Luke's 4th Birthday

So, it is probably a really sad statement that my last blog was about snow and now it is Memorial Day. I guess the good news is the snow was in March?? April I was swamped with work and just did not get around to blogging about anything. May has been crazy with Scott's 40th birthday, end of school and Luke's 4th birthday. So, I am playing a little catch up.

Luke's party was so much fun. I had all of these creative ideas for cute parties but oh no, all he wanted was Buzz Lightyear at Bounce U. So, that is what he got and he loved it and it wore everyone out. He had a great turnout and is so excited to be 4. He has said many times how glad he is that he is 4. It is too cute and I can't believe he is already 4--it is going too fast! Oh and did I mention he is the proud owner of a very cool Spiderman big boy bike?

Here are a few videos from our party and then one of Luke showing Gigi how the cool rocket works that she gave him.

SNOW!

Even though it is the end of March, we had a big snow storm. If you have not been outside yet, it is perfect snow. So wet! It has not stopped all day. I bet we have 5-6 inches in our yard. We kept thinking we would take the kids outside once it slowed down but it may be dark and since we live in Oklahoma, it could be 60 tomorrow, so we better get out there.

After the 20 minutes of trying to get everyone dressed in warm clothes, we made it out and it was perfect. The snow is still falling, not too cold out there but the snow made perfect snowballs, snow angels and yes...our first snowman as a family of 5! And, thanks to Mammy, we had a perfect Snowman in a Box kit to use for this event. I have been saving it for probably 3 years but the snow has always been too icy etc...Today was the day. Scott was a champ and was so good with the kids out there. Check out our masterpiece! Luke named him....wait for it....I am sure you can't guess....Frosty!

Fun weather and a great day for being lazy and hanging out. Now, can we get back to spring weather?

Goodnight Moon

Emma is really so funny. Out of all my children, she takes the longest to warm up to people but once she is comfortable, she is so funny and full of one liners. Some of this is because she is just learning so much right now and her vocabulary increases tremendously each week--it is fun to witness. 

She loves to read books before we go to bed and Goodnight Moon is one she enjoys. I love this because I think it is a great book, just a classic. Oh--and it is not 100 pages long that might take an hour to read. But we read it often. Tonight we are reading it for the second time and got to the page that says there was a picture of the cow jumping over the moon, and 3 little bears, sitting on chairs.  It was like the lightbulb went off in Emma's head. You could see her little brain working. She flipped the page back to the first page, then back to the page with the cows and bears and so it went for about one minute. "Mommy...I see the cow AND the bears!" I kind of chuckled but why would she know that all these other pages are talking about items in this room on the first page? And do you think now she gets that the bowl of mush and everything are on that page? I tried to show but all she cared about was the cow.

I don't know why this was so cute to me but it was just precious. She is so excited when she figures something out and really did it all by herself. Now, if I could just figure out an answer for "Who is goodnight nobody."

Spring Break Fun!

We are back from the Lone Star State and what a fun week we had! Thanks to the Herrold's for putting us up all week and all the entertainment. All the kids enjoyed camping out in the playroom, and the adults appreciated all the Herrold girl's giving up their beds! We enjoyed all the family time and seeing the sights in Houston. We hit the rodeo, which the kids loved. We saw lots of animals (and some fat rabbits), huge tractors and more. Luke loved it.

While in Houston we also hit the Children's Museum. It was so cool! I think it was everyone's favorite thing we did. We could have spent days in there and my kids would have still been entertained. They had a cool new wing that was it's own town and had ATM's (Jack's favorite), a Diner (Luke's favorite) and a cool new play area. Everyone loved it.

We also drove to meet Katherine, Sean and Charlotte on Wednesday and that was fun too. We went to lunch at a fun place, went to the park and then hung out at their house. I did not have my camera that day so missed out on pics, but the kids all had a great time playing and hanging out. Jack got to spend the night which was a bonus for him!

The kids even braved the cold pool Thursday! They are crazy. Luke begged to jump in and then cried once he hit the water. It got better after that but they are braver than I.

We drove home yesterday and Luke was ready to go back today! Soon enough, son, soon enough! Mom isn't ready to make that drive again today but she sure does miss the Herrold's and their cute new puppy!

So, I went to share the pics and they basically make you build a share site now. So, I have linked to it over on the right. Click the picture of me and Scott and it will take you there to see all the pics.

Things I've learned over the last few weeks

Here are a few things I have learned over the last few weeks:

1. The stomach virus will tear through your house no matter how isolated you keep the first sick person

2. A box will last forever if you are 3. Even if it has holes and is falling apart, there is still some purpose for it. And it must stay in the entry way for all to see.

3. Driving to Houston is always longer on the second half than the first. But well worth it when you see family!

4. 3-year old soccer is precious!

5. Goo Gone takes Sharpie out of wood floors (thanks, Emma)

Thinking Inside the Box

We had a very nice weekend and I hope that you all did too! Friday night Scott went to see Larry the Cable Guy (who he loves) and I celebrated my birthday with my sister. It was fun, but weird because it was the first birthday celebration without Mandi.

Saturday was Valentine's Day and we started at a pancake breakfast at Paige and Shawn's. It was a cute idea and a fun way to spend the morning. Everyone had a great time and the food was yummy! That night, Scott and I had a big treat. Papa and Two offered to keep all the kids so Scott and I could go out. So, Scott and I went to dinner and a movie, got up Sunday and worked out, hit the grocery store...just normal weekend stuff but without kids so it was a treat! When we picked everyone up on Sunday, there were some tired kiddos but boy were they excited. Non-stop chatter about the evening's events (playground, dinner, ice cream, play dough, etc). They all had a wonderful time. I think Emma was the early bird. She got up with Mary around 5:30 a.m., which is so not like her. She slept for 4 hours Sunday afternoon! She was exhausted.

The highlight of the night out for Luke was (drumroll please....)he got a box! He loves it! We have our very own thinking box (straight from Pinky Dinky Doo!) We have drawn pictures and decorated it. We are storing all sorts of goodies in there (like Hamilton from Maggie & the Ferocious Beast), and lastly, it is a good hiding place. He woke up this morning and it was the first place he went. It is hilarious but he is so proud. Who knew the box would be the hit??

Jack had a great time just hanging out and watching the All Star game. He is easy.

Thanks to Papa and Two for a great night for everyone. I hope you have recuperated!

Love Is In The Air

Well, Valentines is almost here and let me tell you...we are feeling it at our house. Or rather, I am feeling it. Luke has to have homemade Valentines. And, those that know me well will tell you this is not my forte--craftiness. If only my former sister-in-law was still around. When Jack was young, she was around and always came up with the best and cutest ideas and loved doing crafts and art projects with him. I am great at planning it but really prefer someone else to implement my ideas.

Anyway, here is what I came up with. I had to cut out all these stinking hearts but they turned out pretty cute. Luke helped me glue and his favorite part was putting the eyes on. It's hard to tell by the pic but they are heart puppy dogs--everything is a heart. The note says "I Wuff You! Happy Valentine's Day." But as we are working, he tells me he would rather give his friends the Cars cards because those are "sooo cool". Fantastic. Cool they are but look at how cute these are. Hmm oh well. He is just excited to have a party and get candy.

Jack has his final Valentine party on Friday and Emma doesn't have one, but will take treats for her class. We got rid of Jack's Valentine box that we have used since K5 (the one Juhls made) because we thought no more parties. So, we are scrambling for a box. Jack really could care less about this but certainly has opinions on what I should do for his box. Hmmmm...So, tomorrow night, we will re-do his box as he has changed his mind on what we did first. I keep reminding him it is for a 20 minute party so let's not worry too much.

And, all this while Emma is so sick. Poor baby. On the way to school Tuesday I hear a lot of liquid and look back and poor girl is puking. This is a first for her so she was so confused. She's been very brave and has been much better today, but still a little lethargic and needy. Tonight we had a lot of energy so I am hoping she feels great tomorrow.

A Whirlwind Weekend

Man, what a weekend! We have been so busy but all with good stuff. Saturday, Ginny and Joe came up to see the boys play basketball and what fun it was. Luke's games are always entertaining and he did great! We left to go to lunch at Charlestons before Jack's game. As we were leaving, Luke walked into a rod iron post and really got his eye good. So, Ginny and Joe took Jack to his game, Emma went to Kristie's and Luke, Scott and I went to the after hours to have them figure out what to do with his eye. No stitches needed but boy does he have a shiner. It looked very painful but he was very brave. It was a fast and furious morning. We all got back to the house around 2pm and Luke had a birthday party at 4.

This party was for his friend Lucy at the Little Doll House. I have not been here but what a cute place. Lucy's mom was nice enough to buy some pirate gear for the boys, but let me tell you, all the boys could care less and quickly threw on sequined dresses. Of course, Luke went to green and it was too cute. Remember--he is 3, so this is still cute:). They dressed up, did a fashion show, got his hair colored green with green gel, green nail polish...you name it. He had a great time and once I get some pics, I will have to post them becasue it was the most precious, innocent fun time.

Today, we had another party for our friend Katie who was turning 4. This was at a ranch as she loves horses. So, we threw on jeans, boots and cowboy hats, guns (for Luke) and headed out to the ranch. What a cute party! The kids got to brush a horse and then ride a horse. Too cute. Emma and Luke had a great time!

Then, we picked up Jack and headed out for a SuperBowl party. There were tons of kids playing in a great backyard and the adults were mostly inside. My kids all had a great time. Emma was not going to miss a beat and hung right in there with the big kids. We left about 7:30 and both kids were nodding off in the car. What a fun, busy weekend it was, but how lucky we are to have so many friends that include us on these fun outings!

Snow Days

Well, we survived the ice storm and three days of no school. I fared pretty well on my list:


Potty training- we are doing pretty good. Here's my problem, after being trapped, I needed out so I had to put a diaper on. We are doing good and there is not turning back but I did resort to a diaper here and there so I could escape the house. But, the good news is that now Emma doesn't want to put a diaper on so I feel we are on the home stretch. Jack did a great job on cleaning out his bookshelf, so I am pleased to have this done.


All this, plus some play-dough, coloring, dress up and we ventured out to go sledding (in big girl panties and all). My kids were so cute out in the snow. Jack was determined to shovel our front walk and driveway. This is great but we get a huge mound on our porch. He worked so hard and did a great job. I don't know that I have ever seen him work that hard at anything. He was so big. Luke and Emma really wanted a snowball fight but there was not as much snow as ice. So, we made snow angels and then went sledding at the park. I thought Emma would get cold first, but it was Luke. His snow pants were a bit too short and his poor legs were bright red and cold. He cried about 85% of the time and finally told me his legs were so cold. Poor guy! Nothing a little hot chocolate couldn't fix.

Thursday we ventured out to parent/teacher conferences for Luke and then on to Chuck E. Cheese. Luke has been begging to go because they are advertising on PBS all the time. So, we met some friends there and everyone had a great time. I think it measured up to Luke's expectations and then some. It was fun to see him playing with his friend and just having fun.

All this being said...we had a fun few days but were very greatful for the nice weather today! Sometimes the ice days are good for reminding us to slow down and enjoy the little things. We did a lot of that over the last few days!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Why is it we keep getting ice? When I was growing up it was all snow. I am sure global warming is affecting that but I sure would like my kids to be able to play in a good snow! But, today we have ice so, the kids and I are all stuck in the house and I figure we may as well be somewhat productive. So, here is my list for things to attempt to get done in the next 48 hours:

1. Clean out the toy baskets all over this house. Why is it, my kids are always looking for the little Sonic toy that is buried at the bottom? I feel like every time I walk in a room, the basket is dumped over. Luke is pretty good at helping pick it up but this gets very old when you are here all day.

2. Clean off Jack's bookshelf- really, Jack is  going to clean off his bookshelf. It is a mess and there are books he has way outgrown on there that we need to give away. So, what a perfect chore for today.

3. Potty train Emma- this is a biggee. I think she is ready. We are going for it. We bought big girl panties yesterday. So far today, we are doing good. I figure if I can  keep at it for the next 48-72 hours, we should make it. You know, with boys, you don't really have to deal with toilet paper. Emma loves the paper! If this happens, that would mean no diapers at our house. Oh my!

4. Finish some work projects- I have a few work projects that are almost  done, but not quite. My goal is to mark them off my list while stuck at home. We'll see how that goes.

I'll keep you posted but hopefully we can get most of this done. How are you spending your icy day?

With a Song In My Heart and Apples Nearby

Bedtime at our house is always an adventure. I wish I could say that I put everyone in bed and they stay there, but they don't. I know people who have this luck and they must have better parenting skills than me because my kids do not want to stay there. Emma is completely content in her crib (granted, she has only climbed out a few times but I think I have convinced her not to do that for a while). She will sit in her bed and play, ready books and sing until she falls asleep. Emma is quite the singer and truly has a song in her heart. She sings all day every day. At school on Thursday they commented on how she sings all the time. She loves it. Tonight, she sang in bed for almost an hour and a half. And tonight's singing was not just a little humming in her bed. I was in my room, my bath to be exact, and could clearly hear every word she was saying. She's not doing it for attention or to get us up there, but just singing because she is happy. It really is precious but after about an hour of top volume, I was ready for my little superstar to go to sleep. Finally, she sang herself to sleep.

With Emma's concert going on, it is no wonder Luke does not stay in bed so well but I don't think I can blame it on Emma. Luke is quite the night owl these days. We hit bed at 8, but I may see him anywhere from 2-6 times before 9pm. You would think all the trips up the stairs would wear him out but that is not always the case. Many times, we just need to get a hug or find that random toy we haven't touched in 2 years. Tonight, he was up pretty good but came down around 9 wide awake. I heard Scott telling him to get in bed and go to sleep. Next thing I know, Luke is in bed next to me as I work on Bible Study. Within 2 minutes, he is snoring. Sometimes he just needs a little company and he is out. So, I take him upstairs to put him in bed and am a little perplexed to find 6 apples on his floor. What do you think he was doing with these apples? How did Scott not see him come down the stairs or hear him in the fridge? And HOW did he carry them all upstairs. I had to carry them down in my t-shirt. So, I take them down and am laughing showing Scott what I found when I comment on how cold it is...oh, wait a minute...our back door is wide open. A little someone has been in the fridge and out back (in 20 degree weather). Maybe he was out back hoping to pick some apples???

Oh, the way their little minds work!

I am a stinky butt?

Houston, we have a problem! So I don't know what has happened to my sweet Luke but the last week there has been quite the change in his little personality. Suddenly, he feels the need to usurp some independence and thinks he is so funny. He is sometimes but do NOT tell him I said that. So, the last few days have been really rough for me and Luke. Just lots of testing. I'll say, "Luke, I need you to do X" and Luke will say "Ummmm, NO!"or "I want to be the boss of you! why do you get be the boss?" and I am sure you get the point. And, I am sure some of you are chuckling...I can hear you over here.  I am staying consistent and trying to be calm but it is getting hard. Yesterday, I don't even remember what I told him to do but he looks at me and says with great certainty... "You Are A Stinky Butt!". WHAT???And that little stinker has the guts to repeat it, like when I said what, I really didn't hear what he said! I mean we do not say butt at our house. I am pretty sure Jack may say it among his friends now but he would not be caught saying it in front of me let alone to me. Scott tells me Jack is old enough that he needs to say butt because bottom makes him sound like a dork. Okay, I'll give on that, but LUKE??? He is 3 years old!

I am not sure where it came from but am guessing school or from some of the older boys on our street. But let me tell you...this Mom does not like that talk one little bit. I may be a stinky butt but let me tell you what...I better not ever be called that again. Luke and I had a big talking and he even lost TV last night which was quite traumatic for his highness. Today, he told me butt is a bad word and he is going to be the butt police (oh great, because mine is big so I do not need a police). Anyway, he has decided that his job is to be the boss of anyone who uses that word. So, be warned because he is on the prowl! Well, this stinky mom is signing off!

A Sad Day....

Today, I went to the funeral of my friend Bethany's mom, Joyce. It was really the first time I have had a friend lose a parent and let me tell you, I am not ready. Joyce lost her battle with brain cancer on Friday. She was so lively and such a fun lady. The stories today really gave me a chuckle and they were all so Joyce.

Bethany was so strong today and really has been especially the last few months. She has been the rock of the family and has been there night and day to take care of her mom while juggling her own three children. I went with 4 of my pledge sisters and it was so great. Bethany was so glad we were there and I am just proud to have so many friends. That is what friends are for. We may not be there every day to chat and share stories, but when someone needs you, a friend comes running. Bethany was so glad to have us and even reserved a row up front for us. We were so shocked, but it told us how grateful she was to have us there. Even those who couldn't make it rolled out the support in calls and cards etc. It was overwhelming to watch.

The whole day just reminded me how short life is. The big message today that Joyce wanted shared was to make sure you live every day to the fullest and have no regrets. I hope that when I am old or near death, my children will all say that my family was most important to me and that I lived each day to the fullest with no regrets. I really am going to strive to that and need to remember that the little things are what life is all about. I hope you all know that you are important to me and I appreciate my relationship with each one of you.

Come See Our Shower....

I make fun of Scott and I all the time, always laughing about our exciting lives. Well, we may not be tearing up "the scene" these days, but I wouldn't trade where we are for anything. I love our monkeys! And really, we are not alone. On New Year's Eve, we had our friends, the Smiths, over for dinner. It was a very fun night. I do not know why I wait for a special occasion to invite people over, but I really need to do that more often. Betsy and Steve have 2 precious children, Brock and Gracie Jane. Brock and Gracie Jane are pretty stair-stepped with Luke and Emma, but it made for a great play date.

Luke thought Brock was so cool and they were immediately buds playing all night long. At first the girls just watched and even participated some in the playing of cars. Gracie Jane is older than Emma (by not quite a year), but by all means, Emma looks bigger. She is just taller,thicker and was a bit more vocal on that night (of course we were at her house) and apparently, Emma is more the instigator. Anyway, they ended up playing great together and we would see them holding hands, playing babies etc. All very sweet. And then.... the adults had finished dinner and we were cleaning up when I looked over to see Emma standing in the doorway with "the look". Upon further inspection, we discover she is shirtless, soaking wet and very lathered up in soap. it was pretty funny. Needless to say, she was showing Gracie Jane our shower (forget all the toys Santa brought her...we have a shower!!). It appeared that Emma was in the shower and Gracie Jane was helping Emma wash by rubbing the soap all over her back.

If I had thought to have a camera, it would be priceless. They were just hilarious and too cute. Definitely a memory I will cherish.

A Little Behind...again:)

Well, I am behind again. This blogging would be easier if my kiddos would ever let me have 5 minutes alone on the pooter (that's what we call the computer at our house). Anyway...Christmas was fantastic. Everyone had a great day, well, make it a great week! Luke got Woody, lots of Buzz Lightyear stuff, a tent, a plasma scooter and lots of tools! Emma got her pink Bible, a new baby, dollhouse and lots of Fancy Nancy dress up stuff. She was a hoot and wore this dress up stuff all day--even outside to ride her new scooter. She is truly 100% girl! Jack had a great Christmas. He got a laptop (so he can be on the Internet downstairs with us and not have to wait for Mom and Dad to stop working before he can get online. This is a big downside to everyone working at home) and he got a cell phone. He didn't guess either gift but was so excited. I don't think I have seen him smile that much in a long time! The cell phone was one of those last minute gifts but we have been holding out since his birthday. I went on a field trip and discovered that he really wasn't exaggerating...most everyone does have a cell phone. I am still not sure how often he will talk on it, but he feel cool just having it so more power to him.

We had a great week of spending time with each other and all of our family. Thanks to everyone for a great Christmas!