Christmas 2010

Christmas was relatively small this year, considering we're going to Hawaii next month, but the kids were still satisfied with their homemade presents. Well, if their squeals and screams were any indication, that is.

Scott and I made new No-Sew Fleece Blankets for the kids as they'd outgrown the ones I'd made for them for Christmas three years ago. We also made them Tithing Jars to keep their tithing in, as they always forget to put it aside when they get their allowances. They also got the specific Pillow Pets they asked for, which now puts Vanessa's collection at five, since she got four of them for her birthday.

They also got gifts from Santa, which made them really happy, considering they were exactly what they'd asked for. Ryan and Ethan got Halo Mega Bloks sets, Vanessa got a Disney Princess Dolls set, and Jeff got a Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash set. Unfortunately for Jeff, we didn't have the right type of batteries to make the set work, but he was content with just crashing his cars on the tracks by hand, lol.

Scott got me a new griddle, since the one we got as a wedding present died a couple of months ago. We tried it out by making pancakes for breakfast, and I am absolutely in love with this appliance, lol!

The kids and I got Scott a new video game for his XBox 360: "Call of Duty: Black Ops". He's been waiting for it to drop in price, but I went and bought it anyway, hoping he wouldn't go out and buy it first. We also bought him George W. Bush's book, "Decision Points" to read; he would rather have it on audiobook, but we couldn't find a copy anywhere. So we'll see if he actually reads it, lol.

I think the only complaint came from Ryan, who was hoping for a copy of "Madden '11" to play. His good friend has it and they play it almost everyday, but Ryan is absolutely dying for his own copy. Never mind that he has all the previous editions of this game; he needs his own, as he is so fond of telling me.

All in all, I think we had a nice, quiet Christmas morning. Of course, once all the presents were opened and we'd eaten breakfast, the kids were practically begging to go over to papa & Tutu's house to do it all over again, lol.

Actually, if I really think about it, it was a perfect Christmas, filled with the spirit of Christ, family and friends, presents and good food (made by my mom, not me, lol!), as well as new memories to remember.

I don't think I could ask for anything more on this special day!

On your mark....Get set.....

Today is the last day of school for the kids and then they'll be out for Winter Recess!

Pray for me....I'll try not to strangle them, but I make no promises, lol! ;-)

My kids are.....*sigh*

This morning's conversation between The Fire Pig & The Princess...

Jeff: Hey! Give me my shoes, moron!

Vanessa: That's not nice, dummy!

Me: Hey! How do we talk nicely to each other?

Jeff: Please give me my shoes, moron!

Me: *sigh*

No Christmas Cards this year

Today is usually the day I mail out all of my Christmas cards, but due to a bout of depression and whatnot, I decided to scrap the whole thing. I did make some cards, but not nearly enough to cover the immediate family. So instead of stressing out and trying to finish them up, I've decided to not send out any cards this year.

I feel less stressed already. ^_^

12 years ago.....

On November 20th, 1998, Big Poppa and I lost our minds and said, "I do!" Now 12 years, four kids and a mortgage later, we're still together and happy! It's been an amazing journey with my eternal sweetheart and I can only imagine what life will continue to throw our way!

Scott had some work to do for his consulting job, which would take him to Wyoming the day before our anniversary. So we got my parents to watch the kids for the weekend and I headed up there with him. We stayed overnight and headed back to Salt Lake City the next day where we had dinner at The Roof restaurant, then headed over to The Gateway to watch Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows, Part I on the IMAX screen! So awesome!

It was a nice and quiet way to spend our anniversary, especi

ally during dinner, with our perfect view of the Salt Lake Temple. We sat and reminisced, which was fun!

I thought I'd share these pictures of our time in Wyoming......

This fun diner was right next to our hotel

The entrance

Inside shot

An old-fashioned chocolate malt with M&Ms! Yummy!

And this was the view from our table at The Roof restaurant!

Oh, boy!

So several weeks ago, it came to my attention that one of the sinks in the kids' bathroom upstairs was leaking. I put a small bucket under there to catch the water and told Big Poppa; he said he would take a look at it.

Fast forward to today. While I'm cleaning the kids' bathroom, I notice a dark patch on the carpet near the cabinet. Upon closer inspection, I learn that it's mold.

Yuck.

I open the cabinet to check under the leaky sink and guess what.

More mold.

It's black, which is freaking me out because I know black mold can be dangerous, right? So now I'm on the internet, trying to find a solution for clean-up. Except I think we might have to replace the carpet.

BTW, it wasn't my idea to put carpet in there. When we were designing our house, I suggested extending the tile from the shower area into the sink area. Big Poppa said no. Lol, yes, I am so blaming this on my hubby! ;-)

Anyway, the carpet only covers maybe six square feet, which wouldn't be too expensive to replace with some tile or hard wood. At least, I'm hoping.

I hate mold.

My baby is 11 yrs. old!

Where did the time go? Eleven years ago, on this very day, I gave birth to a blonde-haired, blue-eyed chunk of a baby, throwing me into the crazy adventure called "motherhood." It was a crazy learning experience then, and it still is today!

Happy Birthday, Ryan! You may be a sarcastically funny and intelligent handsome young man that's constantly keeping me on my toes, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Love you!

November already!

Wow! So it's the 1st of November, which means the start of the holiday rush for our family! November is a busy month for us, as Ryan's birthday is on the 3rd, our wedding anniversary is on the 20th, Thanksgiving is on the 25th, and Big Poppa's birthday is on the 26th!

Phew!

It also means Christmas is next month....and I still have a ton of presents to make!

Eek!

A lazy Sunday...sort of!

Church doesn't start until 1:00pm, so we usually have the morning to busy ourselves. Which usually means chaos and screaming in the house, lol!

Jeff was too busy lost in his own world. He was also busy getting in the way as Vanessa tried to watch a Disney movie in our bedroom, lol!

Ryan tried reading while Ethan busied himself with his PSP nearby.

Most Sunday mornings will start off quiet, but as the day goes on, the noise level rises and so do the arguments. If it's not one thing, it's another, but it does make getting ready for church an adventure, lol!

Halloween Fun!

Here in Utah, if Halloween falls on a Sunday, then the festivities usually happen on Saturday. The trick-or-treating forecast didn't start off so great at first with rain pouring, but after an hour or so, it finally let up enough that Big Poppa took the kids out.

Ethan was Jango Fett from Star Wars, Vanessa was a My Little Pony, Ryan went as Harry Potter, and Jeff dressed up as Boba Fett.

Meanwhile, I dressed up as Kai-Lan from Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. It was hilarious to see some of the younger kids in the neighborhood get so excited when I answered the door, lol.

Scott's sister Kristine also came over with her husband, two boys, and her mother-in-law. It was nice visiting with them as we waited for the rain to slow down. My mother-in-law also stopped by after getting done with her shift at the temple, and she and I stayed back to pass out candy.

It was a cold and chilly night, but I think the kids had fun despite the weather!

We finally got around to....

...decorate our pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, lol! We did lose one (it rotted and started to smell right there on the counter), but I gave mine up to Vanessa and so everyone else had a pumpkin to decorate.

Big Poppa got creative! Everyone thought his was hilarious!

Ethan turned his pumpkin into Master Chief's helmet from Halo.

Ryan never did tell me what he was creating!

Jeff didn't seem to have a particular theme in mind.

Vanessa informed me that hers was a princess.

Eureka!

I think we broke Jeff from his binky habit! It's been a little over a week since the last setback and he hasn't asked for one once! We've also noticed that his sleep habits have improved, too, and he's sleeping through the night in his own bed!

YIPPEEE!

No if we could only get him to potty-train.....

One step at a time, right?

Jeff says....

Kids are really hilarious! ^_^

As we're sitting on my bed, watching yet another episode of SpongeBob, Jeff turns to me and says, "Mom-moms, do you think Daddy misses me when he's at work?"

It was really hard not to laugh.

*****************************

Me: Jeff, do you want to come with me to the craft store?

Jeff: No, I wanna stay here.

Me: By yourself?

Jeff: Yeah.

Me: You can't.

Jeff: Why?!

Me: Because you're only three!

Jeff: Aw, come on!

*****************************

Jeff: I was naughty today in nursery.

Me: Why, what did you do?

Jeff: I threw stuff.

Me: Why were you throwing stuff?

Jeff: I was being mad.

Me: Why?

Jeff: 'Cause I was throwing stuff.

Me: o_O

Another binky set-back...arrrgghh!

Big Poppa had the kids help him clean out the family room in the basement, and while doing so, Jeff found not one, but two binkies. He popped one in his mouth and clutched the other in his hand, then came upstairs to show me.

Big mistake.

Big Poppa followed him and took both away and cut the nipples off. Which meant Jeff flew into a tizzy and cried like we were beating him.

Sigh.

If he's like this with just his binkies, can you imagine what he'll be like when we attempt to potty-train?

*shudders*

We're too slow, lol!

We forgot to put up the "We've been BOOed!" sign from last night and by bedtime tonight, we found another treat on our porch! It was a bag of Reeses PB Cups, which Scott is now hogging, lol.

So instead of two people to BOO, we need to do four, I guess?

Yeah for more fun and excitement!

We got BOOed!

I guess I didn't hear the doorbell or the knock, but while we were locking up before bed, I found a Halloween cookie Kit sitting on out porch with the Booed instructions.

The kids are excited to have gotten BOOed, and even more excited to make the cookies.

Now all we have to do is decide what treat to make and who to BOO!

Binky Set-Back!

Last night while we were over at Papa & Tutu's house watching the football game, Jeff found a binky and popped it into his mouth. Only thing is, he did it in front of me, so I took it away and had Scott cut it up.

Bad move.

Jeff promptly freaked and it played into his sleeping habits last night. Or, I should say his lack of sleeping habits. Once again we were deprived of sleep because Jeff couldn't stay asleep. So tired right now, but I'm determined to get him to nap today.

*yawn* Hopefully!

2010 Pumpkin Patch Adventure

Tonight we decided to go and get our pumpkins from the local pumpkin patch. It didn't take as long as usual, but the kids still had fun.

Ethan & Jeff taking a moment to pose after picking their pumpkins

Vanessa's turn

Found the Perfect Pumpkins!

Jeff bossing his big brother around

He found his pumpkin!

Ryan trying to help Ethan find his pumpkin

They're piling up!

This is his job, lol.

Look, Mom-Moms!

Days 4 & 5 of Operation: Bye-Bye, Binky!

Friday night was okay, but Saturday night was absolutely horrid! Jeff didn't take a nap Saturday afternoon, so by the time we got the kids ready for bed, he was tired but fighting it. It took a long time for Scott to get him to settle down and fall asleep, but almost an hour later, Jeff woke up and totally freaked out!

He was screaming and crying, an refused to be comforted. It took almost half an hour to get him to actually lay down and then he fell asleep again. Except, the same routine was repeated almost every hour until he finally fell asleep and stayed asleep past 5am.

When I woke up from what little sleep I was able to get, I had a full-fledged anxiety attack coming on, so I tried to busy myself with a little cleaning. Somewhat helped, but the shaking in my arms and hands was still pretty bad. Ended up not going to church (again!) and mostly slept it off.

Tomorrow is a holiday that Scott has off, so I'm hoping we can catch up on some sleep. That is, if Jeff actually lets us sleep tonight! o_O

Day 3 of Operation: Bye-Bye, Binky!

Today went better than the last two days; Jeff wasn't as cranky and I was able to stop a meltdown from happening. At naptime he whined a little, protesting that he didn't want to take a nap, but once he laid down, he was out!

Do I dare hope?

Please, oh please, oh please!

Day 2 of Operation: Bye-Bye, Binky!

Today was exhausting! Not only did I have to keep repeating "All your binkies are gone; they went bye-bye!" to Jeff, but I also had to distract him when I saw the tantrum coming. Usually, I have no need to since Jeff is very good at amusing himself, but today that was not the case with his binky gone!

By the time he finally fell asleep for naptime (it took him nearly an hour to stop crying and settle down!), I was a shaking mess! I went down for a nap, but not for very long (maybe an hour or so) before Jeff woke up, grumpy and crying.

I literally threw him to Scott when he got home from work.

Yep, I suck.

*sigh*

Here we go!

Last night, we became insane and decided to go cold turkey on getting Jeff off his binky. I don't know what we were thinking, but there's no backing down now! He had a hard time falling asleep, woke up a few times during the night, and was really grouchy this morning when he woke up. It wasn't too bad, but it's only the first night.

We'll have to see how today and tonight go.

Please pray for us, lol.

Wait, what?

Is it really October already?!

Sheesh, even with numerous calendars around the house and an iPhone, September still managed to slip by and here's October!

The weather can't decide if it wants to be warm or cold, but I guess this means I should start nagging the kids about their Halloween costumes so I can order them. Last year I let them waffle too long and so by the time we got around to ordering the costumes, there weren't any of the sizes we needed. So we had to come up with entirely different ones.

Hopefully the kids have already decided; I can hope, right?

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Today is Jeff's birthday; I can't believe he's 3 years old today! Has it been that long since I gave birth? Wow, I guess so! He's such a fun little kid to have at home; he makes me laugh and smile and I love it when he smiles at me! His "Mom, I love you!" still melts my heart, as well as his mischievous smile, which is really common.

Scott thought he was going into work today, but ultimately decided to take a day off to recuperate from his trip, plus spend the day with us for Jeff's birthday. Since Vanessa and Ryan are off-track from school, we took them down to Provo to have lunch at L&L's because I was craving some teriyaki and their mac salad.

Later we cleaned up a bit for Jeff's party, which we had seven. Just family for some cake and ice cream, which Jeff didn't want to blow the candles out. Which is weird, considering he'll happily blow out everyone else's birthday candles, but when it came to his own, he refused, lol! I guess it can't be his or something!

Jeff had lots of fun being center of attention and getting so many cool new toys. It was also nice to see some of the in-laws that we haven't seen for awhile. When asked how he liked his birthday, Jeff exclaims, "YES!!"

Lol, whatever that means! ^_^

Big Poppa comes home!

We're still counting down the hours, but Scott will be home later tonight! If everything goes as planned, his flight will land here at about 8:30 pm and he'll be home!

The kids are so excited!

Okay, and yes, so am I. But, can you blame us, really? I mean, it's been a very long week with him gone!

Hurry up clock! Move!

Face Time rocks!

Since Scott is out of town for some work training, we've been using the Face Time feature on our iPhones.

It's such a great thing!

The kids love being able to see their dad despite the fact that he's in Dallas, Texas, plus they can also see themselves in the little window on the screen. It's quite hilarious to watch them get so animated as they talk to Big Poppa, lol.

Being able to see Big Poppa makes us miss him just a little bit less, but, we still miss him!

Sunday night can't come fast enough!

Ethan's 1st day at his new school

If you ask him, he'll give you an enthusiastic, "IT WAS AWESOME!"

Love it!

Even though we got there late (stupid me, I didn't calculate even time to get there with traffic and construction!), his day was off to great start. I walked him to his class, Miss Holly showed him his new desk, and I left him to it.

When I picked him up after school, he greeted me with the biggest smile I've ever seen! And he was so excited to tell me about his day; he's never been this excited to talk about his school day! So I took him out for some ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery since we had an hour or so before Vanessa and Ryan would get home. We got our ice cream and sat outside eating and talking. We had a great conversation about a lot of things; I really enjoyed it.

The bus will start busing Ethan tomorrow, so I'm glad I got to spend some extra one-on-one time with Ethan before that.

New adventures!

This morning I got a call from the Cluster Learning Leader from the new school Ethan will be attending. She called to set up an appointment for us to meet and tour the school, which we did at 11am. I had to pull Ethan from school, but it was worth it.

We met with Miss Nancy at the main office, who's really friendly and perky. Actually, she reminds me of Reba McEntire, whom I really like, lol! Anyway, she introduced herself, then showed us Ethan's new class and teacher. His teacher is Miss Holly and he has eight classmates, all from different grade levels between 3 and 6. They're all really nice kids and during the introductions, Ethan found out he has a lot in common with some of them.

Afterwards we went on a tour of the school, which really perked Ethan up, as the layout is exactly like his current school, so he basically knows where everything is. He was quite proud of himself in that aspect, lol. He wwas also quite excited to see the computer lab as they have "way cooler computers!" than his old school; Miss Holly mentioned computer lab day is tomorrow, so now he's even more excited!

They also showed us where Ethan will be dropped off and picked up when he catches the bus, which won't start until Wednesday. So just for tomorrow, I have to drop him off and pick him up.

On the drive home, I asked Ethan how he liked it and he was so excited! I'm so glad!

We'll have to see how tomorrow goes.

So it begins....

Please pray for me, as Big Poppa left this morning for work training in Dallas. He'll be gone all week and won't return until next Sunday.

I've got my Prozac ready, but my crack monkeys are so unpredictable.

*deep breath* I can do this!

I think.

o_O

Uh, okay...whatever....

We got word today that the committee approved Ethan's transfer to a special class for autistic students; YES! I am so happy, I really can't express it. Ethan really loves going to school and I was worried that with his current difficulties with schoolwork, that his enthusiasm would wane. But, now that he's being transferred, I think he'll be able to learn more now!

Ethan's reaction to changing school? A shrug and a simple, "Uh, okay...whatever."

I'll try to take my cue from him, but I'm really happy about this!

Crossing my fingers, toes, eyes....

Scott and I went to Ethan's LRE meeting at Kauri Sue Hamilton School today to sit in on the presentation to the board about possibly transferring Ethan to a school designed for autistic kids. It was a real eye-opener to hear his different teachers tell of the struggles they've been having with him, and the difficulties in progress for him.

Ethan has a really wonderful and caring team, who really care about him and want him to succeed. I'm really grateful for them and everything they've been doing for him, because Ethan has come a long way. They're hopeful that a change of environment geared for kids like him will be really good for Ethan.

Hopefully, the committee will agree. We'll just have to wait and see what they decided.

Ethan says so, so it must be true! ^_^

So today I was printing out some of last year's family photos for a scrapbook page I'm creating, when Ethan comes to sit next to me. He's quiet for the longest time, but I notice he keeps looking from the picture to me, then back again. I think nothing of it and continue printig out the pictures.

Finally, Ethan says, "Wow, Mom! You've lost a lot of weight since we took that picture!"

I just smiled and said, "Yeah, I did. Pretty cool, huh?"

Ethan grins back at me and says, "Yeah! You're way more prettier than before!"

I just love him to pieces! ^_^

Feeling festive!

The weather turned a bit chilly today, so I took advantage of the change and got out my fall decorations for my porch. I actually had to buy new hay bales since my old ones got destroyed during our mouse infestation last winter, but it wasn't too bad since Michaels' was having a sale. So I ended up buying new hay bales, a few scarecrows and some pumpkin decor. Here's the result:

I'm really pleased with the way it all turned out. Plus, it helps get me in a festive mood, considering fall is my favorite season!

Bring on the changing leaves!

Is the week over yet?

The last few days have been exciting; on Tuesday, Vanessa woke up in a really bad mood and made the morning really difficult. How difficult? Well, I had to call Scott because the whole ordeal resulted in me having an anxiety attack (crying, shaking, etc.), so he came home to take her to school because she refused to get going.

Then, while we're waiting for Vanessa to finish getting ready, Ryan (who had already left for the bus stop with Ethan), came running inside the house, announcing, "I chipped my tooth!" Except, it wasn't a little chip; the bottom half of his front right tooth was now in his hand!

Apparently, Ryan and his friends were playing football (I think!) at the bus stop and he collided into his friend. The result was Ryan's chipped tooth and a scratch on his friend's head. Ryan insisted that he didn't feel any pain and wanted to go to school, so we let him. By recess, however, I had to go and pick him up because the tooth started to ache.

I took him to the dentist yesterday, but he sent us to a root canal specialist instead; something about our dentist didn't have the right stuff to fix the tooth. Or something. Anyway, we went to see Dr. Groneman and he fixed Ryan right up. He worried that he would have to do a root canal because the tooth nerve had been exposed, but it happened where a cleaning, some sort of sealant and reconstructing the tooth was all that was needed.

It has to be said that Ryan did really well through all of the work; even Dr. Groneman commented on what a good patient he was.

So now, here it is, Thursday morning. If there's going to be any more excitement, can it hold off until next week? Please?

Ward Camp-Out

Got back from a fun-filled Ward Camp-Out. Despite being eaten alive by mosquitoes and getting three spider bites on the leg, we had a lot of fun! The campsite was in an interesting location, but made for some fun times! The kids really enjoyed being able to run around and climb trees with their friends, which gave us a chance for adult conversations, lol!

Here's Jeff waiting for his yummy pancake breakfast. He looks so patient, doesn't he? ;-)

Kids and the fire pit; it's inevitable, can't stop it, lol!

The crack monkeys waking up in the morning

Another picture of the crack monkeys in the morning

Vanessa taking some time out from running around and drinking all of Daddy's Diet Coke

Back-To-School chaos!

This morning was busy! We got the kids up and ready for school, then shooed Ryan & Ethan out to the bus stop. We then hurried and got Vanessa and Jeff ready, hopped in the car and headed over to the school to make sure Ethan got into the right place to line up. It took a few minutes and a bit of questioning other parents, but we finally found his class's line.

We waited until Ethan went into his classroom (he's in a portable this year), then headed over to the fifth grade doors to make sure Ryan got to his class. He did, so we hopped back into the car, drove over to Papa & Tutu's to drop off Jeff, then headed back to the school so we could meet with Vanessa's teacher.

It was sort of a Meet & Greet to familiarize the incoming 1st-Graders to their classrooms and teachers, as well as where to get on/off the bus and where to line up. We met with her teacher for about ten minutes, got the necessary information for tomorrow, then merrily went on our way.

Vanessa seemed excited afterwards, and just talked and talked about tomorrow. Hopefully, things will go smoothly tomorrow.

Hopefully.

Back-To-School tomorrow!

So tomorrow is the kids' first day back to school. Well, actually just for Ryan and Ethan, as 1st graders don't go until Tuesday. Monday will be used as a sort of "meet & greet" for brand new 1st graders to meet their teachers; Vanessa's appointment is at 9:30 am, which means after we make sure the boys line up at the right doors, we have to drop Jeff off at Tutu's, then head right back to the school with Vanessa.

I don't know if the new principal decided it, but Hayden Peak will now start at 9:00 am and go until 3:55 pm. The kids are glad for the extra sleep time, but not so much for the late arrival home. Interrupts their playtime or something, lol. Anyway, just a few changes to get used to.

Hopefully we can get the kids to go to bed at a decent time tonight. Here's hoping! ;-)

Last Day of School!

Today is the last day of school, which explains why Ryan and Ethan were practically begging to stay home today. Lol, I don't think so!

They went, complaining it wasn't fair that Vanessa was already done, but they went. It's a short day, too, so I really don't understand why all the grumbling, lol.

Oh, well!

Summer vacation, here we come!

The Princess is growing up!

Today was Vanessa's last day of school, which Ryan wasn't too happy about because it's one day before the rest of the students get out for vacation, but I don't feel so guilty, lol. The Kindergarteners put on a program for their parents, which included lots of songs that they learned throughout the year, along with some drawings they did. It was really cute.

Afterwards, we walked back to her classroom to pick Vanessa up, along with her last report card and her portfolio, and also to say good-bye to Mrs. Venning. I'm so glad Vanessa had Mrs. Venning for her teacher; she really encouraged and helped Vanessa in both academics and social play. Hopefully the prospect of going to 1st Grade will keep her mind off of missing her beloved teacher.

Vanessa & Mrs. Venning

Vanessa singing in the Kindergarten Program

Copperton Park is AWESOME!

Vanessa is out of school all this week due to Kindergarten end-of-the year testing, so we decided to head over to Copperton Park for awhile. Of course, we went to Papa & Tutu's first and hang out there, but I decided a trip to the park was in order after I fell asleep on the couch, lol!

Jeff and Vanessa had a blast, which is no surprise considering how awesome the park is. There's a large (HUGE!) grassy area with picnic tables and areas to play, plus a fairly big playground for the kids. Jeff loves climbing up to the slides, while Vanessa has quickly mastered the swings.

It was a bit hot today, so we didn't stay as long as we would've liked. On the way home we stopped at the little store across the street from Papa & Tutu's house and got some ice cream to cool us off. Then, we sat on the porch to gobble up our goodies while Papa worked in the yard.

It was such a fun day, I think we'll have to go back tomorrow. With bread this time, to feed the birds.

Today is a special day....

....it's my birthday!

Okay, so maybe I'm the only one to think so, but it counts!

Hmm, turning 33 yrs. old doesn't feel any different than turning 32.

Anyway, let the spoiling begin! Just kidding!

Sort of. ^_^

Oh, yeah...

It must be said that I've discovered the Pandora Radio app on my iPhone thanks to my hubby. Since its discovery, I've been indulging myself in listening to the Oldies that I've always loved, mainly because I can't find the Oldies collection I've gathered over the years.

So, yes. Instead of listening to sappy, lovey-dovey pop crap music in Korean (I will admit that I like the stuff called K-Pop!), I now torture my kids with more of it, only in English now!

Yeah, Ryan's eyes are going to roll out of his head soon with all the eye-rolling he's been sending my way lately.

Ha!

More funny sayings from my kids!

Ryan & Ethan were playing some kind of game where they could get eliminated...or something. I don't really know, considering I wasn't in the room for the most part. Anyway, I guess Ethan got eliminated and Ryan followed it with this gem:

"Dude! You got your nut cracked!"

o_O I seriously do not know where he got that from!

**************************

While helping Ethan study for his test on South American countries and their capitals....

Me: What's the capital of Paraguay?

Ethan: Uh...Uruguay

Me: Try again. It starts with an A-S (It's Asuncion, btw)

Ethan: Uh...Asuruguay?

We dissolved into giggles after that, and didn't stop for 5 minutes straight, lol!

Another warm day....

....another day for play!

After a few days of rain, it finally warmed up today, which meant it was nearly impossible to get the kids to come in for bathtime! I'm going to be in so much trouble when summer really hits, lol!

We also got notice that the neighborhood BBQ/Pool Opening has been moved to next Saturday instead of this weekend, due to the fact that it'll be a really bad weather day. The kids were disappointed when we told them, but I distracted them with popsicles, ha.

Haven't been feeling well lately, so I'm kind of behind on the plans for summer. I'm determined to have a game plan in place so I won't have a repeat of last summer, where there were four monkeys on crack screeching, "I'M BORED!" every five minutes.

Boredom is not an option this summer. If it does manage to creep in, I have an SUV that needs washing and a house that needs cleaning.

I'm such a mean mom, lol.

Warm weather fun!

Let it begin! The weather was so nice today, that we couldn't help but be outside for most of it! We're thinking today's fun was just a prelude to what the summer has in store for us!

Swinging on the porch swing with a friend

Ethan & Jeff discovering the potato bugs in our yard

Enjoying a Popsicle while relaxing on the porch

Two of my lil' monkeys enjoying a cool snack!

I blame the refs, lol!

Flag football season started for Ryan a few weeks ago, so our Saturdays have been a bit busy. The games so far have been fun and a learning experience for me (I have no clue what's going on!), but today's game was....interesting. As in, frustrating!

I'm sure the referees that were assigned to our game were trying their best, but they made a lot of goofs and inconsistent calls! It really was frustrating for Ryan and his teammates who were trying their hardest to play fair, but their effort was dwarfed by some of the calls against them.

And, don't even get me started on the behavior of the parents from the opposing team! Ugh! Sometimes I think the parents get more competitive than the kids! I wish some parents would just be content with cheering on their team instead of feeling the need to throw out some snarky, snide comments!

Ryan and his teammates played an excellent game and did an awesome job! It was just a bit disheartening to see their disappointed faces at the end of the game.

Filipino Fiesta!

Just by looking at my kids, I don't think a lot of people would guess that they're part Filipino. Well, maybe Ethan, if I happened to be standing next to him or something, but the other three, not so much. So when my sister told me last night that my parents were planning on cooking some Filipino food, we automatically dubbed it, "Filipino Fiesta" like the old tv show our grandparents used to watch back in Hawaii.

We had lumpia, pinakbet, adobo and some other foods that weren't exactly Filipino, but we enjoy anyway. By the time the main dishes were ready, I had already stuffed myself silly with shumai and lumpia; so satisfying, but I really can't move right now, lol.

All the kids, except for Ryan, ate some "regular" food (chicken nuggets, I think), which is okay. They do like lumpia, but just the banana-filled ones. In fact, I think that's all Ryan had for dinner, lol!

I vote for Filipino Fiesta at least once a month!

It's Spaghetti Night!

Just what the title says.

It's Spaghetti Night at Nalani's!

'Nuff said.

The Adventures of Ethan, The Boy With No Voice!

So Ethan woke up this morning with no voice. It was quite amusing to him to try to get us to understand what he was trying to mouth; he was constantly breaking out into silent giggles. But, it turns out he's really easy to please as long as it involves food and watching cartoons.

No voice also did not discourage him from harassing his sister, believe me! The only way I could tell he was bothering her was when Vanessa would suddenly shriek, "Ethan! Stop!" Or when her high-pitched shriek would pierce the air. Always a lovely sound, let me tell ya!

Luckily, Vanessa was feeling better enough to go to school today, so right now it's just me, Jeff and Ethan. So far the two have stayed out of each other's way, but that could change in an instant.

I'll have to be ready for it.

Funny Things Kids Say!

Yesterday, Vanessa tells Scott, "If we're not making good choices, Daddy, then we're not choosing the right; we're choosing the left!"

Last week, I had a conversation with Jeff that went like this:
Me: Jeff, let's get ready for the day!
Jeff: No! It's naked time!
*proceeds to strip down to his diaper and run around the house screaming*

Just this past Sunday, on Easter, Ryan comes downstairs to find the Easter Bunny has left them baskets full of goodies. Except, he looks at the tags, then asks, "Dad, why does the Easter Bunny write like Mom?"

Jeff's mood swings

Typical 2-yr. old behavior or no? I can't remember the other Crack Monkeys acting like this.

Anyway, today my sister needed a ride to work (the brakes on their car was being worked on), so they called me. Naturally, I said yes, but I had to wake Jeff up from his nap. At first he was compliant (mainly because he was still trying to wake up), agreeing to go for a ride and all. But, once we arrived at Papa and Tutu's house, he furiously shook his head and announced, "I no go!"

So he waited in the car while I went in. I sat in the back with him (brother drove, sister in the front), but he refused to talk to any of us. Oh, and he also glared. Alot. We kept trying to talk to him, to get him to smile, but he wasn't having any of it.

Until we stopped to put some gas in the car.

My sister wanted something to drink, so I offered to get it for her. I took Jeff in with me and all of a sudden, the kid just won't stop talking! Talk about a complete turnaround! My brother and sister were laughing as we came out of the store because Jeff had a bounce in his step and a giant grin on his face as he walked back to the car clutching three Airheads candy.

Lol, what a weirdo!

Sunday Morning at The Zoo

And, here I thought Sunday mornings were supposed to be quiet. I don't think my kids know the meaning of being quiet, lol. But, that's what kids are good at, right?

Vanessa decided she wanted to go to church with Papa and Tutu, so I'm currently outnumbered by boys. Doesn't she know she's supposed to stick with her mama?!

Anyhoo, I can hear the boys tearing it up in the family room as I sit here in the safety of my craft room, trying to finish my lesson for church. When I asked the boys to settle own, they gave me the requisite blank look.

Couldn't help it, I laughed.

Ryan won't stop growing up!

We had a pack meeting for Cub Scouts tonight and we were really surprised to learn that Ryan earned his Webelos badge! Wohoo! Scott and I were laughing to ourselves because we've been kind of slacking off in helping Ryan and he hasn't earned his Bear badge yet. So we were quite surprised when they announced he had earned his Webelos.

Still, congratulations to Ryan! So proud of him!

Whoa, baby!

I don't think it's right for a 2-yr. old to be able to glare at me like a sulky teenager! Seriously, where did he learn it from? All I can say is that if he's already perfected glaring at this age, I am in so much trouble when he becomes a teenager!

Sheesh.

I blame his daddy, lol.

It's Monday!

Ryan woke up this morning and deemed himself better to go to school. He looked better, but I made him promise to call me if he started feeling bad while in school. He said okay, so I guess I'll be playing the waiting game today.

Daylight's Savings Time kind of sucks and kind of doesn't. It sucks that when the older boys get up for school, their bodies are telling them it's too early. Whereas, it seems as if Jeff and Vanessa sleep in later. In fact, as I write this, Jeff is still sleeping. Very nice!

Vanessa, on the other hand, is trying her best to play quietly, but she's really not succeeding. She's also still trying to get over a cold, but you wouldn't know it just by looking at her. Nothing keeps her down from playing, not even a cold, lol!

And, the weather is supposed to be better than what it was during the weekend, so that's always a plus in my book!

Just realized...

...it's time to change the pictures of the kids in the banner! I only noticed it after I the last post just mere seconds ago, lol!

Here comes the coughs!

Ryan stayed home with me from church today, saying he wasn't feeling well. Actually, he hasn't been feeling well since yesterday, but I thought it was because of allergies. Now, I'm thinking it's because he caught Vanessa's cold, which she's had for a few days now. But, she never really seemed sick except for a slightly stuffy nose and a cough, but she sure didn't act like it. Oh, to be a kid again and not let something like a cold get you down, lol!

I'm thinking Ryan is staying home from school tomorrow, which will be good. Although, I can already imagine the shouts of, "Mom! I'm bored!" that will come from his bedroom as he lays on his bed, snuggled under his blanket. Something to look forward to, yeah?

Anyway, so far it's only been Vanessa and Ryan that have caught colds. I'm hoping Jeff and Ethan won't get it (I mean, where is it a rule that ALL the kids have to get sick, right?), because it's not fun, as I'm sure any parent will agree, to have sick children. Here's hoping that all the dirt Ethan and Jeff munched on as babies helped boost their immune systems, lol!

Saturday with the lil' monkeys!

For some reason, Vanessa thought it would be a good idea to dip Jeff's Hot Wheels cars into some ketchup and then drive said cars all over the living room carpet. And, just after I'd cleaned the living room! I'm sure it made sense in her mind, but when she actually put it in motion, I think even she was perplexed by her actions!

We spent the rest of the day being cooped up in the house, driving each other crazy, which really didn't take much. Plus, the kids were hell bent on being annoying; I suggested lots of stuff for them to do (video games, drawing, watching a movie, etc.), but each suggestion was met with a resounding, "NO!"

*sigh* If I duct tape them to the wall will I get into trouble?

Nevermind, don't answer that.

Pajamas and sledding and sleepovers, oh my!

The weekend is now upon us and I can already feel my body relaxing. Well, that is until I think of what awaits me back at home (cleaning! Ugh!), and...yah! there goes my shoulders! Sigh.

Well, at least the kids are sleeping over at the 'rents house tonight. Hopefully it includes Jeff, but he's constantly changing his mind. I guess it all depends on who's asking him, lol. If it's me, he says no. But, if Tutu asks, then it's a loud, resounding, "YES!" Hmm, making if I ask him while he's taking a bath, lol.

Ryan went sledding today with the Webelos and I think he had fun. Well, he says he did, even after flying off his sled and plowing through the snow. Worrisome for me, but to him, BEST THING EVER! Lol, weirdo! ;-)

It was also Pajama Day at school for the kids, which Vanessa took really seriously. She didn't change out of her pj's this morning and kept reminding me that it was okay because "It's Pajama Day at school, mama!" Really? I hadn't noticed with you constantly telling me, princess? Lol!

Nazi Zombies!!

Super Bowl came and went and I totally missed it. Not that I was waiting for it or anything, but yes, I did not watch the Super Bowl. Jeffrey didn't take a nap, mainly because we were in church during his naptime, and even after we headed over to my parents' house, he still didn't fall asleep on the way.

So once we arrived, I put Jeff down for a nap and promptly fell asleep, too. I blame my mom's bed and her electric blanket, lol. Anyway, after our long nap, Jeff and I woke up to discover Super Bowl was done and everyone was gathered in the living room playing an XBox game.

Which game, you might ask?

Call of Duty 4...but the version with nazi zombies.

Yes, you read that correctly. Nazi zombies.

Fred got Ryan and Ethan to play together, sat back and promptly began to laugh his head off at their antics. Needless to say, the boys didn't pass many levels, but it was pure entertainment. And yes, there's violence and some bloody scenes (zombies, duh!), but I'm not too worried about my boys playing the game. It's not like they sit there all day and play it or are addicted. Purely entertainment.

For them and me, apparently, lol.

It's Friday!

Survived the week, but just barely. These kids really need to realize that their mommy needs to be pampered. Or at least not driven crazy so much!

Ryan has been working at my parents' restaurant, so he's been occupied. The other three...well, not so much. Well, if you count ticking each other off and screaming as being occupied, then yeah, they've been busy.

Is it bad that I'm glad it's Friday, which means sleepover night at Papa & Tutu's? ;-)

A new week begins

And, it'll probably be just like last week where we'll spend all day at Papa & Tutu's house while Ryan works at the restaurant. Which also means our house will remain chaotic and messy and even a bit disgusting. Have I mentioned that I'm not much of a housekeeper?

Tis true.

But, as long as the kids are happy and not fighting with each other, I guess being at someone else's house while ours is less than presentable is alright with me. Oh, who am I kidding? Any excuse for me not to do housework is always a plus in my book!

Plus, the kids are always complaining that our house is boring, which makes me scratch my head in confusion. The entire basement is set up for their entertainment (theater room with video game consoles, craft room, lots of toys, etc.) and yet, when they're off-track from school there's nothing to do at our house. I really don't get it.

Sigh.

Oh, well.

Is it the weekend yet?

Here we go again!

The kids are off-track.

Yep, today is the second day of their vacation and so far, no casualties. We're actually all up and snuggled in my bed, watching Toy Story. Ryan loved this movie when he was little and since we finally found the DVD in the deep recesses of the office, we thought we'd see if Jeff would be interested. So far, the answer is yes!

Ryan is also going to start working at Papa and Tutu's restaurant, just helping out, so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully he'll have a better work ethic there than he does at home.