were interested and not just sitting their with the glazed over look.

I had the opportunity to talk with all my teachers today and I just think that we have powerhouse teachers. They are really getting the kids involved with the lessons and encouraging them to not only bring their scriptures but to open them and read from them. I'm just really excited for this new year and the theme: I know the scriptures are true.

So a challenge, for everyone. Read your scriptures everyday. If the primary kids can do it so can you!

Imagination

2011-01-09T20:48:00.001-05:00

I love listening to the kids play. Now that Holly has all these Barbie dolls and Josh has a few superheros they are playing together and using their imaginations to make up scenarios. I think that my favorite part are their voices. Both of them going really high for the girls and really low for the boys. I wish I had videoed it.

Trace artists

2011-01-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Don sketched out 26 pages of Star Wars scenes and characters, yes my husband has many different talents, for Josh for Christmas. He did them on water color paper so Josh could water color them. Josh doesn't want to ruin them so he decided to trace them. When he was having trouble doing it sitting at the table I suggested he use the window. When Holly got up from her nap she thought she should get in on the action as well.

Snowman or Snowball

2011-01-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

What started out as Uncle Pat showing us how to make a snowman turned into Holly saying, "I want to throw snowballs!", snow then flung in Uncle Pats direction.

The kids lasted a lot longer in the snow thanks to Grandma T's hats and Oma's mittens that are made for the snow. We lasted more than the average 5 mins.

But we always have to end in snow angels and luckily no snow in the pants this time.

Enjoying their new stuff

2011-01-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Holly and Josh are both loving their new coloring. They love color wonder stuff, and yes they are both left handed.

Josh had a Lego Christmas and had fun putting all his different sets together. I can't believe that he can do it on his own and he is getting faster at it too.

It's all about the shoes

2011-01-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

Holly hit the mother load of Barbie's and Princess. Between all the families she got four princess, 1 prince, and 10 Barbie's. I gave Holly all my old Barbies from when I was growing up. Check out that sweet ride. When it was mine it was hot pink and yellow. Don disassembled it and air brushed it metallic plum with black leather interior and chrome hub caps to match the chrome luggage rack.

Holly's favorite part of the Barbie's are their shoes. She likes to change them more than the outfits and the doll is not complete unless she has shoes on. Second place would be purses, necklaces and sunglasses. You no all the piece that will get lost or vacuumed up first.

Let the model bonding begin!

2011-01-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

When Don was little he and his dad really bonded by building models together. When Josh opened this model airplane he was like yeah, Dad and I can build it together. They had a good time and it supposedly will not break easy so Josh can play with it too.

Holy presents, Santa Claus!

2011-01-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

The kids totally scored this Christmas with presents, between Tu-tu, Grandparents, Mom & Dad and Santa Claus, I kinda feel like it was too much. But off the high horse I go. They loved it. Josh helped hand out the presents. We all opened our presents Holly stared at this Barbie wedding set for quite a while.

Josh could barely put the Buzz Lightyear down to finish helping his Dad hand out the presents.

Everyone was happy. We all lazed the rest of the day away playing with our new toys. I didn't even get out of my p.j.'s.

As a tradition from my family. We have our big meal Christmas Eve and then on Christmas we eat leftovers and appetizers. No cooking or clean up for mommy. I true day off. That in it's self is a spectacular Christmas present.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2011-01-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

A long time ago my mom (Oma) bought our family 'The Night before Christmas'. On the inside it said that Daddy was to read this to the Trumble kids the night before Christmas.

You should of heard Don he read with such inflection, I was so proud of him. It was a great daddy and kid bonding moment, without mommy, but I had to sneak just one picture.

And to all a good night!

Cookies for Santa

2011-01-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

Doesn't everyone one where a Buzz Lightyear costume and tiara when frosting cookies?

Since I didn't let the kids touch my fancy cookies I did for the cookie plates I promised them they could decorate the cookies for Santa and for us to munch on Christmas day, eve and for however many days they'd last after that. I made a double batch of sugar cookies and Daddy, Mommy, Josh and Holly each got to pick out one cookie cutter then the kids helped me cut them out and I baked them. The next day when Grandma T, Grandpa T, and Uncle Pat got to our house. Grandma T , the kids and I frosted cookies. Actually for all but the last four Grandma T and I put frosting on the cookies. The kids would pick which colors red, green and white. Then the kids would put on the sprinkles. When we got down to the last four and I knew we'd have enough frosting I let the kids do the last cookies. It worked out well. That night they each picked a cookie to put on Santa' s plate. It was very exciting!

YUM!

Decorating the tree

2011-01-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

Don and I always decorate the tree together, I mean just him and I. I enjoy doing that with him. We put on Christmas music in the background and reminisce about history of different ornaments.

We leave out the kids personal ornaments and then they get to put them on the tree on the next day. What can I say we like to hog the decorating to ourselves.

Basment update: Flooring!

2011-01-06T08:35:00.000-05:00

Yep, this is my honey cutting and measuring. I was so lucky to get a handy man for a husband. Just look at my beautiful floors, well ignore the sawdust from cutting and walking back and forth. He got this done so fast I am just amazed at my husband. He is wonderful. Here he is putting the last piece in my room. Wah-lah!

Holly's class Christmas party

2011-01-05T08:59:00.000-05:00

For Holly's class Christmas party they read books including the 'Woman who swallowed a bell' and 'Snowball Fight'. The mom in charge made snowballs by covering Kix cereal with powder sugar, the kids loved it and gobbled it down by the handfuls. They also got to frost and decorate their own cookies. The cookies were huge, another great hit. And who could have a Christmas without playing Elf, Elf, Santa. Also know as Duck, Duck, Goose. Holly had a great time and I got to know Avery a bit better so I got to have fun too!

Live Nativity

2011-01-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

These are awful pictures, but we went to go see the living nativity pageant. We sat with the Teed's, Brown's, and Chavez's The set was awesome, I mean it was really neat. The white things in the middle picture was the choir and they kinda looked like clouds or angels depending on the lighting. They were wonderful. The only thing I didn't love was the acting mostly Mary and Jospehs' acting(nobody shoot me if this is close to your heart). I had just expected more, but if I wasn't such a snob I would say it was wonderful and it was free, you can't beat that. Oh and there were live animals, pretty cool. The kids loved the star of Bethlehem, and it was all that they talked about the next couple of days.

Basement update - primed and painted

2011-01-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

We primed and painted the ceiling and the walls. It's hard to see in this lighting, but Don's room is a light gray and my room is a light blue with a orange accent wall. We are also getting ready to lay down a floating wood laminate floor. The first picture is standing in my room looking into Don's room and then into the doorway of the garage.

In the next shot it's in Don's room looking through the doorway into my room. The last picture is in my room.

SNOW!!

2011-01-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

We got one of our first snow December 1st and we have had snow kinda on for a couple of days gone a week and a half, then back a couple of days and.....

Here the kids they were so excited they wanted to make snowmen. I told them it was the wrong kind of snow of snowmen, but they could make snow angels. Here they are. You think that Holly has that look on her face because she is excited, but it is really because she had a plumber crack going on and snow was going down her pants. BRRR.... oh well!

After that the only lasted a little while. Mom it's cold out here can we come in. Sure!

Basement update:tape, mudding, and sanding

2011-01-04T08:17:00.000-05:00

Here is part of Don's room. He worked really hard and taped, mu dded and sanded his room.

Here is my room where he finished taping, mudding and sanding.

First time on craigslist

2011-01-04T08:05:00.000-05:00

I have officially sold something on Craig's list. The people that lived here before us were kind enough to leave behind somethings that have come in handy. For instance:

A huge tarp, I mean huge: I used to cover my garden during the frost as well as other projects.

A dolly: that we have used to move many things around.

Kitchen table and four chairs: The round table now is going to be the computer table for the kids play area and then will be their homework/craft table a little later on. The chairs I love the shape, though I plan to repaint them and we use them as extra seating when we have dinner guest, or use in the spare room for guest that sleep over and want to have a place to put their shoes on, or... you get the picture.

A big huge loungey kind a chair an Ottoman: That my mother-in-law was very happy to take home.

A wet/dry vac: Don has used this in our demo many times and it does a good job on my car too, when I remember to vacuum out my car.

A washer and dryer: They both work and I just sold them on Craig's list. It took about a week. The proceed went to getting bi-fold doors for my laundry area and a door, framing and trim for the door between Don's and my new offices.

There are some other random things like the cement bench outside that I see a beautiful flower garden surrounding, but we won't go into that now. Thank you, house owners before us, for either thinking this stuff was junk or being to lazy to take it with you. Your junk has been helpful to us!

First grade music review

2011-01-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

Josh sang with the first grade classes at his school. Overall they did pretty well. The kid in the red kept talking to Josh and I wanted to say, "Someone get that trouble maker away from my kid.", but I didn't I just sat listened and took blurry pictures.

It was interesting to me they sang a song about Kwanzaa, a dradel song, Hanukkah song and some Christmas fun songs -the jingle bells sort, even a song about winter. But not one Christian Christmas song. Interesting.

I was very proud of my boy, he sang and was happy.

Christmas Cookie Tradition

2011-01-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

Every year my mom and I would make Christmas cookies (by the way my mom's not dead just on the other side of the US, hence the "would".). We would plan out what were going to make vowing to only make 4-5 different kinds and never keeping that vow. We would start early in the morning determine and end early evening a little to punch happy and daring anyone to ask us, "What's for dinner?".

Well, every year now that I live in Tennessee I get that cookie making twitch and I have to make cookie plates. I made a list, again not keeping to my only 4 different kinds of sweets- it's just too hard-I also made a list to who I would give them to. One of my friends was like where do you draw the line. I was like that's easy: people that VT me, people I VT, my kids' teachers (for Holly that is 6 different people), my 3 neighbors, and my mailman (because I am too cheap to tip. I would have gotten the trash guys, but I wasn't sure where to put it). Well I thought this was a wonderful plan until I started thinking of the other friends that I have that don't fall into these categories and the guilt started. So to these said friends- I will get you next year and bake more!

The bandaged hand you may ask. My oven hates me and will only open 1/2 way so when getting something out of the oven I managed to burn the top of my hand than pull downwards (you know because it was hot) and then burn by my wrist which was facing down. Yes, I am very talented and my loving husband bandaged me up. By the way he did add his name to the cookie list this year too.

Santa Baby

2011-01-03T07:36:00.000-05:00

We went to the mall to visit Santa. Holly has decided very late in the game that she wants a teddy bear and dress-up clothes. I knew about the dress-up clothes, but this teddy bear thing came out of now where. What gives? Josh had no problem rattling off EVERYTHING that he wanted. This was a wonderful Santa he was very patient and answered all questions including "Where are you reindeer?", Josh noticed that there were no reindeer in sight at the mall.

Some of the kids favorite christmas songs: Josh, Frosty the Snowman. Holly, Santa Baby. (but she sings it Santa Clauses baby. "Hey mom, why is Santa Clauses baby coming going down a chimney?".

Books I've read

2011-01-02T22:17:00.002-05:00

I read 30 Books this year. The last book I read was Nobody's Princess. Not bad for a year. So I am starting a new list the year. Actually no I am wrong. I read 31 books because I also read The Book of Mormon too. I really enjoyed my reading time. It was something I had lost for a while.

It's just how I bowl!

2011-01-02T22:03:00.001-05:00

For Holly and Mommy time one day we bowled in our hallway. I just closed all the doors and it was a perfect alleyway.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T19:32:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone. I think that my only resolutions will be what our stake president asked of us this Sunday. Only 2: Read your scriptures everyday and pray everyday. Two very simple things, yet I fall short of all to often. I want to keep close to the Lord and it is not very hard if I invite Him into my life just by reading and praying. I want this for me, I want this for my kids, I want this for my family, and I want this for all the primary kids that I am suppose to lead. (What was he thinking?).

Hope all your goals come true this year.

Wow that's fast

2010-12-09T09:28:00.000-05:00

One of our primary kids advanced to young mens. Holly is sad because it is the boy she has a crush on and she won't see him as much. (I think the eight year difference would stand in their way anyways).

We were talking about this on the way to church. Josh asked if that meant he was a dad now. I certainly hope not!

SNOW

2010-12-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

Hey Lindsey did you notice that it snowed on Sunday? My friend and I were talking about snow 2 weeks ago and she said it never snows here before January. Well the weather decided to prove her wrong. We had flurries last Wednesday and heavier flurries on Sunday, they may stick to the ground. BRRRR, baby it's cold outside!

Been Busy

2010-12-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I feel so far behind on my blog. I always have all the ideas going around in my head. I just got a new calling at church, we have holidays coming and we are trying to get our basement reno painted and flooring installed before December 22nd. So I think my post maybe few over this winter holiday. Just saying.

Testing it out

2010-12-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

My mother in law knows how much I love emergency preparness stuff so she got me an emergancy toliet. Don is posing for us (he's gonna kill me for posting this)

Well if daddy does it the kids have to as well.

Pictures with Santa

2010-12-05T21:16:00.002-05:00

This Santa was awesome. First of all since I bought a package they let me take my own pics. I took some with just Josh and just Holly, then the two together. Then Santa really listened to them, I mean really listened. He didn't hurry them off after they were done. He was just asking them questions and having a cute conversation with them. He was awesome!

A Trumble Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T21:06:00.002-05:00

For Thanksgiving we went to Mississippi to visit Don's parents and his older brother Pat. We ate alot, here the kids were getting to sample the devil eggs right off the assembly line. (Holly shoved it in all at once).

The kids had lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma had some fun crafty projects that the kids loved. First there were the apple/gum drop turkeys.

Then there were the toliet paper pumpkins, which mom gets to keep the whole roll of toliet paper and fabric. Thanks Grandma!

I also got to learn how to make a knit hat on a circle loom, made homemade laundry soap, learned how to make sweet potato pie (yum), and got some spices for my food storage not to mention I got to go walking every morning for 45 minutes after I slept in and the kids were taken care of. AHHH.

Mommy Joshie date

2010-11-19T07:40:00.000-05:00

Where has the time gone! What happen to this little boy that fit in my arms not this boy that is getting too close to my shoulder!

Josh and Holly both had "Make good choices chart" when they made good choices they got a sticker. At the beginning they got to choose their reward. Josh wanted water colors and ice cream with mom. Holly wants a date with Daddy.

Josh and I had a hard time finding a water color with the book of pictures that wasn't girlie. He was really going for superheros, transformers or star wars. We did have great success with the ice cream. As we were eating ice cream I asked Josh why he is growing up so fast? I told him he better slow down or the next thing I would know he would be getting married and moving into his own house. All of the sudden he got really sad. "Mom I don't want to leave!" I tried to explain and thought I had done a good job until as we were walking to the car and he asked me "When will I have to have a new mom and dad?" I was like what! He said "You said I'd go to a new house, when will I have to go?" Tears started to form in his eyes. I was like forget I ever said anything. You will always be my Josh and you are stuck with me forever. Oh break my heart!

That was the drama of our date. The sweetness was when he asked if he could bring some of the M&M's that were in a cup (to go on the ice cream) home for Holly. That's my sweet boy. He still has a strong hold on my heart.

Our new door

2010-11-18T07:11:00.000-05:00

Our latest basement reno update. Don has finished mudding and sanding my room. He just needs to finish the laundry area, which he has a goal to finish this next Saturday. Yeah!

This could mean that I could paint, but I have elected to wait until he is done mudding his room. He is almost done
tapping it; he'd probably have finished yesterday, but we

decided to put in the door.

This is the door that goes between Don's man cave and the garage. It is a heavy duty door and the first that Don has hung himself. I think that he had fun using all his toys... I mean tools, but the actual getting it to fit perfect was not as fun. In the end it as worked. So here is our door. Tah-dah!

So he gets his room done. Than we paint, then the flooring goes in and some homemade cabinetry, then furniture, and decorate and , and, and. Well, we aren't super close to being done, but closer.

Play ball.

2010-11-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the other day was really nice weather. They say it is going to be the last of warmish weather. I was outside putting my garden beds to rest. Which is funny in its self since I have no idea what I am doing as I put dead grass clippings, leaves and dried garden rubbish in the beds with dirt on top. Hopefully something magical will happen before spring.

Any who. Josh was out there and I thought I should try teach him how to hit a baseball. You would laugh if you knew nonathletic I am. I never hit the ball, but the ball seems to hit me in all sports. But here goes nothing. I tried to show him how to hit. That wasn't too successful. So we started with tossing the ball back and forth and keeping our eye on the ball. Then he threw it to me so I could hit it. Then he tried hitting it. By the time we were done he actually did get some hits in. I think he could of hit more if I was better at pitching, but its the time spent not the ability right? I said RIGHT?

(He was pretty proud to show Don later on:) ) opps double chin.

Primary Program

2010-11-14T19:26:00.003-05:00

Today was our wards Primary program. I am taking a big exhale breathe. It is over for this year.

All the kids did wonderful and were really cute. We had this one little boy that did a solo of Teach me to walk. It was so sweet, and the way that our music leader arranged a bunch of our music was wonderful.

Yesterday when we practised I could have killed Holly. She wouldn't sing, she was twirling during the songs and she just wasn't cooperating. Today was wonderful. She sang and stood still and said her part. Yeah. Thank you teachers, music leaders and all the stand ins, thank you kids.

Big Books Memories

2010-11-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

I can remember when I was younger my brother and I pouring over the ToysRus and Sears Catalog. Totally drooling over which toys we were desiring for Christmas.

This was my kids first year for the "Big Book". They have looked and looked and looked again at it. It has been circled and marked all the toys that they want.

Holly- anything Barbies or Disney Princess

Josh- anything Lego's, Iron Man, Super Hero's, and a couple of Toy Story things.

Groccery Sticker Disease- it could be real

2010-11-13T08:31:00.000-05:00

So, we are checking out and the kids ask if they can have a sticker. The checker says hold on a sec. Then as I am paying he gives them each literally 10 stickers each. I looked at him and said, "Your killing me here!"

I should have ripped two off the roll and gave the rest back. Instead I told them not to stick any of them on the cart or car. So this was their solution. It actually got crazier where all their eyes, nose and mouths were covered.

(I love having my camera with me)

Learning my matters

2010-11-12T07:46:00.000-05:00

The other day Holly told me that she is growing up, but she is still learning her matters. Not manners, but matters.

Do you know your matters?

Boy family night

2010-11-11T08:06:00.000-05:00

I love movie nights the kids look forward to it all week.

Don thought it would be pretty cool to watch Star Wars. Josh was totally on board. Holly not so much. Josh loved it, but was sad that Kwigan's (or however you spell it) body was burned at the end.

Holly's quote of the movie, "Yep, he's still wearing make-up". She said this when Darth-mahl came on the screen for the second time.

Right, hee,hee!

2010-11-10T07:51:00.000-05:00

Last week on the way to church the kids were practising left and right. They told me which way to turn the whole way to church. (You know, because I haven't driven there all year).

So Holly is in the back and she is crackin' herself up. "Mom to be RIGHT, you have to go RIGHT! Haa-haa.

She thought this was hilarious.

Ahh, the beauty of discovering things all over again through your children.

Being six

2010-11-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

Josh has dived into being six, head on. How you may ask?

1. Totally into the super hero's.

2. Loves Star Wars

3. Laughs at everything, things that aren't even funny and makes nonsense rhymes to go with it.

4. Does mouth farts (you know the kind where you push air between you cheek.

5. (my favorite) Has mastered the ARM FART!

Yes boydom is full speed ahead.

Crushin on Jack

2010-11-08T07:29:00.000-05:00

See this sweet LITTLE girl. She has a crush on a boy at church. Holly is four, Jack is 11 (his birthday is next month). Holly is in preschool, Jack is in 6th grade. Holly likes to dress up like a princess, Jack is an ice skater. (He is actually the nutcracker this year in the "Nutcracker"). Holly asks about Jack all the time, Jack only notices her when she is in his face (but, he is a real sweet kid). Holly is learning to read, Jack can write and read his own talks.

Earlier this week we went to Jack's house (while he was at school) to meet with his mom and other ladies for lunch. Holly on the car over, "Is Jack going to be there?". Holly on the way home, "When can we go to Jacks house again?, Next time we go will Jack be there?". Later in the day I called Jacks mom, Holly was in the background, "Is Jack home now? Can I talk to him?" I told her no. She is too young to talk to any boys on the phone. Oh, help us!

Addicted to sale shopping

2010-11-07T20:40:00.005-05:00

Have I told you that I am addicted to sale shopping. I really need to get help. Sometimes I just want to buy it because it is on sale. I need to work on sticking to my list. But check this out My total was $82.50, but I paid 32 dollars oh yeah!

I got 12 cans of Campbell's cream of soup (which I never see go on sale!) and Playtex gloves for FREEEEEEEE!

I think that my ultimate goal is to bet my friends percentage of savings at Kroger. Hers is always better than mine. This week I saved 63% she saved 83%.

I mean my goal is to make sure that my family have food storage, yeah that's what I mean.

Learning new things

2010-11-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

Josh keeps surprising me with things that he is learning at school. "Hey mom, Did you know 10 plus 10 is 20? Did you know 20 take away 1 is 19?" "Mom, I learned what pronouns are today". "Mom I learned how to cut in the middle."

Holly Grooving

2010-11-06T07:51:00.000-04:00

Holly was totally getting into the music at trunk or treat! I think she liked how her cape and dress twirled.

Brrrr, baby it's pink outside.

2010-11-05T09:34:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, I woke up early, 6:00 am, for a Saturday that is eeearrrly for me. I met up with some friends from the ward so we could go do the Race for the Cure walk/run.

Two of us were going to jog and the other three power walk. I was afraid to get separated from my little group. There had to have been hundreds of people there and I didn't have my cell phone with me, or I would of jogged it.

It was 40 degrees (I wore like five layers) when we got there, but the walk was worth it and I had fun chatting it up with my friends. I want to do it again next year and jog it.

In celebration of Tracy. In remembrance of Candy Swanson.

Left to right: Brenda, Me, Aimee, Melissa, and Taylor.

Mom, did you bring money this time?

2010-11-05T09:29:00.000-04:00

Weeks ago we went to the circus and everything there cost money. We told the kids don't even ask, because it cost money and we didn't bring any.

When we went on Josh's field trip, I told Josh that we were heading toward the pony rides and he was going to ride one this time. He asked, " Mom, did you bring money this time?". Nope kid you just got lucky!

Side note, I never knew how expensive it was for my kids to be in school. You buy supplies, then give extra money for more stuff, then you have to buy the class t-shirt, then you pay for the field trip and it's just the end of October! I got keep track so I can earn a little extra for next year. Education is expensive and were in public school!

Team work

2010-11-04T09:24:00.001-04:00

This last week, I was so tired at the end of the week. After reading books with Josh I told him and Holly to practise writing letters. I vaguely remember telling them which letters to practise and even less than that saying sure go play in your room.

When I woke-up from my nap on the couch, that is exactly what they were doing. They had worked together and built this castle out of legos. What a good job!

The other weird thing was I couldn't remember buttoning my sweater and there was a blanket on me. When I asked Holly about it, she said I did it while you were sleeping. What sweet kids.