tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39817372774059290252024-03-13T05:05:51.457-07:00We Are Outnumbered!Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-52427804377872259042010-02-14T08:44:00.000-08:002010-02-14T08:45:50.481-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S3gojY1Q8PI/AAAAAAAAB_E/_y99MyDC-Y4/s1600-h/DSC_0288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438141138476265714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S3gojY1Q8PI/AAAAAAAAB_E/_y99MyDC-Y4/s320/DSC_0288.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Happy Valentine's Day. Pink, heart shaped pancakes were a perfect way to start the day!</div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-74526373069226525352010-02-05T15:34:00.001-08:002010-02-05T15:35:02.131-08:00Brag on JohnJust have to brag on my baby for a minute. John scored 100% on his kindergarten screening today, and was the first kid this year to do so! Go John!Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-42358414093019031822010-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:002010-02-01T12:53:39.429-08:00The dreaded Parent Teacher conferenceNo new pictures. I don't think I have even gotten my camera out in weeks. We need this cold to go away so we can do <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">something</span> fun.<br /><br />The kids had their parent teacher <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">conferences</span> last week, and everyone got a good report. John's teachers said he is all set for kindergarten. The only issue he has is with sitting still and listening during story time. She said if it is one on one he will sit and listen to stories all day, but when they're in a group his attention wanders. <br /><br />When I went to Natalie and Rebecca's conference I asked how they do in class together. There is only one class per age level at their school so I haven't had to deal with making the decision of keeping them together or splitting them up for school. The teacher said they each have their own friends and don't play together all that often. Natalie hangs with the girls and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rebecca</span> plays with the boys. This is no surprise to me. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rebecca</span> is all about the boys anywhere we go. We will walk into places and she will immediately start pointing out all the men and boys. If this is starting at age 2, I am not looking forward to age 13! Rebecca's teacher did have one concern. She does not know her colors (which isn't a big deal at this age) but she was having trouble matching colors. If the teacher held up a red ball and showed Becca how to pick another red ball, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rebecca</span> would pick a green one. She said there was a possibility of her being color blind. So I called the doctor to see if they could do some sort of screening at her next check up, but they said she is too young. But now, just a week later, she knows almost all of her colors. It just suddenly clicked. It is funny how these little brains work.<br /><br />John has his kindergarten screening this Friday. We had a friend that went last week, so she gave us a heads up on all the things he is supposed to know. I think he has them all down except his address. He knows the house number and he knows the street, he just doesn't put them together. Oh well, I can't imagine that will keep him out of school. :)Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-19665509042458367832010-01-10T20:50:00.000-08:002010-01-10T20:54:46.348-08:00I miss summerOh how I hate the winter. Cold and I do not get along. We had our 1st real snow of the season this past week. The kids were so excited. I got them all bundled up, which took close to an hour. John really wanted to build a snowman, but the snow was not sticky enough. We basically took one walk through the yard and they were all wanting to go back inside. All that work for 5 minutes (if that) of standing in the cold. Where the heck is this global warming? Right now I think that sounds great!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0quWtK0dKI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/y6YlULsWYO4/s1600-h/DSC_0284.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425340406226515106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0quWtK0dKI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/y6YlULsWYO4/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0quWD0WQbI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/_YUpYbuHwYI/s1600-h/DSC_0282.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425340395126407602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0quWD0WQbI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/_YUpYbuHwYI/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0quV7HsbaI/AAAAAAAAB-I/h6lnsJA9qRk/s1600-h/DSC_0281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425340392791633314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0quV7HsbaI/AAAAAAAAB-I/h6lnsJA9qRk/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-49703945478946074342010-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:002010-01-10T20:49:53.042-08:00Goodbye 2009<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425336913268983874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qrLY42SEI/AAAAAAAAB94/gytJQiw1jxk/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" border="0" />New Year's Eve just isn't the same after kids. This year we went over to a friends house for a wild night of board games and sparkling grape juice. The girls played for a bit and then went to bed, but John and his friend actually stayed up to greet the new year. I was surprised! While the little boys were off playing, the adults played Taboo and Balderdash. Julie and I were the champions of Taboo by a mile. Balderdash got interesting as one of our friends, with no kids to drive home, was drinking quite a bit. When you play this game you make up definitions for strange words and try to get people to pick yours as the correct definition. Let's just say his were never picked. That boy has a dirty mind. As 2009 drew to a close we all gathered in front of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tv</span> to watch the ball drop and got our New Year's kisses. Then we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bundled</span> up and went outside to let the kids bang pots and pans and watch fireworks.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425336900877767026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qrKqujUXI/AAAAAAAAB9o/9gSldBYz_ZQ/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425336909978019874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qrLMoOKCI/AAAAAAAAB9w/HkL53MU6iPY/s320/DSC_0276.1.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qrL_9aJAI/AAAAAAAAB-A/eGLGHWIkeCs/s1600-h/DSC_0278.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425336923757093890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qrL_9aJAI/AAAAAAAAB-A/eGLGHWIkeCs/s320/DSC_0278.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yes, that is white grape juice...not champagne :)Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-52723200468170081032010-01-10T20:14:00.000-08:002010-01-10T20:35:21.126-08:00Christmas 2009<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425331661011161138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qmZqtAEDI/AAAAAAAAB9A/WYylMoLxKEQ/s320/22453_549897414730_71902322_32169330_3759782_n.jpg" border="0" />Our Christmas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">festivities</span> started off at my Grandma's house for dinner. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">delicious</span> as always. After dinner we opened a present that our Elf on a Shelf left us before he went back to the North Pole. Pajamas for everyone and a movie to watch before heading to church for Christmas Eve service. The movie held the kids attention for about 20 minutes. At church we took the kids to the playroom, but Natalie wasn't having that. She wanted to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stay</span> with the grownups. She was so good during the service. Near the end she fell asleep in my arms which NEVER happens. I was loving every minute of it. While people stood up to sing I just stayed seated and held her. I almost had a fit of the giggles when the man behind me started using my head as a book rest for his hymnal while he stood and sang. I don't think he had any idea he was doing it, so I tried to stay as still as possible so I wouldn't jiggle his book. After service we headed home, put 3 super sleepy kids to bed in their new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">jammies</span>, and got to setting up the living room with a truckload of new toys from Santa.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425331664425777570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qmZ3bG-aI/AAAAAAAAB9I/aElyTurxTxQ/s320/DSC_0258.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425331675819139714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qmah3f4oI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/IL1sb41AYRo/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" border="0" /><br />Christmas morning was awesome. This was the 1st year that all 3 kids really "got it." Each one got the one thing they asked for from Santa. John - a remote controlled rocket Natalie - a baby doll and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rebecca</span> - a baby doll bed. After playing for a little while my mom, grandma, sister, brother, and someday sister in law came over. We had a little to eat and set about opening the piles and piles of gifts. John had fun with the girls jewelry...as did my brother.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425331681250459218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qma2GbPlI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/xalpmRvmOIc/s320/DSC_0267.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qmbcjg6qI/AAAAAAAAB9g/7sBNFMJTzcU/s1600-h/DSC_0269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425331691573013154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qmbcjg6qI/AAAAAAAAB9g/7sBNFMJTzcU/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" border="0" /></a> For lunch we went to my Dad's house. More good food (I ate WAY too much) and more presents. I think my favorite part of the day was when my dad opened my gift to him. On top of his present I had attached a couple lottery tickets. One of them was fake. When he scratched it off it said he won $20,000. He was all nervous and excited. He was a very good sport when he found out he had not actually won. He was just disappointed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">because</span> he already had it spent in his mind. :)<br /><br />After lunch at my Dad's we headed to Mike's parents for our final stop of the day. Everyone was in town, so it was a full house but a lot of fun. The kids played with all their cousins and the adults had time to catch up with each other's lives. More presents, more presents. We actually had to leave a few at their house because they wouldn't fit in our overstuffed sleigh, I mean car.Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-91251653504518019342010-01-10T19:52:00.000-08:002010-01-10T20:14:44.850-08:00John is 5!!!December 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> my little boy turned 5! He is sweet, caring, crazy, and super sassy. One minute he will come up to me out of nowhere and tell me he loves me, and the next he is emptying his glass of milk into the dogs food bowl. For his birthday party this year we had it at his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kwon</span> Do studio. This was the 1st birthday party they had ever done, so we were a little nervous, but it went great. The boys all had so much fun. They started with a warm up which was comical, as most 4-5 year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">olds</span> have not been through a stretching routine.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425326777266933954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qh9ZVpEMI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/VW68T8Z1RWE/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" border="0" />After everybody was all warmed up they went through some of the regular punching and kicking drills that they do in class. Then they brought out the pads and the big bags which the kids had a ball trying to knock over.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425326782933619330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qh9ucr0oI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/ms0RS-Zwf6Q/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425326791269955202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qh-NgONoI/AAAAAAAAB8g/TmcusOYN91U/s320/DSC_0181.JPG" border="0" />The highlight of the day was when each kid got to decorate a board and then break it. John won't be doing this in class for quite a while, so he was pumped to get to do it on his birthday. There was quite a bit of "help" from Master George as he bent the boards a bit as the kids hit them. They were all so proud and they got to take their broken boards home as a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">souvenir</span>.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425326795737399602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qh-eJWATI/AAAAAAAAB8o/i6JxIkRyMZk/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425326803413990082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qh-6vlesI/AAAAAAAAB8w/_1gIHXiARlo/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" border="0" />Instead of a cake, we had a cupcake bar. Each child got a plain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">unfrosted</span> cupcake. Then they got to go over to the bar and choose their frosting and toppings. After eating they all ran an obstacle course. I'm not sure why they had to wear a helmet, as none of it was dangerous, but they all did.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qiVUpVOjI/AAAAAAAAB84/R2JLC6XA5gM/s1600-h/DSC_0216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425327188324203058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qiVUpVOjI/AAAAAAAAB84/R2JLC6XA5gM/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Once we came home from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kwon</span> Do party, we set up preparations for a birthday party at home with the family. Mike braved the cold and barbecued hamburgers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hotdogs</span> and we had present time, cake, and ice cream. I usually love making John a cake with a theme, but this year he asked for a plain circle cake. I reluctantly obliged. I made it the night before, set it in the middle of the kitchen table, and locked the dog out of the kitchen. Unfortunately at some point in the night, Mike went into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">kitchen</span> and forgot to lock the gate behind him. Arthur got in and ate the sides out of the cake. A quick trip to the grocery store resulted in a very yummy bakery made cake with pieces of candy bar on the top.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425325807252952914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qhE7wSV1I/AAAAAAAAB7o/vQf_DMoZlMY/s320/22453_549897389780_71902322_32169326_5799217_n.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425325809661547538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qhFEuilBI/AAAAAAAAB7w/dUFhO9hw4aU/s320/22453_549897394770_71902322_32169327_6412604_n.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425325815313060194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qhFZx90WI/AAAAAAAAB74/ZfHm21VgNIQ/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425325822939438082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qhF2MPHAI/AAAAAAAAB8A/Mr66GopdyWg/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425325826681912578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/S0qhGEIgvQI/AAAAAAAAB8I/W_uctBdEpbQ/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" /></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-61121334299267878162009-12-22T13:10:00.000-08:002009-12-22T17:02:40.181-08:00Christmas CardJust in case anyone didn't receive our Christmas card...here's yours! :)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SzE1uEt2p-I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/TrdG1-vaG1M/s1600-h/livepreview3.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418230691992668610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SzFsG3tXicI/AAAAAAAAB7g/9ckHxhoyTEI/s320/livepreview31.JPG" border="0" />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-65351927458106278312009-12-16T20:45:00.000-08:002009-12-16T20:58:51.800-08:00Bells will be ringingToday John had his Christmas concert at preschool. Before any singing began, Pastor Liz came in to tell the story of Christ's birth. She opened with a question, "Do you know who's birthday we are getting ready to celebrate. It's someone very important." John promptly raised his hand and replied, "MINE!" Yes John, your birthday is coming up, and yes, you are very important. She was looking for Jesus though. :)<br /><br />After hearing the Christmas story the kids got down to singing. They all had jingle bells to ring throughout every song and there was excitement all around when the bucket of bells was passed to the kids. They all did very well, singing all the Christmas standards. John said his very favorite was Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. After singing the parents left and the kids got down to business with their Christmas Party. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym4AXTSHpI/AAAAAAAAB7I/jJYcu5xGarE/s1600-h/DSC_0153.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416062343284137618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym4AXTSHpI/AAAAAAAAB7I/jJYcu5xGarE/s320/DSC_0153.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym4AHr7B9I/AAAAAAAAB7A/SQi861BJ3zU/s1600-h/DSC_0150.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416062339092514770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym4AHr7B9I/AAAAAAAAB7A/SQi861BJ3zU/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym3_tolJ7I/AAAAAAAAB64/oBFn3Q1PjBo/s1600-h/DSC_0149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416062332099176370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym3_tolJ7I/AAAAAAAAB64/oBFn3Q1PjBo/s320/DSC_0149.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym3_FCz1_I/AAAAAAAAB6w/hIcTUuQ4e4s/s1600-h/DSC_0148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416062321203337202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym3_FCz1_I/AAAAAAAAB6w/hIcTUuQ4e4s/s320/DSC_0148.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym3-khoojI/AAAAAAAAB6o/8OcSrvexkdw/s1600-h/DSC_0147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416062312474255922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sym3-khoojI/AAAAAAAAB6o/8OcSrvexkdw/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-46884863575662788152009-12-15T11:16:00.000-08:002009-12-15T11:26:44.545-08:00Dear Santa...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfixEwbWWI/AAAAAAAAB6g/j7OzUUdluc0/s1600-h/DSC_0139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415546409654638946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfixEwbWWI/AAAAAAAAB6g/j7OzUUdluc0/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>Today the kids and I braved the mall for our trip to see Santa. The whole way there we talked about how nice Santa is and how there is no reason to be scared of him. This was all fine until John saw the jolly old elf. He said Santa looked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">weird</span> and he refused to sit with him. This is the same Santa we see every year, so I don't know why he thought he looked different this year. Natalie was a little shy, but sat on his lap no problem. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rebecca</span> I had to sit with for a moment and then make the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">handoff</span> to Santa and bolt out of the picture. I'll have to scan the picture and post it later. Natalie is sitting nicely (with her fingers in her mouth) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rebecca</span> is wailing. John is nowhere to be found.</div><br /><br /><div>After that we went down to Macy's where they have a letter writing area and a mailbox to send a letter to Santa. John wrote "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rocketship</span>" and explained that Santa will know that he means a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">rocketship</span> with a remote control with no fire coming out of the back. Natalie drew a baby doll and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rebecca</span> drew a baby doll bed. I am hoping Santa can make sense of their scribbles.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415545885020469810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfiSiV5OjI/AAAAAAAAB54/Rj26r3QKZb4/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415545893246120866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfiTA_Cs6I/AAAAAAAAB6A/HwRZihDZ_kU/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415545902286157586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfiTiqWtxI/AAAAAAAAB6I/mgFUOFUYhoQ/s320/DSC_0136.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415545909280008162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfiT8t0Z-I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/IM8OEPUYEfo/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415545913665071362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyfiUNDTKQI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/oNxZ6SxnspM/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" border="0" />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-58197995626391661832009-12-13T20:29:00.000-08:002009-12-13T20:46:54.647-08:00It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Today was the church's Christmas Pageant. John had the role of the goat. He did a wonderful job of saying his line, "I am the goat. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Baaa</span>." :) The parents of the barnyard animals had been told to make ears for the kids, but John was the only one with them on that day. He may have looked a little out of place, but adorable none the less.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414946734776118482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXBXZv97NI/AAAAAAAAB4w/WyfXFeowMTs/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414946743177701218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXBX5DD52I/AAAAAAAAB44/QPcVtZvzXtw/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>After dinner tonight I finally gave in and brought out the gingerbread house to decorate. I took the easy route and bought a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-baked, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre</span>-assembled house that came with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span>-made frosting and candies for decorating. The kids had a great time decorating it, and trying to sneak the candies in their mouth without Mike or I noticing. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414946747394651986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXBYIwdd1I/AAAAAAAAB5A/iZ7mDzEg3d8/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414946753808246034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXBYgplJRI/AAAAAAAAB5I/ZfKbzeGfzYk/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Once decorations were complete I decided to do a little decorating of my own. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414946759797180290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXBY29dB4I/AAAAAAAAB5Q/PsbCUEEtPqs/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414947911207073138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXCb4S9tXI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/uWbxeSpwJyk/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" border="0" />Arthur helped with the clean-up<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414947915094104338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXCcGxtGRI/AAAAAAAAB5g/_-HbDM1dvvA/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>After baths to clean all the frosting off the little ones we sat down and watched a bunch of home movies. The kids were so confused asking who all the babies were. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414947919907723586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyXCcYtXGUI/AAAAAAAAB5o/QfbzUG47GRw/s320/DSC_0130.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Oh, and John had another belt test in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kwon</span> Do last week and he moved up to a red stripe. I don't have any pictures of him with it though. They are on holiday break until January, so he won't be in his uniform any time soon.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-28831092515523458872009-12-10T09:13:00.001-08:002009-12-10T17:59:11.218-08:00Seriously????This is what I found when I got them up from their nap. The window shade was just put up yesterday because the previous one they had torn down and destroyed like wild animals, I mean toddlers.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413657531526782914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyEs15ZFn8I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/8JLLnrq6J3E/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413657536091480418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyEs2KZZYWI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/fhpLfuv-S0g/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The suspects - caught Sharpie handed</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413657544402822466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyEs2pW-ZUI/AAAAAAAAB4g/v-ka7JCwaNQ/s320/DSC_0108.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413657546582294226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SyEs2xemftI/AAAAAAAAB4o/Nek1Ps0ycxs/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" border="0" />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-60848724443334506992009-12-09T17:59:00.000-08:002009-12-09T18:00:36.694-08:00Conversation with JohnJohn: I love you.<br /><br />Me: I love you forever.<br /><br />John: I love you forever.<br /><br />Me: I love you forever and always.<br /><br />John: I love you forever and holidays.Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-76104687378438463692009-12-06T18:57:00.000-08:002009-12-06T19:42:24.607-08:00Clever Owl and the Fashionistas<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="left">John had his Native American festival at preschool a few weeks ago. They all had Native American names and John chose "Clever Owl." The kids sang songs showed the parents all the Native American crafts they had made over the past few weeks. Some of the songs they sang I actually <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">remembered</span> from when my brother went to school there almost 20 years ago!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412323780890167602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SxxvzZFbiTI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/bF3hXlbXQLs/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On Thanksgiving this year we had 2 stops to make. We started the day at Uncle Dennis & Aunt Barb's house. The regular crew was all there minus my cousin and her family. Sickness kept them away. We had great food as always and lots of fun with the family. We also got some great news. There will be 2 new additions to Thanksgiving dinner next year. We already knew my cousin Niki was pregnant with a little boy, but we also found out that my cousin Patrick and his wife Megan are pregnant with their second baby!<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412323788163699474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxxvz0Lk0xI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/krsEHW83_zQ/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rebecca</span> giving hugs to baby Chaney (the big sister to be)<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412323791705587762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxxv0BYBwDI/AAAAAAAAB2g/Ux7mLnp2hbI/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" border="0" />John flying planes with Uncle Dennis on the computer<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412323803371813586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxxv0s1eOtI/AAAAAAAAB2o/lEtKrCtBFj0/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412323805218707714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxxv0ztzmQI/AAAAAAAAB2w/6EssCcWGIQI/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" border="0" />Natalie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rebecca</span> enjoying the cupcakes</div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="left">After lunch there we headed to Maw Maw June and Grandpa Bud's house. We had a full house there and a ton of food, including my favorite coconut cream pie. It may not be a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, but Mike's mom makes the BEST pies and this is always my fave.</p><br /><p align="left">The girls are starting to want to pick out their own clothes and it is driving me crazy. I know I should let them express themselves, but sometimes their outfits end up looking like this...luckily we weren't going anywhere<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412324865556497554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SxxwyhyCRJI/AAAAAAAAB3A/X9K0xV0s8qk/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412333821392092402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxx4703ofPI/AAAAAAAAB4A/je-nNZu4aAs/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412333827846606386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxx48M6gjjI/AAAAAAAAB4I/CcfvxjAdp1g/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412324881023545186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SxxwzbZqr2I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/WBULt31ulPQ/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>Today John had his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kwon</span> Do Holiday party and performance. The demonstration team had a performance that included some sparring and board breaking. Before they got into all that though the little ones had a small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">performance</span> of their punching. John did great, but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures because one of the instructors was standing right in front of me. He was so proud when he came back to the table and got all his congratulations and hugs. After a small dinner they had an awards ceremony. John got a participation certificate along with the rest of his classmates. It was pretty impressive listening to the older kids and adults getting their awards. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412324885230134834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SxxwzrEmJjI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/lxFUZG5pCXA/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412330533408772002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxx18cLUj6I/AAAAAAAAB3g/mH36-YyECZQ/s320/DSC_0101.JPG" border="0" />John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">recieving</span> his certificate - he has one of the mean mommies that won't let him wear his uniform after performing...white and 4 year old boys do not mix well<br /><br />When we got home from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kwon</span> Do we set about decorating the Christmas Tree. Natalie was a fabulous supervisor and told the other 2 where to put everything. She was scared of a nutcracker ornament and didn't want to get to close to the tree after spotting it. The offending ornament has since been removed. I may have to go back and rearrange a few things now that they are in bed. 90% of the ornaments are about 3 feet high and under.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412330553596656642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxx19nYfPAI/AAAAAAAAB34/aEgI0yqse10/s320/DSC_0105.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412330544281313810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxx19EriYhI/AAAAAAAAB3w/r-vWAji4sTc/s320/DSC_0104.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412330541012712802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sxx184gPfWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/I5ibOQni86A/s320/DSC_0103.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-42339844664864280432009-12-02T12:23:00.000-08:002009-12-02T12:24:57.704-08:00Christmas ListJohn has decided he wants a gas station for Christmas. If anyone knows of a Shell Station or Circle K for sale let me know. :)Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-25787983201713359102009-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:002009-11-14T13:38:10.482-08:00Nature Walk<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8dmWW_C5I/AAAAAAAAB0w/V20hWN_3qBo/s1600-h/DSC_0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404070622542105490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8dmWW_C5I/AAAAAAAAB0w/V20hWN_3qBo/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was so beautiful out today I finally took the kids out on the nature walk I had been promising for weeks. We headed out to a nearby park with a couple of trails. I gave each kid a ziploc bag with their name on it to collect their nature treasures in. John was excited to find acorns and pinecones, only to discover that neither were anywhere to be found. He settled for rocks, sticks, and leaves.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8eaHRVYJI/AAAAAAAAB1A/Weu8DWyY_GA/s1600-h/DSC_0008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404071511845068946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8eaHRVYJI/AAAAAAAAB1A/Weu8DWyY_GA/s200/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8eZ7koreI/AAAAAAAAB04/-Szsv643AMg/s1600-h/DSC_0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404071508704800226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8eZ7koreI/AAAAAAAAB04/-Szsv643AMg/s200/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>There was a lot of running. John kept making starting and finishing lines on the trail and then having the girls race him. He was very excited that he continuously won. Poor girls. Their little legs just couldn't keep up.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404072353865866306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8fLICvHEI/AAAAAAAAB1I/FbKSqSVj-e0/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>About halfway through our walk we came up to a creek that we could climb down to. The kids all had a blast throwing rocks and sand into the water. Natalie kept getting a little too close to the water though. I was just imaging her slipping in and having to walk all the way back to the car with a sopping wet, cold, 2 year old.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8gOiPltmI/AAAAAAAAB1g/Eo12bBa4yeE/s1600-h/DSC_0019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404073511950333538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8gOiPltmI/AAAAAAAAB1g/Eo12bBa4yeE/s200/DSC_0019.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8gOWm5hBI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/-k2N1yfJJag/s1600-h/DSC_0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404073508826874898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8gOWm5hBI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/-k2N1yfJJag/s200/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8gN429EbI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/QZldWs3mMqM/s1600-h/DSC_0016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404073500841152946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8gN429EbI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/QZldWs3mMqM/s200/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>After playing by the water for a while we headed back to the trail. I found a tree to put the kids in for cute pictures. We had a talk before we left that everyone would walk the whole way and I was not carrying anyone. They all agreed. Apparently Natalie forgot about 3/4 of the way through though and had a nice screaming fit.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404075084060902338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8hqCz9Q8I/AAAAAAAAB1o/SFxcSmF_ByA/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404075099462930402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8hq8MFj-I/AAAAAAAAB14/rI2pyGYGEhM/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404075090228068002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8hqZyUvqI/AAAAAAAAB1w/1rWgcc3bbLY/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404075102424390530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8hrHOJ24I/AAAAAAAAB2A/py6jZyFPjMY/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404075111594778498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv8hrpYi34I/AAAAAAAAB2I/wCKKgconjR4/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" border="0" />After our walk we went over to the playground to kill some time before lunch. Before I even had the girls jackets off of them John ran over the monkey bars, grabbed on, swung his feet out, and landed flat on his back. He was screaming as I ran over and kept sputtering that he couldn't talk. He had gotten the wind knocked out of him pretty bad. Thank goodness he was already moving by the time I got to him because as soon as I saw him fall I was preparing myself for him to be paralyzed. I think he took a few years off my life. The other mothers at the playground just kind of glared at me. Like I really wanted my kid to get hurt! He's fast, and he's never tried the monkey bars by himself so when he ran to the playground I didn't think I needed to be hovering over him. Plus, I have 2 other little ones to watch. Accidents happen people! Regardless, 2 minutes later he was running around again and all was well.Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-26325756313458502522009-11-13T21:30:00.001-08:002009-11-13T21:38:11.918-08:00Continuing TraditionWhen I was a kid my dad had bowling league on Friday nights. While he was out, my mom would set up a picnic dinner for us in the living room. Generally it was pizza, applesauce, and nasty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Vienna</span> sausages. The latter was only eaten by my mom and brother. Just the smell of them makes me sick. We would sit on towels on the floor and watch all the TGIF shows, Full House, Family Matters, etc. It was nothing crazy exciting, but it was something we all looked forward to each week.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Tonight, while Mike was gone deer hunting I decided the kids and I would do the same. Since the good old TGIF shows aren't on anymore (and my kids are a little too young for them anyway) we hit up the video store and rented Mary Poppins and then swung by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Imo's</span> for pizza and salad. YUM! The kids were so excited to get to eat in the living room. We set out our towels and had our own little picnic. After dinner I made some popcorn, turned out the lights, and we had our own little movie showing complete with chocolate covered raisins, which were a big hit. I don't know if this will be an every week thing as they are still pretty young but it was fun to carry on a tradition.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403829168113768754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sv5B_2hQ2TI/AAAAAAAAB0o/btMhxlk34UU/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" border="0" />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-40594470486869358232009-11-08T21:20:00.000-08:002009-11-08T21:21:30.086-08:00Woo hoo!!!Rebecca peed in the potty! Rebecca peed in the potty!! Just once, but she did it!!!Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-73689850069469406912009-11-03T19:55:00.000-08:002009-11-03T19:57:51.467-08:00Rebecca the ArsonistConversation in the car today<br /><br />John: I want to be a fireman. I'm going to drive one of the big green firetrucks and Natalie is going to ride with me.<br /><br />Me: That would be a good job. You could help people if their houses catch on fire.<br /><br />John: Yeah!<br /><br />Rebecca: I want to catch people's houses on fire.Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-6595638748246959522009-10-31T21:30:00.000-07:002009-10-31T21:54:01.378-07:00Happy Halloween!!!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I have been wanting to post pics of the kids costumes, but was trying to wait until Halloween. </div><br /><br /><div>The girls had their Halloween party and costume parade at school on Wednesday. They usually parade outside around the school, but because of all the rain they had to parade through the playroom. A little anti-climactic if you ask me. It wasn't even raining that day, but I guess the teachers thought it was too wet outside. G.G. came up and got to see the girls and their friends in their costumes.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992212274781346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0Sz929HKI/AAAAAAAABzw/IAmVdtcMffs/s320/DSC_0048.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992201714625026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0SzWhN6gI/AAAAAAAABzo/GQoeNLsS4N4/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>John's class parade and party was Friday, and it was also inside. This time it was actually pouring out, so I understood. :) They went up and down the hall and around the playroom. After posing for a few pictures the parents took off and the kids proceeded with their Halloween festivities. After picking John up we got the girls in their costumes and headed off to my mom's work so she could see them and they could trick or treat around her office. My mom thought ahead, and being the wonderful Maw Maw that she is, went around beforehand and gave candy to her coworkers to hand out to the kids. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992214017782530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0S0EWhMwI/AAAAAAAABz4/iDZPeLSrTdc/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992220064403474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0S0a4JUBI/AAAAAAAAB0A/jtQnqiFqY-k/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Saturday we made a trip to Grandma June and Grandpa Bud's house and then over to my Dad's house so all the grandparents could see the costumes. Natalie was being a bit bashful for some reason, but they had a good time and started filling their treat bags before trick or treating even began.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992228942071250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0S078vxdI/AAAAAAAAB0I/HjiiKxdXDFo/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Finally we made it over to our friends house for trick or treating. It has become a yearly tradition to go over there for dinner and then trick or treat around their neighborhood. They have a ton of kids in their neighborhood and everyone participates. Our street is like a ghost town on Halloween. No kids at all. The only trick or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">treaters</span> we ever get are the neighbors <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grandkids</span>. For some reason though I still go buy a big bag of candy every year. The kids filled their treat bags and we went back over to Mike & Julie's to hang out, let the kids play, and hand out candy to the rest of the goblins. I love how near the end of the night all the older kids (teenagers) come out to trick or treat. There were 2 guys that cracked me up. One was just wearing jeans and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hoodie</span>. When Julie asked what he was, without even hesitating he said "I'm Nicholas Cage." Another guy was wearing jean and a Michael Jackson t-shirt and said he was a Michael Jackson fan. Awesome costumes guys! :) After the kids downed as much sugar as they could we took 3 overly tired kids home, brushed teeth like crazy, and listened to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">silence</span> as they all fell asleep immediately.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398992998637030770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0ThvSUzXI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/z2AOjyNtfZg/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398993009962746466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0TiZelgmI/AAAAAAAAB0g/BFAGdU404l4/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398993005015281282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Su0TiHDBLoI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/O2IY6gSktDo/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" border="0" />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-52238240781923636752009-10-24T20:16:00.000-07:002009-10-24T20:20:46.334-07:00Natalie's lip jobGood news! It seems that Natalie won't be in need of a lip job anytime in the near future! Modern medicine can keep all their injectibles for plumping lips, my daughter found a natural way to get a movie star mouth. Poor baby slipped on a book and smacked her mouth right into her bed. She bit into her lip pretty good. Lots of blood, but all is well. A cold washcloth, a little ice, and lots of snuggles and she was good to go.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396372147394792130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SuPD4HlHSsI/AAAAAAAABzg/vFD3iyTnYTs/s320/DSC_0038.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-38284252475138388752009-10-22T19:56:00.001-07:002009-10-22T20:07:42.154-07:00Jail is not fun!<div align="left">Holy cow. I slacked off here for almost a month. What's been going on...</div><br /><div align="left">John has had 2 field trips at preschool already. The first was to a local park with farm animals. We had been there before, so he wasn't quite as excited as some of the other kids. The second was to the fire/police station. That one he loved! He came home with a fire hat and tons of information about calling 911, stopping - dropping - and rolling, and that jail is not fun.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395625977141443650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SuEdPSxivEI/AAAAAAAABzQ/oyCUoz7lZVQ/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">John and his best friend from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">preschool</span><br /></p><br /><div></div><br /><div>Natalie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rebecca</span> are well into the terrible twos. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rebecca</span> spends a lot of time screaming and Natalie has decided she needs to be carried everywhere. They are both loving preschool and I basically have to beg for a kiss goodbye before they run off to play.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395626381691346882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SuEdm11wX8I/AAAAAAAABzY/jSWIH0lxzUE/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Halloween is coming up way too fast. The kids costumes are pretty much done, but since my sewing machine is messed up I will be going to my mom's house this weekend to finish them up. The are going as Alice in Wonderland characters. John is the Mad Hatter, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rebecca</span> is the Queen of Hearts, and Natalie is Alice. Someday John is going to realize that he can decide what he wants to be for Halloween, but until he does I am loving the themes. :)</div><div> </div><div>Oh, and during my break here I went and turned 30. Blah!</div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-62491414098443552342009-09-24T15:37:00.000-07:002009-09-24T15:40:36.774-07:00Conversation with JohnWe were discussing twins...<br /><br />Me: Remember when Mommy's tummy was really big?<br /><br />John: Yeah<br /><br />Me: Well, Natalie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rebecca</span> were in there. They were really tiny and then they grew into babies in Mommy's belly. When a mommy has 2 babies in their belly, the babies are twins.<br /><br />John: (appalled) They walked right in your mouth and went down to your BELLY?!Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-9629262049988281702009-09-14T11:14:00.000-07:002009-09-18T18:26:56.062-07:00First Days of School<div align="center">It's official. All the kids are now in school. John had his 1st day last Friday where I stayed with him, and his first day by himself was Monday. He is going 3 days a week and loving it. Most of the kids from last year are in his class, as well as a few new friends. He has already been planning his show and tells for the next week. This week he took a tractor one day and a hammer the next. Next week he plans on bringing his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tae</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kwon</span> do belt and maybe one of his trains. I really wish I could be a fly on the wall during show and tell to see what the kids say about the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">treasures</span> they bring from home.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381390271536581762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6J8KyuTII/AAAAAAAABwQ/_lmTT3ES2JU/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381390284775172130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6J88HDKCI/AAAAAAAABwY/1Pw5fI1zMc8/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" border="0" />Hugs from Becca</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382908512090383698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPuxZmS5VI/AAAAAAAABxo/09ifES9N9Uo/s320/DSC_0113.JPG" border="0" />Hugs from Natalie</div><br />The girls had their 1st day on Monday, where I stayed with them, and then their first official day by themselves was Wednesday. They did great. They remembered the teachers from John's class, so they were fine being left with them. We got a few new pieces of art to add to our growing collection. I came to pick them up just a few minutes early so I got to peek in while they were singing. It was so cute watching them participate with their class. I can't believe they are getting so big!<br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381397090809634818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6QJGkHYAI/AAAAAAAABxA/vzA9eEcp44M/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381397079522487426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6QIchDLII/AAAAAAAABw4/pZZs8q2k9vg/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" border="0" />Hugs for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rebecca</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381397098120522962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6QJhzKrNI/AAAAAAAABxI/z42hE0wFBO0/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381390313753376162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6J-oD_daI/AAAAAAAABww/4Q7M12AV3i4/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" border="0" />Hugs for Natalie</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381390302977510226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6J9_60y1I/AAAAAAAABwo/u_OoYrXD4rU/s320/DSC_0118+(2).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381397111499847666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sq6QKTpC9_I/AAAAAAAABxQ/4-vlsrVX-jw/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" border="0" />the girls and I after their 1st day</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Sleeping in beds hasn't been going so well. The first couple of days were alright, but now, I don't think they sleep at all during nap time. They empty the dresser and the toy box. Get in each others beds, and basically just play and make a big mess. Then, when it is time to get up they are exhausted.</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382908520436070386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPux4sD9_I/AAAAAAAABxw/xlzNfiNRUxs/s320/DSC_0152.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382908529697493378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPuybMKEYI/AAAAAAAABx4/6XaL12rsu1A/s320/DSC_0157.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">After the girls took a nice rest on the living room floor yesterday, we headed outside. All the kids are getting so much more adventurous. John is close to being able to reach the monkey bars which I'm sure means a trip to the ER for a broken arm is in our near future. Natalie has no fear whatsoever. She has learned to climb the rock wall and is now climbing the rope ladder. She falls and gets her legs stuck, but just keeps going back for more. Even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rebecca</span> has started getting into the action. She used to be scared to climb the steps and now she is scaling the bar ladder and working on the rock wall. It's neat to watch them learn how to do all these things, but I have about 15 mini heart attacks every time we play outside.</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911145726575122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxKsqGAhI/AAAAAAAAByw/lKm5tcysYLM/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" border="0" />Natalie on the rope ladder</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911133225712418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxJ-Fp-yI/AAAAAAAAByo/r-o4n4P0QoU/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" border="0" />spinning on the tire swing</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382909775047719634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPv66eyetI/AAAAAAAAByg/xyhe2oWhysc/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rebecca</span> on the slide</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382909764840804738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPv6UdRUYI/AAAAAAAAByY/aKLyNH3RJ1I/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382909759118438386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPv5_I87_I/AAAAAAAAByQ/P6thpwKzBHI/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" border="0" />Natalie</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382909745830623346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPv5No4-HI/AAAAAAAAByI/EGRhRuNULdM/s320/DSC_0160.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rebecca</span> lounging on the fold up chair they have started taking up the playhouse area</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382909731033555586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPv4Wg_ooI/AAAAAAAAByA/Bs41U27hiKE/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" border="0" />John swinging</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">These are some strange kids I have. After playing on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">swingset</span>, John found the girls old pool <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">floaties</span> and they all decided to wear them on their heads.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxMjOMxAI/AAAAAAAABzI/R_5GU7H6teM/s1600-h/DSC_0177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911177553396738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxMjOMxAI/AAAAAAAABzI/R_5GU7H6teM/s320/DSC_0177.JPG" border="0" /></a> Natalie<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxLyqYLGI/AAAAAAAABzA/4UqvN7vYWU0/s1600-h/DSC_0175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911164518247522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxLyqYLGI/AAAAAAAABzA/4UqvN7vYWU0/s320/DSC_0175.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Rebecca</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxLbV4P5I/AAAAAAAABy4/zvV1zxdKC-c/s1600-h/DSC_0174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382911158258253714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/SrPxLbV4P5I/AAAAAAAABy4/zvV1zxdKC-c/s320/DSC_0174.JPG" border="0" /></a> John</div><br /></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981737277405929025.post-69917658781882284822009-09-09T12:01:00.000-07:002009-09-10T12:55:16.770-07:00Big KidsSummer is coming to an end, and we are all ready for school to start. John's 1st day is tomorrow and the girls start on Monday. I'm hoping to get out tonight to pick up a first day of school outfit for John. I also need to find his other tennis shoe which seems to have been missing most of the summer since he has been wearing flip flops.<br /><br /><br />John made his bi-yearly trip to the dentist and was pleased to find out he has 20 teeth, just like he guessed. I was pleased that there were no cavities. He sat very well and the only issue we had was the dentist put mint toothpaste on the brush without asking what flavor John wanted. He hates mint so he kind of freaked out when it touched his mouth. The dentist even had to get a new toothbrush out because John said he could still taste the mint even after it had been washed off multiple times.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sqf8IDVjbTI/AAAAAAAABwI/319cnWXU13Q/s1600-h/DSC_0099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379545495182208306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sqf8IDVjbTI/AAAAAAAABwI/319cnWXU13Q/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> We had a few "big" birthday celebrations in the last few weeks. Mike turned 30 and his sister turned 40 within a week of each other. For Mike's birthday we had a weekend at the Lake sans kids. For Lin's we went to Grandpa Bud and Grandma June's house for dinner. The kids had fun playing with all their cousins. They also loved feeding the fish in the little patio pond.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sqf8H6SXnpI/AAAAAAAABwA/CxqrKRaZzH4/s1600-h/DSC_0101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379545492752932498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sqf8H6SXnpI/AAAAAAAABwA/CxqrKRaZzH4/s320/DSC_0101.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Last weekend the girls ended their stay in cribs. We had a few climbing out incidents, so out came the toddler beds. They have been doing pretty well in them. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rebecca</span> will stay in hers. Even when she wakes up in the morning she will just sit in bed and wait for someone to come get her. Natalie is needing a little more reminding about staying in bed. So far she has ripped down the window shade, poured sunscreen all over the floor, and emptied out the closet. Ugh.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sqf8HN4n2AI/AAAAAAAABv4/w3m2upgwrDA/s1600-h/DSC_0107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379545480833783810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LOsGPVSs97I/Sqf8HN4n2AI/AAAAAAAABv4/w3m2upgwrDA/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16532749490783792615noreply@blogger.com1