Hill We Are

Mamma and Boys

2011-12-19T15:02:00.001-08:00

The Boys

2011-12-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Snake

2011-12-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

Mr. Sticky Fingers

2011-12-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

The Brain

2011-12-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Happiness is:

Going down a really fast slide.

Happiness is:

Climbing to the top of a really big slide.

Because what goes up...

must come down.

Happiness is getting lost in a "dark maze" with only your glow stick to guide you.

Notice The Brain has climbed to the top.

Now, look closely at the sign.

That. Is. A. Pumpkin.

Slides outside... Slides inside... you know what???

We love this place.

This is a "Wheat Box" instead of the standard sand box.

The boys spent the good part of an hour playing in there.

Just goes to show you are never too old to enjoy playing in the "sand/wheat"

Hay ride.

"Hey!"

That was enough rural fun for the day.

Time to get our pumpkins and go home.

Get Comfy

2011-10-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Cause I've got a lot of pictures for 'ya...

Mommy has been very busy the past two weeks studying Nursing.

The kids have been very busy playing with mommie's stuff.

And with the rain.

Because what else do you do on a warm rainy October day in Oregon?

In case you don't know boys... umbrellas are ACTUALLY swords. Just a little FYI. Boys know these things and us girls are out of the loop. Plus that's my thumb in the picture... classic.

More wicked awesome wet sword fun.

One person did not get wet. AND - Did not share his umbrella.

We also went to the WAY fun Fire Station Open House. We went a couple year ago too. Click here to read and compare how much the boys have grown in the past two years.

You want to know the REAL reason I take the boys to this event?

Free hot dogs.

I'm a sucker for free food.

Riding in the Fire Engine

The Brain won paper rock scissors and got to ride "shot gun".

Now, I ask you.... isn't that the most handsome fire fighter ever?

The boy's favorite part was playing with the fire hoses.

I like to call this next series of pictures:

Hose'rs

Had to get a close up of this face.

We also have been spending a lot of time on Wheels.

-Inline Wheels

I call this picture, "Three Legged Wheel'n"

Ooops, The Brain fell down

... it happens to the best of us Brain.

Now this Mr. Fingers fellow happens to love his roller blades most of all. In fact, he asks me EVERYDAY after school if he can ride them. EVERYDAY!

The Brain enjoys his... but he isn't as obsessed as Mr. Fingers

The Snake is the least "wheel'y" of the bunch. He prefers the slide.

This does not look safe.

phew... he made it.

Time to take a break.

That's a lot of work.

Boys sweat A LOT! Cause fowl smells, and little thing I call: Helmet Head

... and that's what we've been up to.

More First Days

2011-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of School for The Snake (pre-school) and Me (nursing school)

So I took some pictures of The Snake.

Front View

Side view

And The Snake took some pictures of me:

I think I was saying something like:

"Give me that"

I have pictures of each of the boys on their first day of pre-school now and would like to post them... but I'm more than a little SWAMPED right now with a little thing called NURSING SCHOOL that has kind of TAKEN OVER MY LIFE!

I'll be sure to post something every once in a while when I have a few moments.

peace out.

Lil Sis Turns 7

2011-09-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here it is

Lil Sis's Birthday Cake

If it is possible to be too sugary, too chocolate'y, too sweet, too candy'y....

then this cake is.

And thats just how lil Sis likes it.

No really, that's a cake.

There is cake in there.

I promise.

Did her wish come true?

She got a pony.

So I'm guessing it did.

(plastic of course.... what do you think... we live on a ranch or something.... sheesh)

Good-bye Toy

2011-09-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

There are many toys in this house that I do not like.

These toys find their way into my home via gifts from people who don't like me, McDonalds, found objects, and other ways.

I always find these toys I hate in the laundry, or by stepping on them, or in my bed, and often... in my bathtub.

But this toys is the winner.

I hate this toy most of all.

I am the boss of this house right?

What I say goes.

Right?

I say ugly little plastic mouse goes.

Say goodbye to the Rat King.

Rat King, say hello to my garbage can.

Family Home Evening

2011-09-14T18:42:00.001-07:00

Mr. Fingers came up to me after dinner and said, "Mom, I made a game for us to play for family home evening."

Whoa! This is not normal. Usually the mere mention of the words family home evening bring much wailing and gnashing of teeth.

I hope all families are not like mine. Hopefully your family home evenings are lovely and delightful, with pleasant children who sit reverently on the couch and cheerfully participate in your well thought out and prepared lesson.

In our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) families are encouraged to sit down together once a week and have a gospel discussion and family time.

Honestly, I struggle sometimes and we have not been 100%. But our family goal this school year is to have family home evening every week! And to read scriptures together as a family every morning before school! So far, so good.

I was nervous at first about Mr. Fingers game, but it ended up being well put together, well thought out, and very much enjoyed. Best part is he came up with it all by himself, just for our little family home evening. (which is atypical behavior)

Here is the game board:

So the lego guy starts at the beginning of the track. Everyone takes turns rolling the dice and moving him through the lego course. Who ever is the one that gets him to the goal in the middle on their turn is the winner.

We all totally got into it.

It was way fun.

The winner got to pick the first cookie (refreshments). Which was actually quite a prize because The Brain made the cookies and lets just say.... they weren't all the same size.

And the winner was.........

The Snake

Here is the baker, no wait I mean NO-baker... since he did make no bake cookies. For the recipe we used click here.

The Brain's assignment for the refreshments was actually a double duty assignment since it fulfilled his Bear Cub-Scout requirement 9a... which was to make a batch of cookies.

We had a nice lesson about prophets. And worked on memorizing Article of Faith #9

Opening song: We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet

Closing song: Follow The Prophet

Click here to find out more about Family Home Evening.

A Fairy Tale -by The Snake

2011-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

The Snake and I were just hang'n out in the bed and I decided to play a little game. We made up a story together. I started and he filled in the blanks. This is how it went:

Once upon a time there was a little boy named:

The Snake.

And he went on an adventure with a girl named (I thought for sure he would name me):

Lil Sis.

They went to magical land called:

California.

And they got there by:

Driving a car.

The kind of a car they drove was a:

Van-couver.

(thats when I laughed a lot)

But when they got to California they were captured by an evil wicked witch named:

The Witch.

She locked them in her castle which was made of:

Toilet Paper.

(thats when he laughed a lot)

They finally escaped by:

The Snake pooped, and pooped, and used up all the toilet paper so they could run away.

(thats when we both laughed a lot)

The end.

First Day of School!

2011-09-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

First Day of School!

Ready to go to school and get some knowledge.

-Nemo

Fingers Joe McGumphrey was a really clumsy kid.

On the first day of second grade I'll tell 'ya what he did.

He tripped on a banana peel, flew up in the sky

Landed on a chimpanzee who poked him in the eye.

He needed first aide, in the second grade (clap clap)

First aide in the second grade (clap clap)

Now.....

The Brain Joe McGumphrey was a really clumsy kid

On the first day of fourth grade I'll tell 'ya what he did

He went out on tadpole hunt, slipped into the creek

Landed on a large mouth bass who bit him on the cheek.

He needed first aide, in the fourth grade (clap clap clap clap)

First aide, in the fourth grade (clap clap clap clap)

(and now my favorite verse of the song I've been singing all day)

Now...

Billy Joe McGumphrey was a really clumsy kid.

On the twelfth day of twelfth grade I'll tell 'ya what he did

He walked into financial aide, fell and broke a bone

Showed them all his bills and got a great big college loan.

and finally the last song I've been singing today:

Oh happy day

When the kids

Go back to school

And boredom goes away...

Oh happy day

First Of Term Feast

2011-09-07T15:29:00.001-07:00

I got the idea from several blogs to have a First Day of School Feast.

I like the idea of celebrating the first day of school like a holiday.

So we did it.

And we did it.... Harry Potter style.

Welcome to Hill'warts School of silly-ness and shinanigans.

On the Menu for the Feast:

Magical Roast Beast (and potatoes)

Troll Toenails with Cheese Fungus

Herbology 101

Magical Rainbow Fruit

Pumpkin Juice

(actually Orange Strawberry Banana 'cause actual pumpkin juice is gross)

Butter Bear

Treacle Fudge

Pumpkin Pasties

Licorice Wands and Cauldron Cakes

Bertie Bots Every Flavor Beans

Those in attendance:

Big Brother Weasley

Albus The Brain'adore

Cecelia Longbottom

Fineas Fingers Finnegan

Last But Not Least

Severus The Snake

Anyone know a service where I can hire out a house elf for next year?

Goodbye summer... sniff sniff

Hello School!

My Babies

2011-08-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

You know what I like?

....

My babies!!!!

They are all growing up so fast.

Here are some little reminders of what my babies were like.

My Babies Don't Like: Getting washed

(Mr. Fingers... weeks old)

My Babies Don't like: Pictures with Santa

(the Brain's first Christmas)

My Babies Don't like: To keep their food in their stomach. Ever.

(the Brain a few weeks old)

My Babies DO like: Petting Zoos

(the Brain 19 months)

My Babies DO like: Bow ties

(the Brain 6 months)

My Babies DO like: Horse'ys

(the Snake 18 months)

and they may never admit it but...

My Babies DO like: Barney

(the Brain 6-9 months)

see....

(the Snake 2 years)

My Babies DO like: brothers

(the Brain 2 years, Mr. Fingers a few weeks)

My Babies Do like: Mommy

(Mr. Fingers 9 months)

The End.

(Mr. Long Bottom... I mean... Mr. Fingers 9 months)

Awesome Sauce

2011-08-26T19:52:00.001-07:00

I worked with a 96 year old woman this week. Her records say she is hard of hearing... but that's putting it mildly... the woman's deaf.

So when she told me to make her a salad for lunch I chose to bring her the dressings so she could point to one instead of yelling at her 50 times, "WHAT DRESSING DO YOU WANT?"

When I brought the dressings she said, "Oh no honey... that's all crap" (remember she is 96... that was funny) "I want you to make my dressing."

So she gave me directions on how to make what she wanted and I set off to work.

Equal parts Mayo and Honey Mustard dressing. Add some pickle juice, then sprinkle sugar on it.

Whip it all together.

Now for a little back story. There is a restaurant in Washington that my family LOVES. One of the main reasons why we LOVE this restaurant is because of the top secret, ridiculously awesome salad dressing. We know the owner and have offered all kind of bribes to get this recipe, but to no avail.

Back to my story:

After I made the dressing I thought: This looks just like Carl's dressing from Bonsi Wok.

So I tasted it: THIS TASTES JUST LIKE CARL'S DRESSING FROM BONSI WOK!!!!!!

That old lady I work for is right. All other salad dressings in the world are crap. And now that I know the secret I'm sharing it with you.

I must love you.

Very much.

P.S. I made a peach pie.

Batman

2011-08-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Did I let The Snake go to the Library Dressed as Batman?

Yes. Yes I did.

(technically this is Mr. Fingers, but The Snake was the one who wore the batsuite out in public)

Many people said hello to Batman.

My favorite though, was when a little kid would tug on Mom's pant leg and say, "He mom look! It's Batman!"

Crafty

2011-08-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Fact: I am not crafty. Just ask my mom (who is crafty)

But... These melted crayon projects have been all over the Internet. And I happened to already have some plain canvases in my garage. And a bucket FULL of crayons that never get used. And a glue gun. And a blow dryer. So.... why not?

I made this one for my living room.

And this one is in the Boy's room.

I can't stand having a project spread out over my house that takes weeks to finish.

The best part about this craft is that start to finish it takes like ten minutes. Now that's MY KIND OF CRAFT.

Cool Pool

2011-08-13T17:43:00.001-07:00

Whats located right here in Albany Oregon???

Has an awesome waterside????

A current pool??

And lots of fun water stuffs???

THE COOL POOL

No really, that's what it's called.

I didn't make it up.

It was our first time to go to this awesome local attraction. The boys had free passes that they earned from participating in the Library's summer reading program. And I only had to pay $2 to go as an "observer".

I spent most of my time "observing" The Snake. He probably would have been fine if I just found a nice lounge chair and read a book, but we had never been here before and I played the role of "helicopter mom"... I has a hovering maniac.

As you can see the Cool Pool was a big hit.

And the Snake LOVED the water slide. A nice lifeguard would catch him at the bottom and he would come racing down that thing with a smile a mile wide.

Here he is swimming to the ladder after his "wicked awesome" ride. -His words, not mine.

That whole thing was just my boy's speed. Just the right depths, just the right attractions, just the right amount of wet fun.

We will probably go back but next time... I'm going to do my research and figure out a day when the Boys and Girls club is NOT going to be there. I'm telling you... this lady yelled: "All Boys and Girls club members out of the pool. We're leaving." After the mass exodus we had the whole pool to ourselves. It was nice.

Beach Boys

2011-08-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

When I was a little girl I LOVED to listen to the Beach Boys... just say'n...

... anyways

We went to

NEWPORT!!!

and guess what??? The sun was shinning. I know. A Miracle. Usually a day at the beach in Oregon involves a sweat shirt and rain. But this trip was all sunblock and swim suites... what is this? CA or something??

First stop was Ripley's Believe it or Not. No pictures because it was dark (no flash) and scary. The place was better than a candy shop for the Brain. Lots of plaques with interesting/weird facts. He was in Heaven.

Then we went to the OSU Marine Science center. Here is the Snake looking at some fish.

We love the Marine Science Center for two reasons:

1. Its free (don't worry... I left the suggested family donation... I'm not that cheep).

and

2. Ursala the octopus.

Here are the boys pestering poor Ursala.

And here is proof that the sun shines on the Oregon coast. When your lucky.

That water is still cold enough to freeze your knees.

Run away Snake! That little wave is going to GET YOUUUUUUU!

Mr. Fingers showed the ocean whose that man. He was the one who stayed in the longest. The rest of us would run in and out to avoid frost bitten toes. Fingers must have toes of steel.

There was a little spot of standing water that was wormed by the sun and after being in the ocean we called this little spot the "Hot Tub." We would run out to the ocean: "AAAHHH!!!! COLD!!!!" Then run to the standing water: "Ahhhh.... hot tub :)"

Enough water. Time to build a sand castle. No wait. Too much work.

Lets just bury The Brain. Good idea.

After four whole hours at the beach we were on our way home. Arctic Circle corn dogs and ice-cream in our bellies, smiles on our faces, and eye lids that were too heavy for three of us to keep open.

I would like to thank all the little people who....

2011-08-09T19:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much Disco Lemonade for the Butterfly Award!!! What an honor. I'm game:

Name your favorite color - hard one... I like them all. Guess I'll go with blue in any variety

Name your favorite song - There is no possible way to choose only one. Ok.... today, its: Everything I Do, I Do it For You by Bryan Adams (cause I'm feeling lovey dovey)

Name your favorite dessert - Turtle Cheesecake

What wizzes you off - When someone chews with their mouth open... gum smacking will drive me nuts every time!!

When you’re upset you - Cry or ignore you (this was Disco Lemonade's answer and it absolutely fits for me... just ask Honey Bear)

Your favorite pet - Currently have no pet... except for maybe the garder snake that lives in the back with the big yellow stripe that we named Bumblebee (after the transformer, not the insect)

Black or white - White wins by a one percent margine

Your biggest fear - Failure

Best feature - My eyes???

Everyday attitude - Playful

What is perfection - God, and my roses

Guilty pleasure - The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad.... Those shows are terrible I know, but I love them!

Here are the 10 fabulous blogs I am awarding

1. The Handsome Hansons

2. The Original Jones'

3. Ward Family

4. Kate The Great

5. Corner Pocket of Life

6. Alison's Wonderland

7. Driving With No Hands

8. Blue Babes Creates (who I think should NOT move to Utah because I did not get enough time to hang out and spend time with her!!!! Emily, you have more personality in your little finger than anyone else has in their entire body. I love ya! And I'm going to miss 'ya!!)

9. Domestic Diva Dishes All

10. And last but NOT!!! least: KISH KUMEN'S ADVENTURES dad's not yelling... he just likes CAPS LOCK!!!!!

Here's what you have to do if you would like to play along and award a few of your favorite blogs

Link to the person who awarded you
Answer the questions above
Award 10 other bloggers the Butterfly Award

Hope you all like your award!

Berry Long/Fun Day

2011-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

To Do:

1. Go to Corvallis to pick up paycheck.

2. Deposit check

3. Stop at Blue Berry Meadows and pick some berries in super cute little buckets and wait impatiently for them to be bagged, and for mom to pay, so we can eat our berries.

4. Eat the berries!

5. Go to LaFayette Elementary for free lunch for kids.

6. Have lunch recess.

8. Wait impatiently for Granny to show up.

9. Have so much fun with Granny that you forget to take any pictures.

10. Go to McDonalds for a fancy dinner with Granny which included ice-cream and lots of playing at the play place.

11. Bathe the boys.

12. Check e-mails.

13. Pass out on Mommy's lap.

14. Blog post.

15. Take the Snake to bed because I can't move.

Cub Scout Day Camp Part Deux

2011-07-31T17:15:00.001-07:00

This is the second of the two days I went to day camp this year. I know, I know... what a slacker mom for not going all week.... but I also put in a full week @ work so cut me some slack.

I went on Monday and Thursday.

The Snake loves the "Tot Lot"!!! It's where the little guys play while their mommies and daddies help run the camp. I love this picture. He's glowing and looks like an Angel.

One of the stations we went to today was titled "Food" First thing we did was paint marshmallows with tinted vanilla pudding... so cute. But the big hit was this:

An air plane made out of a smarty, two life savers, and a stick of gum. Fingers (the air plane freak) said that he will NEVER EVER eat it, because he wants to play with it forever. -But I don't think those exposed life savers are going to work out on a forever kind of timeline.

One of the big Highlights of camp is always BB guns. Boys and Firearms... I'm a girl, and I just don't get it. Also being a girl I'm genetically disadvantaged and can not possibly make appropriate shooting noises with only my mouth. That's a scientific fact about girls you know.

Ready....

Aim...

Fire!!!!!

The Brain is actually quite the Marks Man. He got two! Count 'em! Two bulls 'eyes. That earns him a belt loop. Way to go Brain!

Here we are waiting for the Horses to take of for our wagon ride.

Brothers love each other.

The horses had to go really fast in order to make it up the hill. Needless to say... the boys liked going fast!

I found The Snake at a balloon station. Except he had some bad luck and all of his balloons popped.

I'll title this picture:

Disappointment

Here we are driving home after a LONG, FUN day. I'll title this one:

Exhaustion

I may have made a big mistake. I volunteered to organize everything for our troop for next years camp. I just signed myself up to a few months of meetings... including district round tables, a mess of paperwork, and begging and pleading parents and leaders to help.

.... I think I'm going to regret this later.

Oh the....

2011-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Mommys/Leaders up at Day Camp

They say are mighty fine

They boss like Adolf Hitler

And look like Frankenstein

Oh Gee... I'll never live through Day Camp

Gee Mom I wanna...

Stay HERE!!!

Oh the....

Rockets up at Day Camp

They say are mighty fine

You start with all your fingers

And end with only nine

Oh Gee I'll never live through Day Camp!

Gee Mom, I wanna stay HERE!!!

Oh the...

Crafts up at Day Camp

They say are mighty fine

But Mr. Fingers thinks he's Vango

And won't leave when it's time

Oh Gee, I'll never live through Day Camp!

Gee Mom, i wanna stay HERE!!!

Well the archery up at Day Camp

They say is mighty fine

We can earn a badge for this one

So now it's time to shine

Oh Gee, we love it here at Day Camp

Gee Mom I wanna go

But they won't let me go

Gee Mom, I wanna go

ALL YEAR!

Snack Attack!

2011-07-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

OK. This is: The. Cuttest. Snack. Ever!

Here is Mr. Fingers with his creation. He did all the heads, while I stuffed the bodies.

Penguins.

(in case you couldn't tell)

Two Olives: one for the head, the other for the body.

Body stuffed with whipped cream cheese.

One slice of carrot with a wedge cut out. The wedge is the nose, the rest is the feet.

One Lone Soldier

We decided it looked like a penguin army and the only way to defend ourselves was to eat the enemy. Good thing those little guys tasted really good!

We also made these this week. This snack has single handedly ruined my diet.

It is salty/sweet heaven! We call them:

Pretzel Kiss 'EMs

The kids helped make these too.

-Place mini pretzels on foil lined backing sheet.

-Place a Hershey's kiss on top of each pretzel.

-Put in the oven at around 200 degrees for only a few short minutes.

-Quickly place M&M's on the Kisses, smushing their wonderful soft chocolateness into the pretzel.

-Store in the fridge to keep cool.

Then don't tell the kids when they are ready so you can eat them all.

That's what I did.

Ok... not really.

But after I tried one for the first time I seriously thought about it.

Camp Grannie and Pooh-Pa

2011-07-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

While I was at Girls Camp, the boys were at Grannie and Pooh-Pa camp. This is one of the best kinds of camps there is. Here are some of the camp activities:

1. At this camp you get to play XBox with Lego Batman, Lego Harry Potter, and Castle Crashers until your thumbs fall off.

2. Snake cakes and bacon for breakfast every morning.

3. Visiting Pooh-Pa's office and walking across the street for a Baskin Robins treats.

4. Playing with cousins.

5. Trip to the beach (where it was cold and wet... not the first image that comes to mind when you see the word beach)

6. You get to eat at all the finest restaurants:

Cafe McDonalds

The Dairy Queen Lounge

and

Le King of the Burger

7. Day trips to the Hands On Children's Museum.

and so much more.

But the best part was the weekend at Camp Grannie and Pooh-Pa when I arrived, cause I got to have a

SPA DAY

WITH MY MOMMY AND MY SISSY... (and maybe The Snake came along too)

take a look at how cute my toes are!

... and I got a manicure, which after 5 days of playing in the dirt at Girls camp... I NEEDED!

Included in Spa Day was the mani/pedi, AND mom's special recipe for avocado mud masks, almond facial scrub, with papaya finishing mask! Not to mention a seriously long soak in the jetted tub...

~Heaven~

EVERYBODY LOVES CAMP GRANNIE AND POOH-PA!!!!

Who does this kid belong to?

2011-07-21T08:55:00.001-07:00

We were visiting my parent's ward for church last Sunday. When I went to pick up The Snake from Primary/Sunday School I was surprised to see an old friend from High School was his teacher. He was happy to see me. He said that they couldn't figure out who The Snake was visiting. When they asked him he said:

The Snake: "My grandma and grandpa"

Teacher: "What is your grandma's name?"

The Snake: "Grannie"

Teacher: "What is your granpa's name?"

The Snake: "Pooh-Pa"

They gave up trying to figure out who he belonged to. Even though that is their names you know.

Girls Camp

2011-07-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

And the....

Rain Rain Rain came

Down Down Down

In rushing rising rents

'Till the river rushed out of it's bed

And rushed right into our tents.

So the Sunshine Girls came to save the day with their Pocket Full of Sunshine Skit

They gotta pocket, gotta pocket full of sunshine...

and only asked me if they could go home about ten times a piece.

Camping is miserable when you are wet, your tent is wet, your sleeping bag is wet, and your stuff is wet.

One site had to dig a trench to divert the standing water out of their site.

We will always remember... and talk for years to come about the year that it rained.

But we did press forward.

And with our glow in that dark beads on our shoe laces we did:

Walk In The Light.

Something Is Missing

2011-07-04T18:37:00.001-07:00

... around here.

These books are usually being read. Those legos on the top shelf are NEVER put away like this. That television is usually playing a movie or Wii game...

This is where you would normally find The Brain.

And where are The Snake and Mr. Fingers?

They have been at their Dad's house for a week... and won't come home 'till the day after tomorrow. And then next week they are going to be at my parents house while I am at girls camp.

I sure do miss those boys. In fact I just finished crying all of my mascara off 'cause I miss them so much.

Ever been home sick while you were still at home?

Ya, me neither.... (sniff, sniff)

I need more tissue.

Conversation With The Snake

2011-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Setting: We are sitting at church and three young men come sit down in front of me and my three boys after having just passed the sacrament.

Snake - "Mom! That boy has bug bites all over his face!"

Me - "SHH....

the rest of the conversation is in hushed whispers

Me - "They aren't bug bites. They're zits."

....

Snake - "Mom?"

Me - "What?"

Snake - "Whats zits?"

Me - "Your body changes when your a teenager and you can get this white stuff under your skin. When you squeeze it really hard it will shoot out of your face like a rocket."

Snake - "Cool."

Me - "Ya."

.....

Snake - "But Mom?!?!"

Me - "What baby?"

Snake - "Do zits hurt?"

Me - "Ya"

.....

Snake - "Mom?"

Me - "Yes"

Snake - ".... I don't want to be a teenager."

Secret Agents... Poolside

2011-06-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

These are the members of the C.I.A. Child's Intelligence Agency.

Ever since their special training academy has been out on summer break, these special agents have been toiling tirelessly to keep the neighborhood pool safe from evil terrorist villans. Who seek to destroy freedom, happiness, and fun.

Every evening after dinner, WITHOUT FAIL, these agents drag their poor mother the block and a half from the house to the pool. TWICE on Saturdays.

Here is agent Brain surfacing after successfully retrieving a sinister looking green tube. Could have been a bomb you know.

There's millions of these little green bombs at our pool. This requires help from agent Bro. The agents are worried they won't be able to diffuse them all in time.

Agent Noodle isn't worried though. She knows that as long as she keeps that grin (which is a mile long) across her face no evil doer would dare come close. Agent noodle also has the ability to morph into a shape that strongly resembles a drowned rat... This agent is fierce.

Here agent Snake is rescuing agent Fingers from a sinister trap. These agents don't work alone. They are a team!

The world is safe again thanks to the members of the C.I.A.

... for now

a swimming agent's work is never done.

Perfect

2011-06-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined."

-Psalms 50:2

I think if Zion can be found in our hearts... it can also be found in my humble little garden.

Catch Up Countdown

2011-06-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Who isn't playing catch-up these days? So here is a little count down to let you know what we have been up to the past month or so:

10 - (well technically 11) weeks of Summer Vacation. The kids will be happy to find out that while they were gone this weekend I figured out how to get Netflix to stream stuff on our Wii.... so they can watch Phineas and Ferb to their hearts content. All summer. Here we go.

9 - as in the age of my oldest child. Wait, I have a nine year old? When did this happen? Sigh, I feel so old.

8 - petunia plants planted under my front window.

7 - special orders for a special ice cream day we decided to have last Saturday. Any kind of ice cream treat, from any store in town. Ever sit in Dairy Queen's drive through ordering 4 ice cream desserts while licking a double decker Baskin Robins waffle cone with Love Potion 31, AND Razpberry Cheese Louise? Ya, me neither.

6 - hours of sleep... a day... see #4

5 - kids sleeping in a tent in the backyard

4 - days a week. I've been working the "noc" shift (because calling it "grave yard" doesn't sound very nice in the health care industry) as a CNA since I'm not in school right now.

3 - weeks of special family home evenings. These FHE's were each dedicated to a special Book of Mormon Character that shares a name with a special little boy I know. They each got to open a present that was their name sake's action figure and learn all about their new BOM hero.

2 - as in Alternate #2. But I got a call a week and a half after I got my alternate letter... letting me know that there was an opening for me in the program. I'm proud to announce that this fall I will be a baby nurse (nursing student) at Linn Benton Community College.

1 - gallon of snot. I did not know that the human face was capable of producing that much fluid. Thank you Willamette Valley or as I like to call it ALLERGY VALLEY, for the Anatomy and Physiology lesson.

A Day Out

2011-06-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

A few Saturdays ago we decided that since the sun was shinning (which is rare where we live) we would take the kids... to this place we rarely go... it's called :

Outside

First stop, The Farmer's Market

Where they got to play with Bees

Then we went to the park, which led to the river, which led to clothes being taken off.

And half of the Willamette Valley caked to The Snake's backside.

Maybe we should just stay home.

Just Checking

2011-05-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

To see if this will post. Blogger is giving me grief.

Do You See What I See?

2011-05-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

Mr. Fingers called me into his room to show me the "portrait" that he made with legos. I stopped dead in my tracks. "Do you realize who that is?" I asked.

When I told him who I thought it looked like he disagreed.

But I had a moment. Like whoever was about to eat this pizza had before they realized they should take a picture.

Here. Look real close. I know it's sideways now. But you know what I see?

Same white undershirt, same red robe... it's a perfect replica.

At least, that's what I think.

Spa Day With The Snake

2011-05-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

Who says boys don't get to paint their nails? And wear play dresses? And put hooded sweatshirts on by just the hood and pretend it's your hair? Or wear a Pluto hat from Disney World out in public?

He just loves his mommy sooooo much he wants to be just like her. We all have our fingers crossed that this is just a phase. And I try not to encourage it... except when I need lunch and a pedicure...

he is such a fun little girlfriend ;)

For a Laugh

2011-04-28T05:04:00.000-07:00

I think it looks like his nose just errupted a plumbe of smoke and ash... but actually it is just a snot rag. Poor Honey Bear, couldn't sleep. Poor Honey Bear, has a wife who likes to laugh at him.

Here is what happens when a creative mind meets a long, and boring chore. It is an original song by The Brain that he is composing on the spot. It is called: Game of Matching the Socks.

Quick Visit Today

2011-04-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

From GrAnny and Pooh-Pa, My sister, Spuddy, and Tater. We played here at the house a little, then went out to BoMacks for some AMAZING BBQ. I'm telling you... I haven't had brisket this good since I lived in Texas.

They had to leave after dinner. It was so sad.

After they left Mr. Fingers was doing his homework and wrote this:

"Me and Poopo building my lego airplane. And it was fun."

We miss them already.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane

2011-04-13T19:04:00.001-07:00

It's Mr. Finger's Birthday!

He wanted an airplane cake. I think it turned out OK for something I threw together on the fly... get it? On the fly? hehehehe

He was higher than a kite when he opened his lego airplane present.

We went to Red Robin for dinner and THE RED ROBIN BIRD WAS THERE.

The poor mascot had to give me the signal to get the Snake to stop hugging him.

According to Mr. Fingers this is the greatest toy he has ever owned. I had to take it from him at bed time because he wouldn't sleep. It has been with him at every meal time since. It took a bath with him this morning. Basically, it hasn't really left his side since he put it together. And, putting it together was no small task. There were like... 50 steps, and a million little pieces. But he did it all by himself. What a good little directions follower.

Those 10 sticky fingers of his first debuted seven years ago yesterday.

Happy Birthday Mr. Fingers.

Treasures

2011-04-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

Dad gave this pin to my Aunt like a million years ago. It's from Peru where he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She just recently gave it to me. It is beautiful, and reminds me that Peru is the one and onliest true mission.

This is my Grandma's wedding and engagement ring (my wedding ring is the one on the top). I got to have it because my fingers were the only ones small enough for her ring to fit. I'm so glad. It is also beautiful and reminds me of my Grandma. She died ten years ago.

Fact: I was her favorite.

I miss her.

Especially her laugh.... it was so distinct I can't describe it.

-High pitched, like a witch's cackle?

OK, my laugh is similar.

So I've got her laugh, and her ring.... my fingers are crossed I don't have her....

shall I call it - gluteous MAXIMOUS

haha

Saturday is a special day

2011-04-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

It's the day we have all of the kids here

We watch cartoons

And we eat our breakfast

(M&M pancakes and sausage)

We call it our get the work done day.

We even make a little snack.... Monkey Bread.

For the Monkeys of course.

Just your typical Saturday morning activities.

Cousins!!!!

2011-03-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

We were spring break'n it this week at Granny and Pooh-Pa's house with:

ALL OF THE COUSINS

How fun is that?

8 little boys

All under the age of 9

All under one roof

Anyone else need an excedrin?

Day One: The Great Wolfe Lodge

We've got connections that hooked us up with cheep cheep cheep day passes to the water park.

Report on the near drownings of the day:

I took one of my little nephews to the top of a water slide so we could ride down together. The attendant told me that we couldn't ride down together. He is a tough little guy who will be two years old in July. So I asked him if he wanted to go down by himself. His heart was racing, he was smiling, he was splashing, and he said, "Ya"... letting him go by himself might have been a poor judgment call on my part. Oh well, he lived.

I was watching another little nephew who is also soon to turn two in the kiddy pool. I think every mother has seen that look of panic on their child's face in the bathtub, or pool as they look up at you through a thin layer of water. It's a look of, "I don't understand. What's going on? I can't breathe." Our heart jumps up into our throats and we race to the rescue. He was fine... just needed a few Auntie snuggles to help him calm down.

Mr. Fingers surprised me. We were all in the deep part of the wave pool having a good time. Mr. Fingers was bobbing up and down with the rest of us but I noticed he wasn't smiling. I asked him if he was doing alright and he said no. So I snatched him up and put him on my other hip (The snake was already occupying one). I told him that if he is having a hard time he should let someone know so they can help him. He said, "I couldn't ask for help... I was too busy trying to stay alive."

Despite our few close calls, a good time was had by all. Lets just say that when we got back to Granny and Pooh-Pa's house all 8 boys were tuckered out.

It really was a blast!

The next day we were off to the Hands on Children's Museum for a little song, a little dance....

... a little water down our pants.

We put all 8 boys in their black New Zealand t-shirts that Granny and Pooh-Pa brought back from their trip. This way we could keep track of them. One woman asked me if the boys in the black shirts were all related. I told her they were all cousins and she complimented them on being such good kids. -Always nice for a mom/aunt to hear.

-The Snake at Dr. Brain's office getting a check up.

And this is one of the cutest little boys ever! I think he looks just like one of the Whos down in Whoville... with his long eyelashes, big saucers for eyes, and dimples in both cheeks. If only he wasn't so attached to momma and would let his Aunties play with him more

-sigh... one day.

Oh the joy of Wagner's bakery in down town Olympia.... chocolate eclair.... heaven.

Every night the Snake and his cousin HAD to take a bath in Granny big tub with the jets.

No, that is not a turd floating in the tub... it's a toy otter... but it looks just like a turd. I think it's gross, but it is one of those "granny's tub essentials"

Thank you to Granny and Pooh-Pa for letting us invade their house, and for showing us such a great time!!!!

His Job: Make them.

2011-03-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

My Job: Throw Them Away!

... only problem is, he's quicker at his job then I am at mine.

What's that in the corner? - a paper plane
What's that in the book shelf? - a paper plane
What's that in my bed? -a paper plane
What's that in my car? - a paper plane
What's that on the lamp? - a fire hazard, and a paper plane
What's that in Mr. Fingers back pack that used to be his homework? - a paper plane
What's that stuff piled up in the garbage can? - lots of paper planes
Where's my water bill? - oh yeah, I left it on the counter and someone made it into a paper plane.

That boy is exasperating.

"I don't want to go to the Bounce House....

2011-03-26T09:30:00.001-07:00

.... it's boring. All they have is slides, and stuff to jump on, and it is just no fun at all."
-Lil Sis
I'm not even kidding. This is a direct quote!
What is wrong with this child?

So we FORCED her to go (with the rest of the boys who were totally excited) and she was almost in tears. Apparently having fun is some kind of torture and we are just cruel dictators that never let her do what she wants to do.

It took about five seconds of running around this place with her step-brothers for her to start having the time of her life.

They played so hard they were a sweaty mess. They needed hydration. They needed a breather. They needed to trap The Brain in a box.

Nope, the Bounce House is no fun at all.

While putting on our shoes to leave Lil Sis says, "Daddy, can we come back tomorrow?"

He's on to us....

2011-03-17T13:27:00.001-07:00

We tried to nab ourselves a leprechaun... but no such luck.

We think that he must have known the tote was a trap. Next year we are going to have to be more clever when we disguise the trap.

That little devil took all of the gold coins and ran for the hills. In his haste, he dropped his hat.

He did play a trick on us before he left. There was a brand spank'n new box of lucky charms that he must have left for us on the table, and when we went to get the milk........

he had turned it green.

(green milk looks totally disgusting... but actually tastes like regular milk)

He must have dropped his shamrocks while he was here because the table was covered in them.

He was kind enough to leave one gold coin for each of the boys, and an anti-pinching button for them to wear today.

Better luck next year I guess. Oh well, it was still fun to try. Maybe next year we'll catch him!!!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

Leprechaun Trap

2011-03-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

We are trying our luck this year...

we've been very clever...

we have set up a trap to catch a leprechaun.

As you can see, the original lure will be the rainbow (that we have created). And like any good rainbow there is a pot of gold at the end of it.

I'm sure the leprechaun will be totally shocked when he goes to take the pot of gold and the light saber will fall, and the "tote" will have him trapped! We have covered the "tote" in tin foil so the leprechaun will not be able to apparate once he is inside.

The boys have worked very hard to catch one of these illusive leprechauns.
They are each looking forward to seeing what they've caught in the morning... and claiming their wishes of course.

We are so tricky... poor little leprechaun...

He won't even see it come'n

Donuts from the Universe

2011-03-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Honey Bear and I watched this movie on Netflix call The Secret. I had heard of the book once through Oprah... (I am not a fan, and I'm embarrassed to say that I have ever watched her show).

The basic premise of The Secret is founded in the law of attraction. What ever thoughts you think... you will attract those things to you. Whether its good, or bad - what you think will find a way to become reality.

The universe is your catalog... you need only to decide what you want and then truly focus on it.

I thought back to the past few Anatomy and Physiology test I had taken. I had gone all out in my study and preparation for those test. But, after all of my effort I only got "B"s on them. After watching this movie I realized that I was so worried about getting a B on the test that the universe made that happen. Doesn't matter if you want it to happen or not... if you think it, it will happen.

So I decided.. What the Heck? I've got nothing to loose. Lets give this a try. First thing I did was focus on the Anatomy Midterm I had coming up that Monday. Only good thoughts this time. What happened? I put in the exact same quantity and quality of studying but this time I got 97%!!!!!

I decided I wanted to deposit more checks into my account. Basically I want to have more money. What happened? That week I got:

1) Reimbursement check from the church - That same day!
2) A Birthday check - The next day!
3) Our state tax refund - The day after that!
then after only a couple more days...
4) Our federal tax refund

Wow! So far the universe has totally delivered.

So I went and bought the book. Last night Honey Bear was reading it and he said, "I want a donut and a Dr. Pepper."

I said, "You are going to have to be more specific with the universe."

He replied, "I want a Safeway glazed donut, and a Dr. Pepper."

Guess what happened?

The universe delivered.

Now I need to get back to studying for my finals. Finals that I am going to rock and get straight "A"s on.... right universe????

Katie's Birthday Give-Away

2011-03-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

A Message from Mr. Fingers

2011-03-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry about the cake and ice-cream you know. At least the balloons will keep you entertained.

(ya I know... he spells like his mother)

Birthday Give-Away.... give 'o give.... away

2011-02-28T08:03:00.000-08:00

"They say it's my Birthday" ....

"It's your Birthday too" .....

I think it will be fun to give a present away on my Birthday so....

In honor of my 31st Bithday, I'm giving away a $31 gift certificate to the best store ever invented!

To enter: leave a comment bellow that is full of fantastic birthday wishes. On the big day: Thursday, March 3, I will figure out how to do one of those handy-dandy-random-generator-picky things (or maybe just put everyone's name in a hat) and choose the winner.

Even if you don't have a B&N near you... you can always use the certificate and order something online.

Enter now! I hope you win!

Valentines Day Treasures

2011-02-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine posted on facebook all the wonderful gifts her husband gave her for Valentines Day. She got personalized stationary, a white chanel watch with diamonds in it, a tickets for a trip to Mexico, and special shinny chrome "thingies"/brand new tires on her car.

Yeah, I was jealous for about five seconds....

Then I realized, who needs special chrome "thingies" for your stupid car anyway? That's great that her husband makes a ton of money (maybe one of these days I'll figure out how to get a rich husband) haha... just kidding.

We may be poor as church mice, but I am a lucky girl. I was given some great treasures from some people who I love very much.

First, was the beautiful flowers that my lubby-dubby-hubby got me.

My very good friend who watches The Snake for me while I'm in class gave me this amazing cookie!

...there were also some chocolate strawberries that didn't quite make it home to get their picture taken.

Then one of my Anatomy and Physiology besties who knows about my weird obsession for pencils gave me a smencil. It is a pencil made out of recycled newspapers and it scented! Cinnamon! ---Smells So Good!

Mr. Fingers put his talented hands to work and made me the classic lace Valentine. What a charmer!

I got these birdhouses at the craft store for a dollar a piece. I brought them home for the boys to paint and told them they could give it to whoever they wanted to. They quickly came up with three different lucky ladies who would receive these birdhouses. After they were all done... I did it... I couldn't help myself... I laid on the guilt.

"You know... you could give it to your mom. She loves you a whole lot. I guess no one loves a smelly old mommie around here."

I got lots of hugs, kisses, and loves with that line.... and three birdhouses.

The best gifts though are the ones you give. Each of my little Valentines got a wake up song Monday morning, a wake up Valentine kiss, and a box of chocolates....

... for Breakfast.

Can you feel the love?

Reason Number 1,566,329

2011-02-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

We call this man:

Mr. Fingers

When he came home from school a couple days ago and I was going through his back pack (like any good, nosey mom does after school) I found something I didn't recognize. It was a piece of paper with sentences on it that he had written, and there was a stamp at the bottom that said, "Parent's signature X_________________."

"What is this about?" I asked.

"I had a bad day at school.... I got in trouble," he replied

"What did you do?" I asked.

"I wasn't EVEN DOING ANYTHING!" he stated emphatically.

"That's what they all say," I said.

"Well... I was touching my friends and it was bugging them," he said in defeat.

In my automatic lecture voice I went into the "you know better" s ..... and the "respect other people's bubbles" speech that I have given to this boy I don't know how many times.

I signed the bottom of the page and put it in his backpack to take back to school.
-By the way... the sentences on the page read:

"I will not stick my fingers in other people's ears."

Good one Mr. Fingers.

The Snake Song

2011-02-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

I like to take songs and re-write the words to make it my own.

I changed the words to Ingrid Michaelson, "The Way I Am" and wrote a song for my little Snake.
Just in case you are not familiar with the song I have it playing on the music player at the bottom of this page.

Before I tell you my/Snake's lyrics you must know that ever since The Snake could first talk most of our conversations went something like this:

Snake: "Mom, you be the momma ..... (insert what ever he was thinking about that day), and I'll be the baby........ (insert the same version of what ever I was pretending to be) Ok?"

me: "OK"

Snake: "Hi momma .....(bear, puppy, little red riding hood, pony, etc)"

me: "Hi baby ..... (bear, puppy, little red riding hood, pony, etc) "

Snake: "I love you momma.......(bear, puppy, little red riding hood, pony, etc)"

me: "I love you too baby....... (bear, puppy, little red riding hood, pony, etc)"

So here is The Snake's Song:

If you are falling, then I will catch you.
If you are hungry, I'll make a snack.
Cause I.... Love.... the way you call mamma panda.
And you... are always my baby panda.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
If your tummy aches, I'll make it better.
Cause I.... Love... the way you call me mamma big bad wolf.
And you.... are always my baby big bad wolf.

I'll buy you a hat, when you find the scissors and cut your hair,
Sew on patches... to all you tear.
Cause I.... Love.... the way you call me Kanga.
And you..... are always my baby Roo.

Steamed

2011-02-08T17:16:00.001-08:00

This just about sums it up.

You know, a girl sometimes need to get on the phone to a company to get some information. But when that information is regarding her husband and she is denied access to such information... it can make her mad. Then she is directed to the web-site where she is denied access because she can't remember her mother-in-law's maiden name. So she tries to call said mother-in-law and her phone is busy.

AAAAAHHHHHHHRRRRRRHGGGGG

Look at the checks people! Who pays the bills around here? Who is the boss? Who, when she asks for information, should be given said information?

ME.

End of story. I'm so mad right now I'm paralyzed. I should be preparing dinner for my children but I can't seem to move. The only thing I could think to do about it was vent on my blog....

... sorry

Winner (I hope)

2011-02-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

This is my new apron.

IT'S MINE I TELL YOU

MINE!!!

and I'm not sharing. (ok, maybe if you ask nice)

P.S. I'm tying to use "The Force" on my laundry to get it to fold itself but it's not working. My jedi powers must be week today.

9 years ago today...

2011-02-03T19:02:00.001-08:00

This handsome young man...

Was here

Inside my belly!

I remember what it was like when he was there. I was hot. All. The. Time. You try incubating a little human in your body and see if you aren't sweltering.

I was also scared to death as to how this person was going to come out of my body. It didn't seem like it would be a very comfortable process... and I was only looking forward to it because I couldn't stand it anymore... and I wanted to meet this little man.

What did he look like? I wondered. What was his personality like? I wondered. I was just dying to know who this guy would be.

Little did I know I was about to get pooped on, peed on, spit up on (A LOT!)... I would not sleep, I would hardly eat, and my whole life was about to be turned upside down by 9 lbs and 11 oz of pure joy.

The good news was: He is handsome. He is smart. And. He is a sweetheart.

I was taking a shower right after he was born and I started crying. I felt so alone without him inside of me anymore, and though he was only in the next room it was too far away. Today, any time he is away... it is too far away.

I love The Brain! Happy Birthday soon!

My Everyday

2011-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

I was inspired to make this list after reading one on my friends blog. It is quite early in the morning. The kids are not up yet. Here is what I can expect today:

1. The Snake will be the first one up and need some "mommy cuddle time" before he can face his day.
2. Mr. Fingers will ask, "What day is it?" (hoping for me to say Saturday... which I will not be saying today)
3. Which will lead into his next daily question, "Do I HAVE to go to school today?"
4. It will take me a second to figure out who had a shower yesterday morning and then send the appropriate little boy to the bathroom to wash.
5. There will have been some kind of accident during the night and I will need to start a load of laundry.
6. I will make cereal or oatmeal for the boys, even though their school provides breakfast every morning for their students. The boys only refer to it as "second breakfast."
7. I will loose track of time and look at the clock only to see that the boys should have left for the bus stop 2 minutes ago.... and I'll rush to shoo them out the door.
8. The Snake will want to go to school with me.
9. I will want to go to daycare with The Snake.
10. I will get to see my fellow pre-nursing besties at school, and either be totally enthralled or trying to stay awake during the lectures.
11. I will be doing an assignment or reading a text book every moment that I am not in class, from sunrise to sunset.
12. When I get home @ 2:00 the Snake will need a nap.
13. When I get home @ 2:00 I will need a nap (usually doesn't happen though).
14. I WILL have to remind the boys AGAIN when they crash through the door after school that their little brother is asleep and they NEED TO BE QUIET.
15. Mr. Fingers will be hungry.
16. The Brain will "not have any homework."
17. I will check his backpack and see that he was mistaken.
18. Mr. Finger will still be hungry.
19. Dinner will be a disappointment to the children. They expect hot dogs every night.
20. I will be asked, "How much do I have to eat in order to get down?"
21. The Snake will need a bath.
22. Mr. Fingers will be hungry again... and will be reminded that this is because he did not eat his dinner.
23. I will have school assignments to do.
24. The kids will watch some Avatar: The Last Airbender.
25. At some point in the day The Snake will have watched Dora.
26. I will have to tell the kids to get dressed for bed.
27. Half an hour later will have to tell the kids to get dressed for bed again.
28. There will be tooth past in the sink.
29. Mr. Fingers will be hungry.
30. Mr. Fingers will ask, "Do I have to go to school tomorrow?"
31. I will miss my husband terribly, and try to stay awake so I can snuggle him when he gets home at 10:00 ... but I will fail.

Bath Time Cousins

2011-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

I found this picture in my phone and it is too cute not to share.

I think it is one of those unspoken rules that you have to take a bath with your cousin. My boys sure love their cousins, and are loved back by them. Infact the one pictured above gets so excited when we come to visit and there are little people around his same size that the boys get mauled when we walk through the door.

In case I've never mentioned it I sure do love my sister. She is my best friend. I never thought we would have a relationship like this when we were sharing a room and fighting over hair ties. But she is the one I call when I've just watched a good movie, or read a good book and have to tell someone. We love each other's kids and love to tell each other, and hear stories about our daily follies with them. I only wish that I lived closer to her, and could see her family more often.

Snow Day

2011-01-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

We thought it would be fun to go up to the mountains and go tubing. So we had been planing for this trip for a while.

We of course had to make sure everyone had sufficient snow gear $

I needed snow chains for my tires $

We went to a nice resort that had tubes you could ride to the top, with lots of options for runs down the hill $ $ $ $

Guess what, they ended up not using all the runs on their tubing $$ passes$$ and had the most fun playing with the snow in the parking lot

... which was free

sigh.

Not pictured are Mr. Fingers and Honey Bear who had a blast on the tube runs and ended up foregoing the tube lift to walk to the top because it was faster. Now that is snow fun dedication.

This is what was going on in the back of my car on the way home....

... three sleepy little boys.

Everyone had fun, even though not everyone enjoys going down a hill really fast (big brother, and lil sis). And everyone was plumb tuckered out. A much better Saturday than staying home with five kids couped up in the house.

-thumbs up :)

Today's To Do List

2011-01-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Here is what my day looked like in "chronological order" from 4:55 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (now)

-Spinning class to embarrass and humiliate self. And bonus... my butt hurts
-Shower, dressed, blow dry hair, makeup, etc...
-Breakfast (for me and the little ones)
-Get little ones ready for school
-Make my lunch
-Double check my class schedule and pack my backpack
-Send older two to buss stop
-Take The Snake to Daycare
-Park in the back forty because 50 million people think they are going to take classes this term (when both you and I know that most of them will disappear in a couple weeks, and I'll get my normal parking spaces back)
-Anatomy and Physiology
-Stand in line for an hour at the book store to buy books
-Spend a few hours getting a jump start on reading some text
-Eat lunch
-Microbiology lecture (and watch 50 million girls fight for the last 3 seats in the class... they put on a good show)
-Pick up The Snake
-Sit down with him for a few minutes and watch a cartoon
-As soon as the older two get home we load up the car to go get the sitter.
-Microbiology lab
-Take babysitter home
-Go to Wendy's for dinner (the yummy chicken apple pecan salad... don't tell me how many calories... IT'S A SALAD!)
-Clean the kitchen (dishes, counter, and floor)
-Take out the Garbage
-Family Home Evening
-Kids to bed
-Pay the Bills
-Blogpost
Next up: Bubble Bath, and a few chapters of my novel. Then sleep. Then at 4:55 a.m. tomorrow: another day!

Tired much?

My New Diet

2011-01-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Who in the whole wide world does not make a new years resolution that falls under the umbrella of "get more healthy" ???

I have put a lot of thought into this and have come up with my own personal diet plan. I think it is awesome... and I should write a book, and make tones of money... right?? maybe??

I'm calling it: Buggie's Total Diet

Two meals of Total cereal in skim milk = 150 calories a bowl
One sensible meal = small portion of lean protein, steamed veggies, maybe a salad, maybe brown rice... you get the point
AND!!! = all the raw fruit and veggies I can eat
Plus lots of water.

I'm only 15 lbs. away from my goal weight. So really, the most important thing I'm doing this year is starting up a regular exercise routine again. I signed up at a real gym (our YMCA is terrible), and i'm going to get up at the crack of dawn 5 days a week for spinning class, and fit camp.

Warning: Total is fortified with LOTS of vitamins.... so it turns your Pee neon yellow! I think it's kinda fun.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

As far as Christmas pictures.... I had to beg and plead to get just this one.

Christmas Eve = new PJ's for all, party food (pigs in a blanket, meat balls, fruit and veggie trays, chex party mix, cheese and crackers, and lots of Christmas cookies)

We read Luke 2, we watched the Polar Express, we sent the kids to bed.

Then... Santa came.

5:30 a.m. = Honey Bear had to tell the Honyakers that it was not the middle of the day and to be quiet. (they were all awake and just talking up a storm in their room)

7:30 = I'm awake and ready to get the show on the road... but all the children had fallen back to sleep.... lame

8:30 = every one is up and it's present time FINALLY

The Brain got a Rubix Slider in his stocking that did not leave his hot little hands until right before bedtime when one of the buttons finally gave out on him.

Big Brother LOVED the new game we played called "Murder in the Dark" ... except, he never got the paper with the X on it and after everyone picked their papers he would always sigh. Guess we knew who the murderer WASN'T.

There were two presents that sent Mr. Fingers running around the house screaming his head off: A big box of Legos, and the first two seasons of Avatar the Last Airbender. He seriously wanted to take the whole box of Legos into the tub with him at bath time... I don't think so buddy.

Lil' Sis spent a lot of time organizing her loot after the mele calmed down. She very thoughtfully, and very purposefully placed everything together in one box to be taken home. Where (I'm guessing) all of her things have a place, and everything is in it's place. (don't know where she inherited this trait)

The Snake, ... oh the snake.... How is it possible that he didn't make himself sick? We had all kinds of sugary treats out this weekend. And I decided that since it was Christmas my answer would always be: "Yes, you can have one" That kid ate so much candy!!! I think he gained more holiday weight than I did.

Honey Bear's present this year was the gift of sight. Laser surgery on the 16th was probably the best gift that Santa has ever given him. Now, if I could just keep my clumsy elbows to myself in the bed... maybe his eyes would heel.

The best gift of all was to have all the kids here for Christmas! We ate, we played games, we watched movies, and just enjoyed each other all weekend long!

Merry Christmas to all!

What The? O.M.Geee wiz child. Are you trying to send me to the nut house?

2010-12-14T21:30:00.001-08:00

It is 9:30 at night. I read to them, sang to them, brushed their teeth, toileted, and kissed them good night WELL OVER AN HOUR AGO!!!

I was on my way to bed myself when I saw a strange light coming from under the door of the boys room. I thought that maybe I should check on them.

I opened the door and was almost clotheslined in the neck with the cord to the Brain's lamp. Long story short: he was sleeping on the top bunk tonight instead of his bed. Guess he had decided he needed his lamp to read by.

A little perturbed, but not too bothered I let him know that it was not ok to jimmy rig his lamp like that and I was going to put it back.

As I bent over to unplug the lamp

.... my eyes landed on Mr. Finger's bed. This is what I saw:

I was shocked, stunned, and livid all at the same time. He had taken all of his books off the book shelf, and all of the things on the floor and put them on his bed. But where was Fingers? I looked across the room, and there he was standing at the book shelf with some books in his hand. He had been caught red handed. He stood there in front of his empty book shelf like Bambi... staring at the headlights of my vehicle. I think he must have heard me coming down the hall and was trying to quickly undo the damage... yea buddy... nice try.

Have you ever been so mad, and so impressed, and so confused about something your kids have done? Felt all three of these emotions at the same time and carefully gaged your response? Only two options came to my mind: 1) Get raging mad and start the verbal assault, or 2) laugh.... I couldn't help myself and commenced with the latter.

"Why??? .... no wait, I don't even want to know." I'm sure there is no way to understand what he was thinking during the last hour and a half that he was supposed to be sleeping. Was he building his own tower of babel to get to heaven/the top bunk? Even if he tried to explain it to me I'm sure I just wouldn't get it.

I don't understand my children.

Then again, when I get so mad at them that I start laughing....

I'm sure they don't understand me either.

My Christmas Letter

2010-11-25T07:32:00.001-08:00

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

WHEN IN ALL OF OUR QUIET LITTLE HOUSE

NOT A TV WAS STIRRING.

NO NICKELODEON,

NO MICKEY MOUSE.

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG ABOVE THE FIREPLACE WITH CARE

IN HOPES THAT SAINT FINGERS CLAUSE SOON WOULD BE THERE.

THE SNAKE WAS ALL TUCKED LIKE A BURRITO IN BED,

WHILE VISIONS OF DORA THE EXPLORER DANCED IN HIS HEAD.

AND ME IN MY TOE SOCKS, AND H. BEAR IN HIS... UNDER-ROOS

HAD JUST SETTLED IN FOR A LONG WINTER'S SNOOZE.

WHEN OUT IN THE CAUL-DE-SAC THERE AROSE SUCH A CLATTER,

I RACED FROM MY BED TO SEE WHAT WAS THE MATTER.

AWAY TO THE WINDOW I FLEW LIKE A KITE

PULLED APART TWO OF THE BLINDS, AND PEEKED INTO TO THE NIGHT.

MOONLIGHT SKIPPED OFF THE RAIN, AS IT FELL DOWN BELOW,

CRUSHING ALL HOPES FOR A RARE WESTERN OREGON SNOW.

WHEN WHAT TO MY MASCARA SMUDGED EYES SHOULD APPEAR,

BUT A MINIATURE SLEIGH, AND THREE TINY REINDEER,

WITH A LITTLE OLD DRIVER, SO LIVELY AND QUICK,

I KNEW RIGHT AWAY IT WAS FINGERS SAINT NICK.

MORE RAPID THAN GRIFFINDORS AT THE BIG QUIDDITCH GAME,

HE TRIED TO WHISTLE, BUT COULDN'T, SO HE CALLED THEM BY NAME.

"ON BIG BROTHER, SO TALL AND QUITE HANDSOME TO BOOT.

ON BRAIN, WITH YOUR FRECKLES SO NUMEROUS AND CUTE.

ON LITTLE SIS, THOUGH TOOTHLESS YOU SMILE IS BIGGEST OF ALL.

QUICK GET TO THE HOUSE

BEFORE MOM MAKES US PUT OUR NOSE ON THE WALL."

SO UP TO THE HOUSETOP THE COURSERS THEY FLEW,

WITH A SLEIGH FULL OF TOYS AND FINGERS NICOLAS TOO.

AS I DREW IN MY HEAD AND WAS TURNING AROUND,

DOWN THE CHIMNEY FINGERS SAINT NICKOLAS CAME WITH A BOUND.

HIS SANTA COSTUME WAS TOO BIG, AND DIDN'T QUITE FIT,

SO HE HAD TO KEEP PULLING HIS PANTS UP A BIT.

HIS EYES, HOW THEY TWINKLED! HIS DIMPLES, HOW MERRY!

HIS CHEEKS WERE LIKE ROSES. HIS NOSE.... A CUTE CHERRY!

HIS NEAT LITTLE MOUTH WAS DRAWN UP LIKE A BOW,

AND THE FAKE BEARD HANGING OFF OF HIS FACE:

WHITE AS SNOW.

HE HAD A LEAN LITTLE BODY, AND A FLAT LITTLE BELLY,

THAT REMINDED ME I NEED TO LAY OFF THE COOKIES AND JELLY.

HE WAS SKINNY AND THIN FOR AN OLD LITTLE ELF,

AND I LAUGHED WHEN I SAW HIM, IN SPITE OF MYSELF.

HE SPOKE NOT A WORD AND WENT STRAIGHT TO HIS WORK,

AND FILLED ALL THE STOCKINGS, THEN TURNED WITH A JERK.

HE PAUSED, AND LAID HIS FINGER INSIDE OF HIS NOSE

PULLED OUT A BUGGAR, THEN UP THE CHIMNEY HE ROSE.

HE JUMPED INTO HIS SLEIGH AND CALLED OUT TO HIS CLAN,

"TIME TO GO... TIME TO MAKE LIKE THE WONDER BREAD MAN."

BUT I HEARD THEM EXCLAIM AS THEY HAULED BUNS OUT OF SIGHT,

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!"

CAST OF CHARACTERS

IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

The Snake

Played by: Himself

Age: 4

School: Not Yet

Job: Being Cute

Quote: "I saw that movie a long time ago... when I was very young."

H. Bear and BugGutz

Playing: Selves

Job: Dad, and Mom

School: Only the Bug

Pre-Nursing @ LB

Quote: "WE DON'T YELL IN THIS FAMILY"

Reindeer #1:

Big Brother

Age: 9

School: Santiam Christian, 4th grade

Job: Life

Quote: "ummm.... ummm... yea."

Reindeer #2

The Brain

Age: 8

School: Sunrise Elemenarty 3rd grade

Job: Helping his little brother buckle his seat belt.

Quote: "SNAKE!!! You can buckle yourslef!"

Reindeer #3

Lil Sis

Age: 6

School: Santiam Christian, Kindergarten

Job: Snuggling her Daddy

Quote: (after being tickled) "Do it again!"

Fingers Saint Nick

Played by: Mr. Stickey Fingers

Age: 6

School: Sunrise Elemenarty 1st grade

Job: Building awesome legos star ships

Quote: "How much dinner do I have to eat in order to get dessert?"

Thankful

2010-11-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today I give thanks for the Miracle of finding a couple of these:

Mixed in the cough drop basket instead of just a bunch of these:

Ricola is nasty. Just look that that sticky brown little turd like thing.... YUCK! But the kids like it.... i don't get it.

Bye Bye Baby

2010-11-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to The Snake

He's four years old today.

He has grown out of almost all of his baby fat. Only his chubby little hands show the classic signs of babyhood anymore. :'(

My favorite quotes from the Snake:

"I saw that movie a long time ago... when I was very young."

"I will be four on Tuesday, and six on Thursday."

"I don't"

"I love you one hundred."

"I'm one hundred hungry."

"I'm cold 'cause all this noise hurts my eyes."

"I can't go in there, 'cause Cruela (deVille) will get me."

"Smell my feet."

I'm sorry

2010-11-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Brothers Hug.

-see below

Dynamite kids

2010-11-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

Fairy Godmother

2010-10-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Fairy Godmother,

All of my patience is gone. It has run away from my house screaming like a mad woman and I am left here alone.

Just me and my messy house, wild children, text books that are thick as pillows but feel more like bricks, clean folded laundry that needs to be put away, weeds that need to be pulled, a car that needs to be vacuumed, a garage full of stuff that needs to be taken to Good Will, bed linens that need washed, visiting teaching appointments that need to be made, a cub-scout activity to plan, an "Oleo" to prepare for the roadshow, Halloween costumes to get together... oh ya, and my mother-in-law is coming in from Colorado to visit this week-end.

I'm going to put the kids to bed... then take a bubble bath... then do some homework, then go to bed.

Fairy Godmother, could you please stop by my house tonight and clean it for me? Oh the joy, to wake up to a clean house in the morning. Wow, that would make me feel like a true princess.

Thank you,
Cinder-BugGutz

P.S. If you would like to make a wish to my Fairy Godmother then post one below. I'm sure she would be happy to make all your dreams come true.

Decorate like the BugGutz

2010-10-05T15:30:00.001-07:00

Here are my fall decorations:

Yup, a bowl full of apples from my mom's house. That's about it. Unless you count the occasional real life spider web outside.

What can I say... I'm a minimalist. Less is more.

Happy Autumn/Halloween/all that other stuff....

Fear

2010-09-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Most performance situations don't rattle my cage, or get me too nervous. I've spoken at church in front of over 100 people, given speeches at school in front of hundreds, been asked to go on stage and entertain 100 girls at camp spur of the moment for 30 minutes... all of these scenarios... no problem

but

Put me in a room with two people: a "patient" (actor), and a test observer...

and ask me to preform 5 randomly selected basic nursing skills...

and my nerves all but get the better of me.

When I walked into the room I was shaking uncontrollably. My mind went blank. I think I stopped breathing.

My test administrator could not have been sweeter. Seriously, one of the nicest people I have ever met. From my adrenaline reaction though, you would think that she was about to murder me.

She sat me down and read the list of skills I was to preform.

I thought, "Please no bedpan, please no bed pan." (I don't know why, but of the 50 different skills that is the one that I hate the most... and it has a lot of detailed steps)

First skill I have to preform: Assist patient to use a bed pan and measure and record output.

She listed my other 4 skills and more instructions... but at that point I may have blacked out. Because only seconds later we were standing at the "door" to the patients room and she was saying, "Go ahead... when ever you are ready."

So I knocked on the "patient's" door. Something special happened when I walked into the room. It is a gift that I have been given when it comes to stressful situations. My mind all of the sudden came into complete, clear, focus... and I preformed the skill flawlessly.

I magically remembered every step. I preformed my newly learned skill like a practiced, seasoned, professional.

I also had to: clean dentures, assist with lower extremity range of motion exercises, measure and record intake, and demonstrate proper hand washing.

I AM SO GLAD THAT DAY IS DONE!!!!!

It was one of the scariest things I have ever had to do.

But it was just another little indication that (I think) I am going to be a great nurse.

(hey... i get to pat myself on the back a little... THAT WAS HARD)

A Tale of Two Backpacks

2010-09-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

It was the best of times. I was the worst of times.

Best of times because GrAnny bought the boys some cool new backpacks for school. Worst of times, because they both desperately want the same backpack. The transformers/bumble bee one because it lights up.

I put off deciding who would get the coveted pack. In fact, it was the night before the first day of school that we put names in a bowl and had a drawing. Which ever name was drawn would get first pick at the backpacks. I lined up both new packs, and their old ones from last year (that are actually still good to use).

Mr. Fingers was sure his name would never be drawn, not in a million years (try explaining 50/50 odds to a 6 year old... I dare 'ya). The Brain just kept chanting his name over and over again, willing me to say it.

I put my hand in the bowl. I rolled the two papers around to the gentle chant of "brain, brain, brain" in the background. I pulled a paper out of the bowl. For a moment, there was complete silence as I unfolded the paper. Then, I read the name.....

Mr. Sticky Fingers.

The Brain's tears were immediate. Despite his failed attempts to choke them back. Mr Fingers jumped from his seat, balled his fist, and cocked his elbow back while letting out a quiet but intense, "Yes!"

Then he looked at his brother and did something that I would never in a million years have predicted. He went over to the backpacks and said, "I like the spider man one better. It matches my spider man shoes."

I was shocked, "Fingers, are you sure you want the spider man one and not the bumble bee one?"

He looked at his brother again. We both saw the excitement, and glimmer of hope in The Brains eyes which must have confirmed to Mr. Fingers that he was making the right choice.

"Yes." He said.

Then, with out even being told to do so, The Brain gave his brother a hug. I was beginning to think that I had warped into a parallel universe where children do what their told the first time, and clean their rooms without being asked, and put their own dishes in the dishwasher, and... (i could go on)

But no this was reality. And in reality my children really do love each other... and they are good people.

Ahhh, warm fuzzies.

Here is the Best Brother Ever on the first day of first grade.

And The Brain, about to embark on the new adventure of the third grade.

Nothing like an Oregon first day of school.

Rain and all.

Underpants

2010-08-29T14:19:00.001-07:00

On any given day, if you were to "pants" the Snake... there would be about a 90% chance you would see more of the Snake than expected.

That's right, the boy prefers to go commando.

We got into a little scuffle about it. He is capable of dressing himself, so of course I let him. Butt, he is always missing that one crucial piece of his ensemble.

I don't know if it's that he's lazy and that's one less step in the getting dressed process... or if he just doesn't like the feel of wearing them. He is three. So this could just be a phase.

I tried to explain to him why he should wear underwear.... because of course he SHOULD,

butt, I couldn't come up with a good reason why he should wear underwear.

What do you think? Please let me know. First of all... SHOULD we wear underwear? If so why?

Help! Post your what you think!

Keeping Up With Your Big Brothers

2010-08-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Is sure to wear a little snake out... (it's 5:00 in the afternoon)

It was a busy day for the Snake. First of all he's been up since 0' dark thirty. Then when I was making a cake (because I wanted to eat some cake) he wanted to know who's birthday it was today. (I guess I only make cake when it's someone's birthday...) So I told him it was Dora The Explorer's birthday. He lit up! He ran to his room and grabbed his Dora doll! I asked him how old Dora was today, and he said 6. Each of the kids put a candle in Dora's cake, we sang the birthday song, and we all blew out her candles. It was fun to pretend Dora's B-day... not bad for a spur of the moment mommie idea.

We also went to the pool today and swam for a long time.... after dinner I walked in to see the snake like this. Poor tired Snake...

but....

Happy Birthday Dora
:)

Summer Algebra Lesson

2010-08-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

+ b

= c

The a + b part was a lot of work. Honey Bear and I used a couple buckets and made lots of trips from the driveway to the sand box. It only took an hour though..... I originaly was thinking it would take us the whole day.

Poor kids. We've been talking about, and planning for this sand box all summer. They've only got a couple weeks to actually play in it before school starts. Although, I know a little Snake that will continue to enjoy it long after his big brothers go back to school.

While playing in their brand, spank'n, new sand box the the boys heard a song. Not just any song, but the song of summer. The one that makes a kid's heart lurch, the adrenaline flows, and one very urgent thought comes to their minds: how much money is in my piggy bank, and can I grab it fast enough to catch the ice cream man?

Luckily, Grandpa from OK was just here and gave each of the kids a wad of cash. So it was a mad dash to their underwear drawers... while mom sprinted to catch the ice cream man.

Good news... we all made it in time.

A Moment In Time

2010-08-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering what is going on at my house,

right now,

at 7:30,

on a Monday night.... here is a little glimps.

The Brain is reading The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. He also has ice on the back of his legs for his heat rash.

Mr. Stickey Fingers is coloring in a Harry Potter coloring book.

The Snake is hidding behind the Wild Watermelon shampoo.

And I am having a super snack. Chicken, string cheese, and ice water with a slice of lemon.

Honey Bear has gone to bed... he was tired.

And that is all.

This moment in time was brought to you by:

BugGutz

Last Day Of Scout Camp (day 5)

2010-08-02T15:11:00.001-07:00

Also, this is the last scout camp post. I promise :)

Honey Bear came today. We had him all excited to do archery, and BB guns, and an obstacle course... but the stations were crowded with kids so no adults got to participate.

Then we had a chore that took all of 10 of the 60 minutes allotted.

Honey Bear got bored real fast.

He was looking forward to the BBQ at the end of the day though

Only to be disappointed that the only thing served was boiled hot dogs which he said do not earn the distinction of the sacred name: BBQ

Long story short: this was Honey Bear's first and last ever day as a Cub-Scout camp volunteer.

Here is The Snake talking to his best buddy on his Dorito Phone.

And here are my monkeys about to sing: "Gee Mom, I wanna stay here"

My response: "No kid... we gotta go home"
And shower, and wash clothes, and clean the house, and wash my dust covered car, and
SLEEP

Scout Camp Day 4 ... i think

2010-07-29T19:07:00.001-07:00

Ya, it's day four... i was right.

kinda run'n on fumes here.

But the boys are still having the time of their life!!!

We started the morning with Blow Darts (Mr. Finger's favorite)

This afternoon they got to do the Zip Line.

The Snake's group of little ones was at the same food station as us this afternoon and I got to snap a picture of him in action.

He made a spider cookie.

They gave us bags today for the boys to take home all their stuff in. Oh, my goodness... I've never been so excited to see a plastic bag in my life! They had a lot of crap... I mean stuff... to take home today. (I think I'm going to hide my children's blow darts.... in the trash can)

One more day... and it doesn't start until 11:00 so that means....

WE CAN SLEEP IN!!!! YAY!!!!

Scout Camp Day Three

2010-07-28T20:24:00.001-07:00

Today we did our skit.

I narrated while the boys acted out the story: "Caps For Sale" ... it is a beloved classic. One boy was the Peddler while the rest were the Monkeys in the tree of course. They did an excellent job. I would have a picture for you, but I was in it. I had asked my friend (another leader) to take pictures... which she did... but I forgot that she turned off her Internet today and can't e-mail them to me :(

I did snatch a picture of Mr. Finger's Trigger finger. (he got a bull's-eye) Also, the Brain rocked the BB range with two bull's-eyes for himself.

Those guys were both sharp shooters... especially since neither of them had ever handled fire-arms before.

They also had a blast on the "Monkey Bridge" ... our group isn't called the Monkeys for noth'n.

The Brain is moving so fast on this thing that he blurred the picture. Go Dash Go!

Also of note today: The Snake captivated the reporter for our local newspaper so much that the story that was supposed to be about the cub-scout camp is now about my son... the three year old. I wasn't there, but I was told that the little charmer was so animated and engaging that the reported wanted to do a story just about him. I'm kind of proud, and kind of embarrassed... I hope there is also a story about the camp....
I'll be keeping a close eye on the paper for then next few days looking for my boy.

Scout Camp Day 2

2010-07-27T17:49:00.001-07:00

I figured out the secret:

Be creative during down times. We played games, and sang songs, and SCREAMED our cheer every chance we got today. Guess what happened??? The boys had fun and were happy. I had fun and was happy. And no one got into any trouble today.

There is something magic about the fact that busy boys stay out of trouble.

Here is my mighty Tiger Scout Mr. Stickey Fingers about to hit the paper on the target for the FIRST TIME YYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!

And here we got to actually do that experiment you see all over youtube: We dropped some mentos into a 2 liter of Diet Coke. Wow! Coke geyser!

Not to mention we got to pet Nero (a for real, live, alligator). He was actually really cute.... I thought.

So much fun today. Although I'm taking Kirsten seriously about her massage offer. I am willing to drive down to Eugene on Saturday..... hehehe

Did I mention that all three of my sons are at camp. Only The Brain is a fur reals cub-scout. I registered Mr. Stickey Fingers as a Tiger Scout so he can come to camp too. Then The Snake gets to spend the week in the Tot Lot.

We all four slept like rocks last night. And probably will tonight.

Scout Camp Day One

2010-07-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

I quit!

Nine boys ages 8-9 and I'm the only leader.
I think it was 90 degree weather.
I had never done this before so I had no idea what I was doing.
My job was to keep these boys:
-where they were supposed to be
-following the rules
-toileted
-hydrated
and
-happy

Mission accomplished. And I was able to keep my smile on my face the whole day. I didn't realize how tired I was until we were driving home. Jake spilled the contents of his water bottle on me while I was driving and I broke down into tears.

Enough about me.

Our group is the Monkeys and this is our cheer:

"We like to climb trees

Ooh Ooh Aah Aah

We are the Mon-Keys

Ooh Ooh Aah Aah

GGGOOOOO Monkeys

(monkey noises)"

We made dough beads, learned about first aide, rode on a horse and wagon, made a wood craft, and did archery. AND I didn't kill any children :)

Tomorrow will be better... I know what to expect (fingers crossed) I hope.

And Then One Day

2010-07-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

When the lady met this fellow

And they knew that it was much more than a hunch

That this group must somehow form a family

That's the way we all became the .... bunch

Look around the blog for more pictures :)

Pre-Pictures Post

2010-07-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

We got all dolled up today and took some family pictures. Finally
-we have been married for a year and a half and haven't had any family pictures taken until today.

Our photographer was fabulous!

The hardest thing is waiting to see the pictures... Or maybe the hardest thing is wearing black on one of the hottest days of the year.... Or maybe it's finding a tree to hide behind to take a pee... Or possibly it's smiling even though you are three years old and feel like pouting instead.

When we got home it was defiantly pop-sickle time!

I can't wait to see our pictures!!!!

100th Post

2010-07-03T23:10:00.001-07:00

This is an historic post on my little blog... it's post #100.

In honor of this momentous occasion I have decided to post a picture, and a tribute to my #1 fan:

Just Kidding. It's this guy:

Yes, The Brain is my biggest fan. He loves reading my blog (mostly because he is in it... no surprise here). I just have to say, I get such a kick out of watching him read my words, and laugh. He may be an easy critic, but when I make him laugh... my life is complete.

Top Ten Cereals

2010-06-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

We are living

In a Cereal World

And I am a Cereal Girl.

I love cereal! I love it so much I believe that the world needs to know which ten are the best:

#10 Rice Crispies

This cereal made the top ten for the shear fact that it makes a cool crispy noise. It doesn't taste too bad, but you have to eat it fast because soggy Rice Crispies are no bueno.

#9 Cap'n Crunch Berries

It is true that they put microscopic shards of glass in those delicious little yellow bails of ... whatever. Still, I am willing to muscle through the roof of my mouth being cut up into bloody shreds in order for the undeniable amazing taste of these berrie'lishish treats. Come on folks, sacrifice your body for the cereal.

#8 Grape Nuts

These are good, and good for you. Only problem is you really gotta put in a supplement to enhance the taste. I usually go for slices of banana, or strawberries (see post below) if I've got them.

#7 Frosted Flakes

This is an old school Classic. Seriously, it was one of the first cereals ever made. Back in the days when the world was in black and white, and girls only wore skirts, this bad boy emerged on the scene. It is still a favorite, and quite delicious today. And, I gotta say it... They're GRRRRREAT!

#6 Lucky Charms

This is a sugar cereal treat. Not only is it great for breakfast, but it can work for a snack, or in a pinch... dessert. Yumm-Oh

#5 Honey Nut Cherrioes

I am not normally a fan of Honey. When I was a little girl I wanted to see what the fuss was all about, and why Winnie the Pooh loved it so much so I stuck a spoon full in my mouth. YUCK. I haven't liked the stuff since. The only exception is this cereal. It is excellent. And nutritious too.

#4 Froot Loops

Both my Daddy and I love these fruity o's. My children love them also. I even bought a toucan baby costume and each of my children have been Toucan Sam for their first Halloween. I am crazy about cereal.

#3 Kix

I ate this one like crazy when I was fresh outa High School and going to good old Ricks College. From the time I was 18 until about 20 years old, practically all I ate were Dole juice (orange strawberry banana), and Kix. Now that is sustenance.

#2 Blueberry Muffin Frosted Mini Wheats

If you've got a blueberry muffin in one hand, and frosted mini wheats in the other, I only have one thing to say: Put you hands together! This is truly a match made in Heaven. It is new to the Cereal scene so if you haven't already tried it... I highly recommend you do.

#1. Raisin Bran

Honestly, I am on a Raisin Bran kick right now. You get the "good for your pooper" benefits from the bran, plus the sugared up deliciousness from the raisins.... you can't go wrong. (just don't look at the nutrition facts.... the calorie count was more than I expected. It may have something to do with the fact that the raisins are covered with sugar).

P.S. Life cereal did not make the list even though I always have it in my cupboard. The kids love it, but I will only eat it if I HAVE too. When Life gets soggy it is GRRR-oss.

How Berrie Much Like Mommy

2010-06-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

When I was a little tike, toddling around and not even talking yet I did the cutest thing. Well, you know, I was the cutest little girl.... anyway. I would toddle into the Kitchen when Mom or Dad (grAnny and Pooh-Pa) were at the sink washing strawberries. I had this sense, like I just knew what they were doing and that there were berries that needed to be eaten.

I would stand there all wobbly at my parents feet and give two distinct tugs at their pants. They would look down to see two BIG BLUE eyes as wide as saucers (we're talking a puss in boots kind of moment) and a cute, chubby hand raised which in little BugGutz language translates to, "Can I has berry peeeze?"

Who could resist such cute'ness? Well, the story goes that they would give me one and turn back to washing the berries only to immediately get another tug on their pants and see my empty had raised again.

So today, we took the kids to a field to pick strawberries. Who is going to fill my shoes and be this generation's berry monger? Lets see. Here are the suspects:

Could it be The Brain? He does look an awful lot like a berry kind of guy. Just look at that reddish hair, and all those freckles.

Or maybe Mr. Fingers is dying to get his fingers on my berries. If it is him then it would only be natural that he and Lil Sis would be in on it together. Those two are joined at the hip.

Well look eee there. He's the one. The Snake was the one who when we got home sat at the table eating berries like there was no tomorrow. I think he could have easily put away two gallons of Strawberries and had a raging stomach ache by now. I had to cut him off after the third bowl.

Like Mommy, Like Son.

There are a lot less Strawberries at the Davis Family Farm thanks to this lot. We also scored some Honey Sticks and FREE STRAWBERRY SHORT CAKE!!! I love free stuff, especially when it's got berries in it.

Summer Boredom Begins

2010-06-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is what I call Red-Neck entertainment.

It's a little game called "Penny Can"

Except we don't have such things as coffee can's around here so we used an old pie tin.

You have to stand with your toes behind the line (as shown above) and toss pennys into the "can". One point for every penny that makes it in (and doesn't bounce back out). It took The Brain and Mr. Fingers a couple rounds to get any points.

I should mention that Honey Bear poo-poo'ed my game and wouldn't play... at first. I knew it was a matter of time before he wanted to get in on the action.

After the Brain had about 8 points Honey Bear says, "Give me some of those penny's"

As far as games go... this is one way to pass the time.

Don't Leave Me!

2010-06-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

When Honey Bear and I got to the High School football field today for our work out the Snake was having a good time, until mom and step-dad took off running.

I guess I should have warned him we were going to run, but we weren't leaving him. After a couple times he started to understand what was going on.

Honey Bear is a great trainer. Now that I'm out of school for the summer it is time to get work on my healthy habits. They have fallen to the way side and about 10 unwelcome pounds have found their way back to my belly, hips, and thighs.

I was only able to make 6 100 yard sprints with 5 burpees at the end of each sprint. The goal was 10. Oh well, I'll get closer next time. An asthma flair up never helps. Breathing is kind of important. Did I mention that I am OUT OF SHAPE!

Honey Bear and I set some goals for the summer and took some before pictures today. This is the only one I'm sharing with the world. We have a SUPPER private blog to keep track of our progress. Sorry world, it is for our eyes only. I figured if I was going to journal about my summer fitness the best way to do it would be on the computer. But, it is for me and my accounting.

Yesterday's nutrition goal was to drink more water.

Did it.

Today's nutrition goal is no sugar.

Will do it.

Here's to Summer Sweat 2010!

When you are falling off your bike...

2010-06-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

Don't Land On Your Face!

Also, when there is only one wooden spoon with cookie dough on it, and two little boys...

Then it's time to share.

Spoon Lickers!

The Whole Fam-Dam-Blee

2010-06-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is all of us. From my parents: GrAnny and Pooh-Pa... to BugGutz (me), Ninners (my sister), and DaBoy (my brother)... and all of our families.

It was our first family reunion with my family. We stayed at an awesome cabin near Crater Lake. The kiddos had lots of fun with their imaginations and...

sticks.

I'm telling you. Sticks are the greatest toys ever invented. They can be wands for a wizard, a sword for a knight... skies the limit.

But as Lil' Sis learned... you should never, never, NEVER leave your favorite stick (the one you are going to keep FOREVER) in the pile with the other sticks that are near the fire. The results are disastrous.

We went for a hike and discovered a beautiful waterfall. Every one else in our party came, saw, and left. But our little clan decided to stay a while. It didn't take long before all four of the little boys were in only their skivvies and we were all wet. And having a blast.

Hill we are.

Oh yea, and we saw Crater Lake. The visitor's center wasn't awesome, so the whole thing was... get out of the car and look, then back in the car and leave. As far as scenery goes, the view was not too bad.

There was a treasure hunt and guess who found the treasure chest? We don't call him Mr. Fingers for nothing. He knows where EVERYTHING is.

My brother told the kids some great bedtime stories. There was the classic tale of Darth Whosa-whas-it and the Three Wookies, and the three little pigs who's houses got blown away by Yoda using the Force on them.

I can't wait until the next family reunion.

Good food. Good times. Good family.

Wolf

2010-06-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

After four months of hard work The Brain has officialy become....

A Wolf

He learned how to swim (and tread water which was his favorite thing), build things with tools, respect and hang our Nation's Flag, community service, to conserve energy by turning of lights when a room is left, to be responsible for a daily chore, and lots of other stuff.

Not mention, he learned how to:

Cook Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest

We all ate The Brains rainy day hot dogs. And no one died.

Good work Brain. Your mamma is proud. Now we get to spend the rest of the year earning arrow points and belt loops. That's right, I said WE! Who really does all the work? Who is going to earn 3 eagles within the next ten or so years? That's right baby... Yours truly. It is so fun though! I love it :)

How Do You Measure Success?

2010-05-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Three of my former High School classmates are receiving their post graduate accreditation's this spring. One neuro-biologist, one lawyer, and one PHD in American History. While I am so happy for them I am also... jealous.

I can't help but look back on the last ten years and see my two blaring Fails: my first attempt at college, and my first marriage.

So to pull myself out of this gloomy slump I am reminding myself that there is someone who wants me to be miserable like unto himself. Like the veggie tales say, "Our God is a God of second chances." I am getting a second chance at college, and a second chance at marriage.

I need to measure my success daily by noticing my wins like:

-A scantron returned with 101% written on the top
-A little boy who actually ate his veggies with out complaining
-Laundry that was only on the couch long enough to get folded and was put right away
-Bills paid and in the mail on time
-A kiss from a loyal husband that gives me butterflies
-A choice to order water instead of a Soda
-Taking a minute to read a conference talk before reading my text book
-Flowers on my pea plants
-Smiles on my children's faces
-Giving an oral report and being the only student that didn't read from her notes
-A simple "to do" list full of check marks
.... and many more

OK, I feel better now. These are some of the ways I measure success.

Plus, give me ten more years and I will be done with graduate school, still married, and soon to send my first son out on a Mission. Just wait and see :)

Sorry GrAnny

2010-05-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

My mom made this quilt for Lil' Sis. GrAnny liked it so much that she said if Lil' Sis didn't want it she wanted it back. Lil' Sis was here yesterday and as soon as I showed it to her she did this:

Sorry GrAnny. I don't think your getting it back.

This little girl LOVES her new blankie.

It was actually Big Brother's birthday yesterday and he got an awesome bike. We went outside to watch him ride it. After a while I noticed that Lil' Sis wasn't with us. So I went in the house and surprise... she was having more blankie time.

I watched her very carefully straighten the whole thing out. Pulling ever so gently at each corner until there were no wrinkles and it was absolutely smooth. Then she laid on it for a minute. Then she gathered her stuffed animal friends on it for a picnic. All too soon it was time to go back to her mom's house and she had to say goodbye to the quilt. I have a feeling I know what she is going to do first thing she steps foot in this house again.... GET HER BLANKIE.

The Line

2010-05-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

I'm going to tell this story by answering the five "w's".

1. What? Certified Nursing Assistant training course.

It is required before I apply to the Nursing program that I become certified as a CNA. My plan has been to take care of this requirement this summer by taking a class at the hospital. I wanted to get into the class room based course that started in the beginning of July. I spent a lot of time working on my application packet for this course which included getting my personal immunizations updated and having documentation about such, taking a reading comprehension exam on campus, becoming professionally trained in CPR, and passing a TB test. Not to mention saving up the CASH!!! The class cost $750.

I heard that the class filled up fast so I made sure I was ready to turn my application in the first day they were accepting them. I had no idea. I marched myself down there after my classes were over at 1:00 in the afternoon only to find out the class was already full.

WHHHHHAAAAATTTTT!

Apparently people were lined up the night before at 11:00 p.m. to turn in their apps.

My only option at this point was to wait three weeks and apply for the on-line course. The only one left this summer. Which happens to cost $300 more than the in class version of the course.

2. When? 8:30 p.m.

I knew I was going to have to camp out all night. The more I thought about it, the more worried I got, so I decided to go down there and set up "camp" as soon as I got out of scouts that night. Guess what? I was not the first one there. Not even the second. At 8:30 p.m. the day before they were accepting applications I was already #4 in line.

3. Who? Fellow Med. students

We were all either pre-med, or pre-nursing and for the most part went to the same school. We got to know each other very well that night.

4. Where? In a parking lot at the Hospital

I sat in my camp chair with gloves, a hat, two coats, and my down blanket and I still got cold. Good thing it wasn't raining.

5. Why?

Now THAT is the question. The only answer I have is that I must want to be a nurse really bad. It is amazing what kind of hoops you can make a student jump through in order meet your requirements.

Chivalry will not die...

2010-05-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

...as long as mommies teach it to their boys.

I have been trying to teach the boys to open doors for me. I want them to be the type of men who do that sort of thing, so I'm training them. One day there will be a girl or two who will thank me. One problem... how does one teach three stinky, gross, rough, and self absorbed little boys to be gentlemen?

I explained to them that I have been opening doors, and buckling their car seats/seat belts for the past eight years and now that they are old enough it's time to return the favor. They are actually excited about the idea and want to do it, which is a nice surprise.

It hasn't been easy though.

The first problem was the fighting over who gets to open my door. So I have to break up that fight.

Then there is the car door getting closed on my foot... OUCH...

AND, they think that if they open the door at the store and run through it fast enough that I have time to make it too, it counts as "getting the door" for me.

This is not going to be easy. But I am the princess of this casa, and there are enough boys around here that I should never have to open a door for myself again.

... one day

.... it will be nice.

What happens when

2010-05-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

a little boy who loves to read is given the next book in a series that he loves when he gets home from school? He begins reading RIGHT AWAY (doesn't even take off his coat), and you don't see him for the rest of the evening.

It is so fun to watch him discover the Harry Potter books. I was at Goodwill today and they have the hard backs for only $5 a book. He had only read the first two... but give him a couple days and number three will be under his belt too.

I was considering re-reading the series myself but that will not be necessary. No matter how many times we tell him to quit, and that it's annoying, The Brain reads out loud... and with a British accent (she says as she roles her eyes).

Brave

2010-05-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was playing with my webcam. I mess up a lot, but I had fun. Hope you like it. Um, you're gonna want to scroll down and turn off the music player first.

City of Albany, Oregon - City Council Video - April 14, 2010 Video

2010-04-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

The Brain's first Pinewood Derby was a lesson in how to be a good looser.

So sad, but you know...

it builds character...

right?

Oh, well...

next year.

Check out the most awesomest Cub-Scout Troop Ever! We were on TV! Just click below and enjoy the awesomness.

City of Albany, Oregon - City Council Video - April 14, 2010 Video

Posted using ShareThis

Well you know my name is BugGutz

2010-04-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

and I like to do drawings.

I really never draw... and I always surprise myself when I actually sit down and do it. It's been about 3 years since I really sat down to draw something. Not bad for being so rusty.

Can you name the famous fictional character who just got stung by a bee?

The poster is for the family reunion Memorial Day Weekend. We will be celebrating PoohPa's birthday and I made this poster so we can play pin the bee on Ferdinand (in loo of pin the tail on the donkey).

The bee's will be little yellow fuzzies glued to push pins with googly eyes and a black stripe. Ferdinand is PoohPa's favorite book to read to the kids. When ever he gets it out they all moan (but I know they really like it and will look back with fond memories of when grandpa read to them).