TGIT

Tuesday mornings I have all to myself. My house is so quiet right now it is almost eerie. I would love to go upstairs and crawl into my bed and read, too bad I have a million things to do. I signed up to run a half marathon next month, so I have to get my run in. I also need desperately to pick up this messy house and start the laundry that is piled high. It is never ending! Next week I need to have all of this done so that I CAN read or do something I WANT to do! But, hey, I will still be doing all these daily chores in SWEET SILENCE!

Tip Junkie

One day while "blogging" I found this great site. Tip Junkie is full of every day, useful, easy, inspiring tips. Last night while browsing, I noticed she has a menu for the week posted each weekend. I have really been in a rut with what to make for dinner. It seems I make the same dishes over and over, and when I try something new, my family usually boos and gives me a thumbs down. Ya, I am admitting I am NOT a good cook. But, I do my best and try to make dinner 5 days out of the week.

So, me and the fam could really use some variety at meal times! You know what they say..... "Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor." What I love is that Tip Junkie lists a menu, everything you need at the grocery store, and the recipes. I am excited to start a new menu adventure, and wanted to post the site for anyone else who has had a little "salt in their game" when it comes to family meals! Happy cooking!

Red Hat = Fight, Box, Wrestle,

So, whenever Owen puts on the red hat, he means business. He is a fighter, a boxer, and wrestler! He kicks the couch and punches the pillows. He runs fast and high kicks in the air, rolls on the floor, all while grunting and growling. The best is........when dad is home and Owen wants a fight partner. Owen will walk in with the red cowboy hat and Robert knows it's time to brawl! Yes, it's Robert's cue for, "Dad, let's wrestle, fight, box, be boys!" I always get a kick out of seeing these two with their red hats, especially Robert with his giant head in Avery's, way too small, red cowboy hat! So here they are.......pics. of two boys boxing in red hats, something that makes me laugh, posted for Friday's Funny!

JACK & JILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Suzy, at Jack & Jill Photography is offering FREE digital Christmas card prints. I love these examples and am excited to have ours printed for free. I know it is only September, but wouldn't it be nice to have your Christmas cards ready on time this year?! I am going to take advantage and wanted to share the SWEET DEAL with all of you.

So, check out the details on her bodacious blog at: http://joeyandsuzycarlson.blogspot.com/2008/09/family-picture-time.html

ENJOY!

Welcome to this world, Grant!

So, I turned the big 34 yesterday. Yikes! I can't believe how old I am! We celebrated my birthday Sunday. Robert had my family over and made us all a really nice dinner. He had a cake, presents, and we played games. Thanks Bob!

I was given some really nice presents..... Let's just say...I won't have to wear the same two skirts to church anymore! Oh, and my favorite sunglasses Avery lost, they've been replaced. Yeah!
I loved partying with my family, phone calls from friends and loved ones, but the best part of my birthday day was .......the birth of my new nephew, Grant!

That's right! Me and the little guy will share the same birthday, and Sept. 22 is a grand day to celebrate life, Grant!
Here's the proud grandpa. Do I get my nose from my dad or what?!Payton was loving the little one. Check out my dad's face in the background. That is classic Stan!Sorry about the pic. right after labor, Amy. You look amazing always though! Lilli is pretty excited about her new brother and couldn't keep her hands off of him.

So, welcome to the world, Grant. This I know, you and I are going to be close buddies. There's no way around it, little guy!

Celebrating Womenhood

Come rain or shine, Payton and I are running for women's health and fitness! This is us last year running in perfect weather. It was our first race we ran together, and it was on my birthday. We had a blast and I had one of those surreal moments when I can't believe I am the mom of this terrific kid and how blessed I am to have her as my daughter.
We did it! We ran three miles together. Payton truly wanted to run the whole thing. I couldn't keep up with her at first. She was breaking away from me and I was getting worried because there were so many people. I didn't want her to get lost. I yelled up to her to slow down and wait for me. She turned around and shouted back, "Mom, I don't want to just run this thing, I want to win!" Wow! It's official she is her mother and father's daughter! We have created a competitive monster!
Robert met us at the finish line with Avery and Owen. I had to have a pic. of me and my girls. I grew up with only brothers and must admit, I thought I would have all boys. I never imagined the joy these girls would bring to my life. I love these little ladies!
Saturday, it was a different story. We ran the race in the pouring rain. It rained hard the entire time.
But it didn't stop us from having another great time running together and celebrating "girlhood!" Thanks for running with me, Payton Ally. You were such a trooper. I loved that even though you were cold and soaking wet, you were happy running and dancing in the streets with your mama! Let's do it again next year. What do you say?

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

Friday's Funny

Owen doesn't want to take a nap anymore. "I don't like to take a sleepy, Mom." So, instead I have found him asleep in the most uncomfortable places. I wish I had a picture of all of them.....outside on the cement in the backyard, on the floor of the car, on the desk in the office....

But, I did capture this one of him asleep on my computer! I can't figure out why he thought it would be a nice pillow for his head.
And this one is my favorite. He was face down in the middle of the hard, kitchen floor. What's wrong with snuggling up in your warm, cozy bed, Owen? Oh, ya, that would mean you were officially taking a nap. So, this is much better. Unbeknownst to you, your mama scoops you up and lays you gently in your comfy bed for a nice, little, REST!

I love you, Owen boy!

Mom

September

A month of firsts..........

Owen gets his very first bike. Oh ya, it's a Boise State....Go Broncos Go, bike!
Avery gets her first bike too. You can't see them, but it has little dog decals all over it. Go figure! These two race in the backyard all day long. Oh ya, it's on! Payton starts her first day of 2nd grade. Like the pose?!
This is also the first year she rides her bike to and from school.

The big kids........ on their way!

Avery has her first day of Pre-school. On the way there we drove by a beautiful, big, white house. Avery asked me, "Mom, can we grow our house out to look like that one?" Oh, I wish it were that easy, Aves!
Payton takes her very first piano lesson. Tori, her teacher, comes right to our house. Oh you know I am loving that little convenience!
Owen begins his first swimming lessons.
He cries a little at first, but he is doing it. Hopefully, by summer, he'll be a swimming well like his sisters.
Lilli celebrates her very first birthday! It's hard to believe, little Lilli Lou is one. She is such a joy to have around. She will be the big sister in just a few days, as Amy is going in Monday to have baby #2. We don't know yet if she'll have a boy or girl. We are anxious to find out!

I know I am way behind in posting these things, but it has been such a busy month. I am officially in the thick of it! Summer was lazy, relaxing, and oh so nice. Now, it's September and we are busy and on the go. I am enjoying it though and find that I actually get more done with time constraints. My teaching work load isn't too bad right now. I don't have quite as many students as usual, and I am relieved about that. That seems to be my biggest stress at the beginning of the school year. Juggling teaching from home and being a stay at home mom can be tricky at times. It usually consists of me working late into the night so my job doesn't interfere with my job as a mom. But, right now, I feel I have time to get things done during the day, especially with Avery in Pre-school now and Owen napping (sometimes) when she is gone. So life is good. Again, we are crazy busy, but it is fun and keeps us on our toes. I know this time in my life is going to speed by way too fast, and that makes me very sad. Right now,(and I can't believe I am writing this with the day I have had) but it is true.....being Payton, Avery, and Owen's mom makes my happiness BIG!

Me, Loving Tuesday Mornings

The kids go to a play group Tuesday mornings. That's right, from 9-12 they are off playing and I have the morning to myself. Well, of course I'll have all the kids at my house too, but that's only one week out of 5...I'll take it! It is a little piece of heaven. I went and had my nails done. I meandered through the Dollar store. I came home and went for a run. I was then able to shower totally uninterrupted. Yes, I even had time to shave my legs and pumice my nasty feet! I then watched my guilty pleasure that I recorded last night.....The Hills. I did all that and have time to play on the computer for a bit before I head over to pick up Aves and Owe. I am feeling a little guilty that all my free time was spent on me, me, me. I promise to sometimes use this time to volunteer in Payton's class. Oh, but I must say...I enjoyed every single second of this morning. Ahhhh, Tuesday mornings...I am going to be loving you!

Nu Nu Nu Nu Nu Nu Nu ...You say it's your birthday!

Happy 35th Robert!

We started Bob's special day early at Payton's soccer game. She really wanted to score a goal for her dad on his birthday. She worked hard and ended up with two goals! Way to go, Pay! We went home and Robert took a little snoozer. The kids and I packed the car with his presents, blankets, and a big picnic. After he woke up we headed to the park to chow. On the way we asked him what his favorite birthday memories were. He said he remembered his Superman cake his mom made him one year, and when he turned 8 he was given his very first bike!

At the park the kids gave him their presents they picked out and wrapped just for him. Pay picked out a #1 Dad key chain and a book. Avery picked out his favorite soda. Owen wanted to get him something "Boise State!" , so he chose a bronco t-shirt. I know, all sweet gifts anyone would be dying to receive right?!

After the gifts were unwrapped we took off to the hills for our first hike. The kids did great. They had so much fun making it to the top and enjoying the amazing views of the city from so far up! We spent a lot of time up there climbing the rocks, pointing out different locations, and RESTING from the climb.

Later we headed home to watch the Boise State football game. The kids are just getting their pajamas on and Robert and I are going to go pick up some friends and head out for dessert. Clint and Amy are coming to sit with the kids while we hit the town to celebrate Robert's big day. It's been a lot of fun. Birthdays are a great way to remind us to celebrate life and loved ones, and Robert we love, love, be loving you much, much, lots of loving you!

Owen, Avery, Payton and Kristi

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Friday's Funny

Mikkel- we know you're too cool for school.....But.......... this pic. of you struggling to get back on the boat, trying desperately to maneuver that wake board, and being swallowed up by your, obviously way too big, life jacket.....makes me laugh every time I see it. So, I had to post it for Friday's Funny. Thanks for all the laughs!

Orange

The color of the season And the color of.........................my hair!


It has happened....a major hair crisis. Since I am so cheap, and wanted to spend less than I normally do, I tried a new stylist. Of course she does my friend's hair and her hair always looks fantastic. So, ya, I tried. Nope, mine is not cute. I told the stylist I wanted honey blonde hair instead of the platinum blonde I have turned into. Honey blonde turned into strange, greyish, dull, greasy looking brown. So, I went back. That wasn't fun, but I did. She fixed it. Now it was a darker brown. Hmmmm......I didn't know what she was missing when I said blonde! She could tell I was shocked. So, she put me in the wash bowl with bleach and shampoo on my head. That brought the color a few shades lighter. So, the end result....a strange color with strips of orange. The worst part is, my hair is fried. It looks so gross. I haven't cried. I am really proud of myself. Robert says my hair doesn't define me. Yes, and I know there are much worse things that could happen to me, so I am going to deal with this crisis like a champ! Oh, but throwing a tantrum is all I want to do right now!

Bye, Bye green hair

I know how much you wanted long, long hair. It was getting there too, but all your swimming made your blonde locks green and try as I did, I just couldn't get it out. I am glad you decided it would be alright to cut off all the length. Your new haircut looks adorable on you. You were brave and sat so still. Now our mornings are much more pleasant. It just takes a minute to comb through after the tub, and fixing it is simple and quick (no more tantrums!). Isn't it amazing how much simpler life can be with just one, little haircut?!

I love you, Avery J.

MOM

Golden Goo

This is sooo delicious and sooo simple to make. It also makes a lot (This is a pic. of only half the batch) so you can have some for the family and share it with friends. It's our recent guilty pleasure!

Recipe

8 c. Golden Grahams (I buy Malt o Meal's Honey Graham Squares)

8 c. Rice Chex

1 c. coconut

1 c. sliced almonds

1 c. sugar

1 c. white corn syrup

3/4 c. butter

Mix cereals, coconut, and almonds together in a large bowl. Boil sugar, butter, and corn syrup together for 2 min. Pour over dry ingredients and stir to mix. Spread out on wax paper or just a flat surface to cool.

ENJOY!

WE HAVE ARRIVED

Four years ago when we lived in Nampa, my good friend Cari and her family would always go to a show. I was so envious. I couldn't wait for the day that Robert and I could take our kids to a movie! Well, last night was our first attempt! We took the kids to the cheap theatre to see Kung Fu Panda. This was Owen's very first time in the theatre, and our first time in the theatre all together! Owen did great (of course, he was loaded with popcorn, candy and lemonade!). He wanted to move around and change seats a lot, but I'll take that over whining, crying and being loud. So, it was a success! Yeah! Oh, and Kung Fu Panda was worth it. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Avery just looked at my screen and said, "Hey it's Kung Poo Panda!" Yup...something like that!

Friday's Funny

This is one of my bestest friends, Heather and her hottie boyfriend, Jeff. They are "huge" college football fans!They went to the ECU vs. VT game. Did any of you see that game? It was awesome!Jeff had a grand idea to put a t.v out on their deck to watch the football games this fall.Oh ya, he was serious and had it built.Have you ever seen anything like it? Not me! I thought it was hilarious! So, I wanted to post it for Friday's funny. I also thought it was awesome and wish we lived closer to our friends in NC so we could join them for sweet parties on their deck!

Heather......I love and miss you, girl!

Jeff...... Robert is so jealous of your set up!

AUNT MIKKEL ROCKS THE HOUSE

When we went to Portland, Aunt Mikkel came from Pocatello to stay with the kids. She is the favorite aunt. She is a crazy fun girl. The kids said they had the best time ever, but I don't know...............














What do you think?!

Mikkel, you know you are the greatest, right? We couldn't thank you enough for taking such good care of our little ones.

Love ya.......