Dinosaur Train

Have you all seen/ heard of Dinosaur Train yet on PBS? It is a new program that Brady is in LOVE with. There is a little family of pteranodons who adopted a baby t-rex in to their family. They travel the land on a train learning about different types of dinosaurs.
Scott, the Paleontologist, inserts all kinds of facts about dinosaurs throughout the shows.
One thing that Scott has talked about is everything that we have learned about dinosaurs from their "poop". They even made up a cute little song that the little dinosaurs sing called, "Every Dinosaur Poops". It's quite catchy. One of those songs you find yourself singing all day long. (Oh, gee)
Brady has also taken to singing it all day long. The problem is that when Brady tries to sing "every", it comes out sounding like "I eat".
So Brady likes to run around the house singing, "I eat dinosaur poop!"

Seriously Cute Start to the Day

This morning I handed over a cup of hot (warm) chocolate to my 23 month old son. He whispered, "I wuv you, mom."

Smashing Her Dreams

Yesterday we took it easy. We stayed in our (new) pjs most of the day and played with our new toys. Today we got right up and at 'em. We decided to beat the crowds and do our exchanges and returns earlier in the day. For the most part, the plan worked.
This morning when we were getting ready to head out the door, I asked the girls to get dressed. I was surprised (why?) to find that Sadie had passed over her stack of cute, new clothes, and put on some old, stained clothes.
I asked her WHY she chose to put on an old, stained shirt, when she had so many cute new shirts.
She said, "Mom, I am going to tell you exactly what I told Bethanie. Sometimes, you just gotta follow your heart."

I made her change.

The Lesser of Two Evils

Sadie has changed some lyrics to a popular Christmas song. She refuses to sing, "Jack frost nipping at your nose", and has chosen to sing, "Jack frost leaping at your back door."
I kept telling her she was singing it wrong. My sister, Kimberly, heard about the change in lyrics and we talked about it for a while. She and I decided that while it would be quite creepy to look out your back door and see Jack Frost leaping at you, it would be even worse to have Jack bite your nose.
Sadie wins.

Sing, Sing a Song

A couple of songs that Brady likes to sing;

"Wheels on bus go ound, ound, ound! Wheels on bus go ound, ound, ound!"
"Baby, cold outside!"
"La, la, la, la, la, BUM!"

He also likes to chime in on the second line of Sadie's newest favorite song.
Sadie sings,
"I'm Gettin' Nothin' for Christmas!"
Brady comes in with the harmony on the next line..
"Mommy, Daddy, MAD!!"

One Year Ago

Calvin William Gehen passed away exactly one year ago today. He died at the age of 52 years. It has been amazing to see how much he has still blessed our lives and watched over us in the past year. We have felt his presence here with us on many occasions throughout this year.

I have shared this quote already with many friends recently, but I think it is a fantastic example of the person Calvin is;

"The years of our lives are made of months, the months made of days, and the days made of moments. The great and eternal decisions in our lives are in fact made of small and simple moments combined over a lifetime."

He lived his life like that. I am grateful for his example.

You're Not Santa! You Smell Like Beef and Cheese!

This is another reference to the church Christmas party on Saturday. The kids were able to meet with "Santa" and let him know any addendums made to their previous wish lists sent earlier in the season.
I am thinking that there must have been a last minute switch when they were deciding which one of Santa's helpers to send to the party. Bethanie noticed too.

Bethanie: "Mom, did you notice that Santa was wearing capris at the party on Saturday?" (Insert cute Bethanie giggle here.)
Me: "Yes, I did happen to notice that."
Bethanie: "It made me laugh!"
Me: "Maybe the elf that was supposed to come was shorter, but he got sick or something, so they had to send a taller elf."
Bethanie: "Yeah, so they sent Buddy the elf to see us."

-I love that Bethanie has such a great sense of humor!

We Don't Make Mistakes At This House

Every day at homework time there is a hunt for a pencil with an eraser in this house. It is a nearly impossible task to find one.
Today Bethanie was given a brand new pencil as a prize at school. She brought it home, very excited. Within 30 minutes of getting home Brady bit off the eraser.
Do you think he likes the texture, or he just has high expectations for his sisters?

How Prayer Works

Sadie: "Mom, do you know how prayer works? When you say your prayer, there is a big invisible tube that goes from you all the way to heaven. Your prayer goes up the tube to Jesus. Jesus reads the words in your prayer, then he answers your prayer and sends it back down the tube."

Me: "Kind of like at the bank, huh?"

Sadie: "Exactly!"

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

This morning we had our church Christmas party. It was a lovely brunch.
When we were getting ready, we told the girls that Santa was going to be there. Sean told the girls Santa would ask them if they had been bad or good.

Sadie asked, "Hmmm... Dad, what should I tell him?"

Success!

Every so often in a mother's life, there is a short moment of pure bliss. Success. Those are the moments that make the rest of life ok.
This month we are making an extra effort to talk about service. We set out a bag for a Christmas present for Jesus. Every time the kids do an act of service, they write it down or draw a picture and put it in the bag.

Today Bethanie and Sadie decided that they wanted to do something nice for Jeff. Before he came home from school Bethanie and Sadie made his bed, threw away the garbage off of his floor, and took his dirty clothes down to the laundry room. They topped it all off by vacuuming his floor.

The best part of it all? Bethanie said, "Mom, I feel so great! Doing something nice like that made me feel the spirit!"

Tis the Season

Yes, it is a little late in the season, but today was the day that my kids got their flu shots. It has become a "fun" family tradition for Sean to take the girls for their shots every year.
The clinic was tonight from 6pm to 8pm. We sat down to dinner at about 5:45. The kids were not yet aware that tonight was THE night.
They found out.
Most of dinner was spent in tears. No one was very happy with me. Sean is pretty sure I am the worst person in the world for making him take the kids every year. (Hey! Suck it up! I take them for the rest of their shots!!) Sadie barely got all of her food in her mouth between repeated statements of "I don't want a shot!"
Oh, really?
It was finally settled that they would go. Brady already had his flu shot at his well child appointment, so he and I stayed home to make candy for all of those who did have a flu shot.
The results? Bethanie laughed when they gave it to her. She wondered what she was so worried about. Jeff was happy to have it done, and said it wasn't a big deal.
Sadie... Oh, Sadie.
Sadie was chased around the entire office by her family and a team of specialists while Bethanie laughed in the corner. She was then dragged out from underneath the table and held down while the shot was administered.
She was shocked when she found out the shot had been given and she had not even noticed it.
Although she couldn't feel the actual shot, she is pretty sure she will never be able to use her arm again. Such is life.

It Isn't All About You, Bethanie!

Bethanie had a hard afternoon yesterday. She fell down the stairs twice, poked herself in the eye with her pencil, and caused herself other types of bodily harm in random, strange ways.
She was telling me what a hard day it had been when Sadie said,

"You think you have had a hard day?!! I had to come home from my friend's house because they were having dinner, AND my sister won't stop hurting herself! That is a hard day!"

My Problem

There is a problem with this house. A problem that could be remedied, but some how it is not.
The door on the master bedroom locks, but the door on the master bathroom does not.
Sean- the dad- does not find this as much of a problem as I do. He just locks the bedroom door when he takes a shower or uses the bathroom.
I am the mom. The mom has to be ready for an emergency at the drop of a hat. A mom can not have two doors between her and her unsupervised offspring.
If my kids need me, they need to be able to knock on the bathroom door, thus alerting me that someone needs to go to the emergency room.
Lately Brady has been taking advantage of this fact. No matter where he is in the house, if he hears my bathroom door shut, he sprints to it and opens it. WIDE. All the way.
My shower happens to be a small, clear, box. There is no where to hide. So I stand there, exposed, yelling, "SHUT THE DOOR, BRADY! SHUT THE DOOR!"

Why don't we just buy a lock for the bathroom door? I dunno. Why don't we? We have shopped for one before. It was too expensive.
One of these days Jeff is going to walk by at just the wrong time and we will wish that we had.

Hey, They Have Online Ordering

Is it a bad sign when your 22 month old sees the pizza delivery guy standing at the door and he yells, "Pizba! Pizba!"?

We don't order pizza THAT much....
Um...

Nice Shirt, Jeff

On Monday I gave Jeff an assignment to help out with FHE. He went above and beyond. I asked him to make some body armor. Not only did he make it, he duct taped it to himself.
Sean got home from work and went about his business. After dinner I announced that it was time for FHE.
Sean was very surprised to find out that Jeff's "outfit" had a purpose.



So that was Sean's reaction to the body armor.
Here is a picture of Brady's reaction;

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Brady streaked off as fast as lightning and as naked as the day he was born as soon as I got him out of the tub.
I knew Sadie had found him when I heard the angry shriek.

Sadie: "Mom! Brady is sitting with his naked BUM on MY BED!"

Me: "Sadie, I remember you doing the same thing to Bethanie's bed."

Sadie: "Now I know how bad it SUCKED!!"

So many levels of Karma in this story.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Those who know me well know that I can not get through a list of my blessings without tearing up. That was no different today. My family and I have been blessed abundantly in so many ways.
I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for my bounteous blessings.

That said, my favorite part of the day was Brady walking around the house saying repeatedly, "Urkey Day! Urkey Day!"

A.k.a- MOM

Last night we had a Family Home Evening lesson on service. I decided to mention all of the things my mom did for me the other day to help out with our family. She did dishes by hand all day, (Poor me, my dishwasher is broken!), she made my family dinner, and she washed and folded about 6 loads of laundry for me!
I asked the kids what that was called. I was going for "service".
Bethanie yelled out, "SERVANT!".
Yep, that sounds about right. :)

Backed Up

Sadie:"Mom, I am going to be needing some fiber for breakfast this morning."

You're Wrong, Mom

We have been going over animals and their sounds with Brady. He thinks it is great fun.
This morning he told me, "Doggy MOO!!"
"No, Brady. Doggy says Woof woof!"
"Mommy! Doggy MOO!!"

We went back and forth for a time before I realized I wasn't going to win this argument.

Poison Control

Brady drank laundry detergent yesterday. Yum! It was even the concentrated "HE" kind. So, we called poison control. They told us he would probably throw up one - to a few times. He did. A few. I do have to say that was the most pleasant smelling vomit I have ever smelled.
We weren't concerned until an hour later when he couldn't hold his eyes open and his head was rolling around on his neck. Oops... better call poison control again.
"Oh, take him to the emergency room because it is probably in his lungs? Ok."
Off we go to the hospital, but not before Sean gave Brady a priesthood blessing. (Yay for the priesthood!)
Five minutes after being checked in to the hospital Brady was feeling fine and dying to run around and explore. It was a very interesting experience trying to keep an energetic (nearly) two year old occupied and in the tiny room that they put us in. My mom and I sang him silly songs and did what we could.
I am happy to say that his chest x-ray came back perfectly clear and his oxygen levels were at 100%. (Again, yay for the priesthood.)
It was unfortunate that we had to take him in when we only have 1 payment left on his hospital bills from his broken leg. We are grateful to live so close to a great hospital and that we could work with the great doctors that we met.
Have I mentioned that Brady has been to the hospital more times in his life than his two sisters combined? I hope this isn't a picture of things to come!

Girl Power

On the way home from church, Bethanie let me know that she did NOT want to change her last name when she grew up. It was too important to her.
I told her she had two options. She could either not ever get married, or she could just choose to keep her own last name. That isn't as uncommon nowadays.
Sadie piped right in. "I have a GREAT idea. Why don't you just tell your husband that he has to have your last name! You can both have it, because it really is so great."
That is a great idea. Show him right away who wears the pants in the family! :)

Negotiation Skills

I have to admit, in leaving my husband for a week with the girls, I was hoping he would get a picture of what I do every day. I think my evil plan is working.
This morning I got a message over chat saying that Sadie said she was sick and would not go to the baby sitter's house.
Sean had a feeling she was faking it, so was doing his best to talk our stubborn daughter in to going. He told me they were "negotiating".
This is what they came up with;
"Sadie will go to the baby sitter's if I let her pick what we have for dinner, cut with scissors, play outside, and not clean her room today--- DEAL!!"

What were her original demands?
"cut with scissors whenever she wanted, play outside whenever she wanted and never clean her room, but I had to haggle a bit on those terms".

I think Sean is learning very well. He did mention that he thinks they might be having ice cream with ketchup for dinner. HA!

Whoopie!

On Saturday Sadie earned some tickets at a bowling alley. Precious tickets. Do you remember when you were little and you would excitedly watch the tickets come out of the machine?
Sadie took her special tickets to the counter to cash them in. For me that was always a bitter sweet moment. I was always sure I would have enough for the very large stuffed animal, or a walkman. Yet, I would always walk away with an eraser or a rubbery frog.
Sadie was not disappointed with her prize. She was able to get a whoopie cushion. She was ecstatic. Her enthusiasm was not to be matched.
That evening when I talked to her on the phone I heard all about it. Our conversation was randomly interjected with "Did you hear that toot, mom!?" "Wasn't that a funny one, mom?"
Sadly, the whoopie cushion was not to last. It was broken by the very next morning. Sadie went through a brief mourning period. She told Sean that Santa MUST bring her a new one.
Poor, poor Sadie.

Meeeeeee!

Brady and I are hanging out in St George for the week. We had a great weekend. Brady is very appreciative of the constant, undivided attention that he is getting from all of the adults around the house.
He quickly became accustomed to it. Yesterday morning he decided that no one was looking at him and that it was unacceptable. He interrupted the rather boring adult conversation by raising his hand high in the air and yelling, "Meeeeee!".
This, of course, brought giggles from his aunt and grandparents, only encouraging the behavior.
Now, every time he feels like everyone is not looking at him he does the same thing again.
"MEeeeeee!"
Aunt Kimmy thinks it is a great idea. She has also taken to raising her hand and yelling, "Meee!", when no one is looking at her.

What They Teach Me

Lately I have been feeling like I am falling short in too many ways. Balls have been dropped and I can't even remember what I was doing instead of the juggling. I am feeling tired and worn out.
This morning I was on my knees asking my Father in Heaven to please help me. Sadie walked in as I opened my scriptures. She asked me to please read her a verse. She recognized the word "foundation" from the scripture that I read her.
She was so excited to tell me all about the song that they had been singing in primary that had that word in it.

She sang these words to me in her sweet little voice;

How Firm a Foundation

1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—
As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

6. E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove
My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still,
Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.

7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

Text: Attr. to Robert Keen, ca. 1787. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.

Music: Attr. to J. Ellis, ca. 1889


No, she didn't get through every one of the 7 verses. I think we got to verse 3, but it was the answer that my Heavenly Father needed me to have. I am grateful for what my children teach me every day!

Brady's To-Do List For This Week

1. Break the DVD player. Make it as mysterious as possible so no one can figure out what is even wrong with it. (Check!)
2. Break at least 2 DVDs. (Why not 3? Check, check!)
3. Get in to my hidden candy stash and eat candy all day long. (Check)
4. After eating something with chocolate without mom's knowledge, use chocolate covered fingers to stain her pants. (Check! Will try this one again. Her reaction made me giggle uncontrollably.)
5. Bite all of the heads off of the remaining markers in our home. Suck on the marker heads until all ink is out of them. Let the drool run all over and smear it whenever possible. (Check!)

This was too easy. It's only Tuesday. I already need to write another list!

"Bear" With Me

Just wanted to take a moment of your time to show off my cuties. :) I hope you all had a great Halloween. Go throw your kid's candy away before they get home from school. ;)

Chocolate Syrup, Nuts, and Whipped Cream

Ice cream is a popular treat. It marries very well with cake. People have also been known to top it with such things as caramel, bananas, nuts, and fudge. That sounds pretty good, right?
What did Sadie top her ice cream with? Ketchup. She even went back for seconds.

Seven

Bethanie celebrated her 7th birthday today. We are so grateful to have her in our family. She is such a thoughtful and fun little girl. She is also very sweet... which made this whole situation all the more difficult...
Bethanie has been anticipating this cake for her birthday for a while. She requested a figurine of herself, made of fondant. She loves that her birthday is so close to Halloween, so she said to dress her up as a witch.
Two weeks ago she told me that she wanted a big "B", for Bethanie, standing up on the cake.
I worked on those decorations all day yesterday. She was so excited.
I came home from my YW meetings last night and looked at the tray with the drying decorations. It occurred to me that on the tray was a witch... with a capital B.

Oh dear.

I finished the cake. Maybe in 10 years she will look at it and laugh. Maybe not.

The Claws Come Out

For the most part, my little Brady is a very happy man. He loves entertaining and getting smiles. He is pretty easy going, except maybe if Sadie tries to pick him up.
There is one thing that truly makes the claws come out. Bitty Babies.
My girls love their bitty babies. So does Brady. He is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get them. He LOOOVES babies.
He has pulled out a handful of Sadie's hair, and pinched Bethanie hard enough to leave marks, all to get his baby back. His face turns purple if he sees one of the girls playing with them.
If you add the baby stroller to the mix... Take cover.

The Odds Were Against You

Sadie: "Mom! I managed to live for FIVE YEARS!"

When I Am a Mom

Sadie talking to Sean and me;
"When I am a mom, I will let my kids do whatever they want. If they want to go to Chuck E. Cheese, I will let them drive my car and give them a map. If there is something fun that they want to do, I will let them do it."

Sean looked right at me and told me to put that on the blog. We want to be able to remind her when her kids are asking her for something. Bwahahahaha! (That was an evil laugh, in case you wondered.)

Where Does She Get This Stuff?

Sadie: "Mom, during today's journey, my favorite part was eating the cookie."

Diddle Diddle Dumpling

Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling, my daughter Sadie. (Ok, so it doesn't have the same ring to it.)
Yesterday we ran over to the school to help with Bethanie's class Fall Party. I parked the van and prepared to get the two younger kids out when Sadie casually said, "Mom, is it a problem that I only brought one shoe? It's not, right?"

She wore one shoe to the party.

I have been thinking about what this child has done to teach me the art of patience. If Bethanie had done that two or three years ago I would have freaked out and ran back home.
I just rolled my eyes at Sadie and listened to her explain the feeling of the road under her sock.

Future Beauty Queen

My kids have already written and mailed their letters to Santa. They wanted to give him plenty of time to get it right. Santa brings each child three things, just like the wise men gave baby Jesus three gifts. Sadie decided to write down more than three items, just to give Santa plenty of options.
Bethanie's list went like this;

American Girl Doll
Skateboard
Peace on Earth

"Bubs"

We have been invaded by lady beetles. They are much like lady bugs, but they are orange and become a real problem around October. There are hundreds of them everywhere. They seem to be a problem in Indiana when the farmers start to cut down the cornstalks.
Brady likes to point out every one and call out, "Bub! Bub!" (Bug)
I think he ate about 20 for an afternoon snack yesterday. No kidding.

Your Mom Goes to College

Sadie: "Mom, I am just going to learn everything while I am a kid. I don't want to go to school when I am a grown up, like you."

Shameless Plug

Like the new blog design? My totally talented friend, Jill, got another home run! I love it!

She changes the design on her blog every month. Check it out and see the adorable stuff she has going over there.
She also did the design on the recipe blog that Danielle, Jill, and I do together.

If you would like an original look for your blog, contact Jill! She has very reasonable prices. You won't be disappointed!

(No, I am not getting paid to do this message. ;D)

The Real Reason

Sadie: "Mom, we should ALWAYS be reverent when we are at church... always. You just never know.... when someone will give you candy."

Can't Buy Me Love

Sadie wrote my to-do list on the white board today;

"Go too the stor
Git hugs an kisis"

Sadie informed me that I could kiss and hug her if I wanted, but she really wanted the chocolate kind.

Get Your Head In the Game!

After a sleepless week and many responsibilities, I was feeling pretty frustrated and sorry for myself yesterday morning. Sadie was demanding that I find her leggings. Jeff was frantically looking for his church pants. I am not quite sure why Brady was screaming. Everyone wanted me to take care of their problems. I was tired and I DIDN'T WANT TO!! (Stomping foot)
I told them all to take care of their own issues and I was going to get myself ready.

Sadie sat down on the stairs in front of me. She did her best impression of a coach trying to motivate his pathetic, loosing team.

"You are the mom. It is your job. Dad can not marry someone else today, so you have to do it."

It worked.

She Spilled the Milk

*Some "adult language" in this post.

Sadie: "Oh shucks! Oh Damn!..... Mom, is "Damn" a bad word??" (evil, knowing grin inserted here)

Me: "Yes, Sadie! It is a bad word! Where did you hear that word?"

Sadie: "It just came to me in the moment."

Priorities

Sadie: "Mom, what is more important?? Texting or making me lunch?!!"

Fashion Forward

Sadie got herself dressed today for preschool. She gave me very strict instructions on how to do her hair.

Sisters, Sisters

...There were never such devoted sisters...

Yesterday Bethanie let me in on a little secret. Skylar told Mattelyn that he thinks Bethanie is cute. (tee hee hee)
When I asked Bethanie if she thought Skylar was cute, she shyly shook her head yes. When I asked her if she had a crush on Skylar she most adamantly denied this being the case. This is how Sean and I know that she does, in fact, have a crush on Skylar.
The plot thickens... Skylar is an older man.. in the THIRD grade!
"Bless that lovely yellow school bus."

What makes matters even more interesting? Sadie also has a crush on Skylar.

Smart Aleck

Brady is the epitome of little brother. He loves to take things from his sisters, wave it in front of their faces, than run away giggling.
Brady is also becoming a little smart aleck. Last night he decided he did not want to go to bed. He was using his recently acquired escape artist skills to evade me. I was trying to persuade him by telling him that his favorite stuffed puppy missed him and really, really wanted to go to bed. Brady looked at me, grabbed the puppy dog, threw it in to his crib, than ran as fast as his short little legs could carry him.

My Own Biggest Fan

This blog is to record sayings and goings on for posterity. Jeff is my brother, not my child. However, I have been his legal guardian for most of this year!
I would like to jot this one down so when he is older I can tease him about it.
On Saturday evening he was bored. He was playing around on facebook to keep himself entertained. We had a little conversation that went something like this;
"Amy, I want to start a fan club for your cakes."
"Um, no, I don't really think so."
"But MY FRIENDS are always asking about your cakes. They want to see them."
"Ok, fine, but I don't want everyone to think that I started my own fan club."
"They won't."

The next conversation went something like this. (Sunday morning)
Jeff: "I invited 275 people to join your fan club."
Me: "Oh yeah, I saw that a couple of people had joined. There were also a couple of my friends that joined. How did they find out about it?"
Jeff: "Because I got in to your account and invited all of your friends."
Me: "The invitation came FROM ME? WHAT? I thought you said you were going to invite YOUR friends!"
Jeff: "Why would I do that? They don't even know you."

Me: ??!??!!!?!

Lazy Town

The other day Sadie was watching one of her favorite shows; Lazy Town. While watching she jogged in place, did push ups, sit ups, and some jumping jacks.
She also made an important decision, "Mom, I am going to be more like Sportacus. I am going to only eat a treat once a week. If I forget and ask you for a treat then you need to remind me and just say no."

An hour later we were at the store.
"Mom, can you get me a treat?"
"No, Sadie. Remember, you want to be more like Sportacus?"
"Yeah, I think I am done with that."

In honor of Sadie's 5th birthday today, she has requested a Lazy Town birthday cake. I find the irony there kind of funny. Happy Birthday to my little Sadie. Life has been very colorful and interesting since the day you were born!

Determined

For the last two years we have thrown our girls some big birthday parties. At least they were big to us. There were about 35 people at our house. We had a great time, but it is exhausting and a lot of work for mom.
I informed the girls last year that we will be moving to an every other year schedule for parties.
This has been quite difficult to explain to Sadie.

Sadie: "Mom, I am going to invite 5 people."
Mom: "No, Sadie. That is a party. We are not having a party."
Sadie: "I am going to invite 4 people."
Me: "Still a party, Sadie."
Sadie: "Well, I invited 3 people."

ME: AHHHHHHHHHHH!

The 1st counselor in the primary presidency was recently telling me how cute it was that I let Sadie make her own party invitations and pass them out at church. She saw the surprised look on my face and had to chuckle.

How many kids are going to show up at my house on Friday night, ready for a party? If Sadie gave you an invite and you plan on attending, can you let me know? :P

My Lucky Day

Sadie, Brady, and I ran over to the local grocery store for a quick trip. We don't usually choose this particular store, but it is close, so we made an exception for today.
In the entrance of the store they have a grand piano. Sometimes they have someone playing it and sometimes it plays itself. Sadie has never seen it actually play itself, until today.
She wasn't sure if she should be terrified or ecstatic. Her eyes went wide and the whole store heard her yell, "OH MY GOSH! That piano is playing by itself!!"

I pointed out the little box attached to the underside of the piano and told her what it did. She was satisfied, but still very intrigued.

As we were checking out, the cashier handed Sadie a small roll of cute little stickers. Sadie did a little dance and said, "Oh mom, this is MY LUCKY DAY! First a dancing piano, and now this!"

Talking

Brady has started repeating a lot of the words that we say to him. No, it is not really clear, but it is fun to listen him try the new words on his tongue.
Sometimes he tells me that he "wa-jew". (He wants a drink of juice.)
He can tell me he wants a cracker. Yesterday Sadie told him that she saw a butterfly and he repeated back "bubba- I". Too cute.
My favorite was this morning when he figured out how to say his name. "No, Brady".

Quality Control

There were five tomatoes picked fresh from my garden sitting on my table this morning. Sadie decided to make sure they were all up to standard. She took a bite of each one.

I Feel For You Mom, I Really Do...

Sadie was having a good time teasing her sister this morning. Bethanie gave me a look and I asked Sadie to please stop.
Sadie walked over to me and patted my shoulder. She sighed.
"Oh mom, it must be so hard to have children."

I replied, "Oh, it is. It is."

She knowingly gave me a nod and said, "And I am one of them..."

She'll Always Have Friends

This morning, while I was doing Bethanie's hair, she took the time to tell me the name of each and every one of her teeth. She feels that each one is important and should each have their own name. She told me that two of them recently took a vacation from her mouth, but will come back to her soon as adults.

She is such a nut.

I Couldn't Win

Sadie: Mom, I think it is time to sell our play set and get a new one!

Me: Sadie we bought that play set at the beginning of the summer. We are going to have it for a long time.

Sadie: We are going to get rid of that play set?

Me: I don't know. Maybe someday. It will be a really long time though.

Sadie: I don't want you to get rid of the play set.Why can't we have it forever? I want to have it forever!

Me: But you just told me that you wanted to sell it, Sadie. Don't worry about the play set. It isn't going anywhere.

Sadie: You said we will have it for a long time, but then you will get rid of it!! (Now crying)

Me: (feeling exasperated)

Peer Friends

Yesterday Sadie started pre school. She was pretty sure she was the only person on the planet not going to school, so this was great for everyone.
Sadie is attending a program called "Peer Friends". I am so excited about it! It is twice a week at the elementary school, so that makes my life easier. In her class there are 12 kids who are learning or physically disabled. There are two kids who are the "Peer Friends" to these kids that attend the class. Sadie gets to help the 12kids learn social cues. While in the class she will learn to be comfortable with people who have physical and mental disabilities. She will learn to love and befriend them.
The teacher is fantastic and teaches all of these kids through organized play.
I know this program will be perfect for her. I know that being comfortable around people with disabilities is not a skill that all people have. I am so glad she was accepted in to this program.

A Strange Obsession

Now that Bethanie is reading anything you put in front of her face, a whole new world has opened up. Instructions, Nutritional Values, etc. etc.
Recently Bethanie has taken on a strange new past time. She will search any object put in her hands to see where it was made.
"Made in China" is her new favorite thing to say.
"Yep, this was made in China... Hey mom, another thing made in China... guess where this was made, mom... that's right! China!"
I have heard that at list 5 times a day for the last 3 weeks.
She once asked me where she was made. Sean got a funny smirk on his face when I answered, "Utah!"

What's the Postage On That??

Sadie: "Mom, that church had a mailbox! Why do churches have mailboxes??"
Me: "Because sometimes people send them mail, Sadie."
Sadie: "Oh yeah! I bet they get lots of mail from Heavenly Father, huh?"

Family Planning

Sadie: "Mom, do Uncle Shaun and Aunt McCall have any babies yet?"
(They were married in June!)
Me: "Uh, no Sadie that takes a long time. I think it will be a while."
Sadie: "Well, are they planning on having babies some day?"
Me: "Yes, Sadie. Some day."
Sadie: "What the heck is taking so long?!!"

Tick, Tick, Tick

7:46 am: Sadie eats breakfast

8:16 am: Sadie asks, "Mom, is it lunch time yet?"

Correct Make Up Application

This morning I received a 10 minute lesson, (No, that is not an exaggeration, Sean!), on the correct techniques for applying lip gloss. When the lesson, which was complete with a mini make-over, was finished I had about an inch of berry-strawberry and watermelon lip-smackers on the bottom half of my face.
Sadie is well on her way to standing behind the Clinique counter at Pennys.

First Day of First Grade

Bethanie picked out her favorite new outfit and anxiously waited for the bus this morning. She was equipped with her brand new "big kid" back pack.(That looked HUGE on her.) No more "Ariel" backpack for her. That is for little kids!
Brady was as excited to see the bus as she was. He ran right after her and wanted to get on the bus too. He is already missing his big sister.
Sadie slept in this morning. I am not excited about the reaction I am going to get when Sadie finds out she slept through Bethanie getting on the bus. Hopefully it will be a little bit better since she is getting some rest!

Family Vacation

Yes, we spent too much money. Yes, we got caught in a serious thunder and lightning storm. Yes, all of our belongings were damp. Yes, we all came home with at least 50 bug bites. Yes, we had a great time.
We spent 5 nights and 5 days tent camping at Lincoln State Park. About a 5 minute drive from there is Holiday World. (Quick words of praise... unlimited free beverages, free sunscreen stations, free family photos, and very reasonably priced food and souvenirs!)We spent a blazing hot Monday, and a down pour Tuesday there.
Bethanie was one brave kid! She went on three big roller coasters. One of those Sean and Bethanie couldn't even talk me in to going on. (I am afraid of heights!)
Sadie went on the kiddie roller coaster about 32 times. Over and over and over again. She had a blast. Even Brady enjoyed his little plane rides and the carousel.
It was great spending some uninterrupted time together. That being said, we did leave one day early. The dirt, bugs, humidity, dampness, and neighbors who decided to shine their headlights in to our tent for an hour at late hours was enough for us. :)
I think the next time we go camping we want to go in an RV!

A Miracle?

A long, long time ago Sean and Sadie bought 5 goldfish. Slowly those goldfish have been dying off. "Nilly", the biggest fish has outlasted them all. I think he was kind of the bully of the bunch.
Last week he spent three days down at the bottom corner of the fish tank. He did not move. Not an inch. My kids and I declared that he was dead and that the tank was ready to be retired.
On the 4th day Sadie was looking at the tank when she declared, "Mom, the fish is alive! He is swimming!"
Of course I didn't believe her. Sean was actually preparing to clean out the tank that afternoon. I looked at the tank and she was right. That fish was taking a brisk swim about the entire tank. Is that creepy or a miracle?

For Posterity

I like to continually remind Sean that his mother says he was much like Sadie when he was young. He says that I am making that up.
It has never been my intention to appear the "perfect mother" with the "perfect children" through this blog. I only wish to share the stories and goings on, so that in the future my children will know exactly what they put me through. :D
With that said, this story is for Sadie. May she read it every time her child acts up and be reminded that what goes around comes around.

Yesterday at church Sadie's regular primary teacher was away on vacation. She had a substitute teacher. This lady happened to be brand, spankin' new to our ward.

Sadie threw a chair at her.

The end.

Sarcasm At It's Best

Bethanie: "Mom, why do we have to get sick and get hurt and stuff?"

Sadie: (rolling her eyes) "Because Eve ate the apple, Bethanie."

Frosted Flakes

Bethanie had a first on Tuesday night. She lost a tooth! She was absolutely mortified when she had graduated from kindergarten without loosing one. She is very happy to be going back to school with a hole in her mouth!
Yesterday morning when I asked her what she wanted for breakfast she said, "Frosted Flathes" "Wait, I mean frosted FLATHES", "Why can't I say Flathes??".
She has figured out that having a lost tooth does alter her speech slightly. She now has a lisp.

Not to Worry

Sadie: "Mom, you should know that I broke up with my boyfriend, Michael."

Me: "Wait, who's Michael???"

Getting an Early Start

Sadie: Mom, can I get a credit card when I turn 5?

Me: Um, I'll think about it

Bethanie: Hey! Then I want a credit card too for my birthday!

Me: I'll think about it

He Blends In to the Backyard

I took Brady to the Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday afternoon. I left here at 2:40pm. I got home a little after 6pm. I did not stop at Go. I did not collect $200. I probably paid well over $200, in fact.
He is sore today. We are both worn out from keeping him happy for three hours straight.
The poor little guy just wants to cuddle today. I don't mind that so much.

Is She Usually Drinking the Hard Stuff?

Sadie:
"Mom, this lemonade is a low part of my day. It just isn't doing anything for me."

A LOOONG Weekend

On Thursday Sean's mom, sister, and her family came to stay with us. At 9pm that night Brady fell down the stairs and broke his leg. That made for a very long and exhausting weekend, but we were still able to squeeze some fun out of it.
We hope you all had a great 4th of July!

Colorful Palette

Brady bit the head off of a fat crayola marker. He swallowed it. Everything is green. Can't wait to change that diaper.
I do feed this kid.

And He Went Back For More!

Brady just came walking over to me with an egg shell in his hand that he had dug out of the garbage can.
He had been eating it. Eewwww!

High Points of Our Trip

We had so much fun on our trip to Utah over the last two and a half weeks. I have a great family and I love spending time with them!
We stayed busy;

-Attending Uncle Shaun and Aunt McCall's wedding in the Salt Lake Temple.
-Attending the reception in Salt Lake City and dancing ourselves in to exhaustion
-Visiting with Aunt Amy, Uncle Eric, and cousin Haley
-Riding a horse and eating cookies with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa
-Eating lunch with Aunt Sarah and going to the BYU bookstore
-Driving, driving, and driving
-Seeing some movies. The kids got to see "UP" with Darney and Deedah, while Mom and Dad snuck away and watched Star Trek
-Having two Father's Day dinners
-Swimming a few times at "Auntie Loralee's" house with her grandkids
-Going to "Jumpin' Jacks" bounce yard with Auntie Loralee and her grandkids
-Swimming at the rec park with Aunt McCall and Uncle Shaun
-Watching movies in the theater room
-Going out to see a movie without the kids
-Playing at the "spinning park"
-Eating a TON of frosted animal cookies
-Having a karaoke night with the family using Deedah's sound system
-Eating at Noble Roman's, Marie Calenders, Hogi Yogi, The Cougar Eat, Ernestos, Two Fat Guy's Pizza, Pizza Factory, Mongolian BBQ, and trying Sushi from Harmon's
-Drinking TONS of caffeine free, diet coke floats
-Telling a lot of funny family stories and making memories for new family stories!

Cockapproaches and Wack Cheese

The kids and I are still here in St George. Sadie has added a few words to her vocabulary since getting here.

Cockapproaches: Once known by the name "cockroaches" to others in this area, they are very common in the desert. Most St Georgians must have their homes sprayed regularly to keep the pesky little buggars out. After the home is sprayed it is common to see dead cockapproaches around the walls and exits of the home.
At times this can cause bouts of terror in little girls.

Wack Cheese: This word refers to a product put out by Babybel. The small wheels of cheese are encased in wax, (or "wack, as it were) and sold to the masses. They can be eaten as a snack between meals or rolled down the stairs.

Over

The wedding has come and gone. It was a crazy week with much traveling and lots of tiredness. I have a new sister in law. She is beautiful and I am grateful that my brother has been blessed with her in his life.... and yes, Sadie wore her dress.

On Thursday morning, the 11th, Sean and I dropped our kids off with aunt Kimmy and headed to the temple. She got all three kids dressed and ready for the pictures after the temple. She put Bethanie and Sadie in to their Easter dresses. Sadie decided about 2 days after Easter that she would never wear that dress again. Kimmy got it on her with no problem at all.
Thursday afternoon we sent the girls back over to Kimmy's house to put on their dresses for the reception and have their hair done all fancy. Once again, Sadie put her dress on without a problem.
It was fabulous!
Funny enough, on Sunday when I tried to put the Easter dress on Sadie before church, she threw a fit. What is it with Kimmy?

Power Walk

We get many comments about how Brady is such a "sturdy" kid. Everyone always asks me what percentile he is in for weight. It may be shocking, but he is in the 25% for height and 50% for weight. There must be some seriously big kids out there!

I guess Sadie thinks he could stand to lose a few pounds. This morning as Brady was walking through the house, trying to choose his next opportunity to make a mess, Sadie had a hand to his back and was pushing him along.
She kept repeating, "Walk away those pounds, Brady. Just walk away those pounds!"

A New Bible Story

Bethanie was just going through the gospel art kit and looking at the pictures. She does this often. She usually asks someone to read the title and story from the back to her. Today I decided that she needed to read the back herself. She knows how to read, she just needs to have the patience to do it.

She told us the picture was of "Christ and the Rich Yodeler". None of us had ever heard that story before. We were quite intrigued.
To our disappointment, it ended up being, "Christ and the Rich Young Ruler".

I'm Getting Old

Bethanie had her last day of kindergarten today. It was very cute. I must admit I was a little bit emotional. Next year she will be going to a full day of school. It's like she loses a little bit of that great innocence. I will miss her!
While we were sitting in her classroom today and looking at the picture presentation, Bethanie turned to me and said, "Mom, I am getting old! My tooth is getting loose, I am graduating from kindergarten! I am just getting old!"
I couldn't help but chuckle.

Here are some cute pictures from the day!

The End is Near

The end of the school year is approaching. Bethanie gets out of kindergarten on June 2. she has loved Kindergarten and is even very perturbed with me that I won't pay to send her to summer school. (How many years left of that do you think I have left?)
The problem that we are having is that there is still an incident from the beginning of the year that she has yet to get over. In fact, she brought it up again while eating lunch today.
At the beginning of the year the kindergarten teachers sent the kids on a little treasure hunt around the school. The "Gingerbread Man" left clues and little prizes for the kids. After that he took off for his world travels. He occasionally sends postcards from the places that he has visited.
One of our neighbors, who is a third grader, was kind enough to tell Bethanie that the Gingerbread Man was made up. She is still very upset that her kind, loving, teacher would do such a thing.
"Why would a person that is paid to teach us stuff need to pretend there was a Gingerbread man? Why does she have to trick us? It just isn't nice! I thought she liked us!"

This, of course, has sent me down another path with my thoughts. If she still isn't over the Gingerbread man fiasco, NINE MONTHS LATER, than what am I going to do when she finds out about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny??!!

A Tribe of Head Shrinkers Did It

Sadie: "Mom, you have a very small head. Why is your head so very small? I think my head is bigger than yours. Let me measure it!"
(Ok, now I am feeling a little self conscious about hats never fitting me. :P)

Counting Down the Days

My family is counting down the days until Uncle Shaun marries his pretty little princess, McCall. They are the cutest couple you have ever seen. All of the engagement pictures belong on the front of GQ. We are excited.... and we are all scared. VERY SCARED.
Why? Because Bethanie and Sadie have been asked to wear flower girl dresses. If you know Sadie at all, or have read any part of this blog, you will already be laughing.
Even Sadie's grandparents, (the people who think EVERYTHING she says and does is cute),all get a look of pure terror in their eyes when asked to assist with dressing her.
(insert high pitched nightmarish scream here as they all run away.)

Sadie is not allowed to see the dress before the day of the wedding. We don't even talk about the dress. It doesn't exist. It has to be something sprung on her at the last possible moment. If we give her even a second to think about it she will morph in to a scary little monster.

Does this make you curious? Would you like to see this dress that is making us all cringe?



Doesn't seem so bad, does it? Actually, it's rather pretty. Bethanie is thrilled.
I can honestly say that I am terrified!

There are two polls on the left hand side of this blog. Let me know what you think my chances are.

When I am 5

Sadie: "I don't really have a boyfriend yet mom. But don't you worry! I will when I am 5!"

It Came With Sound Effects

My mom and I were able to listen in on a really funny conversation between Sadie and Bethanie the other day. I have been trying to figure out how I could post it, but the thing that made it the funniest was the sound effects!
I am going to try my best, since this is for posterity, and it was cute.

Bethanie: (in a VERY WHINY voice!)"Hello, my name is Sadie and I like to WHIIIIINE. I am always WHIIIINING! My voice sounds like this... WHINE, WHINE, WHINE!"

Sadie: "No it doesn't! My voice sounds like THIS; Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" (Here is where she imitates the sound of a choir of angels announcing something great.)

Ok, maybe you had to be there, but it sure made my mom and me crack up!

No More Itch

The seven year itch has officially come and gone! We made it through. Sean and I are celebrating 8 years today. My how time flies.
I got the royal treatment today, considering it is also Mother's Day. I couldn't have married a more thoughtful, wonderful man. I still say he is the "perfect man". Perfect for me!

Love you, hon!

Launching His Career!

Watch Jeff "Launching His Career!"

This was performed at their high school for the "Night of Broadway". The theme was "Graduation".
Words written by Amy Gehen and Jeff Alldredge. Performed by Jeff Alldredge and Sam Sheeks.

Love Me For Who I Am!

Yesterday morning I was eager to get started on my errands. I handed Sadie a piece of toast in an effort to get her out the door as quickly as possible.
By the time we reached our destination she still had over 2/3 of her piece of toast left.
I asked Sadie to please hurry and eat. She said,
"Mom, I eat slow. Heavenly Father made me this way! I can't change that."

Ok seriously, who takes over 10 minutes to eat a piece of toast??

Balloons

Balloons are not my favorite thing. When people offer my kids a balloon, I actually groan inward. They fight over balloons. They get upset when they don't "fly" anymore. They, (Sadie) cry when they get smaller. In the end I have to sneak and throw them away.
Now I have a problem. I don't know what is worse, real balloons, or imaginary balloons.
Sadie says that she has a fake balloon. You wouldn't think this would be a problem, but the fake balloon keeps coming out of her hand and going up to the ceiling. She insists that I get it down for her. INSISTS! So I do. Again, and again.
How do I get rid of this one??
I finally told her to tie a longer string to it, because I couldn't keep getting it. I think she took me seriously, but what happens when the imaginary balloon starts shrinking, or pops? What do I do then?!

I'm Ready For My Closeup!

Bethanie has always been photogenic. She loves the camera. It used to embarrass us when she was little and we would go to a public place. Bethanie would try to sneak in to other peoples pictures or videos that they were taking.
Last night Bethanie got home from soccer practice and told me she had a great time. Sean told me to ask her what her favorite part was. She yelled out, "Having my picture taken!"
I guess one of the moms actually made a comment when they went to have team pictures. The camera pointed at them and Bethanie struck a pose!

That Makes Perfect Sense To Me

Sadie:
"Mom, for Halloween this year I want to be an astronaut... and wear a laundry basket on my head."

Soccer

Bethanie has taken up soccer! Her first practice was scheduled for last Wednesday. It was canceled, due to rain. Her first game was Saturday. Her first experience with soccer... was Saturday.
When the game was over Bethanie said, "Mom, I was nervous about it at first, but now that I know I am really good, I like it!"
She declared that she wants to be a soccer player "for ever and ever"!
Below are some pictures of my little athlete. I also included a picture of her coach... because I happen to think he is very good looking. (I think I might have a crush.)

Home Can Be a Heaven On Earth

Sadie has been really struggling with the loss of her Grandpa since we got back from our visit to NY. She clings to Sean every chance she can get. Literally. He can't get her off his leg, or back, or arm, or whatever she can attach herself to.
She told him that she missed Grandpa and that he was the son, so she was going to hold on to him.
Yesterday morning she told me that she really wished she could see a picture of heaven so she knew where Grandpa was. I told her that I had never seen a picture, but maybe we could draw some pictures.
Last night everyone sat down and drew a picture of what they thought heaven looked like and what Grandpa was doing.
Bethanie drew Grandpa with Jesus, Sadie drew a family together in heaven, Sean drew Grandpa in a white robe walking down a beautiful green path, I drew a pretty nature scene with billowy clouds and Grandpa kayaking down a stream.
Sadie went to bed without any problems last night and seems to be doing much better.
We have the pictures hanging up all over our house to remind us what a wonderful place heaven is and that we all want to go there.

Tarzan

Brady is currently hanging from the DVD shelves with one arm. He is doing the Tarzan yell.
I am not making this up.
Testosterone is an interesting thing.

I Could Have Guessed That

Sadie:
"Mom, cleaning is NOT my speciality. Junk food is my speciality!"

Easter Sunday

The kids weren't as cooperative as I would have liked, but they are still cute. :) Happy Easter! We are grateful for the knowledge of a living Redeemer.

Peeps

Brady is introduced to peeps.


Brady tries the peeps.


Brady tries to steal Sadie's peeps.


Brady likes peeps.

A Tad Sensitive

My mom got the kids the movie "Bolt" for Easter. Sadie has already broken in to sobs a few times since we started the movie.
When I started thinking about it, I realized that I can't remember one Disney movie that doesn't make her cry.
I can't wait until the hormones kick in! :P

They Learn So Quickly

Yesterday I was sitting on the couch holding a piece of chocolate. Brady approached me, took the chocolate, and replaced it with the carrot stick that he had in his hand.
Even trade, right?

Gonna Be a Rock Star

Sadie has been making big plans. I think she is living through her baby (doll). Shockaleta, (phonetically spelled), is going to be a rock star. That is her destiny.
I think Sadie is her agent because she is planning a big party for her "coming out". She placed a cake order with me. She wants a very big rock star cake.
Shockaleta will be singing, we will have cake, and we will celebrate her upcoming celebrity status.
This is going to happen. I am being forced to make AND SEND invitations to all of her friends.
I wonder if I will ever see any of the big money?

I'm Curious

Why does Brady's breakfast look so much more appetizing to him on the floor than on his high chair tray?

Hmm... something to ponder.

When We're Helping We're Happy

Sadie decided to help me clean today. When she is done with the table I will just quickly wipe off the foot prints. :P

Step and Clap

When Brady went to his 9 month old dr check up I was asked if he knew how to clap or wave. I said that he could wave but had not yet clapped.
The dr looked a little concerned and asked me if he was feeding himself. Yep.
Well, he finally clapped this last weekend. We were all so excited.
My mom and I decided that he had not yet found something worth clapping about. He isn't overly liberal with his praise, I guess.
Why is he clapping now? Because he is finally taking steps on his own! Only about 3 or 4 at a time, but that is worth a round of applause, right?

Answer to One of Life's Questions

Sadie: "Mom, why did Heavenly Father make moms and dads?"

Me: "You tell me, Sadie."

Sadie: "It is because he was really tired of taking care of all of the naughty boys and girls by himself."

The Definition of St Patrick's Day

A day that was created for the sole purpose of forcing Sadie to wear an article of clothing that she does not wish to wear.
Does Sadie like green? Sure! Will she wear green tomorrow? Great! As long as nobody tells her that she has to.
I did tell her that she could choose not to and suffer the Patty's Day consequences. That vexed her even more.

Sean Had a Birthday

Yesterday Sean celebrated his birthday. My most handsome geek of a husband has been wanting the same thing for a long time now. He requested it for his birthday. He was so excited to finally get his "Neat Receipts" scanner.
He made me PROMISE that I would not post this picture on Facebook, so if you tell him that you saw it, make sure to specify that it was not on facebook. ;)


For his birthday cake he made a special request. I did not decorate this one because I decided to add every one of those 31 birthday candles. :) His cake was yellow with a peanut butter mousse filling. It was iced in vanilla icing and topped with ganache. I crumbled crispy reese's over the top. It was oh, so very tasty!


Here's to another great year, babe!

He's Got the Moves

Does anyone remember the gopher from Caddyshack? Do you remember his smooth dance moves? Well, my dad taught the gopher his cool dance moves. That's right, he was the head choreographer for that movie.
My dad dances just like the gopher on Caddyshack, and he looks oh, so smooth. :)

Last night we were singing "Popcorn Popping" before bed. Brady broke out dancing. I swear it must be in the genes. He looked just like the gopher reincarnated. He is even the same size and he has two big front teeth that he is sporting now.

I couldn't help but break out in the Kenny Loggins' song, "I'm Alright!"

Do You Smell That?

Last night at dinner Sadie came up with a new idea. She is quite the little entrepreneur. She would like to make a perfume that smells like her and sell it to everyone.
It is sure to be a hit. Wouldn't you buy it?
Everyone watch for "Dalandley" in your local department store. The perfume that smells like Sadie.

Oh, the Carnage

Wednesday night Brady came down with the stomach bug. By yesterday afternoon we were all dropping off like flies! Luckily Sean didn't catch it until midnight last night. He was able to help me out yesterday evening with our poor children, since I couldn't lift my head.
I am feeling a little bit better this morning, (knock on wood), so it is his turn to stay in bed, miserable.
I have been praying like crazy that somehow we are all better for the Winter Carnival tonight at the school. UGH!

Name That Tune

This morning Sadie was singing at the top of her lungs,
"I work hard for my mommy. So hard for her, honey! I work hard for my mommy so you better treat me right!"

Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day

Sadie came downstairs yesterday morning in an Indian head dress.
Bethanie and Brady were already busy eating breakfast so I asked Sadie what she wanted.
She looked at me like I was born yesterday and said,
"MOM! I am an Indian! Of course I will be eating fish for breakfast."

I Can Spell

Sadie was yelling for assistance yesterday. Sean went to see what the problem was. She was out of toilet paper. Sean was putting some on the roll when Sadie said,

"Dad, I know how to spell 'Out of toilet paper'"

"P-U"

I have no idea where she gets this stuff.

Kickin' Our Trash

Wanna lesson in humility? Come to our house and play against my 6 year old on our Wii fit! Bethanie has most of the high scores listed on the games. I am not just talking about 1st place, I am talking about 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th.... She has cleared the board on a few of the games.
So if anyone is interested in some good competition, head over to our house. Bethanie will show you how it's done!

What Not to Wear

Close friends and family are very aware of Sadie's issue with clothing. She is very particular. She does have sensitive skin, but she has gotten looney about it. She insists that dresses "itch her". She will wear skirts and shirts (sometimes), but she WILL NOT wear a dress.
She doesn't have much of a problem with clothes on any other day of the week. It is only on Sundays when we want her to look nice and we are in a hurry.
Sadie is also very fashion conscious. I have tried to appeal to her sense of fashion on many occasions. This doesn't work.
Today I found the cutest dresses online that I thought Bethanie and Sadie would love. Sadie took one look and said NO WAY!!
It just kills me... kills me.

Brady's First Haircut

Brady had his first haircut today! It was starting to hang down in to his eyes. I waited until after I got his one year pictures.
I sat him down on Jeff's lap and gave him some juice and a cracker. He did as well as could be expected.
I was surprised to find that his hair on top seems to be more curly than it was before the cut!