The Huron River is very close to the house and they have an awesome park with walking and running trails, play grounds and canoes. We went one afternoon and had a jolly fun time!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Family Canoe Trip
Here's to warmer times :)!! This was back in September!!
The Huron River is very close to the house and they have an awesome park with walking and running trails, play grounds and canoes. We went one afternoon and had a jolly fun time!!
The Huron River is very close to the house and they have an awesome park with walking and running trails, play grounds and canoes. We went one afternoon and had a jolly fun time!!
First Day of School
Better late than never. I will get this thing up to date!
I think the first day of school is so exciting. I was excited for Douglas and Jackson. Their first day was the same day and I think I had butterflies with them. I was a little nervous about Jackson in all day kindergarten, but it has been so awesome for both of us :). The school has a lot of extras so it takes up time in the day and makes it fun for J. They have art, PE, Music, Computers, Library etc. I have been able to volunteer every Tuesday which is fun for both of us. Jackson stops to kiss me every time he walks by. I don't stop him, because I know it will stop soon enough and I want to enjoy his sweetness before he is too cool for mom!
J chose his own shirt...red, of course and wanted Aebleskivers for breakfast.
He had a little rough start in school with getting used to obeying Ms. Sangeorzan and the she is in charge, but he has settled into things now and most days are good days. Hooray. He is a sharp kid and loves learning. He also loves playing! I signed him up for soccer in the fall, but he wasn't really interested (to his credit, it was run really lame). I think I will give him a year off and try again in 1st grade. I think we will try karate this spring and swimming.
It is hard to believe that we are more than half way through the year. Even harder to believe that we are more than 1/4 way through business school. Yikes!!
It is so hard to watch the kids grow up so fast, but it is really exciting too. I love to see who they are becoming. Five has been such a redeeming age for Jackson. I worried from 2-5 about what I had gotten into with him. He was busy, a fib teller, defiant, you know, all the normal stuff that makes parents crazy. This past year with him has been nice though. He is a sweet, lovable boy. Granted, he has his moments, but they are fewer and farther between and to that I say, Yay!!
I think the first day of school is so exciting. I was excited for Douglas and Jackson. Their first day was the same day and I think I had butterflies with them. I was a little nervous about Jackson in all day kindergarten, but it has been so awesome for both of us :). The school has a lot of extras so it takes up time in the day and makes it fun for J. They have art, PE, Music, Computers, Library etc. I have been able to volunteer every Tuesday which is fun for both of us. Jackson stops to kiss me every time he walks by. I don't stop him, because I know it will stop soon enough and I want to enjoy his sweetness before he is too cool for mom!
J chose his own shirt...red, of course and wanted Aebleskivers for breakfast.
He had a little rough start in school with getting used to obeying Ms. Sangeorzan and the she is in charge, but he has settled into things now and most days are good days. Hooray. He is a sharp kid and loves learning. He also loves playing! I signed him up for soccer in the fall, but he wasn't really interested (to his credit, it was run really lame). I think I will give him a year off and try again in 1st grade. I think we will try karate this spring and swimming.
It is hard to believe that we are more than half way through the year. Even harder to believe that we are more than 1/4 way through business school. Yikes!!
It is so hard to watch the kids grow up so fast, but it is really exciting too. I love to see who they are becoming. Five has been such a redeeming age for Jackson. I worried from 2-5 about what I had gotten into with him. He was busy, a fib teller, defiant, you know, all the normal stuff that makes parents crazy. This past year with him has been nice though. He is a sweet, lovable boy. Granted, he has his moments, but they are fewer and farther between and to that I say, Yay!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cold Winter Day
I sort of hate that I have to come up with titles for all my posts.
It snowed all day today. It is so beautiful. Paige was at preschool when it started which made me really nervous. I saw the snow piling up and the street covering and I started to worry about whether it would be horrible to drive and get her. I left extra early and it was really no big deal. Once I fixate on something, though, I have a hard time letting it go. I really dislike driving in the snow and feel very uncomfortable doing it.
Paige is so happy to be in preschool. As I drove her over I would look back and she had a permagrin. It is so rewarding to do something for your children that makes them happy. Quite the antithesis to what I get after slaving over a hot stove to make them dinner only to get gripes about why I don't make what they like. I asked Jackson what exactly it is that he "likes" to which he responded, "I don't know". Nice. Typically I have a firm rule that if you complain about my food you are excused until you can come back with a good attitude and so graditude (at least faked) for what I made, but I was truly curious what it is that he would "like". Now I know...he likes whatever I didn't make.
Jackson always begs me to play wii with him. This is good in theory except that I get so competitive. I have to try so hard not to get mad when he get in my way and makes me die. It is really hard some times. How sad is that? It is really sweet, though, that his real reward involves me playing with him.
When I volunteer in his class on Tuesday morning I think he comes to give me a hug and kiss at least 10 times. Very sweet and I know it won't last much longer which makes my heart ache a bit. He is growing up so fast. I already mourn the loss of his innocence and he is still so innocent. It is just a matter of time though and that is sad.
He came home yesterday telling me all about MLK and how he fought peacefully for freedoms. He informed me that he wasn't going to hit Paige anymore, but peacefully deal with their problems. Haha...I will believe that when I see it. Glad to see that he is listening and absorbing things in school.
Without being totally braggy, but braggy none the less, Jackson is by far the smartest kid in his class. Having spent the entire year in the room each week, it is very interesting and rewarding to watch him. He is quick at learning and understands abstract ideas. He is a great reader. It makes me so very proud of him. I hope he develops a love for learning too.
Miss P is a firecracker as always. She can be so sweet, but boy can she be feisty too. Wowzers. Don't cross her! She sat down a few months ago and wrote her name out on paper. I was amazed. I have never taught her to do that. She just watches her brother and learns while he does.
She spends 90% of her life in costume. Her favorite is to put one of the Costco princess dresses on with a tutu underneath to make it nice an poofy.
She loves to play in the snow, help me cook, and put on dance performances. She is a girl through and through and can put together some pretty sweet outfits!
Off to bed. Douglas started class again and since he gets up much earlier than I do, I try to be nice and get to bed early-ish. We always try to go to bed together. It is a nice tradition.
It snowed all day today. It is so beautiful. Paige was at preschool when it started which made me really nervous. I saw the snow piling up and the street covering and I started to worry about whether it would be horrible to drive and get her. I left extra early and it was really no big deal. Once I fixate on something, though, I have a hard time letting it go. I really dislike driving in the snow and feel very uncomfortable doing it.
Paige is so happy to be in preschool. As I drove her over I would look back and she had a permagrin. It is so rewarding to do something for your children that makes them happy. Quite the antithesis to what I get after slaving over a hot stove to make them dinner only to get gripes about why I don't make what they like. I asked Jackson what exactly it is that he "likes" to which he responded, "I don't know". Nice. Typically I have a firm rule that if you complain about my food you are excused until you can come back with a good attitude and so graditude (at least faked) for what I made, but I was truly curious what it is that he would "like". Now I know...he likes whatever I didn't make.
Jackson always begs me to play wii with him. This is good in theory except that I get so competitive. I have to try so hard not to get mad when he get in my way and makes me die. It is really hard some times. How sad is that? It is really sweet, though, that his real reward involves me playing with him.
When I volunteer in his class on Tuesday morning I think he comes to give me a hug and kiss at least 10 times. Very sweet and I know it won't last much longer which makes my heart ache a bit. He is growing up so fast. I already mourn the loss of his innocence and he is still so innocent. It is just a matter of time though and that is sad.
He came home yesterday telling me all about MLK and how he fought peacefully for freedoms. He informed me that he wasn't going to hit Paige anymore, but peacefully deal with their problems. Haha...I will believe that when I see it. Glad to see that he is listening and absorbing things in school.
Without being totally braggy, but braggy none the less, Jackson is by far the smartest kid in his class. Having spent the entire year in the room each week, it is very interesting and rewarding to watch him. He is quick at learning and understands abstract ideas. He is a great reader. It makes me so very proud of him. I hope he develops a love for learning too.
Miss P is a firecracker as always. She can be so sweet, but boy can she be feisty too. Wowzers. Don't cross her! She sat down a few months ago and wrote her name out on paper. I was amazed. I have never taught her to do that. She just watches her brother and learns while he does.
She spends 90% of her life in costume. Her favorite is to put one of the Costco princess dresses on with a tutu underneath to make it nice an poofy.
She loves to play in the snow, help me cook, and put on dance performances. She is a girl through and through and can put together some pretty sweet outfits!
Off to bed. Douglas started class again and since he gets up much earlier than I do, I try to be nice and get to bed early-ish. We always try to go to bed together. It is a nice tradition.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Checking in...
I have been feeling a little overwhelmed and down about life this past week. It could very well just be the after the holiday blues. I just feel so inadequate sometimes. That, along with having a sore throat again just put me into a bit of a funk. Oh well, hopefully it will pass soon.
Paige started preschool today. With the money you have sent we are able to pay for it and she is as pleased as punch. She is such a social little thing. I walked her into class today and showed her around. I then asked if she wanted me to stay or leave and she quickly told me I can leave. The teachers told me that she acted as if she had always been a part of the group...talking to everyone, putting on dance shows. She makes me laugh and she makes me proud.
Then we get home and she whines and demands...she will point her finger at me and scold me when she doesn't like what I am doing...oh the joys of a three year old.
J has been delightful this week. I forgot to set my alarm last night and we woke today 15 minutes before J had to be at school. We all worked together though and he was able to dress, eat, get a lunch made and get to school on time. Thank heavens Douglas was here to help! Jackson has been happy and on Tuesday he wanted to surprise me so he went around and collected all the trash on his own (his chore that day). He also wanted to clean his room and surprise me the other day. It is so nice when he is in good spirits.
The snow is coming down. It is beautiful and so far the cold doesn't bother me too much, though I really need to get more thermal garments and warm socks!! We are planning to go to the temple Saturday and I am hoping they have a distribution center by the temple. If not, I will have to order online, though I have heard the shipping is really slow.
I am so thrilled for Holly and Christian. I will go out next Thursday and take newborn photos of their little guy. It will be nice to have time to spend with everyone without the responsibility of the kids. Douglas will stay here (he has no class fridays) and will try to study when he can. It will be tough, but he is always supportive and I think he is really hoping to find more balance this semester. Let's hope.
I am constantly torn as to whether I want to run my business anymore. I love it, but it really adds a lot of stress and anxiety in my life, which spills over into how I parent. I feel that I am doing something wrong if I don't work. But, I know I am not. I am just so much happier when I can focus on being a mom and running a house. I need to give it some real prayer and thinking. Maybe I will just do what comes, when it does and not look for work. I don't know.
Sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer. I try not to be this way. It affects the whole house when I am. Douglas and I started Weight Watchers again and I feel grouchy about not being able to eat comfort food :). I have the happy thought of knowing I am heading out to visit soon. The kids are thrilled and it will be such a nice time.
Paige started preschool today. With the money you have sent we are able to pay for it and she is as pleased as punch. She is such a social little thing. I walked her into class today and showed her around. I then asked if she wanted me to stay or leave and she quickly told me I can leave. The teachers told me that she acted as if she had always been a part of the group...talking to everyone, putting on dance shows. She makes me laugh and she makes me proud.
Then we get home and she whines and demands...she will point her finger at me and scold me when she doesn't like what I am doing...oh the joys of a three year old.
J has been delightful this week. I forgot to set my alarm last night and we woke today 15 minutes before J had to be at school. We all worked together though and he was able to dress, eat, get a lunch made and get to school on time. Thank heavens Douglas was here to help! Jackson has been happy and on Tuesday he wanted to surprise me so he went around and collected all the trash on his own (his chore that day). He also wanted to clean his room and surprise me the other day. It is so nice when he is in good spirits.
The snow is coming down. It is beautiful and so far the cold doesn't bother me too much, though I really need to get more thermal garments and warm socks!! We are planning to go to the temple Saturday and I am hoping they have a distribution center by the temple. If not, I will have to order online, though I have heard the shipping is really slow.
I am so thrilled for Holly and Christian. I will go out next Thursday and take newborn photos of their little guy. It will be nice to have time to spend with everyone without the responsibility of the kids. Douglas will stay here (he has no class fridays) and will try to study when he can. It will be tough, but he is always supportive and I think he is really hoping to find more balance this semester. Let's hope.
I am constantly torn as to whether I want to run my business anymore. I love it, but it really adds a lot of stress and anxiety in my life, which spills over into how I parent. I feel that I am doing something wrong if I don't work. But, I know I am not. I am just so much happier when I can focus on being a mom and running a house. I need to give it some real prayer and thinking. Maybe I will just do what comes, when it does and not look for work. I don't know.
Sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer. I try not to be this way. It affects the whole house when I am. Douglas and I started Weight Watchers again and I feel grouchy about not being able to eat comfort food :). I have the happy thought of knowing I am heading out to visit soon. The kids are thrilled and it will be such a nice time.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Happy New Year
I am excited for a new year. I like new beginnings. I like to start over. I have lots of great aspirations that hopefully will come to fruition this year. Here they are:
1. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and do some of my own designing. I already signed up for an online course that begins Tuesday and I am really excited. I love learning new things.
2. Read the Book Of Mormon. I can't tell you the last time I finished it. I seem to get to Enos and start over. I am almost to Enos now so I am well on my way. I feel like my spirituality has slipped since I had kids and I want to improve on that. I also notice that I am a lot more patient when I am focusing on these things. I pray for patience a lot and I know that I am blessed with it when I am allowing the Spirit into my life.
3. Send out birthday cards (on time). This has been a goal for the last two years and I don't think I made it out of January. I will be better this year!!
4. Be more frugal and spend less money (kind of a necessity). This is so hard for me. I like my projects, but I have so many things I can already do that I really need to focus on those things and start spending less. This also means that I need to keep up on my budget. Boo. I mean YAY!
5. Get back to my fighting weight. This way I can possibly consider having another child. I know, that sounds lame, but I don't want to start out heavier than usual. It will just be that much harder afterwards.
6. Focus more on my business. As much as I have loved not working, I miss it too and we can really use the income. I just want to control it more and not feel like I have to say yes or fit people in. I think part of that is gaining more confindence in my work. This is a constant struggle for me.
7. Be more organized. This includes paying bills on a scheduled date and dedicating a day each week to update Quickbooks. I am a horrible bookeeper, but I am hoping this is the year to improve that. I also want to figure out how to keep my office neater. Any suggestions?
I think this is it for now. Glad to write them out. Now, I gotta get busy. Glad going to bed earlier isn't one of them because I would be off to a bad start!
1. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and do some of my own designing. I already signed up for an online course that begins Tuesday and I am really excited. I love learning new things.
2. Read the Book Of Mormon. I can't tell you the last time I finished it. I seem to get to Enos and start over. I am almost to Enos now so I am well on my way. I feel like my spirituality has slipped since I had kids and I want to improve on that. I also notice that I am a lot more patient when I am focusing on these things. I pray for patience a lot and I know that I am blessed with it when I am allowing the Spirit into my life.
3. Send out birthday cards (on time). This has been a goal for the last two years and I don't think I made it out of January. I will be better this year!!
4. Be more frugal and spend less money (kind of a necessity). This is so hard for me. I like my projects, but I have so many things I can already do that I really need to focus on those things and start spending less. This also means that I need to keep up on my budget. Boo. I mean YAY!
5. Get back to my fighting weight. This way I can possibly consider having another child. I know, that sounds lame, but I don't want to start out heavier than usual. It will just be that much harder afterwards.
6. Focus more on my business. As much as I have loved not working, I miss it too and we can really use the income. I just want to control it more and not feel like I have to say yes or fit people in. I think part of that is gaining more confindence in my work. This is a constant struggle for me.
7. Be more organized. This includes paying bills on a scheduled date and dedicating a day each week to update Quickbooks. I am a horrible bookeeper, but I am hoping this is the year to improve that. I also want to figure out how to keep my office neater. Any suggestions?
I think this is it for now. Glad to write them out. Now, I gotta get busy. Glad going to bed earlier isn't one of them because I would be off to a bad start!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Eve...
I had great intentions of blogging about last Christmas before this one, but alas, Christmas is tomorrow and it is yet to be done. Maybe I will whip it out today. Here is a little update of life in the Shaw family:
Happy Christmas Eve!! We are enjoying time at George and DeEtte's (the in laws) with lots of family. It is a little crazy at times, but that is how it always goes with lots of family. I just put my gingerbread men cookie dough in the fridge to chill and will cut those out with the kids in a bit. I bought red hots to decorate so it should be fun and easy. We have baked and eaten more than any person should. I made caramels and toffee and my sister in law brought yummy fudge and peanut brittle. We have cake, pie, cinnamon rolls, sausage balls, peanut butter balls and more. See what I mean. It is a little overkill, but we all enjoy cooking so each person wants to contribute a bit.
It has been nice to be together as a family. On Monday we took the kids out to the kids museum here. I have a year pass for the museum in Ann Arbor and they have reciprocity here so we were able to go for free. The kids had a blast!! We stayed for about two hours. Then we walked across the street (we were at the Olympic Centennial Park downtown) and took the kids ice skating. That was an adventure! The kids have such different personalities with things like that. Jackson wants to quit when the going gets tough and Paige is going to figure it out and make it work. Consequently, Paige got pretty good and Jackson slips and slid all around. We only lasted about 30 minutes doing that. We sure wore the kids out though because Paige crashed on the car ride home which does not happen very often.
Tuesday we took the kids to see Santa. The line was so long and Douglas was a saint and stood in it for an hour and a half. When we got up there Paige went and climbed up on Santa's lap and Jackson decided to pull his "I'm shy" routine and refused to talk to Santa. He missed his chance. I think he thought we would give him another try, but we did not. He had to come home and type out his list and hurry and email it to Santa. Some lessons in life are hard learned!
Douglas and I got the chance to go out on Wednesday night which was such a treat. We haven't done that much since we moved. This was the third time, in fact. We went and bought a last Christmas gift for Jackson, a fishing pole. We also picked up a few stocking stuffers. Then we headed over to watch the new Harry Potter movie. It was really fun. We have both read all the books so it is fun to see how they make them into movies. It is kind of sad that there is only one more before they conclude. It has been a fun thing to watch them all. Now we need to go home and rewatch the other movies. I need to reread the books too, but that is a real commitment!
The kids just finished frosting reindeer cupcakes. They have a mini nilla wafer for the snout, mentos for the eyes and pretzels for the ears. They are very cute and even cuter to see the kids interpretations of them!
Oh, I forgot to mention that when Paige got on Santa's lap, what did she tell him she wanted?? A drum. What?? That girl is so funny. She asked for a guitar for Christmas. I got her a little Ukulele. It reminds me of my Grandpa. He used to have me sit on his lap and he would sing to me and play the ukulele.
It is hard to believe that Christmas is already upon us? Well, if chaos is any indicator then it is in full swing here!
Making reindeer cupcakes
cousin Lillie Catherine
Aunt Christie brought all the goodies to make the cupcakes.
Ice Skating at Centennial Park
The Children's museum. They had a whole slew of tap shoes and costumes and of course Paige had to put on a performance.
The painting wall. Sometimes I look at that little girl and am amazed at what a little girl she is...her body has changed from toddler. It makes me kinda sad!
Daddy playing with Paige in the moon sand.
We had lunch at the Varsity. We can't remember why it is so special...largest, greasiest, oldest?? Can't remember.
My kids are completely enamored with their new niece. Jackson kept saying that he could not stop holding her because she was soooo cute.
Christmas crafts at home on a snowy day.
Wet girl. The kids love playing out in the snow. It is only so long before Paige takes off her gloves and then comes to the door crying because her hands are too cold.
Making a snowman!
This is the hat J and I made for Crazy Hat day at school. It came out pretty cute!
Heading to school all geared up after his first "snow day". I am going to name snow days a little differently for myself. I think it is more like torture day or something. Just kidding.
Paige at her first dance recital. She LOVED performing. She got to pick out her own costume.
Cute girl. The kids like collecting snow in a milk jug. I let them until I realized they were drinking it along with the dregs of old milk. YUCK!
Have I mentioned that we aptly nicknamed Paige "Pig Pen"? She is the messiest eater known to mankind. This is under her chair after one day.
Stay tuned for more.
Happy Christmas Eve!! We are enjoying time at George and DeEtte's (the in laws) with lots of family. It is a little crazy at times, but that is how it always goes with lots of family. I just put my gingerbread men cookie dough in the fridge to chill and will cut those out with the kids in a bit. I bought red hots to decorate so it should be fun and easy. We have baked and eaten more than any person should. I made caramels and toffee and my sister in law brought yummy fudge and peanut brittle. We have cake, pie, cinnamon rolls, sausage balls, peanut butter balls and more. See what I mean. It is a little overkill, but we all enjoy cooking so each person wants to contribute a bit.
It has been nice to be together as a family. On Monday we took the kids out to the kids museum here. I have a year pass for the museum in Ann Arbor and they have reciprocity here so we were able to go for free. The kids had a blast!! We stayed for about two hours. Then we walked across the street (we were at the Olympic Centennial Park downtown) and took the kids ice skating. That was an adventure! The kids have such different personalities with things like that. Jackson wants to quit when the going gets tough and Paige is going to figure it out and make it work. Consequently, Paige got pretty good and Jackson slips and slid all around. We only lasted about 30 minutes doing that. We sure wore the kids out though because Paige crashed on the car ride home which does not happen very often.
Tuesday we took the kids to see Santa. The line was so long and Douglas was a saint and stood in it for an hour and a half. When we got up there Paige went and climbed up on Santa's lap and Jackson decided to pull his "I'm shy" routine and refused to talk to Santa. He missed his chance. I think he thought we would give him another try, but we did not. He had to come home and type out his list and hurry and email it to Santa. Some lessons in life are hard learned!
Douglas and I got the chance to go out on Wednesday night which was such a treat. We haven't done that much since we moved. This was the third time, in fact. We went and bought a last Christmas gift for Jackson, a fishing pole. We also picked up a few stocking stuffers. Then we headed over to watch the new Harry Potter movie. It was really fun. We have both read all the books so it is fun to see how they make them into movies. It is kind of sad that there is only one more before they conclude. It has been a fun thing to watch them all. Now we need to go home and rewatch the other movies. I need to reread the books too, but that is a real commitment!
The kids just finished frosting reindeer cupcakes. They have a mini nilla wafer for the snout, mentos for the eyes and pretzels for the ears. They are very cute and even cuter to see the kids interpretations of them!
Oh, I forgot to mention that when Paige got on Santa's lap, what did she tell him she wanted?? A drum. What?? That girl is so funny. She asked for a guitar for Christmas. I got her a little Ukulele. It reminds me of my Grandpa. He used to have me sit on his lap and he would sing to me and play the ukulele.
It is hard to believe that Christmas is already upon us? Well, if chaos is any indicator then it is in full swing here!
Making reindeer cupcakes
cousin Lillie Catherine
Aunt Christie brought all the goodies to make the cupcakes.
Ice Skating at Centennial Park
The Children's museum. They had a whole slew of tap shoes and costumes and of course Paige had to put on a performance.
The painting wall. Sometimes I look at that little girl and am amazed at what a little girl she is...her body has changed from toddler. It makes me kinda sad!
Daddy playing with Paige in the moon sand.
We had lunch at the Varsity. We can't remember why it is so special...largest, greasiest, oldest?? Can't remember.
My kids are completely enamored with their new niece. Jackson kept saying that he could not stop holding her because she was soooo cute.
Christmas crafts at home on a snowy day.
Wet girl. The kids love playing out in the snow. It is only so long before Paige takes off her gloves and then comes to the door crying because her hands are too cold.
Making a snowman!
This is the hat J and I made for Crazy Hat day at school. It came out pretty cute!
Heading to school all geared up after his first "snow day". I am going to name snow days a little differently for myself. I think it is more like torture day or something. Just kidding.
Paige at her first dance recital. She LOVED performing. She got to pick out her own costume.
Cute girl. The kids like collecting snow in a milk jug. I let them until I realized they were drinking it along with the dregs of old milk. YUCK!
Have I mentioned that we aptly nicknamed Paige "Pig Pen"? She is the messiest eater known to mankind. This is under her chair after one day.
Stay tuned for more.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Snow!
Well, we got our first "real" snow that actually covered some of the ground. Paige has been having the time of her life out there playing. It is supposed to snow for the next few days so I am sure we will have more to add to this. I figured I would get some pictures posted right away or it would never happen!
oh, and I have discovered the joys of thermal garments...delightful! and warm!! Gotta get myself some more!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Halloween 2010
We barely fit in pumpkin carving this year...it was Saturday the 30th when we finally got to it. Props to Douglas for seeding and carving all four pumpkins. I don't really enjoy pumpkin carving. I help trace faces instead.
J still whines and moans about sticking his hand in the pumpkin and gutting it. It doesn't even phase Paige.
Jackson choose a scary face and Paige choose a lion. I can't really remember the rest. I know I have pics on one of my memory cards, but I am yet to track it down!
I just could not bring myself to sew costumes this year and so the kids got to pick a costume from the PB catalog courtesy of their Nana. Paige choose the witch and J the shark. Paige got a lot of opportunities to wear hers, but unfortunately J only got to wear his for the trunk or treat and for an hour on Halloween night while he trick or treated. They both looked so cute (in my opinion). They even put Paige's picture in the newspaper from when we went trick or treating on Main Street. I will have to scan and post that!
We went to the ward trunk or treat (which was actually held indoors at the church and the kids trick or treated from room too room because is was so cold). They also do a fun trick or treating in downtown where all the stores pass out candy. We went to about 5 stores and then all Paige wanted to do was eat the candy. It was cold so we left. She was perfectly content with just a few pieces.
I had some families from the ward over for dinner in a pumpkin on Sunday night. It was a success. I made that, rolls, and a new dessert that was delicious! I will have to add it to my recipe site! The kids trick or treated down the street. P was once again done after a few houses, but J and his friend ran from house to house all down the street. They gave out good candy and D and I enjoyed the spoils of the evening after the kids went to bed. I think Paydays and 3 Musketeers should be outlawed as giveaway candy though. Yuck. And sugar daddies. Bleck! Now 100 Grand, Baby Ruth, Snickers and Twix. Mmmmm. I found a bag that had Almond Joy, Heath, Rolo and Snickers. Now that is what I am talking about. But, I digress...
Halloween was a success and I hope next year to be back to a family theme. Douglas and I had to recycle costumes this year and that is just not as much fun.
Now, onto Thanksgiving (and don't be surprised if you see some Christmas 2009 pics popping up soon...I never blogged about that!)
J still whines and moans about sticking his hand in the pumpkin and gutting it. It doesn't even phase Paige.
Jackson choose a scary face and Paige choose a lion. I can't really remember the rest. I know I have pics on one of my memory cards, but I am yet to track it down!
I just could not bring myself to sew costumes this year and so the kids got to pick a costume from the PB catalog courtesy of their Nana. Paige choose the witch and J the shark. Paige got a lot of opportunities to wear hers, but unfortunately J only got to wear his for the trunk or treat and for an hour on Halloween night while he trick or treated. They both looked so cute (in my opinion). They even put Paige's picture in the newspaper from when we went trick or treating on Main Street. I will have to scan and post that!
We went to the ward trunk or treat (which was actually held indoors at the church and the kids trick or treated from room too room because is was so cold). They also do a fun trick or treating in downtown where all the stores pass out candy. We went to about 5 stores and then all Paige wanted to do was eat the candy. It was cold so we left. She was perfectly content with just a few pieces.
I had some families from the ward over for dinner in a pumpkin on Sunday night. It was a success. I made that, rolls, and a new dessert that was delicious! I will have to add it to my recipe site! The kids trick or treated down the street. P was once again done after a few houses, but J and his friend ran from house to house all down the street. They gave out good candy and D and I enjoyed the spoils of the evening after the kids went to bed. I think Paydays and 3 Musketeers should be outlawed as giveaway candy though. Yuck. And sugar daddies. Bleck! Now 100 Grand, Baby Ruth, Snickers and Twix. Mmmmm. I found a bag that had Almond Joy, Heath, Rolo and Snickers. Now that is what I am talking about. But, I digress...
Halloween was a success and I hope next year to be back to a family theme. Douglas and I had to recycle costumes this year and that is just not as much fun.
Now, onto Thanksgiving (and don't be surprised if you see some Christmas 2009 pics popping up soon...I never blogged about that!)
Day #2
Why is my blog named "Chitter Chatter". I don't really know. I guess it just sounded good at the time...you know "chit chat" with some extra letters. Sorry, but this is kind of a dumb day. Who cares, really?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Jumpin on the bandwagon...
Anne is doing this and since I do everything she does, I figured I would do it too. At least it might get me actually blogging and not just thinking of funny things I could blog about. Just remember this...it is past midnight so I cannot be held responsible for any dumb things I might write.
First, here is a recent picture:
now, onto my 15 things:
1. I have an aversion to going to bed. I actually think it is hereditary. If Douglas goes to bed without me, there is no telling how late I will stay up.
2. I can't go to bed with a dirty kitchen. This is the main reason I am still up at 12:09am. It is still there waiting for me and I can't bring myself to do it, though I tell myself I will do it as soon as I am done with this post.
3. I talk to myself, a lot. Paige does the same. It is really cute to see her repeat things to herself. Maybe I should be worried, but I turned out alright, so I suppose she will too.
4. For as much as I try to be really organized, I am actually very unorganized. It is kind of embarrassing. I forget things all the time.
5. I am always some level of cold. I wish I could walk around all the time with a heated blanket. Except when I work out. I can still run outside in short sleeves and feel good and it is 40* here.
6. I have been listening to Christmas music for a while now and it really annoys me that radio stations stop playing Christmas music the day after.
7. On that note, I always suffer from a severe Christmas depression after gifts are opened and the day after Christmas. I always feel such a sense of let down. Don't know why exactly.
8. I do not like to wear any clothing item that has a name brand or logo written largely across it. I don't like to dress my kids in these items either.
9. I look forward to getting the mail everyday. It is one of the highlights of my day.
10. Putting together my Christmas card each year is something I love and loathe at the same time. I feel like I must get it "right" yet am never settled on whether what I choose fits that bill.
11. I am horrible at running a business. Really, really bad. I hate bookkeeping.
12. I am very good at making things with my hands. There isn't a craft I have found that I can't figure out how to make. I love to create things and always have many projects in the works.
13. I try to make a good number of Christmas gifts each year. I wait too long to get started though.
14. I love Diet Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. I could drink them all day long if I wasn't afraid of ruining all the enamel on my teeth.
15. I am really unsettled as to whether to be done having kids or have more. I want another, but my kids are such a handful I don't know if I could handle another. I have determined not to stress about it, but since I am a natural stresser, I stress about it all the time.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
November, already??
I get so far behind I don't even want to try. But, I am starting today. No catching up for now.
I woke up grumpy. I couldn't pull myself out of it. I wanted to be alone, yet I was surrounded by needy, whiny (Paige), screamy (Paige), unpleasant child. Somedays that girl will be the end of me. I finally had to send her to her room because I could handle no more. She was working with her bristle blocks and crying, whining about EVERYTHING!!
I volunteer in J's class on Tuesday mornings. This results in an insane morning because I have to get him to school by 8:45am and run P across town to my one friend in order to be back to school by 9:15am. It is pushing it every week. It is interesting to work in the class. I enjoy it, but there are some "interesting" kids.
BTW, Jackson's school is totally lame and they do absolutely nada for holidays. I can't tell you how annoyed I am that the majority gets jipped because there are a few people who don't like what you are doing. Since when am I the only one who has to be tolerant. When I was in school we learned about different religions at Christmas. Now, you can't even say the word Christmas. It is a bunch of bunk. Why is it so uncool and unaccepted to be Christian.
I can't stand Obama. Not that he is the cause of all of this, but he is a perpetuator and he is just lame. Everything he does is lame and he is screwing up our country.
Okay, enough griping. Can you tell I am in a grouchy mood?
Had a great time in DC last week with my family.
Have a lot of laundry and house cleaning in order to get life back in order.
Got my hair cut today. Luckily a friend in the ward cuts hair, so we swapped. It worked out dandy and my hair feels much healthier.
I volunteered to make 100 chocolate pinecones for our Christmas workshop. I am insane.
Pizza for dinner. New crust recipe that was thick and yummy.
Found out my high school BFF is moving to Toledo next June for her hubby to do a pediatric residency...only 45 minutes away. How fun.
Douglas got offered an internship for next summer in St. Louis. Wow! Excited for him.
Off to work a bit. Still bits to do here and there and still enjoying working so little.
I woke up grumpy. I couldn't pull myself out of it. I wanted to be alone, yet I was surrounded by needy, whiny (Paige), screamy (Paige), unpleasant child. Somedays that girl will be the end of me. I finally had to send her to her room because I could handle no more. She was working with her bristle blocks and crying, whining about EVERYTHING!!
I volunteer in J's class on Tuesday mornings. This results in an insane morning because I have to get him to school by 8:45am and run P across town to my one friend in order to be back to school by 9:15am. It is pushing it every week. It is interesting to work in the class. I enjoy it, but there are some "interesting" kids.
BTW, Jackson's school is totally lame and they do absolutely nada for holidays. I can't tell you how annoyed I am that the majority gets jipped because there are a few people who don't like what you are doing. Since when am I the only one who has to be tolerant. When I was in school we learned about different religions at Christmas. Now, you can't even say the word Christmas. It is a bunch of bunk. Why is it so uncool and unaccepted to be Christian.
I can't stand Obama. Not that he is the cause of all of this, but he is a perpetuator and he is just lame. Everything he does is lame and he is screwing up our country.
Okay, enough griping. Can you tell I am in a grouchy mood?
Had a great time in DC last week with my family.
Have a lot of laundry and house cleaning in order to get life back in order.
Got my hair cut today. Luckily a friend in the ward cuts hair, so we swapped. It worked out dandy and my hair feels much healthier.
I volunteered to make 100 chocolate pinecones for our Christmas workshop. I am insane.
Pizza for dinner. New crust recipe that was thick and yummy.
Found out my high school BFF is moving to Toledo next June for her hubby to do a pediatric residency...only 45 minutes away. How fun.
Douglas got offered an internship for next summer in St. Louis. Wow! Excited for him.
Off to work a bit. Still bits to do here and there and still enjoying working so little.
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