8/31/2008
A mother daughter tea party
After uploading the pictures of Taylor and Bryan at the Daddy-Daughter activity, I remembered about the Mom and Daughter tea party we went to this summer. It was obviously fun. We were a little late (surprise) and sat at a table in the corner. It was probably better that way because we tend to get a little rowdy. They had a cute little word scramble. I kicked some serious 8,9,and 10 year old tail on that. They also had a little questionnaire that the moms were supposed to fill out about thier daughters and vice versa. Well, we didn't get the memo that you were supposed to fill it out together and have it be a little bonding moment. Because, we were all about secrecy and I think a few loud accusations of cheating and peaking were made. Like I said, we had a great time and it is so much fun to spend time with the kids one on one.
Some funny pictures
Combining two families in one house for a month can have some logistical setbacks. The Benhams are always so welcoming and we totally had an AWESOME time this summer. But the time we spent there was not problem free.
There is always somone being mad about something:
When there are that many kids and that much laundry, there is bound to be trouble. Like not knowing whose clothes belong to who.
Or just having to wear whatever you can find, not matter how many holes are in them.
Between church shoes, tennis shoes, crocs, flip flops, etc. we were always hunting for shoes. So Hayden just made her boots go with everything. Yes, those are her pajamas.
The homeowner can become very hostile.
Do you know how many gallons of water it takes to bathe that many kids? I think the slip-n-slide with irrigation water is a perfect substitute. Who needs soap anyway?
All that recreation can make a kid tired, so there has to be TV time. But there is never enough seats.
Ever!
There is always somone being mad about something:
When there are that many kids and that much laundry, there is bound to be trouble. Like not knowing whose clothes belong to who.
Or just having to wear whatever you can find, not matter how many holes are in them.
Between church shoes, tennis shoes, crocs, flip flops, etc. we were always hunting for shoes. So Hayden just made her boots go with everything. Yes, those are her pajamas.
The homeowner can become very hostile.
The food situation is another whole story. You want ice cream you have to make it yourself.
The idea of nutrition goes right out the window. Laffy Taffy is a food group, isn't it?
Do you know how many gallons of water it takes to bathe that many kids? I think the slip-n-slide with irrigation water is a perfect substitute. Who needs soap anyway?
All that recreation can make a kid tired, so there has to be TV time. But there is never enough seats.
Ever!At the end of the day everyone is tired and just ready to go to sleep. But good luck finding a bed. You may be better off in the hammock at Cabela's.
Kong Kone
I know that I have been promising pictures from our summer vacation. So I will be adding them slowly, but surely. Whenever we visit Utah, we have a list of places we like to go. Well after finding out about the Kong Kones, we had to add Maceys grocery store to our list. Besides Kong Kones, they have very good sales. I'll have to post about my love affair with Utah grocery store sales at a later time. Anyway, we believed all of they hype and we weren't let down.
So what do you get when you add this:
and this?
THIS!!!!
and THIS!
We asked the girl at the counter how many times a day people drop their cone. She told us that was the first time she had seen it happen since she had been working there. What?!? She must have started working there that morning or something.
I am a sucker for soft serve ice cream. Especially a swirl cone(or twist-as they say in Utah.) But Lynne and I were good and resisted temptation. These pictures sure do make my mouth water, though!It's about time
I have been a little out of practice with scrapbooking. I haven't made it a priority over the last couple of months. Other things have been taking up my time and I think blogging every now and then, fills the void. That all changed last Saturday. Bryan took the girls to see "Clone Wars" (I told you, he wishes for boys sometimes) while I got to scrap with my best-scrapping buddies. I didn't stay the whole day, but I had such a good time. I am pretty pleased with the layouts, considering I have not been anywhere near a trimmer and adhesive in several months. But I had to get warmed up and back into my groove for Creative Escape. (Totally excited about that!) Anyway, in case you are interested, here are the goods:
Journaling: My sweet Taylor-belle. We have called you that since you were a baby. Even now at 8 years old, that nickname suits you. Your smile and spirit always remind me our your total beauty; both inside and out.
Journaling: Whenever I am trying to take your picture, you always try to strike a pose. Sometimes I get frustrated because I just want a normal picture without a silly head tilt, goofy smile, or dramatic pose. Well this photo shoot was different. The spotlight was on only you for a few minutes and you were allowed to pose however you wanted. I realized that it doesn't matter how you sit, hold your head, or smile, your inner beauty always shows through. You are such a beautiful girl in every way.
Journaling: (song lyrics) Where are you going my little one, little one? Where are you going my baby my own? Turn around and you're two. Turn around and you're four. Turn around and you're a young girls going out the door.
The pictures in the first three layouts are from a family/cousin photo shoot that we did with an awesome photographer while on our trip to Utah. You can see a few more of the pictures on her blog here.
Everybody Rock and Roll...
What does someone do when there is a hurricane coming? Go to a sock hop, of course. Taylor and Bryan went to the Activity Days Daddy Daughter Sock-Hop on Saturday. Taylor has been excited about this since it was announced earlier this summer. She isn't normally a dress-up kind of girl, but she was especially excited about getting all dolled up for the event. We went to together and picked out the perfect colors, trim, and poodle applique for her skirt. I can count on one hand the number of things I have sewn in my lifetime. So, me making a poodle skirt for her was quite an undertaking. It didn't turn out quite like I had hoped, but to her, it was perfect. The whole time I was working on it, she kept telling me how much she loved it. It really made the work worthwhile.
They danced, hula hooped, made a little keepsake frame, and ate root beer floats. I am not sure who had more fun--Taylor or Bryan. Taylor did say that Bryan embarrassed her a little so, I am guessing he was quite the dancing fool.
I just love these pictures. You can tell on Taylor's face how much she loves her daddy. I know every now and then, Bryan secretly (or openly) wishes we had a boy, but he is such a good "girl" dad. Even though he doesn't understand the drama, isn't too fond of Hannah Montana, and isn't the best at fixing hair, he is a great dad to our daughters. He loves them so much! I couldn't ask for anything more.
8/21/2008
Olympic fever
It seems like it all just started, but pretty soon it will be coming to a close. We have LOVED all of the olympic coverage. Obviously, we watched the swimming and the gymnastics. But we have also enjoyed volleyball, soccer, water polo, track, diving, steeple chase, marathon, etc. I have always loved watching the olympics, so I knew we had to have a little fun during the opening ceremonies. Now, we are no where near as cool as Lynne and her neighbors in Harvest Hills.
We had a good time though. We invited the Kirbys over and we actually watched the opening ceremonies. The kids enjoyed the drumming and dancing. Once the athletes started parading in, they decided to head upstairs to watch a movie. We continued to watch. Mostly to see how long those Chinese cheerleaders in the background could act excited.
What is a party without food? We had to stay with the Olympic theme. So we had pizza (our nod to Italy) and some olympic colored snacks. Bryan separated a giant bag of M&Ms (with a knife, not his hands) into the olympic colors. Hayden helped him by eating all the orange.
I made a rice krispy treat olympic rings. This was my first attempt and homemade frosting with crisco, powdered sugar, etc. It tasted WAY better than it looks.
We had a good time though. We invited the Kirbys over and we actually watched the opening ceremonies. The kids enjoyed the drumming and dancing. Once the athletes started parading in, they decided to head upstairs to watch a movie. We continued to watch. Mostly to see how long those Chinese cheerleaders in the background could act excited.
What is a party without food? We had to stay with the Olympic theme. So we had pizza (our nod to Italy) and some olympic colored snacks. Bryan separated a giant bag of M&Ms (with a knife, not his hands) into the olympic colors. Hayden helped him by eating all the orange.
I made a rice krispy treat olympic rings. This was my first attempt and homemade frosting with crisco, powdered sugar, etc. It tasted WAY better than it looks.
We rounded out this healthy well-balanced menu with olympic fruit salad. We tried to add a fruit for each color in the rings. But the blackish grapes and blueberries are the same color. It still tasted good.
Although the food was good, the best part was just chilling with friends and family.
We are already talking about our party for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Good thing we don't have to actually wait until then to have a party. Because the Alabama Football season starts in 9 DAYS! YEAH! ROLL TIDE!
Happy Birthday to me
Not today. Last Friday. The big 31. They keep coming at me faster and faster.
The only reason I even mention it, is to brag about Bryan. As many of you know, I have been on a diet of sorts. So he took the time to make me the most delicious diet friendly dessert for my birthday.
What I would like to have eaten was this:
We were thinking about going out for dinner, but I decided I'd rather get take out and stay at home. So we got some salads from O'Charleys and watched the Olympics and the girls watched Barbie Island Princess. (love the Redbox) I am telling you, we know how to have a good time.
I wasn't at home all day by myself though. I went out to breakfast at Cracker Barrel with some very good friends that I hadn't seen in a while. We had an awesome time catching up. Then, I got to go help Hayden's class at lunch. This was their second day eating in the cafeteria and they were still trying to figure it all out.
My best present for the day came from my kids:
While I was out picking up dinner, they made me the sweetest cards without me even knowing or any prodding from Bryan. I have the best family. What more could a girl ask for!?
The only reason I even mention it, is to brag about Bryan. As many of you know, I have been on a diet of sorts. So he took the time to make me the most delicious diet friendly dessert for my birthday.
What I would like to have eaten was this:
But once I saw this I was totally OK with not having any cake. So the kids had it all to themselves.
We were thinking about going out for dinner, but I decided I'd rather get take out and stay at home. So we got some salads from O'Charleys and watched the Olympics and the girls watched Barbie Island Princess. (love the Redbox) I am telling you, we know how to have a good time.
I wasn't at home all day by myself though. I went out to breakfast at Cracker Barrel with some very good friends that I hadn't seen in a while. We had an awesome time catching up. Then, I got to go help Hayden's class at lunch. This was their second day eating in the cafeteria and they were still trying to figure it all out.
My best present for the day came from my kids:
While I was out picking up dinner, they made me the sweetest cards without me even knowing or any prodding from Bryan. I have the best family. What more could a girl ask for!?
8/20/2008
Getting ready
Disclaimer: In case you haven't noticed, I haven't spent much time blogging lately. So for the next little while, I'll be playing catch-up. I have certain family members harrassing me about posting some pictures. Enjoy!
We didn't jump into this school year without preparation. We counted down days, bought supplies, met teachers, filled out paperwork, bought and ironed uniforms, dug out old uniforms to see what still fits who, planned our morning and afternoon routines, hung backpack hooks, etc.
The job board has been in place for a while, but we have been a little relaxed with it. But school usually jump starts the chore chart again. (Please ignore the laundry room walls. That is the only room we haven't repainted. That border has been up since we bought the house.)
Oldnavy.com is my best friend. That is almost one stop shopping, except for shoes and plaid. I spent several hours on Saturday ironing and sorting. It is all ready to go and the girls have already planned their outfits. The decision is so tough. White shirt or white shirt? Hmmmmmm. The uniform policy does allow for green polos but I just love the white so thats all I buy. But the real decision comes between khaki and plaid. Jumper, skirt, or skort? Decisions, decisions. At least we can have variety in hairbows and ribbons.
We are off to a good start. If only I could figure away around all the ironing.
We didn't jump into this school year without preparation. We counted down days, bought supplies, met teachers, filled out paperwork, bought and ironed uniforms, dug out old uniforms to see what still fits who, planned our morning and afternoon routines, hung backpack hooks, etc.
This was right before we went to meet the teachers and bring our supplies. Payton was especially excited because we had not gotten a call from her teacher so we had no idea who she would have. Taylor is the only one that needed two bags for her supplies. I tell you, 3rd grade is no joke.
The night before school started the girls received several phone calls from friends and family wishing them good luck. This is Hayden talking to her best friend Grant. Thanks Aiti, Benhams, Mimi and Opa, and Kirbys for thinking of us!
The job board has been in place for a while, but we have been a little relaxed with it. But school usually jump starts the chore chart again. (Please ignore the laundry room walls. That is the only room we haven't repainted. That border has been up since we bought the house.)
Oldnavy.com is my best friend. That is almost one stop shopping, except for shoes and plaid. I spent several hours on Saturday ironing and sorting. It is all ready to go and the girls have already planned their outfits. The decision is so tough. White shirt or white shirt? Hmmmmmm. The uniform policy does allow for green polos but I just love the white so thats all I buy. But the real decision comes between khaki and plaid. Jumper, skirt, or skort? Decisions, decisions. At least we can have variety in hairbows and ribbons.
Bryan hung these hooks for me in the laundry room. It has already proved to be awesome. The girls take their backpacks right to their hook when they get home. And we have had a whole week of school and haven't lost a lunchbox yet.
The shoe basket completes command central for school. The shoes come right off and into the basket when we get home. We haven't rushed around looking for shoes yet. Let's hope we can keep this up.
We are off to a good start. If only I could figure away around all the ironing.
8/19/2008
I added...
I added my pity song to my playlist. It is the first song. So if you want to hear it, turn your speakers up now. Here are the lyrics if you really want a good cry. If you don't want to cry, skip it all together. Consider yourself warned.
Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile I
watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I'm losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sleep in our eyes,
her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when she's gone there's that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I can't deny
What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
(Slipping through my fingers all the time)
Well, some of that we did but most we didn't
And why I just don't know
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time D
o I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile I
watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I'm losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sleep in our eyes,
her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when she's gone there's that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I can't deny
What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
(Slipping through my fingers all the time)
Well, some of that we did but most we didn't
And why I just don't know
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time D
o I really see what's in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
Believe it or not...
...we started school, too. It is no secret that it has been harder on me than any of the girls. I already miss the lazy days of summer, but I love having the structure again. I was/am super sad about Hayden starting Kindergarten. I have shed a tear or two or a hundred. But, she loves it and is already so happy and of course, that makes me happy. The week before school started, Bryan and I went and saw Mama Mia. There is a song in there called "Slipping Through My Fingers" or something like that. Anyway, I was totally crying as I thought about Hayden going off to school. Then I started thinking about when the other girls started school, and it just went downhill from there. I still cannot listen to that song without crying. So, I don't. I'll try to find a way to post it, so everyone can share in my pitiful moment with me. Fortunately, my help has been needed a few times at school already, so I get to have a little hug, kiss, or a wave from my girls throughout the day. It makes it better.
I feel bad for all of the other kids at school, though. Because my girls are TOTALLY the cutest. Especially on the first day of school.
You know what I'm about to say Riley?.....
Don't hate. Appreciate.
It was raining like nobody's business on that first day, and several more days since then. But that is summer time in Mobile. We just go about our business, splashing through the puddles and having a good excuse for bad hair.
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