Jr. Jazz!!

Ok, I give up.  I'm trying to come up with something witty to write but I'm still sick and there are no words forming in my head that actually make any sense.  Sorry!

Here's the basic information:

-Hade is playing Jr. Jazz for the first time.  Basketball requires coordination and he inherited (from me) the lack thereof... therefore it's just never happened.

-This was his second game and I missed it because I went back to bed and slept for 40 minutes.  This flu is kicking my butt!

-He didn't actually get to shoot the ball or anything (because again, that would require coordination) but he had a great time and was a little bit more aggressive.

-Drew rocks for getting Hayden ready and then taking him and Aubrey.  He even took Hade to a different location after for team pictures.  And then he picked up pizza so that the kids were able to eat something other than cereal or PBJ for lunch.  Oh, and he did all that in horrible weekend-before-christmas traffic.  Ding, that's like 17 bonus points!

-Hayden's favorite part about playing today was that he got his own red Gatorade.  And even better, he didn't have to share. 

I am Iron Man.

Hi!!  It's been nine months since I last blogged.  Um.... oops???

I decided a few nights ago that I should start blogging again but then Kaitlyn came down with the flu and as we all know, the mom is usually the one that has the pleasure of cuddling the fevered child or the one they crawl into bed and sleep by when they're sick.. which means I am now also sick.  Lucky me.  Which means several days later, here I am, finally blogging.

Aaaahhhhh, I bet you TOTALLY missed all my rambling, RIGHT???  Of course you did!

Moving on.

This week while Carson was at preschool, during art time, they traced their own hands and made patterns with them.  His teacher was laughing really hard when she told me what pattern he chose:  Iron Man. 

He rocks.  Love it!!

Two things I love.

1) Free stuff.  There's really no need to elaborate.  We all love free stuff!

2) Makeup.  As you're all aware.  And if you're not, then you REALLY don't know me very well.


I've always loved makeup.  Love, love, LOVE. 

I used to wonder how everyone was able to get their eye shadow to be so fabulous with different colors and shades and not look like a clown.  Cause that was totally what happened to me when I'd try more than one or two colors, especially if it was a darker shade.

Turns out I just didn't have the correct tools.  Those little sponge-tip applicators?  No good (well, not much). Good quality brushes make a HUGE difference.  No wonder the one super cheap brush I had did nothing for me.  And I needed a primer, that's why everything creased and eye liner NEVER stayed on and eventually melted all over the place.

I also needed someone to show me the correct way to apply shadow.  Yes, there is technique involved but it's very simple to learn. It's all about patting your shadow onto your lid with a brush and then little tiny circles to blend.. the windshield wiper motion that I ALWAYS did before?  It's rarely used now.

Now, where did I learn all of this from?

classycosmetics.blogspot.com

 My super cute and multi-talented friend Janae (is there anything she can't do???) went on a mission for her church to Russia and one of the other missionaries there was Jen, the blogger of Classy Cosmetics.  Jen is so, so much fun and does an excellent job of teaching you everything in a way that you'll understand.  Her video tutorials are also a huge help so you can SEE how to make everything come together.  She does a wide variety of looks and happily takes requests. She also covers basic things like doing your brows (I do my brows every day even if I do nothing else), color charts (buh-bye circles under my eyes), getting a fantastic red lip (although I still result back to my nude gloss) and applying false lashes (so fun!).  You have a question about ANYTHING that deals with your face?  She'll answer!!  Jen is also working on some 5-minute looks for those of you who don't have much time to spare.

So this is where the "two things I love" comes into play..  the more followers that Classy Cosmetics has, the more FREE GIVAWAYS that Jen can do!  I hardly ever win so I really need a lot of chances..

All I'm asking is for you to hop on over to her blog and then please, please, please become a follower.  PLEASE?  For me?  If you're even slightly interested in makeup you will enjoy her blog, I promise!  And if you win, can I come over and play??  I'll bring clean brushes....

Also, if you're in my neck of the woods and aren't understanding something or need a little help, I would be MORE than happy to pass on what I've learned.  Anytime!

Playdate.

Last Tuesday I hosted a playdate. 

Besides cleaning up the house, so that the little kids can just mess it up again, I also brought out our nice things.

Such as, a fresh roll of toilet paper.

For those of you with 2 year olds (or younger) then you understand what I'm sayin'.

Anyway, once everyone arrived, the kids played a little and then we ate lunch.  You can tell how much fun was had by the massive amounts of crumbs that were on my kitchen floor.  I'm going to go ahead and guess that baby Traveller really enjoyed having such a wide variety of lunch options while crawling around.  A baby buffet, if you will.  At least I had mopped recently.

While I was chatting with my fabulous friends, Drew was sweating bullets about his fish tank or beloved TV being broken.  (this was a very valid fear, after all, we DO have Carson and know what he's capable of...)

What he didn't realize was that out of eleven children, the only boys actually playing, were ours (Traveller was busy with his buffet, remember?).   That means the basement was rarely visited and it was Kaitlyn's room that was the big hit. 

It didn't take long to clean up.
We did, however, have one minor casualty.  Every play date has to have one. 

I didn't put the (new) container of baby wipes up high enough in Kaitlyn's room.

Totally my own fault.

And totally worth every penny- adult conversation is priceless!! 

Can't wait to do it again.

Happy Birthday, Carson!

Nothing like your child's birthday to make you blog again (has it really been a month??) but whatever works, right??

This past Thursday was Carson's 4th birthday.  Although he was upset most of the morning that he wasn't six.  Or five.  Finally by the end of the evening, he was content with four. 

Carson used to be my kiddo that hated to smile for the camera.  He'd frown and give you angry eyes.   He now looooves the camera.  Why?  Because he can make all the silly faces he wants.  He loves it!

The day before his birthday, I took mini cupcakes and apple juice to his preschool for his birthday.  He loved telling all the kids it was almost his birthday and having them sing to him.

I think what I've been most excited about with Carson turning four is that we're leaving the THREE's BEHIND!  We all know how much more difficult three is than two.  Carson has always been HARD full of energy and it's been just wonderful to have him grow out of it a little.  Meaning, I can go to the grocery store and he doesn't randomly run off somewhere.  He stays by me in the parking lot.  He LISTENS to me.  Pure.Bliss.

Let me elaborate.  Him staying by me = The heavens open up, light shines down, music feels the air, rainbows pop up in the sky, birds chirps and all is right in the world.  Ahhhh.. I've been waiting for this for a LOOOONG time!  (although to be fair, he was my easiest labor.. just everything else after that has been more... challenging..)

Carson still totally loves Lego guys.  Batman Lego. Toy story Lego. Star Wars Lego.  Blue (Minors) Lego.  Indiana Jones Lego.  He was very happy that two of his presents involved Lego Guys.

He loves to run around, sing Ghostbusters and Best Day Ever on Rockband,  ride his bike, color, fight with Kaitlyn, drink apple juice, eat breadsticks, sleep on the top bunk and watch movies.

He absoluetly loves going to preschool and jumps up and down when I tell him it's Monday or Wednesday.  His favorite friend at school is Tressia (sounds like Trisha).  He is AMAZING in the puzzle department.  I'll even let him start a new one when I'm there to pick him up because it takes so little time for him to complete (even the hard ones!!) and I can't help but stare.

His best friend right now is STILL Mindy.. he loves that girl.  But when the big kids tease him, he says he'll marry her but he won't kiss her.  Just a big hug.  He misses her a lot.

He teaches Kaitlyn all sorts of things.  That louder is always better.  Pressing "A" (thank you wii) will make anything work.  How to fake burp and then yell Excuse Me.  If you put a Littlest Pet Shop up high, you have to yell, Heeelp Meee, AAHHHHH as the pet plummets to the ground. The importance of claiming your "spot" and NEVER giving up if someone else tries to sit there.  If you get into the chocolate stash, you should always get one for mommy or you'll end up getting in trouble.  That if you call Dad at work, the first thing you say is, "I pooped!".   How to throw a fake punch, with sound effects.  And of course the, "Becky, You're my best Mommy" quote.

Carson definitely wears his heart on his sleeve.  When you look at his face, there is never any doubt of what he's feeling at the moment.  From grouchiness or pure excitement.  Thank goodness it makes for excellent entertainment.  I am so happy he's part of our crazy family.  He definitely fits right in.

My favorite part of his birthday is that he was so surprised that a) he got to open all the presents without getting in trouble and b) they were all for him.  Very different from his Christmas experience..  I'm glad he had such a great evening.

 

Happy Birthday, Carson!!  We love you!

Wordless Wednesday: I love having a little girl!

(the idea of Wordless Wednesday is that I post pictures only, no words... me blogging with NO COMMENTARY??  I will be telepathically screaming all the details to you so please pay attention.  Thanks in advance.)

  

 

 

Pick your battles.

Some of the best advice I was given when pregnant with Aubrey was to pick your battles.

I'm sure most of you parents out there know what I'm talking about.  You know, asking yourself if it's really worth the fight on some things... and I've found that it definitely applies once your kids are around 4 years old and diving head first into indipendence.   At that age, I allowed Aubrey to visit my niece in the Children's Hospital while wearing a huge poofy Cinderella costume.  I let Hayden drink the fry sauce from the container (what, do you blame him??). 

And now, it's Carson's turn.

Last Saturday night, Carson discovered one of the toys that I had put away for over a year awhile called  Tag Tails Zoo Chase.

Basically, there are four belts (or seatbelts as Carson calls them) and you clip one of them on.. then there is a tail that snaps into it.. the kids chase each other around trying to grab the other tails.

Carson's favorite is the Tiger Tail.

He wore it Saturday evening.

He slept in it Saturday night.

Wore it all day Sunday.

Slept in it Sunday night.

He wore it Monday morning and just before lunch, I mentioned to Carson that he needed to take it off because it was time to go to preschool.

He did not agree and was quite upset.  He said that he wanted to wear it to school so that he could show his friends and his teacher.

Pick your battles.

So, I did it.  I let my 3 year old wear a tiger tail to school. 

He was so excited!   And because I have no shame, I documented this experience with the aid of my cell phone.

The kids all thought it was great and the teacher got a kick out of Carson jumping around and growling.

And then just like that, he took it off and put it in his backpack.  No fight.

I love good advice.

Position filled.

When my brother-in-law Lock moved with his wife (heart them!!) to California this past summer, they broke up our Rock Band group. 

My step-brother Dan has always played with us.. but when there was the five of us, it provided the chance to rotate and no one was ever stuck with just singing.  I love to sing.. but I love to play guitar even more.

Anyway, with just three of us regularly playing, we pretty much never have anyone sing anymore.

We're always keeping our eyes out for someone new to play with us (in a non-creepy stalker sort of way.. kind of..).

I think as of last night though, the position has been filled.  The kid even dances!

(this video contains Carson:  Please adjust the volume of your speakers accordingly)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What do you think, is he a keeper???

You're my best mommy.

Carson:  Can I have pizza for breakfast?

Me:  Sure, why not.. can you get it yourself or do you want some help?

Carson:  I can get it!

(I'm getting a plate from the cupboard for him)

Carson:  Woah, this is a big piece!  Can I eat it all?

Me (laughing):  I guess so, bring it over here so we can put it on the plate.

Me:   :-O     Um...wow, that's a HUGE piece, Carson. 

Carson:  I know, it's way, way big!  I love pizza!

Me:  :-O  Um.... maybe we should put back some of...

Carson:  Becky, you're my best mommy.

Me:  Enjoy your pizza!

Every morning after Carson wakes up, he cuddles next to me on the couch for a few minutes and he tells me that phrase. Usually it goes, "Guess what, Becky?  You're my best mommy."   It totally cracks me up and it melts my heart.  In case you can't tell.

No more monkeys jumping on the bed.

Yesterday when I picked Carson up from preschool, a mother who had been volunteering that day, made a beeline to speak with me.

I was initially a little concerned at the urgency.

She told me that Carson was such a sweet little boy.

He's adorable.

He's very smart.

He followed instruction well.

He is very quiet.

Of course I smiled and eagerly nodded my head in agreement.. but in kind of a 'double take' fashion, I did ask her to repeat herself about that last part.

Apparently when it was his turn to be at the Counting Center (which she was helping with), he was the most quiet of all the children .  She could barely hear him calmly say each number.

Still in surprised I questioned her a little more:  "Really, Carson?  Most quiet?? Out of the ENTIRE class???"

I casually mentioned that he's my "loud child" so I was a little surprised at that part of her report.. very pleased.. but it was a little unexpected.

Then, she started laughing.. she told me that once it was the end of the day and the kids were singing songs, that she knew exactly what I was talking about.

And that she was very happy that she didn't pee her pants laughing earlier. 
(I'm glad too, that's just awkward for everyone!)

Yesterday he learned Five Little Monkeys.. the end being his favorite part.  In case you can't tell.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I see why she laughed.  I love it!

The Star Student aka Hayden

In Hayden's kindergarten class, they spotlight a different child every week.  That child is known as The Star Student and gets to help out the teacher during that time. 

Hayden has been waiting and WAITING for his turn.

This past Thursday, he was sent home with a "get to know you" poster to fill out and return on Tuesday (since it was a long weekend).  On Friday, I get to go to school with Hade and share a few other things about him.  I asked him if we're supposed to bring a treat and he said No.  They're only allowed to bring a snack.  So I had better make sure to call it a snack.  He would like to take Smarties.  I can't help but wonder if Smarties really count as a snack and not a treat?? 

Anyway, because I'm in running for the Mother of the Year award, I remembered many times over the long weekend that I needed to work on Hayden's poster but I never actually acted upon that.  My awesomeness resulted in leaving us with the quest to complete the poster in an hours time this morning. 

Luckily, Hayden likes to color.   (don't worry, we spiked his hair into a faux-hawk before he went to school)

I used my very impressive coloring skills to draw his name.  He filled out everything else.  It reads (along with my commentary):

All About Hayden

I am 6 years old.  My favorite animal is a shark.  My favorite color is Red.  My favorite food is Pizza (and breadsticks and cheese bread but when I told him that was a lot of letters he decided to just go with Pizza).

 

This is what I look like.

(mental note: order a replacement pic since I cut this one up)

My Family

(mental notes:  order replacement pictures of both of these and get someone else to take a picture of Drew and I where our heads aren't THISBIG because WOW!)

McDonalds is my favorite place.

(please note the dual exhaust on the car.. that's because it's fast *insert big engine noises that Hade made*)

(have to say this also really surprised me since I don't think he's been inside of a McDonalds for literally years.. all those germs freak me out!!!)

When I grow up, I want to be- Artist

(the art palette has each color he used while drawing this picture and the art piece has a blueberry bush  and a tree, the hole is for a squirrel)

My favorite thing to do is Wii Lego Star Wars

(he's holding the wii remotes in his hands.. that's our big TV up on the entertainment center *in attempt to try and keep Carson from breaking it* and on the screen is Luke, Obi Wan and Darth Maul, all holding light sabers)

If I had one wish, I would wish for A Water Park

(ok, on the left of the castle is two different slides, then there's a bridge with water across it and on the top of the right castle there is a bucket which dumps water out.  There is a pool under it all)

He's such a great kid!!  I hope he has a lot of fun at school this week.  What a relief it was to get this all finished in time. 

Only took 3 smarties worth of motivation, too.

Dilemma.

This is my dilemma.

Carson and Kaitlyn had a lovely afternoon the other day.  They played well together.. shared.. hugged (seriously, Carson kept hugging her and saying he loved her, it was adorable!).. zero screaming (which is HUGE in our house)... it was AMAZING.  Breathtaking, perhaps.

And it lasted for over TWO hours!

Which resulted in her room looking like this, which DID take my breath away.

My right eye would twitch when I walked past the explosion.

Luckily everthing in her room has it's own place and home so cleaning up doesn't take too long.

But then it resulted in Kaitlyn wanting to move things around.

And Carson didn't want her to so he took it away (sooo not nice).

And in typical big brother fashion, he held it up so she couldn't get it.

Which then resulted in major tears and a very unhappy two year old.

A dilemma is defined as a problem offering at least two solutions or possibilities, of which none are practically acceptable.

Told you I have one.

Yeeessssss!

You know how Carson is my child that is, um, energetic? 

Some days I'm amazed he survived the day cause WOW. 

When I'm tempted to contact the local group of Pirates to see if they're interested in a new crew member, I try to go to my happy place and remember:  At least he's cute... at least he's mine.. at least he's funny!  

Want to see my favorite happy place of the moment?  

This is me telling him what I bought at the store last night. 

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And now you know, this is why he lives and why I don't give him away.

In the morning? We're making...

Go ahead, channel your inner Shrek.. ready? 


"... and in the morning, I'm making waffles!"

I've wrote before about how much our family enjoys Drew's waffle maker and his mad waffle skills.  Plus he makes them and cleans up after himself.  I know, awesome, right?

This past Sunday morning, we all dined on the fluffy waffleness.  

See that?   Those are happy people.

If only there was a way to make those smiles stick around. 

By the end of the meal:

• Aubrey had declared herself full and retreated to Webkinz World.  

• Kaitlyn refused to sit down on the chair (she also refuses to use a booster seat.. sheesh, turns 2 and girl gets all big on me!).  

• Carson was screaming about Hayden having a turn with the Star Wars Lego Guy (even though his turn was just moments earlier- look back in the first picture, he's holding it up).   

• Hayden was looking at Carson like he's crazy because clearly, it was his turn
  

• Drew didn't even notice.  

Why?  Because he was still in waffle land.  Lucky man.

I sure love Sunday Mornings.