MILESTONE

Owen woke up yesterday really wanting to wear "unddie wear." So, Robert put them on. I frowned and thought, "Great this is all I need right now while we're getting ready for church, an accident to clean." Owen did the potty dance and we rushed him to the toilet. He was screaming the entire way, "No, I can't do it!" We sat him on the toilet and it just came out. You should have seen the look of shock on his face. It was priceless. He did it! We all jumped for joy and danced around the house. He has worn his "unddie wear" for two days now. He even went #2 in the toilet today! I am excited Owen is finally going potty in the toilet, but one thing is for sure....all this growing up by my baby boy makes me baby hungry even more!

Wish List

My kids are having a ball creating their Christmas wish lists. I feel bad though because I know it is a lot of false hope! But, hey they can dream, right? Oh, and so can I! Santa, please bring me the black, shiny item up above. Wouldn't Pay, Ave and I have a screaming good time whizzing around town in this? Hey, girls can dream and dream we will!

Payton Ally....I love you so....

your happy smiling face...........is such a joy to look at.........you make home a lovely place!

AND SCHOOL TOO........

Robert and I went to Pay's PTC last night, and I must take a minute to tell my girl how proud I am of her. It is so important to me that she is recognized and valued for being funny, smart and kind because it seems in our society today, these values are being erased. They are replaced with idolized images that most girl's can't obtain. How sad that even our youth feel this pressure today.

Payton's teacher beamed about how careful and meticulous she did her work. She even discussed her high scores on all assignments and testing. She said she gives Pay extra work and assignments, and she is afraid she is getting bored. She asked if we would have her tested for gifted and talented. Whew! Thank heavens, Pay has her dad's smarts!

It made me so happy that Pay works hard and is doing well because sometimes she comes home sad and says her friends won't play with her, etc. I think this makes me even sadder than it does her! I know life isn't easy as a second grader, and especially as a second grade girl, because girl's can get kind of petty, but at least it seems evident she won't struggle in the academic area, at least not this year.

But, MORE importantly, her teacher said how nice, respectful and KIND Payton is to her teacher and peers. This is what makes me the most proud. I guess my every day singing of, "I want to be kind to everyone.....for that is right you see......so, I say to myself.......remember this.........kindness begins with me!" is really rubbing off on her! KIDDING........

I feel blessed to be this little girl's mother. NOT KIDDING.......She is a big-hearted, well mannered, obedient, spiritual, fun, silly, snuggly, sweet, helpful, smart, dancing, loving, girl.

So, I tell her often.....

"Payton, I am so glad Heavenly Father has sent you to me!"

I love you.................MOM

Adults can dress up too

Brent and Kim throw an annual Halloween party every year. Yes, this is the same friend who throws the kid party each year too. She is, as my husband says, a "go getter!" This year the blue dress I found at Good Will inspired an idea....so, we went with it. Robert was the lucky polygamist husband,while Jake was the head wife, and Tessa and I were the pregnant other wives. It took some coaxing to get Jake to agree with our idea, but we were happy he did because it was cheap, easy, and really fun. That's the costumes, I was speaking of....get your minds out of the gutter!

Hey, we even won "most unique costumes!"

Here's the ladies sippin' on some monster margaritas! Kim giving out more costume awards.
Here's Our bishop (in real life too) and his wife and friend Michael Phelps (a.k.a Brian)

Kip (a.k.a Audra) wins a prize too!

Brandon and Echo.....the hottest couple for sure!

Oh wait, here's the hottest couple! Brent and Lufanda (a.k.a Jeff)!

Oh, and Flavor Flave and his Medussa showed up too!

The party was a blast. We played some pretty fun games, and I have to admit, I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. My only regret of the night was forgetting to bring my own camera! I would have had a pic. of the food table. It was decorated so neat, very spooky and ghoulish. I also would have snapped some fun photos of everyone laughing so hard that I could have sworn someone was going to wet their pants!

Good times.....hmmmm....now what to dress up as next year??????

Happy Halloween

Halloween 2006.....Look how small Owen is! Halloween 2007.....A baby, a turtle, and Clifford the dog. Avery is in pure heaven being Clifford the dog!
Ewwww......Do you recognize the scary vampires? Halloween 2008! Peyton Manning, a cowgirl, and Tow- Mater!


Our hoot-hollering, hectic, happening, Halloween holiday!

View Album

Get your own

The Phantom Ghost

One of our favorite Halloween traditions is delivering The Phantom Ghost. This is a fun poem and goodies you leave on friend's doorsteps without them seeing you. So, we made, frosted and decorated sugar cookies in the shape of pumpkins. Then each kid chose a friend's house they wanted to door ditch. We all had fun taking turns hiding in the bushes on the side of the house, or dropping the treats on the door, knocking real loud, and running as fast as we could!
A few years ago when I was pregnant with Owen, Payton, Avery and I dropped the goodies and ran for Robert in the getaway car. It was raining and I slipped. I was running so fast that when I slipped I rolled into the street. Oh, boy was it a site to see. I was so embarrassed. I don't know if anyone saw me, but if they did, they certainly had a good laugh.

This year I went to a door with Payton. Robert, Ave, and Owen hid behind a car where they could see the action. I was running too fast for my own legs, and one of them gave out on me. I almost fell but caught myself this time! Whew! No embarrassing moments this year! I am thinking I might be getting too old to do the door ditching. Next year I will stay in hiding with the little ones. Ya, right. Not a chance!

Oh, and tonight, we never were caught. This year's Phantom Ghosting was a Spooktacular Success!!!!!!!

Craziness

Check out the lovely, large feet on this sweet girl.

So, Pay and I went to get new shoes. They measured our feet. We wear the same size! Craziness! My little girl is only in the second grade! She is going to be so tall and pass me up before I know it. For now, we'll have fun sharing flip flops, we'll see how long it lasts. I am sure she'll outgrow my shoes in no time!

QUIRKY

Isn't that a funny word? It sure fits its definition. Angie B. tagged me to post my quirky habits. Hers cracked me up. She doesn't use a micro-wave. I couldn't believe it! She also loves to bust a move but won't do it anymore. That is a crying shame because that girl can get down! Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to think of mine. I couldn't really come up with any besides me talking to myself all day long, etc., so I asked Robert. He immediately came up with seven quirky things about me. So, here they are.....

1. I am a sugar-free, diet, fat-free, low-fat phobic. I won't eat or drink anything with these labels. My friends tease me for drinking kid's drinks and tell me I need to get with the times. Sorry...you'll never catch this girl ordering a Diet Pepsi!

2. When I try on new clothes I stand on my tip-toes and poof up my hair. This made me laugh. I do this. I didn't think anyone noticed, but Robert did! I do this because I want to look taller and have fuller hair!

3. The first thing I do in the morning is EAT. I roll out of bed and head downstairs for breakfast. I can't function without food in the morning. I feel sick if I don't eat immediately. I think I have passed this on to Owen. He is up first every morning. He comes into our room and says, "I want cereal!" "I want cereal!"

4. I have an obsession with ear lobes and noses. I always have. I love to rub my fingers on soft ear lobes and cold noses. I love kissing them too. My favorite spot to kiss on my kids and hubby is the corner where their noses meet their cheeks. Mmmm......love it!

5. I wear ugly robes. I have had the same one for years. All our friends have seen me in my "Potter" robe at one time or another. Brent gave it its nickname. It is a big, blue, zip up robe with a hood. It has stars and clouds all over it. It is such an eye sore, but oh so warm and cozy. It just takes me a second to slide into it in the morning and run down to eat my breakfast. It is all about comfort and convenience!

6. I sneeze a lot! I sneeze all the time! I had a record in college and now I can't remember what it was. Molly.....you'll have to help me because I know you were there and counting! I think it was like 38 times in a row or something!

7. And the last one isn't really quirky in my book. Robert says it is and it drives him crazy! I never put anything away. I make dinner and the kitchen is a mess. I make a sandwich and all the fixings are left out on the counter. I get ready in the morning and my hair and make-up products are scattered on the vanity. I come back later and clean up, but just not at the moment. Yes, I would probably make my life a lot easier if I would pick-up after myself as I go. I think I am going to work on this one!

So, I obliged to Angie's tag and listed 7 quirky things about me. Please do the same so I can read your quirky habits! It is kind of fun!

I tag........anyone and everyone who is quirky and willing to share!

ISU Homecoming

So, the kids and I went to Pocatello last weekend. They did so well on the drive. Yes, they fought, cried, screamed, and threw fits, but not the ENTIRE way! We pulled into town and went straight to my best friend's (Britt and I have been bff's since the second grade) new home. She is having it built. It is incredible. She and her husband bought 8 acres on a mountain side. I have sooo many pics. of her amazing land. The kids were in heaven exploring, playing in the fort, throwing rocks off the bridge, and digging in the dirt. I was in awe of her beautiful views. I am so happy for her and her family and excited to visit and stay at her resort, I mean home!

After our short visit at Britt's we met my parents and Stan and Nichole and the kids at Outer Limits. It is a fun pizza and game place. My kids love getting together with their cousins. They are all close in age and have so much fun together.

Saturday morning we woke up early. We had to get Payton down to the parade. Mal and her family were all helping LD's Floral's float and she said Pay could help too if she wanted. Oh, boy did she ever. She has never been in a parade and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Her cousin, Harlee spent the night with her at grandma's and they both were able to help in the parade. They walked and handed out Orange Crush soda and flowers. The parade was a good time. My mom, Ave and Owe and I met Mikkel and Mal's hubby Curtis. We all stood together and enjoyed the perfect weather, fun floats, and gathered lots of candy! After the parade we headed to Perkins for a delicious, free lunch at "grandpa's store."

Later that night I went to the Homecoming game with my friends. We tailgated and I was able to visit with lots of old friends. Like I said in my last post, some of the best people I know are from Pocatello. It was so good to see and spend time with them. After the game we girls had some lady time. It was funny because we were all driving in my mini-van. Britt climbed up in the front seat with Mal, you know like we would do in high school. These college aged boys drove up next to us. They rolled down their window and yelled out, "What is this mom's night out?" We laughed so hard. Yes, it was mom's night out. We were cruising in a mini-van with two car seats and a giant balloon in the back. We went out and had dinner and then went over to Mikkel's house. She and her friend talked us into doing crazy, adventurous, illegal pranks. We obliged and had a lot of fun. I haven't laughed that hard, or stayed out that late in a really long time. It has taken me days to recover! This girl is old and feeling it.

Sunday, we woke up, packed up, and headed back to Boise. Robert was flying in around 1 p.m. and he was completely locked out of the house. We hurried home, but didn't make it before him, so Brent picked him up from the airport and he hung at the Chapman's for awhile. It was so good to see him and have him home. We have had a busy week getting our Halloween, spooky porch all decorated, and gathering up everything for the kid's costumes. I think we are all ready for the frightfully fun holiday!

Here's a million pics. of our weekend in Pocatello. I am sad it is over. I love to go home to my old stomping grounds where everything is familiar and carries a memory, visit my family I love so much, and have some good laughs with my best friends who know everything about me and still love me in spite of my faults. But it's alright, living away makes going home fun and exciting. I wouldn't have it any other way.

View Album

Get your own

Pocatello....here we come

Here's a pic. of me and my hottie! He's been in Texas for the ADA National meeting, and I am missing him terribly. This isn't the greatest pic. of the two of us. It is dark and you can't see the amazing beach in the background, but it reminds me of how happy we were far, far away, together, on an island in the Bahamas. I think I fell in love with him all over again on that island! Oh, what I would give to be back there right now. I know I shouldn't, but I will be wishing the days to fly by so it will be Sunday soon, and we can be together.

So, if you think the kids and I are sticking around to spend a weekend at home without, Bob....you're crazy!

We're leaving tomorrow for Pocatello. Now I know Pocatello isn't the most desirable location, but it is home to me, and I love it. I love the people there. Some of the best people I know are from Pocatello! I love seeing our families and very best friends. I love going to Perkins and getting free food. I love going to ISU's homecoming and seeing lots of old friends and remembering fun times when Bob was playing for the Bengals. I can't wait. I just have to survive the 3 1/2 hour trip with the kids. I am crossing my fingers that they'll get along great and be happy the entire drive. Ya, I know my chances of that are slim to none! But, we will manage, because we have a weekend full of plans to see friends, family, parades, football games, and more! Life here without Bob is lonely and drab, so thanks for gassing up the mini-van before you left, babe, because we are out of here!